Why I Left

Why I Left tells real stories from real people about the bold career moves that changed their lives.  Hosted by Brian Aquart, the show goes beyond resignations to uncover courage, clarity, and growth in the face of change. Each episode offers honest reflections, lessons learned, and practical insights for anyone considering a pivot, navigating uncertainty, or seeking inspiration for their next chapter. We don’t talk about resignations enough, this podcast makes sure we do.

  1. Leadership, Presence, and the Cost of Disconnection - Tracy Brower

    11時間前

    Leadership, Presence, and the Cost of Disconnection - Tracy Brower

    Send a message to the show Loneliness at work is rising. And it is a structural issue. In this episode, Tracy Brower, PhD, returns to Why I Left to unpack the growing disconnection inside modern organizations. Fifty percent of people globally report feeling lonely. Leaders feel stretched thin. Teams feel unseen. Tracy is a sociologist and Vice President of Workplace Insights at Steelcase. She has spent years studying happiness, belonging, and the future of work. In this conversation, she explains why trust is built through consistency, why visibility is not the same as presence, and how culture is defined by the worst behavior it tolerates. She also shares insights from her new book, Critical Connections, unpacking how hustle culture, distraction, and performative presence erode trust and belonging. If you lead people, this episode will challenge how you think about productivity, accountability, and connection. You will walk away with practical shifts you can make immediately. Enjoy! Stay connected with Tracy Brower Website: https://tracybrower.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybrowerphd/ Purchase Critical Connections: https://www.porchlightbooks.com/products/critical-connections-tracy-brower-9781394362264 Work with Brian Storyline by Kingswood helps leaders and professionals make sense of career transitions, identity shifts, and the stories they’re telling about their work. Learn more: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yWlc-4M5JIaTMPurQlcccQ8gZF5lEabY/view?usp=sharing Stay connected with Why I Left  Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co  Subscribe:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef  Follow:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/  Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/   Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100  Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswoodto help executives, founders, and rising leaders align their presence with their next chapter. Support the show Interested in sponsoring Why I Left? Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

    51分
  2. The Jolts That Reshape Work and Identity - Anthony Klotz

    3月10日

    The Jolts That Reshape Work and Identity - Anthony Klotz

    Send a message to the show Most people think quitting is the story. It isn’t. Before people leave their jobs, something usually happens first. A pause. A realization. A moment that makes it impossible to keep going the same way. Five years ago, Dr. Anthony Klotz coined The Great Resignation. But the real story was never about quitting. It was about clarity. In the Season 5 premiere of Why I Left, Anthony returns to unpack what actually drives career change. Not slow dissatisfaction. Not calculated pros and cons. But jolts. Sharp moments that disrupt how we see our work and ourselves. Anthony is an organizational psychologist at UCL School of Management and author of the upcoming book Jolted. We explore the six types of jolts that shape careers, the rise of reluctant stayers, the hidden cost of return-to-office mandates, and how AI may trigger the next wave of career reshuffling. If you have ever felt a sudden shift at work. If you have questioned whether you still belong where you are. If you are navigating a pivot or protecting your wellbeing in a tight labor market. This conversation is for you. Press play. Enjoy! Stay connected with Anthony Klotz Website: https://anthonyklotz.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aklotz/ Purchase Jolted: https://anthonyklotz.com/the-jolted-book Work with Brian Storyline by Kingswood helps leaders and professionals make sense of career transitions, identity shifts, and the stories they’re telling about their work. Learn more: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yWlc-4M5JIaTMPurQlcccQ8gZF5lEabY/view?usp=sharing Stay connected with Why I Left  Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co  Subscribe:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef  Follow:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/  Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/   Rate us 5 stars: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100  Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswoodto help executives, founders, and rising leaders align their presence with their next chapter. Support the show Interested in sponsoring Why I Left? Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

