Welcome back to The Corporate Escapee podcast. I’m thrilled to bring you something a little different today. Recently, I had the privilege of being a guest on the What’s Next GenX podcast with Nicole and Anne Marie. These two are all about helping Gen Xers like us figure out what’s next in our careers and lives.

In this episode, we dove deep into the journey of leaving corporate life and building a career on your own terms. We talked about the tipping point that led me to escape corporate, how I discovered there are countless ways to monetize your experience, and the surprising role TikTok played in growing my mission to help 100,000 Gen Xers find freedom. We even touched on how small businesses and solo entrepreneurs can thrive in today’s world, leveraging their skills and embracing the new opportunities AI brings.

What’s Next GenX podcast: https://www.whatsnextgenx.com/podcast

Takeaways

• Brett Trainor is on a mission to help 100,000 Gen Xers escape corporate life.
• The transition from corporate to solo work can be liberating and fulfilling.
• TikTok has become a powerful platform for connecting with Gen X professionals.
• Many Gen Xers feel trapped in the corporate ladder and seek alternatives.
• The importance of community support in navigating career transitions.
• Fear of leaving corporate jobs often holds people back from pursuing their passions.
• Entrepreneurship allows for a more flexible and purpose-driven life.
• Collaboration among Gen Xers can lead to greater opportunities.
• The corporate world often stifles creativity and personal growth.
• Designing a life that fits personal values is possible outside of corporate structures. Multiple income streams are essential for financial stability.
• Small businesses often need foundational help rather than advanced solutions.
• AI presents both challenges and opportunities for small businesses.
• Gen X professionals have valuable experience to offer in consulting roles.
• It's important to focus on the problems you can solve for clients.
• Overthinking can hinder progress; taking action is crucial.
• Understanding what you truly want from your career is vital.
• Networking and giving back can help build confidence and connections.
• Testing ideas while still in corporate can ease the transition.
• Structure and routine are important for managing a freelance career.

Sound Bites

• "I'm on a mission to help GenXers."
• "I realized I don't want to climb anymore."
• "It's not as scary as it looks."
• "Multiple revenue streams are the key."
• "Done is better than perfect."
• "What do I want to work?"
• "It's not you, it's me."
• "You can test it without going all in."
• "Your future is yours to create."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Escape from Corporate Life

03:10 Brett's Journey: From Corporate to Consulting

05:52 The Power of TikTok: Connecting with Gen X

09:09 Redefining Success: Beyond the Corporate Ladder

11:52 The Surprising Freedom of Entrepreneurship

15:04 Overcoming Fear: The Transition from Corporate to Solo Work

18:10 Building a Community: Supporting Each Other in Transition

21:03 Collaborative Opportunities: The New Way Forward

22:47 Exploring Multiple Income Streams

29:18 Identifying Problems to Solve

34:20 Testing the Waters Before Transition

36:58 Embracing Change and Future Opportunities

In this episode of the Corporate Escape-y Podcast, Thom shares his unique journey from being a pastor for 19 years to becoming a successful entrepreneur and StoryBrand coach. He discusses the challenges he faced during his transition, including imposter syndrome and the importance of building a network based on trust. 

In this conversation, Thom and Brett discuss the importance of growth strategies for small businesses, emphasizing the role of networking and the concept of source networking. Thom shares his approach to building a client base through strategic introductions and the significance of investing in oneself as a solopreneur. 

The discussion highlights the need for efficiency in networking and the evolution of business strategies over time.

Key insights include:

• The importance of starting with those who already trust you when building a business.
• How to reframe networking into “source networking” by trading high-quality introductions with a curated group of peers.
• The value of flexibility and adaptability in aligning services with client needs, especially as a solopreneur.
• Why investing in yourself and finding the right support can accelerate success.

Thom’s practical advice and actionable strategies are a must-hear for anyone considering leaving corporate life or seeking to optimize their networking approach. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your solo business model, this episode is packed with inspiration and tips to help you succeed.

