In today’s episode you will hear my reflections on what it takes to be successful when you leave your job and start your own consulting business.

We are pausing Going Solo. We are continuing to produce weekly episodes of Smashing the Plateau, sharing stories, strategies and resources to help you build your consulting business after a long career as an employed professional.

Laura created a business that was in alignment with her own values and took advantage of her strengths.

Rock Robinson is an accomplished Sales Executive with 40 years of achievement growing revenue with the likes of McGraw-Hill, Sallie Mae, Stericycle & the Univ. of Phoenix.

Rock developed a framework for developing new relationships that can open up fabulous opportunities.

Learn more about them here:

Laura Rotter: https://trueabundanceadvisors.com/

Rock Robinson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockrobinson9

In todays’ episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how a 12-minute-a-day technique creates success.

John and I discuss:

• What happened when John turned 50 [00:34]
• How to take control of your life and make money [06:28]
• Actions you can take that will produce your desired financial results [08:55]
• Focusing on the bottom line [13:04]

John’s technique caused his own income to go to $5 million a year, after 20 years of low six figures a year.

You can learn more about John and get access to a private podcast that lays out his technique by texting AUTOPILOT to 55444.

You can also find John at: 

https://thinkitbeit.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mitchell-76483654/

• The words drive the business [03:51]
• How to avoid running into a cash crunch [06:33]
• You can’t budget for something if you don’t know what that something is [11:07]
• Research tip: there is no substitute for talking to people [17:05]
• The sources and uses of funds [21:14]

• There’s more to life than just a job and a desk [02:00]
• A podcast that’s beyond retirement [04:15]
• We can make more money but we can’t make more time [07:50]
• The challenges of creating your own structure [10:24]
• The thin line between freedom and responsibility [12:53]
• When you finally find out what you want to do with your time [15:20]
• What to do when income is not part of the equation [17:49]

• A business with training wheels [02:09]
• If you can’t make a movie about it, then you don’t really have a life [05:51]
• A funny way of God humbling you after a great success [07:35]
• The pros and cons of the franchise business [10:34]
• The synergy of a franchise network [12:57]
• What makes a good franchise candidate [14:49]
• How to find a consulting franchise that supports your goals [17:36]
• Reasons not to buy a franchise [20:39]

• When fear of success is stronger than fear of failure [02:00]
• The most important aspect of a resume [06:02]
• Transforming resumes while transforming personalities [10:43]
• How to better take the lows for what they are [13:12]
• Chipping away blocks bit by bit [15:50]
• You can’t be everything to everybody [17:28]
• Where to find your tribe in terms of colleagues [19:55]

We discuss:

• What keeps people stuck in their day job [02:09]
• How to know when it’s time to jump [03:43]
• Secrets to getting your online business work [08:04]
• Why it’s crucial to share content that shows your expertise [10:27]
• Reasons why people don’t share content before selling [12:58]
• How to get over the fear of talking to people you don’t know [14:20]
• How to know if you have a good process for starting a business [16:12]
• Use your job to quit your job [17:55]

It’s Jake’s mission to start a new online business every year and share everything behind the scenes through his books, Podcast, and Blog so that new entrepreneurs can learn from Jake’s mistakes, understand the struggles of starting a new business, and find the path to entrepreneurial success.

Learn more about Jake at https://theentrepreneurridealong.com/. 

• Flipping the way leadership development is done [02:08]
• Starting your own business versus starting one for other people [06:30]
• Why your first client could be your last employer [09:18]
• A skillset to discover yourself as a leader [14:57]
• How to align your market’s needs with your vision [20:34]

• A twiddling faith that makes you doubt yourself [02:05]
• Why a sabbatical rather than changing organizations as an employee [06:38]
• Four methodologies to bring social change [09:33]
• A training tailored to fit reality [11:15]
• How to support your lifestyle while going through a self-reflective process [15:48]
• Wash me but don’t use water [18:36]

• No more jerks at work [02:22]
• How to run a really well-oiled machine as a business [06:36]
• A temporary CEO: from mess to maintenance [09:46]
• What helps when a client does not want to end a relationship [11:19]
• Not the best case of monkey see, monkey do [15:22]
• The dividing line between the consultative sale and consultative delivery [20:21]
• What to do in the sales process when you’re not getting paid [22:32]

• Not a shrink but a stretch [02:36]
• Marketing a company versus marketing yourself [07:27]
• A roadmap for how consultants work with clients [11:46]
• LPGA questions to explore your clients’ needs [16:28]
• How to change your self-talk to overcome objections [18:48]
• A lesson from a Henry Ford’s neighbor [22:05]
• A world safe for straight talk skills [24:00]

• The moment you learn to take a nap on your desk [01:47]
• The signs of a toxic workplace culture [03:46]
• Why you shouldn’t piss off a Wall Street research analyst [07:39]
• Traveling as a means to get out of a freak-out mode [09:27]
• The importance of shifting your focus from earning money [13:37]
• Work smarter, not harder [16:16]
• Why game stoppers are worth the money [21:06]

• Know your team and take care of their welfare [02:20]
• How to keep the boat close enough [08:47]
• The two things that give you credibility [10:27]
• The first conversation to have before going solo [17:09]
• The best time to jump and go full time in your own business [19:17]
• How to integrate the eleven shields of the leadership Phalanx into your career journey [21:12]
• How [not] to set yourself up for failure [23:27]

• Entrepreneurship as a sense of calling [02:22]
• A journey to what unity means [04:56]
• What happens to teams that can’t deal with diversity [08:43]
• The results of having purpose aspiration [11:56]
• Threads of ways to deliver your offerings to an audience [13:40]
• How to make an analysis of what business model to follow [17:13]
• How to move yourself back into an objective lens [19:54]
• Clarity: the number one advice for anyone considering transition [21:29]

• Opportunities find you when you are ready for them [02:26]
• How to get over the things that slow us down during a transition [04:22]
• How to build confidence when going on your own [07:24]
• Investing in yourself can come in many different ways [09:20]
• How to stay connected after leaving the corporate world [12:33]
• How to align your business life with your new destination [17:13]
• The key elements to having longevity without being burnt out [19:18]

• Mourning the future that won’t be [04:44]
• How to go from denial to acceptance [07:50]
• Bargaining: stuck in the middle with yourself [10:34]
• What makes the best credibility for a consultant [15:58]
• The reason why a large percent of M&A fail [19:00]
• How being on a quest can help you overcome grief [20:36]

• Finding a way to a happier place at work [02:53]
• What it means to work from the inside out [04:20]
• The experience of more life [06:13]
• Fear and excitement often feel the same way [14:12]
• How to avoid thinking in extremes when feeling afraid [17:07]
• Why going external makes people hear what you say [19:20]
• Possibility does exist at every age and situation [22:18]

• What it was like 2 years ago [02:54]
• How to know you’ve done a great job on a video call [04:11]
• Tricks to get people turn their video on during a call [07:02]
• How to duplicate yourself successfully [10:02]
• How get instant results from online courses [13:50]
• A labor of love: the process of course creation [16:04]
• The growing need to hire the right people [20:54]

• A slowly dripping tap of career dissatisfaction [02:58]
• Feeling brave until you start feeling stupid [05:31]
• The state of modern mid-life crisis [09:27]
• A formula for a lifetime of satisfying work [12:00]
• Ways to learn before you experiment and try [15:03]
• Using your superpowers to get paid more to use your superpowers [16:44]
• How people make themselves look average [19:01]
• A lovely 50/50 split [20:56]
• How to change your career in the next 10 minutes [22:44]

• Addicted to being busy and proving you could do it [02:35]
• The one more thing that would make you happier [08:33]
• The control to completely overload yourself [10:26]
• Longing for all the reasonable elements of a career life [14:37]
• Five intentions to follow when choosing a project to work on [16:38]
• The open mind is the only kind [18:26]
• Ways to monetize your experience [21:17]

• How fractional leadership is easing the frog-kissing process [02:23]
• The three main factors why fractional leadership is exploding more now [07:10]
• The means to help you be the center of gravity [13:28]
• Prevalent budgeting models for fractional leaders [16:16]
• Who is fractional leadership for [19:55]

• Jumping from a great job into the great unknown [02:00]
• How to start making a pathway to becoming successful [03:20]
• If you can’t bring in new business, you’re not running a business [07:58]
• The only direction to go in is success [11:00]
• Anything but the truth [13:48]
• Why getting referrals is much easier than direct communication [15:50]
• The benefits of a 90-minute workshop versus a week-long [17:45]

• The queen of transitions [02:36]
• How to deal with the glass ceiling effect [04:02]
• A psychological battle of wills [07:00]
• Freeing up time and capacity for innovation [10:14]
• How to move forward when things get tough [13:09]
• How to manage the cycle of your energy [15:16]
• Employees are the greatest innovators in the world [19:58]
• The things to learn before you start pitching [23:38]

• Trying not to be the best-kept secret in the United States [02:44]
• The structure of Score: where to start when growing a business [06:21]
• Why a consultant can’t be a jack of all trades [09:02]
• Why consultants should be partners as well [12:42]
• The importance of having a good political radar [17:18]
• The three big things consultants can do that employees can’t [21:15]
• Out there lonely with the worst demons [25:11]

• The difference between having a choice and having an obligation [02:31]
• A narrative of self-efficacy [05:44]
• The type of motivation that is better than others [06:50]
• How to understand your unique character strengths [11:16]
• The number one regret people have [12:54]
• The clarity that makes everything flow in the same direction [18:07]
• Why saying no is a much more important decision than saying yes [22:57]

• How to be resilient in the face of major career challenges [02:42]
• The path to adding meaning somewhere to somebody’s life [05:48]
• Why involuntary exit is more prevalent than many people think [08:16]
• The first 24 hours of being fired [10:06]
• The people who will not add drama to your trauma [12:58]
• Longer than you think: stages of grieving in children [15:48]
• The biggest killer of a new business [19:55]
• The thrill of not hearing from your clients anymore [21:17]

• Lessons from the nonlinearity of careers [02:02]
• The dots that make career transitioning easier [06:11]
• What the business of consulting is [not] about [07:38]
• Focus on acquisition of clients versus focus on delivery [08:48]
• The quickest and fastest way to cash for new consultants [13:10]
• The type of website that consultants need [19:20]

• Struggling with the culture of HR [02:38]
• Why you can’t outsmart your boss [04:52]
• Reasons to quit a job even when you’re the top performer [09:08]
• The number one reason for job dissatisfaction [12:54]
• Life is a blank sheet of paper [14:07]
• The question that nobody, including yourself, asks you [20:26]
• What older generations can learn from millennials [24:10]

We discuss:

• How to springboard into creating opportunities [02:23]
• A few push-ups away from what’s obvious [04:27]
• The opportunity behind offering a multichannel strategy [08:10]
• How to build out and own your priorities across projects and clients [11:09]
• The comfort level with what the 90-day forecast look like [14:43]
• From services to products: a story about expertise [17:19]
• Don’t ride the waves of emotions [19:04]

Learn more about Wayne at https://resonantpixel.co and Twitter.

• How a literature degree can make you unexpectedly successful [02:31]
• Cash is king or cash is queen [05:14]
• The seed of a naming book [07:14]
• How to pitch a name to your family [09:50]
• The biggest problem in naming your business [13:00]
• A pretty good name for a florist [15:33]
• Criteria for choosing the best name for your company [17:54]
• Some of the most interesting names for consulting businesses [20:33]
• The whole point of thinking more widely [22:07]

• The right time to apply for credit [03:24]
• The five questions you need to ask during networking [05:47]
• How to store and save good intelligence [12:22]
• Why even busy solopreneurs should not stop networking [14:52]
• Hamster wheel and burn out as qualifying skills [16:16]
• The need for people who want to coach [18:44]
• Characteristics of a company that wants to coach [20:24]
• Why a coach’s job is never to stay too long [21:58]

• The moment when your services are no longer needed [02:12]
• Ask Uncle Neil why is my hair curly [05:30]
• How to identify a unique need [06:50]
• Communication lessons for scientists and engineers [09:17]
• How to get enough “yesses” for an idea you have [12:04]
• Why people are no longer afraid to move to greener pastures [15:50]
• The hardest part about starting something new [17:34]

• Why everybody is going solo today [03:50]
• The going solo mindset: employer vs worker [07:15]
• Rockstar successes from Covid going forward [10:05]
• The keys to make companies responsive [11:30]
• Unexpected changes as a result of open communication [13:35]
• The hedgehog principle applied to knowledge workers [17:15]
• How to find the true greatness of people [19:15]

We discuss:

• The music in your head [02:12]
• Zero clients, zero business [04:26]
• The second day of a new coaching career [06:11]
• The perspective of your younger self against your older self [11:08]
• The journey from founder to CEO [13:00]
• How to articulate between two niches [15:27]
• Executives who don’t know what their problem is [19:11]
• Keeping your North star in mind [21:50]

Learn more about Alisa at https://www.alisacohn.com/, LinkedIn and Twitter.

