Dr. Gregory T. Obert is a clinical psychologist and the founder and CEO of the Royal Oasis Psychotherapy Institute, a premier telehealth practice delivering elite, discreet, evidence-based psychotherapy. He brings over 15 years of experience helping thousands navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. He specializes in veterans’ issues, PTSD treatment, and fostering resilience through personalized, holistic care. Additionally, he is the author of The Man on the Bench, a novel about hope amid loss, and the host of the podcast Meditations by Gregory T. Obert, featuring guided meditations for wellness.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to move from structure to self-direction—reframing fear, narrowing your focus, pricing with confidence, and using real community to shorten your path to traction.

Gregory and I discuss:

• Why Gregory chose to start his own practice [05:18]
• Why many keep private practice as a side gig—and the bigger opportunity [05:46]
• The two biggest barriers: fear of variable income and insurance constraints [07:20]
• Referrals, pipelines, and the internal conflict about charging [10:47]
• A simple first step to strengthen your pricing mindset [13:44]
• The hidden knowledge gap: marketing, visibility, and “putting yourself out there” [15:12]
• Differentiation through a few clear specialties (and why it works) [17:50]
• Community as a necessity: one hour > months of Googling [20:04]

Learn more about Gregory and receive premium psychotherapy at www.royaloasispi.com.

Follow him on social media:

Website:https://gregorytobert.com/ 

Locals: https://drgregorytobert.locals.com/ 

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/drgobert 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@docgobert 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorytobert  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGOBERT 

Libsyn: https://meditationsbygto.libsyn.com/ 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meditations-by-gregory-t-obert/id1168490615

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0esz5sbFAeAmJzPp5NJbz9

______________________________________________________________

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

Melanie focuses on practical data science and AI. Her career highlights include driving client outcomes at Petsch Analytics, LLC—her data science consultancy; designing and building custom applications with generative AI and large language models, incorporating humans in the loop, at Palantir Technologies; modeling and analyzing truly big data at the New York Stock Exchange; writing quantitative research and a book on commodity investing at Goldman Sachs; teaching at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA); and serving on the Mechanical Engineering Advisory Council at Purdue University.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to reframe uncertainty, communicate value clearly, and turn vague requests into staged projects that produce quick wins.

Melanie and I discuss:

• Melanie’s career journey and pivotal transitions [01:54]
• How the 2008 crisis led to launching her consultancy and landing an eight-year anchor client [03:21]
• Employee vs. consultant mindsets and why she’s ambivalent about the labels [05:24]
• Teaching students to handle ambiguity and have honest client conversations [07:40]
• Why open, candid dialogue can be easier as a consultant [09:37]
• A mindset shift for corporate refugees to attract the next right clients [13:47]
• Identifying your highest-value skills and applying them to modern needs like generative AI [14:13]
• Communicating with nontechnical stakeholders and using mockups to align quickly [16:50]
• “That’s not my data” — using anomalies to improve data quality and trust [18:05]
• Feedback that matters and the power of meeting audiences where they are (data dictionary story) [19:08]
• The networking story of earning an eight-year client by not hiring someone [21:24]
• Human-first relationships vs. transactional interactions [23:30]
• How to connect with Melanie [24:29]

Learn more about Melanie at http://www.petschanalytics.com/.

______________________________________________________________

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

Michael Himmelfarb is the founder of HG Partners, a consulting firm that advises growing tech companies on monetization and go-to-market strategy. He developed a unique consulting model that combines the advantages of AI with the human superpowers of creativity, empathy, and experience to deliver high-impact results in as little as 48 hours. A former GM of a $200M Nielsen business and a five-time tech CXO, he is passionate about teaching consultants how to leverage AI without losing the human trust advantage. His blog, Reframing Forward, explores the future of AI-enhanced business and work.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to use value-based pricing, quick-win offers, and authentic relationship-building to stand out, earn attention, and convert conversations into paid work in a risk-averse market.

