Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau
  • 5.0 (161)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests share their journeys of transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship, offering practical insights on how to do more of what you love and get paid what you’re worth, while taking greater control over your career destiny. Along the way, you’ll hear real strategies for building a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms—covering positioning, growth, decision-making, marketing, and mindset. And woven throughout each conversation are insights from guests on the power of community—how belonging, support, and trusted peers can be the catalyst that helps you navigate uncertainty and accelerate your success. If you’re leaving corporate or have already made the leap, this podcast will give you both inspiration and actionable strategies to build momentum. ✅ What listeners gain: • Intimate, high-trust stories from peers who’ve been there • Proven frameworks to support your growth • Clarity, structure, and practical next steps • Encouragement and insight into the role of community in long-term success 🎯 Take the next step: Experience the power of community yourself. 👉 smashingtheplateau.com/guest ✉️ Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. 👉 smashingtheplateau.com/news

  1. 5h ago

    The Limits of Analysis — Boudewijn Bertsch

    Bou is a leadership consultant who helps his clients discover how to bring out the best in themselves and others. He designs and delivers customized leadership development workshops for executive teams around the globe, and also has a thriving executive and life coaching practice. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to trust your inner knowing and use community to navigate the complex decisions that come with building an independent career. Bou and I discuss: The difference between conceptual and non-conceptual knowing [00:04:48]How the Cynefin framework explains why analysis alone fails in a complex world [00:19:06]Why leaving corporate can feel like both a terrifying leap and a profound relief [00:08:13]The biological reason hierarchy creates fear and stress [00:09:31]Why community is indispensable for sense-making when the path isn't clear [00:23:06]What Bou wishes someone had told him when he first went solo [00:28:00] Learn more about Boudewijn at https://www.spimanagement.com/. ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses. Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you. We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of peer perspective. Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Stay connected to the conversation. Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

  2. Jul 27

    Unraveling the Matrix — Shanta Inshiqaq

    With more than 25 years of experience in global publishing, Shanta Inshiqaq has built a career leading international sales, marketing, distribution, and strategic growth initiatives for major publishing organizations. She has held senior leadership roles at companies including Penguin, Bloomsbury Publishing, Baker & Taylor, and Columbia Business School Executive Education. Drawing on decades of corporate leadership, relationship building, and market expansion expertise, she now advises publishers and authors through Inshiqaq Global, helping clients navigate growth, partnerships, and industry strategy with practical insight and a global perspective. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how decades of insider experience in a specialized industry can become the foundation for a consulting business built on access, relationships, and trust. Shanta and I discuss: How Shanta's career in publishing began — and why it didn't start the way she planned [02:07]Why her career grew through relationships and reputation rather than job applications [04:32]What it means to be a "starter-upper" and why she kept getting tapped for new roles [11:39]What changed when she left corporate life to run her own business [13:00]Who her ideal clients are and what she helps them do [15:38]How she decides what to say yes and no to as a new business owner [19:04]The role of trusted peers and a small circle of thinking partners [20:40]Her mission to stop gatekeeping and unravel the publishing matrix for clients [23:32] Learn more about Shanta at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanta-inshiqaq and www.inshiqaqglobal.com. ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses. Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you. We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of peer perspective. Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Stay connected to the conversation. Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

