Carroll S. Golden, Best-Selling Author & Retirement Synthesist Talks Motherhood & Represents Womanhood

Every now and again you get blessed to find a true soulmate and have enough time together to establish a friendship that lasts for years; this is how I would describe my love for Carroll S. Golden. Already a savvy business executive, I was honored when Carroll saw this in myself just as I recognized it in her straightaway. As George Washington said, "True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity, before it is entitled to the appellation." Lord knows, Carroll and I bonded quickly and steadily withstood the test of years of challenging times together! This is why it was my true honor and pleasure to have her agree to be my guest on the Boy Mom Podcast--especially as Carroll is the penultimate professional and rarely shared anything personal about her own life (which is unfortunate for those that don't really know her because she has led an extraordinary life).

Carroll S. Golden and son Eric

Carroll is the epitome of many of my favorite words and concepts--discipline, tenacity, and determination. I clearly remember the day that Carroll and I were on a Zoom call together and she said, "Suzanne, I am a very disciplined person" and I thought, "wow-how great to be able to say that with such conviction about yourself!". And yet, Carroll is extremely human and more often than not, focused on what she could improve upon instead of what she's achieved. But, achieved she has. Not only does she have an alphabet soup of letters behind her name in the super competitive financial services industry, a string of best-selling books that she didn't start cranking out until COVID, and great relationships with her son and daughter, but Carroll also has something else--grace.

While Carroll is always seeking, she is extremely grateful--and perhaps a little baffled--as to how much she has been given which you can clearly see because she never rests on her laurels and is always trying to be worthy of the gifts that she has received. While her work ethic is unmatched, Carroll does not expect nor demand love and respect from her son. Instead, you can tell that she is incredibly grateful for the close relationship that they hold and is able to balance this with the space that she provides for herself in which to work freely and independently, but for the benefit of her children.

In fact, all of Carroll's books feature her children in some way or another--they are her total why for most everything she's done in her adult life. Carroll is a giver and I've personally had the fortune to watch her learn to put up guardrails as to how much--and to whom--she gives.

Carroll S. Golden with son Eric, and his family, plus her niece

In fact, Carroll's friendship has been the best output of a previously totally unrewarding (and frankly, awful) job that I took on--and held--solely to support my own why which is my sons. Carroll understood why I was able to endure and I'd like to think she saw a lot of herself in me and was cheering me on to persevere. I know that she is and has always been--and will always be-- a true inspiration to me as to the power of a mother's love and what a Mama Bear Tiger Teacher can--and will--endure for her children.

Carroll S. Golden and her beautiful grandchildren from her son, Eric

I hope you enjoy Carroll's podcast as much as I did and I urge everyone to buy her latest book (and the rest)! Her book entitled "How Not to Pull Your Life Apart Caregiving" was a lifesaver for myself and family while caring for my father as he was dying of cancer. And yes, Carroll was there when my father's health really declined and was deemed terminal, as well as was there when my youngest son hit the game winning goal in a triple overtime lacrosse game, as well as when he graduated high school. This is what I mean about Carroll being a giver and recogition of a like-minded Mama Bear Tiger Teacher type of mother. I'm truly eternally grateful for her and her friendship---I think you will see why she is so special through listening/watching this podcast. And Carroll, I'd like to thank you for putting the "I am a very disciplined person" mantra in my head forever. It has driven me to make sure I stick to my goal of a podcast per month and to make sure I get it posted before the month is done. While it is the last day of the month with only 1.5 hours to go until midnight, I did it--I stuck to my own word and was a disciple to the cause. Thank you for being a good role model (and a wickedly funny confidante) all of these years. To many more!