Brett Trainor Unplugged

By Brett TrainorBusiness Entrepreneurship Education Self-Improvement

Brett Trainor Unplugged episodes

March 06, 2024Escapee Curious? The 6 Stages and How to Get Unstuck
This episode outlines the six stages of the escapee journey for GenXers stuck in corporate and provides guidance on how to get unstuck at each stage. The stages are: awareness, pre-escape (curious, interested, fearful), taking action, learn and earn, grow, control and freedom. The ultimate goal is to reach stage six, where one has the confidence and freedom to pursue their own path. The conversation emphasizes the importance of taking action, testing, and learning, as well as seeking support from communities of like-minded individuals.

TakeawaysThere are many GenXers stuck in corporate who are unaware of their options or unsure of how to get started on a new path.
The six stages of the escapee journey are: awareness, pre-escape (curious, interested, fearful), taking action, learn and earn, grow, and control and freedom.
Taking action is crucial for progress and success. It separates those who stay in corporate from those who pursue their own path.
Joining a community of like-minded individuals can provide support, resources, and opportunities for collaboration.
22 min
February 26, 2024The Corporate Escapee Goes Down Under: A Discussion With Michael Haynes About Professional Services as Exit Strategy
SummaryIn this episode, Michael Haynes shares insights and guidance on how corporate escapees can build their own B2B professional service practice. He emphasizes the importance of expertise and the need to deliver advice, insights, and recommendations to clients. Haynes highlights the significance of listening and researching the market to understand target industries, customers, and decision-makers. He recommends becoming visible in the target market by leveraging professional associations and collaborating with thought leaders. Additionally, Haynes discusses the process of finding the first customer and suggests testing strategies before fully committing. In this conversation, Michael Haynes shares insights on building a professional services business. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your focus and strengths, as well as determining your target market. Building a strong network and referral engine is crucial for acquiring clients. Michael also highlights the significance of creating a content strategy and being visible where your target audience seeks information. Transitioning to sales involves understanding the challenges and priorities of your prospects and building a mutual action plan. Micro events, such as roundtables and forums, can be effective in engaging with prospects and providing value. Finally, Michael emphasizes the need for clarity and a buyer-driven approach when building and growing a professional services practice.

Takeaways
Corporate escapees have massive opportunities to build their own B2B professional service practice.
Delivering advice, insights, and recommendations based on expertise is crucial in the B2B professional services industry.
Listening and researching the market helps in understanding target industries, customers, and decision-makers.
Becoming visible in the target market through professional associations and collaborations with thought leaders is essential for success.
Testing strategies before fully committing can help corporate escapees find their first customer and refine their approach. Understand your strengths and determine your focus in order to build a successful professional services business.
Build a strong network and referral engine to acquire clients.
Create a content strategy and be visible where your target audience seeks information.
Transition to sales by understanding the challenges and priorities of your prospects and building a mutual action plan.
Engage with prospects through micro events, such as roundtables and forums, to provide value and unlock conversations.
Maintain clarity and a buyer-driven approach when building and growing a professional services practice.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:27 Opportunities for Corporate Escapees

03:04 The Importance of Expertise in B2B Professional Services

04:00 First Steps for Building a Professional Service Business

06:06 The AIR Framework: Advice, Insights, and Recommendations

07:39 Listening and Researching the Market

11:21 Finding the Sweet Spot and Targeting Customers

18:06 Next Steps: Visibility and Becoming Referable

20:36 Becoming Visible in the Target Market

21:04 Finding the First Customer and Testing Strategies

21:18 Understanding Your Focus

23:34 Building Your Network and Referral Engine

26:27 Creating a Content Strategy

29:15 Transitioning to Sales and Discovery Meetings

32:44 Micro Events and Engagement

41:06 Considering the Path of Building a Professional Services Business
47 min
February 22, 2024How to Escape Corporate & Why Brett Would Bet Everything on the Future of Fractional
Summary

This is a special episode of the Corporate Escapee podcast. I was recently interviewed on hot new podcast called Your Work Friends. It was a fun conversation with the 2 hosts Mel and Francesca. They are two HR leaders with no filters.

Your Work Friends Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yourworkfriends

Your Work Friends Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2280460

Join the Your Work Friends LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9558237/

Brett Trainor, founder of The Corporate Escapee, discusses the growing trend of freelance fractional work and how it can provide opportunities for corporate professionals to escape the nine-to-five grind. He emphasizes the importance of defining your goals and expertise, building a supportive community, and avoiding common pitfalls in the transition to freelance work.

