Ral West, a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience, is a multifaceted entrepreneur respected in both the tourism industry and multifamily real estate circles. She is recognized for founding successful businesses, authoring courses, and contributing to various boards. She is also a philanthropist and dynamic speaker. Additionally, she is the founder of Ral West: Livin’ The Dream and the creator of a course for entrepreneurs titled “Overcome Overwhelm: Create a Smooth Running Business with Less Stress.”

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will discover how to overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship and create a thriving business with less stress. Ral West, a dynamic entrepreneur with over 40 years of extensive experience, joins us to offer her wisdom on navigating the complex journey of business ownership.

Ral and I discuss:

• Why high achievers tend to feel overwhelmed and how to counteract it
• The paradox of saying no to increase profitability
• The critical role of prioritizing and focusing for business success
• Strategies for matching your passions with a business model that relieves market pain
• How to leverage your existing network and find mentors when starting a business
• The importance of creating systems to streamline business operations
• Real-world examples of systems Ral has implemented in her businesses
• Ral’s inspiration for helping other entrepreneurs at this stage of her life
• How to effectively utilize communities and mentorship when venturing into new territories
• Ral’s personal approach to lifelong entrepreneurship and continuous learning

Learn more about Ral at https://www.ralwest.com/.

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Kathy Oneto is an executive and life-work coach committed to helping individuals find success on their terms in both their professional and personal lives. As the founder of Sustainable Ambition and the host of the Sustainable Ambition Podcast, she guides clients to discover motivation in their careers, construct their future life and work arcs, and manage their efforts towards greater resilience and sustainability. In her diverse portfolio career, Kathy also serves as a strategy executive, aiding organizations in cutting through ambiguity and gaining the clarity needed to progress and take sustainable actions.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leave your corporate career and develop a sustainable model that brings fulfillment and success on your own terms.

Kathy and I discuss:

• What inspired Kathy to step out of the corporate world and embrace entrepreneurship
• How her vision of entrepreneurship evolved over time
• The real meaning of sustainable ambition and how it can be a game-changer
• Kathy’s journey of building a sustainable ambitious life
• Strategies for professionals who want to craft a fulfilling, long-term career
• The importance of community as a “force multiplier” in your career

Learn more about Kathy at 

Website: http://SustainableAmbition.com

Sustainable Ambition Podcast: http://SustainableAmbition.com/podcast or https://bit.ly/sustain-pod

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-oneto/

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Robbie Hardy knows how to navigate the maze of the entrepreneurial journey—and she wants to help you do the same. She can guide you through the highs and lows, from your first major mistake to your first sale. She understands because she’s been there.

A New Englander by birth and an “entrepreneurologist” by trade, Robbie Hardy is an author, experienced investor, and entrepreneur with extensive startup and board experience.

In this episode of Smashing the Plateau, Robbie Hardy, an adept entrepreneur and mentor, talks about her journey from a disenchanted corporate employee to a successful business founder and a passionate advocate for women’s mentorship in business. Dive into Robbie’s story to reveal how she found her true calling in the twists and turns of entrepreneurship.

Robbie and I discuss:

• The discomfort that led Robbie to leave the corporate world
• Launching her own business and securing her previous employer as her first client
• The rollercoaster of starting and selling a software company
• Utilizing corporate connections to fuel her entrepreneurial ventures
• Robbie’s mission to mentor women and help them find their voice
• The dynamics of effective mentorship and its transformative power
• Robbie’s advice for corporate refugees seeking to venture into entrepreneurship

Learn more about Robbie at https://www.robbiehardy.com/.

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Wendy Ellin is a highly sought-after speaker, author, and consultant. Her #1 bestselling book, “Working From Home…How’s That Working For You?” continues to catch the attention of organizations that want to ensure their employees are able to work with less stress and more job satisfaction, no matter where they work. Her insights into having basic foundational organization systems are shared in her presentations with irreverence, humor, and a level of passion that motivates her audience to TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION!

Wendy has helped companies like The Home Depot, JCB, American Cancer Society, Spelman College, Cox Communications, Autotrader, PWC, and many more to ensure their people stay engaged, deliver their best work, and have a life outside of work. She believes that when your people win, everyone wins.