    1時間4分
  3. Season 5 Begins: The Courage to Choose What Matters - Brian Aquart

    シーズン 5 の予告編

    Season 5 Begins: The Courage to Choose What Matters - Brian Aquart

    Send a message to the show After 100 episodes, one truth stands out. Leaving is rarely about quitting. It is about alignment. In this season five launch, Brian Aquart reflects on what a hundred conversations with leaders, founders, and operators have revealed about career transitions and identity shifts. What changes when success no longer fits. What it costs to stay too long. And why discipline, not momentum, builds something that lasts. This season is for anyone at a crossroads. For executives recalibrating their definition of success. For builders questioning the path they chose. For professionals who know something needs to change but cannot yet name it. If you have ever wondered whether leaving means failing, this season reframes the question entirely. Enjoy! Stay connected with Why I Left Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co Work with Brian Storyline by Kingswood helps leaders and professionals make sense of career transitions, identity shifts, and the stories they’re telling about their work. Learn more: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yWlc-4M5JIaTMPurQlcccQ8gZF5lEabY/view?usp=sharing Subscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/ Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/ Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100 Support the show Interested in sponsoring Why I Left? Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

    3分
  4. I Did It My Way - Craig the Barber

    2025/08/05

    I Did It My Way - Craig the Barber

    Send a message to the show On the Season 4 finale of Why I Left, Brian sits down with Craig Whitely, better known as Craig the Barber, who shares his inspiring journey from the world of finance to becoming an award-winning barber and founder of Burke Avenue, a premium mens grooming line. Discover how a passion for barbering, ignited by a simple gift from his father, led Craig to leap from bankings rigid structure to entrepreneurship, building a trusted brand recognized by Mens Health.  Craig opens up about overcoming fear, the power of intentionality, and the importance of listening to consumers. Whether youre eyeing a major career pivot or striving to build a brand that truly stands out, this episode delivers invaluable lessons on resilience, personal fulfillment, and doing it your way. Dont miss Craigs practical advice for reinventing your career and thriving in a competitive industry! Enjoy! Stay connected with Guest Website: https://www.burkeavenue.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/craigthebarber  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigthebarber/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigthebarber/  Stay connected with Why I Left  Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co  Subscribe:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef  Follow:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/  Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/   Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswoodto help executives, founders, and rising leaders align their presence with their next chapter. Support the show Interested in sponsoring Why I Left? Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

    40分
  5. Igniting Leaders - Jordana Cole

    2025/07/29

    Igniting Leaders - Jordana Cole

    Send a message to the show Brian sits down with Jordana Cole, founder of Ignited LLC. Jordana shares her courageous decision to leave behind a successful corporate career and follow her passion for igniting leadership and transformation. Discover how her trailblazing path, from breaking barriers in her hometown to leading learning and development initiatives, helped her find her true calling.  Jordana reveals the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, her philosophy on intentional, everyday leadership, and the importance of aligning passion with profession. Plus, get a sneak peek at her upcoming leadership book and actionable advice for anyone considering a bold career move. Dont miss this episode filled with insights, real stories, and practical tips to help you spark positive change in your journey! Enjoy! Stay connected with Guest Website: https://ignitedbyjordana.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordana-cole-mapp-pcc-a8445a8/ Stay connected with Why I Left  Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co  Subscribe:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef  Follow:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/  Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/   Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100  Why I Left is happy to be part of the Alive Podcast Network, which offers a diverse range of shows featuring powerful storytelling, insig Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswoodto help executives, founders, and rising leaders align their presence with their next chapter. Support the show Interested in sponsoring Why I Left? Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

