Thinking about leaving corporate for entrepreneurship — but unsure if you're actually ready?

In this episode, Hannah breaks down the three non-negotiables you need in place before you quit your corporate job and start a business. Drawing from her own transition after years in big tech, as well as coaching dozens of high performers through career pivots, Hannah gets brutally honest about what makes this leap successful — and what quietly derails it.

This isn't motivational fluff. It's a grounded, strategic conversation about mindset, money, and courage, and why skipping any one of these can cost you years of momentum, confidence, and financial stability.

If you're ambitious, capable, and feeling called toward entrepreneurship — but battling fear, doubt, or timing questions — this episode will help you make the decision from clarity, not fantasy.

Timestamps:

01:30 – Why leaving corporate requires a different framework 02:00 – The 3 non-negotiables for going out on your own 03:00 – Why mindset is the biggest predictor of success 03:30 – Belief, resilience, and evidence from past wins 04:00 – A personal story: leaving corporate income behind 04:30 – Why you are the determining factor 05:30 – Why mindset issues must be addressed before quitting 06:00 – Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset in business 06:30 – Why entrepreneurship requires rapid skill acquisition 07:30 – Resources for building a rock-solid mindset 09:00 – Understanding fixed vs discretionary costs 10:00 – Money clarity as a leadership skill 11:00 – Why timing and season of life matter 11:30 – Trade-offs: wealth building vs business building 12:00 – Opportunity cost of waiting too long 13:30 – The emotional cost of visibility 14:30 – Why wanting the outcome must outweigh fear 16:00 – Why community accelerates confidence 17:00 – Final encouragement + next steps

Key Takeaways:

- Entrepreneurship amplifies your mindset — both strengths and fears - Believing you can succeed is a measurable predictor of success - Growth mindset is essential when learning dozens of new skills - Financial runway creates safety, clarity, and better decisions - One year of living expenses is a strategic buffer, not pessimism - Timing and season of life matter more than motivation - Courage isn't confidence — it's acting with fear - Visibility and embarrassment are part of the process - Identity drives outcomes more than tactics

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Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence

The Truth About Imposter Syndrome: https://open.spotify.com/episode/129YgMPuJWGLQK5VB9CncR?si=a352646dfec6411a

Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/

Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/

Quiz: Discover Your Career Alignment Score: https://hannahkisselcareerquiz.scoreapp.com

#careertransitions #highperformer #startingabusiness #bigdreamer #hannahkissel

In this personal Kiss & Tell episode of Big F*cking Dreams, Hannah shares an honest behind-the-scenes reflection on excellence, ambition, identity, and growth — and what it really looks like to raise your standards without returning to burnout.

From becoming unexpectedly obsessed with Heated Rivalry, to re-examining her relationship with excellence after burnout recovery, to rethinking how pain-based thinking shapes work, marketing, and personal goals — this episode is a candid look at how high performers evolve when they stop swinging between over-pushing and pulling back.

Key Takeaways:

• Burnout doesn't mean excellence is gone — it means capacity needs rebuilding
• You can raise your standards without self-punishment
• Excellence and sustainability are not opposites
• Showing up at 70% is still leadership
• Passion often reveals identity, not distraction
• Focusing on pain keeps you stuck; focusing on transformation moves you forward
• What you pay attention to shapes what you create
• Ambition works best when paired with self-trust and internal safety

Timestamps:

01:00 – A new (unexpected) obsession: Heated Rivalry 01:30 – A personal branding exercise that revealed a core truth 02:00 – Passion, intensity, and identity 02:30 – Falling into obsession — and what it reveals 03:00 – Why simple, focused storytelling works 04:30 – Courage, visibility, and self-acceptance 05:00 – Why this story mattered so deeply 06:00 – Shifting into excellence: watching the Taylor Swift documentary 06:30 – Rigor, discipline, and demanding excellence 07:00 – Burnout at 30 and stepping away from work 07:30 – Trauma recovery and rebuilding capacity 08:00 – Entrepreneurship after burnout 09:00 – "Just put it out" vs. "hold a higher standard" 10:00 – Raising the bar in content and leadership 10:30 – Excellence as identity — done healthily 11:30 – Living in the gray, not extremes 12:00 – Showing up at 70% instead of not at all 12:30 – Discipline without punishment 13:00 – The tension between excellence and consistency 13:30 – Why showing up still matters 14:00 – Pain-based vs. attraction-based marketing 14:30 – Trauma shaping how we see the world 15:00 – The reticular activating system explained 15:30 – Why focusing on what you don't want backfires 16:00 – Shifting toward transformation and desire 16:30 – Helping people change their internal operating system 17:00 – Re-orienting toward possibility and growth

