What happens when you lose everything you thought defined success? In this inspiring episode, Laura Rotter sits down with Terry Kirk—retired attorney, startup investor, and debut novelist—to explore how life's biggest setbacks can become catalysts for profound personal growth.Terry shares her remarkable journey from being a high-powered litigation attorney to becoming an author of historical fiction novels centered on major financial events. Through the lens of her debut novel Pitfall, set during the 1929 stock market crash, Terry reveals the universal truth she discovered through decades of working with clients facing devastating losses: every setback contains the seeds of redemption and transformation.This conversation is essential listening for any woman navigating midlife transitions—whether you're recovering from divorce, contemplating retirement, or reimagining what success truly means. Terry's story proves that it's never too late to pursue your passion and redefine success on your own terms.About Terry: Terry Kirk is a retired attorney with decades of experience in litigation, corporate law, and startup investing. After spending 13 years as a courtroom litigator and later transitioning to work with tech startups and corporate financing, Terry became a founder and CEO before retiring to pursue her childhood dream of writing. Her debut historical fiction novel Pitfall was published in 2025, with her second book Plunder set to release soon. Terry's work focuses on making finance accessible and engaging for women through compelling storytelling about pivotal financial moments in history.Key takeaways:💡 Every loss contains opportunity for redemption: Through her legal career working with hundreds of clients facing major setbacks, Terry discovered that those who reflect on their role in their challenges and embrace growth can find themselves eventually in a much better place.💡 Financial security matters, but passion is what fulfills: While Terry acknowledges that financial stability is important (especially after experiencing financial insecurity during divorce), she's learned that true success comes from pursuing your passions.💡 Discipline creates space for creativity: Writing a novel requires dedication—Terry commits to four hours of writing daily. She emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated writing space free from distractions and treating writing like the serious work it is.💡 Childhood experiences shape our money stories differently: Despite growing up in the same "Goldilocks" middle-class family, Terry and her five siblings developed vastly different relationships with money—from pursuing wealth to living off the grid—proving that our interpretations of childhood experiences are deeply personal.Get in touch with Terry:FacebookLinkedInWebsitePurchase Terry's book: Pitfall Stay connected:Connect with Laura on LinkedIn@Rotters5 on XConnect with Laura on FacebookSubscribe to my YouTube channelSubscribe to my newsletterGet your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.

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