Interview on Canvas Rebel

Stories & Insights

Meet Maria Leonard Olsen

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Leonard Olsen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria Leonard below.

Alright, Maria Leonard thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

At age 50, I got divorced and sober, became and empty nester, and was living alone for the first time in my life. As a gift to myself for my 50th birthday, I tried 50 new things in my 50th year to determine how I wanted to live the next chapter of my life. These things, ranging from spiritual endeavors to thrill-seeking ventures, to lifestyle changes, to physical challenges and social activities, expanded my comfort zone and taught me more about my authentic self. I wrote about this journey in a self-revelatory, Amazon best-selling book called 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life, which has helped thousands of people reinvigorate their lives. I also did a TEDx Talk about it, called “Turning Life’s Challenges into a Force for Good.” Now I am in my 60s and did 60 new things in my 60th year to continue growing and learning. I plan to do 70 new things in my 70th year, too. I hope to visit every country in the world, for example. I am up to 72 countries visited to date and have been to every continent.

Maria Leonard, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a biracial attorney whose parents were forbidden by law to marry in their home state of Maryland in the 1960s. I practice law as a commercial litigator in the Washington, D.C. area, covering a variety of matters, including contract disputes, employment discrimination and government relations. I am an author, podcaster, journalist, public speaker and mentor to women in recovery. My latest book, 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life, has helped thousands of people thrive in midlife. I have written books on self-care and the new American family. My children’s books, Mommy Why’s Your Skin So Brown? and Healing for Hallie, have been widely used as teaching vehicles on diversity and the importance of processing feelings. My next books will be Before and After the DNA Test: A Comprehensive Guide to Privacy, Medical, Legal, and Personal Concerns in the World of Consumer DNA Testing (Bloomsbury 2026) and 60 After 60: Finding Serenity in Your 60s or at Any Age. On my award-winning podcast, “Becoming Your Best Version,” I amplify the voices of inspiring women each week. I graduated from Boston College and the University of Virginia School of Law, served as a political appointee for legislative affairs and policy development in the Clinton Justice Department, fostered newborn babies awaiting adoption, and have been on the boards of Children’s National Medical Center, the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Washington and other nonprofits. While in private practice in one of D.C.’s then-largest law firms, I was awarded Pro Bono Coordinator of the Year by the D.C. Bar Association and, in 2023, was named Distinguished Alumna of the Year by the Academy of the Holy Cross. I have written for The Washington Post, AARP, Parents Magazine, Authority Magazine, The Midst and others, and joined Meer and Kuel Life as a contributing writer in 2023. I have spoken at numerous schools and corporate and nonprofit events, including the Pennsylvania Conference for Women, the Mixed Remixed Festival, HerStory Circle and the National March to End Rape Culture. One of my book talks was featured on C-Span’s Book TV show. I spoke at TEDx CUNY on “Turning Life’s Challenges into a Force for Good,” and was featured in CBS Sunday Morning’s 2025 segment on bucket lists. I am excited to speak at TEDx Warrenton on DNA test surprises, including my own, in October of 2025. My son is a social media influencer with 20 million followers and was voted TikTok’s Sexiest Man by People Magazine. (@Chris on TikTok and @ChrisOlsen on Instagram).

I am most proud of helping other people overcome challenges, via my writing and public speaking. Learn more at www.MariaLeonardOlsen.com and follow me on social media @FiftyAfter50 and @MariaOlsen49.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn my tendency to try to please everyone. I learned that through societal messaging and my feelings of inferiority as a brown woman in a largely white community.

The hard fact is that none of us can control others. We can only control ourselves. I am now very intentional about how I spend my time and who I spend my time with, only accepting invitations that bring me closer to who I want to be and align with my goals. I surround myself with people who inspire, encourage and support me. People pleasing only filled me with anxiety and was misguided. We should each heed Eleanor Roosevelt’s advice: “No one has the power to make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I got divorced at age 50, I had to return to the workforce after 15 years as an at-home mom. It was hard and I was filled with doubt and fear. I took and passed another state’s bar exam and used my contacts to find a job as a contract attorney. I had to learn new technology that I had not used in my previous practice. I remembered a mentor’s comment that I am a fast learner and can do hard things. I am and I did! My legal practice is thriving, and I have added several side gigs–podcasting, writing, public speaking and book marketing for female authors–that feed my spirit.

Contact Info:

https://canvasrebel.com/meet-maria-leonard-olsen/

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