Lyndsay Dowd is a speaker, founder, author, coach, podcast host, and disruptor. She is an accomplished leader and decorated seller who has successfully managed large, diverse, high-performing sales teams over the last 25 years, 23 of which were spent climbing the ranks at IBM. Lyndsay was also a featured guest lecturer at Harvard University.

In creating her company, Heartbeat for Hire, she has devoted her career to transforming leadership by building irresistible cultures and implementing modern leadership practices to achieve the best results from teams. She has been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, Authority Magazine, ABC, NBC, FOX, and more than 90 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time author of both “Top Down Culture” and a contributing author to the anthology “Voices of Women.” She also hosts the globally ranked podcast, Heartbeat for Hire, which is in the top 5%, and is a frequent guest speaker on live and recorded shows.

Today, she is the Chief Revenue Officer for Intry, where they are merging the best of technology with the best of humanity to help job seekers and those in transition land the jobs of their dreams.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship and build a successful business model with your expertise.

Lyndsay and I discuss:

• Lyndsay’s journey from IBM to entrepreneurship [02:01]
• The inspiration behind Heartbeat for Hire [04:14]
• How to build a culture that drives results [05:46]
• Strategies for effective leadership in today’s world [08:35]
• The importance of investing in yourself during transitions [09:15]
• How she became a speaker [10:20]
• The role of community in personal and professional growth [16:15]
• Insights from her forthcoming book [21:11]

Learn more about Lyndsay at:

https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdH4H

https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H

https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9asGvE8Ks4XjR2UNwNmKDw

https://heartbeatforhire.com/

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Unlock a treasure trove of exclusive strategy tips from our gurus – take the first step toward mastering your success with just one click!

She has an innate curiosity, which she has leveraged to build business relationships and teaches others how to do the same. Her passion lies in working with people who want to grow their businesses through relationship marketing and networking—and she accomplishes this using both online and offline strategies. LinkedIn training is a significant part of Janice’s business. She believes that all business professionals need to have a magnetic LinkedIn profile and that LinkedIn is THE platform for attracting new clients, strategic partners, and referrals.

Staying connected and nurturing relationships come next, and Janice shows clients how to implement a “tangible touch” follow-up system to achieve that.

Janice truly values the friendships and business relationships she cultivates, and when she meets someone new, she is always thinking, “How may I support you?”

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage your relationships and effectively use LinkedIn to expand your professional network.

Janice and I discuss:

• Janice’s journey from teaching to entrepreneurship [01:18]
• The challenges she faced transitioning to self-employment [02:47]
• The importance of networking and follow-up [06:54]
• How Janice utilized the Chamber of Commerce for business growth [09:20]
• The role of LinkedIn in building relationships [10:36]
• Strategies for effective communication on LinkedIn [13:44]
• The significance of consistency in social media engagement [20:32]
• How to protect and nurture your community connections [21:57]

Learn more about Janice at www.janiceporter.com and connect with her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/janice-porter.

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Sign up today to unlock exclusive insights and bite-sized strategies from our experts—your journey to mastering success is just a click away!

Jane Wesman is the creative force behind the public relations agency that bears her name. An expert in book marketing and publicity, she is the author of Dive Right In – The Sharks Won’t Bite: The Entrepreneurial Woman’s Guide to Success, which has been called “a clear and concise blueprint for the tasks of operating a business” by The New York Times. Wesman is a hands-on strategist who is deeply involved in every project that her company undertakes.

Her articles on marketing and entrepreneurship have appeared in such media outlets as CEO World, American Bookseller, Inc., and entrepreneur.com. Wesman served as President of the New York City chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners for four years and is currently on the board of the Women’s Media Group. Her videos about book publicity and marketing can be viewed on YouTube at Book Marketing Pro.

