How to Build a Sustainable Business by Choosing What Scares You Most Featuring Susan Barber

Susan M. Barber is a leading visibility coach who transforms quiet high achievers into visible and influential leaders so they can confidently position themselves for new opportunities. With over 25 years of experience in leadership roles at Kraft Heinz, she has a deep understanding of the challenges corporate leaders face. Susan is the author and podcast host of The Visibility Factor and author of Your Journey to Visibility Workbook. Her mission is focused on empowering leaders to show their value and be seen for their true talent.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the key differences between starting a business and running one, and how to build a sustainable enterprise by focusing on what truly moves the needle forward.

Susan and I discuss:

• The main differences between starting a business and running a business [03:17]
• What metrics move the needle forward [04:40]
• Why the choice that scares you the most is the one you should pick [06:33]
• Things Susan decided not to do and why [08:00]
• How to avoid the trap of perfectionism [10:21]
• Key strategies for visibility that help your business [11:22]
• Common challenges clients face around fear and imposter syndrome [12:51]
• How to demonstrate capability without having done the exact thing before [14:25]
• The role of community, collaboration, and peer support in growth [16:21]
• One thing a corporate refugee can do today to move forward [19:21]
• Susan’s Your Journey to Visibility Workbook [21:49]

Learn more about Susan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanbarbercoaching/ and https://susanmbarber.com

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About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

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