Why I Left

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 importance of community and c...

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 uplift women through a...

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 pandemic and the racial re...

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 atmosphere.

Leah boldly confr...

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 the future of work and ...

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 to leave Nike and start...

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 the mission of Power to...

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 the importance of having ...

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 positively. 

Takeaways

• Finding...

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.

Brace yourself for...

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 stuck or discouraged in the...

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 unparalleled challenges pose...

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 this moment that her pri...

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 corporate job, a journey dot...

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 decisions that put stud...

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 to businesses.

Le-an&apo...

Brian Aquart sits down with Shara Hutchinson, the CEO of Xposeyour. Shara shares her powerful journey from a tumultuous childhood to building a successful career and finding her true purpose.

As a former foster child, Shara's life wasn't always easy. However, she managed to turn her adversities into opportunities and became passionate about helping others do the same. With a background in change management, Shara believes...

Brian Aquart sits down with Yasmeen Hassan, an Emmy award-winning news anchor and co-founder of HCue Consulting, to discuss her decision to leave the media industry after 15 years. Yasmeen shares her journey from Cairo, Egypt to the United States and her experiences working in media, both behind the scenes and as an on-air anchor. Despite the glamour and excitement of being involved in major events and telling people's stories...

Brian Aquart sits down with Todd Quinones, a passionate former TV news anchor who has transitioned to a new chapter in his life. Todd shares his inspiring journey, highlighting the importance of giving a voice to underrepresented individuals and finding fulfillment in propelling others toward success. 

Throughout his career, Todd dedicated himself to broadcast journalism and storytelling. He enjoyed being in the spotlight and shari...