The Corporate Escapists Podcast

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211

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Oct 2026

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Welcome to The Corporate Escapists, a platform dedicated to helping individuals navigate the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship. Our host, Christine Innes, is an international best-selling author, coach, and entrepreneur who brings in experts from around the world to share their insights and inspirational stories on mindset, innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and more. We believe that it's never too late to follow your passion and create the life and business of your dreams. visit us at www.thecorporateescapists.com #thecorporateescapists

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October 7, 202630 min

Servant Leadership: How Great Leaders Build High-Performing Teams | Amanda Van Der Heiden

What makes someone a great leader? Is it their title, experience or position in the organisation? Or is it their ability to help the people around them become better, more confident and more successful? In this episode of The Corporate Escapists, Christine Innes sits down with Amanda Van Der Heiden, a global Learning & Development leader specialising in people, process and change management. With more than 20 years of experience working across 40+ organisations, 15+ countries and 12+ industries, Amanda brings a fascinating perspective on servant leadership, leadership development, workplace culture and building high-performing teams. Together, Christine and Amanda explore what modern leadership really looks like — and why the best leaders aren't focused on being the most powerful person in the room. In this episode: ✨ What servant leadership really means ✨ How great leaders set their teams up for success ✨ Developing leadership talent from within your organisation ✨ Why young leaders need to be encouraged to use their voice ✨ Moving beyond traditional hierarchical leadership ✨ How to use people's strengths to create growth ✨ Stretch opportunities and developing future leaders ✨ Creating strong workplace cultures across global teams ✨ Aligning personal values with organisational values ✨ Adapting your leadership style to different people ✨ Communication styles and appreciation in the workplace ✨ Preparing first-time managers for leadership ✨ Building high-performing teams through people-first leadership 💡 A key message from Amanda Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about creating an environment where other people can succeed. Amanda's people-first approach challenges the traditional idea that leadership is about power and position. Instead, modern leadership is increasingly about trust, collaboration, communication, strengths and shared success. 👑 About Amanda Van Der Heiden Amanda Van Der Heiden is a Learning & Development leader specialising in People, Process and Change Management. With 20+ years of experience, she has led global initiatives across 40+ organisations in 15+ countries and 12+ industries. Amanda holds a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and is CPTM-certified, with credentials from ATD, SHRM and McKinsey. She is also an award-winning Speaker, Consultant, Coach and Author, known for aligning people and strategy to drive measurable business results through practical, people-first solutions. 🔗 Connect with Amanda 🌐 Website: https://www.GTDScorp.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandavanderheiden/ 🎙️ About The Corporate Escapists The Corporate Escapists celebrates entrepreneurs, leaders and changemakers and the stories behind the work they do. Because behind every achievement is a story. Behind every leader is a human. And while facts tell… stories sell. 🎙️ Subscribe for conversations about leadership, business, personal growth, purpose and the people creating meaningful change. #TheCorporateEscapists #ServantLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Leadership #HighPerformingTeams #WorkplaceCulture #PeopleLeadership #BusinessLeadership #ChangeManagement #WomenInLeadership GET THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE NOW: https://www.thecorporateescapists.com/i-n-s-p-i-r-e-magazine/

September 30, 202623 min

Franchise vs Entrepreneurship: Which Path Is Right for You? with Guest Dave Roemer | Episode 211

