Blair began his career in New York at the HarperCollins Speakers Bureau, a business he never knew existed. From there, he had the privilege of leading the Hachette and Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureaus for GTN (now UTA Speakers), before moving west to work with Keith Ferrazzi (author of "Never Eat Alone"). He served as his chief of staff for over three years and learned how keynote speaking can be strategically positioned for corporate coaching and consulting while also studying at UCLA Anderson.

After a few temporary roles during his last year of business school, he returned to the Speakers Bureau world post-graduation. However, after signing and establishing talent, growing and scaling valuable assets and businesses for bosses with nothing to show for it after leaving, he had had enough.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about the intricacies of the speakers bureau industry and how to leverage speaking engagements for business growth and personal success.

Blair and I discuss:

• His journey from working at traditional speakers bureaus to founding his own firm [00:21]
• What initially drew him to the speakers bureau industry [01:49]
• The business model behind speakers bureaus and how they operate [03:00]
• His decision to pursue an MBA and how it influenced his career [04:11]
• The challenges of working under restrictive leadership and the push towards entrepreneurship [07:50]
• The strategic positioning of keynote speaking in business development [00:43]
• How his business model differs from traditional speakers bureaus and the focus on holistic client management [11:18]
• Advice for corporate refugees on leveraging speaking engagements [13:39]

Learn more about Blair at https://calendly.com/bbn-cm/new-client-call.

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Philippa Levenberg is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Sable Strategy, a senior-level strategic communications firm specializing in PR and reputation management for corporations, nonprofits, and trade associations. The firm was recently named to Inc. Magazine's 2024 "Best in Business" list. Philippa’s career has focused on leveraging digital, social, and paid media strategies to build employer brands, develop thought leadership programs, engage advocates, navigate crises, and shape policy outcomes. 

Prior to founding Sable, she led and grew digital media practices and products at several agencies, including a leading global public affairs firm within Publicis Groupe. She is based in the D.C. area.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage your experiences to build a resilient business and lead with impact in the evolving landscape of public relations.

Philippa and I discuss:

• Why resilience is key in entrepreneurship [00:00]
• How Philippa's bi-continental life shaped her approach to business [02:12]
• Transitioning from journalism to PR and the evolution of media [03:07]
• The importance of digital and social media strategy in crisis communication [04:33]
• The flawed model of big agency PR and the creation of Sable Strategy [05:44]
• Empowering women in the workplace and the importance of senior-level consultancy [07:22]
• The role of partnerships in entrepreneurship and the support systems that matter [10:21]
• Lessons from the initial months of starting Sable Strategy and recognizing opportunities [10:59]
• The impact of COVID-19 on women in the workforce and entrepreneurship [21:44]

Learn more about Philippa and her work at https://www.sablestrategy.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippalevenberg/.

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Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, workshop leader, and award-winning author and podcaster on a mission to change goal culture both inside and outside the workplace. As the creator of 

The DEB Method for simplified goal-setting, Debra works with individuals, teams, and businesses on personal and professional projects, networking strategies, and book proposal development. She hosts the GoalChatLive/GoalChat and Taste Buds with Deb podcasts and is the author of "Your Goal Guide" and "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting."

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how Debra Erling, a goal strategist, workshop leader, and award-winning author and podcaster, has developed a systematic approach to setting and achieving goals in both personal and professional spheres.

Debra and I discuss:

• How Debra's journey in corporate communications led her to her current role as a goal strategist [00:38]
• The common pitfalls professionals encounter in goal setting and how to overcome them [01:01]
• Debra's DEB Method for goal setting simplified and how it can align your personal and professional aspirations [01:25]
• The importance of having personal goals in the workplace and how it contributes to overall fulfillment [06:50]
• The steps to correctly set goals using the DEB Method: Determine your Mission, Explore your Options, Brainstorm your Path [09:38]
• How networking and building community play crucial roles in achieving one's goals and in business development [16:23]
• The impact of having multiple roles and identities on professional growth and networking [04:36]

Learn more about Debra at:

https://52Secretsbook.com

https://thedebmethod.com/blog

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Goal-Guide-Planning-Achieving/dp/1642501506

https://www.amazon.com/52-Secrets-Goal-Setting-Goal-Getting-Focused/dp/168481717X

https://youtube.com/@thedebmethod

https://linkedin.com/in/coastbunny

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Liz Steblay is sometimes referred to as "the Yoda of solopreneur success." She isn’t small, green, or ancient, but she has mentored thousands of self-employed professionals, helping them realize their dreams of becoming solo entrepreneurs. With decades of experience in building her own solopreneur career, including the creation of two thriving businesses that serve independent consultants, Liz recently published her bestselling book, "Succeeding as a Solopreneur: Six Keys for Taking the Leap, Winning Clients, and Building Wealth."