    51分
  6. Trust, Trauma & Leadership - Lori Swartz Eberly

    2025/07/22

    Trust, Trauma & Leadership - Lori Swartz Eberly

    Send a message to the show Brian sits down with Lori Eberly, founder of Radius Executive Coaching and co-author of "Fuckery." Lori shares her compelling journey from hospice social worker to leadership development expert, revealing how grief, transition, and trust shape meaningful career change. Discover practical, neuroscience-backed strategies for navigating loss in your professional life, building resilience, and transforming team culture.  Loris trauma-informed approach provides actionable insights on overcoming toxic workplace habits and fostering authentic connections. Whether you're considering your next career move or leading through change, don't miss this conversation packed with wisdom, humor, and real-life advice for making bold, intentional decisions. Check out the episode for inspiration to trust yourself, grieve what you leave behind, and step forward with clarity. Enjoy! Stay connected with Guest Website: https://www.radiusecd.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-swartz-eberly-msw-lcsw-licsw-74550964/  Stay connected with Why I Left  Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co  Subscribe:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef  Follow:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/  Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/   Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100  Why I Left is happy to be part of the Alive Podcast Network, which offers a diverse range of shows featuring powerful storytelling, i Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswoodto help executives, founders, and rising leaders align their presence with their next chapter. Support the show Interested in sponsoring Why I Left? Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

    1時間3分
  7. Breaking Free From Myths - Scott Mason

    2025/07/15

    Breaking Free From Myths - Scott Mason

    Send a message to the show Ready to break free from a traditional career path and reignite your purpose? Brian welcomes Scott Mason, the Myth Slayer, who reveals his journey from high-powered attorney to transformational coach for lawyers. Discover how Scott leverages timeless Greek mythology to help professionals unshackle themselves from limiting beliefs, conquer professional burnout, and reclaim their true identities. Scott shares pivotal moments that inspired his leap into entrepreneurship and offers practical advice for lawyers (and other professionals) struggling to overcome career dissatisfaction.  Tune in to learn actionable strategies for rewriting your own story, identifying toxic myths that hold you back, and creating a roadmap toward professional freedom and fulfillment. Dont miss this inspiring discussion packed with wisdom for anyone ready to transform and finally do work that matters. Subscribe for more real stories about life's bold career moves! Enjoy! Stay connected with Guest Website: https://www.myfreedomrocks.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themythslayer/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDa8ff2fzhKkbII1W5xjXyg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.scott_mason/  Stay connected with Why I Left  Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co  Subscribe:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef  Follow:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/  Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/   Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswoodto help executives, founders, and rising leaders align their presence with their next chapter. Support the show Interested in sponsoring Why I Left? Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

    50分
  8. Leading With Wellbeing First - Chase Sterling

    2025/07/08

    Leading With Wellbeing First - Chase Sterling

    Send a message to the show Brian sits down with Chase Sterling, U.S. Army veteran, founder of Wellbeing Think Tank, and Principal Consultant at HHP Cultures. Chase shares her inspiring journey from overcoming adversity in her youth to thriving as a workplace wellbeing expert. Discover how Chases own experiences with chronic pain and career pivots fueled her mission to build resilient, supportive workplaces.  She unpacks the science behind meaningful workplace wellbeing, the value of adaptable strategies, and actionable advice for individuals and organizations seeking purpose-driven change. Whether youre navigating career uncertainty or leading workplace initiatives, this episode offers insights on prioritizing health, building cultures of support, and leading with resilience. Tune in to hear Chases powerful story and how shes helping others transform adversity into opportunity.  Enjoy! Stay connected with Guest Website: https://www.wellbeingthinktank.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasesterling/ Stay connected with Why I Left  Visit: https://www.WhyILeft.co  Subscribe:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TE4Y626idPxNeewpCG6Ef  Follow:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/  Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/   Rate us 5 stars and share feedback: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100  Why I Left is happy to be part of the Alive Podcast Network, which offers a diverse range of shows featuring powerful storytelling, insightful conversations, and thought-provoking discussions.  Your story deserves to be told with clarity and impact. That’s why I created Storyline by Kingswoodto help executives, founders, and rising leaders align their presence with their next chapter. Support the show Interested in sponsoring Why I Left? Learn more about partnership opportunities here: https://whyileft.co/sponsor-why-i-left-podcast/

    53分

予告編

番組について

Why I Left tells real stories from real people about the bold career moves that changed their lives.  Hosted by Brian Aquart, the show goes beyond resignations to uncover courage, clarity, and growth in the face of change. Each episode offers honest reflections, lessons learned, and practical insights for anyone considering a pivot, navigating uncertainty, or seeking inspiration for their next chapter. We don’t talk about resignations enough, this podcast makes sure we do.

ALIVE Podcast Networkの他の作品