Smashing the Plateau

Dave Cohen is a multi-BAFTA-winning BBC writer who has spent four decades as one of the most successful contributors to the British comedy scene. As a stand-up, he started the Comedy Store Improv Group with Mike Myers and Paul Merton. He has written for top BBC shows and is the main lyricist for smash-hit show and movie Horrible Histories. He has since become one of the most respected coaches of new comedy writers, and his new podcast, The Shakespeare Mindset, is all about how to succeed in an uncertain world. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a lasting solo career by embracing structure, mindset shifts, and the timeless wisdom of Shakespeare. Dave and I discuss: The Shakespeare Mindset Learn more about Dave at https://www.davecohen.org.uk/. ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses. Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you. We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of peer perspective. Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Stay connected to the conversation. Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

Deb Coviello, known as The Drop-In CEO™, has a superpower for lowering the temperature and elevating conversations with empathy and patience. As a speaker, author, podcaster, and consultant, she teaches C-Suite leaders how to establish a Lift, Light, Lead environment and create calm amidst chaos or crisis. She is the author of The CEO's Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track and The New CEO Playbook: Stop Chasing Results and Start Pursuing Peace of Mind. Her long-running podcast, The Drop-In CEO, is in the top 1.5% globally among Apple Podcasts. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to find your sweet spot as an entrepreneur and make better decisions to build a fulfilling and sustainable business. Deb and I discuss: Learn more about Deb at her: Website: https://dropinceo.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahacoviello/ Drop in CEO Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drop-in-ceo/id1498953914?ls=1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IlluminationPartnersLLC/ Twitter: https://x.com/DropinCEO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dropinceo/ YouTube: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn The CEOs Compass Your Guide to Get Back on Track on Amazon: https://bit.ly/OrderCEOCompass Free Gift: https://dropinceo.com/gift ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses. Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you. We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of peer perspective. Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Stay connected to the conversation. Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

Debi Wimberley is a survivor of decades of chronic pain and lung disease who turned her challenges into entrepreneurship and quality health advocacy. With a background in medical technology, oncology, and hospital work, as well as experience at Digital Equipment helping develop networking technology, she now empowers individuals and professionals through education, collaboration, and resilience — showing how limitations can be transformed into meaningful work and impact. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to reclaim your health, your identity, and your purpose by embracing curiosity and collaboration. Debi and I discuss: Learn more about Debi at: https://Effectivecannabis.com https://Effectivecannabisnewsletter.com https://www.instagram.com/debiwimberley https://www.brainzmagazine.com/executive-contributor/debi-wimberley www.youtube.com/@effectivecannabis ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

Gary Ireland is a New York City–based employment attorney representing executives in transition, start-ups, and small businesses, with a particular focus on women leaders. He serves as outside general counsel to Maxus Systems, whose founder patented "virtual reality," recognized by Popular Mechanics as one of the "15 Patents That Changed the World." He advises innovative companies on protecting their interests while pursuing strategic growth. Gary has secured impactful civil rights and discrimination victories, including a jury verdict with punitive damages against a municipality for repeated police beatings and a federal age discrimination win affirmed by the Second Circuit. He also led a $25 million beach renourishment initiative protecting public shoreline and private homes. Beyond the courtroom, Gary developed, and alongside the Ireland family and a broad coalition of supporters, helped lead the successful campaign to open the Boy Scouts of America — now the gender-neutral Scouting America — to girls, expanding opportunities to more than 170,000 young women. The Ireland family story, featured in the Daily Mail, is now being developed into a feature film. Gary welcomes introductions to filmmakers and producers interested in creating an impactful and commercially successful project. A graduate of Columbia University and New York Law School, Gary serves on the board of the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, where he teaches a program he developed, Relentless Advocacy. He also coaches in the leadership program at Columbia Law School. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a coalition around a cause, stay relentless in the face of obstacles, and lead with purpose in both business and life. Gary and I discuss: Learn more about Gary at https://www.dailymail.co.uk/lifestyle/article-12907335/amp/sydney-ireland-fought-nine-years-boy-scouts-movie.html ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses. Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you. We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of peer perspective. Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Stay connected to the conversation. Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

Joe brings over 20 years of experience in technology and specializes in cybersecurity awareness for small businesses. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to protect your small business from cyber threats and how to transition from corporate employee to entrepreneur. Joe and I discuss: Learn more about Joe at https://www.cybersmartresource.com. ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses. Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you. We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of peer perspective. Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Stay connected to the conversation. Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

Kirsten is a business strategist and outsourcing expert with a decade of experience helping entrepreneurs take control of their finances and scale with confidence. She has guided countless business owners through the process of hiring and working with Bookkeeping Virtual Assistants, giving them the tools and systems they need to understand their numbers and make smarter financial decisions. Her work through the Love Your Profit program focuses on simplifying bookkeeping, reducing financial stress, and helping business owners build the support teams that allow them to thrive. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build confidence through financial clarity and strategic delegation to scale your business. Kirsten and I discuss: Learn more about Kirsten at: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sixfigurebusinesscoaching Website: https://sixfigurebusinesscoaching.com/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SixFigureBusinessCoaching Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirsten.graham.3517 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstengrahamsfbc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sfbizcoaching/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@sfbizcoaching?_t=ZS-90tUPiAZqvl&_r=1 ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

