What happens when corporate rejection becomes the catalyst for building a thriving business?

In this episode of Thriving Through, presented by AJ Riedel, AJ sits down with leadership coach, consultant, and author Jacob Karnes to unpack his journey from being turned down for promotions to building a purpose-driven consulting business serving leaders who employ Gen Z and young professionals.

Jacob shares how leaving corporate life led him to clarity around niching down, why most coaches struggle to define who they serve, and how getting hyper-specific transformed his sales, confidence, and impact. He opens up about the painful lessons of the first year and a half of entrepreneurship, the reality of the revenue roller coaster, and how recurring clients helped him stabilize his income.

You’ll also hear how writing his book, Master Your First Job, became the single most powerful growth tool in his business building authority, generating leads, and opening doors without feeling “salesy.” Jacob breaks down his outbound sales process, why certifications don’t close deals, and how frameworks not credentials create trust and results.

This episode is packed with practical insights for:

Coaches, consultants, and solopreneurs

Business owners navigating inconsistent revenue

Leaders managing Gen Z and young employees

Entrepreneurs struggling with sales and niching

Anyone turning setbacks into meaningful growth

In this episode, we cover:

Why corporate “no’s” can lead to the right entrepreneurial “yes”

How niching down increases quality leads and conversion rates

The truth about certifications vs. real authority

Using a book as a lead generator and trust builder

Outbound vs. inbound sales for small businesses

Leading young people and building a Gen Z talent pipeline

Creating predictable income while maintaining lifestyle freedom

Jacob also shares his long-term vision for licensing his leadership frameworks, growing a team, and building a business that supports both impact and family life.

If you’re looking to thrive through uncertainty, clarify your niche, and build a business aligned with your values, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Get a free copy of Jacob’s book:
masteryourfirstjob.com/free

👉 Connect with Jacob on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkarnes/

🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel
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