How to Enhance Your Online Presence and Transition to Entrepreneurship Successfully Featuring Ahsan Karim
Ahsan Karim is a business strategist and founder of Light Vision Group. His company helps businesses generate more revenue with online marketing.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about the journey of transitioning from a corporate career to becoming a successful entrepreneur and the importance of building an online presence.
Asan and I discuss:
- What triggered Asan’s interest in being an entrepreneur
- His first experience as an entrepreneur
- How he learned marketing
- His ideal client for Light Vision Group
- The role of community in entrepreneurship
- Upcoming projects to help entrepreneurs enhance their online presence
Learn more about Asan at https://lightvisiongroup.com/.
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How to Build a Business by Adapting Corporate Skills and Embracing Risk Featuring Erin Marcus
Erin Marcus is the founder and CEO of Conquer Your Business, an international company helping driven entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve the financial and emotional freedom they need to build a business and life they’re proud of.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to unlearn corporate habits and develop a mindset for entrepreneurial success.
Erin and I discuss:
- The necessary unlearning process from corporate to entrepreneurship
- Utilizing corporate skills like delegation in small business
- The importance of risk tolerance and testing in the marketplace
- Overcoming ego and adapting to creating your own path
- The significance of mindset in achieving business goals
- Strategies for dealing with financial and self-worth challenges
- The role of community and networking in entrepreneurial success
Learn more about Erin at:
Conquer Your Business | Erin Marcus | Business Consulting
Instagram (@erinmarcusconqueryourbusiness)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmarcusconqueryourbusiness/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erin.marcus.3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLFD-aM6LmA10FQ
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How to Apply Basic Work Design Principles for Organizational Success Featuring Thomas Bertels
Thomas Bertels is a management consultant and business transformation expert on a mission to make work more productive, valuable, meaningful, and impactful. He has more than 25 years of experience helping companies across a range of industries, from startups to Fortune 5, transform how work gets done. Thinkers360 has recognized Thomas as a Top 50 Thought Leader on the Future of Work and Design Thinking.
Before starting Purpose Works in 2021, Thomas was a founding partner at OXYGY/Valeocon. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Aon Consulting and ABB.
Thomas has written several books and numerous articles on work design, process improvement, business transformation, and organizational learning. His latest book is Fixing Work: Designing Jobs Employees Love (Greenleaf Book Group). He is also the host of the Work Matters podcast, where he explores in conversations with thought leaders and executives what leaders can do to fix work.
Thomas and I discuss:
- Thomas’s motivation for writing his latest book
- Why Thomas chose to write a business fable
- The process of writing an allegory
- Differences between writing an allegory and a traditional business book
- The impact Thomas hopes his book will have
- The connection between the book and Thomas’s business
- Challenges Thomas foresees for thought leaders today
- What successful consultants do differently
- How Thomas would start his consulting business today
- Basic principles of the work design framework
- The role of community in achieving professional success
Learn more about Thomas Bertels at:
- Homepage www.purpose.works
- Book Site www.fixing-work.com
- Newsletter purposeworks.substack.com
- Diagnostic www.mymojo.works
- Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@WorkMatterspodcast
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasbertels/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/purpose-works-consulting
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How to Shift from Self-Employment to Entrepreneurship in the Translation Industry Featuring Jason Willis-Lee
Jason Willis-Lee is a popular translator trainer and has given presentations on various business topics aimed at freelance translators and interpreters for ProZ, BP, CIOL, and Training for Translators. He co-founded the Collaborative Networking Translation Project, Medico-legal Translations (www.medicolegaltranslations.com). As a solopreneur, he recently launched a podcast called ‘How to Find More Direct Clients,’ aimed at early career professional linguists, and he uses his professional expertise to run the ‘How to Find More Direct Clients’ online course.”
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of the translation industry and leverage your expertise to build a successful business.
Jason and I discuss:
- What motivated Jason to go solo
- The transition from generalist to specialist
- The difference between being self-employed and entrepreneurial
- How Jason stretches himself through entrepreneurship
- Navigating the challenges in the translation industry
- The importance of leveraging AI and technology
- The role of community in business growth
- Personal branding and its significance for freelancers
Learn more about Jason at https://entrepreneurialtranslator.com/training-for-translators/.
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How to Design Effective Business Processes and Focus on Productized Services Featuring Wayne Pelletier
After 25 years as a creative professional, Wayne founded Resonant Pixel Company just three years ago. The business experienced some early rapid growth, but it wasn’t the business Wayne wanted. He has since transitioned the company into productized services, helping small businesses leverage the Squarespace platform to go from having an informational brochure-ware website to a transactional growth engine.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from rapid early growth to a business model that aligns with your values and goals.
