The Corporate Exit | Leaving Corporate, Burnout, Career Change, Exit Strategy, Career Clarity

Holly Powell
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You are exceptional at your job. You've climbed the corporate ladder, earned the title, and built a successful career. Yet, you can't shake the feeling that you were made for something more. Welcome to The Corporate Exit with Holly Powell — the faith-centered podcast for high-achieving women navigating corporate burnout, career transitions, and the possibility of life beyond the corporate ladder. I'm Holly Powell. After more than two decades climbing from an hourly retail associate to a District Manager and Corporate Leadership Facilitator, I walked away from my six-figure career to pursue a different kind of life. I had the savings, the courage, and a plan. But what I learned afterward changed my perspective on what it really takes to leave corporate. Because leaving corporate is one thing. Preparing for what comes next is another. Each week, we explore the realities of leaving corporate through honest conversations, personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical strategies. From building a financial runway and creating bridge income to overcoming fear, rediscovering your identity, and discerning God's calling, we're talking about both the possibilities and the challenges. I'm not here to convince you to quit or promise overnight success. I'm here to help you see what's possible, prepare wisely, and find the courage to make your own decision. Trading corporate burnout for God-led purpose starts right here. 🌐 hollypowell.co 📩 Speaking, workshops & collaborations: holly@hollypowell.co

  1. 4d ago

    57: You're Allowed To Want A Different Life

    What happens when you've spent your entire career meeting everyone else's expectations, only to realize you've been holding yourself to an entirely new set of expectations? In this deeply personal episode of The Corporate Exit, I'm sharing something that's been weighing on my heart lately. And this time, I'm not just talking to you. I'm talking to myself, too. After spending 21 years climbing the corporate ladder, I walked away from my six-figure career in pursuit of freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to build something of my own. But somewhere along the way, I found myself trying to fit into another box. I traded corporate performance metrics for entrepreneurial expectations. I thought I needed to replace my salary, build a successful coaching business, and prove that leaving corporate was the right decision. And I've come to realize something important: Just because you thought you wanted something doesn't mean you're obligated to keep pursuing it. In this episode, we're talking about: Why our careers and accomplishments become so intertwined with our identities. The pressure to meet expectations, even after leaving corporate America. What I've learned about pursuing a path that wasn't truly aligned with what I wanted. Why changing your mind doesn't mean you've failed. Giving yourself permission to explore new possibilities without having every answer. Finding the courage to trust God with the next chapter. Whether you're considering leaving corporate, exploring a career change, or simply questioning what you want out of life, I hope this conversation reminds you of something: You're allowed to want a different life. You're allowed to try something new. You're allowed to change your mind. And yes, you're even allowed to fail publicly. Because your worth has never been determined by your job title, your salary, or how successful your next chapter looks to everyone else. You don't have to have it all figured out to begin exploring what's possible. And just so you know, I'm reminding myself of that, too. Connect with Holly 🌐 Newsletter: (1) Holly Powell | Substack 📩 Speaking, Workshops & Collaborations: holly@hollypowell.co 🖇️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-powell-b463a5125/