Trainor also highlights the benefits of fractional work for businesses, including cost savings and access to specialized expertise. He predicts that the freelance fractional market will continue to grow and offers advice for those considering a career pivot. In this conversation, the guest discusses the importance of designing your life and incorporating work into it. They share examples of individuals who have built their lives around their passions and created successful businesses. The conversation also highlights the opportunities in solo businesses and the possibility of achieving high revenue with the right freelancers or virtual assistants. The guest emphasizes the importance of time and encourages listeners to take control of their lives and find alternative paths. The conversation concludes with a reminder to tap into your main character energy and build the story you want.

Takeaways
Freelance fractional work provides opportunities for corporate professionals to escape the nine-to-five grind and find more flexibility, freedom, and control in their careers.
Defining your goals and expertise is crucial in transitioning to freelance work and building a successful business.
Building a supportive community of like-minded individuals can provide valuable connections, support, and learning opportunities.
Avoiding common pitfalls, such as overcomplicating the process and falling for scams, is important in navigating the freelance fractional market. Design your life and incorporate work into it.
Solo businesses offer opportunities for high revenue.
Take control of your life and find alternative paths.
Tap into your main character energy and build the story you want.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:03 The Corporate Escapee Mission

04:23 Who is The Corporate Escapee For?

05:19 Success Factors for Freelance Fractional Work

07:16 The Growing Market for Freelance Fractional Work

09:43 The Future of Freelance Fractional Work

13:01 The Benefits of Fractional Work for Businesses

14:24 The Transition from Traditional Employment to Fractional Work

16:38 The Importance of Trust and Autonomy in the Workplace

17:56 The Role of Culture in Organizations

19:45 The Challenges of Maintaining a Strong Company Culture

22:07 The Importance of Defining Your Goals and Expertise

25:22 The Financial Aspects of Freelance Fractional Work

30:08 Making Space for a Career Pivot

36:53 Building a Supportive Community

39:41 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Freelance Fractional Work

41:02 Defining Your Goals and Solving Problems

45:32 Designing Your Life

46:00 Building Your Life and Incorporating Work

47:26 Opportunities in Solo Businesses

48:28 Rapid Round: Life After Leaving Corporate

49:19 Negotiating and Saying No

50:14 Working from Unconventional Locations

51:42 Time Blocking and Calendarizing

52:13 Superstitions and Comfort in Work

53:22 Taking Control of Your Life

54:20 Driving Towards Your Goals

55:00 Main Character Energy

55:34 Closing Remarks
55 min
February 12, 2024Reimagining Possibilities: Tamara Loring on Escaping the 9-to-5
SummaryIn this episode, Tamara Loring, from the Entrepreneur Source, discusses the need for change and the possibilities that exist beyond the corporate world. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming limiting beliefs and seeking support from mentors and coaches. Tamara also explores the fear of success and the concept of becoming You 2.0. She encourages listeners to design their lives and explore different possibilities. Finally, she highlights the importance of taking action and involving others in the journey towards a better future.

Links: The Entrepreneurs SourceTakeaways
Don't be afraid to explore possibilities beyond the corporate world.
Overcome limiting beliefs and seek support from mentors and coaches.
Embrace the fear of success and be open to new opportunities.
Design your life and create a vision for your future.

Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background

03:17 The Need for Change

08:39 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

13:08 The Importance of Support

17:44 The Fear of Success

23:25 Designing Your Life

27:22 Becoming You 2.0

29:43 Exploring Possibilities

36:56 Taking Action and Involving Others

38:05 Conclusion and Contact Information
41 min
February 07, 2024"Should You Stay or Should You Go?" Exploring Options w/an Escapee Turned Career Coach
SummaryIn this conversation, Brett Trainor and Don Oehlert discuss the decision to stay in corporate or pursue other opportunities. Don shares his background as a former corporate employee and his transition into career coaching. They explore current trends in the corporate world and the reasons why individuals may choose to leave. They also discuss the challenges of micromanagement and the potential future of organizations. Don provides insights on the importance of onboarding and the role of AI in business. The conversation concludes with advice for those considering a career change.

Takeaways
Consider the reasons for staying in corporate, such as job security, health insurance, and the opportunity to lead and mentor others.
Explore alternative career paths, such as fractional work, consulting, or coaching, which allow you to leverage your skills and experience.
Develop a plan and ensure you have the necessary resources, including financial stability, legal protection, and a strong marketing strategy.
Focus on onboarding and creating a positive experience for new employees, as this can greatly impact their decision to stay with the company.

Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background

00:37 Discussing Current Trends

04:05 Reasons for Staying in Corporate

06:31 Career Coaching and Positioning in the New Corporate Landscape

09:53 Clients' Reasons for Leaving Corporate

11:27 Challenges in Corporate and Micromanagement

13:55 The Future of Organizations and the Rise of Fractional Work

18:03 Should I Stay or Should I Go?

23:21 Considerations for Leaving Corporate

27:20 The Importance of Onboarding

30:59 The Role of AI in Business

33:30 Closing Remarks
34 min
February 02, 2024Fractional & Freelance Opportunities in the Enterprise Space w/Matthew Mottola
SummaryIn this conversation, Brett Trainor interviews Matthew Mottola about freelancing in the enterprise space. They discuss the impact of layoffs and the rise of freelancing, the shift from transactional to strategic freelancing, and the importance of building relationships and aligning incentives in freelancing. They also explore the role of platforms in finding freelance work, the opportunities in the enterprise space, and the considerations for working with enterprises. The conversation concludes with a discussion on industries and roles embracing freelancing and the future trends in the freelance economy.

Takeaways
The rise of freelancing is driven by the need for flexible talent and the shift from transactional to strategic freelancing.
Building relationships and aligning incentives are crucial in successful freelancing engagements.
Platforms can be a valuable resource for finding freelance work, but freelancers should also leverage their network and personal connections.
Industries such as media and tech have been at the forefront of embracing freelancing, but opportunities can be found in various sectors.
Freelancers should consider setting up their business structure and be prepared to adapt to the requirements of working with enterprises.

Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:23 The Impact of Layoffs and the Rise of Freelancing08:00 The Shift from Transactional to Strategic Freelancing13:13 Building Relationships and Aligning Incentives in Freelancing16:46 The Role of Platforms in Finding Freelance Work22:09 Finding Opportunities in the Enterprise Space25:34 Setting Yourself Up for Success as a Freelancer29:42 Industries and Roles Embracing Freelancing35:19 Considerations for Working with Enterprises39:09 Closing Remarks and Future Trends
42 min
January 27, 2024Quitting Your Day Job- The Fractional Revolution
This special episode is a recording of a LinkedIn live session called Quitting Your Day Job. This is part of John Arms’s Fractional Revolution Podcast.

In this episode we talk about the how and why to quit your day job. If you are trapped and need a way out, take a wander through today's podcast with my guests Terra Fletcher, FCMO and speaker, and Brett Trainor, host of The Corporate Escapee.

Links to the original:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/johnarms/episodes/Quitting-your-day-job-e2et7k7

Summary

The conversation explores the reasons for quitting a day job and the opportunities in the fractional revolution. It emphasizes the importance of mindset and commitment in making the transition. The conversation also discusses the other side of quitting a day job and the benefits of self-determination and flexibility. The conversation covers various topics related to quitting a day job and transitioning to independent work. The chapters explore financial planning, time management, the value of time and prioritization, working smarter, defining what you want, the second half of life and wisdom, ageism and the value of experience, setting goals and planning, the impact of work stress on health, the benefits of independent work, open communication and financial planning, and creating a self-determined life. The conversation also provides resources for those interested in quitting their day job.

Takeaways
Quitting a day job can provide more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment.
The corporate path may not always align with personal goals and values.
The fractional revolution offers opportunities for specialization and remote work.
Having a plan and a positive mindset are crucial for success.
The other side of quitting a day job can bring a sense of purpose and control over one's life. Meet with a financial advisor and accountant to understand your financial obligations and how to manage your finances as an independent worker.
Read 'Free to Focus' by Michael Hyatt for guidance on time management and prioritization.
Reflect on what is truly important to you and define your goals.
Consider the wisdom and experience you have gained over time and how it can be valuable in your independent work.
Openly communicate with your personal stakeholders, such as family members, about your plans and involve them in financial discussions.
Educate yourself and seek resources, such as books, podcasts, and conferences, to support your transition to independent work.
1 hr 7 min
January 21, 2024Escapee Economics: Planning Your Financial Exit From the 9-to-5 w/Laura Lynch CFP
Summary

In this episode, Brett Trainor interviews Laura Lynch, a certified financial planner and founder of the Tiny House Advisor. They discuss Laura's escapee journey from corporate life and her transition to financial advising. They also explore the concept of tiny living and its financial implications. Laura emphasizes the importance of aligning work with personal values and redefining retirement based on individual goals and fulfillment. They also touch on the benefits of renting versus buying a home and the need for financial planning as a couple. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights for corporate escapees looking to make a change and live a more fulfilling life.

