Stuck In Corporate? | Burnout, Imposter Syndrome, Purpose, Entrepreneurship, Work-Life Balance cover art

Stuck In Corporate? | Burnout, Imposter Syndrome, Purpose, Entrepreneurship, Work-Life Balance

Stuck In Corporate? | Burnout, Imposter Syndrome, Purpose, Entrepreneurship, Work-Life Balance

By: Holly Powell |Corporate Exit Coach & Entrepreneur
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About this listen

Stuck in Corporate? is the podcast for high-achieving professionals who look successful on the outside but feel trapped, burned out, and stuck in people pleasing patterns on the inside. You've climbed the ladder, checked all the boxes, sacrificed your work-life balance, and yet… something's missing. You feel chained to the cubicle, battling imposter syndrome, and unsure what to do next.

Hey, I'm Holly Powell — faith-based coach and former corporate overachiever turned freedom-builder.

After years of chasing success, working 60-80 hour weeks, and feeling empty inside, I finally found peace (and purpose) by surrendering control and letting God lead. Now, I help high-achieving professionals do the same — escape corporate burnout, stop people pleasing, and trade fear for faith and confusion for clarity.

Each week, you'll get biblical truth, real transformation stories, and practical strategies to overcome imposter syndrome and stop overthinking. We'll talk faith, identity, courage, work-life balance, and the confidence to take action — even when it's scary.

If you're ready to stop striving, break free from people pleasing, and start living with purpose — whether that's becoming a life coach, starting your own business, or finally finding what God's calling you to — this podcast will give you the courage to step out in faith and follow God's lead, one brave decision at a time. 💪

Hit play, and let's move from corporate stuck to God-led unstoppable. 🤗

Ready to break free?
🌐www.stuckincorporate.com
📩Email Me: holly@stuckincorporate.com

Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Christianity Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success Spirituality
Episodes
  • 23: Corporate Exit Strategy: Burnout Recovery and Entrepreneurship

    23: Corporate Exit Strategy: Burnout Recovery and Entrepreneurship
    Jan 20 2026
    If you've ever had a vacation ruined by a work call, or felt that Sunday night dread so heavy it felt physical, this episode is for you. Join me as I share the story of the Savannah weekend that changed everything—and walk you through the three critical things you need to understand about corporate exhaustion and how to navigate your way out of it. In this episode, we dive deep into why high-performers often wear burnout like a badge of honor, how the corporate structure keeps you trapped in the cycle, and most importantly—the exact strategies you need to recover your peace while planning your strategic exit. What You'll Learn The real cost of corporate exhaustion and why it's not a badge of honorHow to identify if you're experiencing purposeful intensity or soul-draining burnoutWhy the better you perform, the harder it becomes to step away (and how to break that cycle)Immediate recovery strategies you can implement while still in your corporate roleThe 4-phase exit strategy for leaving corporate without destroying your reputation or financial stabilityHow to separate your identity from your productivity and reclaim your sense of selfBiblical wisdom on work, rest, and following God's calling for your life Key Topics Covered Burnout recognition and recovery in high-pressure corporate environmentsWork-life balance strategies for immediate reliefEscaping corporate with a strategic, bridge-building approachFinding your purpose beyond productivity and performance metricsOvercoming imposter syndrome and the fear that wanting something different makes you weakEntrepreneurship mindset and planning your next chapterSetting boundaries that feel scary but are essential for your wellbeingFinancial planning and timeline creation for your corporate exit Featured Scripture Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens"Matthew 16:26 - On gaining the world but forfeiting your soulColossians 3:23-24 - Working heartily as unto the LordPsalm 127:2 - On rest being a gift from GodProverbs 22:1 - A good name is more desirable than great richesJeremiah 29:11 - God's plans to prosper you and give you hope Episode Highlights This episode shares a vulnerable personal story about a ruined vacation in Savannah, Georgia—the moment that crystallized how corporate exhaustion had infiltrated every area of life. From there, we explore the three-part framework for understanding and addressing burnout: what's really going on, why it's happening to you, and how to fix it both immediately and long-term. Whether you're a District Manager fielding calls on vacation, an executive who can't remember the last real day off, or anyone in between who's realized that "working from a different zip code" isn't actually a vacation—this episode gives you the permission, strategies, and roadmap to reclaim your life. Resources Mentioned Corporate Exit Strategy Call - Book an intensive strategy session to map out your specific situation, goals, and customized exit plan at stuckincorporate.com #Burnout #WorkLifeBalance #CorporateExit #Entrepreneurship #Purpose #ImpostorSyndrome #CareerTransition #ChristianPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #CorporateLife #CareerChange #ProfessionalGrowth #FaithAndWork #ExitStrategy Connect with Stuck in Corporate: Visit stuckincorporate.com to learn more and book your Corporate Exit Strategy Call. Remember: You're allowed to outgrow where you are now. You're allowed to want a different life. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is close a chapter that's finished and trust God enough to turn the page.
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    31 mins
  • 22: Escaping 30 Years Of Corporate To Find Purpose with Mark Barbaro

    22: Escaping 30 Years Of Corporate To Find Purpose with Mark Barbaro
    Jan 13 2026

    After 30 years in the same industry, Mark Barbaro found himself at a crossroads. His latest corporate role had ended after just eight months, and he had a choice to make: return to the safety and stability of corporate life, or take a leap of faith and start his own business.