We discuss:

• Opportunities are often unexpected [02:13]
• Taking a chance on a career transition [05:18]
• How to be efficient when working for your mom [08:20]
• How to do good work in a damaged system [10:46]
• Feeling like Ben Franklin in Nigeria [12:30]
• Depth before breadth [16:09]
• The perseverance to stay where you’re needed most [18:27]
• Walking off into the sunset [19:55]

Learn more about Dena at www.dreamschoolfoundation.org, Facebook and Instagram.

We discuss:

• Engineers are famous for figuring things out [02:45]
• How to get out of the corporate bubble [06:33]
• How college teaches you to be an employee [11:10]
• A great solution for STEM professionals who want more of their career [13:00]
• Leaving versus staying in the engineering world [15:09]
• The first step to making the external world as great as you want it to be [16:17]
• What rocks the STEM world [18:42]
• Happy people make happy employees [21:02]

Her distinctive background blends life coaching expertise with 12+ years engineering/technology experience in the government, academic, and corporate environments, all within the aerospace sector.

As an Engineering Life Coach, Gina's mission is simple: to help STEM professionals be happy.

Learn more about Gina at https://deliberatedoing.com.

We discuss:

• Paying it forward to women in their 50s [1:55]
• How to make a pivot after taking an 18-year-break from work [03:57]
• An opportunity to take ownership of your career [07:43]
• The key to putting one foot in front of the other when times get tough [10:25]
• Major challenges for women trying to make major pivots [13:47]
• The importance of clarity and confidence in job search [16:45]
• The power of having a story to tell [18:18]
• A step-by-step process to repack yourself [19:53]
• A future talent pipeline for companies [23:15]

Learn more about Judy and Linda at www.EvolveMe.work

We discuss:

• A Monday morning get going meeting [02:48]
• How to go where it’s warm [05:39]
• The dark hallway in-between they never tell you about [06:42]
• How to speed up your recovery from a job loss [13:25]
• Why family is not great in terms of helping someone in their job search [14:58]
• Why women are better storytellers [15:50]
• Promoting oneself while still being in the tunnel space [18:51]
• Why first-time entrepreneurs should aim to use their core value proposition [21:00]

She's helped many job seekers start their own businesses when they realize they would rather be their own boss. Julie ran two non-profits, has an MBA in leadership and graduated from Smith College. She is co-author of the recent book Betrayed by Work: Women’s Stories of Trauma, Healing, and Hope After Being Fired.

Learn more about Julie at https://myrightfitjob.com.

As the owner of GailNow she is a powerhouse connector, strategic brand consultant and keynote speaker.

We discuss:

• Getting ahead of the curve by planning your exit strategy [02:44]
• Listen to the train in the distance [05:37]
• Why having a schedule is key for entrepreneurs [07:11]
• Embracing competition: the value of lifting other people up [09:14]
• How to prequalify prospects that align with your values [12:40]
• Be curious, not judgmental [18:11]
• How to keep the doors open when going to networking events [19:46]
• The tool that will help you move your sales in a virtual world [21:14]

She has developed a niche in Manufacturing Marketing - with a particular focus on moldmaking and automation. She is on the board of the Canadian Association of Mold Makers and works closely with its partner organization, Automate Canada.

She was also nominated in the Top 3 Professional of the Year of the Windsor Essex Chamber Business Excellence Awards.

Learn more about Gail at https://gailnow.com/, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

We discuss:

• Making job search your job [01:21]
• You can’t shoot a target you can’t see [03:02]
• How come the job candidate is unarmed [06:11]
• A back door entry into companies of interest [09:09]
• The best learning is the unexpected one [11:20]
• How people should manage their professional network [14:45]
• Trends in flexible work arrangements [19:07]

Learn more about Bob at www.career.club

We discuss:

• There is more to life than the financial side [02:07]
• A very clear North star [05:54]
• The barriers we hit as employees [07:25]
• The push and pull of being an entrepreneur [08:52]
• Going between ways of being and learning [11:18]
• Braver than you thought [13:35]
• Caution: know when you should start charging [15:33]
• How to be strong in your values [16:27]
• A really good foundation for moving forward [18:03]
• Who do you want to be when you grow up [19:54]

Before starting Strathos, Josepha worked in public service holding various roles at all levels of government. She is a strategic planner, communications specialist, change leader and committed coach.

She lives, learns, and works in Sidney, British Columbia, Canada on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ People.

Learn more about Josepha at https://strathos.ca/.

We discuss:

• What makes it really hard to plan the next move [02:23]
• An introspective experience that helps you do what you do [05:25]
• Why you should say “no” to temporary gigs and interim roles [06:55]
• What to call yourself during the period of self-reflection [09:54]
• The only career decision we will ever make [12:35]
• A massive gap between reality versus structure [14:53]
• Skills hidden in high point stories of achievement [15:47]
• A commitment is not just the hours [19:31]

She’s worked on all sides of the hiring equation. After twenty+ years in recruiting and PR with the same company, she got the itch and jumped to a shiny new dream job. Within weeks she knew she had made a huge mistake.

18 months later, she received a gift in the form of a layoff. She started Avarah Careers in 2014 and hasn’t looked back. Her favorite thing? Helping others figure out what kind of work will make them feel great about getting out of bed in the morning.

Learn more about Sarah at www.avarahcareers.com.

We discuss:

• All of the things you [don’t] want to do [01:38]
• Not necessarily a money maker right up front [04:17]
• Strategy opposed to execution [06:00]
• Why we should be talking about performance day to day [07:51]
• The people who already know they have an opportunity to step up [11:34]
• Rather try it and fail, than not try it at all [12:40]
• What “ready” means for Melissa [14:14]
• Why not be the differentiating thing someone needs [15:28]
• How to deal with feeling insecure about sales [16:18]
• The trap of buying everybody’s course or strategy [17:45]

Learn more about Melissa at https://crimdellconsulting.com/ and LinkedIn.

• The challenges about going solo even when you have figured out the money part [02:37]
• The disturbing feeling of your inbox being empty [05:18]
• The exciting discomfort of starting something new when you’re not 25 anymore [07:13]
• How to pick business areas in growth mode [08:44]
• The thing first-time solopreneurs worry about most [12:28]
• How to start planning growth without having a business yet [14:46]
• A real business or glorified hobby [17:02]

We discuss:

• A mentorship that works both ways [01:58]
• A framework for intergenerational spaces [05:38]
• Splitting energy between a regular job and entrepreneurship [08:48]
• How the people who want to be helped will help you [10:35]
• A baseline of connecting with your audience [12:34]
• The challenges of systematic ageism in the job market [15:16]
• The right conversations to unlock the knowledge you need [19:05]
• How to bring up your best assets and make your experience shine [20:14]

After graduating from Georgetown University, Charlotte started her career in creative marketing and saw the consequences of age segregation in the workplace. Older and younger professionals needed to connect and learn from each other, but had no way to meet. CIRKEL makes networking across generations seamless, inspiring, and impactful – working with both individuals and corporations to bridge the gap. Charlotte was named one of Next Avenue’s 2020 Influencers in Aging and a 2020 Gen2Gen Innovation Fellow. She has been featured in publications like The New York Times and spoken internationally about the magic of connecting generations.

Learn more about Charlotte at www.cirkel.co.

We discuss:

• The fear of the unknown as a trigger to get into entrepreneurship [01:30]
• How to transfer your corporate skills set into your new business [03:34]
• How to have your first client within two weeks after going solo [05:25]
• The freedom to work with those who align with your values [06:23]
• The benefit of the doubt for good and bad clients [08:42]
• Rolling with the punches in an imperfect world [12:50]
• Pitch-slapping: why most people are using LinkedIn the wrong way [17:16]

She worked in the corporate world for almost 20 years prior to establishing her own Executive Administrative Consulting and Coaching Business, ‘We got this! Admin’.

She strives to balance that and her family life, while still making time to network, be involved in non-profit work and share what she’s passionate about on various platforms.

Learn more about Ingor at www.wegotthisadmin.com and LinkedIn.

We discuss:

• The difference in people you hire versus those you inherit [01:20]
• How helping others succeed makes you successful as well [06:05]
• How to survive the 5-year critical period [07:39]
• Persistence in something you believe in [08:43]
• No one can help you more than somebody else who wants you to be successful [11:00]
• How to build a network in times of pandemic [13:20]
• Why you don’t need to be certified in every tool that’s out there [14:48]
• The characteristic that influences you most [16:28]
• Probably the biggest key to profitability as a coach [18:09]

Learn more about Ed at www.excellius.com.

We discuss:

• Find what feeds you [01:30]
• A complete change of two frustrated journalists [03:35]
• What you need to make the transition from working at Marriott to becoming a DJ [06:02]
• Second acts are rarely a straight line [08:10]
• Enjoyment as a measure for success [11:37]
• It’s not an obvious choice when you start out [14:27]

Learn more about Andy at www.aboutdci.com. 

We discuss:

• The times we choose faster income rather than building a company [02:03]
• Why corporate work culture makes you want to sleep [03:40]
• How promotion takes away the creative part of you [06:01]
• Why we need positive emotional-based resumes [08:02]
• What it takes to develop the side B of your legacy [10:44]
• Your playlist of transformation [13:49]
• An accessible tool for getting unstuck [15:20]
• The perspective of what we [don’t] want to talk about [18:00]

Paula leverages her talent to bring new perspectives and a forward-thinking approach, while achieving 8% - 10% compounded yearly growth and leading from a foundation of heart and mind. Her passion for Inside Sales has gained her experience in a variety of industries including travel and tourism, investments, veterinary and healthcare distribution.

Learn more about Paula at www.paulaswhite.com, LinkedIn and YouTube.

We discuss:

• The challenges of a challenging transition [00:22]
• Successfully self-employed at 60 [03:40]
• What brings true abundance and success [07:04]
• The most profitable way to get your business off the ground [9:04]
• The differences between being an employee and an entrepreneur [10:10]
• A breakthrough summary of 100 episodes [12:36]

Remember to subscribe on whatever platform you listen on and leave a review if you can. 

Please share this episode with friends and colleagues to help them learn how to build a successful business after a long career as an employed professional.

We discuss:

• Why so many people get pulled in by the lifestyle and perks of corporate life [01:24]
• What it takes to see yourself as a business owner [05:09]
• Where to find the role models you miss in your life [10:45]
• It’s never too late to make a career change [13:14]
• When it’s a good time to have alternatives [15:00]
• The two things to help you with deciding on the revenue model that best fit your lifestyle [18:15]
• The benefits of a long-term relationship with a coach [20:52]

Learn more about Lorraine at www.careeruprising.com and LinkedIn. 

We discuss:

• What keeps you moving forward at times of crisis [02:28]
• Pausing versus just doing [04:28]
• How to know if you’re ready to take the step beyond self-reflection [07:32]
• Another thing about being an expert [10:37]
• The time and clients it takes to become relevant and viable [13:05]
• The management consultant that became a drop-in CEO [14:49]
• The CEO’s Compass approach to peace of mind [17:20]

The connection between content creation and building relationships [20:20]

After 25+ years in Quality and Operational Excellence roles, Deb has a deep understanding for what’s important when it comes to creating solutions for CEO’s by assessing the landscape, solving their technical business issues and elevating their people for a lasting impact and ultimately – peace of mind. She is here today to help share a bit of how The CEO’s Compass can bring you “Peace of Mind”.

