Smashing the Plateau

Damien Schreurs, a former engineer with 18 years of experience working for a Fortune 500 US company with an R&D facility in Luxembourg, initiated EasyTECH as a side hustle in 2013 to explore entrepreneurship while maintaining a steady income. In September 2016, Damien left his 9-to-5 job to provide Apple training and consultancy services in Luxembourg. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how Damien transitioned from his corporate career to entrepreneurship, gaining control over his time and dedicating himself to his family and work. Damien and I discuss: Learn more about Amy at https://macpreneur.com, https://macpreneur.com/smashing, and https://macpreneur.com/youtube. Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community Get your exclusive subscription today for direct entry to our podcast specialists' streamlined and curated strategy guidance – a click is all that stands between you and your success journey!

Holly Jean Jackson is a Revenue and Performance Consultant, Speaker, Podcast Host, Author, and Founder of Business Builder Throwdown. Her career encompasses a range of fields including technology, communications, organizational change, public relations, and content strategy. With over 12 years of experience, she has been instrumental in helping business leaders rejuvenate their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Holly Jean has spearheaded a Local to Global Policy Initiative, influencing the impact of future leaders on communities. A fun fact about her: Holly Jean has performed as the first chair clarinetist in Carnegie Hall and holds a black belt in karate. Her Peak Performance Blueprint offers a comprehensive and pragmatic approach to success, recognizing that monumental business achievements require a life that is equally or more successful. Business owners engage her services to master the art and science of genuine success. Many lack direction, take insufficient action, and see lackluster results. Holly Jean steps in to help define and design a business roadmap that ensures impactful visibility, intentional profitability, and unfailing sustainability. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you'll learn about Holly Jean's journey from multiple layoffs in corporate America to becoming a successful entrepreneur and finding the balance and respect that she desired in her professional life. Holly Jean and I discuss: Learn more about Holly Jean at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyjjackson/ https://www.facebook.com/hollyjeanjackson https://www.instagram.com/coachhollyjeanjackson/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ElvJLGqpJ2ThA9utJCqMg www.hollyjeanjackson.com Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community

Alan Heymann excels at coaching fellow introverts, helping them discover their superpowers in an extroverted world. He has coached leaders from 32 countries across four continents. His diverse clientele includes individuals from Fortune 50 corporations, nonprofit organizations, public utilities, and various levels of government—federal, county, and municipal. Alan is the author of "Don't Just Have the Soup: 52 Analogies for Leadership, Coaching, and Life." His extensive experience spans over two decades in public, government, and nonprofit communications, where he has led teams of sizes ranging from two to over 100 people. Motivated by his own career transformation, which was facilitated by an executive coach, Alan established Peaceful Direction in April 2019. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about Alan's journey from a communications expert to a respected executive coach and successful business owner. Alan and I discuss: Learn more about Alan at https://www.peacefuldirection.com Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community Join now for privileged entry to select, bite-sized tactical guidance from our podcast authorities – a quick click can lead you straight to the pinnacle of success!

Diana File founded DF Analytics to instill rigor and accountability in DEI efforts worldwide. As a research and organizational psychologist, she has devoted 15 years to refining her proprietary data science methodologies, driving impactful results for Fortune 500 corporations, startups, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and small businesses globally. Diana leverages data science to enable companies to cultivate highly diverse and inclusive teams that excel in productivity, collaboration, and profitability. Her proprietary analytical methods reveal the underlying neuroscientific factors that determine success or failure. She then translates these assessments into actionable strategies, leading cross-functional implementation throughout the organization. This comprehensive approach ensures companies remain at the forefront of the evolving generational and cultural landscapes affecting both employees and customers. As a former consultant for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Diana has redefined decision-making processes within complex hierarchies and has led pioneering global research on fostering the resolution of intractable conflicts. Her breadth of expertise encompasses workforce analytics, team development, project management, organizational effectiveness, conflict resolution, and research on best practices. Diana is a sought-after workshop leader and keynote speaker, contributing to prestigious institutions such as Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Columbia University School of Professional Studies, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, National Libraries of Medicine, HR Leadership Forum, and various industry associations. She earned her B.A. in Psychology, graduating cum laude from Yale University, and holds an M.A. in Psychology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Diana is proficient in English, Hebrew, and Russian. In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn from Diana File how to bring accountability to DEI efforts using data science.** Diana and I discuss: Learn more about Diana at www.dfanalytics.co and https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-file Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community Sign up now to unlock specially curated, streamlined strategy pointers from our esteemed podcast experts – your quest for success is just a click from commencement!