Jane Wesman, founder of Jane Wesman Public Relations, Inc., is one of the country's top experts in book publicity and marketing with an impressive track record of creating national bestsellers, particularly in the areas of business, leadership, and personal growth. The author of Dive Right In - The Sharks Won't Bite, Jane is also a mentor and advisor to entrepreneurs and startups. A strong believer in giving back, Jane currently serves as co-president of the nonprofit organization Women's Media Group. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build an authentic marketing foundation that attracts clients without draining your energy. Jane and I discuss: ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

Nina is a LinkedIn™️ Brand Builder and Content and Engagement Strategist for Creators, Coaches, and Consultants. She works with service-based entrepreneurs and visual artists to develop strategies and create digital content that helps them grow their businesses organically on LinkedIn. Nina is a "recovering" film producer and documentary filmmaker. She has worked on Emmy award-winning documentaries, including one she produced, Abraham's Children. Nina is a visual artist and loves spending time in her native Switzerland with her owner, Tigger, an 11-pound Dachshund mix who has her well-trained. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to use LinkedIn Live to build your brand and grow your business without the weekly commitment of a podcast. Nina and I discuss: Learn more about Nina at https://clockwiseproductions.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-froriep/. ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

Curtis McCullom helps CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs eliminate the blind spots that have silently held them back since childhood—unlocking greater income, confidence, and personal freedom. Through his LGET Mindset™ framework (Learn, Grow, Expand, Transform) and powerful modalities like NLP, Mental Emotional Release® (MER), and Hypnotherapy, he facilitates reprogramming subconscious blocks for deep, lasting transformation. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to break through invisible ceilings by reprogramming subconscious blocks for deep, lasting transformation. Curtis and I discuss: Curtis would love to offer your audience two powerful resources at a special rate: From Anxious to Aligned: The Anxiety Reframe Kit — normally $297, but available to your listeners for just $27. This proven system helps flip anxiety into clarity, confidence, and focus in minutes. Bespokehpcanxietyreframe.bespokehpc.com/home Discover & Align: 60-Minute Breakthrough Session — normally $500, but available to your listeners for only $97. In this personalized session, Curtis helps uncover core values, reveal hidden blind spots, and realign mindset so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Bespokehpcvaluesdiscovery.bespokehpc.com/home ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

Madeleine Niebauer is a seasoned executive with two decades of experience across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Madeleine spent five years as a Chief of Staff at Teach For America. She loved the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the work and the ability to truly leverage a leader's time so they could be more productive and successful. She knew many leaders could benefit from this service on a part-time basis, which inspired her to launch VChief. Prior to joining TFA, Madeleine was a strategy consultant for foundations and nonprofit organizations at The Bridgespan Group. Earlier in her career, Madeleine managed a tutoring center with SCORE! Educational Centers and served in the Peace Corps in Ivory Coast. Madeleine earned a BA with honors from Stanford University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her three children, who all share her love of globetrotting, camping, and family fun. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a scalable service business that doesn't depend on you doing all the work. Madeleine and I discuss: Learn more about Madeleine at https://www.vchiefs.com ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

Janice began her career as a teacher, was a corporate trainer for many years, and have now found her niche in coaching business owners to network at a world-class level. For the past several years, she has owned her own business. She is committed to showing others how to grow their businesses and training them to build and sustain solid relationships with past, present, and future customers to lead to more sales and more referrals. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build authentic business relationships through sustainable daily habits and strategic LinkedIn networking. Janice and I discuss: Learn more about Janice at https://www.janiceporter.com and linkedin.com/in/janiceporter ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical...

Jane Hyun is the leading authority for leveraging culture and differences to drive innovation. Often called an "interpreter," she has been a trusted coach for over 20 years to thousands of leaders at Fortune 500 companies including PepsiCo, Clorox, Merck, and USGA, as well as schools and nonprofits, guiding their growth by building their cross-cultural capability. She is the pioneering author of Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: Leadership Toolkit for Asians and the co-author of Flex: The New Playbook for Managing Across Differences. Through her Cultural Fluency in Leadership Project, Jane enjoys helping leaders forge stronger teams by closing the gaps that get in the way of growth and collaboration. She has been featured on CNN, CNBC, and NPR and has written for Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, and The Wall Street Journal on the topics of culture, career development, and onboarding. As a sought-after speaker, Jane has keynoted at Microsoft, ESPN, the International Coaches Federation (ICF), and the Conferences for Women. Recently, Jane received the Marshall Goldsmith 50 Leading Global Coaches Award as the #1 Coach for Cultural Fluency and the NAAAP Vision 100 Award. Her life's calling is to help others flourish in their workplaces and in their communities. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a meaningful, sustainable consulting practice by leveraging cultural fluency and staying true to your values. Jane and I discuss: Learn more about Jane at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-hyun?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app , https://www.instagram.com/janehyun_author/, and Substack ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with...