  2. Oct 27

    56: From Corporate to Consulting: Trusting God with Raquel Ita

    What if God is calling you to leave corporate, but you have no idea what comes next? After more than 15 years in corporate leadership, Raquel Ita had built a successful career. She had the title, the experience, and the financial security. But something was missing. She felt God calling her toward something different. The problem? She didn't know what that something was. And as a wife, mother, and primary breadwinner, walking away from corporate wasn't a decision she could make without a plan. In today's episode of The Corporate Exit, I'm sitting down with Raquel, consultant and host of the Setting Boundaries in Corporate podcast, to talk about her journey from corporate leadership into entrepreneurship, the fears she faced along the way, and how trusting God helped her navigate the unknown. In this episode, we talk about: Recognizing when God may be calling you toward something different Why Raquel spent a year exploring her interests before leaving corporate Navigating fear when you're responsible for your family's financial security How she transitioned from corporate leadership into consulting Why faith and financial preparation can go hand in hand The importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your next chapter Redefining success when you're no longer climbing the corporate ladder Here's what I hope you take away from this conversation: Leaving corporate doesn't mean abandoning everything you've worked so hard to build. Your experience, skills, and knowledge can open doors you may have never considered. And trusting God doesn't mean you shouldn't have a plan. It means doing your part, taking the next step, and trusting Him with the outcome. You don't have to know exactly where the road will lead to begin exploring what's possible. Connect with Raquel Ita Podcast: Setting Boundaries in Corporate Instagram: @raquel.ita.llc Facebook Community: Setting Boundaries in Corporate Connect with Holly Powell Podcast: The Corporate Exit

  3. Oct 20

    55: What If Your Dream Career Isn't What You Want?

    What happens when you finally pursue the life you thought you wanted… only to discover it might not be what you want after all? In May 2025, I walked away from a 21-year corporate career with big dreams of building a successful business, helping others leave corporate, and creating a life filled with freedom and fulfillment. But the last 18 months haven't gone according to plan. I've learned more than I ever imagined about entrepreneurship, but I've also discovered something unexpected: I left corporate burnout behind only to create a different kind of burnout in my own business. And one conversation with a former colleague made me question everything. In this deeply personal episode of The Corporate Exit, I'm sharing what happens when your dream doesn't unfold the way you expected, why I'm giving myself permission to explore new possibilities, and what this means for the future of the podcast. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why leaving corporate doesn't automatically mean leaving burnout behind. The two questions that completely shifted my perspective. What I've learned about entrepreneurship, success, and my own strengths. Why changing direction doesn't mean you've failed. Rediscovering joy, curiosity, and interests outside of your career. What's next for me and The Corporate Exit. Here's what I want you to remember: You don't have to keep pursuing a dream simply because it's the one you started with. Your experience isn't wasted. Your accomplishments still matter. And you're allowed to build a life that fits who you're becoming, not just who you've always been. Your challenge this week: Instead of asking yourself, "What am I supposed to do with my life?" Ask yourself, "What would I like to experience next?" Give yourself permission to explore the answer without needing to turn it into another career, business, or five-year plan. Let's connect! I'd love to hear what brings you joy, what you're curious about exploring, or whether you've ever found yourself questioning a dream you worked so hard to achieve. Email me at holly@stuckincorporate.com, and if this episode resonates with you, please follow The Corporate Exit and share it with someone who needs this encouragement. Coming next week: I'm sitting down with my friend Raquel to discuss her transition from corporate into consulting, including what it takes to pursue a different path when you're responsible for your family's financial security.

  4. Oct 13

    54: You've Worked Too Hard To Leave Corporate? Think Again.

    You've spent 15, 20, maybe even 25 years building a successful corporate career. You've earned the promotions, taken on the responsibilities, and made countless sacrifices to get where you are today. But what happens when the career you've worked so hard to build is no longer the life you want? If you've been thinking about leaving corporate to start a business, you might be wondering whether walking away means throwing away everything you've accomplished. Here's what I want you to understand: You're not starting from scratch. You're starting from experience. In this episode of The Corporate Exit, we're exploring how to take the skills, knowledge, and expertise you've developed throughout your corporate career and begin turning them into a business of your own. In this episode, you'll learn: How to identify the valuable expertise you've developed throughout your corporate career. Three questions to help you uncover potential business opportunities. How to connect your professional experience to problems people are willing to pay to solve. Why validating your business idea matters before investing in a website, branding, or expensive programs. A practical seven-day action plan to start exploring your next chapter while you're still employed. You don't have to quit your job tomorrow, and you don't have to have your entire future figured out. You just need to know where to begin. Ready to Take Your Next Step? You know you want something different, but you're not sure how to turn your corporate experience into a business. That's exactly why I created the Corporate Exit Strategy Call. During this 60-minute, one-on-one session, we'll look at your experience, explore potential business opportunities, and identify your next step. By the end of our call, you'll have the clarity and direction you need to start moving forward. Investment: $97 Book your Corporate Exit Strategy Call: CLICK HERE Connect With Holly Podcast: The Corporate Exit Email: holly@stuckincorporate.com Website: hollypowell.co (coming soon) Remember: You didn't spend all those years building your career for nothing. Your experience could be the very thing that helps you build your way out.

