Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau
  • 5.0 (160)
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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. 5D AGO

    What It Means to Work in Your Truest Way Featuring Deborah Anne Coviello

    Deb Coviello, known as The Drop-In CEO™, has a superpower for lowering the temperature and elevating conversations with empathy and patience. As a speaker, author, podcaster, and consultant, she teaches C-Suite leaders how to establish a Lift, Light, Lead environment and create calm amidst chaos or crisis. She is the author of The CEO's Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track and The New CEO Playbook: Stop Chasing Results and Start Pursuing Peace of Mind. Her long-running podcast, The Drop-In CEO, is in the top 1.5% globally among Apple Podcasts. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to find your sweet spot as an entrepreneur and make better decisions to build a fulfilling and sustainable business. Deb and I discuss: How Deb's business has evolved over seven years [02:26]What differentiates the Drop-In CEO approach [03:43]How to find the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, and who you serve [06:17]The three qualifiers for career fulfillment [08:46]Why we look for external validation and what to do instead [10:12]How to flip your priorities to make better decisions [11:41]The differences between corporate and entrepreneurial decision making [13:49]How to build feedback loops as a business owner [17:05]Advice for someone earlier in their entrepreneurial journey [20:50] Learn more about Deb at her: Website: https://dropinceo.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahacoviello/ Drop in CEO Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drop-in-ceo/id1498953914?ls=1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IlluminationPartnersLLC/ Twitter: https://x.com/DropinCEO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dropinceo/ YouTube: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn The CEOs Compass Your Guide to Get Back on Track on Amazon: https://bit.ly/OrderCEOCompass Free Gift: https://dropinceo.com/gift ______________________________________________________________ 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

    26 min

  2. APR 13

    When the System Gives Up on You Featuring Debi Wimberley

    Debi Wimberley is a survivor of decades of chronic pain and lung disease who turned her challenges into entrepreneurship and quality health advocacy. With a background in medical technology, oncology, and hospital work, as well as experience at Digital Equipment helping develop networking technology, she now empowers individuals and professionals through education, collaboration, and resilience — showing how limitations can be transformed into meaningful work and impact. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to reclaim your health, your identity, and your purpose by embracing curiosity and collaboration. Debi and I discuss: How Debi's career journey led to her health crisis [02:20]Why curiosity is the key to making pivots in life and work [04:01]How listening to your body improves decision-making [07:07]The role of the endocannabinoid system in health and well-being [07:32]How collaboration shapes Debi's work and business [10:00]What the Effective Cannabis Newsletter is and how it started [11:21]How Debi built a business despite significant health limitations [12:35]How to find and vet the right thinking partners [17:03]Advice for corporate refugees on finding collaborators [19:40] Learn more about Debi at: https://Effectivecannabis.com https://Effectivecannabisnewsletter.com https://www.instagram.com/debiwimberley https://www.brainzmagazine.com/executive-contributor/debi-wimberley www.youtube.com/@effectivecannabis ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau 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 offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

    23 min

  3. APR 6

    Stay Positive and Stay Relentless Featuring Gary Ireland

    Gary Ireland is a New York City–based employment attorney representing executives in transition, start-ups, and small businesses, with a particular focus on women leaders. He serves as outside general counsel to Maxus Systems, whose founder patented "virtual reality," recognized by Popular Mechanics as one of the "15 Patents That Changed the World." He advises innovative companies on protecting their interests while pursuing strategic growth. Gary has secured impactful civil rights and discrimination victories, including a jury verdict with punitive damages against a municipality for repeated police beatings and a federal age discrimination win affirmed by the Second Circuit. He also led a $25 million beach renourishment initiative protecting public shoreline and private homes. Beyond the courtroom, Gary developed, and alongside the Ireland family and a broad coalition of supporters, helped lead the successful campaign to open the Boy Scouts of America — now the gender-neutral Scouting America — to girls, expanding opportunities to more than 170,000 young women. The Ireland family story, featured in the Daily Mail, is now being developed into a feature film. Gary welcomes introductions to filmmakers and producers interested in creating an impactful and commercially successful project. A graduate of Columbia University and New York Law School, Gary serves on the board of the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, where he teaches a program he developed, Relentless Advocacy. He also coaches in the leadership program at Columbia Law School. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a coalition around a cause, stay relentless in the face of obstacles, and lead with purpose in both business and life. Gary and I discuss: Gary's mission as an attorney and advocate [02:57]How his daughter Sydney's scouting journey began [03:52]The obstacle Sydney faced in joining the Boy Scouts [06:10]How they built a coalition to create change [14:43]The role of community and elected officials in their advocacy [15:41]What it takes to sustain resilience over the long term [10:48]Advice for leaders facing complex decisions and heavy obstacles [22:25] Learn more about Gary at https://www.dailymail.co.uk/lifestyle/article-12907335/amp/sydney-ireland-fought-nine-years-boy-scouts-movie.html ______________________________________________________________ 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