Wayne and I discuss:
- How Wayne transitioned from unemployment to starting his business
- Realizing the need to change his initial business model
- Narrowing the focus and shedding off certain technologies
- The importance of building processes and hiring
- How to design effective business processes
- Wayne’s approach to hiring and testing new hires
- Examples of unexpected wins in hiring
- The benefits of having a subscription-based revenue model
- Wayne’s ideal client profile
- Future plans and goals for Resonant Pixel Company
- The importance of being part of a community like Smashing the Plateau
Learn more about Wayne at: https://resonantpixel.co/
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How to Transition to Entrepreneurship with Effective Delegation Featuring Kyle Walburn
Kyle Walbrun is the Founder and CEO of EfficientAide, an assistant company. He is deeply passionate about helping professionals work effectively and proficiently through a proven process of delegation. Throughout his career, Kyle has partnered with a broad range of business leaders, strategizing on how to buy back their time and eliminate worry.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will discover the strategies behind Effective Delegation with Kyle Walbrun, the founder and CEO of EfficientAide. Kyle shares his expertise on enabling professionals to work more effectively and proficiently through a systematic approach to delegation.
Kyle and I discuss:
- The challenges corporate refugees face when transitioning to entrepreneurship
- How to overcome the hesitation of letting go and start delegating
- Assessing costs and the return on investment (ROI) of delegation
- The types of tasks business leaders should delegate first
- A transformative story of a client who mastered delegation
- How Kyle utilizes thought partners and community to excel in his business
- Where listeners can learn more about Kyle and EfficientAide
Learn more about Kyle at http://www.EfficientAide.com.
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How to Navigate Mid-Sized Business Challenges for Growth Featuring Phillip Brown
Phillip Brown is the founder of Blue Pit, Inc., a software consulting firm dedicated to improving business process automation. Throughout his career, Phillip has forged impactful partnerships with renowned organizations, including Disney, Harley Davidson, and NASA, leveraging his expertise to revolutionize their operations.
His dedication lies in empowering mid-sized enterprises that grapple with challenges such as over-budget projects, organizational chaos, and high employee turnover. By implementing intuitive processes, Phillip helps businesses regain control over their project management, supercharge their return on investment, and cultivate a work environment that attracts and retains top talent.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn strategies for scaling your business effectively and creating a sustainable and attractive company culture.
Phillip and I discuss:
- The transition from employee to entrepreneur
- Tackling the unique challenges faced by mid-sized businesses
- The art of foreseeing potential issues and implementing change management
- Strategies for fostering effective communication within teams
- The importance of building a consulting business based on relationships
- Leveraging networking and conferences for business development
- The role of AI and automation in crafting efficient business processes
- How community and communication can propel business success
Learn more about Phil at www.bluepit.com.
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How to Hit the Million Mark as a Video Freelancer Featuring Ron Desi
Ron Desi, a full-time freelancer on Fiverr, has just crossed the million-dollar threshold. He is a video content creator and professional spokesperson, who has also started an off-Fiverr agency offering video services to law firms aiming to attract clients through video. Previously, he worked as an IT consultant and directed a university MBA program.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, Ron Desi will share how he transformed his career from IT consulting and academia to crushing the million-dollar revenue.
Ron and I discuss:
- Ron’s journey to becoming a freelancer and the slow start on Fiverr
- The decision to leave his full-time job and the safety nets he created
- The strategies that led to his success, including finding a niche with low competition
- The importance of collaboration and joining communities to enhance business growth
- The reasons behind focusing on video services for law firms
- Ron’s vision for his business and the advice he offers to corporate refugees
Learn more about Ron’s journey and connect with him on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rondesi/.
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How to Combine Expertise with Coaching for Success Featuring Carla Fowler
Dr. Carla Fowler is an MD, PhD, and an elite executive coach who has been a secret weapon for scores of CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other senior leaders for the last decade. Carla’s unique approach combines the latest research from performance science with timeless best practices to help top performers level up and achieve their goals.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage your expertise to make significant career pivots and build a successful business model as an executive coach.
Carla and I discuss:
- Why Carla chose a non-linear career path
- The realization that led her to pivot from medicine
- Embracing high performance outside of traditional systems
- Dealing with resistance and misunderstandings from others
- Why she decided against structured coaching programs
- How brutal focus helps in building a business
- Networking strategies for building a new career
- The challenge of selling as a new entrepreneur
Learn more about Carla at www.thaxa.com and https://www.thaxa.com/p/smashing-the-plateau.