  3. Jul 20

    When the Small Market Is Your Advantage — Matthew Davis

    Matthew Neill Davis is an attorney and entrepreneur who led his solely owned firm, Davis Business Law, through over 1,000% growth over ten years, making it one of the very rare law firms ever to make the Inc. 5000 list. With over twenty-five years of experience helping business leaders with their legal and entrepreneurial matters, Davis now teaches them how to deal with their vulnerabilities so they can capitalize on their opportunities through his firm's proprietary Strong Protected Business System. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to grow a professional services business beyond referrals by building digital marketing muscles and surrounding yourself with the right people. Matthew and I discuss: What led Matthew to leave his firm and practice solo [02:26]Why he started a law firm after six years on his own [02:53]How he grew his firm through digital marketing [04:03]His approach to cracking new markets [05:19]Why measuring qualified leads matters more than traffic [08:17]How he learns digital marketing without outsourcing it [09:09]His thoughts on AI and the future of digital marketing [13:34]How he approaches decision-making with his leadership team [16:36]The frameworks and books that guide his thinking [17:24]Where he goes for peer support and trusted advice [18:54]His suggestions for solos who haven't found their tribe yet [21:03] Learn more about Matthew at: https://davisbusinesslaw.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/davisbusinesslaw https://www.facebook.com/davisbusinesslaw ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses. Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you. We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of peer perspective. Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Stay connected to the conversation. Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

  4. Jul 13

    The Second in Command — Derek Fredrickson

    Derek Fredrickson is an American entrepreneur based in Paris and the founder of The COO Solution, a firm that embeds fractional COOs into founder-led businesses as the trusted second-in-command — the bridge between vision and execution. For the better part of two decades, he has helped business owners scale to seven- and eight-figure levels while reclaiming their freedom. His team serves clients across the U.S., the UK, and Europe. Outside of work, he skis the French Alps and pursues a lifelong mission to master French wine. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how embedding a fractional COO into your business can bridge the gap between vision and execution while freeing you to lead at a higher level. Derek and I discuss: How Derek transitioned from Wall Street to entrepreneurship [01:41]What it felt like to leave corporate life and redefine his identity [02:52]How Derek discovered his zone of genius was running other people's companies [06:14]The identity shift of going from COO to CEO of his own firm [06:39]How Derek decides what to say yes and no to [08:01]How to navigate unexpected plateaus in your business [09:34]Why focusing on one client avatar unlocked more traction [11:19]What makes The COO Solution different from matchmaking or placement services [14:44]The role of emotional intelligence in COO leadership [17:17]Why experience-based peer communities matter more than advice [18:35] Learn more about Derek at https://thecoosolution.com/. ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses. Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you. We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of peer perspective. Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Stay connected to the conversation. Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

  5. Jul 6

    The Scarcity We Carry — Larry Kesslin

    Larry Kesslin is an executive coach and business strategist and the author of his fourth book, The Joy Molecule. He focuses on the human side of growth, believing that sustainable success starts from within. His work sits at the intersection of business, philanthropy, and spirituality, guiding others to build meaningful relationships, create impact, and experience more joy in life and work. His mission is to help people connect with themselves, connect with others, and connect to the resources they need to leave the planet better than they found it. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn why smart, driven people often end up unhappy despite outward success, and what it actually takes to build a thriving business as an independent professional. Larry and I discuss: Why high performers in corporate often carry the heaviest load [10:27]What caused Larry to leave a promising corporate career [06:07]The hidden cost of scarcity thinking for new entrepreneurs [17:49]The Five Dots business development system [18:59]Why building strategic advisor relationships matters more than selling [19:39]The enough equation and why comparison kills joy [11:51]Why scarcity is a mental state, not a reality [22:28] Learn more about Larry at http://www.5-dots.com/. ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses. Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you. We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of peer perspective. Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Stay connected to the conversation. Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