Michael and I discuss:

• Michael’s path from corporate leadership to independent consulting [01:49]
• A clear one-sentence offer grounded in value-based pricing [06:24]
• How to capture attention with show-don’t-tell executive summaries and easy-to-buy offers [07:11]
• Why trust beats automation: using AI with human oversight (and a cautionary math example) [10:47]
• Practical advice for consultants struggling to convert interest into revenue [12:12]
• A simple LinkedIn strategy: thoughtful comments that spark real conversations [12:49]
• Community, collaboration, and helping others as a growth engine [14:23]
• Drawing the line between giving value and getting paid (share in the upside) [15:52]
• Cutting through noise: do your own work, use AI for augmentation, quantify outcomes [17:15]
• Shaping the offer: transactional, advisory, recurring, or loss leader—staying flexible [18:54]
• An agile, iterative approach to prompts and analysis for better AI outcomes [20:51]
• The long game of relationships and radical transparency [21:40]
• Where to explore more of Michael’s ideas and connect [23:12]

Learn more about Michael at: www.Hg-partners.com, https://reframingforward.substack.com, and linkedin.com/in/michaelhimmelfarb

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

______________________________________________________________

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

Jonny Cooper spent 12 years as a professional musician, touring the world as a pianist before realizing he didn’t want to be broke forever and transitioning into sales. He gained experience selling home improvements, houseboats, hot tubs, and holidays, among other ventures, before building a financial services firm from scratch and scaling it to £10.2 million in turnover prior to selling it to a PLC. 

He then spent a decade in corporate consulting, working with clients such as Aston Martin, Optical Express, Argos, and many others. In 2017, he launched Everyone Hates Marketing, growing it into a 7,500-member Facebook community, and went on to train over 1,200 coaches, therapists, and consultants to launch their own online businesses. In May 2024, Jonny launched CIB to help consultants secure lucrative corporate engagements, and he now works exclusively with a select group of individuals within the CIB community.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage your experience for corporate consulting success and develop a mindset for continuous growth.

Jonny and I discuss:

• How Jonny navigated career pivots, from music to financial services to consulting [01:42]
• The pivotal moment that pushed Jonny to seek new opportunities [01:58]
• Lessons in scaling and selling a service-based business [04:22]
• Why consultative selling is critical for landing corporate clients [10:31]
• The questions you should ask to connect with decision makers [11:10]
• How to use data-driven insights to break through the noise and win contracts [14:23]
• The role of community and peer support for consultants [18:16]
• How to build intentional, high-value communities [20:45]
• The importance of maintaining a growth mindset in your entrepreneurial journey [22:32]
• Jonny’s advice for adapting to new challenges and technologies [23:15]

Learn more about Jonny at https://cib.global/.

Thank you to Our Sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

______________________________________________________________

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

David Jenyns is a serial entrepreneur, systems devotee, and founder of SYSTEMology, a company dedicated to helping business owners worldwide scale and streamline their operations. With over 20 years of experience in franchising, digital marketing, and business strategy, Jenyns has established himself as a trusted leader in the industry.

After successfully systemizing his own digital agency in 2016, Jenyns turned his attention to helping others achieve the same level of success. He founded SYSTEMology, which offers a proven seven-step process for managing clients and implementing systems in businesses. Today, his mission is to empower business owners to work on their businesses, not in them.

Through his workshops, keynote addresses, and his podcast, Business Processes Simplified, Jenyns has helped thousands of business owners achieve exponential growth and success. He is a passionate advocate for leveraging systems to simplify and streamline business operations, and his commitment to excellence has earned him the trust and admiration of clients and peers alike.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to harness systems thinking and the power of AI to free yourself from daily operations and build a business that truly works for you.

David Andrew and I discuss:

• The story behind his new book, Systems Champion [00:03:16]
• How AI rapidly transformed his business and team [00:03:32]
• The critical role of the “systems and AI champion” [00:05:21]
• How to spot and develop systems champions in your organization [00:06:10]
• The soft skills that matter most for systems champions [00:10:58]
• The challenge of decision-making in times of rapid change [00:15:34]
• Ways systems champions help leaders make better decisions [00:17:55]
• The power of community for systems professionals [00:19:41]
• Why systems-driven businesses are better for everyone [00:21:16]

Learn more about David at: https://www.systemology.com/ and https://www.systemology.com/mediakit/

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Join our subscribers for exclusive access to clear, practical advice from our podcast guests—your road to business mastery is just a click away!

Todd Cherches is the CEO and co-founder of BigBlueGumball, a NYC-based leadership and executive coaching firm. He is a member of Marshall Goldsmith’s “MG 100 Coaches,” a three-time award-winning adjunct professor of leadership at NYU, a lecturer on leadership at Columbia University, a TEDx speaker, and the author of the groundbreaking book, "VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life."