Wendy talks about real-life challenges that all busy professionals experience, such as email overload, being on time (or not), reasonable expectations for getting things done, self-defeating behaviors, and much more. It is from Wendy’s 20-plus years in the corporate arena, where she drew on her own successes by working smart, not hard, that inspired her to develop Wendy Ellin’s 3P Academy—a toolbox that fuels radical productivity, peak performance, and a renewed sense of peace of mind.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, we delve into the systems and strategies Wendy has developed to make working from home a stress-free and satisfying experience, which are essential for entrepreneurs and professionals in the current climate.

Wendy and I discuss:

• Her transition from advertising sales to productivity consulting [00:28]
• What inspired her to write her best selling book [01:48]
• How to set up a successful work-from-home environment [06:28]
• Organizing physical and digital workspaces for maximum efficiency [07:12]
• The importance of systems in productivity (S-Y-S-T-E-M) [08:07]
• Wendy’s life-changing car accident and its impact on her mission [04:58]
• Using speaking engagements to grow a business and create an impact [04:08]
• The role of community and sharing in overcoming organizational challenges [12:24]
• Wendy’s approach to dealing with disorganization and stress at work [10:25]

Learn more about Wendy at https://linkedin.com/in/wendyellin and www.wendyellin.com.

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Kelly Whitaker (she/her) is an LA-based communication specialist, speaker, and head of Kelly Convos. Her dynamic and singular approach empowers conflict-averse leaders and individuals to confidently and compassionately conduct difficult conversations in service of personal growth and lasting problem-solving.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will discover the strategies for successful communication that can transform your leadership and resolve conflicts effectively.

Kelly and I discuss:

• Her altruistic motivations and diverse career path leading up to her current role [00:01:00]
• The importance of communication skills across different social spheres [00:02:00]
• Deliberate focus on conflict resolution and the needs it addresses [00:03:31]
• A methodology for conducting difficult conversations and finding solutions [00:05:01]
• How recruitment experiences shaped her approach to communication [00:06:39]
• The decision to transition from employee to entrepreneur [00:08:40]
• The impact of effective communication on leadership and team dynamics [00:10:19]
• The value of interpersonal communication in a digital age [00:16:39]
• Networking and community building to enhance personal and professional growth [00:19:40]

Learn more about Kelly at her website www.kellyconvos.com and follow her on Instagram @kellyconvos.

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Throughout her career in business management and psychology, Dr. Pelletier has spearheaded the dialogue on crucial issues of leadership resilience and work performance. Drawing on her extensive background in the corporate, insurance, governance, and public sectors, she brings an international perspective and unique expertise to leadership. She is a practicing leadership psychologist and executive coach with over 20 years of experience and holds a Ph.D. and an MBA from the University of British Columbia. 

Marie-Helene is a member of the Global Clinical Practice Network of the World Health Organization and a past director on the boards of the Canadian Psychological Association and the International Association of Applied Psychology. She has presented, authored, and co-authored numerous industry and academic publications and has won several academic and industry awards. In 2024, Dr. Pelletier published her award-winning book, “The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health.”

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, we explore the critical role of mental resilience when making the leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship.

Dr. Marie-Helene and I discuss:

• What motivates career changes and transitions [00:21]
• Strategies for successful career transitions [00:56]
• The influence of mental health in shifting from corporate to business ownership [02:00]
• Enhancing supply to meet increased demands during transitions [03:26]
• The significance of relationships and community in building resilience [14:39]
• How to strategically plan for resilience in business [20:12]

Learn more about Marie-Helene at www.theresilienceplan.com and receive the free worksheets: https://drmarie-helene.com/free-resources-sign-up/

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Erika Wasserman, Your Financial Therapist, is one of 70 Certified Financial Therapists who work with clients to shift their mindset and develop new beliefs around money that lead to freedom, choices, and opportunities for clients all around the world.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the transformative power of financial therapy and how it can help you navigate through life’s transitions, gain control over your money, and align your finances with your values.

Erika and I discuss:

• Her journey from corporate America to financial therapy [00:15:24]
• How our relationship with money affects life transitions [00:00:35]
• The importance of controlling and communicating about finances [00:01:13]
• Strategies for aligning spending with values [00:05:17]
• Overcoming fear during financial transitions [00:07:09]
• Building a personal “board of directors” [00:08:36]
• The role of community in financial empowerment [00:21:52]

Learn more about Erika at:

https://yourfinancialtherapist.com/

https://www.instagram.com/yourfinancialtherapist/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikawasserman/

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Amy Posner is a seasoned online entrepreneur and business coach who helps digital creative freelancers build breakthrough businesses.

