Life After Corporate – Details, episodes & analysis

Are you ready to break free from corporate and build a business on your own terms? 

In this episode of Life After Corporate, Deb sits down with Erin Halper, Founder and CEO of The Upside, to explore how real community—not just networking—can transform lives and careers.

Erin reveals how her own shift from corporate to consulting laid the groundwork for a global community that champions flexibility, purpose, and high-value business building. 

Whether you're a coach, consultant, or aspiring entrepreneur, you'll walk away with useful insights on community-building, authenticity, and escaping the scarcity mindset for good.

 [00:05- 09:33]  From Corporate Ladder to Consulting Freedom

• Erin’s personal “life after corporate” story and leap into consulting.

• A health crisis during pregnancy makes flexibility non-negotiable.

• Erin spots a trend: women are quitting, unaware that consulting is an option.

• The first version of The Upside—consultant matchmaking—and why she hated it. 

[09:34 -18:18]  Creating a True Community for Consultants  

• The “aha” moment: Erin realizes consultants need better positioning—not just clients.

• Erin’s lesson: “I am the brand”—why she stopped hiding behind the business.

• Community vs. Network: why support, not transactions, is the core of The Upside.

• Establishing values, structure, and strict no-selling boundaries. 

[18:19 - 26:00]   Mindset Shifts & Milestones  

• How the community hit “flywheel” momentum through word-of-mouth.

• Erin’s unique referral model—why a 1:1 with her is the best reward.

• From heartbreak to maturity: Erin learns to let go when members leave.

• How The Upside made her a more confident, people-first leader.

[27:14 - 36:31] Community, Not Competition

• Deb and Erin dismantle the “competition myth” in coaching and consulting.

• Erin’s high-integrity filter: only serving true business owners.

• How generosity and transparency create unstoppable momentum.

• Erin’s final advice: block out the noise and build from your values. 

Connect with Erin Halper

Website:  betheupside.com 

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

 Ready to turn insights into action? Don’t just listen—join the movement! The Life After Corporate Community (https://lifeaftercorporate.com/community) is where ambitious women like you connect, collaborate, and get the strategies, tools, and high-level support to grow a thriving, profitable business.

Join us now and start making the powerful connections that will elevate your success! https://lifeaftercorporate.com/community

Other episodes you may enjoy; find them all at:

https://lifeaftercorporate.com/podcast/  or

Life After Corphttps://pod.link/1500631278orate

205. Common Trademark Mistakes That Could Cost Your Business Thousands

197.  How Meghann Conter is Rewriting the Rules of Success for Women Entrepreneurs with THE DAMES

194.  How Entrepreneurs Can Avoid Becoming Seven-Figure Poor

19. Pivoting During a Pandemic and Leading With Your North Star, with Cate Luzio - Founder of Luminary

Tweetable Quotes:

"It's about creating a structure where people can help one another to help themselves, and that is really hard to do."...Erin Halper on the challenges of building a community

 “But it's why there's experts out there that charge for their time and charge for their expertise.”...Erin Halper on the Value of Community

**TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST**

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this podcast to other growing entrepreneurs! 

Get weekly tips on how to create more money and meaning doing work you love and be one of the many growing entrepreneurs in our community. Connect with me on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12656341/  or on Instagram or our website at www.lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com .

How do you transform a successful corporate career into a thriving business that builds communities and empowers individuals?

In this episode of Life After Corporate, host Debra Boulanger kickoffs off the Expert Community Builders series by interviewing  Cate Luzio, Founder and CEO of Luminary, a global membership platform and professional ecosystem. Cate shares how she transitioned from corporate finance into community building, scaled a membership business without investors, and built an inclusive ecosystem that bridges entrepreneurs, business leaders, and corporate sponsors. The conversation spans Cate’s initial inspirations, the challenges of pivoting in a pandemic, the strategic growth through strategic acquisitions, and the crucial role of inclusivity in building impactful communities. Cate’s insights reveal how vulnerability in business is a strength and how agile adaptability fuels success. 