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage relationships, community, and visual thinking to build a thriving business after leaving the corporate world.

Todd and I discuss:

• What led Todd to start his own business [02:47]
• Key challenges in balancing business development and client work [03:32]
• The importance of relationships and community for business growth [04:21]
• How teaching, speaking, and content creation fuel relationship building [05:22]
• Keeping relationships warm over time—especially for introverts [06:36]
• Using LinkedIn to nurture your network [06:36]
• The power of metaphors, analogies, and visual leadership for entrepreneurs [10:16]
• Four ways to communicate ideas visually [11:14]
• How visual thinking helps corporate refugees stand out [15:53]
• Becoming a resource for organizations in a VUCA world [16:55]
• Todd’s “four G’s” philosophy for leadership and community [22:14]
• How to start building your network and why it’s never too late [24:19]

Learn more about Todd at:

https://www.toddcherches.com/

https://www.amazon.com/VisuaLeadership-Leveraging-Visual-Thinking-Leadership/dp/1642933376

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

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Ready to level up? Subscribe for exclusive tips and strategies to drive your success forward!

Thomas M. Jones is a psychotherapist, author, musician, and founder of an innovative technique, The Paradox Process, designed to rapidly transform negative feelings into powerful knowledge and insight—essentially, how to change your life by learning to direct your mind. In the world of medicine, his approach would be described as renegade; however, the proof is inarguable.

Jones has been highly successful in his work for the last 50 years, with a clientele that includes CEOs, television journalists, Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning performers, doctors, musicians, artists, health coaches, social workers, psychologists, and business professionals across the globe.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to recognize and overcome internal obstacles, set meaningful goals, and harness the support of a community on your entrepreneurial journey.

Thomas and I discuss:

• The origins and evolution of the Paradox Process [00:02:41]
• Why traditional therapy felt limiting—and how Thomas innovated beyond it [00:03:00]
• How the Paradox Process helps you break through blocks and limiting beliefs [00:08:32]
• Real-life examples of shifting the internal narrative for success [00:09:55]
• Key mindset shifts for “corporate refugees” transitioning to entrepreneurship [00:12:44]
• Recognizing and honoring your uniqueness as an entrepreneur [00:13:02]
• The importance of setting goals and building a history of success [00:16:10]
• How to handle emotions and setbacks as you build your business [00:18:01]
• The critical role of community, feedback, and accountability [00:21:00]
• Practical encouragement for following your dreams and taking action [00:23:19]
• Where to learn more about Thomas and The Paradox Process [00:24:08]

Learn more about Thomas at:

Paradoxprocess.org/gift

Paradoxprocess.org/mondays

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Stay ahead of the curve—subscribe for curated tips and proven strategies from our podcast guests, and accelerate your path to success!

Kevin Perlmutter is the Chief Strategist and Founder of Limbic Brand Evolution, a brand strategy and neuromarketing consultancy that puts emotional insight at the center of how brands attract and retain customers. He’s also the author of BRAND DESIRE: Spark Customer Interest Using Emotional Insights. 

Kevin works with business and brand leaders to create stronger connections between their brand and the people they want to reach, serving as a behavioral science-rooted brand consultant and customer-centricity work session facilitator. He guides the development of more effective methods for brand evolution and customer engagement.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how emotional insight can transform your brand and why understanding what motivates your customers leads to authentic, lasting success.

Kevin and I discuss:

• What led Kevin to start his own consultancy [02:25]
• The bold steps and challenges of launching with no clients [03:52]
• Aligning values in business and choosing the right clients [06:26]
• Why persuasion-based brand strategy is outdated [08:03]
• The concept of shared emotional motivation [12:00]
• How customer feedback shaped a client’s unique brand identity [11:05]
• Why emotional benefits drive brand loyalty [14:00]
• The impact of current global challenges on brand decision-making [15:00]
• How leading brands like Ben & Jerry’s maintain values and spark loyalty [18:12]
• The value of community in business growth [19:42]
• Advice for corporate refugees on leveraging their network and feedback [21:03]
• The importance of listening to others to define your value [21:58]

Learn more about Kevin at:

https://www.BrandDesireBook.com/

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

https://www.LimbicBrandEvolution.com/

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Ready for more? Sign up now to unlock concise, actionable strategy tips from our podcast—your journey to success is just one click away!

