In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with therapist and creator of Access Loss Code™, Diane McDowell, to explore why so many emotionally intelligent people still struggle in relationships.

Diane explains how protection quietly replaces authentic connection under emotional pressure, introducing her groundbreaking Access Loss™ framework and the four patterns that shape our reactions: Control, Adaptation, Disconnection, and Escalation.

We also discuss emotional safety, nervous system regulation, self-leadership, healing, and practical strategies for staying connected to yourself during life’s most challenging moments.

Whether you’re navigating personal relationships, leadership, or your own growth journey, this conversation offers powerful insights you can begin applying immediately.

Connect with Diane on : https://www.emotionalsafetyco.com/access-loss-assessment

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with entrepreneur, financial advisor, Air Force veteran, and author Dennis McCurdy to discuss the mindset required to overcome procrastination, build resilience, and create lasting success.

Dennis shares lessons from launching multiple businesses, building wealth, overcoming failure, and helping others stop standing in their own way. We also discuss financial success, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and practical strategies for turning dreams into reality.

Whether you’re building a business, chasing a personal goal, or simply looking for the motivation to move forward, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.

Connect with Dennis on : https://dennismccurdy.com/

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with Dr. Kyle Harkema, author of Strategic Clarity and creator of the Strategic Orientation Index™, to explore why so many organizations struggle to execute even the best business strategies.

Kyle shares practical insights into organizational alignment, leadership, company culture, strategic execution, and the behavioral patterns that determine whether businesses succeed or fail.

Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, executive, or business owner looking to build a stronger organization, this conversation is packed with actionable frameworks you can apply immediately.

Connect with Dr. Kyle on : https://www.kylejharkema.com/

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with leadership strategist, two-time TEDx speaker, author, and Mindset Intelligence™ creator Ana Smith.

Ana shares powerful lessons from helping thousands of leaders at Microsoft, GE, HP, and American Express navigate change while improving performance and protecting their well-being.

We discuss neuroscience, leadership, mindset, attention management, burnout, AI, and practical strategies for building lasting success without sacrificing what matters most.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or aspiring leader, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can apply immediately.

Connect with Ana on : https://mindsetintelligenceindex.scoreapp.com/

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with U.S. Air Force veteran, AI strategist, and McLean Forrester founder Heather McLean to discuss how business leaders can successfully adopt artificial intelligence without losing sight of the people behind the technology.

Heather shares lessons from military leadership, enterprise technology, entrepreneurship, and AI implementation while explaining how organizations can build practical strategies that create real business value.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or business owner trying to navigate the rapidly changing world of AI, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately.

Connect with Heather on : https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-mclean1/

Or

https://mcleanforrester.com/

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with international business and leadership coach Maggie Perotin to discuss what it really takes to build a profitable, sustainable business.

Maggie shares lessons from her journey through corporate leadership, burnout, immigration, and entrepreneurship while explaining how entrepreneurs can strengthen their mindset, leadership, and business skills to become confident CEOs.

Whether you’re struggling with inconsistent income, leadership challenges, or scaling your business, this conversation is filled with practical strategies you can apply immediately.

Connect with Maggie on : https://stairwaytoleadership.com/

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with award-winning visual artist, performance painter, motivational speaker, and cancer survivor Brett Ashby.

Brett shares his extraordinary journey through art, resilience, cancer survival, performance, and purpose while explaining how creativity can become a powerful tool for healing, growth, and transformation.

We discuss mental health, men’s health, entrepreneurship, risk-taking, artistic expression, and how anyone can use creativity to navigate life’s greatest challenges.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or simply searching for greater purpose, this conversation offers practical wisdom and powerful inspiration.

Connect with Brett on : https://www.brettashby.com/

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with Russell Van Brocklen, better known as The Dyslexia Professor.

Russell explains why so many children with dyslexia struggle despite being highly capable, and how structured literacy and multisensory learning can transform their educational journey.

We discuss dyslexia, education, confidence, parenting, learning strategies, and practical steps families can take to help children succeed both in school and in life.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone passionate about helping young people reach their full potential, this conversation offers valuable insights and hope.

Connect with Russell on : https://mailchi.mp/dcacd9a6f9ae/3-reasons-ebook Or https://dyslexiaclasses.com/

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with mortgage expert and Next Wave Mortgage founder Phil Ganz to discuss how investors can use smart financing strategies to build long-term wealth through real estate.

Phil shares practical insights on DSCR loans, investment property financing, scaling a real estate portfolio, navigating changing markets, and the biggest financing mistakes investors make.

Whether you’re buying your first rental property or looking to expand your portfolio, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies to help you invest with greater confidence.

Connect with Philip on : https://www.makefloridayourhome.com/

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with Todd A. Krause—TEDx Speaker, CPA, entrepreneur, author, and founder of Silversun Consulting.

Todd shares how he transformed a business from $1.8 million to more than $4 million in annual revenue by focusing on leadership, workplace culture, and empowering people rather than relying solely on systems or strategy.

We discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, scaling a business, employee engagement, hidden profit leaks, and practical ways to build a company that creates both financial success and personal freedom.

If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to grow without burning out, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.

Connect with Todd on : https://calendly.com/d/d2c9-s3g-m93 OR https://www.silversunconsulting.com/