200 episodes

Launched in 2014, Smashing the Plateau shares weekly stories, strategies and ideas to help consultants, coaches and small business owners build success as entrepreneurs following long careers as high-achieving employees.

We believe you should be able to take control over your career destiny, do what you love, what you’re competent at doing, and get paid what you’re worth, consistently.

We are committed to the success of expertise-based businesses.

Ready to go even deeper?

The Smashing the Plateau Community uses a structured, supportive process to implement the kinds of strategies we discuss in this podcast. It is a community that is built to be a safe, caring place, where inclusive, direct, active and empowering conversations are welcome.

If you want to get your consulting, coaching or small business to grow, on your own terms, so that you can deliver great results to your ideal clients, while supporting the lifestyle you want, and you don’t want to do it alone, apply to become a member of the Smashing the Plateau Community.

Learn more at https://smashingtheplateau.com.

Smashing the Plateau Smashing the Plateau

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 149 Ratings

Launched in 2014, Smashing the Plateau shares weekly stories, strategies and ideas to help consultants, coaches and small business owners build success as entrepreneurs following long careers as high-achieving employees.

We believe you should be able to take control over your career destiny, do what you love, what you’re competent at doing, and get paid what you’re worth, consistently.

We are committed to the success of expertise-based businesses.

Ready to go even deeper?

The Smashing the Plateau Community uses a structured, supportive process to implement the kinds of strategies we discuss in this podcast. It is a community that is built to be a safe, caring place, where inclusive, direct, active and empowering conversations are welcome.

If you want to get your consulting, coaching or small business to grow, on your own terms, so that you can deliver great results to your ideal clients, while supporting the lifestyle you want, and you don’t want to do it alone, apply to become a member of the Smashing the Plateau Community.

Learn more at https://smashingtheplateau.com.

    How to Navigate Mid-Sized Business Challenges for Growth Featuring Phillip Brown

    How to Navigate Mid-Sized Business Challenges for Growth Featuring Phillip Brown

    Phillip Brown is the founder of Blue Pit, Inc., a software consulting firm dedicated to improving business process automation. Throughout his career, Phillip has forged impactful partnerships with renowned organizations, including Disney, Harley Davidson, and NASA, leveraging his expertise to revolutionize their operations. 
    His dedication lies in empowering mid-sized enterprises that grapple with challenges such as over-budget projects, organizational chaos, and high employee turnover. By implementing intuitive processes, Philip helps businesses regain control over their project management, supercharge their return on investment, and cultivate a work environment that attracts and retains top talent.
    In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn strategies for scaling your business effectively and creating a sustainable and attractive company culture.
    Phillip and I discuss:
    The transition from employee to entrepreneurTackling the unique challenges faced by mid-sized businessesThe art of foreseeing potential issues and implementing change managementStrategies for fostering effective communication within teamsThe importance of building a consulting business based on relationshipsLeveraging networking and conferences for business developmentThe role of AI and automation in crafting efficient business processesHow community and communication can propel business success
    Learn more about Phil at www.bluepit.com.
    Thank you to our sponsor:
    The Smashing the Plateau Community
    Enlist now for bespoke access to concentrated strategy wisdom from our podcast authorities – elevate your success journey with just one click!

    • 23 min
    How to Hit the Million Mark as a Video Freelancer Featuring Ron Desi

    How to Hit the Million Mark as a Video Freelancer Featuring Ron Desi

    Ron Desi, a full-time freelancer on Fiverr, has just crossed the million-dollar threshold. He is a video content creator and professional spokesperson, who has also started an off-Fiverr agency offering video services to law firms aiming to attract clients through video. Previously, he worked as an IT consultant and directed a university MBA program.
    In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, Ron Desi will share how he transformed his career from IT consulting and academia to crushing the million-dollar revenue.
    Ron and I discuss:
    Ron's journey to becoming a freelancer and the slow start on FiverrThe decision to leave his full-time job and the safety nets he createdThe strategies that led to his success, including finding a niche with low competitionThe importance of collaboration and joining communities to enhance business growthThe reasons behind focusing on video services for law firmsRon's vision for his business and the advice he offers to corporate refugees
    Learn more about Ron's journey and connect with him on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rondesi/.
    Thank you to our sponsor:
    The Smashing the Plateau Community
    Join our subscriber list for unique access to targeted, expert strategy tips from our podcast – your path to mastery is merely a click away!

    • 23 min
    How to Combine Expertise with Coaching for Success Featuring Carla Fowler

    How to Combine Expertise with Coaching for Success Featuring Carla Fowler

    Dr. Carla Fowler is an MD, PhD, and an elite executive coach who has been a secret weapon for scores of CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other senior leaders for the last decade. Carla's unique approach combines the latest research from performance science with timeless best practices to help top performers level up and achieve their goals.
    In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage your expertise to make significant career pivots and build a successful business model as an executive coach.
    Carla and I discuss:
    Why Carla chose a non-linear career pathThe realization that led her to pivot from medicineEmbracing high performance outside of traditional systemsDealing with resistance and misunderstandings from othersWhy she decided against structured coaching programsHow brutal focus helps in building a businessNetworking strategies for building a new careerThe challenge of selling as a new entrepreneur
    Learn more about Carla at www.thaxa.com and https://www.thaxa.com/p/smashing-the-plateau.
    Thank you to our sponsor:
    The Smashing the Plateau Community
    Secure your subscription for firsthand access to our expert-curated, concise strategic wisdom on our podcast – unlocking your success story is only one click apart!

