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Jessica Lackey is a strategy and operations advisor who blends business strategy, practical application, and a human-centric approach to create sustainable businesses. With a background in corporate leadership, McKinsey & Company consulting, and a Harvard Business degree, Jessica knows a thing or two about hustle culture and what it feels like to judge success by the bottom line at all costs.
Now, she combines her deep experience in consulting, Fortune 500 operations leadership, and coaching to help businesses grow without sacrificing the well-being of their clients, team, and community.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a sustainable business without sacrificing wellbeing.
Jessica and I discuss:
Jessica's journey from corporate to entrepreneurship [02:07]The concept of enterprise thinking [02:58]Jessica's career transition to life coaching [06:05]The role of relationships in business success [10:32]Challenges in the first and second years of a new business [19:40]The power of community connections [22:23]Learn more about Jessica at:
Website: https://www.jessicalackey.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicalackey_consulting/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lackey/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jslackey
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Diana has spent the last 20 years in SaaS. She has expertise in sales, customer success, Six Sigma, and service delivery. She is currently the Senior Director of Transformation at Kantata. As a leader, Diana is passionate about leveraging emotional intelligence in the workplace to drive meaningful outcomes, and she speaks and coaches on this topic.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate career changes by harnessing emotional intelligence and mindset shifts.
Diana and I discuss:
The challenge of balancing passions and professional commitments [02:31]Strategies for overcoming the fear of pausing a project [04:00]How a mindset shift can create new opportunities [06:42]Tools and frameworks that aid in decision-making [07:14]The impact of reduced casual conversations in a remote work environment [10:29]How personal values align with professional roles [13:00]Diana’s thoughts on future career paths and passions [16:09]Learn more about Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianaacuna/.
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Deb Coviello is an accomplished author, podcast host, and leadership expert in quality and operational excellence, known as the CEO Whisperer. Deb uses her 30 years of experience to help CEOs and C-suite leaders of tomorrow find peace of mind by providing solutions to their technical business issues and elevating their teams. Her book, "The CEO's Compass," is a go-to guide for navigating challenges and achieving lasting success.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from corporate work to entrepreneurship and the importance of community in navigating business challenges.
Deb and I discuss:
Her entrepreneurial journey and starting Illumination Partners [02:22]Building a personal brand and the need for sales and marketing skills [04:00]How to determine when to stay the course or pivot [06:12]The role of self-reflection and daily routines in success [08:21]Expanding into a media company and creating content [11:00]Targeting C-Suite leaders in her business strategy [14:25]Learn more about Deb at https://dropinceo.com.
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Bou is a leadership consultant who helps his clients discover how to bring out the best in themselves and others. He designs and delivers customized leadership development workshops for executive teams around the globe. Bou also has a thriving executive and life coaching practice. Together with his wife, Riva Greenberg, he supports people living with diabetes. He resides in Brooklyn, NY.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about navigating solo entrepreneurship in a turbulent environment using practical, data-driven strategies.
Bou and I discuss:
The importance of building on personal experience and podcast insights [00:00:00]Challenges faced by solo entrepreneurs after corporate careers [00:00:47]Overview of the SMASH system [00:03:40]The five elements of the SMASH framework [00:04:17]The role of thinking partners and community collaboration [00:07:08]Common challenges like marketing and staying relevant [00:10:45]How our book addresses entrepreneurial challenges [00:13:31]Learn more about Boudewijn at https://www.spimanagement.com/.
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Bou is a leadership consultant who helps his clients discover how to bring out the best in themselves and others. He designs and delivers customized leadership development workshops for executive teams around the globe. Bou also has a thriving executive and life coaching practice. Along with his wife, Riva Greenberg, he supports people living with diabetes. He resides in Brooklyn, NY.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to successfully manage the emotional and psychological challenges of entrepreneurship after a corporate career.
Bou and I discuss:
The importance of self-care for effective leadership [00:00]Bao’s transition from quality management to leadership coaching [03:02]How the pandemic reshaped Bao’s coaching practices [04:00]Navigating changes and embracing emergence in business [08:13]Strategies for responding to unforeseen challenges [09:48]The role of AI and tech evolution in the modern job market [12:05]Key components of the upcoming book on transitioning to solo ventures [17:55]Importance of managing energy and time effectively [20:19]Learn more about Boudewijn at https://www.spimanagement.com.
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Shahrina Ankhi-Krol, Esq. is a distinguished attorney and the founder of Ankhi-Krol Law. Founded in 2012, Ankhi-Krol Law has become a leading legal service provider that caters exclusively to the needs of startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs all over the country. The firm's areas of practice are Business, Contract, Trademark, and Copyright Laws.