Jessica Mehring is a strategic consultant for technology companies, a published author, and holds an M.A. in Communication. Through her graduate academic work, she has closely examined the impact of generative AI on strategic communication and is exploring how storytelling fosters empathy and helps us connect in a modern context. When she's not working to infuse tech marketing with more humanity, she can be found researching the intersections of art and science, creativity and data, and communication and innovation. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage storytelling to make your marketing resonate with your audience and build a successful consulting business that can change the way technology is perceived and utilized. Jessica and I discuss: Learn more about Jessica at https://www.horizonpeakconsulting.com/jessica/. Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community Sign up today for privileged entry to our expertly curated and succinct strategic advice from podcast professionals – your journey to success is a mere click away!

Gina Cotner is the CEO of Athena Executive Services, a firm that pairs virtual executive assistants across the United States with swamped and successful entrepreneurs and executives. Her team of high-caliber executive assistants works part-time from home, taking many tasks and projects off the plates of successful people, leaving them free to spend their time where they are most needed. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from a secure corporate job to founding and scaling a company that aligns with your personal values and lifestyle. Gina and I discuss: Learn more about Gina with Athena Executive Services on social media to stay updated on latest insights and offerings: Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/AthenaVirtualAssistants] Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/athena_executive_services] YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@athenaexecutiveservices5248] LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/athena-executive] Thank you to Our Sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community Get exclusive access to select, streamlined strategy guidance from our podcast professionals by subscribing now – a single click is all that stands between you and your successful future!

Introducing Tyler Martin: a Business Coach and CPA with a talent for growing businesses. He escalated a staffing firm to $25 million a year and expanded a CPA firm to 200 clients in just five years. Tyler's unique strength lies in his hands-on business experience — he's not just a coach. He has personally built and sold successful companies. Specializing in service businesses with revenues of $1-15 million, Tyler provides practical, actionable guidance to help them grow. He is the ideal mentor for business owners eager to develop their enterprise. Tyler Martin is a seasoned CPA and business coach with a knack for helping businesses flourish. With his firsthand experience in growing a staffing firm to $25 million and building a CPA firm from scratch to 200 clients in just five years, Tyler understands the ins and outs of business growth. Moreover, having sold successful companies of his own, Tyler brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to his role as a mentor to service businesses with revenues between one to $15 million. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate the waters of business growth and deal with the challenges of being a corporate refugee starting from scratch. Tyler and I discuss: Learn more about Tyler at www.thinktyler.com. Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community Secure your subscription today for privileged access to our podcast specialists' distilled strategy insights – a single click is all it takes to navigate the path to success!

Erica Holthausen is the founder of Catchline Communications, where she provides consultants with essential tools to develop and share a body of work that enhances their authority, boosts their visibility, and creates new opportunities. Leveraging her background as a freelance writer and editor, Erica assists her clients in selecting topics, pitching ideas, composing articles, and securing publication in prominent industry trade journals and business magazines, such as Harvard Business Review, Inc., and Entrepreneur. In this episode, Erica and I discuss: Learn more about Erica at Catchline Communications at https://linktr.ee/catchline and connect with her on LinkedIn. Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community Enlist now for privileged access to select, succinct guidance from our podcast professionals – a single click is all that stands between you and your successful journey!

As the CEO of Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch possesses a unique ability to transform the often misunderstood process of "selling." With over 25 years of experience in selling, Nikki is now hired by entrepreneurs and small business owners who seek her expertise to learn how to sell successfully and authentically. Nikki is the author of three books, all of which are available on Amazon. She also hosts the podcast Sales Maven, which can be found on your favorite podcast platform. In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you'll discover the nuances of NLP in sales and learn how to use these techniques to boost your business. Nikki and I discuss: Learn more about Nikki at: https://yoursalesmaven.com https://www.facebook.com/yoursalesmaven/ https://www.instagram.com/your_sales_maven/ https://yoursalesmaven.com/podcast https://yoursalesmaven.com/smashing Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community Subscribe instantly to receive exclusive, well-chosen advice that's brief and effective from our podcast mavens – you're only one click from conquering your success journey!

