Why I Left
We don’t talk about resignations enough! In the throes of the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, a seismic shift occurred in workplaces worldwide. 1 in 4 people decided to embark on a journey of profound change, leaving their jobs behind. The catalyst for this mass exodus led to the birth of Why I Left, a podcast that chronicles real stories from real people about why they left their jobs and insights from the lessons they learned. At the epicenter of the Great Resignation, we unearth the untold stories, the whispers of uncertainty, and the bold decisions that defined a generation. While our roots are entwined with the resignations spurred by the pandemic, our narrative goes beyond that moment in time. Why I Left is an evolving chronicle inviting you to explore the most impactful career moves of individuals, whenever they may have occurred. Join host, Brian Aquart, on a journey through tales of triumph, resilience, and self-discovery. Each episode is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth, showcasing the beauty of self-actualization amid the challenges of the professional landscape. Why I Left isn’t just a podcast; it’s a sanctuary for those yearning for empowerment and inspiration. Whether you’re navigating the echoes of the pandemic or embarking on your own journey, our stories are here to guide you. The mic is yours, the stories are real, and the possibilities are endless. Embark on a listening experience that goes beyond the resignation letter – join us and discover the transformative power of career choices!
Episodes
From a seasoned industrial engineer to a dynamic management consultant, Ali Alper Celtek shares the pivotal moments and profound insights that motivated him to pursue his passion beyond the conventional corporate world. Discover how he embraced challenges and harnessed his unique strengths in multitasking and systems analysis to redefine success on his terms.
Whether you are contemplating a career shift or se...
Join Brian Aquart as he explores Dr. Sugi Subawickrama’s inspiring journey from a high-paying job to embracing her true passion in mental health and coaching. In this episode, Dr. Sugi shares insights on overcoming cultural stigmas, building resilience, and finding hope after personal and professional challenges. Discover how she empowers others through her speaking engagements, YouTube channel, and consultin...
Discover how to amplify your personal brand and thrive on LinkedIn with marketing maven Rachel B. Lee. Rachel's journey from corporate brand manager to entrepreneurial luminary offers a roadmap for creating authentic connections and becoming a standout authority in your industry. Delve into her refreshing approach to personal branding, relationship building, and leveraging LinkedIn for organic engagement...
In this insightful episode, Lauren Weber of The Wall Street Journal joins host Brian Aquart to unravel the complexities of the modern workforce. Delve into a nuanced discussion on the pros and cons of gig jobs, the rising demand for sustainable work without a college degree, and the evolution of the workplace in light of AI and labor shortages. Unearth the challenges chief diversity officers face, the transfo...
Antonio Neves, a world-renowned speaker, author, and coach, shares his journey from a career in media to empowering individuals and organizations to reach their true potential. He discusses the impact of the pandemic on personal and professional growth, the power of storytelling in coaching, and the key principles from his book 'Stop Living on Autopilot'.
Antonio also highlights the import...
In a riveting episode of Why I Left, Sandra Hunter reveals why she abandoned her academic career to combat systemic bias and support women of color. Founding the Stealth Auntie Network and Wild Women Leaders of Color, she's transforming the landscape for mentorship and career progression. Delve into Sandra's personal evolution during the pandemic, her fight against discrimination, and her mission to...
Brian Aquart welcomes Ashley Morgan, Founder & CEO of Whip It Goods Skincare to share her journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship. Her LinkedIn post about her exit was a viral moment that caught the eyes of many for its authenticity. Ashley discusses the challenges she faced as a black woman in the tech industry and the toll it took on her mental health. She also explains how the COVID-19 pan...
Brian Aquart sits down with Leah Phifer, former Homeland Security and FBI member, to probe the crisis rocking the modern workplace. Leah shares her gripping journey from public service to founding "Why Work," her employee engagement consultancy. Discover how Lego Serious Play revitalizes company-employee communication, and why understanding the hand-mind connection is vital for a thriving work atmos...