Jane and I discuss:

• The top challenges faced by corporate refugees transitioning into entrepreneurship [02:33]
• How to clearly define your service offerings [04:13]
• The importance of finding and understanding your niche [04:54]
• Strategies for building a targeted marketing plan [08:38]
• The role of cash flow in sustaining your business [10:04]
• Creative ways to structure your service offerings [12:20]
• The impact of AI on consulting practices [15:30]
• The value of community support for entrepreneurs [20:01]

Learn more about Jane at https://www.wesmanpr.com.

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Don’t miss out! Subscribe now for insider tips and expert strategies from our podcast—your ticket to success is just one click away!

Jason Resnick helps Course Creators, Digital Product Creators, and Coaches double their revenue from their email lists in 90 days without using email as a blunt tool to broadcast to everyone. This approach addresses the unclear path they have for converting subscribers into customers, allowing them, as business owners, to build a business designed around the life they want to live.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage email marketing to create sustainable business growth.

Jason and I discuss:

• Jason’s journey from web developer to email marketing expert [01:50]
• The importance of aligning your business with your lifestyle goals [03:40]
• How to build genuine connections with your audience through email [06:45]
• Common pitfalls in email marketing that entrepreneurs face [09:10]
• Techniques for optimizing email campaigns for better results [12:45]
• The role of community in building your business [17:10]
• Jason’s philosophy on saying no to projects [18:19]
• Tips for nurturing your email list effectively [20:38]

Learn more about Jason at https://nurturekit.co/13pt-checklist?utm_campaign=stress-free-signup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=smashing_the_plateau&utm_content=feb

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Sign up today for exclusive insights and concise strategies with just a click away!

Jeannie Dougherty is a money expert and mental fitness guide who can help you rewire your money brain and make your money work for you.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to break free from stressful money cycles and harness a positive money mindset.

Jeannie and I discuss:

• The power of believing you are more than your money [00:00:24]
• Understanding the emotional aspects of financial decisions [00:03:03]
• The concept of the “money brain” and its impact on behavior [00:07:02]
• Practical steps to change your financial narrative [00:09:06]
• The importance of taking actionable steps to improve cash flow [00:10:28]
• Shattering your own glass ceiling in business [00:12:55]
• Building a supportive community for financial success [00:18:21]
• Jeannie’s mission with the caregiver conference [00:20:43]

Learn more about Jeannie at https://globalmoneycoach.com.

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community  

Subscribe today for insider access to focused strategy tips from our podcast guests – take the leap towards success with a simple click!

Scott went from being gainfully employed to bankrupt to experiencing a breakthrough. In 2015, after 27 years of top-level leadership in a national multimillion-dollar family business, the door slammed shut, and Scott found himself a 50-year-old without a career. After a period of dark days and months, he knew he had to rebuild and rediscover his identity. Through trial and error, mistakes, and victories, Scott became proficient at problem-solving and executing a plan.

He began to experience the joy of his newly discovered freedom. He is doing what he loves and earning a living doing it. This experience has given Scott a unique vantage point to understand the life of business owners or executives who are facing a transition in their careers and don’t know what their next act looks like.

Scott has dedicated his hero’s journey to helping others transition from executive to freelancer. He has honed the skills and methodology to reach clarity more quickly and accelerate progress.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to break free from living by default and design a fulfilling life.

Scott and I discuss:

• Scott’s journey from gainfully employed to bankrupt to breakthrough [01:36]
• The impact of the 2008 financial collapse on his career [03:12]
• Discovering the importance of identity beyond career roles [05:45]
• How to transition from living by default to living by design [07:58]
• The six hallmarks of a fantastic fourth quarter [10:02]
• Strategies for iterating and executing a new life plan [12:34]
• The role of community in navigating transitions [15:10]
• Tips for finding the right support network [18:25]

Learn more about Scott at https://www.servingstrong.com/join.

Thank you to our sponsor:  

The Smashing the Plateau Community  

Subscribe today for exclusive insights and practical strategies– your path to success is just a click away!