What’s the difference between building a business from scratch and becoming a successful franchise owner? In this episode of The Corporate Escapists, Christine Innes sits down with Dave Roemer, CEO of Complete Pest Solutions and a franchise industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience. Dave and Christine unpack the realities of franchising vs entrepreneurship, leadership, customer service, business growth and what it really takes to build a successful business. They explore why some people thrive within established franchise systems, why leadership is essential even for solopreneurs, and why genuine relationships and exceptional customer service can become your biggest competitive advantage. Dave also shares his philosophy that success isn't simply about making money — it's about how many people you help become successful along the way. In this episode: • Franchise vs entrepreneurship • What makes a successful franchisee • Leadership and team building • Growing a service-based business • The power of exceptional customer service • Building trust, reviews and referrals • Turning customers into loyal advocates • Servant leadership and purpose • Why relationships drive business growth • Building a business around the life you want About Dave Roemer Dave Roemer is the CEO of Complete Pest Solutions and has more than 35 years of experience in franchising as both a franchisor and franchisee. He has worked alongside franchise owners with nationally recognised brands including Dunkin’, Arby’s, Long John Silver’s and Rita’s Italian Ice. Today, Dave's mission is to help franchisees become more profitable while expanding Complete Pest Solutions nationally. His philosophy is simple: personal success is measured by how many people you help become successful. Connect with Dave 🌐 Website: https://completepestsolution.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/davidjroemer About The Corporate Escapists The Corporate Escapists celebrates entrepreneurs, leaders and changemakers and the stories behind the businesses they build. Because behind every achievement is a story. And while facts tell… stories sell.🎙️ Subscribe and discover the people, lessons and stories changing the way we think about business, leadership and success. #TheCorporateEscapists #Franchise #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLeadership #BusinessGrowth #CustomerService #Franchising #DaveRoemer GET THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE NOW:https://www.thecorporateescapists.com/i-n-s-p-i-r-e-magazine/🔥 Meet Your Host, Christine Innes – the Visibility Queen behind The Corporate Escapists.5× #1 International Bestselling Author, Editor, TV Show & Podcast Host, Speaker, and Educator.Once a high-flying corporate queen, I had the title, the salary, the lifestyle… but felt completely dead inside. Hitting rock bottom forced me to face the truth: I didn’t know who I really was. Through years of inner work, I rebuilt my life and designed a business that lights me up — and now I help others do the same.Today, I show entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers how to use their story to build visibility, attract more clients, and create a legacy that matters.

September 30, 202623 min

Franchise vs Entrepreneurship: Which Path Is Right for You? | Dave Roemer

What’s the difference between being an entrepreneur and becoming a successful franchise owner? In this episode of The Corporate Escapists, Christine Innes sits down with Dave Roemer, CEO of Complete Pest Solutions and a franchise industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience. Dave shares the truth about franchising vs entrepreneurship, leadership, customer service and what it really takes to build a profitable business. They explore why some people thrive within a franchise system while others are better suited to creating their own path, why leadership matters even when you're a solopreneur, and how genuine customer relationships can turn ordinary customers into loyal advocates. Dave also shares his philosophy that success isn't simply measured by how much money you make — but by how many people you help become successful. In this episode we share about: ✨ Franchise vs entrepreneurship ✨ Leadership and business growth ✨ Customer service and loyalty ✨ Building trust and generating reviews ✨ Servant leadership ✨ Purpose-driven business ✨ Dave's 35+ years in franchising **Connect with Dave:** 🌐 Website: https://completepestsolution.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/davidjroemer The Corporate Escapists — where the stories behind business, leadership and success are brought to life. Because your story matters. ✨ GET THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE NOW: https://www.thecorporateescapists.com/i-n-s-p-i-r-e-magazine/ Meet Christine Innes — Founder & Host of The Corporate Escapists. 6× #1 International Bestselling Author. Editor. TV & Podcast Host. Speaker. Educator. Storyteller. I once had the corporate career, the title, the salary and the lifestyle… yet felt completely disconnected from who I was. Hitting rock bottom changed everything. Today, I’ve built a life and business around something I believe deeply in: People don’t connect with perfect. They connect with real. The Corporate Escapists celebrates the entrepreneurs, leaders and changemakers behind the businesses, movements and ideas shaping our world. Because behind every achievement is a story. Behind every brand is a human. And while facts tell… stories sell. 🎙️ We uncover the stories behind the success — the risks, failures, breakthroughs, lessons and moments that changed everything. Because stories create connection. Stories create impact. Stories create legacy. And yours might be the one someone needs to hear. 👉 Join my world: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christineinnescoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christine_innes/

