Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau

Ral West, a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience, is a multifaceted entrepreneur respected in both the tourism industry and multifamily real estate circles. She is recognized for founding successful businesses, authoring courses, and contributing to various boards. She is also a philanthropist and dynamic speaker. Additionally, she is the founder of Ral West: Livin' The Dream and the creator of a course for entrepreneurs titled “Overcome Overwhelm: Create a Smooth Running Business with Less Stress.”
In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will discover how to overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship and create a thriving business with less stress. Ral West, a dynamic entrepreneur with over 40 years of extensive experience, joins us to offer her wisdom on navigating the complex journey of business ownership.
Ral and I discuss:
Why high achievers tend to feel overwhelmed and how to counteract itThe paradox of saying no to increase profitabilityThe critical role of prioritizing and focusing for business successStrategies for matching your passions with a business model that relieves market painHow to leverage your existing network and find mentors when starting a businessThe importance of creating systems to streamline business operationsReal-world examples of systems Ral has implemented in her businessesRal's inspiration for helping other entrepreneurs at this stage of her lifeHow to effectively utilize communities and mentorship when venturing into new territoriesRal’s personal approach to lifelong entrepreneurship and continuous learning
Learn more about Ral at https://www.ralwest.com/.
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Kathy Oneto is an executive and life-work coach committed to helping individuals find success on their terms in both their professional and personal lives. As the founder of Sustainable Ambition and the host of the Sustainable Ambition Podcast, she guides clients to discover motivation in their careers, construct their future life and work arcs, and manage their efforts towards greater resilience and sustainability. In her diverse portfolio career, Kathy also serves as a strategy executive, aiding organizations in cutting through ambiguity and gaining the clarity needed to progress and take sustainable actions.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leave your corporate career and develop a sustainable model that brings fulfillment and success on your own terms.
Kathy and I discuss:
What inspired Kathy to step out of the corporate world and embrace entrepreneurshipHow her vision of entrepreneurship evolved over time The real meaning of sustainable ambition and how it can be a game-changerKathy's journey of building a sustainable ambitious life Strategies for professionals who want to craft a fulfilling, long-term career The importance of community as a "force multiplier" in your career
Learn more about Kathy at 
Website: http://SustainableAmbition.com
Sustainable Ambition Podcast: http://SustainableAmbition.com/podcast or https://bit.ly/sustain-pod
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-oneto/
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Robbie Hardy knows how to navigate the maze of the entrepreneurial journey—and she wants to help you do the same. She can guide you through the highs and lows, from your first major mistake to your first sale. She understands because she's been there.
A New Englander by birth and an "entrepreneurologist" by trade, Robbie Hardy is an author, experienced investor, and entrepreneur with extensive startup and board experience.
In this episode of Smashing the Plateau, Robbie Hardy, an adept entrepreneur and mentor, talks about her journey from a disenchanted corporate employee to a successful business founder and a passionate advocate for women's mentorship in business. Dive into Robbie's story to reveal how she found her true calling in the twists and turns of entrepreneurship.
Robbie and I discuss:
The discomfort that led Robbie to leave the corporate worldLaunching her own business and securing her previous employer as her first clientThe rollercoaster of starting and selling a software companyUtilizing corporate connections to fuel her entrepreneurial venturesRobbie's mission to mentor women and help them find their voiceThe dynamics of effective mentorship and its transformative powerRobbie's advice for corporate refugees seeking to venture into entrepreneurship
Learn more about Robbie at https://www.robbiehardy.com/.
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Wendy Ellin is a highly sought-after speaker, author, and consultant. Her #1 bestselling book, "Working From Home…How’s That Working For You?" continues to catch the attention of organizations that want to ensure their employees are able to work with less stress and more job satisfaction, no matter where they work. Her insights into having basic foundational organization systems are shared in her presentations with irreverence, humor, and a level of passion that motivates her audience to TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION!
Wendy has helped companies like The Home Depot, JCB, American Cancer Society, Spelman College, Cox Communications, Autotrader, PWC, and many more to ensure their people stay engaged, deliver their best work, and have a life outside of work. She believes that when your people win, everyone wins.
Wendy talks about real-life challenges that all busy professionals experience, such as email overload, being on time (or not), reasonable expectations for getting things done, self-defeating behaviors, and much more. It is from Wendy's 20-plus years in the corporate arena, where she drew on her own successes by working smart, not hard, that inspired her to develop Wendy Ellin’s 3P Academy—a toolbox that fuels radical productivity, peak performance, and a renewed sense of peace of mind.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, we delve into the systems and strategies Wendy has developed to make working from home a stress-free and satisfying experience, which are essential for entrepreneurs and professionals in the current climate.
Wendy and I discuss:
Her transition from advertising sales to productivity consulting [00:28]What inspired her to write her best selling book [01:48]How to set up a successful work-from-home environment [06:28]Organizing physical and digital workspaces for maximum efficiency [07:12]The importance of systems in productivity (S-Y-S-T-E-M) [08:07]Wendy's life-changing car accident and its impact on her mission [04:58]Using speaking engagements to grow a business and create an impact [04:08]The role of community and sharing in overcoming organizational challenges [12:24]Wendy's approach to dealing with disorganization and stress at work [10:25]
Learn more about Wendy at https://linkedin.com/in/wendyellin and www.wendyellin.com.
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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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