Andre de la Cruz is a UX and Product Design professional with 15 years of experience. After losing his job last July, Andre co-founded an agency called Rally, which specializes in Brand, UX, and Product. He established the agency with two seasoned professionals in Brand and Product, along with a team of senior talent. Rally offers startups flexible monthly access to their team of senior designers and product managers through a subscription service. Prior to founding Rally, Andre spent the last five years at early and growth-stage startups, building and leading design teams, and collaborating with product and executive leadership to develop new products from inception to launch (0→1) and to evolve version one (v1) products into a more mature, polished, and professional state. In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, Andre shares insights on making the bold move from a stable full-time job to creating and managing a successful design agency. Andre and I discuss: Learn more about Andre at https://www.joinrally.co. Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community Sign up today and unlock exclusive, streamlined strategies from our seasoned podcast professionals – success is just a click from your grasp!

After nearly two decades in the corporate world, Jessica founded the educational media company Penguin Connective, which seeks to create greater equality and opportunity in challenging areas such as future readiness, foster-to-adopt, and transitioning to adulthood. She is the creator of the AI Explorers Society and a ChatGPT for Teachers course that currently serves over 1,800 educators globally. Jessica resides near Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and their five children. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how continuous learning and strategic diversification can create a resilient business model. Jessica and I discuss: Learn more about Jessica at: https://www.aiexplorers.io Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community Get immediate access to carefully selected, succinct advice from our podcast specialists by subscribing today. Your journey to success begins with just one click!

Dr. Genevieve Hayes is the Director of Genevieve Hayes Consulting, which assists organizations in understanding emerging technologies, such as AI and analytics, and how to use these technologies to create business value. She also lectures on data science at the University of Melbourne and hosts the podcast "Value-Driven Data Science." In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn from Genevieve's bold transition from a secure corporate career to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship in the midst of a global pandemic. This episode is a trove of insights for anyone considering taking control of their professional path. Genevieve and I discuss: Learn more about Genevieve at www.genevievehayes.com, and connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gkhayes/. Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community Get immediate access to handpicked, actionable strategies from our podcast gurus by subscribing – your journey to triumph starts with a simple click!

New York Times bestselling author and ghostwriter Michael Levin is a prolific ghostwriter, having written, edited, published, or consulted on more than 1,000 books. Levin's own books have been published by Simon & Schuster, Random House, Penguin, and a variety of other top publishers. He has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, HuffPost, LA Times, Boston Globe, and many other top outlets. His ghostwriting clients include Boeing and Ford CEO Alan Mulally, Baseball Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, motivational speaker Zig Ziglar (he edited Zig's last book), NFL legend Pat Summerall, and countless other leaders in business, sports, broadcasting, real estate, finance, insurance, and many other fields. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to harness your skills and experiences to build a successful business and become an influential voice in your field. Michael and I discuss: Learn more about Michael at www.michaellevinwrites.com. Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community Join now for privileged access to select guidance, resources and colleagues – a single click stands between you and progress!

Troy 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, you will discover the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the founding of The Unique VA Experience, and his 2023 launch of The Developer CEO Newsletter. Troy and I discuss: For those seeking to delve deeper into the world of virtual assistance or to tap into Troy's rich repository of knowledge, visit www.troylarson.com. Troy also offers resources on hiring a VA and has made his developer-centric newsletter available for those intrigued by the intersection of software development and business leadership. Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community

Rebecca Babcock, Founder of Rebecca Babcock Coaching and The Babcock Method™, has conquered a great deal! As a chronic illness warrior, a nine-year sobriety champion, a resilient divorcee, and a highly effective corporate leader, she has navigated both triumphs and setbacks throughout her over 20 years of corporate experience. Now, she has chosen to embrace her true calling: empowering others to discover their purpose and passion, regardless of life's unpredictable twists and turns. In today's compelling episode of Smashing the Plateau, Rebecca reveals the raw and transformative journey that led her from a high-flying career in corporate America to a profound coaching practice. After navigating the rollercoaster of life's 'lifey' moments, Rebecca now empowers others to steer their own ship, even through the roughest seas of adversity. Rebecca and I discuss: Rebecca's poignant insights and her own experiences illustrate that sometimes the most inspiring stories come from the most unexpected places. Learn more about Rebecca and her journey at https://calendly.com/rbc-coaching/rebecca-babcock-coaching-clarity-call-whatsapp Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community