Takeaways

• Thom transitioned from a 19-year career as a pastor to entrepreneurship.
• He faced significant imposter syndrome when starting his business.
• Building a network of trust was crucial for his early success.
• Flexibility in service offerings can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Effective communication is key to connecting with clients.
• Clients care more about results than titles or certifications.
• Adjusting messages to fit client needs is essential for success.
• Thom's first contracts were largely based on sympathy from his network.
• A client-centric approach is more effective than a one-size-fits-all strategy.
• Understanding the client's perspective on revenue is vital. Position yourself as a fractional chief growth officer.
• Networking should be approached with intention and strategy.
• Source networking is more effective than traditional networking.
• Control introductions to ensure quality connections.
• Investing in yourself is crucial for success.
• A full pipeline comes from warm introductions.
• Consistency in chosen marketing strategies is key.
• Avoid cold outreach; focus on relational connections.
• Your unique selling proposition is you and your chemistry.
• Business strategies should evolve over time.

Chapters

00:00 Thom's Unique Escape Journey

02:56 Transitioning from Ministry to Business

05:47 Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Early Success

08:58 Building a Network and Gaining Trust

12:07 Adapting Services to Client Needs

14:57 The Importance of Communication in Business

17:51 Flexibility in Business Offerings

21:00 Client-Centric Approach Over Titles

23:37 Positioning for Growth

24:45 The Power of Networking

25:52 Source Networking Explained

29:46 The Importance of Introductions

32:40 Building a Full Pipeline

35:48 Investing in Yourself

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

In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast, Brett Trainor speaks with Nic Jones, a former corporate executive turned bus driver who shares his journey of redefining success and happiness. Nic reflects on his 40-year career in media and music, during which he held leadership roles at major companies like Yahoo, Murdoch’s digital businesses, and Vevo. After a failed entrepreneurial venture and personal loss, Nic reevaluated his priorities, choosing to pursue a fulfilling yet unconventional path as a bus driver.

The discussion explores themes like:

• Breaking free from societal and corporate expectations.
• The evolving definition of success as happiness and fulfillment rather than money or titles.
• The challenges of overcoming financial fears and golden handcuffs.
• The importance of taking small, intentional steps toward a new life.
• The value of rediscovering purpose and the mental process of transitioning to a new identity.

Nic’s insights highlight the importance of designing life around personal values and happiness rather than fitting life around work. His story serves as an inspiring example of how even high-achieving corporate professionals can make dramatic changes to reclaim their well-being and joy.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic99jones/ 

The Post That Started It All: https://bit.ly/3BmHKwA

Sound Bites

• "I'm a thoroughly fulfilled and happy bus driver."
• "Success is the happiest person, not the richest."
• "I wanted to be a bus driver as a five-year-old."
• "The world was changing, and I was unaware of it."
• "You have to start writing things down about what are our outgoings."
• "There's nothing richer than feeling happy."
• "You need to realign your values if money is your only focus."
• "Life's too damn short to be unhappy."
• "I never told anyone for the first two years after I left corporate."

• • "If we can help one or two people find happiness, we're doing our job."

Welcome to The Corporate Escapee Podcast, where we explore the journeys of GenXers breaking free from corporate life to build something on their own terms. I’m your host, Brett Trainor, and today we dive into a conversation that’s critical for every corporate escapee: mastering LinkedIn.

Joining me is LinkedIn strategist and fellow escapee, Deanna Russo. Deanna’s expertise has helped thousands rethink their approach to LinkedIn—not as a sales tool or online resume, but as a powerful platform for networking, relationship-building, and earning trust. In this episode, Deanna shares her journey from corporate sales to launching her own business, her game-changing “Know, Like, and Trust” triangle strategy, and practical tips to optimize your LinkedIn presence heading into 2025.

If you’re ready to shift your mindset and make LinkedIn work for you, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started!