Over her 30-year career, Amy launched six successful businesses and mentored thousands of freelancers to success. She empowers freelancers to grow the business they want by teaching them the skills they need to attract the right clients – in her Complete Breakthrough Freelancer course and as co-host of the Business Badassery podcast.

In her free time, you’ll find Amy adventuring around the Pacific Northwest, hiking, gardening, and making a ruckus!

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you’ll discover insider strategies to innovate in your industry and position yourself as a thought leader.

Amy and I discuss:

• The unexpected transition from the fashion industry to entrepreneurship [01:22]
• The revelation that business ownership is a creative pursuit [02:07]
• The evolution from business operator to business mentor [03:04]
• The importance of business skills for digital creatives [04:00]
• The key concepts and skills needed for freelancers to succeed [08:04]
• The role of discovery calls in client acquisition [08:30]
• Crafting compelling proposals and scopes of work [11:13]
• The significance of client relations and communication [13:31]
• The distinction between selling to small businesses vs. enterprises [15:58]
• The value of peer support and community in business success [25:37]

Learn more about Amy at https://amyposner.com/podcast.

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Damien Schreurs, a former engineer with 18 years of experience working for a Fortune 500 US company with an R&D facility in Luxembourg, initiated EasyTECH as a side hustle in 2013 to explore entrepreneurship while maintaining a steady income. In September 2016, Damien left his 9-to-5 job to provide Apple training and consultancy services in Luxembourg.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how Damien transitioned from his corporate career to entrepreneurship, gaining control over his time and dedicating himself to his family and work.

Damien and I discuss:

• The trigger that led to his decision to quit his nine-to-five job [01:09]
• Why he started his business as a side hustle and his experience with part-time work [01:09]
• Adjusting his financial goals and saving strategy to facilitate his transition [04:05]
• The role of patience and impatience in making the move to full-time entrepreneurship [02:53]
• How community and networking were instrumental in shifting his business from B2C to B2B [14:10]
• The strategic decisions and personal reflections that guided him to focus on B2B training [16:29]
• His experience with mentorship and the impact of COVID-19 on his business evolution [18:04]

Learn more about Amy at https://macpreneur.com, https://macpreneur.com/smashing, and https://macpreneur.com/youtube.

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Holly Jean Jackson is a Revenue and Performance Consultant, Speaker, Podcast Host, Author, and Founder of Business Builder Throwdown. Her career encompasses a range of fields including technology, communications, organizational change, public relations, and content strategy.

With over 12 years of experience, she has been instrumental in helping business leaders rejuvenate their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Holly Jean has spearheaded a Local to Global Policy Initiative, influencing the impact of future leaders on communities. A fun fact about her: Holly Jean has performed as the first chair clarinetist in Carnegie Hall and holds a black belt in karate.

Her Peak Performance Blueprint offers a comprehensive and pragmatic approach to success, recognizing that monumental business achievements require a life that is equally or more successful.

Business owners engage her services to master the art and science of genuine success. Many lack direction, take insufficient action, and see lackluster results. Holly Jean steps in to help define and design a business roadmap that ensures impactful visibility, intentional profitability, and unfailing sustainability.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you’ll learn about Holly Jean’s journey from multiple layoffs in corporate America to becoming a successful entrepreneur and finding the balance and respect that she desired in her professional life.

Holly Jean and I discuss:

• The pattern of layoffs and health challenges in her corporate career [00:42]
• Acknowledging a need for appreciation and a push towards entrepreneurship [01:00]
• The dehumanization of layoffs in large companies [01:44]
• Transitioning to a consultancy role and how it differs from employment [05:03]
• Establishing a more respectful and balanced consultant-client relationship [06:14]
• Holly Jean’s process of finding her consulting niche [08:15]
• The impact of COVID on her business strategy [10:46]
• How to strategically pivot your business for growth [11:37]
• The importance of niching down your target market [12:00]
• Leveraging personal achievements and passions to build your business [13:52]
• The significance of internal validation over external comparison [14:12]
• Tactical advice for transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship [16:32]
• The critical role of community and support in building a successful business [21:07]

Learn more about Holly Jean at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyjjackson/

https://www.facebook.com/hollyjeanjackson

https://www.instagram.com/coachhollyjeanjackson/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ElvJLGqpJ2ThA9utJCqMg

www.hollyjeanjackson.com

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Alan Heymann excels at coaching fellow introverts, helping them discover their superpowers in an extroverted world. He has coached leaders from 32 countries across four continents. His diverse clientele includes individuals from Fortune 50 corporations, nonprofit organizations, public utilities, and various levels of government—federal, county, and municipal.