Jahmaal Marshall is a corporate wellness advocate and leader who reshapes work cultures to prioritize mental health. With a 12-year track record, he equips executives and HR professionals with strategies to combat burnout and stress, teaching them how to have more energy and increase their focus and drive to thrive both professionally and personally. 

Through consulting and coaching programs, Jahmaal addresses deep-seated challenges such as constant stress, feelings of doubt, worry, and work-life imbalance. His solutions foster healthier work environments, yielding more present, energized employees and a more robust bottom line for the company.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to create a supportive workplace culture that prioritizes mental health.

• His early career and the progression to a corporate wellness advocate [00:01:55]
• The impact of personal experiences on his professional mission [00:03:09]
• Transitioning from government work to in-depth counseling [00:04:10]
• The signs of overworking and its long-term effects on health [00:07:07]
• The development of his Rewire and Renew framework [00:08:39]
• How personal crises influenced his professional perspective [00:09:17]
• The transformative effect of setting boundaries in professional life [00:15:37]
• His approach to content creation and community building on LinkedIn [00:12:15]

Learn more about Jahmaal at:

(Burnout Mini-Course): https://jahmaalmarshall.podia.com/https-jahmaalmarshallpodiacom-the-burnout-mini-course?coupon=SMASHTHEPLAT2025

(Discovery Call): https://calendly.com/listenthenspeak/30min 

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community  

Sign up today for premium access to expertly curated, succinct strategy tips– your pathway to success starts with a simple click!

Alison Ver Halen majored in English and Psychology without realizing she was obtaining the perfect degree for content marketing. It wasn’t until a few years after she graduated, when a family friend asked her to write blog posts for his law firm, that she realized she could make money doing what she loves. 

Fast forward to today, and Alison is still writing blog posts, as well as website landing pages and emails. She also integrates SEO and marketing strategy into the content she writes to give her clients the best chance of attracting, engaging, and converting their ideal clients.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transform your passion for writing into a successful business.

Alison and I discuss:

• How Alison stumbled into content marketing as a career [01:54]
• The importance of talking about your passion [02:05]
• Finding your community and networking effectively [03:38]
• The evolution of Alison’s business model [06:01]
• The significance of SEO and marketing strategy in content creation [09:11]
• How to track what works and what doesn’t in your business [10:31]
• The role of consistent content creation in building trust [13:00]
• Tips for professionals struggling with content creation [14:54]
• The importance of distribution channels for your content [16:21]
• Alison’s approach to leveraging YouTube and podcasts [18:00]

Learn more about Alison at:

https://avwritingservices.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@alisonverhalencontentmarketer

https://www.amazon.com/Content-Marketing-Made-Alison-Halen-ebook/dp/B09YL7K6XY/ref=sr_1_9

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community  

Subscribe for exclusive strategy advice from our podcast guests – transform your path to success with just one click!

Tammy Gooler Loeb is an executive leadership and career coach, speaker, and facilitator with expertise in leadership, team development, organizational culture, communication, and career transitions. For over two decades, she has enjoyed supporting clients across a wide variety of sectors and industries.

Tammy is the author of the award-winning book, Work from the Inside Out: Break Through Nine Common Obstacles and Design a Career That Fulfills You. She hosts a biweekly podcast, Work from the Inside Out, featuring professionals who have transitioned their careers to more meaningful and satisfying work.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to redefine career success and find happiness in your professional life.

Tammy and I discuss:

• The evolving definitions of career success and happiness [02:34]
• The impact of remote and hybrid work on career fulfillment [03:29]
• How to find balance between personal and professional lives [05:10]
• The importance of control over work environments [06:51]
• Challenges faced by new leaders in today’s organizations [10:27]
• Strategies for finding support in leadership roles [13:15]
• The value of community in overcoming leadership challenges [19:00]

Learn more about Tammy at:

https://www.instagram.com/tammygoolerloeb/

https://www.facebook.com/TammyGL/

Thank you to our sponsor:  

The Smashing the Plateau Community  

Join now for exclusive access to curated, brief strategic tips from our podcast professionals – transforming your path to success is only a click away!

