The Career-Integrated Entrepreneur™ Podcast

Cindy Excell
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  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

You don’t need to quit your job to start your side business. You just need the right strategy and mindset - one that works with your 9-to-5 and personal life, not against it. The Career-Integrated Entrepreneur™ is the podcast for high achieving corporate women who want to build a second stream of income through coaching -without compromising their career performance, their identity, or their lifestyle. Hosted by Cindy Excell - Senior Financial Adviser, NLP practitioner, Career-Integrated Business Coach, and mum of two. This show brings you honest conversations, time-smart strategies, and practical steps to help you create a second stream income, impact and purpose while staying high-performing in your career. Because job security isn’t what it used to be. And neither is success. If you’ve been craving career options, more fulfilment, and more control over your future - you’re in the right place. You don’t have to burn out or burn bridges to build something of your own. Subscribe now and learn how to grow a coaching business on the side - with intention, integrity, and impact.

  1. Jan 6

    Ep 36. The come-back episode: Why I’m Back, What Changed, and What’s Next

    After a six-month pause, the Career-Integrated Entrepreneur™  podcast is back. In this episode, I’m sharing why I stepped away, what shifted during that season, and why Career-Integrated Entrepreneur™ is returning exactly as it is - just more grounded. We’re talking about career optionality, income security, and what it really means to build something of your own without burning out, blowing things up, or buying into the “escape the 9-5” narrative. This conversation sets the tone for the year ahead and the direction of this podcast moving forward. If you’re a mid-career corporate woman who wants income options beyond a paycheck, then you’re in the right place. Private Accelerator 1:1 coaching spots are now open. Details below 👇 Links + Resources: ➡️ The Corporate-Integrated Entrepreneur™ Private Accelerator: A 90-day private coaching experience to turn your expertise into a clear, sellable 1:1 Offer & repeatable sales system that is built alongside your corporate career. ➡️ 90-Minute Side Business Strategy Intensive: A focused 1:1 session to help you work through obstacles, refine your approach, and move your side business forward. ➡️ The Side Business Idea Finder: A mini-course with videos and a step-by-step workbook to help you solidify a side business idea that fits your career, time, and energy. Join the waitlist for early access at the founding member price. ➡️ FREE Side Business Decision Filter: A FREE practical self-assessment tool for mid-career corporate women to decide if an online coaching side business actually makes sense – before choosing the wrong one. ➡️ Subscribe to the Corporate-Integrated Entrepreneur™ Sunday Newsletter: Get practical, corporate-safe strategies to turn your expertise into a second income stream, in 5-10 hours/week, without burnout or hustle culture, delivered to your inbox. ➡️ Connect with me on LinkedIn

  2. 07/29/2025

    Ep 35. Dual leadership: How to own both your 9 to 5 & your side business

    Let’s talk about the quiet guilt that no one warns you about when you start a side hustle. You’re thriving in your corporate career, but something in you wants more. So you take the first brave step into building a coaching business… and suddenly, you’re questioning everything. “Will people think I’m not serious about my job?” “Can I grow a business without hiding it - or feeling like I’m betraying my employer?” This episode goes deep into the mindset shift that changes everything: you’re not cheating on your 9 to 5 - you’re leading yourself. I’m walking you through: What integrity actually means when you’re building a business on the sideHow to stop hiding and start honouring both your career and your businessWhy splitting your identity is exhausting (and how to stop doing it)The 5 things I always come back to when I feel misalignedHow to build something that feels honest, grounded, and fully yours The right way to building a side business while in your 9 to 5 is the one that feels honest and aligned, that feels good, with who you are now and who you’re becoming. Links + Resources: >> Book a 30-min clarity call with me - If you’re ready to build something real 0 but want help mapping it out the smart, aligned way. >> Grab the free Business Idea Validator tool - It helps you flush out your most aligned, profitable coaching idea (even if you’ve got 10 swimming in your head). >> Or just DM me “INTEGRITY” on LinkedIn and I’ll send you everything directly.

  3. 07/22/2025

    Ep 34. Validate Your Coaching Business Idea in 30 Minutes (Free Guide Inside)

    Are you sitting on a dozen side hustle ideas but not sure which one is worth pursuing? In this episode, I’m breaking down the “too many ideas” trap that keeps corporate women stuck in indecision - and the exact steps you can take to validate your coaching idea fast, without wasting time or building things nobody wants. We will cover : Why clarity doesn’t come from thinking - it comes from testingHow to know if your idea is actually profitableThe 3-step method I use with clients to validate and refine their coaching offerHow to use my free AI Coaching Idea Validator to shortcut the process Download the free workbook + GPT tool here: This free resource and GPT tool will help you test your coaching idea, clarify your niche, and get real-world feedback - even if you don’t have an audience yet. Let’s get you out of your head and into action. >> Connect with me on LinkedIn  >> Follow me on Instagram

  4. 07/15/2025

    Ep33. From Career Plateau to Power Move: How to Pivot Without Quitting

    You’ve worked hard, built a solid career, and you’re good at what you do. So why does it still feel… flat? If you’ve been thinking, “I’m doing all the right things - but I’m just not excited anymore…”  You might be sitting in a career plateau. In this episode, I’m getting real about: ✨ That weird in-between space where your job still looks good on paper - but doesn’t light you up anymore. ✨  Why jumping to a new job often doesn’t fix the root of the problem ✨  How starting a side coaching business helped me show up differently at work - more energised, more confident, more me ✨  How you can do it too We’re not talking about burning bridges here. We’re talking about building options.  So your next career move doesn’t have to be escape - it can be expansion.  Resource:  >> Free eBook: Validate Your Coaching Idea in 30 Minutes (With My Free GPT Validator Tool) >> Connect with me on LinkedIn  >> Follow me on Instagram