September 23, 202628 min

From $860 to 27 Years in Business: How Abbey Shepherd Built a Thriving Salon

What does it really take to build a business that lasts?For Abbey Shepherd, it started 27 years ago with just $860, a handshake, and a whole lot of determination. Today, Abbey is the proud founder and owner of Simply Stunnin’ Hair & Beauty in Melbourne — a multi-award-winning salon built on passion, resilience, genuine customer connection and community. In this episode of The Corporate Escapists, Christine Innes sits down with Abbey to talk about the realities of building a business over nearly three decades — from navigating massive changes in the hair and beauty industry to embracing technology, surviving COVID lockdowns, creating new revenue opportunities and learning when to pivot. But this conversation goes far beyond business.Abbey also shares the deeply meaningful work she does with Hair Aid Australia, using her skills to teach hairdressing and barbering to people in vulnerable communities, including inmates overseas, while supporting community haircut initiatives in Victoria. Because sometimes success isn't just about what you build.It's about the ripple effect of what you do with it. ✨ In This Episode, We Talk About: *How Abbey built Simply Stunnin’ Hair & Beauty over 27 years *Starting a business with just $860 and a handshake *The biggest changes in the hair and beauty industry *Why exceptional customer service matters more than ever *How to build genuine, long-term relationships with customers *Adapting your business during challenging economic times *How Abbey reinvented her salon during COVID lockdowns *The innovative tint and toner packs that created an at-home salon experience *Learning to embrace technology and AI as a business owner *Why business owners need to be willing to pivot *The importance of having a supportive business community *Why collaboration can be more powerful than competition *Abbey's work with Hair Aid Australia *Using your skills and business to create a ripple effect *What aspiring hairdressers need to know before entering the industry *The physical demands and realities of a career in hairdressing *Why understanding colour theory is essential for emerging stylists *The lessons Abbey has learned after 27 years in business Abbey's story is a beautiful reminder that a business can become so much more than a source of income. Through Simply Stunnin’, Abbey has created a place where people feel seen, valued and cared for.And through Hair Aid Australia, she's taken those skills beyond the salon to help people who may never have had access to the opportunities many of us take for granted.Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, service and purpose. 💡 One of the Biggest Lessons from Abbey Don't be afraid to change.The business that survives isn't necessarily the business that never faces challenges.It's the business that learns how to listen, adapt, innovate and keep moving. Abbey's experience during COVID is a perfect example. Rather than simply waiting for things to return to normal, she listened to what her customers needed and created a new way to bring the salon experience into their homes. That's entrepreneurship. Not having all the answers. Being willing to find them.❤️ About Abbey Shepherd Abbey Shepherd is the founder and owner of Simply Stunnin’ Hair & Beauty, a beloved Melbourne salon she has grown over the past 27 years. Starting with just $860 and a handshake, Abbey has built a thriving local business through passion, dedication, resilience and genuine connection with her community. A multi-award-winning stylist, Abbey believes hair has the power to transform confidence, create connection and make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Outside her salon, Abbey volunteers with Hair Aid Australia, using her professional skills to support communities in need both locally and internationally. 🔗 Connect with Abbey & Simply Stunnin’ Website: https://www.simplystunnin.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simply_stunnin_hair_and_beauty/

September 16, 202636 min

Digital Storytelling in Business: How to Build Trust in the Age of AI | Brooke Hargraves

Storytelling used to be a one-way broadcast. Now it's a conversation — and business owners who understand that shift are the ones building real trust with their audience. In this episode of The Corporate Escapists, Christine sits down with media and communications strategist Brooke Hargraves to unpack what authentic digital storytelling actually looks like in 2026. Brooke is an award-winning former journalist who spent over 20 years advising senior Australian political leaders through election campaigns, national crises and intense media scrutiny. Today, through her agency Trellis Media, she combines media strategy, storytelling, confidence coaching and practical communication skills to help CEOs, founders, executives and emerging leaders become credible, trusted voices — without needing to perform or become someone they're not. We cover: ✔️ How digitalisation turned storytelling from a broadcast into a two-way conversation ✔️ Why owning your story — including the hard parts — builds more trust than a polished version ✔️ Getting clear on your "why" and "who you are" before you share your message ✔️ Why authentic content takes more effort than AI-generated scripts, but earns better long-term results ✔️ "Return on vision" — thinking beyond financial ROI when it comes to storytelling ✔️ Personal branding in an AI-driven world, and why Australians often hold back due to tall poppy syndrome ✔️ Brooke's journey from working within a team to building her own communications business, and what business networks in Brisbane taught her along the way 👤 ABOUT BROOKE HARGRAVESBrooke Hargraves is a media and communications strategist who helps leaders communicate confidently and authentically across television, podcasts, live events and boardrooms. An award-winning former journalist, she spent over 20 years advising senior Australian political leaders through election campaigns, national crises and intense media scrutiny. Today, Brooke combines media strategy, storytelling, confidence coaching and practical communication skills to support CEOs, founders, executives and emerging leaders — helping them understand their story, manage pressure, raise their profile, and become credible, trusted voices without feeling they need to perform or become someone they're not. 🔗 CONNECT WITH BROOKEWebsite: https://trellismedia.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-hargraves-9b207656/ Follow more at www.thecorporateescapists.com

