and then I did this

LuRae Lumpkin
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED DAILY

"And Then I Did This" brings you the unique journeys of individuals who've had the courage to break free and live life on their own terms. Each episode takes you behind the scenes of an ordinary person's extraordinary transformation. You'll hear from those who've walked away from the beaten path to pursue work and a life that nourishes their soul. Their stories prove that you truly can be free to live your best and most authentic life. Get ready to be inspired as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned from those who dared to create the life of their dreams. Whether it's leaving the corporate grind to start a small business, embarking on a midlife career change, or simply redesigning your daily routine to prioritize your passions - the guests on "And Then I Did This" show you that it's possible to break free and live life on your own terms. Join us each week and prepare to be motivated, encouraged, and empowered to take the first steps toward more freedom in your life. If you're feeling inspired and ready to explore your own path to freedom, check out YouCanBeFree.life where you'll find resources and support to help you break free and live life on your own terms.

  1. From Employee to Global Financial Advisor & Strategist

    MAR 4

    From Employee to Global Financial Advisor & Strategist

    In this episode, Jonathan Maharaj shares his journey from growing up in the political instability of Fiji to building a thriving international financial and business advisory practice. Jonathan is a CFO strategist and financial advisor who believes the best business decisions start with clarity, not spreadsheets. With two decades of experience guiding startups to global brands through make-or-break moments, Jonathan is the founder of Aurora Financials, a remote-first advisory built on radical trust and a simple philosophy: help people first, and the money follows. He discusses why he left corporate life after experiencing toxic workplace culture, how he built his business as a side hustle for eight years before going full-time, and why he believes "human resources" is an inherently exploitative term. Jonathan offers practical advice on starting a business with limited capital, using AI tools like ChatGPT for career planning, and why focusing on the human being—not the human resource—is the key to sustainable business success. He also opens up about his faith journey, the importance of resilience during job searches, and why the wealthiest people he's met live the simplest lives. Chapters: (00:00:00) - Jonathan's Philosophy on Business Clarity(00:01:00) - Growing Up in Fiji: Beauty, Warmth, and Political Instability(00:02:00) - Starting Over in New Zealand: From Zero to Building a Career(00:05:00) - Understanding People Over Spreadsheets: The Culture-Finance Bridge(00:09:00) - The Dysfunction in Large Organizations and Leadership Detachment(00:10:00) - Three Root Causes of Issues: Systems, Processes, and People(00:11:00) - Why Boards Hire McKinsey: Defensive Tactics and Litigation Protection(00:14:00) - Why "Human Resources" is an Exploitative Term(00:17:00) - Advice for Those in Toxic Workplaces or Seeking New Opportunities(00:20:00) - Using ChatGPT for Career Planning and Resume Optimization(00:21:00) - Final Message: Invest in Yourself and See the Human Being(00:22:00) - Wrap-Up and Where to Find Jonathan Links and Resources: WebsiteJonathan Maharaj on LinkedInLuRae Lumpkin on LinkedInYou Can Be Free NewsletterYou Can Be Free on YouTube Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    22 min
  2. Trafficking Survivor to Female Empowerment Somatic Alchemist

