Why I Left
Why I Left tells real stories from real people about the bold career moves that changed their lives. Hosted by Brian Aquart, the show goes beyond resignations to uncover courage, clarity, and growth in the face of change. Each episode offers honest reflections, lessons learned, and practical insights for anyone considering a pivot, navigating uncertainty, or seeking inspiration for their next chapter. We don’t talk about resignations enough, this podcast makes sure we do.
Episodes
Most people think quitting is the story. It isn’t.
Before people leave their jobs, something usually happens first. A pause. A realization. A moment that makes it impossible to keep going the same way. Five years ago, Dr. Anthony Klotz coined The Great Resignation. But the real story was never about quitting. It was about clarity.
In the Season 5 premiere of Why I Left, Anthony returns to unpack what actuall...
After 100 episodes, one truth stands out. Leaving is rarely about quitting. It is about alignment.
In this season five launch, Brian Aquart reflects on what a hundred conversations with leaders, founders, and operators have revealed about career transitions and identity shifts. What changes when success no longer fits. What it costs to stay too long. And why discipline, not momentum, builds something that l...
On the Season 4 finale of Why I Left, Brian sits down with Craig Whitely, better known as Craig the Barber, who shares his inspiring journey from the world of finance to becoming an award-winning barber and founder of Burke Avenue, a premium mens grooming line. Discover how a passion for barbering, ignited by a simple gif...
Brian sits down with Jordana Cole, founder of Ignited LLC. Jordana shares her courageous decision to leave behind a successful corporate career and follow her passion for igniting leadership and transformation. Discover how her trailblazing path, from breaking barriers in her hometown to leading learning and development i...
Brian sits down with Lori Eberly, founder of Radius Executive Coaching and co-author of "Fuckery." Lori shares her compelling journey from hospice social worker to leadership development expert, revealing how grief, transition, and trust shape meaningful career change. Discover practical, neuroscience-backed str...
Ready to break free from a traditional career path and reignite your purpose? Brian welcomes Scott Mason, the Myth Slayer, who reveals his journey from high-powered attorney to transformational coach for lawyers. Discover how Scott leverages timeless Greek mythology to help professionals unshackle themselves from limiting...
Brian sits down with Chase Sterling, U.S. Army veteran, founder of Wellbeing Think Tank, and Principal Consultant at HHP Cultures. Chase shares her inspiring journey from overcoming adversity in her youth to thriving as a workplace wellbeing expert. Discover how Chases own experiences with chronic pain and career pivots f...
In this powerful episode of Why I Left, Brian Aquart sits down with Zhou Fang, Founder of Intersectional Group and host of the Intersection Podcast. Zhou shares her journey from immigrant tech professional to social justice entrepreneur, highlighting the role of intersectionality in equity and inclusion work. Discover how...
Brian sits down with Danielle Perlin-Good, the Soul-Aligned Ghostwriter. Danielle shares her powerful journey from being laid off at the Chicago Tribune to launching a thriving business helping leaders, executives, and visionaries craft authentic, lasting legacies through ghostwritten books. Discover how intuition, spirit...
Brian Aquart welcomes Walt Morgan, a retired Navy helicopter pilot turned leadership coach. Walt shares his inspiring journey from the cockpit to the classroom and the corporate world, diving into the emotional realities of military separation and the profound identity shift vets often face. Discover Walts unique insights...
Dr. Makini Chisolm-Straker visits Brian to share her powerful career journey from emergency medicine physician to national leader in public policy and reparations. Shes driven by a passion for systemic justice and community well-being. Hear how her experiences in healthcare, research, and a prestigious White House fellows...
Brian Aquart welcomes Diane Forster, award-winning TV host, coach, and founder of I Have Today. Diane shares her inspiring journey from a 32-year ad sales career to becoming a powerhouse entrepreneur helping women reinvent themselves, especially in their second chapter of life. Discover how Diane overcame personal struggl...
Brian sits down with Myrto Legakileadership and well-being consultant, global keynote speaker, and founder of One Breath Mindfulness Center. Myrto shares her powerful journey from executive burnout to helping leaders and teams at global giants like Google and Microsoft flourish through neuroscience, psychology, and mindfu...
Brian dives into the fast-paced world of sports management and brand partnerships with Nathaniel Cooke, a seasoned strategist known for his impactful work with Rucker Park, the NBA, and USA Flag. Nathaniel shares his journey from a communications grad hustling for opportunity, to brokering major deals with brands like Adi...
Brian sits down with Coonoor Behal, innovation strategist, CEO of Mindhatch, and author of I Quit: The Life-Affirming Joy of Giving Up. Together, they challenge the stigma around quitting, exploring how intentional endings can spark fulfillment and growth, both professionally and personally.
In this episode of Why I Left, host Brian Aquart sits down with Cynthia Pong, award-winning executive coach, author, and founder of Embrace Change. Cynthia shares her journey from burned out public defender to empowering women of color and nonbinary professionals to claim their worth in the workp...
Ready to scale your business without sacrificing your values?
In this powerful episode of Why I Left, Brian Aquart sits down with Judy Weber, former trial lawyer, C-suite executive, and powerhouse Christian business coach. Discover how Judy left a toxic work environment and trusted her faith to l...
Brian Aquart sits down with Michael Dermer, a healthcare pioneer and serial entrepreneur, to explore his transformative journey from a high-stakes legal career to founding the industry-shaping company, IncentOne. Michael shares how he navigated one of the toughest economic crises in recent history, turning potential devas...
Brian sits down with Rachel Franco, a learning and organizational development leader. Rachel shares her journey from a marketing executive to a change-maker in organizational innovation. Discover how she courageously left a toxic work environment without a backup plan and navigated significant career transitions. Rachel d...
Brian delves into the journey of Elena Agaragimova, a driving force in talent development and leadership. From academia to entrepreneurship, Elena shares how her career pivots have shaped her unique approach to unlocking human potential. Explore her insights into cultural dynamics across 14 countries, the evolving expecta...
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