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Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence

The Truth About Imposter Syndrome: https://open.spotify.com/episode/129YgMPuJWGLQK5VB9CncR?si=a352646dfec6411a

Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/

Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/

Quiz: Discover Your Career Alignment Score: https://hannahkisselcareerquiz.scoreapp.com

What do you do when your direct report keeps making serious mistakes — and you freeze every time you need to give feedback?

In this Hannah Hotline episode, Hannah responds to a senior associate at a top-tier firm who feels stuck between wanting to be kind and fearing being walked all over. A glaring client-caught error, missed instructions, and unspoken resentment all collide — revealing a deeper issue many high performers struggle with: conflict avoidance in positions of power.

Hannah breaks down how to lead with clarity without becoming cold or cruel, using Radical Candor and Nonviolent Communication to help you give feedback that actually supports growth — for your team and for yourself.

If you manage people, work with juniors, or feel responsible for protecting standards while staying human, this episode is a must-listen.

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Key Takeaways:

- Avoiding feedback doesn't protect people — it creates confusion and resentment - Being "nice" without clarity is ruinous empathy - Radical Candor allows you to care deeply and lead effectively - Clear feedback is a form of leadership, not cruelty - Nonviolent Communication gives you language when emotions are high - High standards require explicit expectations, not hints - Great leaders are willing to feel uncomfortable for the sake of growth

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Timestamps:

01:00 – Listener story: a major client catches a glaring mistake 02:00 – Resentment, self-betrayal, and fear of being a harsh boss 02:30 – Freezing instead of being direct 03:00 – Introducing Radical Candor 04:30 – Shame, anger, and fear underneath conflict avoidance 05:00 – The danger of "ruinous empathy" 05:30 – How avoiding feedback hurts your direct report's career 06:00 – Why senior leaders must challenge directly 07:00 – Setting standards is caring 07:30 – Why silence guarantees repeat mistakes 08:00 – Introducing Nonviolent Communication (NVC) 08:30 – Step 1: Observation (facts without judgment) 09:30 – Step 2: Naming your feelings without blame 10:30 – Step 3: Identifying the real need (trust, accuracy, standards) 11:30 – Step 4: Making a clear, actionable request 12:00 – Example: setting a proofreading process 12:30 – Caring personally while challenging directly 13:00 – Removing ambiguity and passive aggression 13:30 – Why clarity creates better performance 14:00 – What's really stopping you from speaking up 14:30 – Confidence, conviction, and leadership identity 16:00 – What reactions to feedback tell you about someone 16:30 – It's never too late to address a mistake

#nonviolentcommunication #RadicalCandor #HighPerformers #DifficultConversations #hannahkissel

🚨 Got a career challenge?

Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline!

Email: [email protected]

• Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence
• Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/
• Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/
• Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com

What happens when your self-worth has been built on performance, achievement, and external validation — and then that structure starts to crack?

In this episode, Hannah sits down with Lindsay Zohni, CEO of The Growth Option, former LinkedIn top performer, and entrepreneur, for an unfiltered conversation about anxiety, imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, and decoupling self-esteem from success.

Lindsay shares her journey from corporate leadership into entrepreneurship, unpacking the deep psychological and somatic work required to step away from "golden handcuffs," confront financial anxiety, and rebuild a sense of worth that isn't dependent on titles, income, or productivity. This episode is especially resonant for high performers who look successful on the outside but feel stuck, anxious, or quietly dissatisfied on the inside.

