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March 2, 2025 53 mins

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In this episode, host Kyle Ariel Knowles sits down with Brett Trainor, a former corporate professional who traded his 30-year corporate career for entrepreneurial freedom. As the founder of the Escapee Collective and host of the Corporate Escapee podcast, Brett shares his journey of helping corporate professionals find their path to independence.

Join us as we dive into Brett's story of leaving the corporate world, his challenges during his transition, and the valuable lessons he learned. Discover how he empowers GenX professionals to break free from the 9-to-5 grind without sacrificing their income and learn actionable strategies for achieving work-life balance.

KEY LEARNINGS

  1. The Power of Time Management
    Brett emphasizes the importance of reclaiming your time after leaving the corporate grind. He shares how he initially struggled with guilt over not being productive every minute of the day. However, he learned to structure his time effectively by creating intentional time blocks for strategic work, meetings, and personal activities. This shift allowed him to embrace his newfound freedom and prioritize what truly matters in life.
  2. Mindset Shift: From Employee to Entrepreneur 💡
    One of the most enlightening aspects of our conversation was Brett's perspective on the mindset shift required to succeed as an entrepreneur. He highlights that many corporate professionals underestimate their skills and experience. Brett encourages listeners to recognize that they have the capability to solve problems for small businesses, which can lead to lucrative opportunities. It's about taking action and not letting self-doubt hold you back!
  3. Building a Supportive Community 🤝
    Brett's journey led him to create the Corporate Escapee community, where he connects like-minded individuals who are navigating their own paths to independence. He shares how this community has grown to nearly 1,700 members, providing a space for support, collaboration, and shared experiences. The importance of networking and building relationships cannot be overstated, and Brett's story is a testament to the power of community in achieving entrepreneurial success.

If you're feeling stuck in your corporate job or contemplating a career change, this episode is a must-listen! Brett's insights and experiences will inspire you to take that first step toward your own entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode, you'll also learn about:
-The tipping point that led Brett to leave corporate life
-How he detoxed from the corporate mindset and embraced his newfound freedom
-The importance of time management and prioritizing health
-Insights into the corporate escapee community and the opportunities available for those looking to transition
-Tips for finding your first client and building a successful freelance career

Whether you're contemplating leaving your corporate job or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with insights and motivation. 

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