    • 25 min
    How to Break Free from Job Titles to Personal Identity Featuring Dr. Mira Brancu

    How to Break Free from Job Titles to Personal Identity Featuring Dr. Mira Brancu

    Dr. Mira Brancu is a consulting and coaching psychologist specializing in leadership identity development and in building adaptive, cohesive, high-performing teams. She is also an Associate Professor, the author of "The Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics," a "Psychology Today" columnist for the blog series "A New Look at Women’s Leadership," and the host of "The Hard Skills" internet radio show and podcast. Her award-winning social impact firm, Towerscope, focuses on empowering and elevating women in leadership within the education and innovation industries.
    In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about the intricacies of leadership and identity, especially the challenges women face in the corporate sphere and the liberating journey of defining your career and leadership path.
    Dr. Mira and I discuss:
    The link between job titles and personal identityThe freedom and creativity in starting your own businessThe experience of high achievers leaving the corporate worldThe challenge of separating personal identity from job rolesNavigating leadership ambivalence among high-potential womenDeciding whether to continue on the leadership trackThe impact of societal expectations on career decisionsStrategies for tuning out unhelpful advice from othersAdjusting to a sudden lack of structure after a career changeTips on joining and engaging with communities
    Learn more about Dr. Mira Brancu at http://www.gotowerscope.com/ and join the Tower Scope Leadership Academy for a special offer.
    Thank you to our sponsor:
    The Smashing the Plateau Community
    Get exclusive entry to select, streamlined advice from our podcast specialists by subscribing now – a single click can pave your way to success!

    • 26 min
    How to Create Systems for a Stress-Free and Efficient Business Featuring Ral West

    How to Create Systems for a Stress-Free and Efficient Business Featuring Ral West

    Ral West, a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience, is a multifaceted entrepreneur respected in both the tourism industry and multifamily real estate circles. She is recognized for founding successful businesses, authoring courses, and contributing to various boards. She is also a philanthropist and dynamic speaker. Additionally, she is the founder of Ral West: Livin' The Dream and the creator of a course for entrepreneurs titled “Overcome Overwhelm: Create a Smooth Running Business with Less Stress.”
    In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will discover how to overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship and create a thriving business with less stress. Ral West, a dynamic entrepreneur with over 40 years of extensive experience, joins us to offer her wisdom on navigating the complex journey of business ownership.
    Ral and I discuss:
    Why high achievers tend to feel overwhelmed and how to counteract itThe paradox of saying no to increase profitabilityThe critical role of prioritizing and focusing for business successStrategies for matching your passions with a business model that relieves market painHow to leverage your existing network and find mentors when starting a businessThe importance of creating systems to streamline business operationsReal-world examples of systems Ral has implemented in her businessesRal's inspiration for helping other entrepreneurs at this stage of her lifeHow to effectively utilize communities and mentorship when venturing into new territoriesRal’s personal approach to lifelong entrepreneurship and continuous learning
    Learn more about Ral at https://www.ralwest.com/.
    Thank you to our sponsor:
    The Smashing the Plateau Community
    Sign up today for privileged entry to expertly curated, succinct strategies from our podcast gurus – your pathway to success is a mere click away!

    • 23 min
    How to Craft Long-Term Success with Sustainable Career Strategies Featuring Kathy Oneto

    How to Craft Long-Term Success with Sustainable Career Strategies Featuring Kathy Oneto

    Kathy Oneto is an executive and life-work coach committed to helping individuals find success on their terms in both their professional and personal lives. As the founder of Sustainable Ambition and the host of the Sustainable Ambition Podcast, she guides clients to discover motivation in their careers, construct their future life and work arcs, and manage their efforts towards greater resilience and sustainability. In her diverse portfolio career, Kathy also serves as a strategy executive, aiding organizations in cutting through ambiguity and gaining the clarity needed to progress and take sustainable actions.
    In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leave your corporate career and develop a sustainable model that brings fulfillment and success on your own terms.
    Kathy and I discuss:
    What inspired Kathy to step out of the corporate world and embrace entrepreneurshipHow her vision of entrepreneurship evolved over time The real meaning of sustainable ambition and how it can be a game-changerKathy's journey of building a sustainable ambitious life Strategies for professionals who want to craft a fulfilling, long-term career The importance of community as a "force multiplier" in your career
    Learn more about Kathy at 
    Website: http://SustainableAmbition.com
    Sustainable Ambition Podcast: http://SustainableAmbition.com/podcast or https://bit.ly/sustain-pod
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-oneto/
    Thank you to our sponsor:
    The Smashing the Plateau Community
    Unlock premium insights and strategic wisdom from our top podcast experts – subscribe today for your gateway to success with just one click!

    • 26 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
149 Ratings

149 Ratings

Mira Brancu ,

Great interviewer

David asks deep insightful questions that get at the heart of the transition from corporate employee to entrepreneur - it’s not just fluff stuff here!

koneto12 ,

Inspiration from behind the scenes

A great resource for those stepping out on their own. The conversations offer perspective, insights, and tips so you don’t feel so alone on the journey.

Humpbackgal ,

Interesting Entrepreneur Stories

David’s podcasts present interesting stories of entrepreneurs and their journeys. They offer inspiration and real life examples of what it takes to make it as an entrepreneur. They also offer ideas on what pitfalls to avoid!

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