This episode promises inspiring and practical insights for those eager to grow into successful leaders in the ever-changing digital landscape.

 [3:00 – 05:30]  The Meaning of Community & Luminary’s Mission

• Shared access and intentional networking

• Redefining community beyond daily engagement

• Investing in relationships as a success strategy

• Creating ecosystems of support for professional women

[05:45 – 08:40] Early Struggles in Scaling a New Membership Platform

• Building brand awareness organically, without paid ads

• Differentiating Luminary from coworking spaces or women’s clubs

• Learning not to take business personally

• Crowdsourcing member-driven programming topics  

[08:40 – 13:40]   Strategic Growth Through Acquisitions and Ecosystem Expansion

• Acquired Declare, The Crew, and HeyMama to deepen value

• Built a national partner network to scale physical presence

• Stayed self-funded to maintain strategic freedom

• Chose acquisitions that aligned with Luminary’s mission 

[20:10 – 25:00] Leading with Core Values & Navigating Category Challenges

• Scaling while staying true to mission and values

• Differentiating Luminary amidst industry disruption

• Thought leadership on building sustainable community categories

• Balancing personal leadership with team-wide vision 

Contact Cate:

• Instagram: @cateluzio

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cluzio

Luminary:  https://www.weareluminary.com/home

Luminary is going on the road!!! Click here to find out where they are going https://www.weareluminary.com/luminarylive2025

 Ready to turn insights into action? Don’t just listen—join the movement! The Life After Corporate Community (https://lifeaftercorporate.com/community) is where ambitious women like you connect, collaborate, and get the strategies, tools, and high-level support to grow a thriving, profitable business.

Join us now and start making the powerful connections that will elevate your success! https://lifeaftercorporate.com/community

Other episodes you may enjoy; find them at:

https://lifeaftercorporate.com/podcast/  or

https://www.pod.link/1500631278

205. Common Trademark Mistakes That Could Cost Your Business Thousands

197.  How Meghann Conter is Rewriting the Rules of Success for Women Entrepreneurs with THE DAMES

194.  How Entrepreneurs Can Avoid Becoming Seven-Figure Poor

19. Pivoting During a Pandemic and Leading With Your North Star, with Cate Luzio - Founder of Luminary

Tweetable Quotes:

"But the nice thing about it was I wasn't alone. You know? Everybody was going through some version of how it was impacting them...".... Cate Luzio on the role of community

"You will always, if you build community right, get something in return. But you've gotta give, and you and then you can also take."...Cate Luzio on community engagement

**TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST**

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this podcast to other growing entrepreneurs! 

Get weekly tips on how to create more money and meaning doing work you love and be one of the many growing entrepreneurs in our community. Connect with me on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12656341/  or on Instagram or our website at www.lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com .

In this special 200th episode, we’re not just celebrating a milestone.—we’re calling for a movement.

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about business. It’s the ultimate feminist power move. It’s your path to autonomy, freedom, and creating a legacy that actually matters. It’s also one heck of a personal development journey. Because nothing will test your mindset (or your patience) quite like stepping into your own power.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in perfectionism, second-guessing your pricing, or wondering if you’re really cut out for this… congratulations, you’re human. And you’re exactly where you need to be.

In this episode, Deb breaks down the real mindset traps that keep so many brilliant women playing small—plus how to finally own your worth, leverage your visibility like currency, and price your offers based on the transformational value you provide.

We’re also talking about the systems, processes, and, yes, even AI tools that will help you scale without burning out. Building a business shouldn’t feel like a corporate hustle culture in disguise.

This isn’t just about making money. It’s about rewriting the rules, reclaiming your power, and changing the game—one fearless, purpose-driven step at a time.

So, are you ready to join the movement and take your business (and your life) to the next level?