  5. Oct 6

    53:I Quit Corporate: What I Wish I Knew

    What really happens after you quit your job and leave corporate to start a business? One year ago, I launched this podcast after walking away from a 21-year corporate career. I thought that by now I'd have more clients, more consistency, and a whole lot more certainty about what I was building. That's not exactly what happened. In this episode of The Corporate Exit, I'm giving you an honest look at my first year outside of corporate—the wins, the disappointments, the unexpected detours, and what God has been teaching me along the way. I'm sharing why leaving corporate was a decision, but building what came next has been a process. We'll talk about comparison, consistency, trusting God's timeline instead of my own, and why progress doesn't always look the way we expect it to. I'm also sharing why, if you're considering a career change, I now believe there is tremendous value in beginning to start a business while working full-time instead of waiting until after you've handed in your resignation. In this episode, you'll hear: What I thought would happen after I left corporate—and what actually happened The mistakes I made when I decided to start a business Why entrepreneurship has required me to let go of my corporate mindset What God has taught me about control, timing, and obedience Why getting interrupted doesn't mean you're inconsistent How one conversation reminded me that our work can make an impact before we see the results Why I've decided to take a seasonal job while continuing to build my business What I'm doing differently as I enter year two If you've been thinking “I want to quit my job,” “I need a career change,” or “I want to start a business, but I don't know where to begin,” I recorded this episode for you. You don't have to have your entire corporate exit figured out today. And your next step doesn't have to be quitting. Your next step can be building. Welcome to year two of The Corporate Exit. 🎙️ Connect with Holly: Substack: Holly Powell Co. Email: Holly@StuckinCorporate.com The Corporate Exit is a faith-based podcast for women who want to leave corporate, start a business, navigate a career change, and build their way out of corporate without blindly walking away from the security they've worked so hard to create.

  6. Sep 8

    52: You Don't Need To Be READY To Start!

    What if the thing keeping you stuck isn't your job—but the word “once”? Once work slows down. Once you save more money. Once you feel confident. Once you know your business will work. In this episode, recorded from my phone while sitting in my unfinished house waiting for the internet guy, we're talking about why your corporate exit doesn't have to begin with quitting your job. I'm sharing four steps you can start taking now to build a business around the expertise you already have, validate your idea, and begin creating income before putting your financial security on the line. You don't have to have everything figured out. You just have to stop waiting for “once” and take the next step.

  7. Sep 1

    51: What If This Doesn’t Work? An Honest Life Update

    What happens when the life you carefully planned suddenly goes completely off schedule? I thought I was taking a two-week break. Instead, I bought a 1960s house in Alabama, moved across state lines, helped my parents move, made an unexpected second trip back to North Carolina—and discovered that my new house needed a whole lot more work than I anticipated. And somewhere in the middle of the moving trucks, renovations, new roof, electrical work, HVAC replacement, and complete lack of routine, my business had to take a back seat. A few years ago, that would have terrified me. Because corporate Holly believed she had to constantly show up, prove her worth, and demonstrate her commitment—even when life was happening around her. This time, I did something different. I let life happen. In this episode, I'm sharing an honest update about where I've been, what this transition has taught me about leaving corporate, and why building a business around your life—not building your life around your business—matters so much. I'm also sharing what’s ahead: rebuilding my little 1960s house, rebuilding parts of myself along the way, returning to the podcast, and creating a new space on Substack where I can share even more of this journey. Maybe the life you're dreaming about won't go exactly according to plan. Mine certainly hasn't. But maybe that's part of building a life that's finally your own. Come Along for the Next Chapter There’s a lot changing around here—and I’d love to bring you along for it. Follow me on Instagram, and LinkedIn for more behind-the-scenes of building my business, rebuilding my little 1960s house, and figuring out what it really looks like to create a life outside of corporate. And if you want the more personal side of the story, come find me on Substack at Holly Powell Co. That’s where I’ll be sharing the raw, honest stories, lessons, and thoughts that don’t always make it onto the podcast or social media. You can also send me an email holly@stuckincorporate.com This next chapter is about more than leaving corporate. It’s about figuring out what you want your life to look like once you finally have the freedom to build it. Come build it with me.