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannarusso1/

https://leverageupllc.com/ 

Takeaways

• Change your mindset about LinkedIn; it's a networking event.
• Focus on building know, like, and trust with your audience.
• Your LinkedIn profile should reflect your authentic self.
• Visibility on LinkedIn is crucial for standing out.
• Engagement is key; participate in conversations relevant to your niche.
• Your headline should communicate the problem you solve.
• Differentiate yourself from others in your field.
• Content should resonate with your audience's needs.
• Flexibility in your business strategy is essential for growth.
• You don't need to have everything figured out before starting. Engagement is more effective than self-promotion.
• Visibility leads to inbound conversations.
• Consistency in posting builds trust over time.
• Storytelling is key to relatability and trust.
• Commenting on posts can generate content ideas.
• People remember how you make them feel.
• You don't need to post every day to be effective.
• Focus on adding value in conversations.
• The algorithm favors engagement over likes.
• Building relationships is crucial for success.

Sound Bites

• "It's all about changing your mindset."
• "It's really about know, like, and trust."
• "I did not have it all figured out."
• "Different is better than better."
• "Your profile becomes your billboard."
• "You need to have conversations with people."
• "You're only shouting from the rooftop."
• "It's about adding value and listening."

Chapters

00:00 Reimagining LinkedIn: A Networking Mindset

03:03 Deanna's Escapee Journey: From Corporate to Entrepreneur

06:12 Navigating the Transition: Finding Your First Clients

09:02 Evolving Business Strategies: Flexibility in Offerings

12:02 Authenticity on LinkedIn: Being Yourself

15:11 Crafting Your Profile: The Importance of Headlines

17:58 Visibility and Engagement: Building Relationships on LinkedIn

23:55 Engaging Conversations Over Self-Promotion

28:01 The Importance of Consistency in Content Creation

31:57 Building Trust Through Storytelling

39:24 The Power of Commenting and Engagement

44:40 Conclusion and Future Conversations

In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast, Brett speaks with Nic Jones, a former corporate executive turned bus driver who shares his journey of redefining success and happiness. Nic reflects on his 40-year career in media and music, during which he held leadership roles at major companies like Yahoo, Murdoch’s digital businesses, and Vivo. After a a stalled entrepreneurial venture and personal loss, Nic reevaluated his priorities, choosing to pursue a fulfilling yet unconventional path as a bus driver.

Links:

• The post that started it all: https://bit.ly/3BmHKwA
• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic99jones/ 

Key Themes:

• Breaking free from societal and corporate expectations.
• The evolving definition of success as happiness and fulfillment rather than money or titles.
• The challenges of overcoming financial fears and golden handcuffs.
• The importance of taking small, intentional steps toward a new life.
• The value of rediscovering purpose and the mental process of transitioning to a new identity.

Nic’s insights highlight the importance of designing life around personal values and happiness rather than fitting life around work. His story serves as an inspiring example of how even high-achieving corporate professionals can make dramatic changes to reclaim their well-being and joy.

Sound Bites

• "I'm a thoroughly fulfilled and happy bus driver."
• "Success is the happiest person, not the richest."
• "I wanted to be a bus driver as a five-year-old."
• "The world was changing, and I was unaware of it."
• "You have to start writing things down about what are our outgoings."
• "There's nothing richer than feeling happy."
• "You need to realign your values if money is your only focus."
• "Life's too damn short to be unhappy."
• "I never told anyone for the first two years after I left corporate."
• "If we can help one or two people find happiness, we're doing our job."

Can experience and wisdom give us a unique edge in the age of AI? In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast, I’m joined by Michael Himmelfarb, a seasoned consultant and one of the original escapees. Together, we explore how AI is reshaping solo businesses, why experience trumps prompts, and how escapees can use AI not just as a tool but as a competitive advantage. From intelligent interrogation to teaching AI to think like you, we uncover how combining AI with decades of expertise can create game-changing opportunities. Whether you’re curious about leveraging AI or just want to stay ahead in the solo business world, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss

Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhimmelfarb/

Takeaways

• AI is becoming an essential tool for business efficiency.
• Experience in a field enhances the use of AI.
• AI can help in making better decisions based on data.
• Small businesses can leverage AI for competitive advantage.
• Understanding customer data is crucial for effective AI use.
• AI can spark creativity and brainstorming.
• The integration of AI can lead to significant cost savings.
• AI can help identify customer needs and trends.
• Using AI requires a strategic approach to benefit customers.
• AI can be a co-pilot in decision-making processes.
• Experience in using AI provides a competitive edge.
• AI can enhance decision-making through intelligent interrogation.
• Empathy and intuition are crucial in AI interactions.
• AI can help identify customer needs and preferences.
• Leveraging data effectively can drive business growth.
• AI serves as a co-pilot for brainstorming and decision-making.
• Small businesses can benefit from AI to understand their customers better.
• The quality of input data significantly impacts AI outputs.
• AI can help in developing predictive models for pricing strategies.
• Strategic use of AI can differentiate businesses in competitive markets

Sound Bites

• "The value we bring is our experience."
• "AI can spark your own thinking."
• "AI is a tool in the toolkit."

Chapters

00:00 Exploring AI and Wisdom in Business

09:11 Leveraging AI for Competitive Advantage

18:32 The Future of AI in Small Businesses

In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, Joe Manganelli shares his journey from a corporate finance role to becoming an entrepreneur and the founder of Calculate, a financial services company. 

He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a business, the importance of embracing discomfort, and the lessons learned along the way. Joe emphasizes the value of testing assumptions, the significance of enthusiasm in business, and the need for accountability in entrepreneurship. 

He also reflects on his recent transition to a new role as Chief Revenue Officer at Amalgam, a software company for accounting firms, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemanganelli/

Takeaways

• Embrace the discomfort of entrepreneurship.
• Don't wait for the perfect idea; start with what you have.
• Testing assumptions with clients is crucial for success.
• The early days of a business are often the most exciting.
• Perfection can hinder progress; focus on being good enough.
• Networking in small business is collaborative and supportive.
• Scaling a business requires understanding what is scalable.
• Accountability in entrepreneurship can be invigorating.
• Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship can be a mindset shift.
• Always be open to new opportunities and networks.

Sound Bites

• "I realized I had it right in my hands."
• "Don't be afraid to test those assumptions."
• "The worst thing that happens is you fail."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current Endeavors

04:21 The Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

11:55 Building Calculate: The Early Days

18:04 Scaling and Diversifying Services

22:10 Transitioning and Selling the Business

24:59 Current Role and Future Aspirations

Keywords

entrepreneurship, corporate escape, startup journey, accounting software, business growth, scaling, revenue streams, personal development, risk-taking, networking

In this episode of the Corporate Escapee Podcast, Gabrielle shares her journey from a full-time marketing career to going solo, discussing the importance of understanding taxes and business structures like LLCs and S-Corps. 

She emphasizes the advantages of S-Corps in reducing self-employment taxes and the necessity of managing payroll effectively. 

The conversation also highlights the role of technology in simplifying financial management for escapees and the future of solo businesses in a rapidly changing workforce. 

She provides practical advice on starting a business, including the necessity of separating personal and business finances, the significance of business insurance, and the considerations for forming an LLC or S-Corp. 

Links:

Lettuce Promotion: Lettuce landing page: https://hubs.ly/Q02SpnrJ0 Code is ESCAPEE500

Free Resources: https://lettuce.co/resources

Gabrielle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielletenaglia/ 

Takeaways

• Freelancing offers flexibility and control over one's career.
• Understanding tax structures is crucial for freelancers.
• S-Corps can significantly reduce self-employment taxes.
• Time is a valuable resource that should not be wasted on bookkeeping.
• Automating financial management can alleviate stress for freelancers.
• Choosing the right business structure can lead to substantial tax savings.
• Freelancers need to pay themselves a reasonable salary to comply with IRS regulations.
• Technology can simplify the complexities of managing a freelance business.
• Networking is essential for finding opportunities and support.
• The future of work is shifting towards more freelancers and solo businesses. Finding experts that understand your business is crucial.
• Separate your personal and business finances from the start.
• Business insurance is essential for liability protection.
• An LLC is not always necessary unless concerned about liability.
• S-Corps can provide tax benefits for committed business owners.
• Fractional teams can offer specialized knowledge and skills.
• Sharing your ideas can attract clients to your business.
• Celebrate your achievements as a solopreneur.
• Understanding tax implications is vital for financial success.
• Lettuce provides tailored solutions for solo entrepreneurs.