    In this powerful episode, Mark shares his journey from corporate veteran to successful home improvement business owner. He opens up about the real fears he faced when starting from scratch at 56, the moment he had to choose between a corporate job offer and his month-old business, and the customer-first philosophy that helped him build a thriving company where 50% of his work now comes from referrals.

    Mark's story proves that it's never too late to bet on yourself, that your corporate experience is more transferable than you think, and that building a business is less about having it all figured out and more about taking action despite the fear.

    Whether you're wondering if you're too old to start over, afraid to leave a stable paycheck, or questioning whether you have what it takes, Mark's honest and practical insights will show you that escaping corporate is not only possible—it's doable.

    About Our Guest:

    Mark Barbaro spent over 30 years in corporate America working in the building materials and home improvement industry. After his last corporate role ended after just eight months, Mark made the courageous decision at 56 years old to start his own home improvement and handyman business rather than returning to the safety of corporate life.

    Today, Mark serves customers throughout his community, helping homeowners with everything from simple handyman tasks to full bathroom remodels. His business has grown organically through exceptional customer service, with 50% of his work now coming from referrals and repeat customers.

    Mark's approach is simple: put the customer first, figure out how to say yes, and build trust one project at a time. He's proof that it's never too late to bet on yourself and build something meaningful.

    CONNECT WITH MARK:

    📧 Email: saltyheronhi@gmail.com

    📞 Phone: 1-732-371-1920

    🌐Linked In: Mark Barbaro | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-barbaro-32495b6/

    🔨 Thumbtack: Salty Heron Handyman

    READY TO CREATE YOUR OWN CORPORATE EXIT STRATEGY?

    You know, I remember sitting in my car in that corporate parking lot, listening to podcasts just like this one, thinking "I wish that could be me." But here's the thing I didn't realize then: wishing doesn't build a bridge from where you are to where you want to be. A plan does.

    Maybe you're listening to this right now on your commute, or during your lunch break, or late at night when everyone else is asleep and you're finally alone with your thoughts. And maybe you're thinking, "I want out, but I have no idea where to even start."

    That's exactly where the Corporate Exit Strategy Call comes in. It's not about me selling you anything. It's about you finally getting clear on what YOUR path forward actually looks like. What if, six months from now, you could look back at today as the moment everything shifted? Not because something magical happened, but because you finally stopped waiting and started planning.

    📅 BOOK YOUR CORPORATE EXIT STRATEGY CALL: www.stuckincorporate.com

    Your future self is waiting for you to take that first step

    STAY CONNECTED

    📧 Join the Stuck in Corporate? Community and get weekly tips on escaping the 9-to-5: Click Here

    🎙️ Love this episode? Follow Stuck in Corporate? on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review! Your reviews help other corporate professionals find the courage to make their own escape.
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • 21: Corporate to Entrepreneur: The Truth About Transition

    21: Corporate to Entrepreneur: The Truth About Transition
    Jan 6 2026
    What really happens when you leave corporate after 20 years to become an entrepreneur? In this raw and honest episode, I'm sharing the whole truth—the excitement of the beginning, the breakdown in the middle, and the slow rebuild that changed everything. If you've ever read those "I replaced my six-figure salary in 12 months" stories and wondered why your journey doesn't look like that, this episode is for you. I'm pulling back the curtain on what first-time entrepreneurship actually looks like, including the parts nobody talks about. You'll hear about: The honeymoon phase of leaving corporate and why it doesn't lastThe unrealistic expectations I set for myself (and why they almost destroyed me)The breakdown that made me question everythingHow Romans 12:2 became my turning pointWhy entrepreneurship isn't for everyone—and that's okayThe truth about building a business when money isn't your motivatorWhy this is still the most gratifying work I've ever done This isn't about discouraging you from entrepreneurship. It's about painting a realistic picture so you can make an informed decision about your own path. If you're in corporate and feeling stuck, let's talk. Book a free strategy call at stuckincorporate.com or book here: Calendly to explore what your exit could look like. Key Takeaways ✅ Your entrepreneurial journey won't look like anyone else's—stop comparing, start trusting ✅ It's going to be 10x harder than you think (mentally and physically)—and that's okay ✅ You're learning everything for the first time—give yourself grace ✅ If money is your only goal, you won't make it through the hard seasons ✅ When you serve people genuinely, the work becomes gratifying in ways money never could ✅ Renew your mind daily—don't conform to the world's timeline or definition of success Scripture References Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."Proverbs 16:9 - "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Resources Mentioned 📞 Book a Free Strategy Call: stuckincorporate.com 💌 Join My Email List: Get weekly encouragement, practical tips, and strategies for your corporate exit journey. Sign up at stuckincorporate.com and receive my free guide: "From Corporate To Calling: Clarity Guide" Connect With Me 🌐 Website: stuckincorporate.com 📧 Email: holly@stuckincorporate.com 📱 LinkedIn: Holly Powell | LinkedIn About This Podcast Stuck in Corporate is for high-achievers who are tired of playing it safe in their corporate jobs and ready to step into their God-given calling. Each week, we talk about faith, strategy, and the real journey of transitioning from employee to entrepreneur. Next Steps If this episode resonated with you: Share it with someone who needs to hear this messageLeave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps other corporate professionals find the showBook a call at stuckincorporate.com to talk about your exit strategyJoin the email list at stuckincorporate.com for weekly encouragement
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
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