Latest Episodes
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99: Leadership, Presence, and the Cost of Disconnection – Tracy Brower
Listen nowLoneliness at work is rising, and it is not just a personal issue. It is a leadership design issue.
In this episode, Dr. Tracy Brower returns to unpack the growing disconnection inside modern organizations. We explore the difference between visibility and true presence, why consistency builds more trust than charisma, and how culture is often defined by the worst behavior it tolerates.
If you lead people, this conversation will challenge how you think about productivity, belonging, and the responsibility to design connection intentionally.
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98: The Jolts That Reshape Work and Identity – Anthony Klotz
Listen nowMost people think quitting is the story. It isn’t.
In this Season 5 premiere of Why I Left, organizational psychologist Anthony Klotz returns to explain what really drives career change. Five years after coining “The Great Resignation,” Klotz introduces the concept of jolts. Sudden moments that disrupt how we see our work, our identity, and our willingness to stay the same. This episode explores why people leave stability, why many stay when they want to go, and how these jolts are shaping the future of work.
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Trailer: Why I Left Season 5 – Choosing What Matters
Listen nowWatch the official Season 5 trailer of Why I Left as the show celebrates reaching 100 episodes. Watch the official Season 5 trailer of Why I Left as the show reaches 100 episodes. Executive pivots, burnout, reinvention, and the courage to choose differently.
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97: I Did It My Way – Craig the Barber
Listen nowIn the Season 4 finale of “Why I Left,” host Brian Aquart sits down with Craig Whitely, better known as Craig the Barber, for an inspiring conversation about leaving a successful career in finance to pursue his true passion: barbering. Discover how Craig built Burke Avenue, a game-changing men’s grooming brand, and learn pivotal lessons on reinvention, entrepreneurship, and the importance of following your purpose. If you’ve ever considered making a major career pivot or want to know the real story behind breaking into a competitive industry, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.
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96: Igniting Leaders – Jordana Cole
Listen nowJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Jordana Cole, founder of Ignited LLC, as she shares her journey from a thriving corporate career to empowering leaders and redefining leadership. In this episode of Why I Left, host Brian Aquart dives into Jordana’s bold career transformation, her strategies for igniting potential in others, and her upcoming book for impactful leadership. Discover actionable insights about taking intentional steps, overcoming career burnout, and building a purpose-driven life and business.
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95: Trust, Trauma & Leadership – Lori Eberly
Listen nowIn this transformative episode of “Why I Left,” Lori Eberly, founder of Radius Executive Coaching and Development and co-author of “Fuckery,” joins host Brian Aquart to tackle the unspoken grief that comes with major career transitions. Drawing from her deep experience in hospice social work and leadership development, Lori reveals the profound lessons about trust, presence, and emotional intelligence that help individuals and teams not just survive, but thrive, amid change. Tune in to hear actionable insights, candid conversation, and powerful advice for anyone navigating their next career step or organizational challenge.