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the essential keys to success as a solopreneur, including how to conquer fears, build thriving client relationships, and effectively set your consulting rates.

Liz and I discuss:

• The importance of pedigree and confidence in setting consulting rates [02:04]
• How Liz transitioned from corporate employment to successful self-employment [02:57]
• The significance of proactive outreach and maintaining relationships [03:18]
• Key strategies to vanquish fear, uncertainty, and doubt as a solopreneur [04:35]
• The importance of being known for something specific within your field [10:14]
• How to negotiate and present your rates confidently [07:59]
• The crucial role of professional setup and appearance in consulting success [15:45]
• Strategies for effective taxation and wealth building for solopreneurs [21:00]

Learn more about Liz and her work at http://www.SixKeys.info and http://www.IndependentConsulting.org.

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Dr. Carla Fowler is an MD, PhD, and elite executive coach. For the last decade, she has been a secret weapon for scores of CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other senior leaders. Carla’s unique approach combines the latest research in performance science with timeless best practices to help top performers level up and achieve their goals.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to make bold career transitions, leverage your existing skills in new ways, and maximize your performance through strategic coaching.

Carla and I discuss:

• Her early realization that the traditional medical career path wasn't for her [00:02:19]
• The critical role of challenges and how they shaped her career decisions [00:02:57]
• Insights into her transition from medicine to elite executive coaching [00:05:37]
• The importance of autonomy and designing a multifaceted life [00:05:10]
• How she navigated the early days of establishing a coaching practice [00:17:26]
• The strategic decisions not to pursue further formal education in coaching [00:12:45]
• Techniques for building a successful personal business and brand [00:20:21]
• The value of networking and personal connections in business development [00:17:26]

Learn more about Carla at https://www.thaxa.com/p/smashing-the-plateau.

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Holly Jean Jackson is a Revenue and Performance Consultant, Speaker, Podcast Host, Author, and founder of Business Builder Throw Down. Her career spans technology, communications, organizational change, public relations, and content strategy.

She has dedicated over 12 years to helping business leaders get their groove back physically, mentally, and emotionally. She led a Local to Global Policy Initiative to influence future leaders' impact on communities. Fun Fact: Holly played first chair clarinet at Carnegie Hall and is a black belt in karate.

In her Peak Performance Blueprint, she takes a holistic and logistical approach to success. After all, one can’t have massive success in business without a life of equal or greater success.

Business owners hire her to master the art and science of real success because most lack direction, action, and results. She helps define and design a business roadmap for impactful visibility, intentional profitability, and endless sustainability.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from corporate instability to building a successful consulting business through resilience and strategic community building.

Holly and I discuss:

• What led Holly to start her own business [01:26]
• Why top performers get laid off [02:13]
• The difference between being a consultant and an employee [04:45]
• How to find and refine your niche [06:55]
• The importance of defining success on your own terms [10:59]
• How to tactically and financially prepare for a business transition [14:12]
• The role of community in achieving business success [16:16]

Learn more about Holly at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyjjackson/

https://www.facebook.com/hollyjeanjackson

https://www.instagram.com/coachhollyjeanjackson/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ElvJLGqpJ2ThA9utJCqMg

www.hollyjeanjackson.com

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Join now for privileged access to expertly curated strategy advice from our podcast specialists – your journey to mastering success is only a click away.

Monika started Mastermind Mentoring in 2023 after spending 23 years in the high-tech consulting world, where she focused on solving customer problems through technical innovation, growth strategy, and client relationship management. The entrepreneurial path found her when life threw her a curveball, and her position was eliminated. During that time of transition, she felt a heartfelt calling to pursue a path of service to others and became an intuitive life coach and healer. 

Now, she focuses on helping women become successful by reconnecting with their essence and inspiring greater awareness of the empowerment that comes from embodiment.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from a corporate environment to a fulfilling life of coaching and personal growth.

Monika and I discuss:

• What led Monika to embrace change after her corporate career ended [00:02:13]
• Differences between working within large enterprises and nimble startups [00:04:08]
• How a profound health diagnosis prompted Monika’s journey toward self-discovery and healing [00:06:19]
• The impact of emotional and internal healing on personal growth [00:08:21]
• Techniques Monika used to trigger self-healing and remission [00:12:33]
• How Monika leverages community and authenticity for personal and professional development [00:18:00]
• Advice on maintaining openness and questioning everything to unlock new possibilities [00:20:26]

Learn more about Monika at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mastermind-mentoring/

Website: https://mastermind-mentoring.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermindmentoring/

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Subscribe today for access to carefully selected strategy tips from our community, supporting you in mastering your path to success.

