Life After Corporate

Are you ready to redefine your life in your third act and infuse it with passion and purpose?

Join us in this riveting episode of Life After Corporate as Debra Boulanger welcomes Diana Place, who embarks on a deeply personal journey of reinvention post-corporate life. They explore the significance of community in navigating this transition and how redefining ones ventures with deep personal alignment can set a thriving course into your third act. Diana shares her inspiring tale of how a major life event propelled her to pivot from an accomplished corporate leadership role to an entrepreneurial pursuit that aligns seamlessly with her passions.

This episode will challenge you to delve deeper, tune into those pivotal moments, and craft an impactful third act on your own terms.

[:001 - 07:30] From Corporate Leadership to Entrepreneurship

• Diana reflects on her time at AOL and the internal shift that signaled her departure.

• After embracing motherhood at 41, Diana sought a lifestyle accommodating her family values.

• She recalls the excitement and challenge of leaving a corporate safety net for a clean slate.

• The importance of aligning work with meaningful, personal imperatives becomes evident.

[07:31- 15:35] The Catalyst for Change: Embracing Life's Lightning Strikes

• Discover how a health scare prompted profound reflection and reevaluation of priorities.

• Diana identifies the significance of lightning strike moments that catalyze life transformations.

• The conversation moves to the power of community in embracing and navigating transitions.

• Diana details the birth of Third Act Quest following her personal health journey.

[15:36- 22:47] Building Community: Connection as a Cornerstone

• Learn about the origins and evolution of the 333 Collective and its foundational community role.

• How storytelling events and connection circles laid the groundwork for 333 Collective.

• The journey from Zoom gatherings to an involved network and the need for connection beyond work.

• Diana emphasizes the distinction between fragmented online communities and genuine engagement.

[22:48 - 42:53]Looking Forward: Expansion and Future Plans

• Diana shares exciting plans for in-person gatherings and regional ambassador roles in 2025.

• The introduction of a video series capturing diverse third act stories to inspire a wider audience.

• She discusses how travel and storytelling intertwine to fulfill her passion and expand the community.

• Diana closes with an empowering vision for the collective: writing one's own vibrant third act.

Connect with Diana Place

Website: https://www.thirdactquest.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dianadunbarplace

Instagram: @thirdactquest

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCATbNxGoJ_uGy-5ixZ5_XbA/

Ready to turn insights into action? Dont just listenjoin 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

210. The Upside of Community: How Erin Halper Empowers Independent Consultants

209. From Corporate to Community Architect: Cate Luzio on Designing Luminarys Unique Network

208. Building Belonging: How Life After Corporate is Creating a Home for Women Entrepreneurs

206. Why Email Marketing Is Still the Holy Grail for Business Growth

Tweetable Quotes:

"The pandemic offered a collective disruption, making people rethink their lives. Cracking open introspection and questioning who we are and how we work are keystones to truly meaningful reinvention." Diana Place on how the Pandemic affected her business

"I left a ten-year career because I realized what I was doing wasn't meaningful to my heart. I wanted to make an impact, to find work that resonated with my values. That's a crucial realization everyone should have." Diana Place on finding her true self

**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 .

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 .

Are you searching for a supportive community to help you flourish after leaving the corporate world? 

In this solo episode, host Deb Boulanger uncovers why communities are vital for both aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs aiming to grow beyond initial hurdles. Whether you’re tackling the complexities of scaling or craving real connections in a virtual world, discover how the right environment can fuel your momentum and keep you accountable. You’ll learn about diverse models—from local gatherings to online membership platforms—and how they empower members to share knowledge, spark collaboration, and generate lasting success. 

What could be possible if you found a community that truly champions your vision?

 [00:05- 07:14]  Community Beginnings

• Emphasizing the importance of finding like-minded individuals when leaving a corporate role  

• Highlighting the lack of clear guidance and established roadmaps for new entrepreneurs  

• Recognizing the challenge of losing a former professional identity and stepping into a new one  

• Underscoring the impact of having supportive allies and accessible meeting spaces  

[07:15 -13:49] Embracing Scalable Solutions  

• Realizing the complexity of scaling, including team management and system development  

• Confronting the emotional and professional shifts from beginner to established entrepreneur  

• Acknowledging the transformative effect of in-person events and the outcomes they produce  

• Deciding it is time to create a dedicated space that addresses these middle-phase challenges  

[13:50 - 18:25]   Building a Space for Growth  

• Offering a new community for professionals who want both advanced discussions and accessibility  

• Emphasizing that it isn’t just for beginners; it’s a platform for scaling, pivoting, or starting fresh  