Learn more about Deborah at https://dropinceo.com/. 

We discuss:

• How to effectively communicate a company’s vision during meetings [01:26]
• A mind-boggling Harvard course that takes managers to a different level [05:01]
• Overqualification as a trigger to become an entrepreneur [06:44]
• Why cybersecurity is a great niche to in which to start a business [08:33]
• Helpful resources to get going during a launch process [12:17]
• The power of four essential steps when starting a business [15:10]
• A structure and strategy for achieving visibility on LinkedIn [16:38]

Learn more about Denrich at https://www.aristatechnologies.ca/ and LinkedIn.

We discuss:

• The many faces of execution of creativity [01:44]
• The insecurities that creatives often struggle with [03:27]
• The strength to put yourself out there for the world to comment on [06:53]
• How to build a healthy creative attitude [09:07]
• The one thing that separates a great creative executive from a bad one [12:17]
• The connections that help you get on the path you’re meant to be [15:26]
• More than just a black-and-white coach [20:00]

After his last contract concluded, Milt came to realized that there was a lack of support for creative people in the film and entertainment arts. 

He proceeded to get the necessary certifications to go solo in his new career as a coach for the creative industry.

Learn more about Milt at https://www.miltalvarez.com/. 

Brief Description of Gift

A complimentary initial consultation

URL for Free Gift

https://www.miltalvarez.com/

We discuss:

• The feeling of being an entrepreneur without the risk of running your own company [01:43]
• Why it’s good to acquire an existing company rather than launching your own from scratch [05:49]
• A roadmap to entering the Chinese market [07:48]
• Why it is so hard for Western companies to sell in China [09:58]
• The importance of having both Western and Chinese customers [11:30]
• The difference in the business development process between China and Europe [14:20]
• The challenges of having a partner from the other side of the world [16:49]
• The best opportunity to get started [18:40]

Jean-Yves is the co-founder and CEO of Emotion Digital, an agency located in Shanghai and Paris, which helps western brands get into China through WeChat marketing and other social media platforms particular to the Chinese digital landscape. 

Learn more about Jean-Yves at https://emotiondigital.fr and LinkedIn.

Brief Description of Gift

A free 30-min consulting call

URL for Free Gift

https://bit.ly/33oADAg

We discuss:

• Accidentally falling into consulting [02:03]
• How to do the business development once you know how to do the delivery [04:12]
• The best prepared consultant [05:50]
• How to keep the sales pipeline always full [07:24]
• Beer networking at Good Times [08:33]
• Why it’s easier to niche down than to start really broad [11:17]
• The benefits of working on multiple projects concurrently [15:47]
• Your time equals cash flow [17:52]
• The “No, and” method to finding the best fit for the job [19:09]

Michael’s clients are committed to finding the balance between “too much” and “not enough” inventory while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and cash flow.

As a GE trained & certified Six Sigma Black Belt with more than 25 years of experience, he has solved inventory issues for both middle market and Fortune 500 businesses, translating into customer satisfaction, improved cash flow and increased EBITDA.

Learn more about Michael at www.mryangroup.com and LinkedIn.

We discuss:

• The people challenges of Mergers & Acquisitions [03:29]
• A premortem: getting all senior leaders on the same page [07:50]
• Taking into account the future that employees envision for themselves [09:48]
• The stages that employees go through during a merger [12:05]
• How to let go of past achievements and pivot how you can contribute to the future [15:30]
• The part about Mergers & Acquisitions no one’s talking about [18:04]
• If you’re passion about it, that can make you a force for good [20:58]
• Drilling down on a niche [22:51]
• Why you need to be a good consultant [24:27]

As a Fortune 500 C-Suite “survivor” of three separate multibillion-dollar acquisitions, Jennifer authored the satirical survivor’s handbook, “NOW WHAT? A Survivor’s Guide for Thriving Through Mergers & Acquisitions”, which became a #1 new release in six categories on Amazon when launched.

She shares her expertise as a contributor to Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Inc., Forbes and Thrive Global.

Learn more about Jennifer at https://jenniferjfondrevay.com and LinkedIn.

Brief Description of Gift

A sample chapter of Jennifer’s book “NOW WHAT? A Survivor’s Guide for Thriving Through Mergers & Acquisitions” can be found at https://jenniferjfondrevay.com/resources.

URL for Free Gift

https://jenniferjfondrevay.com

We discuss:

• The feeling of being stuck without knowing how to get to the next level [01:58]
• Building lots of relationships instead of collecting lots of business cards [03:46]
• The necessary frequency of going out there [05:22]
• Why you can’t give away too much [07:16]
• The range of methods to create content and attract a larger audience [09:32]
• How to frame your solution to fit into how your clients model the problem [11:21]
• Whenever there is a large type of change – massive opportunity [12:57]
• How to set yourself up as a known expert during a pandemic [14:09]
• The challenge is to change the mindset not the skillset [15:54]

Mark has developed new software languages, online marketplaces, new authentication systems, and tracked criminals and terrorists on the dark web. Mark helped create the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, MIT’s “Career Success Accelerator”, where he’s taught for twenty years. Mark also serves on the boards of non-profits Techie Youth and Plant a Million Corals.

Learn more about Mark at https://www.thecareertoolkitbook.com.

We discuss:

• The pros and cons of getting your first job before the age of five [02:05]
• An exploration of new shiny things away from the family business [04:30]
• How to extrapolate the knowledge you get from different industries [07:03]
• Figuring out a core business idea after ten years as an entrepreneur [08:57]
• The secret sauce to running a successful venture [10:55]
• One of the most important skills that we can all have [15:07]
• How to measure the value in an initial conversation [18:00]

Sam has been part of large transformation initiatives for fortune-500 corporations but now spends his time consulting with SMEs as a Principal Consultant/CEO at ElevatIQ. Sam regularly speaks at industry conferences and contributes his experiences through many popular blogs and publications. He also hosts a podcast called WBSRocks focused on business growth through digital transformation and ERP where he interviews top influencers and executives from ERP, Supply Chain, Digital Transformation, Supply Chain, and Accounting.

Learn more about Sam at www.elevatiq.com, LinkedIn, Twitter and WBSRocks.

We discuss:

• A journey from a data scientist employee to a photography entrepreneur [02:12]
• The different types of identity reinvention [08:53]
• What worked for them might not work out for you [13:46]
• The difference between general business coaches and niche-oriented coaches [16:53]
• The “surprising” effect of a mindset shift [18:43]
• Why there is no prescribed path for first-time entrepreneurs [20:04]
• Why Raj is changing the way personal branding looks [21:43]

Raj is originally an immigrant from India, a former data scientist who worked in tech startups for over a decade, a trained sex/relationship coach, and a straight guy married to a queer transgender man. He brings all of this life experience to create a space for his clients to fully express themselves, resulting in authentic, vulnerable, powerful images that resonate deeply with their audience.

Learn more about Raj at https://seriesaphotography.com.

Brief Description of Gift

A self-guided exercise to create your own Mood Board and unearth insights about your personal brand

URL for Free Gift

https://seriesaphotography.com/find-your-brand

We discuss:

• Not a matter of “if” but a matter of “when” [02:01]
• The moment when you’re going to sink or swim [04:13]
• The things you can do as a consultant that you can’t do as an employee [05:15]
• Sometimes the problem is not really the problem [08:00]
• The hardest part about going into a business for yourself [10:10]
• The first thing to do when you’re going out on your own [13:12]
• The people to surround yourself with so you don’t feel like you’re on an island [14:39]
• Becoming a consultant mid to late in your career [15:40]
• Building a product first versus trying to sell it first [16:36]
• Building a team: start with the things that are the hardest [18:02]
• How people you don’t know yet could be referrals for you later [19:02]

Andrea has over 20 years’ experience in coaching, training, facilitation, process development, strategic direction, and project management. She believes that how people communicate, how they interact as a team, how they address and solve problems together are all critical to achieving their desired outcomes. Andrea facilitates this understanding by guiding the organization in enhancing communication, establishing processes and protocols, and providing the strategies often needed to effectively operationalize those processes and assure their long-term success.

Learn more about Andrea at www.ctpsolutionsllc.com. 

We discuss:

• Self-employed or unemployed depending on the day [01:32]
• How having a platform to host a podcast could change the dynamics of your business [03:38]
• Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal [05:53]
• The entrepreneur’s internal battles with discipline [07:11]
• How to avoid having the business running you instead of you running it [09:15]
• Why having a rainy day fund is not enough to go from a paycheck to self-employment [12:45]
• Don’t lose relationships over sale [14:54]
• Coaching coaches and leading leaders [17:39]
• Seek first to understand, then to be understood [20:09]
• Great teams have great teammates [21:19]

Learn more about Jamy at https://coachbechler.com/ and Twitter.

We discuss:

• The courage to leave a steady paycheck for fulfillment [03:26]
• Why companies don’t hire coaches to bring the best out of their employees [06:22]
• One of the most underrated things we can achieve in the world [10:25]
• Life can turn on a dime [13:40]
• Terry has a way of cutting to the chase [15:26]
• The profile of the self-employed versus that of a freelancer and an entrepreneur [18:32]
• The business model of multiples [21:13]

Drawing on his experience as a renowned portrait photographer, Jeffrey shows business owners how to see business through a different lens and strategies to compose the often-chaotic pieces of life and business into sustainable success.

Jeffrey’s TEDxLincolnSquare talk is featured on TED.com and he’s the host of the top-rated podcast, The Self-Employed Life, author of The Self-Employed Life: Business and Personal Development Strategies That Create Sustainable Success and LINGO: Discover Your Ideal Customer’s Secret Language and Make Your Business Irresistible.

Learn more about Jeffrey at  https://jeffreyshaw.com and theselfemployedlife.me.

We discuss:

• The icing on the cake [02:20]
• A job that really comes along once in a lifetime [04:17]
• What never gets talked about when one is striving for excellence [05:33]
• A waste of wisdom and experience [08:04]
• A playbook for your second half [10:03]
• A humbling necessity to rewire the way you work [12:54]
• Why businesses undervalue giving the time to think [14:57]
• By grownups for grownups [16:55]
• Strategies to regain your agency when it gets hard [21:00]
• The people you would have paid $100 for an hour spent on the phone with you [25:54]

At ABS, Stephanie was responsible for raising $1.6B for the firm’s funds, creating its Investor Relations function and leading all marketing, event and investment research activities. In support of the Department of Defense, she advocated for military families and veterans. She was awarded the “Distinguished Public Service Award” by the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2017.

Learn more about Stephanie at www.theversemedia.com.

We discuss:

• The value of a great boss at the early stage of one’s career [02:22]
• All the little things that people do in order to create big success at scale [03:34]
• Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable [08:06]
• The muscles that atrophy after spending 25 years in corporate [10:27]
• Why it’s essential to recognize the value of realistic optimism in the face of expected obstacles [12:57]
• The unsurprising amount of creativity that comes in the middle of a workout [17:06]
• How to deal with the constant drive to be productive [19:44]
• The umbrella of always learning [22:04]

Mike’s background centers around leading organizational service functions: Human Resources, Finance, Technology, and Administration. After multiple Finance leadership roles, he made a mid-career transition to Human Capital because of his passion for engaging people to drive business performance. Having served as both a CHRO and a CFO, he has a unique lens to view business and talent strategy alignment.

Learn more about Mike at https://huddleadvisory.com/ and LinkedIn.

We discuss:

• An ongoing search to find the circle outside the box [01:38]
• The [martial] arts of a side hustle [05:10]
• What made Scott leave traditional employment twice [06:20]
• A gigantic river taking you beyond who and what you might be [07:25]
• The evolution of what your why could be [09:00]
• The beauty of entrepreneurism that’s connected to why you believe you exist in this world [11:44]
• How social expectations can affect one’s journey to becoming an entrepreneur [14:13] 
• Why identities need to be shiftable [19:23]

In 2017, Scott became an entrepreneur for the first time as co-owner of The Brooklyn Press, a silkscreen printing company in New York City and Newburgh, NY. Previously, Scott was the General Counsel and VP of Operations for Urban Resource Institute, the USA's largest provider of domestic violence shelters and an operator of homeless shelters. He also spent nearly 20 years in executive and in-house counsel positions with various City of New York agencies. 