April Roberts assists Gen X women in attaining greater abundance, love, spirituality, and alignment by embracing their femininity. As a high-achieving former attorney and financial advisor with degrees from Vanderbilt and Notre Dame, April comprehends the societal pressures that frequently result in burnout among women. She is the host of the Vixen Voice podcast, where she shares the narratives of Gen X women who have cast aside the conventional definition of success to follow their genuine passions. In this episode of Smashing the Plateau, we dive into April's transformation from a high-powered legal professional to a devoted entrepreneur and mentor for women forging new paths in life. April and I discuss: April Roberts extends her impact through her podcast, the Vixen Voice, a platform where she highlights stories of Gen X women who have broken free from the traditional mold to follow their heartfelt desires. To learn more about April's work and to connect with her, access the Vixen Core Values Worksheet Download at: https://www.vixengathering.com/core-values-worksheet. Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community

Suzy Rosenstein is a master certified life coach and host of the popular podcast for midlife women, Women in the Middle®. Utilizing her upbeat approach to the highs and lows of aging and navigating life over 50, Suzy helps you gain clarity on what you truly desire, reigniting your excitement for life. In this episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will discover how Suzy turned a career-low into a triumphant journey into entrepreneurship, inspiring others along the way. Suzy and I discuss: Learn more about Suzy on her website at www.suzyrosenstein.com and get the free Get Unstuck Midlife Podcast Bundle at www.freepodcastbundle.com. Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community

Dr. Paul Ward is a leadership and life coach, often referred to as the Consciousness Whisperer. He is the President of 2Young2Retire, LLC, a company that specializes in coaching, consulting, and training. Paul is the author of "The Inner Journey to Conscious Leadership" and the coauthor of "Midlife, New Life," which is set to be published in January. An adjunct professor at the University of Phoenix online, Paul has dedicated more than thirty years to consulting for organizations across Europe and the Americas. He splits his time between West Palm Beach, Florida, and Portsmouth, England. Paul Ward and Sandy Demarest are reshaping the concept of midlife through their co-authored book, Midlife New Life, and their professional coaching efforts. They bring a wealth of experience to those navigating life's transitions, offering strategies to embrace change with purpose and intention. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, we'll explore the conscious choices that can redefine one's journey during the second half of life and the importance of inner work and community in forging a new path. Paul, Sandy, and I discuss: Learn more about Paul and Sandy and their work: Midlife New Life Book: midlifenewlife.net Paul Ward's Contact: http://2young2retire.com/ and https://drpaulward.com/ Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community

Tina Cheesley runs a marketing agency that specializes in messaging for websites plus email marketing to help clients stand out from the crowd and attract the right people. In this episode, discover the key steps and strategies that Tina has used to carve out a niche for her business and to guide others on the path to marketing success. Tina and I discuss: For more insights into effective digital marketing and to get a hold of a useful toolkit for kick-starting your marketing journey, visit Tina's website at https://flow-online.co.uk/get-more-leads-toolkit/. Tina also welcomes strategy calls for those who have attempted to apply her methods and are looking for further assistance. Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community

Erica Goode has been a Certified Public Accountant for 15 years. She runs a virtual accounting firm that provides coaches and consultants with bookkeeping, accounting, and CFO services, and she also hosts the Coaches, Consultants, and Money podcast. She’s a former Director of Finance at a Fortune 50 company and began her career as an auditor at a Big Four public accounting firm. Erica is also a mother of two and the wife of a fellow CPA. She lives with her family in the mountains of Idaho. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, Erica will discuss the unique financial challenges that come with running a consulting or coaching business and how to navigate them confidently for a successful financial future. Erica and I discuss: Learn more about Erica at https://www.ericagoode.com, https://www.ericagoode.com/newsletter-signup, and listen to her insights on the Coaches, Consultants, and Money podcast. Thank you to our sponsor: The Smashing the Plateau Community