Interview with Stephen Northington, Certified Financial Planner®

Many leaders spend years climbing the professional mountain, only to arrive at the top and ask, “What’s next?”

In this conversation, Stephen Northington, Certified Financial Planner® Professional at Ethos Capital Group, LLC sits down with Franklin Shirrell, Executive Leader and

Founder of Legacy Coaching & Consulting, LLC, to explore the idea of the Second Summit—a season of life where identity, purpose, and impact expand beyond career achievements. Together, they discuss how leaders can reframe success, embrace curiosity, and discover the deeper significance that comes after the business card fades.

[Stephen] Q: Many high achievers reach the top of their professional mountain and then wonder, “what now?”. How do you help people reframe their identity and purpose once the business card goes away?

[Franklin] “It doesn’t happen overnight. My banking career, life’s successes, failures, and a few low-cost probes helped me to identify leadership coaching as my “second summit”. If I can help leaders be more effective for their teams, their organizations, and ultimately within their family unit, I will have scored a “triple play” and achieved my Second Summit. Everyone has a Second Summit: a chance to make an impact beyond career. The sooner you explore it with intention; the sooner clarity comes.”

[Stephen] Q: From your coaching perspective, what mindset shifts are most critical when beginning the Second Summit?

[Franklin] “Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back. Curiosity and learning make the journey enjoyable. But you have to put in the “thinking” work. For those who are risk-averse, simply taking steps within a guided framework to consider what your Second Summit might be is a low risk proposition — and it will change how you see yourself and how you think about ‘what’s next’. You owe it to yourself!”

[Stephen] Q: We both work with people who’ve checked every external box — wealth, career, status — but still ache for something more. How do you help them uncover it?

[Franklin] “When success feels hollow, significance calls. Even our toughest experiences prepare us to leave a greater impact. Often, the most meaningful Second Summits come from paying forward the lessons of hardship.”

[Stephen] Q: If someone is restless but doesn’t know where to begin, what’s the first question to ask?

[Franklin] “Start with three questions: (1) What experiences have shaped me the most? (2) What am I passionate about today? (3) What do I do really well that energizes me? These answers help you begin to unlock clarity.”

Is significance Calling You?

You don’t have to navigate the “what’s next” question alone. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning to consider life beyond your first career peak, coaching provides the clarity and framework to uncover your true impact.

Take the first step today—fill out the form below to schedule a complimentary discovery call with Franklin Shirrell of Legacy Coaching & Consulting.