Learn more about Scott at https://www.scottmasonllc.com/.

We discuss:

• What it’s like to be enthusiastically unemployable [01:58]
• When the universe nudges you forward [04:32]
• No more numb Mondays but standing on your own [08:27]
• You’re going to meet the head tilters [10:57]
• Profit first: it’s only limited by your belief and your potential [14:30]
• Why employees are not using LinkedIn [18:51]
• One thing company leaders could do differently using LinkedIn [20:45]

Learn more about Brenda at  https://www.mellermarketing.com/.

Brief Description of Gift

A 30-minute free webinar on a variety of different topics related to LinkedIn, business development, etc.

URL for free gift

https://www.mellermarketing.com/.

We discuss:

• Being an entrepreneur doesn’t mean you have to be on your own [01:36]
• The moment to start consulting [04:18]
• The two opposites on the spectrum: consulting vs. coaching [05:18]
• Why people get stuck in the “how” [07:10]
• The Wizard of Oz syndrome [08:14]
• What you have and what you don’t need [11:16]
• The true way to create a prosperous coaching business [13:32]
• What makes a good client for a consultant or coach [18:28]

With two decades in the nonprofit arena, Robert has done everything from launching his own charity to serving in senior leadership roles. He is a passionate advocate for nonprofits and writes and speaks on industry topics. Robert lives in Florida with his wife and dog. He loves visiting his daughter and family in Philadelphia, playing music, running and cycling.

Learn more about Robert at www.yournonprofitnow.com.

Brief Description of Gift

A free copy of Robert’s first book “Just Do the Work: The Portable Nonprofit Coach” to the first 5 people who contact him for a 30-minute free consultation

URL for free gift

www.yournonprofitnow.com

We discuss:

• The only way to figure it out is to try it [01:39]
• An old millennial sitting at the best coaches’ feet [03:55]
• A square peg in a blue oval [06:45]
• Bringing your whole self to work: for employees and business owners [10:51]
• Why works sucks and how to fix it [13:20]
• The fears of high-achieving life-long learners [15:45]
• The byproduct of building internally [18:38]
• You can’t skip your own evolution [19:57]
• A responsibility for your listening [21:08]

Learn more about Theresa at www.herlifeherlegacy.com

We discuss:

• A Silicon Valley kid on her path to becoming a startup CEO [01:32]
• How the environment for consulting is different nowadays [03:30]
• A super hero with super powers making super pay [05:02]
• The sweet spot of maximizing passion and pay together [07:06]
• You’re not imposing, you’re helping [09:25]
• A great example of how a consulting business can evolve [13:16]
• The pause on developing people and why experts should take advantage of this opportunity [16:51]
• Why you already have what it needs to become a consultant [19:57]

Learn more about Amy at https://www.billableatthebeach.com/ and LinkedIn.

Brief Description of Gift

A free email course that will walk you through three action steps to generate revenue now

URL for free gift

https://www.billableatthebeach.com/free-course/

We discuss:

• Manifesting your business goals on a vision board [01:56]
• One light switches off but another switches on [06:42]
• Burning the candle at both ends [09:37]
• The time when an operator should pivot to a consultant [11:40]
• The one-million to eight-million range client [14:54]
• A profitability breakthrough session [16:22]
• The leak in your cash flow pyramid [17:01]
• Why former long-term employees tend to undercharge [20:15]
• The person that gets as many big ideas profitable as possible [21:26]

After earning a BA from Virginia Tech and an MBA from The College of William & Mary, and then spending 18 years driving projects that turned Dell Technologies into what it is today, Camille had her position eliminated in 2018. She then fully launched Camille Nisich Consulting to help fast-growing Tech companies create a cash flow strategy, make better decisions and turn capital into profit. 

To date she has delivered over $100 million in savings and $1 billion in sales pipeline to grow emerging Technology companies.

Learn more about Camille at www.camillenisich.com and LinkedIn.

Brief Description of Gift

Seven cash flow leaks to plug before you make your net sale 

URL for free gift

www.camillesays.com/goingsolo

We discuss:

• A huge financial step over the cliff [03:06]
• Jumping into entrepreneurship in two stages [04:36]
• How to turn the loss of colleague contacts into something good [05:52]
• What to pay attention to when you’ve lost your job [08:45]
• Basic steps to deal with emotions after a job loss [11:45]
• Self-assessment as a strategy against ageism [15:17]
• How to overcome the barriers to becoming a freelance consultant after being an employee for many years [16:28]
• How to step back on your feet and start bringing in income as quickly as possible [18:47]
• The real time to evaluate who we are and what matters [21:56]

With his wife, Doris Ullendorff, Ken owns Common Sense Therapy, a unique private psychotherapy practice in New York. After over 25 years working at the bedside of people receiving in-hospital care for cancer, organ transplant, diabetes, congenital birth defects and chronic pain conditions, Ken continues to provide care and support for those with ongoing needs after acute care is in the past. 

Ken and Doris have developed a broad referral network of psychiatric and medical providers in the New York metropolitan area; clinicians with whom they enjoy a collaborative treatment approach. They now offer remote video-based sessions to accommodate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more about Ken at http://www.commonsensetherapy.com.

We discuss:

• The writing is always on the wall [02:05] 
• If you have a breach, it’s a reputational issue [04:50]
• Star Wars: the intersection of IT and PR [08:17]
• Awareness as a solid foundation to a more cyber resilient world [11:15]
• A crash course in avoiding phishing links [12:52]
• Taking time to grief in a time of career transition [14:15]
• The one skill you need to become clear about your true purpose [16:30]
• A special investigator resolving mysteries [18:07]
• Creating something for everybody in a space with 8000 vendors [21:20]

REP is a digital security and reputation advisory firm, specializing in managing risk. REP builds and implements cyber protection programs from individuals to small- and medium-sized businesses. For nearly 20 years, Tom has had a career in public relations, media risk and cyber security. In 2019, his company downsized and eliminated most of the US operations. This paved the way for Tom to become an entrepreneur.

Learn more about Tom at https://securemyrep.com/, LinkedIn and Instagram.

We discuss:

• Adjust reaction, behave accordingly [01:27]
• Framing stories and reactions to the end of a working relationship [04:19]
• The best thing that could ever happen to you [06:06]
• Good luck is the result of good planning [07:56]
• The beauty of the consulting world [10:16]
• How to tell the story of desire [13:14]
• Why entrepreneurship is less risky than you think [15:30]
• Contacts that present a bridge to your future [16:27]
• An arsenal of three clients [17:33]

Learn more about Elizabeth at www.elizabeth-lamont.com and LinkedIn.

We discuss:

• The big title, the big office, the big compensation, and the big ego [02:07]
• When it’s meant to disrupt yourself [04:50]
• Definitely not a long walk in the park [12:16]
• What you don’t know you don’t know [14:30]
• Rethinking what a productive work model looks like [17:22]
• What’s the worst that could happen? [19:03]
• The four-box approach for hard and high-impact decisions [21:36]
• The mindset that will [not] help you open up a beach bar [23:02]

She is a certified Executive Coach through iPEC, one of the preeminent coaching certification programs, and is passionate about unleashing everyone’s highest selves whether you’re an aspiring leader or the CEO of a Fortune 250 company. She is a sought after speaker on topics of team effectiveness, innovation, and building vibrant corporate cultures. Kerrian has spoken at WorldatWork, Center for Effective Organizations, Marsh & McLennan Inc., Bank of America and Symbol Technologies.

Learn more about Kerrian at https://vybrante.com/ and LinkedIn.

Brief Description of Gift

A complimentary 15-minute Laser Coaching session to help you reframe any aspect of your career and/or business you are frustrated with or stressed out about

URL for free gift

https://calendly.com/kerrian-vybrante/15-minute-laser-coaching-session

We discuss:

• Pondering on the future and laughing at yourself [02:05]
• It’s going to be hard but the timing is now [05:38]
• A conviction that empowers you to follow those before you [07:27]
• A smooth transition can help a dream come true [08:39]
• Why being present is crucial to a consultant’s success [10:19]
• From a mentee to a friend [11:34]
• It’s a numbers game [14:20]
• Remarkable stories happen during challenging times [19:36]

Learn more about Jem at https://jemfuller.teachable.com

Brief Description of Gift

A discount off Your Resilience online course. It includes 6 months of support and coaching from Jem

URL for free gift

https://jemfuller.teachable.com/p/personal-resilience

We discuss:

• When an unrealized entrepreneurial spirit meets financial insecurity [1:43]
• The path of a consultant to becoming a guru for other consultants [5:26]
• The power of podcasts for getting known [8:17]
• How to determine and communicate your value as a consultant [9:22]
• The key factor to securing a $125,000 contract in your first three weeks as a consultant [14:35]
• Confident and comfortable in your new business [18:25]
• A granular method to picking up your market niche [21:41]

Deb helps accomplished professionals start, build, and grow their consulting businesses and have the lives they most want. She is also the host of the Craft of Consulting podcast where she interviews other consultants about what it takes to be a profitable consultant and clients about what makes them hire or not hire consultants.

Learn more about Deb at www.craftofconsulting.com.

Brief Description of Gift

25% off Deb’s online course: Get More Consulting Business Faster (use coupon code: FAST)

URL for free gift

https://courses.craftofconsulting.com/p/get-more-consulting-business-faster/

We discuss:

• The best of working full time or not working at all [02:50]
• The “top” companies for women to work for [05:05]
• A mindset shift from a place of power and worth [08:36]
• A multilayer strategy for planting seeds [12:08]
• It’s not what you know but who you know [15:07]
• The role of the foundational client for getting a consistent income [19:47]
• A magical unicorn of a consultancy collective [21:34]

Since launching The Upside in 2017, Erin has advised more than 1,000 professionals on how to redefine the 9-5 and build a respected consultancy practice that affords them the freedom of working when, where and how they want. Prior to launching The Upside, Erin built a 7-year independent consulting career providing marketing expertise to her private investment clients.

Learn more about Erin at https://betheupside.com/.

Brief Description of Gift

For anyone already out there consulting, they'd love for you to become a member of The Upside where you'll expand your network and learn from some of the best and brightest independent consultants.

For those who want a step-by-step action plan for launching a thriving consultancy, they offer The Upside Accelerator for Early-Stage Consultants twice a year...so stay on their mailing list to get notified of the next launch!

URL for free gift

https://betheupside.com/

• You need a budget [1:47] 
• The right amount of money that self-employed people learn to accept [4:02] 
• The three most dangerous addictions [8:00] 
• A new kind of stimuli to deal with [10:03] 
• Why entrepreneurs need to constrain the time they give to their desk [12:36] 
• The [un]willingness to reframe things as a major factor for success [15:47] 
• The importance of mentally experiencing the worst-case scenario [20:17] 
• Why administrative work comes second to building relationships [22:06] 

• Why experiences are more important than advertisement [1:23] 
• Going back to your roots in order to move forward [4:55] 
• The largest driver of loyalty for brands [6:36] 
• The hardest client you will ever have [9:46] 
• Going solo without going it alone [16:27] 
• Why you have to keep your foot on the gas [18:00] 
• The intersection where limbic sparks happen [19:36] 

We discuss: 

• The surprising benefits of nonlinear transitions [1:47] 
• How to get your fire back and create exciting opportunities for yourself [5:59] 
• What business leaders can learn from great actors [10:16] 
• Drawing from multiple disciplines as a short detour to your dream [13:54] 
• A powerful tool to help you think through your gifts as well as your blind spots [17:49] 

Her consulting firm, Meritage Leadership, focuses on leader and team effectiveness by helping leaders develop the capacity and mindsets to lead in today’s disruptive environment. Meritage utilizes over a dozen exceptional coaches in its senior leadership programs.  

Learn more about Susan at www.meritageleadership.com. 

