Meet Geraldine Hogan | Geraldine Hogan | Former Teacher | Retired Judge | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Geraldine Hogan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Geraldine, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking risks, especially in career decisions, is challenging but often necessary.

In my late 30s, after working in the teaching profession for over a decade, I decided to pursue a career in the legal profession. Initially, I wrestled with doubts and fears of rejection and failure, listing reasons why the change seemed impossible. To overcome these fears, I asked myself, “What’s the worst that could happen if I failed? What’s the worst if I didn’t try? And what might my life look like if I succeeded?”

Answering these questions helped me plan for the best while preparing for the worst. Ultimately, I chose to confront my fears and embrace the risk, knowing it was time for a change.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Circuit Court Mediator. My mediation practice is dedicated exclusively to helping litigants resolve workers’ compensation claims. My professional journey is shaped by my unique background as a workers’ compensation attorney and Judge of Compensation Claims. Over the years, I represented both injured workers and employers along with their insurance carriers, giving me a balanced perspective and deep understanding of the complexities in workers’ compensation cases.

What sets me apart as a mediator is my personal experience with making significant career changes. Many workers’ compensation claims involve individuals who, due to their injuries, face the daunting prospect of shifting careers. Drawing from my own journey—from transitioning out of teaching to becoming an attorney, then serving as a judge, and now as a mediator—I understand the questions and considerations that arise when preparing for such a transformative step. My ability to relate to these challenges helps me guide parties toward meaningful resolutions.

Professionally, I’m most proud of my ability to bring empathy and practical insights into my mediation practice. Beyond my work as a mediator, I am a published author and TEDx speaker. In addition to my book, Career Moves for Teachers and Other Professionals: Strategies for a Successful Job Change, I am also the author of the e-book Career Moves for Teachers: Overcoming These Three Fears, which provides actionable advice for educators navigating the challenges of career transitions.

Getting to where I am today professionally wasn’t easy. Each career transition required careful planning, bold decisions, and the willingness to take calculated risks. Along the way, I learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and trusting the process, even when the path ahead seemed uncertain.

Through my brand and story, I want the world to know that embracing change—whether it’s a new career, a fresh perspective, or a different approach to conflict resolution—can lead to opportunities you never imagined. My work as a mediator and author reflects my commitment to helping others navigate life’s transitions with clarity and confidence.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The beach is my favorite place in South Florida. I’d start by booking a stay at a relaxing beach resort, where we could soak in ocean views, stroll along sandy shores, and embrace the peace and tranquility of the ocean breeze.

My husband, a big sports fan, would take us to a Miami Heat basketball game, Miami Marlins baseball game, or Miami Dolphins football game, depending on the season. We’d also carve out a few hours to visit Top Golf, which is not just for golfers, but a great spot to connect, enjoy delicious bites, and share meaningful conversation while having some fun hitting golf balls.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to express deep gratitude to my parents and my husband, each of whom has been instrumental in shaping my journey to success. Although my parents are no longer with us, their wisdom continues to guide me.

My mother’s words, ‘Nothing beats a failure but a try,’ taught me to push through fear and always strive for my best. My father instilled in me a steadfast belief that with determination, I could achieve anything I set my mind to. Their lessons remain a source of strength and inspiration in my life.

Equally, my husband has been my unwavering supporter, standing by me through every step of my journey—even during moments when my career choices may have seemed uncertain. His confidence in me gave me the courage to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new opportunities.

I am profoundly grateful for their encouragement, which empowered me to pursue my goals.

I also want to acknowledge the incredible members of the Toastmasters International clubs I belong to, as well as the members of District 47, who have generously shared their time, insights, and mentorship. Their support has been invaluable in helping me grow as a communicator and leader.

Website: https://geraldinehogan.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldinehogan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gbhcareermoves

Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvldQl_jm6I

YouTube recording: Preventing Teacher Burnout

Image Credits
TEDxMiramar, Vital Publishing, Inc.