Hit play. Let’s do this. 🚀

 [00:05- 04:24] Building a Supportive Community  

• The podcast was built on the manifesto that entrepreneurship is the new feminist movement

• The Life After Corporate Community provides a supportive space for entrepreneurs to connect

• The community offers weekly gatherings, resource sharing, and a safe space to ask for help

• The community focuses on topics like leveraging LinkedIn for thought leadership and lead generation

[04:25 -12:05] The Importance of Systems and Processes  

• Leveraging technology and AI can save time and improve efficiency

• Documenting processes and methodologies is crucial for business continuity

• Automating repetitive tasks frees up time for more strategic work

• Analyzing and improving AI-generated content is important for maintaining quality

[12:06 - 16:44]  Visibility as Currency    

• Consistent visibility across key channels is essential for entrepreneurial success

• Being different and offering a unique perspective helps you stand out

• Speaking on stages, delivering webinars, and leveraging SEO are important visibility strategies

• Leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, Substack, and YouTube can increase your reach

[16:45 - 21:31] The Life After Corporate Manifestos  

• Entrepreneurs are women who refuse to settle for the status quo

• Entrepreneurs build businesses that reflect their values and visions

• Together, entrepreneurs rise and lift each other up, shattering barriers

• Entrepreneurship is the new feminist movement, changing the world one step at a time

🚀 Ready to turn insights into action? Don’t just listen—join the movement! The Life After Corporate Community (https://lifeaftercorporate.com/community) is where ambitious women like you connect, collaborate, and get the strategies, tools, and high-level support to grow a thriving, profitable business.

👉🏼 Join us now and start making the powerful connections that will elevate your success!

Connect withDeb Boulanger 

Website:  https://LifeAfterCorporate.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12656341/

Go to https://lifeaftercorporate.com/podcast for all episodes

169. Lisa Durante's Strategy for Mastering Your Content Marketing Plan!

153  A 3-Step Guide to Skyrocketing Your Income

137 Marketing, Management, and Metrics: The Keys to Consistent Success

Tweetable Quotes:

"Entrepreneurship is the new feminist movement. It's the ultimate choice for how women can earn their wealth, how we show up in the world, and that there is more than one way to make a six-figure salary."  …. Deb Boulanger on “the NEW Feminist Movement”

 "It's a safe container for you to not have it all together, to not show up all made up and expressing how smart you are, where it's safe to not know. It's safe to ask for help."...Deb Boulanger on the “Life After Corporate Community”

**TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST**

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this podcast to other growing entrepreneurs! 

Get weekly tips on how to create more money and meaning doing work you love and be one of the many growing entrepreneurs in our community. Connect with me on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12656341/  or on Instagram or our website at www.lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com .  

“I feel like if I'm not fulfilling my purpose, I’d rather be dead”.  Those are the words of Deb’s very special guest, Nadine Joseph, Ph.D. 

In life, it is essential to have a purpose. A sense of purpose gives your life meaning and direction. Finding your purpose can mean different things to different people. For some, it can be as fundamental as taking care of their family and for others it may mean following their dreams and pursuing their passions. But fulfilling your purpose is not just about achieving a goal; it's about living a life that is meaningful and satisfying. It's about finding a way to contribute to the world around you and making a difference in the lives of others. Nadine Joseph, Ph.D. will share how she came to trust God and his purpose for her life. 

 [00:01 - 09:35] Opening Segment

• Deb opens the episode with some questions on “finding your purpose”. 
• Deb introduces Nadine Collins, Ph.D and her book “The Pursuit of Purpose” 
• Dr. Collins tells us about the impact of her Grandmother’s influence.

