• Kelly Benthall, 53, and her husband retired early and have been traveling since August.
• She realized that her life as a retiree requires the strategies she accrued throughout her career.
• Once a week, she meets with her husband to review finances, plan travel, and align priorities.

For over 30 years, I helped companies ranging from startups to giants like Shell and Chevron navigate strategic change. Now, in retirement, I'm experiencing transformation firsthand.

Last August, at 54, I retired early to explore the world. My husband Nigel and I embraced slow travel, adapting our strategies to create a structured lifestyle even while on the move.

One of the most valuable lessons learned is that retirement isn’t devoid of planning or purpose; it’s an opportunity to practice what you preach and continue growing.