Shahrina has presented legal topics at countless business conferences, expositions, educational institutions, and on Law and Crime. She has also appeared on CNN, FOX, NBC, and CBS. She is a nine-time Rising Star Super Lawyer, a recognition given to no more than 2.5% of attorneys in each state, each year.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, Shahrina Anki Krol shares her valuable insights on the common legal challenges faced by new business owners. We delve into the importance of creating formal business entities, the crucial role of well-drafted contracts, and the significance of networking for business growth. Shahrina also discusses the impact of artificial intelligence in the legal field.
Shahrina and I discuss:
What it means to be a corporate refugee [02:23]Shahrina's journey from working at law firms to starting her own practice [03:23]The importance of creating a formal business entity [08:26]How to choose a memorable and trademarkable business name [12:04]Crafting effective contracts to protect your business [13:27]Methods to resolve disputes amicably [16:00]Utilizing artificial intelligence in legal strategies [18:33]Tapping into community to foster business success [20:53]Learn more about Shahrina at instagram.com/ankhikrollaw, facebook.com/ankhikrollaw, http://twitter.com/ankhikrollaw.
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Gloriana Teh is the founder and owner of Claritas Consulting & Coaching. She equips leaders and organizations so their people and projects can thrive. Claritas Consulting & Coaching provides strategy and talent management consulting services to organizations, along with leadership and career coaching services.
Prior to consulting, Gloriana was responsible for process development and optimization for a large specialty chemicals company. She pivoted from process development to people development after over 20 years of corporate experience.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to develop essential soft skills for leadership and team success.
Gloriana and I discuss:
What prompted Gloriana to transition from engineering to consulting [00:02:27]The role of soft skills in technical teams [04:31:8]Defining and understanding soft skills [00:05:11]The importance of human interaction for team collaboration [00:05:44]Initial consulting experiences and challenges [00:05:55]Designing and implementing a data visualization tool [00:07:17]Why digital transformation projects often fail [00:07:42]Applying core concepts across different disciplines [00:09:09]The impact of feedback and quick success on her consulting journey [00:09:39]Connecting personal strengths to business development [00:10:18]Identifying the ideal client and solving their problems [00:11:35]Upcoming opportunities and projects [00:12:17]The significance of emotional intelligence in leadership [00:13:00]Advice for transitioning from corporate to solo entrepreneurship [00:16:03]The importance of networking and community support [00:18:13]Learn more about Gloriana at https://claritas.harrisonassessments.com/.
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Steven Lewis is a copywriter who draws on decades of experience in journalism and marketing to position experts as the obvious choice for their ideal clients.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to effectively communicate your expertise and position yourself for success as a corporate refugee.
Steven and I discuss:
Steven's journey from law to copywriting [01:45]The mistakes businesses make in positioning [06:27]The importance of understanding your target market [10:00]What people actually value in a service provider [14:32]How understanding your value can affect pricing [18:51]The role of community in personal and professional growth [24:11]Learn more about Steven at https://taleist.agency/guides/the-landing-page-checklist/
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As a productivity and profitability expert, Kayvon helps entrepreneurs and business owners make consistent progress and generate momentum.
In a world where information overload and execution shortages are rampant, he helps his clients implement the right growth strategies, in the right way, at the right time. Zero fluff. Just progress.
Although he is a valuable resource to many, his specialty is working with coaches and consultants. Dr. Kayvon has been creating frameworks for improving both INCOME and IMPACT since 2006.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the keys to running a profitable coaching or consulting business.
Kayvon and I discuss:
The importance of first impressions and personal branding [02:02]Why Kayvon chose to focus on coaches and consultants [04:11]Essential steps to run a profitable coaching business [05:26]How to view your service as a product [07:47]The connection between commodities and products in business transactions [10:17]Overcoming internal and external obstacles to growth [12:35]The role of community and masterminds in business success [20:00]Balancing learning and execution for growth [18:36]Learn more about Kayvon at https://simplifyprofits.com/allcourses.
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After nearly two decades in the corporate world, Jessica founded the educational media company Penguin Connective to create greater equality and opportunity in hard-to-navigate areas, including future readiness, foster-to-adopt, and transitioning to adulthood. She is the creator of AI Explorer Society and a ChatGPT for Teachers course that is currently serving over 1,800 educators from around the world. She lives near Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband and their five kids.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about the journey from corporate life to entrepreneurial success, and how diversification can solidify financial security.
Jessica and I discuss:
What motivated Jessica to leave her corporate career [02:23]The impact of her connective tissue disorder diagnosis [06:08]The importance of diversifying income streams [08:00]How she built Penguin Connective and its impact on educators [13:26]The role of AI in education and how it can be used ethically [14:34]Jessica's strategy for expanding her network through collaboration [11:29]Her focus for the upcoming year with AI Explorer Society [15:33]The value of community for entrepreneurs [16:36]Tips for corporate refugees to advance in their business [17:50]Learn more about Jessica at https://www.aiexplorers.io/.