 [09:36 - 14:30] When God Reveals your purpose 

• It goes deeper than just receiving what you pray for  
• Putting God’s will to the test   
• How her faith got even stronger when a  bank turned her down for a loan,  

[14:31 -32:45] How Dr. Collins helps other women find their purpose

• Making a deal with God
• Being open to being redirected
• She wasn’t looking to become business coach, but God had other plans
• The “Miracle Question” 

[32:46 - 36:21] Closing Segment

• Join our Facebook Group and be part of the Monday Morning Mastermind
• Subscribe to the LinkedIn Newsletter
• Final words
• Join the FREE "Reliable Revenue Secrets" five-day event September 12-16, 2022 (1pm-1:45pm EST)
• TheGreatDoover.com/secrets

 Connecting with Nadine Collins, Ph.D.,

Website: https://www.nadinecollins.com

Facebook:  Nadine A. Joseph-Collins | Facebook

Instagram: @drnadinecollins

LInkedIn:Dr. Nadine Collins | LinkedIn

For the hard copy of The Pursuit of Purpose:

https://bit.ly/the-pursuit-of-purpose

Tweetable Quotes:

“...And so most of these women have this desire for, I want greater meaning. I want to be able to add greater value. And to be honest with you, sometimes it's right in their face. They just don't see it.” - Dr. Nadine Collins, Ph.D.

“I didn't realize what was happening because most people don't. We tend to take things for granted while we're in the moment. And it's at a different point in our lives. And I think my life, the dots in my life have been connected for a really long time”.- Dr. Nadine Collins, Ph.D

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this podcast to other growing entrepreneurs! 

Get weekly tips on how to create more money and meaning doing work you love and be one of the many growing entrepreneurs in our community. CLICK HERE to join our private Facebook Group! 

Connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or checkout our website at www.lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com

Merriam-Webster defines “CATCH-22” as: “a situation presenting two equally undesirable alternatives”.  You can't invest in your business because you don't have enough clients and you can't get more clients because you can't afford to invest in the support to help you. This is a vicious cycle that many new business leaders find themselves in. When you're in this position, it's easy to misunderstand what growth actually looks like.  So if you're feeling stuck, you're not alone. In this episode Deb goes deep into the “WHY”.  You’ll find yourself saying, “Yes, that’s me” more than once. Deb has some solid advice on how to go forward.

[00:01 – 11:51]  Opening Segment

• Welcome to the podcast!
• Did you miss building a solid foundation for the business?
• What are the different stages of a Catch-22?
• Some strategies that may work for you.

[11:53 – 20:42]  Here are some success stories to think about

• Is this really the right time for you to raise your fees?
• Outsourcing: where do you start?
• Deb’s list of questions to ask yourself
• Make sure you have a clear sense of your profitability

 [20:43 - 24:00] Closing Segment

• Join our Facebook Group and be part of the Monday Morning Mastermind
• Subscribe to the LinkedIn Newsletter
• Final words
• Join the FREE "Reliable Revenue Secrets" five-day event September 12-16, 2022 (1pm-1:45pm EST)
• TheGreatDoover.com/secrets

Tweetable Quote:

"It's critical that you have a handle on your numbers so that you can prioritize your focus and what you're spending your time on as the CEO of this business that you desperately want to see succeed..” - Deb Boulanger

“You can't invest in your business because you don't have enough clients and you can't get more clients because you can't afford to invest in the support to help you.”  - Deb Boulanger

"I'm not talking about a low-end membership program or an online course in my world. Value comes from building up, not down. So, consider adding a high-end mastermind to your portfolio or an executive retreat where you can serve several clients at once for higher fees".  - Deb Boulanger

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

• The revenue calculator:   https://www.TheGreatDoover.com/pricing
• Information for the event:  https://www.TheGreatDoover.com/secrets

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this podcast to other growing entrepreneurs!

Get weekly tips on how to create more money and meaning doing work you love and be one of the many growing entrepreneurs in our community. CLICK HERE to join our private Facebook Group!

Connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or checkout our website at www.lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com

In this very unique episode, Deb talks to Maraya Brown. who will explain the connection between hormones, libido, confidence and entrepreneurship. Maraya is a Yale and Functional Medicine Trained CNM, MSN. and is also the founder of the Women’s Vibrancy Code Podcast, and the online space, Beyond The Red Tent, as well as the owner of a nutrition franchise since 2007. She decided to leave her Fortune 50 Corporate Career to serve women on an International level.