This is a powerful, honest exploration of what it actually takes to grow beyond survival-driven success — and into freedom, presence, and aligned ambition.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Becoming CEO & releasing imposter syndrome 02:00 – The fear of being "not enough" without a title 04:30 – Corporate validation vs. entrepreneurial self-trust 06:30 – Limiting beliefs: "I'm just a salesperson" 08:00 – Fighting the system vs. fighting yourself 10:00 – Losing the corporate feedback loop 12:00 – Primal fear, money, and entrepreneurship 13:30 – Financial dysmorphia explained 15:30 – When self-esteem is tied to achievement 17:30 – Decoupling worth from performance 18:30 – Why success doesn't disappear when self-esteem heals 20:30 – Feeling stuck despite "having it all" 22:00 – Anxiety, meditation, and the beginning of deep inner work 24:00 – Emotional completion vs. forgiveness 26:00 – Somatic healing and releasing stored trauma 29:00 – Why behavior change alone doesn't last 31:00 – Childhood beliefs still running adult lives 33:00 – "Wherever you go, there you are" 35:00 – Advice for professionals considering entrepreneurship 37:00 – Building self-trust and listening to what lights you up 39:00 – Lindsay's big dream: heart-centered leadership

Key Takeaways: - Self-esteem tied to success creates anxiety, not fulfillment - Imposter syndrome often survives achievement - Entrepreneurship requires self-trust, not just competence - Financial anxiety can persist even when you're objectively "safe" - Healing internal belief systems unlocks calmer, more sustainable success - Somatic work helps release patterns logic alone can't solve - You don't need to destroy ambition — you need to transform it - True freedom comes from internal safety, not external stability

Connect with Lindsay:

www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayzohni/

www.thegrowthoption.com

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Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence

The Truth About Imposter Syndrome: https://open.spotify.com/episode/129YgMPuJWGLQK5VB9CncR?si=a352646dfec6411a

Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/

Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/

Quiz: Discover Your Career Alignment Score: https://hannahkisselcareerquiz.scoreapp.com

#entrepreneurmindsets #HighPerformers #careerdecision #ImposterSyndrome #anxietyrecovery #ceostories #selfesteemmatters #EntrepreneurshipJourney #hannahkissel

If you're successful in your career but exhausted by your friendships, this episode of Hannah Hotline dives deep into why high-achieving women often attract toxic friends — and how to change the pattern.

Hannah responds to a listener who is excelling in her corporate career but feels emotionally drained by toxic friendships. From people-pleasing patterns and the fawn trauma response to misaligned values and burnout, this conversation dives deep into why ambitious people often tolerate unhealthy dynamics — and how to change that without burning your whole social life to the ground.

If you're a driven professional who's exhausted from always saying yes, carrying emotional labor for others, or feeling guilty for wanting better friendships, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

- Why ambitious, exhausted professionals often tolerate unhealthy friendships - The hidden role of people-pleasing and the fawn trauma response - How to identify red flags in friendships (not just romantic relationships) - When to have a conversation — and when a slow fade is enough - How to set internal boundaries without guilt or dramatic confrontations - Ways to deepen healthy friendships instead of starting from scratch - How self-esteem impacts the quality of your relationships - Why outgrowing friends is painful — and still necessary

Timestamps:

01:00 – Listener story: High performer, burnout, and toxic friendships 02:10 – The pattern: people-pleasing, over-giving, and exhaustion 03:30 – The fawn trauma response explained 05:00 – Taking responsibility without self-blame 06:20 – Step 1: Inventory your friendships and name the red flags 08:00 – Step 2: Define what an ideal friendship actually looks like 10:00 – Are you being the kind of friend you want to have? 11:20 – Boundaries without the word "boundaries" 13:00 – When to speak up vs. when to quietly step back 14:40 – Managing guilt, shame, and fear when you change dynamics 16:30 – Reinvesting in aligned friendships you already have 18:30 – Designing a social life that fits your energy and values 20:30 – Why self-esteem is the foundation of healthy friendships 22:00 – Invitation to the Life & Work Transformation program

#ToxicFriendships #HighPerformers #PeoplePleasing #personalboundaries #CareerDriven #hannahkissel

🚨 Got a career challenge?

Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline!