• Fostering collaboration among subject-matter experts in various fields  

• Committing to an ecosystem where members challenge and elevate each other 

[18:26 - 24:19] Introducing a New Series

• Announcing a series of interviews focused on different community-building approaches  

• Showcasing various models for successful communities, including both free and paid structures  

• Encouraging listeners to learn from diverse voices shaping how people gather and support each other  

• Providing a welcoming invitation to join and engage in a dedicated community platform  

Connect with Deb Boulanger

Website: https://www.LifeAfterCorporate 

LinkedIn: debboulanger-thegreatdo-over

Podcast: https://pod.link/1500631278

 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

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

168.  The Chris Voss Method for Closing the Deal!

163.  Joyce Marter's Financial Mindset Fix: The Key to Unlocking Your True Abundance!

  87.  Secrets of Great Copywriting with Julie Cabezas

Tweetable Quotes:

"We have to be willing to go places that we haven't gone before. Try strategies we haven't tried before."...Deb Boulanger on The Entrepreneur Journey

"A successful community isn't about the host; it's about collaboration, contribution, and connection."...Deb Boulanger on The importance of Support

**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 .

Are you convinced the market is too crowded to gain traction with your expertise? 

In this “Life After Corporate” episode, host Deb Boulanger talks with LinkedIn thought leader Ellen Melko Moore, who reveals her approach to “niching up” and creating a distinctive message that magnetizes high-paying clients. Using her trademark “Bitch Slap of Truth,” Ellen challenges conventional thinking by urging entrepreneurs to specialize more precisely, offer genuine value, and transform standard outreach into genuine industry leadership. Discover how a targeted audience, a precise problem statement, and an unmistakable message can open vast new opportunities. 

Will you claim your own specialized territory and seize the chance to multiply your revenue?

 [00:05- 12:07]  Introducing “Niching Up” and the “Bitch Slap of Truth”

• “Niching up” is presented as a paradoxical approach to finding a more lucrative, specialized audience.

• The “Bitch Slap of Truth” is a bold messaging strategy that confronts an audience’s core assumptions.

• You need expert service providers to narrow your focus rather than attempting to serve everyone.

• Clarification that refining your audience and message leads to higher-quality engagement and fees.

[12:08 -22:10]  The Holy Trinity of Branding

• Breakdown of the three essential elements: target client, problem solved, and solution articulation.

• Demonstration that effective brand messaging must challenge prevailing assumptions in the marketplace.

• Importance of using straightforward, memorable language to capture a potential client’s attention.

• Reminder that stepping into a specialized market can elevate credibility and allow for premium pricing

[22:11 - 33:15]   Crafting the Perfect Bitch Slap of Truth Message

• The “Bitch Slap of Truth” as a direct challenge to the audience’s most common misconceptions.

• How a fresh and even provocative idea (e.g., “abs are made in the kitchen”) quickly differentiates an expert.

• Reinforcement that prospective clients must see the immediate cost of doing things the old way.

• Caution against overused buzzwords; messages should offer genuinely new perspectives.

[33:16 - 45:12]  Leveraging LinkedIn for Authority

• Viewing a personal LinkedIn profile not as a résumé but as a dynamic testing ground for new messaging.

• Tips on highlighting useful content rather than merely listing credentials.

• Assurance that frequent profile tweaks and updates go largely unnoticed by others and allow for experimentation.

• Reminder that most content on LinkedIn is bland, so innovative “bitch slap” messaging stands out.

Connect with Ellen 

Website: www.supertightlinkedin.com

LinkedIn: [email protected] 

Get Your Free Bitch Slap Worksheet:                                                                                                            https://supertight-brand.aweb.page/p/a88c83ff-c0ea-4eb7-ad4f-53415ab42763

Interested in finding out more about THE DAMES:                                            ? https://www.thedames.co/a/2147547759/oeAQjtj3

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

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

168.  The Chris Voss Method for Closing the Deal!

163.  Joyce Marter's Financial Mindset Fix: The Key to Unlocking Your True Abundance!

  87.  Secrets of Great Copywriting with Julie Cabezas

Tweetable Quotes:

I think if you stop worrying about who you're ruling out and you obsess over who you're gonna rule in, you will find you get there very quickly." …  Ellen Melko Moore on "Niche Marketing vs. Broad Appeal"

"What we found out is Innovation Labs have to constantly be pitching to their own corporate entities to get more money to invest into the projects they're working on. So she became an Innovative Labs pitch specialist."...Ellen Melko Moore on Becoming an Innovation Labs Pitch Specialist"

**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 .