    FEB 24

    Trafficking Survivor to Female Empowerment Somatic Alchemist

    Quintina Sonnie shares her remarkable journey from trafficking survivor to Somatic Alchemist, guiding ambitious women to reclaim their power. She helps them reconnect to the wisdom of their bodies. After experiencing a tumultuous childhood, false accusations that led to 43 days in jail, and being trafficked at 19, Quintina discovered that traditional mindset work and therapy weren't enough to transform her life. She developed the Flora Method, a five-phase approach that helps women move beyond their programmed minds and into their bodies to access their deepest desires and find true fulfillment. Quintina explains why the body—not the mind—holds the key to transformation, how breathwork creates a bridge between the conscious and subconscious, and why ambitious, high-achieving women often struggle to access joy despite their success. She challenges listeners to stop looking for what's "reasonable" and start saying yes to their deepest desires, because in a universe of infinite possibility, we all deserve more than what society has programmed us to accept. Chapters: (00:00:00) - We Are All Pimped by the System (00:01:00) - What Is Somatic Alchemy and Who It's For (00:03:00) - From Jail to Trafficking: Quentina's Story (00:07:00) - Why Your Mind Works Perfectly (But Keeps You Stuck) (00:10:00) - The Corporate System as Legalized Wage Slavery (00:13:00) - The Flora Method: Five Phases to Your Deepest Desires (00:17:00) - Why Body-Based Work Beats Mindset Work (00:20:00) - You Deserve More (And It's Your Birthright) (00:23:00) - Stay Present: Your Body Knows the Truth (00:27:00) - Start Looking at What You've Been Pushing Away (00:29:00) - The Breath: Your Bridge to the Subconscious (00:32:00) - How to Connect with Quentina and Her Work (00:34:00) - Final Thoughts: Keep Your Flame of Desire Alive Links and Resources: Quintina Sonnie on LinkedInQuintina's Somatic Healing SiteIG @quintina.somatic.alchemistTikTok: @quintina.somatic.alchemyQuintina on FacebookLuRae Lumpkin on LinkedInYou Can Be Free NewsletterYou Can Be Free on YouTube Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    36 min
  3. Private Equity Consultant to Co-Founder: Making Brands AI Visible

    FEB 17

    Private Equity Consultant to Co-Founder: Making Brands AI Visible

    Sami Akkawi shares his unconventional journey from consulting for private equity firms to co-founding Petra Labs, an AI-powered brand visibility marketing startup. After conducting nearly 1,000 interviews with senior marketing professionals at companies such as Nike and Pepsi, Sammi identified a critical gap: brands have no visibility into how AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity describe them to potential customers. Despite AI search representing only a fraction of total search volume, visitors from these platforms convert at significantly higher rates because users trust AI recommendations more than traditional sources—sometimes even more than their colleagues and friends. Sami discusses the mindset shifts required for entrepreneurship, including moving from instant gratification to long-term, process-oriented thinking; the importance of surrounding yourself with ambitious people; and why taking risks before AI transformed the job market was crucial to his decision. He offers candid insights on staying motivated through team collaboration, redefining what "winning" means as a founder, and why he believes we're witnessing one of the last opportunities to create enterprise value without deep technical skills. The conversation explores the broader implications of AI on performance marketing, the future of search, and practical advice for anyone considering leaving their traditional career to pursue something more meaningful. Chapters: (00:00:00) - What If You Actually Did the Thing? (00:00:47) - From Chicago Kid to Consultant: Sami's Unconventional Path (00:02:18) - Inside 40 Deals and 1,000 Conversations with Marketing Leaders (00:04:21) - The Million-Dollar Blind Spot Even Big Marketers Couldn't See (00:05:32) - When Robots Control Your Brand Story (And You Don't Even Know It) (00:07:15) - Why We Trust ChatGPT More Than the People We Work With (00:09:04) - The AI Battle: Which Search Tool Actually Wins? (00:10:42) - How to Keep Going When Nothing Happens for Months (00:12:18) - Breaking the Addiction to Quick Wins (00:14:26) - The Vision That Made Him Quit Everything (00:16:03) - Why Waiting Might Mean It's Already Too Late (00:17:45) - You Become Who You Surround Yourself With (00:20:12) - What Freedom Actually Costs (And Why It's Worth It) (00:22:08) - The One Skill That Changes Everything: Ownership (00:24:35) - Your Past Doesn't Define Your Future (00:26:47) - The Truth About Risk (Spoiler: Safety Is an Illusion) (00:28:22) - So... What Are You Going to Do? Links and Resources: Sami Akkawi on LinkedInPetra LabsLuRae Lumpkin on LinkedInYou Can Be Free NewsletterYou Can Be Free on YouTube Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    33 min
  4. The Question Every Leader Asks Before Their Biggest Move