Brief Description of Gift 

A free download of the Enneagram  

URL for free gift 

http://meritageleadership.com/goingsolo

We discuss: 

• When you’re too entrepreneurial for the company you work for [1:47] 
• The simplicity of a name that makes the difference [5:57] 
• A business plan is not about a 50-word page [7:56] 
• James, what’s next? [10:18] 
• How to go through the pains of starting your own business without losing your passion [12:24] 
• The FOCUS Accountability System Protocol [14:30] 
• It is usually about somebody’s personal dream [17:34] 
• LinkedIn as a virtual chamber of commerce [18:58] 

After graduating from the University of Toronto in 1983 with an Honors degree in Commerce and Economics, James joined the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. James enjoyed 22 successful years with CIBC with the last 10 years as a senior leader of small business responsible for a portfolio of three quarters of a billion dollars with 30 direct reports, receiving the Chairman’s Award on three separate occasions for performance excellence.   

James founded FOCUS31 in 2006. FOCUS31 enables business owners. FOCUS31 programs enable business owners to identify and focus on the right priorities, to think strategically and to improve the quality of their business decisions generating greater financial results through radical FOCUS on, and accountability for, the activities that will truly advance a business’ success.  

Learn more about James at https://www.focus31.com.  

Brief Description of Gift 

Free downloadable version of James Burgess book CHAOS: How Business Leaders Can Master the Power of Focus  

URL for free gift 

CHAOSThePowerOfFocus.com 

We discuss: 

• Why you are not getting promoted [2:20] 
• That’s called being a virtual assistant [5:14] 
• The difference between a virtual assistant and a virtual expert [7:12] 
• How to go from $15/hour to $75/hour in 30 days [11:19] 
• Why you are never actually starting all over again [16:19] 
• What’s keeping your target market up at night [18:16] 
• A hidden gem of an industry [20:57] 

Kathy also offers VA Matchmaking sessions to business owners interested in working with Expert VAs®️ and Virtual Experts®️. Kathy and her Expert VA®️ and Virtual Expert®️ Training program have been featured in Forbes, The Huffington Post, Good Housekeeping, All You, and The Wealthy Freelancer. 

Learn more about Kathy at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dare-to-leap/id1527322302. 

Brief Description of Gift 

Guidelines on how to become a virtual expert  

URL for free gift 

www.virtualexperttraining.com/goingsolo

We discuss: 

• A good starting point to start your own business [1:46] 
• How to find your golden thread [4:38] 
• Engaging with your clients first: a time-saving strategy for entrepreneurs [6:10] 
• The one thing that makes a difference when going solo [8:23] 
• The funny thing about removing 75% of your profit source [11:48] 
• The strengths that will help your business flourish [15:04] 
• Opportunity as a question of combination [18:48] 

She has over 25 years of experience in the corporate world, within Finance, HR, sales and change management. She started Amaze Yourself as she was done with being a workaholic. Little did she know that every business owner turns into a workaholic. As a recovering workaholic, she now helps driven business owners to work less and earn more. Her book: “How to improve your work-life balance - 50 proven tips”, is a good start.   

Learn more about Yvonne at https://amaze-yourself.com/book-work-life-balance/.  

Brief Description of Gift 

Yvonne’s book "How to improve your work-life balance with 50 proven tips" which is normally $30, is available when you use the code "smashing" for only $15.  

URL for free gift 

https://amaze-yourself.com/book-work-life-balance/  

You'll receive $5 for every sale made using that code.  

We discuss:  

• Critical steps to getting your business off the ground [1:58] 
• When you know the market place but don’t know how to do market research [3:42] 
• How to focus more on bringing in the money [4:57] 
• Techniques to effectively tap into your relationships [7:11] 
• A business model focused both on expertise and who you know [11:13] 
• Jumping to a new career without a plan B [12:55] 
• Why you need to go online and have a marketing engine going on [14:49] 
• Shifts in and opportunities for building relationships online [17:02] 
• The first thing to do once you realize your job is ending and you want to be an entrepreneur as a next step [18:33] 

Liz is actively involved with a number of associations, certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise, the Women Presidents’ Educational Organization, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and she is a strategic alliance board partner with the Entrepreneurs’ Association of New York.  

Learn more about Liz at LinkedIn. 

We discuss:

• You better own your own business by now [1:36]
• Why 28 is [not] a magic number [3:38]
• The timeline to needing cash [9:34]
• The happy middle ground [15:10]
• The things that keep your income’s dream from going away [20:29]

Learn more about Keith at www.dincpie.com and LinkedIn.

Brief Description of Gift

Visit dincpie.com for tons of free content as well as detailed financial models and other high value planning assets

URL for free gift

www.dincpie.com

We discuss:

• A journey from on-premise to a [private] cloud space [1:35]
• How to become aware of the gaps in your business [4:36]
• The right time to get downsized [6:24]
• Resisting the temptation to saying “yes” to headhunters [8:05]
• The butterflies for being your own business person [10:44]
• The big thing about being in business [12:04]
• The answers to the questions you don’t know about your business [13:27]
• Not yet a consultant but still an employee [16:40]
• The game is years long, not months long [18:14]

Learn more about Craig at cchavis@chaveconsulting.com.

We discuss:

• The first 90 days of your first job [1:22]
• You can’t really get something for nothing [5:16]
• How to deal with the extreme level of pushback once you decide to be an entrepreneur [6:05]
• The motivating role of strong negative emotions [8:28]
• How saying “no” could save many problems for entrepreneurs [10:06]
• You don’t want to hear it until you have to hear it [12:03] 
• What happens if the need in the market niche you’ve chosen isn’t that strong [13:28]
• What makes us stay stuck and not think like an entrepreneur [14:30]
• [15:58]
• The first dollar you made [17:44]
• The people you should take advice from when you get suddenly unemployed [20:11]

Learn more about Danielle at www.propertypreservationmastery.com and YouTube.

We discuss:

• An unusual niche for a financial advisor that many would avoid [1:50]
• The benefits of a fee-only basis for both entrepreneurs and clients in the financial field [4:44]
• Why the wolf quit Wall Street [7:11]
• Shifting lives instead of shifting millions of dollars [10:26]
• The time to get creative about arranging your time [13:38]
• Why it’s crucial you realize what you don’t know [15:48] 
• How to keep a steady flow in the pipeline [17:04]

Learn more about Simon at https://www.angliaadvisors.com.

Brief Description of Gift

A free initial consultation, plus Simon’s "Family and Friends" discounted hourly rate if they sign up for a Per Hour engagement

URL for free gift

https://www.angliaadvisors.com

We discuss:

• Jump then or jump never [1:40]
• Manifest the path and the possibilities are real [3:42]
• How to detox from the pace of Corporate America [5:45]
• The biggest surprise of day one on your own [8:00]
• How to honor the creative side of yourself [11:16]
• Change the pace of people so we can change the pace of business [12:40]
• Until you know how to bring people together, there’s no way that you can bring them forward [16:38]
• Serving leaders that have a particular set of governing values [18:17]
• The stones of an entrepreneurial path [20:10]
• How to cultivate the energy you need to start something on your own [21:51]

Learn more about Cole at www.coolaudrey.com and LinkedIn.

We discuss:

• Two paths on becoming an expert in sales and marketing [1:34]
• The most influential person to be [3:50]
• How to become the under-the-radar leader in your industry [5:31]
• The wizard behind the curtain [9:33]
• An alchemy networking for solopreneurs [13:50]
• Network invitations that would help you break through the clutter [20:10]
• What corporate refugees need when deciding to go solo [21:16]

Learn more about Dov at https://www.profitablerelationships.com/.

Brief Description of Gift

A free training

URL for free gift

https://profitablerelationships.com/smashing

We discuss:

• An internship at 70: Shaping programs for successful transitions [2:13]
• How to overcome the challenge of being alone on your entrepreneurship journey [4:00]
• Why you shouldn’t be writing your story yourself [5:54]
• Getting the right language for a particular audience through a concierge caring treatment [9:49]
• Writing that raises hundreds of thousands of dollars [13:34]
• What is at the core that makes writing effective [14:44]
• Why you have to be short and powerful in today’s world [15:50]
• The power of a piece of article for helping disfigured children [17:50]
• Things you might need to consider when going through a career transition [20:15]

Her article about disfigured children for Redbook Magazine led to a nationwide support group for these children. Her tutoring on college application essays for a boy with ADHD and Aspergers got him into 4 colleges. Her editing on a white paper gained her client a promotion. Formerly an NYU Associate Professor and Director of an NYU Writing Program and a program for adults developing careers, as well as a teacher at the LaGuardia High School for Music, Art and the Performing Arts, she now uses her results-driven writing and editorial skills to help others achieve their goals!

Learn more about Joan at www.resumedoc.com.

Brief Description of Gift

A 30-minute free consultation by phone or email

URL for free gift

Call 9172826868 or go to www.resumedoc.com or send an email to rsmejsr@gmail.com

We discuss:

• The space between working at a corporate job and working for yourself [2:20]
• When solopreneurs need to deal with the infrastructure of a business [6:27]
• The things you loved about your previous jobs [7:12]
• The Pumpkin Plan: How to grow your biggest pumpkin [10:00]
• The people that the people in your network rely on [12:31]
• Expected and unexpected situations when starting a business of your own [13:45]
• The champions of your business [15:08]
• Helpful networking situations during a lockdown [15:48]
• The level of flexibility you need as a solopreneur [16:51]
• The experience you have that nobody has [18:24]
• Life is better with a budget [19:29]

Kindra holds a BA from Barnard College and an MBA from New York University. With nearly 30-year of experience, in addition to her tenure in public accounting Kindra has worked for both closely-held private and Fortune 500 companies in varying roles including, accounting, finance, human resources and risk management. Her more recent roles included Controller, International and Senior Director of Finance. She is an adjunct professor, teaching a variety of classes. She founded Tremont Financial Coaching, LLC, a financial coaching company in 2019.

Learn more about Kindra at https://tremontfinancialcoaching.com/. 

Brief Description of Gift

A free 60-minute consultation

URL for free gift

https://tremontfinancialcoaching.com/ - When booking a consultation on Kindra’s website select the 1 hour initial session and put Going Solo in the comments section.

We discuss:

• The different types of vulnerability as a full-time employee and solopreneur [2:04]
• How to live two weeks in the desert [6:01]
• You never know who your family knows [8:36]
• Exposure tactics for non-strategic people [10:03]
• Banished or abandoned: The beginning of a transition [14:32]
• What comes out of a disappointment is 10 times better [16:26]
• Useful resources for employees transitioning to entrepreneurs [19:54]
• The importance of saying your answers out loud [22:40]

Knute has devoted his career to finding out why some organizations are run so poorly while others create an atmosphere of trust, loyalty and fulfillment. As a coach, trainer, sales leader and communications consultant he has helped 100’s of companies find and leverage their strengths while implementing programs that address their challenges.

Knute is not only well known for his effectiveness and ability to move organizations. He is also routinely regarded as an approachable and friendly presence in any organization even if the tension in that organization is high. His values in integrity, compassion, and humor combined with deep systems knowledge work well together to create an atmosphere of growth and change. He inspires professional development and builds personal confidence through experiential learning. 

Knute has a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Development and Behavior, and he is a New Ventures West Certified Coach.

Learn more about Knute at https://www.linkedin.com/in/knute-kallander.

Brief Description of Gift

A 25-minute free coaching session

URL for free gift

Email to knutek@gmail.com

We discuss:

• Why you may feel unhappy despite achieving all you ever wanted [1:55]
• The risk of dealing with the urgent rather than with the important [3:42]
• True supporters only reveal in tough transitions [6:53]
• It is not our job to justify our positions [8:35]
• The autopilot mode that keeps you trapped [9:33]
• The time you need to avoid the hardest summer of your life [12:00]
• Tools for high achievers inside and outside the corporate world [14:41]
• Why the reward system fails to help us achieve what we want [16:57]
• The breadcrumbs approach: how to unwind the way you operate [19:10]
• How smart people can break free from miserable circumstances [21:23]

Maki provides the mental tools and support to enable highly transformative personal development that focuses on “reprogramming” to a new mindset that is personally authentic rather than driven exclusively by outside expectations.

