Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau

Kelly Whitaker (she/her) is an LA-based communication specialist, speaker, and head of Kelly Convos. Her dynamic and singular approach empowers conflict-averse leaders and individuals to confidently and compassionately conduct difficult conversations in service of personal growth and lasting problem-solving.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will discover the strategies for successful communication that can transform your leadership and resolve conflicts effectively.
Kelly and I discuss:
Her altruistic motivations and diverse career path leading up to her current role [00:01:00]The importance of communication skills across different social spheres [00:02:00]Deliberate focus on conflict resolution and the needs it addresses [00:03:31]A methodology for conducting difficult conversations and finding solutions [00:05:01]How recruitment experiences shaped her approach to communication [00:06:39]The decision to transition from employee to entrepreneur [00:08:40]The impact of effective communication on leadership and team dynamics [00:10:19]The value of interpersonal communication in a digital age [00:16:39]Networking and community building to enhance personal and professional growth [00:19:40]
Learn more about Kelly at her website www.kellyconvos.com and follow her on Instagram @kellyconvos.
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Throughout her career in business management and psychology, Dr. Pelletier has spearheaded the dialogue on crucial issues of leadership resilience and work performance. Drawing on her extensive background in the corporate, insurance, governance, and public sectors, she brings an international perspective and unique expertise to leadership. She is a practicing leadership psychologist and executive coach with over 20 years of experience and holds a Ph.D. and an MBA from the University of British Columbia. 
Marie-Helene is a member of the Global Clinical Practice Network of the World Health Organization and a past director on the boards of the Canadian Psychological Association and the International Association of Applied Psychology. She has presented, authored, and co-authored numerous industry and academic publications and has won several academic and industry awards. In 2024, Dr. Pelletier published her award-winning book, "The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health."
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, we explore the critical role of mental resilience when making the leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship.
Dr. Marie-Helene and I discuss:
What motivates career changes and transitions [00:21]Strategies for successful career transitions [00:56]The influence of mental health in shifting from corporate to business ownership [02:00]Enhancing supply to meet increased demands during transitions [03:26]The significance of relationships and community in building resilience [14:39]How to strategically plan for resilience in business [20:12]
Learn more about Marie-Helene at www.theresilienceplan.com and receive the free worksheets: https://drmarie-helene.com/free-resources-sign-up/
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Erika Wasserman, Your Financial Therapist, is one of 70 Certified Financial Therapists who work with clients to shift their mindset and develop new beliefs around money that lead to freedom, choices, and opportunities for clients all around the world.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the transformative power of financial therapy and how it can help you navigate through life's transitions, gain control over your money, and align your finances with your values.
Erika and I discuss:
Her journey from corporate America to financial therapy [00:15:24]How our relationship with money affects life transitions [00:00:35]The importance of controlling and communicating about finances [00:01:13]Strategies for aligning spending with values [00:05:17]Overcoming fear during financial transitions [00:07:09]Building a personal "board of directors" [00:08:36]The role of community in financial empowerment [00:21:52]
Learn more about Erika at:
https://yourfinancialtherapist.com/
https://www.instagram.com/yourfinancialtherapist/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikawasserman/
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Amy Posner is a seasoned online entrepreneur and business coach who helps digital creative freelancers build breakthrough businesses.
Over her 30-year career, Amy launched six successful businesses and mentored thousands of freelancers to success. She empowers freelancers to grow the business they want by teaching them the skills they need to attract the right clients – in her Complete Breakthrough Freelancer course and as co-host of the Business Badassery podcast.
In her free time, you’ll find Amy adventuring around the Pacific Northwest, hiking, gardening, and making a ruckus!
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you’ll discover insider strategies to innovate in your industry and position yourself as a thought leader.
Amy and I discuss:
The unexpected transition from the fashion industry to entrepreneurship [01:22]The revelation that business ownership is a creative pursuit [02:07]The evolution from business operator to business mentor [03:04]The importance of business skills for digital creatives [04:00]The key concepts and skills needed for freelancers to succeed [08:04]The role of discovery calls in client acquisition [08:30]Crafting compelling proposals and scopes of work [11:13]The significance of client relations and communication [13:31]The distinction between selling to small businesses vs. enterprises [15:58]The value of peer support and community in business success [25:37]
Learn more about Amy at https://amyposner.com/podcast.
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Damien Schreurs, a former engineer with 18 years of experience working for a Fortune 500 US company with an R&D facility in Luxembourg, initiated EasyTECH as a side hustle in 2013 to explore entrepreneurship while maintaining a steady income. In September 2016, Damien left his 9-to-5 job to provide Apple training and consultancy services in Luxembourg.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how Damien transitioned from his corporate career to entrepreneurship, gaining control over his time and dedicating himself to his family and work.
Damien and I discuss:
The trigger that led to his decision to quit his nine-to-five job [01:09]Why he started his business as a side hustle and his experience with part-time work [01:09]Adjusting his financial goals and saving strategy to facilitate his transition [04:05]The role of patience and impatience in making the move to full-time entrepreneurship [02:53]How community and networking were instrumental in shifting his business from B2C to B2B [14:10]The strategic decisions and personal reflections that guided him to focus on B2B training [16:29]His experience with mentorship and the impact of COVID-19 on his business evolution [18:04]
Learn more about Amy at https://macpreneur.com, https://macpreneur.com/smashing, and https://macpreneur.com/youtube.
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Holly Jean Jackson is a Revenue and Performance Consultant, Speaker, Podcast Host, Author, and Founder of Business Builder Throwdown. Her career encompasses a range of fields including technology, communications, organizational change, public relations, and content strategy.
With over 12 years of experience, she has been instrumental in helping business leaders rejuvenate their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Holly Jean has spearheaded a Local to Global Policy Initiative, influencing the impact of future leaders on communities. A fun fact about her: Holly Jean has performed as the first chair clarinetist in Carnegie Hall and holds a black belt in karate.
Her Peak Performance Blueprint offers a comprehensive and pragmatic approach to success, recognizing that monumental business achievements require a life that is equally or more successful.
Business owners engage her services to master the art and science of genuine success. Many lack direction, take insufficient action, and see lackluster results. Holly Jean steps in to help define and design a business roadmap that ensures impactful visibility, intentional profitability, and unfailing sustainability.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you'll learn about Holly Jean's journey from multiple layoffs in corporate America to becoming a successful entrepreneur and finding the balance and respect that she desired in her professional life.
Holly Jean and I discuss:
The pattern of layoffs and health challenges in her corporate career [00:42]Acknowledging a need for appreciation and a push towards entrepreneurship [01:00]The dehumanization of layoffs in large companies [01:44]Transitioning to a consultancy role and how it differs from employment [05:03]Establishing a more respectful and balanced consultant-client relationship [06:14]Holly Jean's process of finding her consulting niche [08:15]The impact of COVID on her business strategy [10:46]How to strategically pivot your business for growth [11:37]The importance of niching down your target market [12:00]Leveraging personal achievements and passions to build your business [13:52]The significance of internal validation over external comparison [14:12]Tactical advice for transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship [16:32]The critical role of community and support in building a successful business [21:07]
Learn more about Holly Jean at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyjjackson/
https://www.facebook.com/hollyjeanjackson
https://www.instagram.com/coachhollyjeanjackson/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ElvJLGqpJ2ThA9utJCqMg
www.hollyjeanjackson.com
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