    FEB 10

    The Question Every Leader Asks Before Their Biggest Move

    Before becoming a strategic advisor, she was an architect — designing structures built to stand the test of time. That same thinking shapes everything she does today. The women she works with have already built something remarkable. But when the stakes get higher, clarity doesn't always come easy. Most high-achieving women are navigating their biggest decisions alone. That's where everything changes. In this episode, we're talking about what it takes to make strong, well-timed decisions at the top — without the second-guessing. How understanding the way you're wired gives you a strategic edge. If you're a senior woman leader asking 'what's next' — this one is for you. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and lead with clarity. ▶️ Subscribe so you never miss an episode. 📩 Share this with a founder or female CEO who needs to hear it. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:51 - Marta's Origin Story: Growing Up in Communist Poland 05:05 - Moving to the UK and Building a Property Portfolio 07:00 - The Trap of Achieving Financial Goals and Still Feeling Empty 09:09 - The Most Important Question: What Do You Really Want? 13:42 - Preparing the Bottom Line Before Leaving Your 9 to 5 17:01 - When Your Body Forces the Change: Burnout and Breakdown 20:11 - Entrepreneurship as a Spiritual Journey 23:24 - Practical Steps for Transitioning Out of a Day Job 29:00 - Flipping the Script: Charging for Value, Not Hours 34:18 - The Biggest Lesson: Learning to Trust Yourself 38:14 - The Dream That Changed Everything (April 2020) 44:10 - How Marta Helps Female Executives Make Decisions With Clarity 46:29 - Who Is Meant for Entrepreneurship (and Who Isn't) 48:23 - The "What Do You Really Want?" Exercise: Go 7 Layers Deep 50:25 - Final Words: Clarity Comes from Action, Not Waiting Marta Duda on LinkedInMarta's WebsiteLuRae Lumpkin on LinkedInYou Can Be Free NewsletterYou Can Be Free on YouTube Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    43 min
  5. The Secret Behind the 1%: Why Leaving Corporate Might Be Your Best Decision

    FEB 3

    The Secret Behind the 1%: Why Leaving Corporate Might Be Your Best Decision

    LuRae sits down with Justin Michael, bestselling author of 10 books and former sales leader at Salesforce and LinkedIn. Justin shares his journey from telemarketing boiler rooms to training teams at global companies like HubSpot, and reveals the secret behind helping over 250 startups and 1,000 individuals double or even 5X their income. He breaks down why traditional sales methods fail in today's AI-saturated market, the psychology behind high-level deal-making, and how professionals can build lucrative consulting businesses around their expertise. Whether you're in sales, coaching, or contemplating leaving corporate to build your own venture, Justin's insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and the importance of service over self will inspire you to take that leap and live life on your own terms. Chapters: (00:00:00) - Opening: Your Superpower Is Your YOU(00:01:00) - Who Is Justin Michael? From Boiler Rooms to Bestselling Author(00:06:17) - The Leap: Leaving Corporate to Build a Global Consultancy(00:10:00) - Why 75% of Salespeople Struggle (And How to Fix It)(00:14:00) - LinkedIn Is Not Email: Making Real Connections(00:18:00) - The 10 Books: From Tech-Powered Sales to The Frame(00:22:00) - Taking the Leap: The Mental Shift to Go Out on Your Own(00:27:00) - Choose Your Hard: Corporate Prison vs. Building Your Own Cage(00:31:00) - Fall in Love with Client Acquisition (Not Just the Work)(00:36:00) - Final Wisdom: Don't Die with Your Music Still Inside You Links and Resources: Work With Justin Michael: WebsiteJustin Michael on LinkedInLuRae Lumpkin on LinkedInYou Can Be Free NewsletterYou Can Be Free on YouTube Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    39 min