  6. Jun 29

    Solving the Wrong Problem — Monica Maltzman

    Monica Maltzman is the author of You Are the Prototype: Own Your Too Much in a World That Wants Less and an advisor on human-centered work. She works with professionals at critical moments in their careers — when their influence is expanding, their authority is being challenged, or their work environment is quietly eroding their clarity and ability to hold their ground. After 15+ years leading global teams across corporations, government, startups, and technology, she identified a pattern most organizations overlook: the hidden human cost created by the way work is experienced day to day. Her work helps people build trust-based influence and reduce the human cost of how they work — so they can stay, grow, or leave from a place of clarity, not pressure. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to identify the real problem keeping you stuck — and how to move forward from a place of clarity, not pressure. Monica and I discuss: Monica's career journey and transition out of corporate [02:48]Why organizations create corporate refugees [03:45]Her decision to leave Apple and go independent [04:22]The two distinct groups Monica works with [08:00]Why most stuck people are solving the wrong problem [09:33]A client story: building a product nobody could onboard [10:36]How leaders lose their voice in difficult environments [12:28]Plateaus Monica has faced and overcome [14:36]The role of trusted peers and thinking partners [16:37]One piece of advice for early-stage corporate refugees [18:53] Learn more about Monica: Your Next Move Strategy Session with Monica Maltzman: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7RHUL93T9EPGE Website: http://monicamaltzman.com/ You Are The Prototype: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G275NNB8 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamaltzman/ ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses. Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you. We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of peer perspective. Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Stay connected to the conversation. Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

  7. Jun 22

    What Clients Want vs. What They Need — Trippe Steven Fried

    Trippe Steven Fried is a business lawyer and consultant with the "outside-the-box" belief that attorneys can actually add value to the ventures they represent. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a legal and consulting practice that clients actually want to engage with — and how to apply the same principles to your own independent business. Trippe and I discuss: How Trippe landed on his current business model [03:44]Why nobody wants what he's selling — and how he solved it [05:02]How to communicate your value proposition around wants, not needs [07:34]What separates successful involuntary entrepreneurs from those who struggle [12:00]How professionals can collaborate without a formal arrangement [14:08]How trusted thinking partners shaped Trippe's success [18:41]The future of businesses formed by involuntary entrepreneurs [17:32] Learn more about Trippe at http://www.olyverapp.com/. ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses. Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you. We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of peer perspective. Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Stay connected to the conversation. Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

  8. Jun 15

    Leading What You Can No Longer Own — Camille Miller

    Camille L. Miller is the Founder and Visionary behind the Soul Professional® Movement, a global initiative redefining success for purpose-driven professionals. She has built an international community spanning 6 continents and 48+ countries, bringing together leaders and visionaries committed to aligning their work with who they truly are. A three-time Amazon bestselling author, Camille's work explores the intersection of purpose, business, and leadership. Through her writing, speaking, and community building, she is leading a new conversation around authentic success. Her mission is simple: to help others bring their gifts to the world and create a lasting impact. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a purpose-driven community that outlasts you and operates beyond your personal involvement. Camille and I discuss: What led Camille to start the Soul Professional Movement [03:38]How Camille's prior business experience shaped her approach [05:08]The evolution from a coffee club to a global community [07:06]The shift from a paid to a free community model [10:01]How Camille learned to lead instead of do [08:23]The biggest hiring mistakes she made and what she learned [15:29]What it means to build a double bottom line organization [20:00]How Camille finds thinking partners as a pioneering CEO [23:36] Learn more about Camille at her: Website: https://www.soulprofessional.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillelmiller/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@camillelmiller ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses. Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you. We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of peer perspective. Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Stay connected to the conversation. Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

See All (200)

5
out of 5
161 Ratings

About

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own. Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests share their journeys of transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship, offering practical insights on how to do more of what you love and get paid what you’re worth, while taking greater control over your career destiny. Along the way, you’ll hear real strategies for building a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms—covering positioning, growth, decision-making, marketing, and mindset. And woven throughout each conversation are insights from guests on the power of community—how belonging, support, and trusted peers can be the catalyst that helps you navigate uncertainty and accelerate your success. If you’re leaving corporate or have already made the leap, this podcast will give you both inspiration and actionable strategies to build momentum. ✅ What listeners gain: • Intimate, high-trust stories from peers who’ve been there • Proven frameworks to support your growth • Clarity, structure, and practical next steps • Encouragement and insight into the role of community in long-term success 🎯 Take the next step: Experience the power of community yourself. 👉 smashingtheplateau.com/guest ✉️ Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. 👉 smashingtheplateau.com/news

Information

  • Creator
    Smashing the Plateau
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Smashing the Plateau
  • Show Website
    Smashing the Plateau