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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: How Deb's business has evolved over seven years [02:26]What differentiates the Drop-In CEO approach [03:43]How to find the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, and who you serve [06:17]The three qualifiers for career fulfillment [08:46]Why we look for external validation and what to do instead [10:12]How to flip your priorities to make better decisions [11:41]The differences between corporate and entrepreneurial decision making [13:49]How to build feedback loops as a business owner [17:05]Advice for someone earlier in their entrepreneurial journey [20:50] 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: How Debi's career journey led to her health crisis [02:20]Why curiosity is the key to making pivots in life and work [04:01]How listening to your body improves decision-making [07:07]The role of the endocannabinoid system in health and well-being [07:32]How collaboration shapes Debi's work and business [10:00]What the Effective Cannabis Newsletter is and how it started [11:21]How Debi built a business despite significant health limitations [12:35]How to find and vet the right thinking partners [17:03]Advice for corporate refugees on finding collaborators [19:40] 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: Gary's mission as an attorney and advocate [02:57]How his daughter Sydney's scouting journey began [03:52]The obstacle Sydney faced in joining the Boy Scouts [06:10]How they built a coalition to create change [14:43]The role of community and elected officials in their advocacy [15:41]What it takes to sustain resilience over the long term [10:48]Advice for leaders facing complex decisions and heavy obstacles [22:25] 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: Joe's career journey in technology [01:41]Why Joe started his own business [02:42]How Joe decided on his business model [04:52]What Joe knew about courses and community [05:30]Surprises when rolling out courses and community [06:24]How to know when a course is good enough to release [07:34]Decision making as an entrepreneur vs. employee [08:55]Lessons learned from choosing the wrong platform [10:16]Finding support resources for decision making [11:27]Navigating the ups and downs of business [13:12]How Joe defines success as an entrepreneur [15:23]How to identify and avoid phishing attacks [18:23]How to find your community as an entrepreneur [19:53] 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: What is behind becoming a business strategist and outsourcing expert [01:50]Why understanding your numbers builds confidence [03:26]How to protect and build your confidence as an entrepreneur [05:35]Key things corporate refugees can do to make their business thrive [07:41]Examples of entrepreneurs who left corporate and succeeded [10:02]How to determine when it's time to pivot [12:22]Data versus intuition in business decisions [14:03]Working yourself out of your business as a growth strategy [15:51]What Kirsten helps people outsource and why [16:58]Stories of entrepreneurs who outsourced bookkeeping [18:27]The importance of community and peer support [21:56] 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: Jane's involvement with NAWBO and Women's Media Group [03:02]Why marketing feels like an energy leak for many entrepreneurs [03:41]The importance of building an authentic website as your foundation [05:25]Why you can't do everything in marketing and must choose strategically [06:06]The problem with trying to be something for everyone [07:01]Why LinkedIn and newsletters are essential for consultants [08:08]How to integrate your website, LinkedIn, and newsletter [08:39]Why you need to go narrow and go deep with your expertise [09:41]How Jane stayed focused on book marketing and said no to other opportunities [11:17]Using outside services and building a team for marketing [13:06]Other marketing channels: speaking, podcasts, and guest articles [14:58]The importance of consistency in marketing [15:36]Why everyone needs a team, even solopreneurs [16:23]The value of being involved in nonprofit organizations [20:09]Leadership lessons Jane learned from volunteer work [21:00]Why being a member isn't enough—you need to join committees or boards [23:31]Jane's key message: start with your website and be consistent [25:23] ______________________________________________________________ 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: What is LinkedIn Live [04:04]The technical setup process for LinkedIn Live [05:47]What format to use for your LinkedIn Live shows [08:37]What doesn't work as a LinkedIn Live strategy [10:00]The differences between LinkedIn Live and podcasts [13:18]Strategies for interacting with your audience [17:21]How to foster community interaction during LinkedIn Live [20:15]Repurposing LinkedIn Live content into conversation highlights [22:04] 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's career journey from financial services to mindset coaching [02:22]What triggered his transition from financial services [04:02]Why executive coaching wasn't enough [05:09]The difference between conscious and subconscious behavior [05:20]How the LGET framework was created [06:55]Curtis's ideal client and invisible ceilings [08:26]An example of breaking through relationship blocks [09:15]How to acknowledge problems without identifying with them [11:00]The importance of diaphragmatic breathing [12:20]The one-day mindset reset process [14:00]The mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur [15:22]Why undervaluing your worth is common [17:25]The biggest blocks people face [18:44]Curtis's personal story about sabotaging success [19:36]How peers and community help overcome blocks [22:30] 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: Madeleine's career journey and what prompted her to start VChief [02:28]How she experienced product market fit in real time [03:57]The decision to not take on more clients herself [05:01]Shifting from technician to CEO [06:41]When she decided to build a company instead of being a solopreneur [09:02]How long it took to reach financial sustainability [10:23]Her approach to marketing beyond her network [11:27]The support she brought on along the way [13:29]Hiring fractional and part-time help strategically [14:25]The trigger for rapid growth after COVID [18:46]Her experience with community and peer groups [20:19]How to stop being the bottleneck in your business [23:32] 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: 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