Learn more about Maki at www.makimoussavi.com, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

We discuss:

• A job offer that switches gears [1:48]
• An empowering awareness for going into the unknown without a preparation [7:36]
• Why you should take the opportunity to leave [9:20]
• A sounding board for moving forward [15:08]
• A tiny speck in a giant array of diversity [17:34]
• Overlaying patterns of existence in a new place [19:38]
• The highest level of playing field for non-profit organizations [22:30]

Leading efforts to raise more than $150 million, Ann's expertise in non-profit philanthropy enabled her recent move to New York City. A consultant and speaker, Ann is the author of the upcoming book “Connection as a Superpower: How Social Courage Gives You the Edge in Life and Love.”

Learn more about Ann at www.annlouden.com.

Brief Description of Gift

A free download of the Ten Attributes of a Connector

URL for free gift

www.annlouden.com

We discuss:

• Cornerstones to measure whether entrepreneurship is a good fit for you [1:45]
• You can’t find the great things unless you experience the bottom [4:13]
• The two-year mark [6:47]
• Newsworthy stories for the best of the best [8:03]
• Why you should pivot all the things you don’t like to do [10:24]
• The mindset behind naming the year [12:41]
• Helpful techniques to find the right kind of mentors [14:21]
• The bare minimum: why people hate or are afraid to lose their jobs [15:35]
• It doesn’t matter what you do, it matters who you are [17:35]
• Where do you see yourself three hours from now? [18:55]

Justin is hard-wired to seek out and create viral, thought-provoking stories that the media craves. He finds the best stories when he networks with visionary entrepreneurs and executives who understand the value of investing in themselves and their businesses. Justin believes strongly in the power of introductions and creates important relationships through those introductions.

Learn more about Justin at www.BrEpicLLC.com and LinkedIn.

We discuss:

• Nobody gives bad news over the phone [2:06]
• Old and unemployable but courageous enough to follow a dream [3:37]
• Opportunities that appear based on unexpected circumstances [6:24]
• How business owners can stop wasting their expertise [8:41]
• The two lists that will speed up your business growth [11:40]
• It takes a village to raise a child [13:07]
• How to focus the core of your strengths [15:01]
• Why it’s essential to take health to the workplace [16:56]
• Inexpensive changes that go a long way to make a woman feel and work better [18:23]

In 2013 she became a Menopause Practitioner (NCMP) certified by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) and founded MenopausED, a boutique-style virtual women’s health practice, specialized in menopause. She raises awareness and provides education about menopause to help women navigate the change so their lives, relationships, and work can thrive. In December 2019, the drug information department she worked at for 12 years closed, and now she’s working full time on her business.

Learn more about Teresa at https://menopaused.org/.

Brief Description of Gift

Free subscription to MenopausED Newsletter / a free 15 min Discovery phone call / a Lunch and Learn Session for female employees

URL for free gift

https://menopaused.org/

We discuss:

• How job titles can cause a professional identity crisis [1:53]
• The spectrum of jobs that gets people out of their boxes [4:38]
• Why hybrid individuals can work both as entrepreneurs and employees [5:28]
• What happens in the intersection of your professional identities [8:41]
• The aha moments of new keywords and language that define yourself [11:48]
• Hybridity as a brand and a way to distinguish yourself in the workforce [16:36]
• How to stand out in a crowded field [18:18]
• Why it’s crucial to revisit and examine the hybrid side of our professional work [20:34]

After Sarabeth underwent her own professional identity crisis, she learned she was a hybrid and that concept revolutionized her career path. Now, she's obsessed with changing the way we see the workforce and helping professionals realize that their unique value lies at the intersections of their multiple identities. 

Learn more about Sarabeth at www.morethanmytitle.com.

Brief Description of Gift

Use code smashing10 to receive a 10% discount for an online course to help you find your hybrid identity

URL for free gift

courses.morethanmytitle.com

We discuss:

• Hiring for fit, or why life at work might become hard [2:00]
• How to have a quick transition from being an employee to becoming an entrepreneur [4:20]
• Why it’s important to schedule time for personal work [7:57]
• Bullets of successes to rely on [10:16]
• Why talking to yourself out loud in the woods is beneficial for your self-confidence [12:26]
• The importance of investing in a cup of coffee [13:29]
• When you know you’ve waited too long to start [15:17]
• The difference between 4% and 74% [17:53]
• How the best plumber becomes the best supervisor [19:23]
• Augmenting live consulting through automated delivery system [22:01]

Scott draws on his Business Management degree from Cornell University as well as a broad book of experiences to build success. From creating new and innovative businesses to shaping the culture within teams and organizations, his work is informed by his various roles as an entrepreneur, supervisor, and board member. 

In 2018 Scott found himself once again developing an entrepreneurial role after leaving higher education facilities, and uses his experience helping others develop leadership and communication skills.

Learn more about Scott at http://alchemieacademy.com.

Brief Description of Gift

A 30-minute consultation call to help listeners develop their own story; A sales personal strengths inventory

URL for free gift

https://mdom9ijm.pages.infusionsoft.net

We discuss:

• Going local after years of international travelling [1:45]
• How to transition from a corporate mindset into a small-business mindset [4:44]
• The influence of a business coach for a small-business owner [6:38]
• How to know whether someone is just promoting themselves or is really providing a service [9:24]
• A journey from marketing to building websites back to marketing [11:20]
• How to get people into your training rooms in times of social isolation [13:32]
• Why coaching consultants should take the time to get on video [18:23]

Learn more about Jürgen at https://innovabiz.com.au.

Brief Description of Gift

Marketing Master mini-class

URL for free gift

https://innovabiz.co/marketingmaster

We discuss:

• A windy road to a purpose-driven role [1:55]
• Why getting sales as quickly as possible is key to pivoting [5:20]
• How to speed up a start-up business if you have been laid off [7:20]
• The mechanics of prioritizing in networking [9:41]
• The mistake a lot of people make when reaching out to people in their network [13:07]
• A confused mind always says “no” [16:20]
• How to approach an introduction to a second-level decision maker [18:47]
• The [in]credible power of referrals [19:53]
• The more you connect, the more likely you’re going to be connected [21:21]

Learn more about Elizabeth at  www.nextcareercoaching.com.

Brief Description of Gift

A complimentary coaching consultation

URL for free gift

https://nextcareercoaching.com/gift

We discuss:

• Why we start resenting what we used to love [2:39]
• Broadening the horizon of what success means as a way to solidify your self-confidence [6:11]
• The problem of an anthropologist when dealing with his/her own workplace culture [8:11]
• The feeling of being on a fast train for which you don’t have a ticket [9:39]
• Why you need to get out of your own way [10:57]
• Conflicting beliefs that hold you back from finding clients [13:00]
• How to make change stick before reaching a level of frustration [15:44]
• The commonalities that mess up with productivity [18:20]
• The type of leadership required for “fixing” workplace culture [20:11]
• How to sustain a level of positivity to sustain a level of productivity [22:02]

Jenean is a Business Anthropologist, U.S. Patent holder, and revered speaker who worked as a medical anthropologist before becoming CEO of Alchemie Academy where she has enriched workplace culture for clients ranging from solopreneurs to Fortune 100 companies. When not speaking, she mentors organizations to grow their workplace culture, develop their leadership skills, and achieve a higher level of positivity, productivity, and profitability.

Learn more about Jenean at https://standinyourstrength.com/.

Brief Description of Gift

Your Personal Strength’s Declaration - steps to help you stand in your strength

URL for Free Gift

http://standinyourstrength.com/goingsolo  

We discuss:

• The shock and the relief of a redundancy package [2:21]
• How a team leader helps their team let go of a job [7:34]
• How to face the emotions of transition [9:00]
• The freedom of having a temporary contract [11:17]
• Creating the possibility where you don’t see it [13:24]
• The craftsmanship of online sales [16:30]
• The key to getting unstuck of daily operational details [18:09]
• How to increase income and decrease stress levels by putting processes in place [19:31]
• How a smooth supply chain process could significantly change success levels [20:56]

With 15+ years’ experience working with leading global brands, Sharon has helped companies around the world increase performance, minimize costs and meet customers’ needs. She now helps entrepreneurs scale up by gaining control of their business processes. Sharon was made unexpectedly redundant from a corporate role in 2013, starting a long journey of discovery, which eventually led her to setting up her consulting business.

Learn more about Sharon at www.simplyprocesses.com and LinkedIn.

Brief Description of Gift

Two gifts: a free 45-minute session called Scale Up Your Business, and access to my white paper called Leading your team through a big change with confidence

URL for Free Gift

www.simplyprocesses.com/goingsolo

We discuss:

• The “lucky” ones who are victims of organizational restructuring [2:00]
• Listening as a way to fine-tune the areas to work on [5:11]
• The power of referrals: having your very first client cold call you [9:04]
• The pillars of positive mind and maintenance during tough times [11:48]
• The success and monetary value in saying “no” [14:25]
• The ideal client of an HR consultant and executive coach [15:59]
• The most important thing to do after a job loss [17:23]

Leveraging her experience in the chemical and life sciences industries especially DSM and Dow Chemical Marion develops people and organizations globally. Marion is a Certified Master coach and an Everything DiSC national partner. She received her MBA in Human Resources from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Marion believes that everyone has a story that deserves to be heard and she enables leaders and teams to find their potential

Learn more about Marion at https://www.fivebehaviors.com/witteconsultinggroup andLinkedIn.

Brief Description of Gift

Complimentary one hour coaching session

URL for Free Gift

Message Marion on LinkedIn or send her an email at marion@witteconsultinggroup.com

We discuss: 

• Putting a childhood passion to the test [2:24] 
• Touring kitchens to cook a sustainable business [5:16] 
• Why having a business coach is good when transitioning to entrepreneurship [7:55] 
• Going digital with a chocolate product [9:15] 
• Creative ways to even out the peaks and valleys [10:48] 
• Refining the customer profile as a Covid-19 business measure [13:20] 
• A mask cannot hide the happiness in the eyes [14:53] 
• The key to winning a marathon [18:10] 

After 12-years of creating brands for Macy*s, Milène’s position was eliminated in 2016, and she launched her own label Milène Jardine Chocolatier. Offering exotic confections inspired by her travels, the vision is to celebrate diversity through chocolate. Sold online, at boutiques, and for corporate gifting/pairing events, the chocolates have been featured at Christie’s Auction House and Le Cirque, approved by top chefs Marc Forgione and Dominique Crenn, and enjoyed by Warren Buffett and Sting. 

Learn more about Milene at https://milenejardine.com/, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Brief Description of Gift 

15% off purchase code 

URL for Free Gift 

http://goingsolo.milenejardinechocolatier.com

We discuss:

• A laid-off pilot coming back to his calling [2:28]
• The long-term positive effect of being laid off [4:26]
• The psychological process of producing material even if it doesn’t have any monetary reward [7:13]
• The key to going solo: making your bed and wearing your shoes [9:23]
• [12:43]
• The two biggest ingredients to being able to get through a crisis [15:46]
• What smart people need to possess to turn dreams into reality [19:43]

Learn more about Andrew at https://flyhopscotch.com/.

We discuss:

• How to stop tolerating intolerable things and start doing meaningful work [4:34]
• What is the verb and not the noun of what you enjoy? [8:02]
• Why you should talk to your second and beyond circle when starting a new business [11:19]
• Mary in the morning: you don’t need a job; you need a show [13:11]
• What is what you don’t know what you don’t know [16:45]
• How to get digital at the age of 50 [18:21]
• How to productize your service when you don’t have a sales background [21:02]

Learn more about Mary at http://www.experience50.com/.

We discuss:

• Our history does not have to be our future [2:18]
• How having a supportive partner can be a game changer [6:20]
• From zero income to a hundred percent income [10:32]
• If it’s all about the money, you’re going to struggle [12:58]
• A wonderful asset in life to help you make decisions during hard times [16:05]
• How the current situation is changing the way we inspire people [18:30]

Riva has lived with type 1 diabetes for 48 years, and is helping people with diabetes and health professionals work collaboratively in a way that helps them both flourish. She is sharing this Flourishing Approach across the world. Riva has written three books and hundreds of articles, she's spoken at the United Nations and is recognized for her humanistic work by professional associations and organizations.