Alan is the author of “Don’t Just Have the Soup: 52 Analogies for Leadership, Coaching, and Life.” His extensive experience spans over two decades in public, government, and nonprofit communications, where he has led teams of sizes ranging from two to over 100 people. Motivated by his own career transformation, which was facilitated by an executive coach, Alan established Peaceful Direction in April 2019.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about Alan’s journey from a communications expert to a respected executive coach and successful business owner. 

Alan and I discuss:

• His career transformation inspired by executive coaching [00:44]
• Navigating complexities in his most challenging role [02:29]
• The unforeseen benefits of coaching for career development [03:00]
• Serving a diverse range of clients across the economy [03:40]
• Adapting coaching methodologies to suit client needs [04:28]
• Transitioning from corporate employment to entrepreneurship [05:39]
• The practicalities and psychology of running your own business [07:00]
• The importance of cash flow and financial management [09:16]
• Alan’s approach to growing his business and client base [10:06]
• Balancing personal preferences with market demand [11:01]
• The business development aspect of coaching [13:31]
• Building a coaching business and the challenges faced [14:26]
• Utilizing community and networks for business growth [23:22]

Learn more about Alan at https://www.peacefuldirection.com

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Diana File founded DF Analytics to instill rigor and accountability in DEI efforts worldwide. As a research and organizational psychologist, she has devoted 15 years to refining her proprietary data science methodologies, driving impactful results for Fortune 500 corporations, startups, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and small businesses globally.

Diana leverages data science to enable companies to cultivate highly diverse and inclusive teams that excel in productivity, collaboration, and profitability. Her proprietary analytical methods reveal the underlying neuroscientific factors that determine success or failure. She then translates these assessments into actionable strategies, leading cross-functional implementation throughout the organization. This comprehensive approach ensures companies remain at the forefront of the evolving generational and cultural landscapes affecting both employees and customers.

As a former consultant for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Diana has redefined decision-making processes within complex hierarchies and has led pioneering global research on fostering the resolution of intractable conflicts. Her breadth of expertise encompasses workforce analytics, team development, project management, organizational effectiveness, conflict resolution, and research on best practices.

Diana is a sought-after workshop leader and keynote speaker, contributing to prestigious institutions such as Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Columbia University School of Professional Studies, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, National Libraries of Medicine, HR Leadership Forum, and various industry associations.

She earned her B.A. in Psychology, graduating cum laude from Yale University, and holds an M.A. in Psychology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Diana is proficient in English, Hebrew, and Russian.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn from Diana File how to bring accountability to DEI efforts using data science.**

Diana and I discuss:

• Her journey from a child immigrant facing intolerance to a DEI leader [00:47]
• How Diana’s personal mission shaped her career path [01:31]
• The importance of addressing systemic inequities through organizational psychology [01:59]
• Her groundbreaking research in trauma recovery and conflict resolution [02:19]
• The birth of DF Analytics and its mission [03:37]
• The pivotal year of 2020 for DEI and how that shaped her business [05:18]
• Why certain industries like healthcare, technology, and financial services focus on DEI [07:14]
• How Diana uses her coaching approach to build business relationships [08:50]
• Overcoming the fear of rejection in business development [12:32]
• The business model behind DF Analytics and working with a diversified team of consultants [16:37]

Learn more about Diana at www.dfanalytics.co and https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-file

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Erica Holthausen is the founder of Catchline Communications, where she provides consultants with essential tools to develop and share a body of work that enhances their authority, boosts their visibility, and creates new opportunities. Leveraging her background as a freelance writer and editor, Erica assists her clients in selecting topics, pitching ideas, composing articles, and securing publication in prominent industry trade journals and business magazines, such as Harvard Business Review, Inc., and Entrepreneur.

In this episode, Erica and I discuss:

• Her unexpected career transition from law to communications [00:00:54]
• The role of mentorship in her professional development [00:06:18]
• Erica’s advice on asking questions and being open to help [00:07:47]
• Overcoming doubt and the power of trusting oneself [00:10:03]
• The evolution of her business, Catch Line Communications [00:15:41]
• How she pivoted her services to meet the consultants’ needs [00:15:58]
• The creation of her group program and the upcoming community [00:17:34]
• The importance of community for entrepreneurs [00:20:11]
• One actionable step for corporate refugees moving towards entrepreneurship [00:22:59]

Learn more about Erica at Catchline Communications at https://linktr.ee/catchline and connect with her on LinkedIn.

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