John Neral is an executive and career transition coach who helps mid-career professionals find a job they love or learn to love the job they have. He is also an author, speaker, and host of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast. When he’s not working, John is a professional bowler who continues to compete on the PBA Regional Tour.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the importance of storytelling and stability for career advancement in a rapidly evolving job market.

John and I discuss:

• The current challenges facing mid-career professionals [02:05]
• Why stability is a primary concern in today’s economy [04:48]
• The importance of telling your story effectively [06:30]
• How to use evidence-based metrics to demonstrate your value [08:15]
• Techniques for keeping interviewers engaged [11:10]
• Strategies for leveraging your network effectively [14:20]
• The significance of personal boundaries for professional well-being [17:35]

Learn more about John at:

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnneral/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@johnneralcoaching

Instagram – https://instagram.com/johnneralcoaching

Thank you to our sponsor:  

The Smashing the Plateau Community  

Join us now for exclusive access to carefully curated, concise strategies from our podcast experts – take the first step toward your success with just one click!

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant serving SMBs and entrepreneurs based in New Jersey, USA. As a thought leader, Philip shares his expertise in marketing, design, and entrepreneurship on YouTube to his 295k subscribers, in the Brand•Muse newsletter, the Bonfire mastermind community, and on the Brand Design Masters podcast.

Philip has led creative teams in both global branding agencies and global corporations — serving as VP of Design for PepsiCo and Old Navy, and as Executive Creative Director at the iconic branding firm Landor Associates. Past clients include a host of Fortune 100 companies.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will discover how to navigate significant career changes and master the art of branding from a seasoned expert. 

Philip and I discuss:

• His reflections on what he might have done differently in his career [00:00]
• How he transitioned from a corporate role to entrepreneurship [02:13]
• The concept of career being more like a web than a ladder [02:52]
• Starting out in branding and the progression to where he is now [03:42]
• The importance of experiential learning over formal education in some fields [04:58]
• Dealing with imposter syndrome and the fear of uncertainty [06:18]
• The shift from working in real life to digital environments and adapting to new technologies [08:42]
• Advice for corporate refugees transitioning to their ventures [10:02]
• Establishing credibility and authority when starting new [11:39]
• The vital role of community in supporting career transitions [12:35]
• The importance of visual branding and consistency across platforms [14:01]
• How to start building a personal brand even before fully defining your services [16:35]
• Exploring the potential of digital content to attract and retain clients [21:06]

Learn more about Philip VanDusen:

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BONFIRE MASTERMIND:

https://philipvandusen.com.com/bonfire

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER 

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

LINKEDIN

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

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Gain immediate access to exclusive, streamlined strategy advice from our podcast experts by subscribing now – your journey to success is just one click away!

Jon Leland has been a media innovator for over 40 years, including serving as the founding director of creative services for the USA cable TV network. He has led video production and creative services companies for over 30 years. 

Currently, Jon is the host and producer of the Video Mojo video podcast and the creative director of the boutique marketing agency ComBridges, which delivers content, social media, and video marketing services, as well as AI creativity consulting. Jon’s passion is supporting people in living more creatively and joyfully through his latest venture, the Creativity Sandbox Community.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the critical role of community and networking in sustaining a business, and how AI can be harnessed to fuel creativity and innovation.

Jon and I discuss:

• His journey from an employee to a media innovator and entrepreneur [00:21]
• How community and networking supported his career transition [03:48]
• The critical role of AI in creativity and marketing today [06:36]
• The evolution of his business and the multiple pivots over the years [08:01]
• The concept of “following the juice” and finding your passion [18:04]
• How to harness AI effectively for creative processes [18:29]
• Advice for corporate refugees looking to start their own business [24:08]

Learn more about Jon at https://play.combridges.com.

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Get exclusive access now to carefully selected, concise strategy insights from our podcast experts – one click can set you on the path to success.

