Rewriting The Narrative: Reinvention After Corporate And Embracing The Next Chapter

NATIONWIDE - JUNE 2025 - (USAnews.com) — Heidi Solomon-Orlick, Author, Founder, and CEO of GirlzWhoSell, is living proof that reinvention is not only possible but incredibly powerful, even later in life. Her inspiring journey from a high-powered corporate career to becoming an influential advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and active aging is a testament to the fact that transformation has no age limit. Having spent over 30 years in enterprise sales, Heidi has experienced the highs (and lows) of corporate leadership. Throughout her career she contributed to generating over $1.5 billion in revenue in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, and helped create thousands of jobs worldwide. Today, she is leading a new generation of women and girls in sales while making a lasting impact through her written works and philanthropic efforts.

As the Founder & CEO of GirlzWhoSell, Heidi has taken on the mission of democratizing professional sales and advocating for diversity within the industry. Through GirlzWhoSell Academy, her organization focuses on empowering young women, particularly those from underserved communities, positioning sales as a viable career option to achieve economic independence and providing them with training, scholarships, mentorship, and career readiness programs. Her work has not only helped women to break into the sales industry but has also contributed to addressing the industry’s diversity gap by targeting the pipeline at an earlier stage.

The heart of Heidi's work is driven by her belief that the future belongs to those who dare to dream big and take action on those dreams. "Your future might never look exactly as you plan, but it will be what you were inspired to create,” she often says, a philosophy that has guided her through many unexpected career shifts and challenges, including being laid off and “aged out” of her three-decade career in BPO at age 63. Yet, rather than retiring into the background, she turned this pivotal moment into an opportunity for reinvention, focusing on entrepreneurship and following her lifelong dreams.

Heidi’s passion for empowerment is not limited to sales and entrepreneurship. Her personal journey also reflects a deep commitment to helping others and to leaving a legacy. In the past five years, after turning 60, Heidi launched a business, survived skin cancer, became a first-time grandmother and, to support her passion for travel, earned a travel agent certification with a focus on female travelers over 50. Additionally, Heidi contributed a chapter to the book Upward: Leadership Lessons for Women on the Rise and published her first book, Heels to Deals: How Women Are Dominating in Business-to-Business Sales which has since garnered recognition and acclaim. The book highlights the stories, triumphs and resilience of women in the male-dominated world of B2B sales. 

But her reinvention didn’t stop there. In 2024, Heidi fulfilled a lifelong dream and launched her debut children’s book I Have a Voice: A Book of Listening, which encourages young children to recognize, honor, and trust their inner voice, teaching them how to use their voice for positive change in the world.

While Heidi's accomplishments are many, what sets her apart is not just the depth of her professional achievements but also her unwavering commitment to empowering others—particularly women and girls. She’s worked tirelessly to build a legacy that transcends corporate achievements. As a speaker, author, activist and advocate, she is amplifying voices and reshaping the future.

Her children's book, I Have a Voice: A Book of Listening, is a pivotal example of her work to champion diversity and inclusion at an early age. In an era where DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives face setbacks, Heidi believes that starting the conversation about diversity at a young age is more critical than ever. The book’s target audience—children ages 4–9—introduces young readers to the concept of inner strength, confidence, and the significance of communication and listening. Her aim is to foster empathy, tolerance, and connection among diverse communities, setting the foundation for a more inclusive world.

Heidi’s next chapter is just beginning. Following the success of her first children’s book, Heidi has signed a deal for two more books, further solidifying her role in shaping the next generation’s mindset about self-expression, inclusion, connection and leadership. She hopes that through her work, she can leave the world a little better than how she found it, one story and one child at a time.

Reflecting on her own experiences, Heidi's story of reinvention is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams. She continues to inspire other women who may feel that their professional or personal lives have reached a plateau. "If you're going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can't be erased," she quotes from Maya Angelou, encapsulating her own approach to life after corporate. Reinvention is not just about shifting careers; it’s about finding purpose and fulfillment, regardless of age.

For women navigating midlife transitions, Heidi’s story proves that it’s possible to pivot and redefine success on one’s own terms. From launching a business to writing children’s books, her journey highlights the importance of resilience, flexibility, and the courage to take risks. “Done is better than perfect,” she says, echoing a sentiment that has driven much of her career—whether launching her own company or taking a leap into the creative world.

With her current projects continuing to grow, including opportunities for GirlzWhoSell’s expansion into middle school programs and a Kidz Klub, Heidi is forging a path not just for herself but for the women, girls and children she mentors. She advocates for sales as a viable career path from a younger age, with plans to create even more opportunities for underserved youth to engage in professional development and entrepreneurship.

“We need to start talking to girls at an earlier age about sales as a career path,” she says. “It’s about building confidence, skill sets, and a vision for the future. The earlier we can expose them to this world, the better. Sales is a life skill.”

In her capacity as an author and thought leader, Heidi remains committed to ensuring that women, especially those who may feel they are “past their prime” to start anew, accessing the tools, resources, community and courage to reimagine their future. Her journey is a beacon for those seeking transformation, showing that with vision, hard work, and determination, your next chapter holds limitless potential—it may even surpass every one before it. Step forward with confidence, knowing the best is yet to come.

For more information on Heidi Solomon-Orlick and her initiatives, visit GirlzWhoSell and Heidi Solomon-Orlick.

LinkedIn
Facebook Personal
Facebook Author Page
Instagram Personal
Instagram Author Page