Midlife Matters: Gayle Carson ("Midlife Dialogues" Series)

Gayle Carson is a 71 year old, three time cancer survivor who's an internet entrepreneur and calls herself a kickboxing S.O.B. ('spunky old broad').

After graduating from Emerson College with a BA in English and Theater, she moved to Miami, and in only two weeks got her first job. One year later, she bought the business from her boss for no money down, and proceeded to diversify its profitable sales base from one to seven divisions. The business eventually became the largest independent organization in the industry. As CEO, she managed a diverse staff of over 350 people, graduated more than a quarter of a million students from her training programs and personally managed the company's complex payroll. While serving as CEO, she also received her doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. Eventually, she sold the business for over 20 times its initial value.

Today, she's an expert advisor and coach to CEO's and entrepreneurial managers around the world. She is both a Certified Speaking Professional and Certified Management Consultant, the highest designations in their respective fields and she's one of less than 2% of the population that holds both certifications. She's the first and only woman to serve as chairperson of one of the largest Better Business Bureaus in the United States. As the developer of a cable television series called "Business Today," she has received numerous honors from her peers, including being named to over 40 "Who's Who" books. She's been featured in USA Today, and appeared on the Larry King Radio Show.

After celebrating 47 years in business, she's known as the "Wiz of Biz" on her radio show for Entrepreneur Magazine. The show is called "Women in Business" and it celebrates women who embody success in many different ways.