Blair began his career in New York at the HarperCollins Speakers Bureau, a business he never knew existed. From there, he had the privilege of leading the Hachette and Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureaus for GTN (now UTA Speakers), before moving west to work with Keith Ferrazzi (author of “Never Eat Alone”). He served as his chief of staff for over three years and learned how keynote speaking can be strategically positioned for corporate coaching and consulting while also studying at UCLA Anderson.

After a few temporary roles during his last year of business school, he returned to the Speakers Bureau world post-graduation. However, after signing and establishing talent, growing and scaling valuable assets and businesses for bosses with nothing to show for it after leaving, he had had enough.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about the intricacies of the speakers bureau industry and how to leverage speaking engagements for business growth and personal success.

Blair and I discuss:

• His journey from working at traditional speakers bureaus to founding his own firm [00:21]
• What initially drew him to the speakers bureau industry [01:49]
• The business model behind speakers bureaus and how they operate [03:00]
• His decision to pursue an MBA and how it influenced his career [04:11]
• The challenges of working under restrictive leadership and the push towards entrepreneurship [07:50]
• The strategic positioning of keynote speaking in business development [00:43]
• How his business model differs from traditional speakers bureaus and the focus on holistic client management [11:18]
• Advice for corporate refugees on leveraging speaking engagements [13:39]

Learn more about Blair at https://calendly.com/bbn-cm/new-client-call.

Thank you to Our Sponsors:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Connect with us for insightful strategy tips from our experts, designed to help you master your success journey effortlessly.

Philippa Levenberg is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Sable Strategy, a senior-level strategic communications firm specializing in PR and reputation management for corporations, nonprofits, and trade associations. The firm was recently named to Inc. Magazine’s 2024 “Best in Business” list. Philippa’s career has focused on leveraging digital, social, and paid media strategies to build employer brands, develop thought leadership programs, engage advocates, navigate crises, and shape policy outcomes. 

Prior to founding Sable, she led and grew digital media practices and products at several agencies, including a leading global public affairs firm within Publicis Groupe. She is based in the D.C. area.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage your experiences to build a resilient business and lead with impact in the evolving landscape of public relations.

Philippa and I discuss:

• Why resilience is key in entrepreneurship [00:00]
• How Philippa’s bi-continental life shaped her approach to business [02:12]
• Transitioning from journalism to PR and the evolution of media [03:07]
• The importance of digital and social media strategy in crisis communication [04:33]
• The flawed model of big agency PR and the creation of Sable Strategy [05:44]
• Empowering women in the workplace and the importance of senior-level consultancy [07:22]
• The role of partnerships in entrepreneurship and the support systems that matter [10:21]
• Lessons from the initial months of starting Sable Strategy and recognizing opportunities [10:59]
• The impact of COVID-19 on women in the workforce and entrepreneurship [21:44]

Learn more about Philippa and her work at https://www.sablestrategy.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippalevenberg/.

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community 

Register now for exclusive access to our concise, expert-curated strategy tips from podcast professionals—your shortcut to success is just one click away!

Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, workshop leader, and award-winning author and podcaster on a mission to change goal culture both inside and outside the workplace. As the creator of 

The DEB Method for simplified goal-setting, Debra works with individuals, teams, and businesses on personal and professional projects, networking strategies, and book proposal development. She hosts the GoalChatLive/GoalChat and Taste Buds with Deb podcasts and is the author of “Your Goal Guide” and “52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.”

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how Debra Erling, a goal strategist, workshop leader, and award-winning author and podcaster, has developed a systematic approach to setting and achieving goals in both personal and professional spheres.