  4. MAR 30

    One Click-Real Consequences Featuring Joe Hill

    Joe brings over 20 years of experience in technology and specializes in cybersecurity awareness for small businesses. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to protect your small business from cyber threats and how to transition from corporate employee to entrepreneur. Joe and I discuss: Joe's career journey in technology [01:41]Why Joe started his own business [02:42]How Joe decided on his business model [04:52]What Joe knew about courses and community [05:30]Surprises when rolling out courses and community [06:24]How to know when a course is good enough to release [07:34]Decision making as an entrepreneur vs. employee [08:55]Lessons learned from choosing the wrong platform [10:16]Finding support resources for decision making [11:27]Navigating the ups and downs of business [13:12]How Joe defines success as an entrepreneur [15:23]How to identify and avoid phishing attacks [18:23]How to find your community as an entrepreneur [19:53] Learn more about Joe at https://www.cybersmartresource.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

  5. MAR 23

    How to Use Financial Data to Make Confident Business Decisions Featuring Kirsten Graham

    Kirsten is a business strategist and outsourcing expert with a decade of experience helping entrepreneurs take control of their finances and scale with confidence. She has guided countless business owners through the process of hiring and working with Bookkeeping Virtual Assistants, giving them the tools and systems they need to understand their numbers and make smarter financial decisions. Her work through the Love Your Profit program focuses on simplifying bookkeeping, reducing financial stress, and helping business owners build the support teams that allow them to thrive. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build confidence through financial clarity and strategic delegation to scale your business. Kirsten and I discuss: What is behind becoming a business strategist and outsourcing expert [01:50]Why understanding your numbers builds confidence [03:26]How to protect and build your confidence as an entrepreneur [05:35]Key things corporate refugees can do to make their business thrive [07:41]Examples of entrepreneurs who left corporate and succeeded [10:02]How to determine when it's time to pivot [12:22]Data versus intuition in business decisions [14:03]Working yourself out of your business as a growth strategy [15:51]What Kirsten helps people outsource and why [16:58]Stories of entrepreneurs who outsourced bookkeeping [18:27]The importance of community and peer support [21:56] Learn more about Kirsten at: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sixfigurebusinesscoaching Website: https://sixfigurebusinesscoaching.com/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SixFigureBusinessCoaching Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirsten.graham.3517 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstengrahamsfbc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sfbizcoaching/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@sfbizcoaching?_t=ZS-90tUPiAZqvl&_r=1 ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau 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 offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

    27 min

  6. MAR 16

    How to Market Authentically and Build Team Even as Solopreneur Featuring Jane Wesman

