The Career-Integrated Entrepreneur™ Podcast

Ep 36. The come-back episode: Why I’m Back, What Changed, and What’s Next

After a six-month pause, the Career-Integrated Entrepreneur™  podcast is back. In this episode, I’m sharing why I stepped away, what shifted during that season, and why Career-Integrated Entrepreneur™ is returning exactly as it is - just more grounded. We’re talking about career optionality, income security, and what it really means to build something of your own without burning out, blowing things up, or buying into the “escape the 9-5” narrative. This conversation sets the tone for the year ahead and the direction of this podcast moving forward. If you’re a mid-career corporate woman who wants income options beyond a paycheck, then you’re in the right place. Private Accelerator 1:1 coaching spots are now open. Details below 👇 Links + Resources: ➡️ The Corporate-Integrated Entrepreneur™ Private Accelerator [https://cindyexcell.notion.site/The-Corporate-Integrated-Entrepreneur-Accelerator-2c81c169bbab80f094a1e252dd9cdf3b?pvs=143]: A 90-day private coaching experience to turn your expertise into a clear, sellable 1:1 Offer & repeatable sales system that is built alongside your corporate career. ➡️ 90-Minute Side Business Strategy Intensive: [https://programs.cindyexcell.com/products/offers/view/1166750] A focused 1:1 session to help you work through obstacles, refine your approach, and move your side business forward. ➡️ The Side Business Idea Finder: [https://forms.cindyexcell.com/sidebusinessideafinder] A mini-course with videos and a step-by-step workbook to help you solidify a side business idea that fits your career, time, and energy. Join the waitlist [https://forms.cindyexcell.com/sidebusinessideafinder] for early access at the founding member price. ➡️ FREE Side Business Decision Filter [https://cindyexcell.com/the-side-business-decision-filter/]: A FREE practical self-assessment tool for mid-career corporate women to decide if an online coaching side business actually makes sense – before choosing the wrong one. ➡️ Subscribe to the Corporate-Integrated Entrepreneur™ Sunday Newsletter [https://cindyexcell.com/subscribe/]: Get practical, corporate-safe strategies to turn your expertise into a second income stream, in 5-10 hours/week, without burnout or hustle culture, delivered to your inbox. ➡️ Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyexcell/]

Ep 35. Dual leadership: How to own both your 9 to 5 & your side business

Let’s talk about the quiet guilt that no one warns you about when you start a side hustle. You’re thriving in your corporate career, but something in you wants more. So you take the first brave step into building a coaching business… and suddenly, you’re questioning everything. “Will people think I’m not serious about my job?” “Can I grow a business without hiding it - or feeling like I’m betraying my employer?” This episode goes deep into the mindset shift that changes everything: you’re not cheating on your 9 to 5 - you’re leading yourself. I’m walking you through: * What integrity actually means when you’re building a business on the side * How to stop hiding and start honouring both your career and your business * Why splitting your identity is exhausting (and how to stop doing it) * The 5 things I always come back to when I feel misaligned * How to build something that feels honest, grounded, and fully yours The right way to building a side business while in your 9 to 5 is the one that feels honest and aligned, that feels good, with who you are now and who you’re becoming. Links + Resources: >> Book a 30-min clarity call with me [https://calendly.com/cindyexcell/30-minutes-free-coaching-call] - If you’re ready to build something real 0 but want help mapping it out the smart, aligned way. >> Grab the free Business Idea Validator tool [https://cindyexcell.com/coachingideavalidate/]- It helps you flush out your most aligned, profitable coaching idea (even if you’ve got 10 swimming in your head). >> Or just DM me “INTEGRITY” [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyexcell/] on LinkedIn and I’ll send you everything directly.

Ep 34. Validate Your Coaching Business Idea in 30 Minutes (Free Guide Inside)

Are you sitting on a dozen side hustle ideas but not sure which one is worth pursuing? In this episode, I’m breaking down the “too many ideas” trap that keeps corporate women stuck in indecision - and the exact steps you can take to validate your coaching idea fast, without wasting time or building things nobody wants. We will cover : * Why clarity doesn’t come from thinking - it comes from testing * How to know if your idea is actually profitable * The 3-step method I use with clients to validate and refine their coaching offer * How to use my free AI Coaching Idea Validator to shortcut the process Download the free workbook + GPT tool here: This free resource and GPT tool will help you test your coaching idea, clarify your niche, and get real-world feedback - even if you don’t have an audience yet. [https://cindyexcell.com/coachingideavalidate/] Let’s get you out of your head and into action. >> Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyexcell/]  >> Follow me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cindyexcell/]

Ep33. From Career Plateau to Power Move: How to Pivot Without Quitting

You’ve worked hard, built a solid career, and you’re good at what you do. So why does it still feel… flat? If you’ve been thinking, > “I’m doing all the right things - but I’m just not excited anymore…” >  You might be sitting in a career plateau. In this episode, I’m getting real about: ✨ That weird in-between space where your job still looks good on paper - but doesn’t light you up anymore. ✨  Why jumping to a new job often doesn’t fix the root of the problem ✨  How starting a side coaching business helped me show up differently at work - more energised, more confident, more me ✨  How you can do it too We’re not talking about burning bridges here. We’re talking about building options.  So your next career move doesn’t have to be escape - it can be expansion.  Resource:  >> Free eBook: Validate Your Coaching Idea in 30 Minutes (With My Free GPT Validator Tool) [https://cindyexcell.com/coachingideavalidate/] >> Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyexcell/]  >> Follow me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cindyexcell/]

Ep 32. [The Rebrand] Welcome to The Career-Integrated Entrepreneur™ - A New Chapter Begins

After 19.5 years full-time corporate career in financial services… and 5 years building my online coaching business on the side… I’ve officially gone all in. And with that - comes a brand new name and a bold new direction for the podcast. Welcome to The Career-Integrated Entrepreneur™ Podcast - the rebrand of the podcast formerly known as Hustle With Heels. In this reintroduction episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of: * Why I rebranded the podcast * What career-integrated entrepreneurship really means * How I built my business with limited time and full-time responsibilities * Why job security is no longer enough - and how a side coaching business can become your real safety net * What you can expect from this new chapter of the show This next chapter is here to support you as you start mapping out your own version of career-integrated entrepreneurship. One that gives you options, stability, and a business you actually want to show up for, without compromising your performance at your 9 to 5 job. Resource:  >> Free eBook: Validate Your Coaching Idea in 30 Minutes (With My Free GPT Validator Tool) [https://cindyexcell.com/coachingideavalidate/] >> Connect with me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyexcell/]  >> Follow me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cindyexcell/]