  6. 11/06/2025

    Don't Wait to Live Your Life: Finding Courage in Change

    What does it really take to make a bold life change? In this heartfelt conversation, host LuRae Lumpkin sits down with Sipra Halteman to explore the courage required to transform your life, even when the path is unclear. Sipra shares her journey from the Midwest to Silicon Valley's Twitter headquarters, and ultimately to founding Shift Society. She opens up life events, navigating burnout, and discovering healing through breathwork and community support. This is a raw, honest conversation about the messy middle of transformation, the power of finding your tribe, and why it's never too late to ask yourself: What if I did the thing I've been dreaming about? Perfect for anyone: Considering a major career or life transitionFeeling stuck in burnout or unfulfilled in their current pathWondering if it's "too late" to start overNeeding community and support during times of change Topics Covered From Silicon Valley to purpose-driven workSurviving trauma and finding healingThe power of breathwork and alternative healingBuilding community during transformationWhy no one transforms aloneStarting over in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyondFacing fear and finding courage Chapters [00:00:05] Introduction & Welcome [00:01:00] The Power of Dreaming & Taking Action [00:02:14] Searching for the Modern Village [00:03:23] The Journey of Inner & Outer Work [00:05:34] Growing Up in the Midwest & Dreaming of California [00:07:00] Breaking Into Silicon Valley [00:08:54] The Twitter Years [00:09:39] Living Abroad: Shanghai & Spain [00:11:15] Never Saying No to a Challenge [00:12:33] Vulnerability & Hidden Strength [00:14:03] Community as the Foundation [00:15:40] The Life-Threatening Wake-Up Call [00:17:03] Discovering Breathwork & Somatic Healing [00:18:21] Planting Seeds for Change [00:19:07] Breaking Free from Workaholism [00:20:00] The Power of Breathwork & Body-Based Healing [00:21:05] Living with Purpose: The "What If I Die Tomorrow" Question [00:22:00] Building Shift Society [00:23:00] This Is Not a Dress Rehearsal [00:23:24] The Body Keeps the Score [00:25:18] The Science Behind Visualization & Manifestation [00:27:05] Answering the Call to Serve [00:28:11] Creating Safe Spaces for Healing [00:30:52] Words of Encouragement: Just Start [00:32:00] Staying Motivated Through the Journey [00:33:13] Wisdom from an 8-Year-Old: "What If It Helps One Person?" [00:34:17] The Power of Empowering Questions [00:36:07] Leading with Authenticity & The Ripple Effect [00:37:11] Final Words: Don't Wait to Live Your Life Links and Resources: Shift Society WebsiteShift Society InstagramSipra Halteman on LinkedInShift Society on LinkedInLuRae Lumpkin on LinkedInYou Can Be Free NewsletterYou Can Be Free on YouTube Subscribe to And Then I Did This for more stories of courage, transformation, and resilience.

    36 min
  7. Breaking the Mold at 25: How Milena Built a Dream Café & Coffee Shop

    09/04/2025

    Breaking the Mold at 25: How Milena Built a Dream Café & Coffee Shop

    In this episode, LuRae sits down with 25-year-old Milena Dujakovich, the powerhouse behind Laguna Beach’s Wild Strawberry Café. After graduating with a finance degree and working in a corporate role, Milena made the life-empowering decision to leave the illusion of a steady paycheck to pursue a more intentional and heart-centered life. She shares how her early exposure to entrepreneurship shaped her values, why she believes in choosing discipline over ease, and the importance of rejecting societal expectations in favor of personal growth. This episode is a must-listen for young professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone craving a life of authenticity, passion, and purpose. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Why Taking Care of Yourself Is the First Step to Success00:00:32 - Meet Milena Dujakovich: The 25-Year-Old Who Swapped Spreadsheets for Lattes00:01:15 - How Wild Strawberry Café Became More Than Just a Business00:01:29 - Lessons Learned from Scrubbing Drains to Following her Dreams00:03:22 - Hustle, Heart, and the Quest for Balance00:03:59 - Ditching the Script: Saying No to What Society Expects00:09:44 - The Moment Milena Said Goodbye to the 9-to-500:13:32 - Brewing More Than Coffee: Building a Café That Connects People00:16:17 - Real Talk: What It Really Takes to Chase Your Dream00:20:49 - Final Thoughts: Tune Out the Noise, Trust Your Gut Links and Resources: Milena Dujakovich on InstagramWild Strawberry CaféLuRae Lumpkin on LinkedInYou Can Be Free NewsletterYou Can Be Free on YouTube Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    24 min
  8. Is Fear of Living Holding You Back?