Brian Aquart welcomes Aoife O'Brien, Founder of Happier at Work, who shares her journey of leaving corporate and starting her own business.
She discusses the Happier at Work framework, which focuses on values alignment, needs satisfaction, and strengths utilization. Aoife emphasizes the importance of putting people first in the workplace and creating a positive work culture. She also discusses ...
Jarvis Sam, founder of The Rainbow Disruption and former head of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Nike, discusses his career journey and the importance of creating inclusive cultures. He shares pivotal moments in his career, including working with athletes and sports leagues to drive change. Jarvis also talks about the impact of COVID-19 on his job and work-life balance.
He explains his decision ...
Brian Aquart chats with Kat Weaver, founder of Power to Pitch, who shares her inspiring journey from accidental entrepreneur to securing 22 out of 23 pitch competitions, revealing essential elements for entrepreneurial success. She discusses the impact of the pandemic on her business and how she pivoted to meet new demands. Kat also talks about her decision to exit her previous company, Locker Lifestyle, and ...
Brian Aquart sits down with Judy Jackson to discuss the importance of authenticity, caring, and gratitude in the workplace. She shares her experiences in HR and highlights the challenges of the role. Judy emphasizes the value of expressing gratitude and the positive impact it can have on individuals and organizations.
She also provides advice for those navigating career transitions and emphasizes th...
Chase Tucker, a former Peloton instructor, shares his journey of finding clarity and pursuing his passion. He discusses his upbringing, career pivot, and the impact of the pandemic on his work.
Chase emphasizes the importance of discipline and self-control in achieving personal and professional goals. Since leaving Peloton, he has been building a business and aims to impact a billion lives positivel...
Dive into the heart-pounding drama, raw emotions, and jaw-dropping revelations as Why I Left launches Season 3!
Join host, Brian Aquart, as we journey through the untold stories of real people who dared to defy convention and follow their dreams.
From corporate giants to trailblazing entrepreneurs, no stone is left unturned in this riveting exploration of the modern workplace landscape.
...
Brian Aquart sits down with Alicia D. Reece, an executive coach and author, who shares her career journey and the inspiration behind her book, Driven to Thrive.
She discusses strategies for career growth, building authentic connections, and harmonizing personal and professional responsibilities. Alicia emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and shares advice for those feeling stuc...
Brian Aquart chats with Mark Scott, an influential sports agent and the founder of Crown Madison.
Delve into an enthralling conversation that explores the depths of athlete representation, career development, and the transformative journey that led Mark to blaze new trails within the sports industry. Discover the passion and resilience that guided Mark's decisions, particularly during the unpar...
Brian Aquart sits down with Anna Burgess Yang, who went from Fintech corporate executive to creative freelancer.
At the peak of her career, Anna realized something crucial was amiss — personal fulfillment and operational influence. After a 15-year hustle, the pandemonium of the pandemic presented Anna with unique challenges — working remotely while balancing her role as a mother of three. It was in t...
Brian Aquart sits down with Billy Keels. Billy left his high-salary corporate sales job to embark on a path of entrepreneurship and shares his journey from the grind of sales to creating financial independence and becoming invested in real assets through his company, First Generation Capital Partners.
Billy enlightens listeners about the difficult transition to entrepreneurship from the safety net of a corpo...
Brian Aquart sits down with Joy White, a multifaceted powerhouse balancing law, coaching, filmmaking and mental health advocacy. The heart of our discussion centers around Joy's experience at the frontlines of the pandemic, managing her role as General Counsel at Morehouse College.
The pandemic did not spare higher education; her leadership was tested as ever-changing CDC guidelines influenced ...
Brian Aquart sits down with Le-an Lai Lacaba, the co-founder of 2xYou—an outsourcing company specializing in executive assistants.
Le-an is an expert in the world of remote work and passionately advocates for the future of flexible work arrangements. Together, they delve into the power of building the right team during the COVID-19 pandemic and the immense value that virtual assistants (VAs) bring t...
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