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Troy Larson has over 40 years of software development and technical management experience, including five years at Amazon as a Solutions Architect.
In 2022, Troy founded The Unique VA Experience, a Filipino-based coaching company that has trained nearly 300 VAs, providing opportunities for Filipinos who are looking to change careers and for stay-at-home parents looking to enter the workforce.
In 2023, Troy launched The Developer's CEO Newsletter, building on his 40 years of experience, focused on the unique challenges faced by software developers who are running a small business or looking to start their own business.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage your technical expertise to create impactful coaching programs and newsletters.
Troy and I discuss:
Troy's journey from a Commodore 64 to founding his own business [02:33]The motivation behind launching the Unique VA Experience in 2022 [03:15]The challenges faced and lessons learned in the VA coaching realm [04:00]The significance of embracing uniqueness in career coaching [04:49]Structuring monthly internship programs for VAs [05:20]The iterative process and unexpected successes, like the bootcamp initiative [07:00]Harnessing community for entrepreneurial support and development [08:00]The benefits of using OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) in a community context [11:00]The public accountability effect of OKRs and the peer pressure involved [12:56]What corporate refugees can learn from using OKRs to achieve their goals [16:12]Learn more about Troy at https://troylarson.com/.
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Tina Collura is an award-winning Productivity and Business Development Coach who leverages over 14 years of entrepreneurial expertise to drive businesses from surviving to thriving. Through personalized consultations, she helps business owners develop growth models that secure deals and triple entrepreneurs' income swiftly.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate the challenges solopreneurs face when transitioning from corporate careers to successful entrepreneurship.
Tina and I discuss:
Common struggles for solopreneurs [00:02:00]The importance of self-marketing and networking [00:02:27]Developing the right mindset and discipline [00:04:00]Steps to initiate and test your business model [00:04:33]Running pilot sessions and gathering feedback [00:05:45]Building confidence and the value of persistence [00:07:00]Differences in selling as an entrepreneur [00:08:30]The impact of building strong relationships [00:09:32]Tina's career journey and key learnings [00:10:48]The significance of community for entrepreneurs [00:17:00]Learn more about Tina at https://hihello.me/p/abf99156-04af-433a-abbc-44ceeddcfcb7.
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Ahsan Karim is a business strategist and founder of Light Vision Group. His company helps businesses generate more revenue with online marketing.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about the journey of transitioning from a corporate career to becoming a successful entrepreneur and the importance of building an online presence.
Asan and I discuss:
What triggered Asan's interest in being an entrepreneur His first experience as an entrepreneurHow he learned marketingHis ideal client for Light Vision Group The role of community in entrepreneurship Upcoming projects to help entrepreneurs enhance their online presenceLearn more about Asan at https://lightvisiongroup.com/.
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Erin Marcus is the founder and CEO of Conquer Your Business, an international company helping driven entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve the financial and emotional freedom they need to build a business and life they’re proud of.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to unlearn corporate habits and develop a mindset for entrepreneurial success.
Erin and I discuss:
The necessary unlearning process from corporate to entrepreneurship Utilizing corporate skills like delegation in small business The importance of risk tolerance and testing in the marketplaceOvercoming ego and adapting to creating your own path The significance of mindset in achieving business goals Strategies for dealing with financial and self-worth challenges The role of community and networking in entrepreneurial successLearn more about Erin at:
Conquer Your Business | Erin Marcus | Business Consulting
Instagram (@erinmarcusconqueryourbusiness)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmarcusconqueryourbusiness/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erin.marcus.3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLFD-aM6LmA10FQ
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Thomas Bertels is a management consultant and business transformation expert on a mission to make work more productive, valuable, meaningful, and impactful. He has more than 25 years of experience helping companies across a range of industries, from startups to Fortune 5, transform how work gets done. Thinkers360 has recognized Thomas as a Top 50 Thought Leader on the Future of Work and Design Thinking.
Before starting Purpose Works in 2021, Thomas was a founding partner at OXYGY/Valeocon. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Aon Consulting and ABB.
Thomas has written several books and numerous articles on work design, process improvement, business transformation, and organizational learning. His latest book is Fixing Work: Designing Jobs Employees Love (Greenleaf Book Group). He is also the host of the Work Matters podcast, where he explores in conversations with thought leaders and executives what leaders can do to fix work.
