Smashing the Plateau

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Episodes

200

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 202628 min

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 PlateauSmashing 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

June 8, 202623 min

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 PlateauSmashing 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

June 1, 202627 min

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 PlateauSmashing 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

May 25, 202629 min

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 PlateauSmashing 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

May 18, 202626 min

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 PlateauSmashing 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

May 11, 202625 min

Community and the End of Going Alone — Carl Smith

Carl Smith is a community builder and philosophical futurist focused on helping agency leaders connect, grow, and thrive. As the leader of The Bureau, he has hosted and attended over 500 workshops, talks, and masterminds, gaining a front-row view of how agency leadership is evolving. His upcoming book, Built to Change: Designing The Agency of Tomorrow, explores AI, shifting client dynamics, and the reinvention of knowledge work. Based in Florida, Carl runs long miles, studies the future of work, and writes about leadership and second chances.In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build community, embrace the future of knowledge work, and thrive as an independent entrepreneur in a rapidly changing landscape.Carl and I discuss:Carl's career journey and how he stumbled into community building [02:17]How Carl found his passion for The Bureau [04:41]What kinds of businesses qualify as agencies [07:32]The loneliness of leadership and how community solves it [11:45]The future of knowledge work and AI's impact [13:23]Why domain expertise is your greatest competitive edge [17:00]What true community really means [21:16]One piece of advice for entrepreneurs in career transition [22:15]Learn more about Carl at https://thebureau.community/.______________________________________________________________About Smashing the PlateauSmashing 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

May 4, 202628 min

Presence and the Cost of Misalignment — Jennifer Sifert

Jennifer Sifert is an author, leadership mentor, and shamanic guide who supports experienced entrepreneurs navigating identity shifts and growth plateaus. A former Chartered Professional Accountant, she left her six-figure corporate career to build a purpose-led business rooted in strategic clarity and embodied authority. Jennifer helps entrepreneurs rise into sustainable, high-level leadership by refining judgment, stabilizing uncertainty, and activating prosperity through embodied authority, while navigating the isolation and decision fatigue that often accompany purpose-led growth.In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to break free from high-functioning autopilot and step into fully activated leadership through presence, inner work, and conscious entrepreneurship.Jennifer and I discuss:How Jennifer's corporate career was holding her back [02:20]Why selling for yourself is harder than selling for an employer [02:54]What toxic environments really are and how they affect you [04:55]How becoming present can change the way you lead [09:03]The difference between high functioning and fully activated leadership [13:23]Why entrepreneurs avoid looking at their numbers [17:39]How money and currency are connected to your presence [19:28]The first step to becoming more conscious and present [21:24]How community accelerates your growth and activation [24:10]Learn more about Jennifer at:https://www.youtube.com/@jennifersiferthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersifert/https:// www.facebook.com/jennifer.sifert.3https://www.instagram.com/jennifersifert/https://jennifersifert.kartra.com/page/Life-Force-Starter-Kit______________________________________________________________About Smashing the PlateauSmashing 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

April 27, 202626 min

Structure in Uncertainty — Dave Cohen

Dave Cohen is a multi-BAFTA-winning BBC writer who has spent four decades as one of the most successful contributors to the British comedy scene. As a stand-up, he started the Comedy Store Improv Group with Mike Myers and Paul Merton. He has written for top BBC shows and is the main lyricist for smash-hit show and movie Horrible Histories. He has since become one of the most respected coaches of new comedy writers, and his new podcast, The Shakespeare Mindset, is all about how to succeed in an uncertain world.In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a lasting solo career by embracing structure, mindset shifts, and the timeless wisdom of Shakespeare.Dave and I discuss:Dave's career journey from journalist to comedian [02:02]How uncertainty shaped his approach to new ventures [03:21]Key strategies for evaluating a new project [04:33]What generates long-term business success as a solo entrepreneur [05:47]The challenges of maintaining structure when working alone [07:26]Advice for those transitioning from employment to freelance [09:09]The importance of work-life boundaries as a freelancer [10:31]Why mastering your craft matters more than ever [09:35]How lying to yourself can make dreaded tasks bearable [14:45]The origin of The Shakespeare Mindset podcast [17:02]What Shakespeare teaches us about thriving in uncertain times [19:09]Why going it alone is a myth — even Shakespeare didn't do it [23:27]Learn more about Dave at https://www.davecohen.org.uk/.______________________________________________________________About Smashing the PlateauSmashing 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

April 20, 202626 min

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.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahacoviello/Drop in CEO Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drop-in-ceo/id1498953914?ls=1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IlluminationPartnersLLC/Twitter: https://x.com/DropinCEOInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dropinceo/YouTube: https://bit.ly/47GgMdnThe CEOs Compass Your Guide to Get Back on Track on Amazon: https://bit.ly/OrderCEOCompassFree Gift: https://dropinceo.com/gift______________________________________________________________About Smashing the PlateauSmashing 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

April 13, 202623 min

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/debiwimberleyhttps://www.brainzmagazine.com/executive-contributor/debi-wimberleywww.youtube.com/@effectivecannabis______________________________________________________________About Smashing the PlateauSmashing 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