Takeaways
Align your work with your personal values to find fulfillment and create a lifestyle that suits you.
Consider the financial implications of tiny living and explore options like renting versus buying a home.
Redefine retirement based on your own goals and desires, focusing on autonomy and choice in how you spend your time.
Engage in financial planning as a couple to ensure both partners are empowered and on the same page.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction00:39 Laura's Work and Background02:07 Laura's Escapee Journey05:02 Motivation to Make the Change06:18 Transitioning to Tiny Homes08:30 Preparing for the Transition10:17 Starting Laura's Own Business12:46 Financial Considerations for Corporate Escapees13:41 Mindset Shift and Runway Planning15:42 Crafting Work Around Values17:21 Redefining Retirement20:00 Realistic Understanding of Retirement Savings23:28 Financial Planning as a Couple25:39 Aligning Work with Personal Values27:00 Taking a Sabbatical and Renting vs. Buying30:47 Exploring Tiny Living36:08 Conclusion
39 min
January 17, 2024Beyond 9-to-5: Embracing the Fractional Work Revolution with Brett Trainor & Matthew Mottola
On this special episode is my conversation with Matthew Mottola on the Human Cloud podcast. They were kind enough to let me share it with my audience. If you are interested in the freelance future, especially at the enterprise level, this podcast is for you. They also have a ton of great content: https://humancloud.work/industry-insights/

Episode Summary

In this conversation, Brett Trainor discusses his journey into fractional work and the opportunities it presents. He highlights the benefits of fractional work, such as flexibility and the ability to work with multiple clients. He also emphasizes the importance of networking and focusing on a specific problem or industry to build a healthy pipeline. Trainor believes that fractional work is the future of work, as it allows companies to access specialized talent and build scalable organizations. In this conversation, Brett Trainor discusses the importance of retaining senior leadership and the value of fractional work arrangements. He emphasizes the need to retain knowledge and training when senior leaders leave, rather than experiencing a sudden drop in performance. Brett shares his favorite book, 'Who Not How,' which highlights the importance of focusing on finding the right people to solve problems rather than getting caught up in the 'how' of doing things. He also reveals his favorite animal, the dolphin, and explains why he admires their intelligence and carefree nature. Listeners can connect with Brett on LinkedIn or visit his website for more information.

Takeaways
Fractional work offers flexibility and the ability to work with multiple clients.
Networking and focusing on a specific problem or industry are key to building a healthy pipeline.
Fractional work is the future of work, allowing companies to access specialized talent and build scalable organizations.
53 min
January 15, 2024"The Power of Discomfort: Michael Easter's 'The Comfort Crisis' and the Path to Post Corporate Success"
Summary

In this episode, Brett Trainor interviews Michael Easter, author of 'The Comfort Crisis.' They discuss the importance of discomfort and challenging environments for personal growth and health. Michael shares his journey in the Arctic and how it made him realize the impact of comfort on modern life. They also explore the benefits of challenging oneself mentally and physically, the impact of mortality on decision-making, and the truth about fad diets and nutrition. Additionally, they discuss the benefits of rucking and spending time outdoors. Michael recommends finding ways to be grateful as a daily practice. The conversation explores the idea of appreciating what we have and being grateful for the improvements in our lives over time. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the abundance and advantages we enjoy in the present moment. The guest shares his personal experience of how gratitude has made his life better and encourages listeners to savor every moment. The conversation also mentions the book 'The Comfort Crisis' and provides information on where to find more content from the guest.

Takeaways
Embracing discomfort and challenging environments can lead to personal growth and improved health.
Challenging oneself mentally and physically can lead to a shift in mindset and reframing of fear.
The rise of comfort in modern life has disconnected us from the discomforts that are important for our health and happiness.
Reflecting on mortality can help prioritize what is truly important in life.
Fad diets often focus on eliminating certain foods, but the key to nutrition is finding a balance and being mindful of calorie intake.
Rucking, or walking with a weighted backpack, can provide endurance and strength benefits without the high injury rate of running.
Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature has numerous mental and physical health benefits.
Finding ways to be grateful on a daily basis can improve overall well-being and perspective.

Chapters00:00Introduction to Michael Easter and The Comfort Crisis

06:10The Importance of Discomfort and Challenging Environments

09:31The Mental and Physical Benefits of Challenging Yourself

17:18The Impact of Comfort on Mental Health

25:37The Importance of Reflecting on Mortality

30:03The Truth About Fad Diets and Nutrition

36:08The Benefits of Rucking and Outdoor Fitness

43:25The Importance of Spending Time Outdoors

43:51Recommendation: Find Ways to Be Grateful

43:52Appreciating What We Have
46 min