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How to Break Free from Job Titles to Personal Identity Featuring Dr. Mira Brancu
Dr. Mira Brancu is a consulting and coaching psychologist specializing in leadership identity development and in building adaptive, cohesive, high-performing teams. She is also an Associate Professor, the author of “The Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics,” a “Psychology Today” columnist for the blog series “A New Look at Women’s Leadership,” and the host of “The Hard Skills” internet radio show and podcast. Her award-winning social impact firm, Towerscope, focuses on empowering and elevating women in leadership within the education and innovation industries.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about the intricacies of leadership and identity, especially the challenges women face in the corporate sphere and the liberating journey of defining your career and leadership path.
Dr. Mira and I discuss:
- The link between job titles and personal identity
- The freedom and creativity in starting your own business
- The experience of high achievers leaving the corporate world
- The challenge of separating personal identity from job roles
- Navigating leadership ambivalence among high-potential women
- Deciding whether to continue on the leadership track
- The impact of societal expectations on career decisions
- Strategies for tuning out unhelpful advice from others
- Adjusting to a sudden lack of structure after a career change
- Tips on joining and engaging with communities
Learn more about Dr. Mira Brancu at http://www.gotowerscope.com/ and join the Tower Scope Leadership Academy for a special offer.
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How to Create Systems for a Stress-Free and Efficient Business Featuring Ral West
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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How to Craft Long-Term Success with Sustainable Career Strategies Featuring Kathy Oneto
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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How to Offer Transformative Mentorship as an Entrepreneur Featuring Robbie Hardy
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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How to Optimize Digital Spaces for Remote Work Productivity Featuring Wendy Ellin
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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How to Shape Leadership with Authentic Communication Techniques Featuring Kelly Whitaker
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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How to Master Resilience in Work Transitions from Corporate Leadership to Entrepreneur Featuring Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier
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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How to Build a Personal Board for Financial Success Featuring Erika Wasserman
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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How to Master Client Attraction and Grow Your Freelance Brand Featuring Amy Posner
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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How to Engineer a Successful Side Hustle Transition Featuring Damien Schreurs
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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How to Leverage Layoffs into Launching Your Own Business Featuring Holly Jean
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
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How to Foster a Coaching Career from Corporate Communications Roots Featuring Alan Heymann
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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How to Integrate Proprietary Data Methods for DEI Excellence Featuring Diana File
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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How to Craft Empathy-Driven Stories in Tech Marketing Featuring Jessica Mehring
Jessica Mehring is a strategic consultant for technology companies, a published author, and holds an M.A. in Communication. Through her graduate academic work, she has closely examined the impact of generative AI on strategic communication and is exploring how storytelling fosters empathy and helps us connect in a modern context. When she’s not working to infuse tech marketing with more humanity, she can be found researching the intersections of art and science, creativity and data, and communication and innovation.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage storytelling to make your marketing resonate with your audience and build a successful consulting business that can change the way technology is perceived and utilized.
Jessica and I discuss:
- How Jessica’s passion for writing and storytelling shaped her career [00:01:59]
- The pivotal moment that led her to entrepreneurship [00:04:11]
- Her approach to creating high-performing content for tech companies [00:08:18]
- The role of storytelling in establishing customer connection [00:11:14]
- Jessica’s advice for corporate refugees on using storytelling in their businesses [00:13:56]
- The significance of community in Jessica’s entrepreneurial success [00:22:18]
Learn more about Jessica at https://www.horizonpeakconsulting.com/jessica/.
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How to Leverage Writing into Business Success Beyond Law Featuring Erica Holthausen
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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Enlist now for privileged access to select, succinct guidance from our podcast professionals – a single click is all that stands between you and your successful journey!
How to Transform Selling into an Authentic Success Featuring Nikki Rausch
As the CEO of Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch possesses a unique ability to transform the often misunderstood process of “selling.”
With over 25 years of experience in selling, Nikki is now hired by entrepreneurs and small business owners who seek her expertise to learn how to sell successfully and authentically.
Nikki is the author of three books, all of which are available on Amazon. She also hosts the podcast Sales Maven, which can be found on your favorite podcast platform.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you’ll discover the nuances of NLP in sales and learn how to use these techniques to boost your business.
Nikki and I discuss:
- The pivotal moment that led her into entrepreneurship [00:02:52]
- How NLP transformed her approach to sales and communication [00:11:42]
- The importance of treating your business as a separate entity for sales success [00:10:13]
- Turning the discomfort of change into an opportunity for growth [00:21:50]
- The strategies that helped her pivot from a lavish lifestyle to a savvy entrepreneur [00:07:02]
- Nikki’s continued investment in personal and professional development [00:19:00]
Learn more about Nikki at:
https://www.facebook.com/yoursalesmaven/
https://www.instagram.com/your_sales_maven/
https://yoursalesmaven.com/podcast
https://yoursalesmaven.com/smashing
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