Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau
  • 5.0 (160)
  • 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. 2d ago

    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

    29 min

  2. 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

    24 min

  3. 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

    23 min

  4. 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

    28 min

  5. Jun 8

    When the Story No Longer Fits — Federico Malatesta

    Federico Malatesta is the founder of FM Transformational Coaching™, a practice that integrates executive insight, leadership frameworks, and lived experience to explore how identity evolves through change. His background includes 15 years in oil and gas, culminating as Chief Investment Officer responsible for a $40B capital program. He is also a serial entrepreneur and writes the newsletter "Almost Everything Is Context." In 2022, Malatesta founded The Artha Ranch in Texas, which functions as both a coaching space and a working reined cow horse ranch. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a business rooted in lived experience, personal values, and the wisdom that only comes from navigating major life transitions. Federico and I discuss: What led Federico to leave his dream job and pursue entrepreneurship [03:27]How watching a documentary changed the direction of his life [05:00]What horses reveal about leadership and communication [06:07]Why every person — and every horse — requires a different approach [08:15]How Federico structured his boutique coaching business around a chosen lifestyle [12:13]Why solo entrepreneurs must stay connected to community to grow [15:35]What Federico means by "almost everything is context" [18:14] Learn more about Federico at https://www.federicomalatesta.com/podcast/smashingtheplateau ______________________________________________________________ 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

    24 min

  6. Jun 1

    Creating Your Own Breakthrough — Glenn Athey

    Glenn is a professional economist and management consultant who specialises in local and regional economic development. After leaving a senior public sector role in 2013, Glenn has worked as a freelance consultant with local, regional, and national government in the UK, and over the past two years has ramped up his online presence, developing online business ideas — aiming to commercialise his knowledge in new ways whilst maintaining the social purpose of improving economic prosperity for localities and communities. Glenn is a member of Smart Passive Income. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a distinctive consulting brand and create your own breakthrough as an independent expert. Glenn and I discuss: What prompted Glenn to become independent [02:36]How Glenn differentiated himself in a competitive consultancy market [06:37]How Glenn developed his brand as a visible expert [08:46]The tension between financial realities and staying focused [14:49]How Glenn uses his peer network to make strategic decisions [18:07]How Glenn's definition of success has evolved [20:11]The role of community and thinking partners in business growth [23:06] Learn more about Glenn at https://www.economicdevelopment.world ______________________________________________________________ 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

    28 min

  7. May 25

    Leading Yourself Before Leading Others — Miki Feldman Simon

    Miki Feldman Simon, MSc, PCC, is an executive coach, global business leader, speaker, and author of CORE Leadership: A Four-Step Framework to Lead Yourself, Grow Your Influence, and Amplify Your Impact. Over her three-decade career, she has held leadership roles in marketing, operations, and HR across multiple industries and guided organizations through growth and successful acquisitions. In her coaching, she helps leaders align values and actions to lead with greater clarity and influence. Known for her warmth, sharp insight, and candor, she blends behavioral science with practical tools that drive lasting change. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how leading yourself first can transform the way you show up as a leader and build deeper influence with the people around you. Miki and I discuss: Miki's non-linear career journey across Israel, Australia, and the US [02:56]How unexpected career breaks shaped her leadership philosophy [05:28]Why leadership starts with leading yourself [12:26]The CORE framework: Clarify, Operationalize, Reflect, Evaluate [13:19]How habit stacking builds intentional leadership [15:42]Understanding self-talk and limiting beliefs [17:21]The gap between intentions and impact [19:18]Real results leaders experience through the CORE framework [20:31]The role of curiosity and psychological safety in community [23:39] Learn more about Miki at https://mikifeldmansimon.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikifeldmansimon/ ______________________________________________________________ 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

    29 min

  8. May 18

    When the Path Diverges and Converges — Eliene Augenbraun

    Eliene Augenbraun was a science and medical journalist for two decades and has since turned her attention to teaching and coaching scientists and physicians on how to communicate better. She is also launching a podcast about intergenerational trauma called The Aspen Forest. Over the course of her career, she has led many creative teams and built technical spaces like studios and labs. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how reframing professional challenges as civil rights issues can become the foundation of lasting leadership and business success. Eliene and I discuss: How Eliene's varied career path came together [02:14]The moment that redirected her entire career [04:00]Why the shiny coin isn't always the best coin [08:32]How reframing problems as civil rights issues changed outcomes [10:02]What business really is [13:36]Learning financial literacy as a scientist [14:31]The most important thing you can do when starting out [16:45]What role trusted peers and thinking partners play [20:15]Why your partners need to believe in you, not like you [22:09]What Eliene is building now [22:41] Learn more about Eliene at https://www.the-communicationclinic.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

    27 min
See All (200)

5
out of 5
160 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