Aug. 19, 2026

047 - How to Change Careers After 40 and Find Your Purpose, Lessons from an Auctioneer, with Subyn Novelle

047 - How to Change Careers After 40 and Find Your Purpose, Lessons from an Auctioneer, with Subyn Novelle
047 - How to Change Careers After 40 and Find Your Purpose, Lessons from an Auctioneer, with Subyn Novelle
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
047 - How to Change Careers After 40 and Find Your Purpose, Lessons from an Auctioneer, with Subyn Novelle

National fundraising auctioneer Subyn Novelle shares how she changed careers after 40, discovered her purpose, overcame self-doubt, embraced an abundance mindset, and built a meaningful life through philanthropy and leadership.

How to Find Your Purpose After 40: Lessons from Auctioneer Subyn Novelle

Can you change careers after 40, find your purpose, and build a life that feels meaningful? National fundraising auctioneer Subyn Novelle believes you can.

Subyn shares her journey from feeling disconnected from her purpose to becoming one of the nation's leading fundraising auctioneers. A simple question from a mentor, "Where is your light?" became the catalyst for a complete life transformation.

Drawing from experiences in modeling, broadcasting, philanthropy, motherhood, and auctioneering, Subyn offers practical guidance for anyone feeling stuck, lost, burned out, or uncertain about their next chapter. Her story demonstrates that finding your purpose is not about perfection. It's about having the courage to listen to yourself, embrace change, and take the next step.

In This Episode

You'll learn:

  • How to find your purpose after 40
  • Why it's never too late to change careers
  • How to overcome fear and self-doubt
  • The difference between a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset
  • What it takes to become a professional auctioneer
  • How philanthropy can transform lives and communities
  • Why authenticity is a leadership superpower
  • How to rebuild after major life transitions
  • The role of mentorship in discovering your calling
  • How to align your work with your values and purpose

Key Takeaways

Finding Your Light Starts Within

When Subyn found herself at a crossroads in life, a trusted mentor recognized that something was missing and challenged her to reconnect with herself. That moment ultimately led her to discover a path she never imagined.

Your Purpose May Be Closer Than You Think

Finding your purpose does not always require dramatic change. Sometimes it begins with reflection, honesty, and the willingness to explore opportunities that appear unexpectedly.

Authenticity Creates Opportunity

Whether on stage raising millions of dollars for nonprofits or mentoring future auctioneers, Subyn believes people connect most deeply with authenticity. When you lead with genuine purpose and passion, doors begin to open.

Abundance Beats Scarcity

One of the most powerful messages in this conversation is that success is not limited. There is enough opportunity, purpose, and possibility for everyone. Helping others succeed does not diminish your own success.

Leadership Is About Service

Subyn's success has been built not only on performance but also on investing time in the organizations she serves. She believes true leadership comes from understanding people, building relationships, and serving a mission larger than yourself.

About Subyn Novelle

Subyn Novelle is a nationally recognized fundraising auctioneer, event emcee, speaker, and philanthropy advocate. Over the past decade, she has helped nonprofit organizations raise millions of dollars while inspiring audiences across the country through her unique blend of storytelling, leadership, authenticity, and purpose-driven service.

Her clients have included national organizations such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Make-A-Wish, City of Hope, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and numerous community-based nonprofits across the United States.

Homework From Subyn

Ask yourself:

  • Am I who I want to be?
  • If not, who do I want to become?
  • Where do I want to go next?
  • What changes am I willing to make?
  • Am I allowing outside voices to distract me from my purpose?

Subyn's challenge to listeners is simple: get quiet, listen to yourself, and trust your inner wisdom. Your greatest teacher may already be within you.

Connect With Subyn Novelle

Website: AuctionsBySubyn.com

Instagram: @Subyn

Key Topics

Finding Your Purpose After 40 • Career Change After 40 • Purpose-Driven Career • Auctioneer Career Path • Fundraising Auctioneer • Personal Reinvention • Philanthropy • Leadership Development • Abundance Mindset • Overcoming Self-Doubt • Career Transition • Women's Leadership • Black Philanthropy • Personal Growth • Meaningful Work • Building a Legacy • Professional Reinvention • Life Purpose • Authentic Leadership • Subyn Novelle

Who Should Listen?

This episode is for anyone who:

  • Feels stuck in their current career
  • Wants to change careers after 40
  • Is searching for greater meaning and purpose
  • Is navigating a major life transition
  • Wants to build confidence and resilience
  • Is interested in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership
  • Has considered becoming an auctioneer
  • Wants practical inspiration for creating a more fulfilling life

If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to start over, this conversation with Subyn Novelle offers a powerful reminder that your next chapter may be waiting just beyond your comfort zone.