Latest Episodes
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86: Winning With Brand Partnerships – Nathaniel Cooke
Listen nowDiscover the career evolution of Nathaniel Cooke, a partnership strategist with an impressive background in sports management, branding, and business development. In this episode of “Why I Left,” host Brian Aquart delves into Nathaniel’s journey from journalism to the NBA, pivotal roles at Rucker Park, and his innovative work with USA Flag. Learn valuable insights on leadership, the art of negotiation, and actionable advice for breaking into the competitive world of sports partnerships. Whether you’re passionate about sports or looking for practical career advice, this episode delivers inspiring lessons on growth and resilience.
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85: Courageous Quitting – Coonoor Behal
Listen nowBrian Aquart sits down with Coonoor Behal—innovation strategist, founder of Mindhatch, and author of “I Quit: The Life Affirming Joy of Giving Up”—to challenge the stigma around quitting. Discover fresh insights on why leaving jobs, projects, or even big life paths isn’t failure, but often a courageous, empowering step toward more authentic fulfillment. From blending design thinking and improv to stories of real people who found joy in intentional endings, this episode offers expert wisdom and actionable advice for anyone contemplating a major change.
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84: Embracing Opportunity & Change – Cynthia Pong
Listen nowIn this inspiring episode of Why I Left, host Brian Aquart sits down with Cynthia Pong—award-winning executive coach, author, and founder of Embrace Change—to explore her profound journey from public defender to champion for women of color in leadership. Cynthia shares wisdom on navigating purposeful career pivots, overcoming burnout, and building equitable workplaces. Discover practical advice, the story behind her book Don’t Stay in Your Lane, and how her innovative leadership accelerator is transforming lives. If you’re seeking motivation to embrace change and claim your space, this episode is not to be missed!
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83: Faithfully Navigating Money & Ambition – Judy Weber
Listen nowDiscover how Judy Weber, a former trial lawyer and corporate executive, transformed her career to become a leading Christian business coach for entrepreneurial women. In this compelling episode of “Why I Left,” Judy shares her courageous decision to step away from a toxic workplace, her journey of integrating faith and ambition, and the strategies behind her Joyful Scaling Method. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, actionable business advice, or tips on balancing faith with financial success, this episode will empower you to pursue your boldest goals with purpose, clarity, and confidence.
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82: Entrepreneurship Under Pressure – Michael Dermer
Listen nowIn this episode of “Why I Left,” host Brian Aquart dives deep with Michael Dermer, the visionary founder of The Lonely Entrepreneur. Michael shares his entrepreneurial journey, from creating the first U.S. company to reward healthy behaviors to founding a platform that supports over a million entrepreneurs globally. Learn how he transformed adversity into a mission to empower diverse communities, and discover the tools that help individuals turn their passions into thriving businesses.
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81: Courage To Walk Away – Rachel Franco
Listen nowIn this episode of Why I Left, join host Brian Aquart as he delves into the inspiring journey of Rachel Franco, a dynamic leader in learning and organizational development. Discover how Rachel transitioned from a toxic work environment without a safety net to charting her own path of fulfillment. Through courage, resilience, and strategic career moves, Rachel navigates the complexities of organizational culture to foster innovation and effectiveness. Listen in for insights on leaving challenging situations and embracing change for personal growth.