  8. Jul 28

    50:Golden Handcuffs: Why Corporate Keeps You Stuck as Breadwinner

    👉 Ready to turn the money keeping you stuck into the money that funds your exit? Book YOUR Corporate Exit Strategy Call HERE The salary. The bonus. The stock that vests next spring. The match you'd be leaving on the table. None of that is small. And none of it is the enemy, either. If you have ever told yourself you'll leave "once the bonus hits" or "once the stock vests" — and quietly known that date keeps moving — this episode is going to hit different. Because here's the truth, friend... You've been treating the very thing keeping you stuck like it's untouchable. Like it belongs to the toxic workplace instead of to you. But that paycheck was never theirs to hold hostage. It's yours — and it can build the exact runway that sets you free, if you finally decide to redirect it on purpose. But here's what nobody has told you yet: the handcuffs only feel golden because they're indefinite. The moment you put a real number and a real date on them, they stop being a cage and start being a bridge. You don't need a windfall. You need a plan for the money you already have. If you are the breadwinner and the weight of that paycheck has kept you quiet for far too long — this episode is for you. If you have ever felt undervalued but stayed anyway because the money made it feel worth it — this episode is for you. If you are buried in a toxic workplace and know deep down the golden handcuffs are the only thing really keeping you there — this episode is for you. If you are ready to stop calling it "someday" and finally give your exit a real date — friend, this episode is especially for you. MISSED LAST WEEK'S EPISODE? I'VE GOT YOU COVERED. Last week we talked about being passed over — promised a promotion, denied even the interview — and how that closed door is actually pointing you toward something bigger. TUNE IN NOW! P.S. — If you know a woman who's the breadwinner in her home, staying for the bonus or the vesting date, and quietly wondering if the money is worth what it's costing her — share this episode with her. Your share could be the moment everything changes for her. 🖤 --- Keywords: breadwinner, toxic workplace, undervalued, unvalued

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You are exceptional at your job. You've climbed the corporate ladder, earned the title, and built a successful career. Yet, you can't shake the feeling that you were made for something more. Welcome to The Corporate Exit with Holly Powell — the faith-centered podcast for high-achieving women navigating corporate burnout, career transitions, and the possibility of life beyond the corporate ladder. I'm Holly Powell. After more than two decades climbing from an hourly retail associate to a District Manager and Corporate Leadership Facilitator, I walked away from my six-figure career to pursue a different kind of life. I had the savings, the courage, and a plan. But what I learned afterward changed my perspective on what it really takes to leave corporate. Because leaving corporate is one thing. Preparing for what comes next is another. Each week, we explore the realities of leaving corporate through honest conversations, personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical strategies. From building a financial runway and creating bridge income to overcoming fear, rediscovering your identity, and discerning God's calling, we're talking about both the possibilities and the challenges. I'm not here to convince you to quit or promise overnight success. I'm here to help you see what's possible, prepare wisely, and find the courage to make your own decision. Trading corporate burnout for God-led purpose starts right here. 🌐 hollypowell.co 📩 Speaking, workshops & collaborations: holly@hollypowell.co

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