    08/07/2025

    Is Fear of Living Holding You Back?

    See how you can transform your life with the 4,000 Mondays mindset. "From Corporate Stapler to 4,000 Mondays: How Death Became Her Life Coach" Jodi Wellman spent 17 years climbing the corporate ladder until a simple stapler changed everything. After promising herself twice that she'd leave before running out of staples (and breaking that promise both times), she realized she was living in a "self-imposed sentence." Now the founder of 4,000 Mondays and a TEDx speaker with 1.3M+ views, Jodi reveals:  • Why "the fear of death is rivaled only by the fear of living" • How counting your remaining Mondays creates urgent clarity • The difference between regrets of commission vs. omission • Why courage doesn't arrive on a platter - you have to create it first • Her "pre-grets" exercise that prevents future regrets The breakthrough moment: Realizing most of our barriers are just stories we tell ourselves to stay safe. If you've ever felt stuck waiting for someone to save you from your own life, this conversation will be the wake-up call you didn't know you needed. Sometimes the smallest moments - like running out of staples - spark the biggest transformations. 🎧 Perfect for anyone ready to stop living small and start designing a life with no regrets. This episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical advice for anyone looking to make meaningful changes in their life. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction: Embracing the Fear of Truly Living00:00:58 - Meet Jodi Wellman: Founder of 4,000 Mondays00:01:58 - Jodi’s Corporate Journey: The Eye-Opening Stapler Story00:04:54 - A Life-Changing Moment: Seeking Coaching and Discovering Passion00:06:21 - Living Authentically: Conquering Fear and Avoiding Regret00:09:45 - Mortality as a Motivator: Finding Purpose in Life’s Limits00:13:47 - Intentional Living: How to Make the Most of Every Moment00:19:37 - Finding Joy in Everyday Moments: Practical Tips00:21:34 - The Icebreaker That Sparked Transformation00:22:49 - Micro Moments of Change: Small Steps to Big Transformations00:24:50 - Facing and Overcoming the Fear of Change00:28:34 - The Transformative Power of Taking Action00:33:57 - Embracing Life’s Impermanence: Living Fully00:36:22 - Final Thoughts: Inspiration to Live Authentically and Fully Links and Resources: Jodi Wellman Four Thousand MondaysLuRae LumpkinYou Can Be Free NewsletterYouCanBeFree.life Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

"And Then I Did This" brings you the unique journeys of individuals who've had the courage to break free and live life on their own terms. Each episode takes you behind the scenes of an ordinary person's extraordinary transformation. You'll hear from those who've walked away from the beaten path to pursue work and a life that nourishes their soul. Their stories prove that you truly can be free to live your best and most authentic life. Get ready to be inspired as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned from those who dared to create the life of their dreams. Whether it's leaving the corporate grind to start a small business, embarking on a midlife career change, or simply redesigning your daily routine to prioritize your passions - the guests on "And Then I Did This" show you that it's possible to break free and live life on your own terms. Join us each week and prepare to be motivated, encouraged, and empowered to take the first steps toward more freedom in your life. If you're feeling inspired and ready to explore your own path to freedom, check out YouCanBeFree.life where you'll find resources and support to help you break free and live life on your own terms.

Information

  • Creator
    LuRae Lumpkin
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 You Can Be Free