Debra and I discuss:

• How Debra’s journey in corporate communications led her to her current role as a goal strategist [00:38]
• The common pitfalls professionals encounter in goal setting and how to overcome them [01:01]
• Debra’s DEB Method for goal setting simplified and how it can align your personal and professional aspirations [01:25]
• The importance of having personal goals in the workplace and how it contributes to overall fulfillment [06:50]
• The steps to correctly set goals using the DEB Method: Determine your Mission, Explore your Options, Brainstorm your Path [09:38]
• How networking and building community play crucial roles in achieving one’s goals and in business development [16:23]
• The impact of having multiple roles and identities on professional growth and networking [04:36]

Learn more about Debra at:

https://52Secretsbook.com

https://thedebmethod.com/blog

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Goal-Guide-Planning-Achieving/dp/1642501506

https://www.amazon.com/52-Secrets-Goal-Setting-Goal-Getting-Focused/dp/168481717X

https://youtube.com/@thedebmethod

https://linkedin.com/in/coastbunny

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Join now for exclusive entry to our handpicked, concise strategic advice from podcast experts – master your path to success with just one click.

Liz Steblay is sometimes referred to as “the Yoda of solopreneur success.” She isn’t small, green, or ancient, but she has mentored thousands of self-employed professionals, helping them realize their dreams of becoming solo entrepreneurs. With decades of experience in building her own solopreneur career, including the creation of two thriving businesses that serve independent consultants, Liz recently published her bestselling book, “Succeeding as a Solopreneur: Six Keys for Taking the Leap, Winning Clients, and Building Wealth.”

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the essential keys to success as a solopreneur, including how to conquer fears, build thriving client relationships, and effectively set your consulting rates.

Liz and I discuss:

• The importance of pedigree and confidence in setting consulting rates [02:04]
• How Liz transitioned from corporate employment to successful self-employment [02:57]
• The significance of proactive outreach and maintaining relationships [03:18]
• Key strategies to vanquish fear, uncertainty, and doubt as a solopreneur [04:35]
• The importance of being known for something specific within your field [10:14]
• How to negotiate and present your rates confidently [07:59]
• The crucial role of professional setup and appearance in consulting success [15:45]
• Strategies for effective taxation and wealth building for solopreneurs [21:00]

Learn more about Liz and her work at http://www.SixKeys.info and http://www.IndependentConsulting.org.

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Subscribe immediately to receive exclusive access to streamlined, precise strategy advice from our podcast experts – one click is all it takes to begin mastering your success journey!

Dr. Carla Fowler is an MD, PhD, and elite executive coach. For the last decade, she has been a secret weapon for scores of CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other senior leaders. Carla’s unique approach combines the latest research in 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 make bold career transitions, leverage your existing skills in new ways, and maximize your performance through strategic coaching.

Carla and I discuss:

• Her early realization that the traditional medical career path wasn’t for her [00:02:19]
• The critical role of challenges and how they shaped her career decisions [00:02:57]
• Insights into her transition from medicine to elite executive coaching [00:05:37]
• The importance of autonomy and designing a multifaceted life [00:05:10]
• How she navigated the early days of establishing a coaching practice [00:17:26]
• The strategic decisions not to pursue further formal education in coaching [00:12:45]
• Techniques for building a successful personal business and brand [00:20:21]
• The value of networking and personal connections in business development [00:17:26]

Learn more about Carla at https://www.thaxa.com/p/smashing-the-plateau.

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Secure your subscription today for exclusive access to tightly curated strategy advice from our podcast experts – start mastering your success journey with a single click.

Holly Jean Jackson is a Revenue and Performance Consultant, Speaker, Podcast Host, Author, and founder of Business Builder Throw Down. Her career spans technology, communications, organizational change, public relations, and content strategy.

She has dedicated over 12 years to helping business leaders get their groove back physically, mentally, and emotionally. She led a Local to Global Policy Initiative to influence future leaders’ impact on communities. Fun Fact: Holly played first chair clarinet at Carnegie Hall and is a black belt in karate.

In her Peak Performance Blueprint, she takes a holistic and logistical approach to success. After all, one can’t have massive success in business without a life of equal or greater success.

Business owners hire her to master the art and science of real success because most lack direction, action, and results. She helps define and design a business roadmap for impactful visibility, intentional profitability, and endless sustainability.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from corporate instability to building a successful consulting business through resilience and strategic community building.