Thomas and I discuss:
Thomas’s motivation for writing his latest book Why Thomas chose to write a business fable The process of writing an allegoryDifferences between writing an allegory and a traditional business book The impact Thomas hopes his book will have The connection between the book and Thomas’s business Challenges Thomas foresees for thought leaders today What successful consultants do differently How Thomas would start his consulting business today Basic principles of the work design frameworkThe role of community in achieving professional successLearn more about Thomas Bertels at:
Homepage www.purpose.works Book Site www.fixing-work.com Newsletter purposeworks.substack.com Diagnostic www.mymojo.works Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@WorkMatterspodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasbertels/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/purpose-works-consultingThank you to our sponsor:
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Jason Willis-Lee is a popular translator trainer and has given presentations on various business topics aimed at freelance translators and interpreters for ProZ, BP, CIOL, and Training for Translators. He co-founded the Collaborative Networking Translation Project, Medico-legal Translations (www.medicolegaltranslations.com). As a solopreneur, he recently launched a podcast called 'How to Find More Direct Clients,' aimed at early career professional linguists, and he uses his professional expertise to run the 'How to Find More Direct Clients' online course."
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of the translation industry and leverage your expertise to build a successful business.
Jason and I discuss:
What motivated Jason to go soloThe transition from generalist to specialist The difference between being self-employed and entrepreneurialHow Jason stretches himself through entrepreneurship Navigating the challenges in the translation industryThe importance of leveraging AI and technologyThe role of community in business growthPersonal branding and its significance for freelancersLearn more about Jason at https://entrepreneurialtranslator.com/training-for-translators/.
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After 25 years as a creative professional, Wayne founded Resonant Pixel Company just three years ago. The business experienced some early rapid growth, but it wasn't the business Wayne wanted. He has since transitioned the company into productized services, helping small businesses leverage the Squarespace platform to go from having an informational brochure-ware website to a transactional growth engine.
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from rapid early growth to a business model that aligns with your values and goals.
Wayne and I discuss:
How Wayne transitioned from unemployment to starting his business [03:00]Realizing the need to change his initial business model [04:49]Narrowing the focus and shedding off certain technologies [06:00]The importance of building processes and hiring [05:43]How to design effective business processes [09:01]Wayne's approach to hiring and testing new hires [10:48]Examples of unexpected wins in hiring [12:43]The benefits of having a subscription-based revenue model [19:00]Wayne’s ideal client profile [20:00]Future plans and goals for Resonant Pixel Company [21:42]The importance of being part of a community like Smashing the Plateau [22:46]Learn more about Wayne at: https://resonantpixel.co/
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Kyle Walbrun is the Founder and CEO of EfficientAide, an assistant company. He is deeply passionate about helping professionals work effectively and proficiently through a proven process of delegation. Throughout his career, Kyle has partnered with a broad range of business leaders, strategizing on how to buy back their time and eliminate worry.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will discover the strategies behind Effective Delegation with Kyle Walbrun, the founder and CEO of EfficientAide. Kyle shares his expertise on enabling professionals to work more effectively and proficiently through a systematic approach to delegation.
Kyle and I discuss:
The challenges corporate refugees face when transitioning to entrepreneurshipHow to overcome the hesitation of letting go and start delegatingAssessing costs and the return on investment (ROI) of delegationThe types of tasks business leaders should delegate firstA transformative story of a client who mastered delegationHow Kyle utilizes thought partners and community to excel in his businessWhere listeners can learn more about Kyle and EfficientAideLearn more about Kyle at http://www.EfficientAide.com.
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Phillip Brown is the founder of Blue Pit, Inc., a software consulting firm dedicated to improving business process automation. Throughout his career, Phillip has forged impactful partnerships with renowned organizations, including Disney, Harley Davidson, and NASA, leveraging his expertise to revolutionize their operations.
His dedication lies in empowering mid-sized enterprises that grapple with challenges such as over-budget projects, organizational chaos, and high employee turnover. By implementing intuitive processes, Philip helps businesses regain control over their project management, supercharge their return on investment, and cultivate a work environment that attracts and retains top talent.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn strategies for scaling your business effectively and creating a sustainable and attractive company culture.
Phillip and I discuss:
The transition from employee to entrepreneurTackling the unique challenges faced by mid-sized businessesThe art of foreseeing potential issues and implementing change managementStrategies for fostering effective communication within teamsThe importance of building a consulting business based on relationshipsLeveraging networking and conferences for business developmentThe role of AI and automation in crafting efficient business processesHow community and communication can propel business successLearn more about Phil at www.bluepit.com.
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Ron Desi, a full-time freelancer on Fiverr, has just crossed the million-dollar threshold. He is a video content creator and professional spokesperson, who has also started an off-Fiverr agency offering video services to law firms aiming to attract clients through video. Previously, he worked as an IT consultant and directed a university MBA program.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, Ron Desi will share how he transformed his career from IT consulting and academia to crushing the million-dollar revenue.
Ron and I discuss:
Ron's journey to becoming a freelancer and the slow start on FiverrThe decision to leave his full-time job and the safety nets he createdThe strategies that led to his success, including finding a niche with low competitionThe importance of collaboration and joining communities to enhance business growthThe reasons behind focusing on video services for law firmsRon's vision for his business and the advice he offers to corporate refugeesLearn more about Ron's journey and connect with him on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rondesi/.
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