    Jane Wesman, founder of Jane Wesman Public Relations, Inc., is one of the country's top experts in book publicity and marketing with an impressive track record of creating national bestsellers, particularly in the areas of business, leadership, and personal growth. The author of Dive Right In - The Sharks Won't Bite, Jane is also a mentor and advisor to entrepreneurs and startups. A strong believer in giving back, Jane currently serves as co-president of the nonprofit organization Women's Media Group. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build an authentic marketing foundation that attracts clients without draining your energy. Jane and I discuss: Jane's involvement with NAWBO and Women's Media Group [03:02]Why marketing feels like an energy leak for many entrepreneurs [03:41]The importance of building an authentic website as your foundation [05:25]Why you can't do everything in marketing and must choose strategically [06:06]The problem with trying to be something for everyone [07:01]Why LinkedIn and newsletters are essential for consultants [08:08]How to integrate your website, LinkedIn, and newsletter [08:39]Why you need to go narrow and go deep with your expertise [09:41]How Jane stayed focused on book marketing and said no to other opportunities [11:17]Using outside services and building a team for marketing [13:06]Other marketing channels: speaking, podcasts, and guest articles [14:58]The importance of consistency in marketing [15:36]Why everyone needs a team, even solopreneurs [16:23]The value of being involved in nonprofit organizations [20:09]Leadership lessons Jane learned from volunteer work [21:00]Why being a member isn't enough—you need to join committees or boards [23:31]Jane's key message: start with your website and be consistent [25:23] ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau 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 offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

    28 min

  7. MAR 9

    How to Build Your Brand with LinkedIn Live Strategy Featuring Nina Froriep

    Nina is a LinkedIn™️ Brand Builder and Content and Engagement Strategist for Creators, Coaches, and Consultants. She works with service-based entrepreneurs and visual artists to develop strategies and create digital content that helps them grow their businesses organically on LinkedIn. Nina is a "recovering" film producer and documentary filmmaker. She has worked on Emmy award-winning documentaries, including one she produced, Abraham's Children. Nina is a visual artist and loves spending time in her native Switzerland with her owner, Tigger, an 11-pound Dachshund mix who has her well-trained. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to use LinkedIn Live to build your brand and grow your business without the weekly commitment of a podcast. Nina and I discuss: What is LinkedIn Live [04:04]The technical setup process for LinkedIn Live [05:47]What format to use for your LinkedIn Live shows [08:37]What doesn't work as a LinkedIn Live strategy [10:00]The differences between LinkedIn Live and podcasts [13:18]Strategies for interacting with your audience [17:21]How to foster community interaction during LinkedIn Live [20:15]Repurposing LinkedIn Live content into conversation highlights [22:04] Learn more about Nina at https://clockwiseproductions.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-froriep/. ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau 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 offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

    25 min

  8. MAR 2

    How to Overcome the Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back Featuring Curtis McCullom

    Curtis McCullom helps CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs eliminate the blind spots that have silently held them back since childhood—unlocking greater income, confidence, and personal freedom. Through his LGET Mindset™ framework (Learn, Grow, Expand, Transform) and powerful modalities like NLP, Mental Emotional Release® (MER), and Hypnotherapy, he facilitates reprogramming subconscious blocks for deep, lasting transformation. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to break through invisible ceilings by reprogramming subconscious blocks for deep, lasting transformation. Curtis and I discuss: Curtis's career journey from financial services to mindset coaching [02:22]What triggered his transition from financial services [04:02]Why executive coaching wasn't enough [05:09]The difference between conscious and subconscious behavior [05:20]How the LGET framework was created [06:55]Curtis's ideal client and invisible ceilings [08:26]An example of breaking through relationship blocks [09:15]How to acknowledge problems without identifying with them [11:00]The importance of diaphragmatic breathing [12:20]The one-day mindset reset process [14:00]The mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur [15:22]Why undervaluing your worth is common [17:25]The biggest blocks people face [18:44]Curtis's personal story about sabotaging success [19:36]How peers and community help overcome blocks [22:30] Curtis would love to offer your audience two powerful resources at a special rate: From Anxious to Aligned: The Anxiety Reframe Kit — normally $297, but available to your listeners for just $27. This proven system helps flip anxiety into clarity, confidence, and focus in minutes. Bespokehpcanxietyreframe.bespokehpc.com/home Discover & Align: 60-Minute Breakthrough Session — normally $500, but available to your listeners for only $97. In this personalized session, Curtis helps uncover core values, reveal hidden blind spots, and realign mindset so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Bespokehpcvaluesdiscovery.bespokehpc.com/home ______________________________________________________________ About Smashing the Plateau 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 offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset. Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success. ______________________________________________________________ Take the Next Step • Experience the power of community. Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey: https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest • Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected. Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox: https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

    28 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

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