Holly and I discuss:

• What led Holly to start her own business [01:26]
• Why top performers get laid off [02:13]
• The difference between being a consultant and an employee [04:45]
• How to find and refine your niche [06:55]
• The importance of defining success on your own terms [10:59]
• How to tactically and financially prepare for a business transition [14:12]
• The role of community in achieving business success [16:16]

Learn more about Holly 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

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community  

Join now for privileged access to expertly curated strategy advice from our podcast specialists – your journey to mastering success is only a click away.

Kellan is the ultimate alchemist for entrepreneurial growth, a bestselling author of 20 books, and the founder of “Your Ultimate Life.” Kellan helps entrepreneurs move mountains, melt barriers, and mobilize superpowers to achieve their dreams.

Kellan’s personal journey includes battles with depression and addiction. Now, he is committed to helping 300 million people create income and impact in the world by discovering, developing, and serving with their skills, gifts, and life experiences.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to integrate purpose, prosperity, and joy to live your ultimate life.

Kellan and I discuss:

• His journey from personal challenges to ultimate life success [00:58]
• The role of money in creating impact [04:49]
• Dispelling common myths about wealth [05:14]
• Harnessing personal skills, gifts, and life experiences [08:31]
• The power of consistency over content [13:01]
• Strategies for overcoming self-doubt [13:59]
• Kellan’s daily proactive practices [17:35]
• How community enhances growth and success [22:43]

Learn more about Kellan at https://kellanfluckigermedia.com and https://yourultimatelife.ca.

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community  

Subscribe to receive thoughtful, strategic insights from our podcast experts—your next step toward success is just a click away.

Dr. Corinna Freitag is an Executive Coach, Advisor, and Speaker with over 30 years of expertise in natural and human sciences, spanning university, industry, and continuing education. She coaches STEM professionals to overcome workplace challenges so that they look forward to Mondays again. 

She holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and is certified as an Executive Coach. She has lived in different countries and worked globally for over 18 years in the automotive and chemical industries, in various positions with colleagues ranging from the shop floor to Senior Vice Presidents.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from the corporate world to a fulfilling career in coaching.

Corinna and I discuss:

• What led Corinna to become a coach [03:01]
• How Corinna integrated her scientific and human skills [04:34]
• Her experiences transitioning to self-employment [06:03]
• Challenges faced while building her own business [07:43]
• Who her ideal clients are [07:30]
• Strategies for breaking patterns that hold professionals back [08:47]
• The role of positive intelligence in coaching [09:27]
• Her personal growth and learning journey [06:53]
• Advice for others considering a career transition [13:20]

Learn more about Corinna at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcorinnafreitag/; http://www.corinnafreitag.de ; http://www.calendly.com/corinnafreitag/60min ; https://www.positiveintelligence.com/.

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Subscribe immediately for unique access to expertly crafted, concise strategy tips—your success journey is just a click away.

Jessica Lackey is a strategy and operations advisor who blends business strategy, practical application, and a human-centric approach to create sustainable businesses. With a background in corporate leadership, McKinsey & Company consulting, and a Harvard Business degree, Jessica knows a thing or two about hustle culture and what it feels like to judge success by the bottom line at all costs.

Now, she combines her deep experience in consulting, Fortune 500 operations leadership, and coaching to help businesses grow without sacrificing the well-being of their clients, team, and community.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a sustainable business without sacrificing wellbeing.

Jessica and I discuss:

• Jessica’s journey from corporate to entrepreneurship [02:07]
• The concept of enterprise thinking [02:58]
• Jessica’s career transition to life coaching [06:05]
• The role of relationships in business success [10:32]
• Challenges in the first and second years of a new business [19:40]
• The power of community connections [22:23]

Learn more about Jessica at:

Website: https://www.jessicalackey.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicalackey_consulting/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lackey/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jslackey

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community  

Unlock exclusive strategy insights by subscribing now—our podcast experts have mastered your journey to success, just a click away!