Learn more about Riva at https://diabetesstories.com, https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001TNK2BE and https://www.huffpost.com/author/riva-509

We discuss:

• A daily habit to help you prepare for unexpected circumstances [2:12]
• The responsibility of delivering bad news that affects thousands of people [5:31]
• The opportunities that come with heartache [7:32]
• The ability to give yourself choices [10:12]
• How to make better decisions when feeling distressed [12:52]
• How to thrive as an outside business consultant when you’re not Apple [15:17]
• Helping companies grow revenue through outsourcing sales experts [18:41]

Dennis Boyle's experience includes both sales and marketing and he has held multiple Senior Executive roles in Business Development, Corporate Accounts, Strategic Management, Corporate/Commercial Training and Development, Private Equity, and Operations. In his last role, Dennis served as President of Spectra 254.

In early 2017, he purchased a licensing agreement from Sales Xceleration. This agreement provides him with outsourced Vice President of Sales and CCO tools and programs for small to medium sized firms to outsource their sales and marketing leadership.

Dennis earned his BA in Economics from Middlebury College. He also holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Business Education from Southern New Hampshire University. He also received graduate certificates in Negotiation and Public Speaking from the Center for Management Research in Waltham, MA and a training certificate from the Emily Post Business Institute on Business Ethics and Etiquette.

Dennis Boyle is an adjunct professor, and teaches business and professional services courses at the University of New Hampshire in their Business in Practice (BiP) program.

Learn more about Dennis at LinkedIn.

We discuss:

• How to survive three consequent lay-offs and build a business out of the clutter [1:56]
• How to “calm” the limiting beliefs that make you question yourself [5:11]
• The positive framework to make lemonade out of lemons in times of economic devastation [8:10]
• How to turn feedback from your network into paid business [9:14]
• The hidden opportunity in honing your skills during major disruptions [14:10]

As he was going through the last downsizing, (3 in five years) he struggled with what he was going to do, and needed to gain some clarity as to what that was going to be. This prompted Jim to reach out to Michael, a former VP he worked for who is now an executive coach. He helped Jim clear the clutter and to realize that he has choices. He helped him see that with Jim’s life experiences and working knowledge of business that he has a lot to offer others who are going through challenging times in their personal and professional life. 

Learn more about Jim at https://www.forwardfocusedcc.com.

We discuss:

• There is a lot more to mental health than you think there is [2:15]
• The impact of the “What do you do?” question [6:51]
• Staying beyond the “Me too” part [8:21]
• A five-step process to recover from any type of trauma [10:56]
• How to give yourself a break from being money-focused while being unemployed [16:16]
• A methodology to apply your accumulated business skills to a passion of yours [18:32]
• The “requirements” for carving out your path to opportunities [21:00]

After suddenly losing his job in June 2018, Ed started a nonprofit called 'Me Too, What Now' that raises awareness about childhood sexual abuse and mental health. The organization focuses on 'What Now?' helping survivors to move beyond keeping a victim mentality. Ed is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse himself. This year he's also starting a video and media production company.

Learn more about Ed at https://www.metoowhatnow.com andhttps://www.visiblekindness.com/.

We discuss:

• Transferrable skills that make the light bulb go on [2:11]
• A situation where you can make a difference [7:20]
• Why you should not gamble all your chips on one color [9:27]
• The hidden dignity that comes with temporary work [12:08]
• New habits that virtual work requires [15:33]
• Why only having a perspective is not enough to get you through a severe recession [16:51]
• How to do hiring better for job hunters [17:51]
• The most successful way to run a job search [19:56]

Learn more about Mac at https://www.macslist.org/, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

We discuss:

• Self-exploration as a way to start working on your own [1:33]
• Unexpected opportunities show up to an open heart and mind [4:39]
• The degree of intention once your business starts growing [10:01]
• A blessing that comes after a long frustrating career [12:11]
• The trap of becoming a victim of the worst boss in the world [13:54]
• The power of like-mined people to help you clarify your mission and fulfill it [15:43]
• The financial questions that help life go [17:17]

After 30 years of successfully managing money for institutional investors including Citicorp and Para Advisors, Laura found her definition of abundance shifting. As she reviewed her own financial landscape, Laura realized that abundance wasn't just about accumulating more wealth, but about employing her wealth to do the things she most valued. Her mindset changed from “I must use my life to make money,” to “I can use my money to make a life.” 

Laura is passionate about sharing her financial planning process, which guides her clients toward decisions that integrate the attainment of both financial security AND life satisfaction as they near retirement.

In addition to her work as a financial life planner, Laura serves as Treasurer of Impact100 Westchester, is on the Professional Advisory Council of the Westchester Community Foundation, and is a member of the finance committee of the Hebrew Free Burial Association.

Learn more about Laura at https://trueabundanceadvisors.com/.

We discuss:

• The effect of being active outside the walls of your company [2:27]
• The role of a true leader for employee’s engagement and satisfaction [4:45]
• The inkling when you know the change will have to happen [6:53]
• The relativity between your success and getting to “yes” [9:31]
• All the things that will make you like me will make me like you [10:34]
• [11:51]
• The power of asking over telling [12:47]
• If you’re not feeling well, you feel better talking to a doctor rather than a relative [14:44]
• Why we would take far more actions to avoid losing than we would to gain [16:24]
• A 24/7/365 skill that underlies almost all of the communication we have [18:09]
• How to persuade people to come on board when you’re a new organization [19:17]
• Why you should never underestimate who might be someone who could help you [20:32]

Brian is one of only 20 individuals in the world who currently holds the Cialdini Method Certified Trainer designation. This specialization was earned directly from Robert Cialdini, Ph.D. the most cited living social psychologist on the science of ethical influence.

Brian’s book, Influence PEOPLE: Powerful Everyday Opportunities to Persuade that are Lasting and Ethical, is an Amazon best-seller. His LinkedIn courses have been viewed by more than 90,000 people.

Learn more about Brian at https://www.influencepeople.biz/, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

A 15-minute video on the topic of pre-suasion

URL for Free Gift

Email booklaunch@influencepeople.biz

We discuss:

• Necessity is the mother of invention [2:40]
• The silver lining of being laid off from a successful job [7:24]
• The role of a career coach for [un]employed people [9:32]
• Why now is a great time for innovation [11:20]
• Strategies for getting through a crisis for business owners whose business is turning upside down [15:12]
• The power of human connection in times of social isolation [18:33]

Alan Samuel Cohen, MBA, has been a professional coach for 15 years, and holds the PCC designation from The International Federation of Coaches. He has coached executives and teams at organizations including American Express, Tiffany’s, MetLife and Bloomberg, as well as countless non-profits and small businesses. He is the author of the book, “The Connection Challenge: How Executives Create Power and Possibility in the Age of Distraction” and "Those Difficult Talks for PR Pros." He is certified in Emotional Intelligence, Myers Briggs, and the Energy Leadership System.

Learn more about Alan at http://www.alansamuelcohen.com, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

Downloadable resources including Team MAGIC worksheet

URL for Free Gift

https://www.alansamuelcohen.com/subscribe

We discuss:

• Businesses which are immune to creative destruction [2:04]
• Why making stuff up won’t get you a job if you’re over 40 [5:03]
• The solution to retire when you want to retire [8:56]
• Going into your 60s with a student loan debt is not a healthy thing to do [10:32]
• If you are going to fail, you better fail fast [12:06]
• Why you should leave behind some of the things you are good at [14:30]
• The ways to make money now that didn’t exist before [16:51]
• Going from a fixed to a growth mindset [19:58]

Marc authored the book Repurpose Your Career: A Practical Guide for the 2nd Half of Life published in September 2019. He is a recovering engineer, a multipotentialite and a professional career changer as he has made 6 career pivots over the last 35 years. Marc is also the podcast host of the award winning Repurpose Your Career Podcast. 

Learn more about Marc at https://careerpivot.com/, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

We discuss:

• What’s common between being unemployed, an entrepreneur and an independent contractor [1:49]
• The relief that comes with having a financial buffer [5:56]
• How to change your internal narrative and work with clients you want to work with [9:09]
• Price strategies that we can control and the ones we can’t [11:03]
• Leadership development: transitioning to Train the Trainers format as a successful practice [12:34]
• The most common problem people deal with [15:24]
• How to know whether you are (and stay) on the leading edge of the field in which you operate [16:57] 
• Bringing out the difference between inclusive leadership and the conventional leadership paradigm [19:26]

Boudewijn facilitates leadership workshops for companies around the world. His approach draws on insights from modern science including, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, systems and complexity theory. He is a Strozzi-certified somatic coach, an executive and life coach. 

Boudewijn was born in the Netherlands and now lives in Brooklyn, NY. He was educated in the Netherlands and Japan. He is married to Riva and loves to play the piano.

Learn more about Boudewijn at http://www.spimanagement.com, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Brief Description of Gift

Two articles - one on The Leadership of Change and one on Flourishing with Diabetes

A free thinking-partner session with Boudewijn

URL for Free Gift

https://www.spimanagement.com/download-gifts

We discuss:

• When the Universe is telling you this is no longer your path [1:39] 
• An art class that changed everything [5:20]
• Why it’s important to take some time off before starting a new job [6:59]
• How to create a structure to keep your sanity while being unemployed [9:35]
• How to turn your doodles into dollars [12:05]
• Helping women manage through change and diversity [16:18]
• Breaking myths: Everything is figureoutable [18:22]
• It’s never too late to create [21:24] 

Learn more about Anne at https://www.annelafolletteart.com/, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

A free 3-part video series on getting started in surface design

URL for Free Gift

https://members.artwithanne.com/Free-Video-Series-Get-Started-in-Surface-Design

We discuss:

• Estimation of effort: Lessons learned from having been an entrepreneur before [2:10]
• Going global when sky is the limit [4:46]
• Your employees are your best brand ambassadors [6:21]
• The kinds of mistakes companies make when it comes to hiring [7:11]
• Why you should set other people for success [10:44]
• When your ideas and vision extend beyond the company you work for [12:12]
• The importance of not chasing money once you get unemployed [13:57]
• Temp agencies as a means to relieving stress in case of a sudden job loss [15:54]
• How to find the right people for your business early on in the process [18:58]
• Ways in which LinkedIn could be useful besides just having a good profile [21:42]

With over three decades’ experience in a career that has encompassed leadership in retail, non-profit, health and wellness and the private sector, Diana works with companies to realize and strengthen the resources they have in their employees. 

Diana consults with organization when they are ready to hire reliable employees so that they can increase their productivity, profitability and improve retention in the workplace.

Learn more about Diana at http://www.bygeorgehr.com, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

A workbook for entrepreneurs with the 5 questions that every new entrepreneur should consider before they start their business.

URL for Free Gift

http://bit.ly/onpurposeworkbook

We discuss:

• How to start a business from a hospital room [1:44]
• How to use your time efficiently when trying to create a semblance of normalcy [3:20]?
• The successful combination of reputation and knowing what you want [5:24]
• A badge of honor: Why losing your job is losing its stigma [7:34]
• The scariest part of starting a business [9:35]
• Best friends as a means to relieve overwhelming responsibilities [13:13]
• Book publicity as being more than selling books [15:16]
• What book authors need to think about when building a platform [17:36]
• Don’t be a lawyer who lost their job and opened a bar [19:08]

In late 2010, Lori’s son was diagnosed with an inoperable malignant brain tumor, so she left the fast-paced world of Manhattan to care for her son and in the process set up her own agency (her son Robert is doing very well and plays an important role at the company).

Learn more about Lori at http://www.ThePRFreelancer.com, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

We discuss:

• The luckiest person there is [2:04]
• Fighting for a cause that seems inconceivable to achieve [4:21]
• How to overcome disappointment as a challenge in times of transition [5:30]
• A social revolution: The day that no one thought would come [7:04]
• Going all the way back in order to move on [8:42]
• The most important piece of capital you could own [11:30]
• Why you should never stop networking [14:54]
• The essentials of effectively investing in relationships [16:24]
• The rewarding experience of being able to change lives [18:28]

Learn more about David at http://www.HollandLitigation.com, Twitter and LinkedIn.

