The Corporate Escapee

If you know corporate is broken but jumping straight into solopreneur life feels like too big a leap, this episode is for you. Brett breaks down how to treat your “escape plan” like an insurance policy—not a dramatic...

If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting thinking, “Why didn’t that land?” Or if you’ve ever felt invisible in corporate… Or if you’re building a life outside of corporate and wondering why some conversations connect and...

What happens when corporate stress gets so bad you literally can’t swallow solid food? That’s where Claire Sullivan found herself. On December 1st, 2023, corporate quit on her — and she took what most people would call...

Freebie from Michael: 20% off: Most solo businesses are focused on getting clients—but ignore the compliance risks that can quietly wreck everything. Former tax attorney and CFO Michael Williams joins Brett to break...

This episode is a little different. I was a guest on Catherine Jelinek’s podcast, Breaking Through the Noise — and she generously allowed me to share the full conversation with you. We talk about leaving corporate...

Today I’m joined by Neil K. Carroll, founder of vidwheel, who took the long way out of corporate: video agency → higher-ed job → rebuilding as a lean solo business. Neil shares how a simple testimonial project for a...

Download the FREE Escapee Starter Kit Episode Summary After nearly 30 years in corporate communications, Ed Patterson didn’t just leave corporate—he left the country. He and his partner planned their move to Portugal...

Guest: Bob Burg, co-author of The Go-Giver Note from Brett: This Greatest Hits episode is one of the most shared conversations we’ve ever had — and for good reason. If you’re trying to land your first clients or grow...

Healthcare is the #1 concern from wannabe escapees DM Brett about. Today, benefits veteran and fellow escapee Tom Morrissey breaks down a solo-friendly health plan designed for one-person companies: Solo Health...

What happens after you escape corporate? How do you make your solo business work long-term—without burning out or losing the freedom you left for? In this episode, Brett sits down with Jenni Gritters, author of The...

GenX built the systems everyone’s now trying to automate — and that’s exactly why we’re built for what’s next. In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Himmelfarb, one of the original corporate escapees, to talk about why...

About this episode In this solo “CliffsNotes” episode, Brett breaks down how to actually make money from your corporate experience — not theory, not startup fantasy — just 17 real ways GenXers are doing it (plus 2 bonus...

Paul Durelli returns to The Corporate Escapee Podcast one year after his first appearance to share what’s changed, what’s working, and where he sees the biggest opportunities for corporate and medical professionals...

If your “great job” feels increasingly empty, this one’s for you. Former corporate leader Lisa Petrilli (Medline/Baxter) shares a practical approach to discovering your Life Quest —the next chapter where purpose...

Robert Lock went from corporate sales leadership to running supply chain during COVID—then used that “between lanes” moment to launch his own firm, Buffalo Mountain Sales Strategies. In this episode, he and Brett dig...

When I first interviewed Jesse Cole—the man in the yellow tux and founder of the Savannah Bananas—the team had just started selling out games in Savannah. Fast forward to today, and the Bananas are a global sports and...

What GenXers stuck in corporate can learn from a 22-year-old former D1 athlete who walked away from the easy path, found his purpose, and chose to serve others—even when it was uncomfortable. I like to connect the dots...

Brett and Naveen break down how GenX escapees can use AI to work faster, earn more, and de-risk the leap from corporate. You’ll learn where AI actually helps (and where it doesn’t), how to turn your experience into...

We’re launching a new recurring segment with Lee Ann Pepper focused on real-world revenue ideas for corporate escapees. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How would I actually make money if I left corporate?” this episode...

For most corporate escapees, networking and sales feel like the biggest hurdles to building a solo business. With hundreds of LinkedIn connections and decades of contacts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—or worse, to...

Fractional, Defined: How to Lead (Not Freelance) with Karina Mikhli What does “fractional” really mean—and is it the right next step after corporate? In this episode, I sit down with Karina Mikhli, founder of...

One of the biggest challenges GenX escapees face after leaving corporate isn’t expertise—it’s business development. How do you find customers, create clarity in your message, and grow without getting stuck in...

Dual Takeaway: This episode is a two-for-one: inspiration for escaping corporate and practical fitness guidance for living longer, stronger, and on your own terms. What happens when you realize corporate life just isn’t...

After 27 years in corporate—including an executive role— Thea Watkins never imagined she’d end up running her own business. A layoff forced her to pause, reflect, and rethink what she really wanted. Instead of jumping...

What does “retirement” really look like for Gen Xers—and why do so many struggle with it? In this episode, I sit down with Joy Levin, market research consultant turned retirement coach, who helps Gen X professionals...