Sound Bites

• "My time is my most valuable resource."
• "You have to pay yourself a reasonable salary."
• "I didn't want to do any of it."
• "We are focused only on businesses like yours."
• "You need an LLC to have an S-Corp."
• "Get an S-Corp because every penny you make saves."
• "You are doing a great job."
• "Start with the idea before the product."
• "The government doesn't need any more from us."

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Freelancing

02:56 Understanding Taxes and Business Structures

06:05 The S-Corp Advantage

09:01 Navigating Payroll and Tax Responsibilities

11:49 The Role of Technology in Managing Finances

15:07 Finding the Right Tools for Freelancers

18:00 The Future of Freelancing and Business Management

25:10 Understanding Business Needs and Solutions

28:19 Best Practices for Starting a Business

31:36 Navigating LLCs and S-Corps

35:22 The Value of Fractional Teams

41:41 Encouragement for Solopreneurs and Final Thoughts

Ray McKenzie, founder and managing director of Red Beach Advisors, shares his journey from corporate to entrepreneurship. He started his consulting firm in 2015, focusing on go-to-market strategy and operational efficiency for Fortune 1000 companies in cybersecurity and cloud computing. Later, he founded Starting Point, a workflow management and automation platform for professional services companies. Ray emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining relationships, leveraging your corporate network, and utilizing referrals to acquire clients.

He also discusses the need for a centralized system to manage projects and communication, which led to the creation of Starting Point. Starting Point is a workflow management platform that allows teams, clients, and administrators to log in and see everything in one place. It offers features such as lead management, AI-powered proposal development, client onboarding, engagement management, file management, performance tracking, and invoicing.

The platform was initially built for internal use by Red Beach Advisors but gained traction when shared with professionals in the consulting industry. The development of Starting Point was driven by the need to solve the challenge of scattered information and lack of visibility in managing projects and client relationships.

Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymondmckenzie/

Website: https://www.redbeachadvisors.com/

Website: www.startingpoint.ai

Takeaways

• Building and maintaining relationships is crucial for business success.
• Leverage your corporate network and referrals to acquire clients.
• A centralized system for project management and communication is essential.
• Starting a business while still working full-time can be a viable option, depending on individual circumstances. Starting Point is a comprehensive workflow management platform designed for professional services and shared services organizations.
• The platform allows teams, clients, and administrators to have visibility and access to all relevant information in one place.
• Starting Point offers features such as lead management, AI-powered proposal development, client onboarding, engagement management, file management, performance tracking, and invoicing.
• The platform was initially built for internal use by Red Beach Advisors but gained popularity when shared with professionals in the consulting industry.

Sound Bites

• "The people you're working with when you're 23, 25, 27, 29, fast forward 20 years, those are the people who are the VPs, the SVPs, the CEOs, the board directors of major companies."
• "These people are inherently receiving a community or a workforce bench of people and resources that they can use."
• "I just found myself not really having a great grasp as to everything that was going on."
• "It's a workflow management platform that allows your team to log in and see everything, your client able to log in and see everything."
• "I started showing it to people in professional services, consulting firms, people in my network. And as I started showing it to people in my network, they were like, hey, this is something we could use."
• "It's ideally meant to just be simple for people to be able to use."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

02:35 Transitioning from Corporate to Consulting

06:37 Managing Clients and Starting Red Beach Advisors

09:55 Starting a Business While Working Full-Time

16:16 The Inspiration Behind Starting Point

20:00 Introduction to Starting Point

29:02 Features and Benefits of Starting Point

31:36 Addressing the Challenge of Service Delivery

35:34 Advice for Transitioning from Corporate to Solo