Email: [email protected]

• Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence
• Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/
• Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/
• Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com

In this deeply human conversation, Hannah sits down with former Oroton CEO, Jenny Child, to explore what happens after the title, the success, and the carefully built career identity.

Jenny shares her experience navigating grief, leadership, and major career transitions, and how learning to slow down, let go, and be present reshaped not just her work — but her sense of self. Together, they unpack what it means to lead through uncertainty, to grieve versions of ourselves we've outgrown, and to build a life that isn't driven solely by achievement.

This episode is for anyone who's:

- Stepping away from a high-level role - Moving through grief or loss (personal or professional) - Questioning who they are beyond their job title - Learning how to be present in seasons of change

A powerful reminder that growth doesn't always look like striving — sometimes it looks like listening, resting, and allowing space for what's next.

Key Takeaways: - Grief isn't only about loss — it often shows up during career transitions - Leadership roles can deeply shape identity, making transitions emotionally complex - Presence becomes essential when control and certainty fall away - Stepping back doesn't mean failure — it can mean integration - True success evolves as we evolve - Slowing down can reveal what achievement alone never could

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction & Jenny's career background 02:10 – Identity beyond leadership and success 05:00 – Grief as a teacher during life transitions 08:30 – Leaving a role that once defined you 12:15 – The emotional cost of high-performance culture 16:00 – Learning presence when certainty disappears 20:10 – Letting go of urgency and external validation 24:45 – Redefining success after loss and change 29:30 – Advice for leaders navigating transitions 33:00 – What it really means to trust yourself again

#CareerTransitions #GriefRecovery #GriefAndGrowth #WomenInLeadership #ExecutiveLife #CareerChange #Presence #IdentityAndPurpose #HighPerformer

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🚨 Got a career challenge?

Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline!

Email: [email protected]

• Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence
• Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/
• Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/
• Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com
• The Truth About Imposter Syndrome: https://open.spotify.com/episode/129YgMPuJWGLQK5VB9CncR?si=a352646dfec6411a
• Quiz: Discover Your Career Alignment Score: https://hannahkisselcareerquiz.scoreapp.com

In this episode of Hannah Hotline, Hannah responds to a listener who feels trapped in nightly 7PM work calls that aren't true emergencies — and are starting to take a real toll on her health, energy, and self-respect.

On paper, everything looks great: a senior role, great pay, strong performance reviews. But behind the scenes, constant availability has become the expectation — and setting boundaries feels terrifying.

This episode dives into how to tell the difference between what's truly required in your role and what's become an unhealthy pattern — plus how to stop apologizing for wanting basic boundaries like rest, health, and an evening to yourself.

Key Takeaways:

- Not every late-night work demand is a true job requirement — many are learned dynamics - Chronic stress and "always on" availability have real health consequences - You don't need to justify or apologize for reasonable boundaries - Start small: clear availability, long explanations - People-pleasing often reduces respect, not increases it - If your values and your job are in conflict, something needs to change

Want Support With This?

If this episode hit close to home and you're ready to stop over-functioning, people-pleasing, and burning out, Hannah's Life & Work Transformation program dives deep into exactly this work.

#WorkBoundaries #PeoplePleasing #ToxicWorkCulture #WorkLifeBalance #BoundarySetting #HighPerformers #HannahKissel

Timestamps:

00:00 – The listener's dilemma: nightly 7 PM calls 01:45 – Why this pattern feels so hard to change 03:00 – Is this a gravity problem or a boundary problem? 05:10 – When long hours are actually expected vs. optional 07:00 – The health cost of constant availability 09:00 – What happens if you do nothing 11:30 – People-pleasing, fear, and over-apologizing 13:45 – How to start setting boundaries (without overexplaining) 17:30 – What to do if your boss pushes back 20:30 – Identity shift: becoming someone who is calm and confident 23:00 – When it might be time to reassess the role itself

🚨 Got a career challenge?

Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline!

Email: [email protected]

• Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence
• Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/
• Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/
• Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com

In this episode, Executive Life Coach, Hannah Kissel discusses the importance of adopting an investor mentality in various aspects of life beyond just finances. She emphasizes the need for long-term thinking and balancing different areas of life, such as health, relationships, and career. By identifying with one's future self and shifting personal identity, individuals can create lasting habits and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. The conversation highlights practical steps to invest in oneself holistically, leading to a more fulfilling life.