  5. 07/08/2025

    Ep 32. [The Rebrand] Welcome to The Career-Integrated Entrepreneur™ - A New Chapter Begins

    After 19.5 years full-time corporate career in financial services… and 5 years building my online coaching business on the side… I’ve officially gone all in. And with that - comes a brand new name and a bold new direction for the podcast. Welcome to The Career-Integrated Entrepreneur™ Podcast - the rebrand of the podcast formerly known as Hustle With Heels. In this reintroduction episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of: Why I rebranded the podcastWhat career-integrated entrepreneurship really meansHow I built my business with limited time and full-time responsibilitiesWhy job security is no longer enough - and how a side coaching business can become your real safety netWhat you can expect from this new chapter of the show This next chapter is here to support you as you start mapping out your own version of career-integrated entrepreneurship. One that gives you options, stability, and a business you actually want to show up for, without compromising your performance at your 9 to 5 job. Resource:  >> Free eBook: Validate Your Coaching Idea in 30 Minutes (With My Free GPT Validator Tool) >> Connect with me on LinkedIn  >> Follow me on Instagram

  6. 06/03/2025

    Ep31. Who Are You Beyond Your Job Title? Reinventing Your Identity Beyond the Corporate Ladder

    What happens when the job title is gone? Not the shiny LinkedIn headline. Not the six-figure salary. Not the identity you've spent years building your reputation around. In this episode, I'm talking about the moment I realised how tightly my self-worth was tied to my corporate title, and what it looked like to start peeling that identity away. Not in theory, but in real time - messy, emotional, and honest. I share: What no one tells you about identity loss after redundancy or career changeHow to start seeing yourself as more than a title or a resumeThe turning point that helped me fully own the role of business coach, even before I left corporateFour powerful tips to step into your next identity while staying grounded in who you're becoming You don’t need to quit your job tomorrow, but you can start recognising that you’re allowed to evolve - and you don’t need anyone else’s permission to begin. Resource:  >> Free eBook: $5K/Month Side Coaching Business Blueprint >> Connect with me on LinkedIn  >> Follow me on Instagram

  7. 05/21/2025

    Ep30. Redundancy, Restructure & Reality Checks: Why Starting a Side Hustle Is No Longer Optional

    Redundancy isn't just a career curveball. It's a wake-up call. In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what really happens when job security disappears overnight - and why building a side business is no longer a “maybe one day” move. It’s the smartest way to take back control of your income, your career, and your future. You’ll hear: The emotional + financial spiral most people fall into after redundancy Why your next job might not be the right move - and what to do instead What a financial runway really is (and how to build one fast) The mistake most people make when trying to start a business in crisis mode Why a side hustle is the new job security Exactly where to start - whether you’re still in your 9–5 or already in between jobs Whether you’re still in a job or facing unexpected change, this conversation will help you rethink security, explore your next step, and start building your own income options with clarity and strategy. Plus, I’ll walk you through what to do (and what to avoid) if you’ve just been made redundant, and how to use this moment to build long-term career freedom. Resource:  >> Take the free quiz: “What’s the best side hustle idea for you?” [Note there is a one-week system delay in publishing this Free Quiz - if you want to access it as soon as it’s available, please DM me on LinkedIn or Instagram directly] >> Connect with me on LinkedIn  >> Follow me on Instagram

  8. 05/14/2025

    Ep29. The 5 Biggest Lies That Hold Back Corporate Women From Starting a Side Coaching Business

    If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by all the advice out there about starting a side coaching business while still in your 9 to 5, this episode clears the noise. I’m breaking down 5 of the biggest myths keeping corporate women stuck - like needing a big audience, a perfect niche, or hustling nonstop to get results. You’ll learn what actually works when you're building a side coaching business with limited time, and how to stay focused on what really moves the needle. If you're still in a 9 to 5 and trying to make the most of your limited hours, this is your reminder that you can build a profitable, meaningful business without sacrificing your career, your wellbeing, or your time with family. Resources: Free eBook: $5K/Month Side Coaching Business Blueprint Connect with me on LinkedIn here Check out my Instagram here

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About

You don’t need to quit your job to start your side business. You just need the right strategy and mindset - one that works with your 9-to-5 and personal life, not against it. The Career-Integrated Entrepreneur™ is the podcast for high achieving corporate women who want to build a second stream of income through coaching -without compromising their career performance, their identity, or their lifestyle. Hosted by Cindy Excell - Senior Financial Adviser, NLP practitioner, Career-Integrated Business Coach, and mum of two. This show brings you honest conversations, time-smart strategies, and practical steps to help you create a second stream income, impact and purpose while staying high-performing in your career. Because job security isn’t what it used to be. And neither is success. If you’ve been craving career options, more fulfilment, and more control over your future - you’re in the right place. You don’t have to burn out or burn bridges to build something of your own. Subscribe now and learn how to grow a coaching business on the side - with intention, integrity, and impact.

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