The Corporate Escapee

In this special episode, Brett flips the mic and joins John Browning on the Building Your Life Podcast. They dive deep into what it really means to escape corporate life and build something better—on your terms. Brett shares: • His journey from 25 years in corporate to solo consulting and fractional work • Why GenX is waking up to the reality that corporate won’t take care of them • How he found his first customers (and how you can too) • The rise of solo businesses—and why GenX is perfectly positioned to thrive • A powerful mindset shift: It’s not a tightrope 75 feet off the ground… it’s just 16 inches • The BAM Framework: Belief. Action. Momentum. • And why chasing time and experiences is the new chasing titles Whether you’re still in corporate, recently laid off, or already solo, this episode will get you fired up to take action—and find your path to freedom. Connect with John Browning: 🔗 Website: https://www.guardianrockwealth.com 🎙️ Podcast: Building Your Life Podcast [https://www.guardianrockwealth.com/podcast] 📧 Email: info@guardianrockwealth.com Resources Mentioned: • Take the GBL Happiness Scorecard: Get Busy Living Quiz [https://brett-rbneey1i.scoreapp.com] • Join Escapee Plus for $20/month: Join Here [https://escapee-collective.circle.so/checkout/escapee-plus-subscriptions] • Follow Brett: Linktree [https://linktr.ee/bretttrainor]

She’s back for part two! Shelley McIntyre returns to break down the exact framework she uses to help burned-out GenX professionals escape corporate life—without hitting rock bottom first. If part one was about why we escape, this one is about how to do it—mentally, emotionally, and tactically. We cover: • Why grief is a part of every transition (yes, even the good ones) • How to rediscover your identity after decades in corporate • The key mindset shift GenXers must make to take action before it’s too late • A practical coaching framework for reclaiming your life • The power of “micro experiments” and how to take action before you’re ready • Why curiosity isn’t a personality trait—it’s a muscle you can rebuild • How to perform your way into a more fulfilling future Shelley’s unique approach combines compassion with clarity—and if you’ve been stuck in analysis paralysis, this episode is your permission slip to move. 🎁 BONUS: Shelley is offering 10 FREE discovery calls to podcast listeners. DM her on LinkedIn to claim one: Shelley’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-mcintyre] ⸻ 🔗 Links & Resources: • Shelley’s Website: shelleymcintyre.com [https://shelleymcintyre.com/] • Shelley on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shelley-mcintyre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-mcintyre] • Download the Escapee Starter Kit: bit.ly/escapee-starterkit [https://bit.ly/escapee-starterkit] • Join the Escapee Collective Plus: escapee-collective.circle.so [https://escapee-collective.circle.so/]

Joe McKay left a government job in Australia to raise his family in rural France—and stumbled into the solopreneur life along the way. In this episode, Joe shares how one consulting gig turned into a thriving ghostwriting business and agency, all built on the back of his personal brand on LinkedIn. We talk about: • The “fork in the road” moment that launched his corporate escape • Why solopreneurship gave him a taste of freedom he couldn’t un-taste • The mindset shift from resume-building to brand-building • How to optimize your LinkedIn profile for connection—not just credibility • His “Lurker Strategy” that turns profile views into potential clients • Why FOPO (Fear of Other People’s Opinions) is real—and how to beat it • Why the 1:1:1 model (1 Problem, 1 Person, 1 Offer) works best when you’re starting If you’re on the fence about escaping corporate—or building something on the side—this episode is packed with real talk and proven tactics. Links Mentioned: • Joe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemckay/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemckay/] • Solo Success School Playbook: joemckay.info [https://joemckay.info] • Join the Escapee Collective: https://escapee-collective.circle.so [https://escapee-collective.circle.so]

This isn’t a future-of-work episode. It’s a how-to-work-differently episode. Paul Shirley returns for his third appearance on the show—and this time, we go deep. We’re talking focus, structure, guilt, failure, personal infrastructure, and why GenX escapees need systems more than strategies. If you’ve ever felt like: • You “should be able to do more” but can’t quite get there… • You’ve got time now, but not the energy or structure to use it… • You miss having a rhythm but hate the idea of being back in a box… Then this episode is your reset. What we cover: • How Paul’s focus system helped me become 100x more effective • Why 15 minutes of deep work beats 2 hours of chaos • The science (and myth) behind your tired brain • Guilt, failure, and why most productivity advice is toxic • How rituals become your “Turbo button” for meaningful work • The connection between food, flow, and freedom • How to plan your days so you don’t burn out—or break down This one isn’t about getting more done. It’s about getting the right things done—and feeling good doing it. ⸻ 📍 Denver Escapees — Listen Up: If you’re anywhere near Denver, go visit The Process [https://theprocess.work]—Paul’s workspace for focused humans. Not a coworking space. Not a cafe. This is structured productivity, in community. Absolute game changer. ⸻ 📚 Paul’s Books: • The Art of Focused Work (2025) [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1GF97M1] – A must-read manual for modern cognitive athletes • The Process Is the Product (2020) [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LQFZ6QX] – The original that started it all ⸻ Connect with Paul: • theprocess.work [https://theprocess.work] • Instagram @theprocesswork [https://www.instagram.com/theprocesswork] ⸻ 🎧 Hosted by Brett Trainor Helping GenX Escape Corporate and Get Busy Living • Newsletter + Free Starter Kit → linktr.ee/bretttrainor [https://linktr.ee/bretttrainor] • Join The Escapee Collective →https://escapee-collective.circle.so/checkout/escapee-plus-subscriptions [https://escapee-collective.circle.so/checkout/escapee-plus-subscriptions]

Feeling stuck between your 6-figure corporate salary and the dream of going solo? You’re not alone—and the fear is real. But the risk? It’s not as big as you think. In this Cliff Notes solo episode, Brett breaks down “The Salary Gap Illusion”—why so many GenXers stay stuck in jobs they’ve outgrown, and how to start building your bridge to freedom today. 🎯 In this episode: • Why the fear of replacing your salary keeps you stuck • The real risk of staying in corporate • The 3 post-corporate paths: Go Big, Replace Income with Time, or Lifestyle First • Why you don’t have to pick just one (and how Brett moved between all three) • 5 steps to get started before you quit your job • The BAM framework: Belief, Action, Momentum 📥 Mentioned in this episode: • Free Escapee Starter Kit • Join The Escapee Collective – Founders Rate Ends Soon 🎧 Whether you’re still in corporate or already on the escape path, this episode gives you a clear, simple starting point—and the mindset shift you need to take the next step.