September 9, 202638 min

Why Women Fall for "Potential" Not Reality | Relationship Advice with Vilma Putt

What does it actually take to build a relationship that lasts a lifetime? In this episode of The Corporate Escapists, Christine sits down with relationship therapist, counsellor and coach Vilma Putt to unpack honest, practical relationship advice for couples navigating real life — not just the highlight reel. Vilma has been married to her high-school sweetheart Matt for over 31 years, and as the founder of Laleo Counselling & Coaching, she's spent her career helping couples move from conflict to connection. In this conversation, she shares why lasting relationships aren't built by chance but by intentional choices, and why treating your partner as a teammate — not an adversary — changes everything. We cover:✔️ Why maintaining your own self-worth is the foundation of a healthy relationship✔️ How to have honest conversations with your partner, even in hard seasons✔️ Why relationships take constant effort — and what "choosing to be your best self" really looks like day to day✔️ How couples can shift from a conflict mindset to a team mindset✔️ Why women often see a man's potential instead of accepting where he's at — and how to encourage growth without asking someone to change who they are✔️ Book recommendations: Fascinating Womanhood and Man of Steel and Velvet✔️ Vilma's upcoming relationship seminar with Creative Hearts Co on September 29th, where she'll share 11 relationship processes she and her husband have developed over their marriage 👤 ABOUT VILMA PUTTVilma Putt is a Lover of Life, relationship therapist, counsellor and coach, speaker, wife, and mama to four adult children (and a grandmama too!). She's passionate about helping people build deeper connection with God, themselves, and others — both romantic and platonic. As founder of Laleo Counselling & Coaching, Vilma helps individuals and couples navigate relationships with greater understanding, authenticity and love. 🔗 CONNECT WITH VILMAWebsite: https://laleo.com.au Instagram: https://instagram.com/vilma_putt

September 2, 2026Episode 20729 min

Leadership, Confidence, and Purpose with Jon Sheldon

What does leadership look like when it's built on Stoic calm and radical honesty instead of buzzwords? This week, Christine sits down with Jon Sheldon, founder and head coach of Belleauwood Coaching, to unpack how leadership has evolved — and where it's gone wrong. A former Marine Infantry squad leader who served at the height of the Iraq war, and later a Fortune 500 sales executive, Jon now coaches high-performers — sales professionals, real estate agents, financial advisors, and business owners — to lead with authenticity and operate in alignment. In this conversation, Christine and Jon dig into the overcorrection toward empathetic leadership that can cost teams directional trust, why authentic leadership means building your own methodology instead of borrowing someone else's, and why confidence — not knowledge or talkativeness — is what people actually follow in a crisis. You'll learn: Why leadership has quietly overcorrected toward empathy at the cost of direction How to build a personal performance blueprint around purpose, vision, ecosystem, and motivators Why vision (not profit) should be your main decision filter How to curate your "ecosystem" — people, technology, systems, and social media Why solopreneurs and non-managers still need leadership skills What it really means to be a "pillar" in the room Plus, Jon shares his motivational quote, book and podcast recommendations, and who he thinks should come on the show next. Connect with Jon Sheldon: Website: www.belleauwood.coach Instagram: @Belleauwood_coaching

