Diana Pierce, the beloved news anchor from KARE 11, has undergone quite the transformation since her days on television. With her naturally elegant demeanor, Pierce’s evolution is evident from head to toe. Gone are the days of flat-ironed auburn hair and uncomfortable high heels; now, she prefers the comfort and practicality of hiking boots she discovered during a trip to Mongolia.
But Pierce’s transformation goes beyond her personal style choices. Recently, she has embarked on a new venture called “What’s Next? With Diana Pierce,” an online show where she explores the passions and pursuits of Minnesotans in midlife and beyond. This show allows Pierce to connect with viewers on a deeper level and encourage them to reflect on their own journeys.
Embracing Passion in Midlife
Pierce, now 64, is intensely interested in the concept of passion, particularly in midlife. The inspiration for “What’s Next?” came from encounters with people who would stop her at the grocery store and ask, “What’s next for you?” With her new show, Pierce aims to inspire others to contemplate their own paths and discover their passions.
“What’s Next?” features interviews with small-business owners, “encore career” entrepreneurs, financial planners, musicians, authors, and representatives of nonprofits catering to the older demographic. Pierce has observed that her show has a strong following among viewers aged 40 to 70, with a majority being women.
During her show, Pierce engages with her guests in candid conversations, allowing viewers to witness the genuine connections she forms. One such guest is Heidi Heiland, owner of Heidi’s GrowHaus in Corcoran. Their conversation centered around Heiland’s expertise in horticulture therapy and the healing power of plants. They discussed the benefits of specific plants and the simple joy of tending to a porch or garden patch.
“We all need to go outside and play,” Heiland passionately expressed. “When all of our senses are engaged, that’s when we’re most alive.”
Pierce’s ability to put her guests at ease stems from her convivial warmth. Despite identifying as an introvert, she exudes a friendly and welcoming demeanor that makes her guests comfortable. This skill, honed during her time as an anchorwoman, continues to shine in her new role as an entrepreneur.
Reinvention: Becoming the Boss
Pierce’s personal transformation mirrors the professional reinvention she advocates through “What’s Next?” After spending over three decades as a news anchor with a full team supporting her, Pierce has taken on the role of both content creator and decision-maker. With the help of her romantic partner Scott Bemman, Pierce has transitioned from the traditional broadcast model to a self-made, online platform.
Pierce and Bemman, both empty-nesters, embarked on this new venture together. Despite their limited technical expertise, they have learned and adapted along the way. Pierce invested in cameras, lights, and wireless microphones, turning a corner of her house into a makeshift studio. Together, they produce and upload content to Facebook, allowing viewers to watch their show on various devices.
Pierce acknowledges that this new path comes with challenges and a steep learning curve. However, her determination and willingness to embrace new technologies have propelled her forward. She aims to build an audience organically before seeking potential sponsors who can connect with her loyal fan base of 50-plus viewers.
“I have to do it before I can sell it,” Pierce explains. “Broadcasters haven’t typically served the 50-plus viewer, but this is a group of people with expendable income that they’re happy to spend.”
The Journey of Diana Pierce
Pierce’s journey towards reinvention began long before “What’s Next?” In her youth, she grew up on a 40-acre orange grove in the San Joaquin Valley of California, where she cultivated her love for performance and the arts. She pursued a career in the entertainment industry, touring and recording with a contemporary Christian group. Her vocal talents even earned her recognition as the first runner-up in the Miss California contest.
It was a chance encounter during a flight that led Pierce to consider a career in broadcasting. Encouraged by a fellow passenger, she pursued studies in broadcast journalism at Boston University. Her career took her to various cities before landing her a position at KARE in 1983. Her tenure at KARE spanned an impressive 32 years and eight months, a testament to her talent and dedication.
As she approached the end of her time as an anchor, Pierce prepared for her next act by pursuing a master’s degree in arts and leadership. She continues to channel her expertise by mentoring and participating in women’s leadership programs. Additionally, she works as an on-camera host for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, focusing on projects that cater to older subscribers.
Pierce’s dedication to caregiving is deeply personal. After her mother suffered a stroke, Pierce became her primary caregiver until her passing in 2014. With her mother’s departure and her daughter pursuing a career in film and TV production, Pierce has found herself with newfound time and focus. Her passion for connecting with people and sharing stories drives her to continue exploring new ventures.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Pierce and Bemman are avid travelers. They document their adventures and share their love for national parks and foreign destinations through their Scott and Di Photography website. Pierce’s zest for life is infectious, and it is evident in her endeavors and hobbies.
“I could have walked into the sunset after Channel 11, but I didn’t want to. I get really jazzed hearing what makes people tick,” Pierce says. “That’s what gets me up in the morning.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “What’s Next? With Diana Pierce”?
“What’s Next?” is an online show hosted by Diana Pierce that explores the passions and pursuits of Minnesotans in midlife and beyond.Where can I watch “What’s Next? With Diana Pierce”?
You can stream the show at 7 p.m. most Thursdays via Facebook (facebook.com/whatsnextwithdianapierce). Additionally, you can find over 50 previously recorded segments on Facebook or YouTube.Who is Diana Pierce’s partner in her new venture?
Diana Pierce’s partner, Scott Bemman, assists her with the technical aspects of producing and uploading content for “What’s Next? With Diana Pierce.”
Conclusion
Diana Pierce’s journey from news anchor to entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. With her show “What’s Next? With Diana Pierce,” she has created a platform to connect with viewers in a more personal and meaningful way. Through candid conversations with guests, she explores the passions and pursuits of Minnesotans in midlife and beyond.
Pierce’s personal reinvention reflects her drive to inspire others to discover their own paths. As she embraces new technologies and navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship, she continues to demonstrate her expertise, warmth, and genuine interest in people and their stories.
For viewers aged 40 to 70, “What’s Next?” offers a refreshing take on life’s possibilities, demonstrating that passion can be pursued at any age. Diana Pierce’s transformation serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to embark on a new adventure and discover what truly makes us come alive.