You'll learn in this episode:

- Investing isn't just for finances; it applies to life. - Balance is key in the wheel of life. - Long-term thinking creates compound returns. - Identify with your future self for better decisions. - Your identity shapes your habits and choices. - Start small to build momentum in life changes. - Difficult challenges can lead to personal growth. - Self-control is a skill that can be developed. - Daily habits can transform your perception of self. - Investing in health and relationships is crucial.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Investing in Life: Beyond Finances 03:14 - The Wheel of Life: Balancing Priorities 05:59 - Identifying with Your Future Self 09:06 - Shifting Identity: The Investor Mentality 12:04 - Embracing Difficulties for Growth 14:48 - Creating a Holistic Life Investment

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Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence

The Truth About Imposter Syndrome: https://open.spotify.com/episode/129YgMPuJWGLQK5VB9CncR?si=a352646dfec6411a

Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/

Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/

Quiz: Discover Your Career Alignment Score: https://hannahkisselcareerquiz.scoreapp.com

#highperformer #investormentality #hannahkissel

🚨 Got a career challenge?

Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline!

Email: [email protected]

• Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence
• Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/
• Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/
• Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com

In this episode of Hannah Hotline, Executive Life Coach, Hannah Kissel addresses a listener's struggle with career fulfillment, exploring the tension between a high-paying job and the desire for a more meaningful career. She discusses different career orientations, the psychological challenges faced by high earners, and practical steps for transitioning to a more fulfilling path.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding one's purpose and the sacrifices that may come with pursuing it, ultimately encouraging listeners to reflect on their own career journeys and aspirations.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Dilemma of Career Fulfillment 02:51 - Understanding Career Orientations 06:00 - The High Earners Trap and Sunk Cost Fallacy 08:50 - Practical Steps for Transitioning Careers 12:07 - Navigating Purpose and Sacrifice in Career Choices 14:25 - Conclusion and Call to Action

🚨 Got a career challenge?

Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline!

Email: [email protected]

• Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence
• Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/
• Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/
• Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com

Hannah Hotline is sponsored by dominiquejingles— where quirky, clever, and corporate branding is reimagined. A client says, 'We just want something different.' Dominique turns that into a jingle that sticks in your head all day.

DM Dominique on Instagram @dominiquejingles or email [email protected].

In this reflective conversation, Executive Life Coach Hannah and Cory explore their experiences over the past year, using the Wheel of Life as a framework to assess their satisfaction in various life categories. They discuss their career aspirations, community connections, health journeys, and the importance of fun and recreation. The dialogue emphasizes the value of reflection for personal growth and setting intentions for the upcoming year.

• Reflection is essential for personal growth
• The Wheel of Life helps assess life satisfaction.
• Career satisfaction can fluctuate and requires active management.
• Community connections enhance overall well-being.
• Health encompasses both physical and mental aspects.
• Engaging in fun activities is crucial for happiness.
• Setting intentions can guide future actions.
• Hiring support can alleviate entrepreneurial isolation.
• Structured activities foster deeper friendships.
• Regular reflection can lead to actionable insights.

Timestamps

00:00 - Reflecting on the Past Year 05:24 - Career Insights and Aspirations 15:13 - Building Community and Connections 16:17 - Building Community Connections 22:41 - Health Reflections and Goals 31:34 - Exploring Fun and Recreation 39:43 - Setting Intentions for the New Year

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🚨 Got a career challenge?

Submit your questions and frustrations to the Hannah Hotline!

Email: [email protected]

• Gain Access to the free Career Confidence Course: https://www.hannahkissel.com/careerconfidence
• Follow Hannah Kissel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmaekissel/
• Connect with Hannah Kissel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahkissel/
• Visit Hannah's website: www.hannahkissel.com
• The Truth About Imposter Syndrome: https://open.spotify.com/episode/129YgMPuJWGLQK5VB9CncR?si=a352646dfec6411a
• Quiz: Discover Your Career Alignment Score: https://hannahkisselcareerquiz.scoreapp.com