We discuss:

• A corporate shake-up and a last bad day [1:58]
• The freedom to honor the values you want to honor [4:22]
• How to stop fear getting the best of us [6:15]
• Breaking free with a 50% plan [7:46]
• How to start off a new business by building upon your network [9:48]
• The differences between working on your craft versus managing your business [13:01]
• How doing something incremental each year helps you reach stability [15:14]
• When you don’t have confidence but you have courage [17:06]
• Transparency [and abundance] as a way to create better leaders [20:29]

Learn more about Michael at http://www.michaelobrienshift.com, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

Michael’s new book that will help you prevent bad moments from turning into bad days (you just have to pay shipping and handling)

URL for Free Gift

https://www.mylastbadday.com/get-your-copy

We discuss:

• How to transition from a non-profit to for-profit company when everybody wants to feed their family [1:41]
• Learning new skills versus starting all over again [7:10]
• Why it is important to have access to what the world is doing [8:18]
• How to partner and network to become known [10:25]
• Happy words for grown-up people [11:40]
• Creating a golf game based on self-belief [13:03]
• How Martha made teaching a sport online possible [14:47]

After over 30 years of bringing fun into golf, Martha’s focus now is to leverage that fun into financial access by showing students how to own their game and create the plan to have it solve their 6-figure income problem!

Learn more about Martha at http://www.EmpoweredGolfers.com, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

A free e-book to reflect upon and improve your golf game\

URL for Free Gift

marthasue@bionicgolfpro.com

We discuss:

• Reorganizing oneself out of a job [1:54]
• How being overqualified for a job helps you out into building your own business [5:15]
• Never let a potential job conversation go away [7:03]
• The thing that makes the difference and moves your startup from being a side gig to being your main job [8:35]
• How to know when your business becomes sustainable [11:28]
• Leadership development as a tool for producing the best outcome [14:25]
• The importance of developing the right mindset throughout each day and situation [18:06]
• How to ease the process of going from employment to becoming a successful entrepreneur [21:23]

Prior to his current role as a leadership development consultant and trainer, Alex served in athletics administration at several NCAA Division III institutions throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions for fifteen years, and then as an executive leader in the nonprofit sector.

Alex earned his MA in Organizational Communication from Kean University in New Jersey, and his M.Ed. in Athletic Administration from Endicott College in Massachusetts. He is an Alum of Penn State University, where he earned his BA, and serves as the Director of Programming for the Mid-NJ Chapter of the Association for Talent Development.

Learn more about Alex at https://www.winningconsultations.com/, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

10% off on any of Winning Consultations’ services and a free Behavioral Personality Assessment (buy one, get one for free)

URL for Free Gift

https://www.winningconsultations.com

We discuss:

• Why it takes being laid off to get you to live your dream [2:08]
• When you believe everything happens for a reason [4:11]
• An early morning epiphany that makes you shut down your business [6:48]
• Building a second business upon the lessons learned while building the first one [11:02]
• Money flow when your passion level is up [15:35]
• Appropriate pricing for coaching professionals [16:57]
• Shifting limiting beliefs to empowering beliefs [19:09]

In 2019, Joel published The 9 Money Rules Millionaires Use: Only The Unconventional Ones which was a bestseller in both self-help and personal finance. In 2018, he published Mindful Money Management: Memoirs of a Hedge Fund Manager, which immediately became a bestseller. Joel was laid off from Citi in 2012 which gave him the kick in the butt to live his dream and start his own hedge fund.

Learn more about Joel at http://www.saLaurMor.com, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

A free 30-minute coaching session and a free copy of The 9 Money Rules Millionaires Use: Only The Unconventional Ones

URL for Free Gift

http://www.saLaurMor.com

Text to 66866 “ninemoneyrules”

We discuss:

• Why romanticized motivations would often lead to business failure [2:03]
• Which way to step when feeling time-pressured due to a job loss [4:46]
• How to do research and develop your business concept once you go on your own [6:20]
• You never know where good opportunities are going to come from [9:09]
• A meat restaurant in an area that serves only vegetarians [10:53]
• How to use your employer as a resource [12:21]
• Why having a sounding board is a must during times of transition [15:40]
• Why employees should have an annual check-up with an employment attorney [17:34]
• How to create a frame for a successful outcome [22:20]

Gary represents clients in employment, real estate, contract and environmental disputes, and many other areas. He frequently coordinates with executive coaches to address legal issues during employment transitions.

Learn more about Gary at https://www.irelandlaw.net/ and LinkedIn.

Brief Description of Gift

A free telephone consultation if you send a describe how you view success and send it through Gary’s website 

URL for Free Gift

https://www.irelandlaw.net/

or 212-991-5468

We discuss:

• When your personal safety net is not strong enough to support you [1:44]
• The primary question everyone asks once they become unemployed [5:13]
• The “risk” of dreaming what the future might look like [8:45]
• A story of evolution [13:35]
• Trends in employment practices [15:22]
• Recommendations that would make transition to self-employment easier [17:37]
• Why HR is not something on aside [18:24]

Jonna’s consulting clients include firms with a global presence, non-profit organizations, and small companies in a variety of industries. Her expertise is in diagnosing HR problems and recommending practical and appropriate solutions for her clients' businesses. 

Jonna has a BA in Philosophy from UCLA and started Affogato HR Consulting in 2018.

Learn more about Jonna at http://www.affogatohr.com, LinkedIn and Facebook.

We discuss:

• Becoming a champion in getting unemployed [2:05]
• What is going to set you free? [4:25]
• How to prepare for a job loss [7:05]
• Why you should not burn bridges after losing a job [11:06]
• What a single company cannot give you [13:45]
• Moving from we-us to me-I [15:46]
• Challenging surprises that solopreneurs might encounter [19:19]

With over 20 years of experience in building successful marketing plans, executing and delivering on global programs, and establishing a content marketing practice across a multi-division corporation, Susan works with organizations of all sizes to adapt and assess ways of helping them achieve success with their marketing efforts.

Learn more about Susan at http://www.susanhartmanconsulting.com, LinkedIn and Twitter.

We discuss:

• What keeps you 25 years at the same company [1:18]
• Triggers that cause end of employment [4:37]
• Resources to help you make the initial steps once you’re out of the corporate world [7:23]
• Why good networking happens when you’re clear what you [don’t] want [11:37]
• A sudden realization that brings a mixture of fear, concerns and excitement [16:03]
• Actions accelerating the process of running a small business [18:48]
• Screening for success assignments [22:35]

At the age of 5 years old, Tricia’s father was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and her mom became full-time caregiver and breadwinner. This early experience influenced Tricia's values, beliefs and style as she rose through the ranks in corporate America to become 1 of only 2 women on the executive leadership team. In 2016, Tricia faced an unexpected health crisis. She made the difficult decision to end her corporate career but wasn't ready to stop helping others. With a passion to grow strong leaders and fight for gender diversity in the boardroom, she began her own coaching practice. Tricia's excitement is contagious as she lifts others up, leaving them engaged and inspired to take on any challenge.

Learn more about Tricia at http://www.triciamanning.com, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

Free Heart Leader Assessment (in less than 15 minutes you will find your Heart Leader Score and practice steps to make more meaningful and authentic connections with those you lead)

URL for Free Gift

http://triciamanning.com/lead-with-heart-and-leave-a-legacy-book/

We discuss:

• The signs that tell you to stop being in the background of your life [1:48]
• Stepping away from relationships into saying “yes” to yourself [4:20]
• The ripple effects of the gift of redundancy [8:00]
• Why learning about yourself is what helps you jump into life [11:06]
• Giving yourself permission to map the first day of your future [14:58]
• How to generate sustainable income while offering the intangible product of coaching [18:06]

Learn more about Sandra at http://www.stairway2dreams.com.au, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

A complimentary 45-minute coffee chat

URL for Free Gift

https://www.stairway2dreams.com.au

We discuss:

• Reinventing oneself from traditional employee to cofounder [2:02]
• The benefits of having a business based on your personal goals [4:23]
• Changes in the way people are being hired [6:36]
• The omnipresent preference for young employees [7:59]
• Why voluntarily walking away might make a big difference [10:11]
• If you want to start a business, go all in [12:44]
• Why you should focus on the sell first, not the marketing [15:28]
• The emotional reactions that hit us after a sudden job loss [18:09]
• Tips to help you overcome the drama of being unemployed [20:27]
• Trends for late-career highly talented professionals [22:20]

Learn more about Caroline at https://www.sixfigurestart.com/, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

Downloadable PDF on Four Strategies to Make FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) Possible

URL for Free Gift

https://costaricafire.com/making-fire-possible-signup/ 

We discuss:

• Living your life and schedule in your way [1:32]
• Who the mayors of your business are [3:15]
• Staying afloat while building your own business [6:37]
• An energy healer with great analytical skills [7:54]
• Choosing the clients that attract you and are attracted to you [8:47]
• The most important performance data to look at regularly when tracking your business [10:02]
• The deals you make with yourself to take care of your emotional health [12:06]
• How to own your own value and get rid of feeling guilty [15:10]
• The financial information they don’t give you in a classroom [17:35]

Learn more about Sonja at http://www.lotusloungehealingcenter.com, LinkedIn and Facebook.

We discuss:

• The key role of having a mission when you start a business [again] [2:30]
• How to stay on the path you’ve chosen [4:53]
• How to keep future leaders long term in an organization [7:00]
• Coming a long way in a short period of time [9:20]
• You don’t get any money back if you don’t put anything in [11:23]
• The second-guessers and the supporters [13:40]
• Building a network: why it’s a matter of asking, not money [17:15]
• What beats the fear of being transparent about what you do [22:34]
• The Winning Trifecta [23:28]

Her diverse background has provided her with numerous opportunities to work with government agencies and some of the world’s largest companies, including Fortune 500 companies like BP, 3M, and General Mills.

Learn more about Tabitha at https://www.talaser.com/, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

Copy of the book "Organization Culture Killers”

URL for Free Gift

https://www.talaser.com/

We discuss:

• When your gut is telling you something has to change [2:31]
• The conflict between intuition versus external fears [4:45]
• The process of discovering yourself [6:26]
• Why you should redefine what success means to you before starting your own business [8:31]
• Being successful but not fulfilled [10:14]
• A formula for a disaster [12:45]
• Coaching and outside coaching tools to make it or break it [14:13]
• Your zone of genius: how to go in when you’re stretched out too thin, scattered and burnt out [18:00]
• The way to find what lights you up [22:34]

After working over a decade as a marketer for global beauty companies such as L’Oréal, Stéphanie realized that she was no longer fulfilled in her career. She decided to embark on a self-discovery journey to discover her purpose.  That path led her to learn about coaching and in the process, she discovered her own purpose: be a coach with a mission to partner with ambitious high-performers and provide empowerment towards the discovery of self-fulfillment. 

Learn more about Stéphanie at http://www.stephanievirchaux.com, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

Download The Ultimate Self-Care Toolkit to start working with crystals in your corporate life

URL for Free Gift

https://www.stephanievirchaux.com/

Thank You to Our Sponsor: KazSource

Build connections with your audience through amazing content marketing

www.KazCM.com

We discuss:

• A 10-year burning desire to help small and mid-size companies go through major financial deals [2:42]
• Recognizing the right moment to stop dividing your time and never look back [6:25]
• Why it might ring hollow after climbing up the career ladder [8:30]
• What it takes to proactively make the jump into entrepreneurship [12:57]
• Why day one of being unemployed could be the most eye-opening experience you ever had [15:29]
• Being the right person for your next client [18:59]
• The path to becoming the premier CFO consulting company in the world [21:04]
• Brian started Accelerating CFO after realizing that there were many entrepreneurs and small- to mid-sized companies that needed a finance partner that can assist in managing their business using policies and procedures utilized by Fortune 50 companies. His true passion is to take his vast experience as a senior finance executive and help his clients maximize their net worth.

Learn more about Brian at http://acceleratingcfo.com/, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

Free diagnostic on your business processes and procedures

URL for Free Gift