Welcome back to The Corporate Escapee Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to chat with Heather McLean, a recent escapee who left behind a high-powered corporate role leading a 400-person software development team to co-found her own tech-focused business alongside her husband.

Heather shares her journey from back-to-back corporate meetings and burnout to building a company that’s already making waves in AI and emerging technologies. We’ll talk about the leap of faith she took, how leveraging her network got her first clients, and what it’s like to run a business as a couple. Plus, we dive into why AI is the next big wave for escapees and how Gen Xers can get ahead of it.

Whether you’re dreaming of your own escape or looking for inspiration to take your business to the next level, this episode is packed with insights, lessons, and actionable advice. Let’s get into it!

Contact Information

• Website: mcleanforrester.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-mclean1/ 

Takeaways

• Heather transitioned from a corporate job to entrepreneurship just over a year ago.
• She leveraged her extensive network to find her first customers.
• The couple's shared passion for their business has strengthened their relationship.
• They are focusing on AI and emerging technology in their business.
• Heather's corporate experience prepared her for pricing and contract negotiations.
• The couple plans to hire employees to grow their business further.
• They initially pursued government contracts but found more success in the commercial space.
• Heather's husband brings valuable expertise in data and IT strategy to the business.
• They have a strong team dynamic due to their previous working relationships.
• The couple enjoys discussing business during their personal time, enhancing both work and life. Passion is essential for building a successful business.
• Seeking a coach can accelerate personal growth and development.
• Investing in personal branding is crucial for attracting clients.
• Starting a podcast can be a valuable way to share knowledge and connect with an audience.
• AI is a transformative force that businesses need to embrace.
• Understanding data management is key to leveraging AI effectively.
• Continuous learning is vital in adapting to new technologies.
• Modern business structures should prioritize customer experience over traditional silos.
• Entrepreneurs should not be afraid to innovate and try new approaches.
• Work-life balance improves significantly after leaving corporate jobs.

Sound Bites

• "We just need to do this ourselves."
• "Leverage your network."
• "We have all the context."
• "I wish I had done that sooner."
• "This is going to be the wave."
• "You can do this. You can do this."

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Escape: Heather's Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

03:02 Building a Business Together: The Power of Partnership

06:02 Leveraging Networks: The Key to Finding First Customers

09:09 Navigating Pricing and Business Structure

11:58 Combining Forces: Heather and Her Husband's Collaborative Efforts

14:59 Passion-Driven Success: The Importance of Love for the Work

16:37 The Importance of Passion in Business

17:18 Reflecting on the Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

18:32 Building a Personal Brand and Seeking Guidance

19:27 Launching the Tech Tea Podcast

20:55 Embracing AI: A New Frontier

22:36 The Role of Data in AI Adoption

24:32 Encouraging Learning and Adaptation in AI

26:27 The Need for Modern Business Structures

28:57 Navigating the Future of AI in Business

31:53 Final Thoughts on Leaving Corporate Life