[16:55] **Note about Adaptogens**:  "Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that help your body respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue and overall well being. You can take adaptogens by adding them to food or beverages or take them as tinctures. Adaptogens bring your body back to a steady balance by managing both physical and mental stressors." ...  Cleveland Clinic 

[00:01 – 16:23]  Opening Segment

• Welcome to the podcast!
• Maraya gives the “Cliff Notes” on her journey to being an entrepreneur
• Find out about the “empty cup” is and how to fill it up again  

[16:24 – 34:23]  We’re not looking for perfectionism

• A checklist of self-care
• Are you in a toxic relationship?
• What if Desire was limitless? What do YOU desire?
• The universe knows only one word… what is it?
• How libido impacts our lives and career. 

 [34:24 - 38:24] Closing Segment

• Join our Facebook Group and be part of the Monday Morning Mastermind
• Subscribe to the LinkedIn Newsletter
• Final words
• Join the FREE "Reliable Revenue Secrets" five-day event September 12-16, 2022 (1pm-1:45pm EST)
• TheGreatDoover.com/event

Maraya Brown

Website:  https://www.marayabrown.com

Facebook:  Maraya Brown | Facebook

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

Podcast:  The Women's Vibrancy Code on Apple Podcasts

Tweetable Quote:

"I always see the picture of trying to get across the river and I'm a 5”1” powerhouse here. I'm not jumping across the river, but if you give me stepping stones, I can take one step at a time.” - Maraya Brown

“What I always say is the womb knows the heart listens and the voice speaks, and we have to allow some space to get quiet in our self care, to listen in and to receive that guidance.” - Maraya Brown

“People remember how we make them feel, not what we say”.... Maraya Brown

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this podcast to other growing entrepreneurs!

Get weekly tips on how to create more money and meaning doing work you love and be one of the many growing entrepreneurs in our community. CLICK HERE to join our private Facebook Group!

Connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or checkout our website at www.lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com

If you're feeling like your marketing efforts have been less than successful lately, it's possible you've fallen into a marketing rut. This is a common problem for businesses of all sizes, but there are some simple ways to get back on track. In this episode, Deb defines what a marketing rut is and gives some practical advice on how to get that spark back. Tune in to learn more!

 [00:01 – 02:15]  Opening Segment

• Welcome to the podcast!
• The importance of keeping your growth sustainable
• How do you know if you’re in a marketing rut? 

[02:16 – 17:14]  When your marketing plan is no longer working

• A brief disclaimer
• The “rinse and repeat” marketing approach
• Are you in a marketing groove or a marketing rut?
• Deb does a behind the scenes look at her own analytics dashboard
• Deb’s five tips on “getting your marketing groove back” 

[17:15 - 19:51] Closing Segment

• Join our Facebook Group and be part of the Monday Morning Mastermind
• Subscribe to the LinkedIn Newsletter
• Final words
• Join the FREE "Reliable Revenue Secrets" five-day event September 12-16, 2022 (1pm-1:45pm EST)
• www.TheGreatDoover.com/event

Tweetable Quotes:

"As new people get to know you who are peers or collaborators in your market, your influence will grow through proxy. And you will find your referral system increasing. You'll find you're getting a steady stream of referrals that you weren't getting before..” - Deb Boulanger

“So stay current on the issues your clients care about most. Be sure to notice where they're showing up, what other content are they consuming? What platforms are they on? Where can you be engaged in the conversation?” - Deb Boulanger

"In many ways you are training your audience, how to consume your content. You are training them when to show up, how to show up and how to engage with you."- Deb Boulanger

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this podcast to other growing entrepreneurs!

Get weekly tips on how to create more money and meaning doing work you love and be one of the many growing entrepreneurs in our community. CLICK HERE to join our private Facebook Group!

Connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or checkout our website at www.lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com

In this episode, we're talking about the true meaning of “COMMUNITY” and how it can enhance your brand and your relationships with buyers.  We are joined by CEO and fractional entrepreneur, Virginie Glaenzer , who's an an avantgarde marketer and a visionary. She is an expert on establishing communities in our businesses and in society. Virginie also is a contributor on the Pass The Mic podcast and the CMO of Acorn Oak, a platform that redefines the meaning of “community."

 [00:01 - 04:51] Opening Segment

• I welcome our guest: Virginie Glaenzer 
• The story of why Virginie left her corporate paycheck behind and what she’s doing now.
• How a couple of freelance consulting gigs became the catalyst for Acorn Oak. 

 [04:52 - 17:00] How Acorn Oak is on the cutting edge of different kind “corporate culture”

• Virginie explains how the community at Acorn Oak came about organically. 
• There’s a correlation between a jazz band and a well working community 
•  Find out what a motorcycle company and a cosmetic company have in common

 [17:01 -31:23] How does a company get started establishing this new kind of community

• Being on the cutting edge of a “new” kind of community 
• What are the challenges that communities face today
• Will companies be willing to accept customer input

 [31:24 - 33:027] Closing Segment 

• Connect with Virginie through the links below 
• Follow us on social media and leave a review
• Final words

 Virginie Glaenzer

LInkedIn: linkedin.com/in/virginieglaenzer

Twitter:  @VirginieG

Acorn Oak:  acornoak.net 

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this podcast to other growing entrepreneurs! 

Get weekly tips on how to create more money and meaning doing work you love and be one of the many growing entrepreneurs in our community. CLICK HERE to join our private Facebook Group! 

Connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or checkout our website at www.lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com

 Tweetable Quotes:

“We didn't wanna create a traditional marketing agency, but really a space where we individually could develop ourselves in the support of other people” - Virginie Glaenzer

“So we started gathering those small group around a question and we tackled so many different questions and that really helped us think deeper and expand our own comfort zone without taking too much risk”. - Virginie Glaenzer

We are entering into a new season of economic challenges that many new entrepreneurs have never experienced before. You might be noticing that sales are slowing. And, you may be worried and wondering how you will weather the storm with your business. History has proven–both with the pandemic and past recessions–that success favors companies that adapt and remain nimble by addressing their clients most pressing needs. In this episode we explore three core premises to small business growth in challenging times.

Join the Life After Corporate Facebook Group

Connect with Deb on LinkedIn

Join Predictable Revenue Strategies on LinkedIn

Sign up for Deb's Latest Roundtable for Women Entrepreneurs

Today we are speaking with serial entrepreneur, Laura Meyer.  Laura has scaled multiple six- and seven-figure online and offline companies over the last fifteen years.  She knows first-hand how hard it is to create a brand that stands out from the crowd, and she’ll be letting us in on her secrets in this episode. Tune in!

[00:01 – 04:06] Opening Segment

• I welcome our guest: Laura Meyer
• A hot minute in corporate and entrepreneurship she went
• Laura shares her life background and what she currently does

[04:07 – 22:15] Easy Lead Generation Strategies for High Ticket Coaches & Consultants

• A Steady Stream of Referrals
• Develop Partnership by Establishing Credibility
• How to Develop Credibility in the Marketplace: Do this in the right order
  • Find the right community
  • Keep track of your connections
  • Be consistent
• How to use social media and our expert platform to create relationship

[22:16 - 26:14] Closing Segment

Connect with Laura through LinkedIn, Referral Code, and Advance Expert Network.

SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this podcast to other growing entrepreneurs!

Get weekly tips on how to create more money and meaning doing work you love and be one of the many growing entrepreneurs in our community. CLICK HERE to join our private Facebook Group!

Connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or checkout our website at www.lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com

Tweetable Quotes:

“Developing reciprocal collaborations is one of the best ways to establish.” – Laura Meyer

“Happy customers that take place within a community and are promoting you turn into referrals.” – Laura Meyer