After more than 20 years in the corporate world, Suzanne Mau-Asam has seen it all—the good, the bad, and the “we’re not sure what’s happening here.” But here’s the thing: she doesn’t stop at quick fixes or standard solutions. As a sociologist, certified somatic coach, learning and development specialist, and embodied leadership expert, Suzanne brings a level of depth that most programs don’t even touch.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate the leap from corporate professional to thriving entrepreneur and community builder.

Suzanne and I discuss:

• How Suzanne’s career evolved from hospitality to sociology and beyond [01:59]
• Why she started her business and a community simultaneously [03:41]
• The importance of “going all in” as an entrepreneur [07:36]
• The challenges and rewards of building a business from scratch [08:31]
• How to pivot your strategy and offerings as your business grows [09:36]
• Creating ecosystems and multiple revenue streams for business health [18:21]
• The power of collective intelligence and learning in community [20:00]
• Why you should “move before you’re ready” and seek out supportive communities [21:46]

Learn more about Suzanne at https://www.doors-open.nl/corporate-sociology/ and https://www.doors-open.nl/embodied-leadership/

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Subscribe for a steady stream of curated, insightful strategy tips from our podcast—master your business journey in just one click!

Liisa Reimann, the founder of Two i Copy, helps business owners stand out with personality-packed words that sell. She’s been featured in Women’s Journal and uses the DiSC and StoryBrand frameworks to craft copy that truly connects. Whether it’s done-for-you, DIY, or something in between, Liisa helps brands finally sound like themselves!

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to use authenticity and community to build a successful, fulfilling business—especially if you’re transitioning from corporate life.

Liisa and I discuss:

• How Liisa’s cover letter launched her copywriting career [00:02:46]
• What inspired her to become an entrepreneur [00:05:00]
• The challenges women executives face when marketing themselves [00:09:00]
• Why social media and marketing language feel uncomfortable for many [00:11:42]
• Navigating mindset hurdles like imposter syndrome and self-promotion [00:14:31]
• How Liisa supports clients with tough love and accountability [00:15:16]
• Building trust and community as a solopreneur [00:17:33]
• The critical role of mentorship and learning from others [00:20:28]
• What Liisa would (and wouldn’t) change about her journey [00:21:29]

Learn more about Liisa at twoeyecopy.com, linkedin.com/in/liisareimann, and facebook.com/groups/writewordsthatsell

Thank you to Our Sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Join our community of achievers—subscribe today for exclusive, concise strategy tips from our podcast, and start mastering your journey to business growth!

Tim Ash is a recognized authority on evolutionary psychology, persuasion, and digital marketing. He is a sought-after international keynote speaker, executive advisor, and the bestselling author of several books, including Primal Dating, Unleash Your Primal Brain, and Landing Page Optimization.

As the CEO and co-founder of a digital optimization agency, Tim helped create over $1.2 billion in value for leading companies.

He has been cited by Forbes as a Top 10 Online Marketing Expert and by Entrepreneur Magazine as an Online Marketing Influencer to Watch.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how your closest relationships impact your business success and actionable strategies to build a strong support system as an entrepreneur.

Tim and I discuss:

• Why your partner is the most significant influence in your entrepreneurial journey [00:00:00]
• The evolutionary psychology behind modern relationships [00:03:35]
• The myth of lifelong monogamy and its business implications [00:06:34]
• Why relationship challenges are often the biggest hurdles for entrepreneurs [00:05:09]
• How to structure your personal and business life for long-term success [00:09:41]
• The importance of explicit exit planning in both business and relationships [00:11:26]
• How division of labor at home mirrors successful business partnerships [00:14:00]
• What to do when your personal relationship is tenuous [00:14:44]
• Mindset adjustments for men and women to improve connections [00:16:23]
• Why community involvement matters and how gender differences play out in business groups [00:21:03]
• Key advice for women entrepreneurs and executives [00:23:32]
• Why reality-based relationship strategies lead to more happiness [00:25:17]

Learn more about Tim at PrimalBrain.com and TimAsh.com.

Thank you to Our Sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

Subscribe now for concise, actionable insights from our podcast and launch your journey to lasting success with a single click!