Kellan is the ultimate alchemist for entrepreneurial growth, a bestselling author of 20 books, and the founder of "Your Ultimate Life." Kellan helps entrepreneurs move mountains, melt barriers, and mobilize superpowers to achieve their dreams.

Kellan's personal journey includes battles with depression and addiction. Now, he is committed to helping 300 million people create income and impact in the world by discovering, developing, and serving with their skills, gifts, and life experiences.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to integrate purpose, prosperity, and joy to live your ultimate life.

Kellan and I discuss:

• His journey from personal challenges to ultimate life success [00:58]
• The role of money in creating impact [04:49]
• Dispelling common myths about wealth [05:14]
• Harnessing personal skills, gifts, and life experiences [08:31]
• The power of consistency over content [13:01]
• Strategies for overcoming self-doubt [13:59]
• Kellan's daily proactive practices [17:35]
• How community enhances growth and success [22:43]

Learn more about Kellan at https://kellanfluckigermedia.com and https://yourultimatelife.ca.

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Subscribe to receive thoughtful, strategic insights from our podcast experts—your next step toward success is just a click away.

Dr. Corinna Freitag is an Executive Coach, Advisor, and Speaker with over 30 years of expertise in natural and human sciences, spanning university, industry, and continuing education. She coaches STEM professionals to overcome workplace challenges so that they look forward to Mondays again. 

She holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and is certified as an Executive Coach. She has lived in different countries and worked globally for over 18 years in the automotive and chemical industries, in various positions with colleagues ranging from the shop floor to Senior Vice Presidents.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from the corporate world to a fulfilling career in coaching.

Corinna and I discuss:

• What led Corinna to become a coach [03:01]
• How Corinna integrated her scientific and human skills [04:34]
• Her experiences transitioning to self-employment [06:03]
• Challenges faced while building her own business [07:43]
• Who her ideal clients are [07:30]
• Strategies for breaking patterns that hold professionals back [08:47]
• The role of positive intelligence in coaching [09:27]
• Her personal growth and learning journey [06:53]
• Advice for others considering a career transition [13:20]

Learn more about Corinna at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcorinnafreitag/; http://www.corinnafreitag.de ; http://www.calendly.com/corinnafreitag/60min ; https://www.positiveintelligence.com/.

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Subscribe immediately for unique access to expertly crafted, concise strategy tips—your success journey is just a click away.

Jessica Lackey is a strategy and operations advisor who blends business strategy, practical application, and a human-centric approach to create sustainable businesses. With a background in corporate leadership, McKinsey & Company consulting, and a Harvard Business degree, Jessica knows a thing or two about hustle culture and what it feels like to judge success by the bottom line at all costs.

Now, she combines her deep experience in consulting, Fortune 500 operations leadership, and coaching to help businesses grow without sacrificing the well-being of their clients, team, and community.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a sustainable business without sacrificing wellbeing.

Jessica and I discuss:

• Jessica's journey from corporate to entrepreneurship [02:07]
• The concept of enterprise thinking [02:58]
• Jessica's career transition to life coaching [06:05]
• The role of relationships in business success [10:32]
• Challenges in the first and second years of a new business [19:40]
• The power of community connections [22:23]

Learn more about Jessica at:

Website: https://www.jessicalackey.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicalackey_consulting/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lackey/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jslackey

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Diana has spent the last 20 years in SaaS. She has expertise in sales, customer success, Six Sigma, and service delivery. She is currently the Senior Director of Transformation at Kantata. As a leader, Diana is passionate about leveraging emotional intelligence in the workplace to drive meaningful outcomes, and she speaks and coaches on this topic.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate career changes by harnessing emotional intelligence and mindset shifts.

Diana and I discuss:

• The challenge of balancing passions and professional commitments [02:31]
• Strategies for overcoming the fear of pausing a project [04:00]
• How a mindset shift can create new opportunities [06:42]
• Tools and frameworks that aid in decision-making [07:14]
• The impact of reduced casual conversations in a remote work environment [10:29]
• How personal values align with professional roles [13:00]
• Diana’s thoughts on future career paths and passions [16:09]

Learn more about Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianaacuna/.

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