August 26, 202623 min

Events That Build Authority: Event Planning for Entrepreneurs with Jo Speh

In a world where online interactions feel increasingly diluted by AI and fake content, in-person events have become one of the most powerful ways to build real trust and authority. This week, Christine talks with Jo Spehr, Founder and Director of Empire Events, about what it actually takes to plan and run a world-class event. Jo works with 6, 7, and 8-figure entrepreneurs to deliver experiences that build authority, deepen connection, and accelerate business growth — from intimate retreats in Bali to Dream Fest, an 800-person, three-day entrepreneur event. She breaks down why events are marketing tools first and profit generators second, why your business foundations need to be solid before you ever book a venue, and what six months of preparation actually looks like behind the scenes. You'll learn: Why in-person events matter more than ever in an AI-saturated world The real time, cost, and emotional investment behind running an event How to define clear intentions and objectives before you plan anything Why events should amplify what's already working in your business, not fix what's broken What separates first-time event organizers from seasoned pros Lessons from running Dream Fest (800 entrepreneurs, 3 days) and intimate Bali retreats Plus, Jo shares her go-to mantra ("if you don't know, find out"), her surprising relaxation read (romance novels), and who she thinks Christine should have on the show next. Connect with Jo Spehr: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_spehr More: https://msha.ke/theempireevents

August 19, 2026Episode 20529 min

From Manager to Leader: The Authority Shift with Shirley Sutton

What separates a manager from a leader? This week, Christine sits down with Shirley Sutton — a Sydney-based leadership coach and People & Culture expert — to bust the biggest myth in leadership: that you need to have all the answers. Shirley is the creator of the Managers to Leaders program and the Authority Shift method, which has helped countless high performers stop waiting to be recognized and start leading with confidence. In this conversation, Christine and Shirley dig into what authentic leadership actually looks like, how to navigate the awkward shift from colleague to manager, why personal branding matters even if you don't manage a single person, and how to figure out your own communication style using tools like DISC. You'll learn how to: Tell the difference between managing and leading Make the "authority shift" when you're promoted Delegate without losing your team's trust Communicate in a way that actually lands with different personality types Build a personal brand that supports your leadership goals Plus, Shirley shares her favorite mantra ("there's no such thing as failure, just feedback") and her go-to recommendations for anyone building a career — or a business — on their own terms. Connect with Shirley Sutton: Website: www.ascendly.online LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleysutton/

August 5, 202626 min

From Navy Veteran to Buyer's Agent: Angela Crawford on Rebuilding After Divorce EP 204

After 18 years in the Royal Australian Navy, Angela Crawford found herself starting over — a full-time single mum at 40, navigating divorce and family court with no roadmap. In this episode, Angela shares how she turned that rebuild into Oasis Buyer's Agent, a business built on helping women achieve financial independence through property and education.Christine and Angela talk about what it really takes to leave a structured career and build something of your own: the self-doubt, the hustle to land a first client, learning marketing and social media from scratch, and eventually growing into public speaking and personal development work. Angela also breaks down what a buyer's agent actually does — from understanding a family's real needs to negotiating price and managing inspections remotely — and why she's especially passionate about helping women who often get left out of investing conversations.If you've ever felt like you're waiting for permission to make a big change, this conversation is for you.About Angela CrawfordAngela Crawford is the founder of Oasis Buyer's Agent and a passionate advocate for women building financial independence through education and property. After 18 years in the Royal Australian Navy and a grueling divorce, she rebuilt her life from scratch as a full-time single mum at 40 with no roadmap or safety net. Angela believes there's no silly question except the one you don't ask, because you don't know what you don't know. Her mission is to educate, advocate, and empower women to create long-term financial freedom on their own terms.Connect with Angela:Website: www.oasisbuyersagent.com.auFacebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578960506183GET THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE NOW:https://www.thecorporateescapists.com/i-n-s-p-i-r-e-magazine/🔥 Meet Your Host, Christine Innes – the Visibility Queen behind The Corporate Escapists.6× #1 International Bestselling Author, Editor, TV Show & Podcast Host, Speaker, and Educator.Once a high-flying corporate queen, I had the title, the salary, the lifestyle… but felt completely dead inside. Hitting rock bottom forced me to face the truth: I didn’t know who I really was. Through years of inner work, I rebuilt my life and designed a business that lights me up — and now I help others do the same.Today, I show entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers how to use their story to build visibility, attract more clients, and create a legacy that matters.✨ Follow me for daily inspiration and strategies to escape the ordinary, share your story with confidence, and finally be SEEN.👉 Join my world:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christineinnescoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/christine_innes/Community: https://bit.ly/theescapeeclub