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: The power of long-term relationships in business [02:54]How to overcome overwhelm when balancing client work and business development [04:04]The importance of finding your rhythm with relationship building [06:17]Creating sustainable habits for LinkedIn engagement [06:46]Using greeting cards and gifts to nurture relationships [07:09]Daily practices that transform networking results [08:21]How to evaluate and accept LinkedIn connection requests [10:17]Strategies for meaningful LinkedIn outreach [14:44]Starting conversations without jumping to the sales pitch [16:29]Using creative conversation starters to build rapport [17:04]Why loyalty is at the heart of community and relationships [20:02]How to be sincere and avoid the numbers game on LinkedIn [23:04] 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 strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

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: Jane's career journey from corporate to consulting [03:02]How Jane developed her cultural fluency specialty [05:27]Assessing and improving cultural fluency in leaders [08:32]How Jane's business has evolved over 20 years [12:31]The importance of saying no to the wrong clients [14:45]The role of community and peer support in business growth [17:42]Integrating personal and professional life as an entrepreneur [19:35]The strategic importance of rest and self-care [22:11]Seeing growth as an iterative process [24:00] Learn more about Jane at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-hyun/, https://www.instagram.com/janehyun_author/, and https://substack.com/@janehyun429198. ______________________________________________________________ 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

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: Her career journey and becoming a corporate refugee in 2001 [02:33] The story of being let go without notice and working a full day after termination [03:13] How to prepare for and respond to a crisis [08:44] Managing emotions to maintain power in critical moments [10:23] Staying solution-focused during difficult negotiations [12:52] Working as a contractor for 13 years and the transition to remote work in 2001 [07:28] How her experience shaped her coaching business philosophy today [16:27] Her journey from chief of staff to executive coach [19:22] The role of community, collaboration, and peer support in business growth [21:03] Why trusted relationships are essential for entrepreneurs [23:00] Avoiding the trap of staying stuck in endless to-do lists [23:30] 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 invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

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: Jim's career journey from building products to coaching [01:59]The importance of curiosity and ambition in product management [06:07]The benefit of having a dedicated product management coach [09:33]How AI tools are reducing friction in finding the right product [11:55]The exciting opportunities for companies that adopt AI tools effectively [14:32]Why internal transformation is the key competitive advantage [17:18]Advice for professionals building a consulting business [21:03]How peer relationships enhance transformation [24:41]Helping people navigate the turmoil of adopting new AI technologies [25:53] 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: Why community is so important to Boudewijn [02:25]The kinds of communities Boudewijn has experienced [05:11]How collective intelligence helps navigate complexity and uncertainty [06:36]The practical outcomes of being part of a community [08:43]Why interdependence is more accurate than independence [09:43]How community increases profitability by a factor of three to four [11:25]The financial impact of compassionate support through neurobiological co-regulation [13:10]What makes communities different from corporate structures [15:03]The importance of psychological safety in community [18:01]How community provides both wellbeing and advancement [20:27]Why now is the most critical time to be part of a community [23:01] 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: What caused Paige to become an entrepreneur [02:23]How Paige decided on her business model [13:04]Who Paige's ideal clients are [05:59]How to navigate AI tools without losing your brand's authentic voice [08:18]What makes it challenging to build a sustainable knowledge-based business today [09:48]The importance of making friends before you need them [15:07]How to build your reputation with every conversation [17:06]What makes it easier than ever to start a knowledge worker business [18:32]The do's and don'ts of connecting with others in community [21:20]Why quality over quantity matters in building your brand [23:28] 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