Christina Holloway is an executive coach and leadership strategist known for helping professionals build influence, communicate with confidence, and advance without losing themselves in toxic or high-pressure workplaces. She has coached leaders across major global companies, and her insights have been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and HuffPost. Through her YouTube channel and workshops, Christina provides practical tools for career clarity, courageous communication, and stepping into leadership with authenticity and power. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to maintain your power during career crises, negotiate from a position of strength, and build a thriving business based on authentic leadership. Christina and I discuss: Learn more about Christina at https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaHolloway1205/ ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and...

Jim coaches product management in startups, growth-stage companies, and Fortune 100s. He's a Silicon Valley founder with over two decades of experience, including an IPO and a buyout. These days, he coaches product leaders and teams to find product-market fit and accelerate growth across a variety of industries and business models. Jim graduated from Stanford University with a BS in Computer Science and currently lectures at both Stanford and University of California, Berkeley in product management. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate the AI era in product development and build a sustainable coaching practice around your unique expertise. Jim and I discuss: Learn more about Jim at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmorrisstanford/ and https://productdiscoverygroup.com __________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. __________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

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. With his wife, Riva Greenberg, he supports people who live with diabetes. He lives in Brooklyn, NY. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn why community is essential for solo entrepreneurs and how it can transform both your well-being and your bottom line. Boudewijn and I discuss: Learn more about Boudewijn at www.spimanagement.com ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

Paige Arnof-Fenn is the founder and CEO of global branding and digital marketing firm Mavens and Moguls, based in Cambridge, MA. Her clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times Company, Colgate, venture-backed startups, as well as nonprofit organizations. She graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Business School. Paige serves on several boards, is a popular speaker and columnist who has written for Entrepreneur and Forbes. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a thriving knowledge-based business by making authentic connections and staying true to your values. Paige and I discuss: Learn more about Paige at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigearnoffenn and www.mavensandmoguls.com __________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. __________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

Kenneth Gorfinkle is a clinical psychologist and owner of Common Sense Therapy, a private psychotherapy practice in Manhattan. His career transitioned from decades of work with medical patients in hospitals to a full-time private practice in 2016. As his own practice slowly winds down, he finds himself caring for many individuals at the late stages of their careers. Retirement has become an outmoded idea, now that there are myriad ways to stay engaged in meaningful work. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate late-career transitions while maintaining your sense of identity, purpose, and self-worth beyond the paycheck. Ken and I discuss: Learn more about Kenneth at www.commonsensetherapy.com __________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. __________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

Ann Vanino is a career and new directions coach and author whose passion is collaborating with her clients to create the life they want to live. Prior to coaching, Ann enjoyed a 21-year career in the environmental, health, and safety field, including running New York City's 24-hour chemical emergency response team, responding to over 600 emergencies a year. Ann authors a weekly blog, Opening, and a monthly newsletter, Working Happy, guiding readers to work that leaves them happy at the end of the day. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn what it takes to reinvent yourself when the path forward isn't clear and how vulnerability builds true resilience. Ann and I discuss: Ann authors a weekly blog and a monthly newsletter called Working Happy, guiding readers to work that leaves them happy at the end of the day. Learn more about Ann at: https://annvanino.com, https://annvaninoauthor.com, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/annvanino/ __________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling...

Susan M. Barber is a leading visibility coach who transforms quiet high achievers into visible and influential leaders so they can confidently position themselves for new opportunities. With over 25 years of experience in leadership roles at Kraft Heinz, she has a deep understanding of the challenges corporate leaders face. Susan is the author and podcast host of The Visibility Factor and author of Your Journey to Visibility Workbook. Her mission is focused on empowering leaders to show their value and be seen for their true talent. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the key differences between starting a business and running one, and how to build a sustainable enterprise by focusing on what truly moves the needle forward. Susan and I discuss: Your Journey to Visibility Workbook Learn more about Susan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanbarbercoaching/ and https://susanmbarber.com __________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. __________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to...

Nina is a LinkedIn™ featured brand builder and a content and engagement strategist for creators, coaches, and consultants. She collaborates with service-based entrepreneurs to develop strategies and create digital content that enable them to grow organically on LinkedIn. Nina is a recovering producer and documentary filmmaker. She’s seen it all — from the early days of independent features to national TV commercials, corporate mega-shows, and Emmy Award–winning documentaries, including Abraham’s Children, which she produced. Nina is from Switzerland. She owned 11-pound Dachshund mix who has her well trained. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to spot the right time to pivot, how to use AI without losing your authenticity, and simple LinkedIn routines that build real relationships instead of noise. Nina and I discuss: Learn more about Nina at https://clockwiseproductions.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-froriep/ ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news