The 9–5 Exit Plan

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with coach, speaker, and author John Salzwedel. After nearly three decades in the insurance industry, John found himself asking deeper questions about purpose, fulfillment, faith, and intentional living. That journey led him to discover that many people aren’t struggling because they lack ability—they’re struggling because they’re overwhelmed by competi...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with Jocelynn Flowers, founder and CEO of J. Flowers Marketing. Since 2016, Jocelynn has helped entrepreneurs scale their businesses through intentional marketing strategies that focus on clarity, consistency, and genuine human connection. We discuss what truly drives sustainable business growth, why relationships matter more than ever in today’s digita...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with impact investor, entrepreneur, author, and global speaker Florian Kemmerich. After spending more than two decades helping build businesses, mobilize impact capital, and advise leaders around the world, Florian discovered a powerful truth: success without purpose often leaves people feeling unfulfilled. We discuss his groundbreaking concept of “voca...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with bestselling author, entrepreneur, and leadership mentor Diane Lampe. After rising from the bottom of corporate America to executive leadership, Diane discovered that achievement alone wasn’t enough. That realization led her on a decades-long journey into personal growth, leadership development, and understanding the hidden beliefs that shape our su...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with bestselling author and Magnificence Mentor Sue Paulson. After navigating two divorces, two bankruptcies, failed businesses, a near-death experience, and two battles with cancer, Sue discovered powerful lessons about resilience, self-discovery, and personal growth. We discuss how adversity can become a catalyst for transformation, why so many people...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with financial strategist, entrepreneur, and author Jeff Kikel. After more than 25 years helping individuals and business owners build wealth, Jeff developed a powerful concept called Freedom Day—the day your investments, businesses, and passive income provide enough financial security that work becomes optional. We discuss the mindset shifts required t...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with executive coach, author, and creator of The Game of Ten®, Steve Barton. After more than four decades in business and leadership, Steve discovered that many high achievers unknowingly operate from fear, self-doubt, guilt, and shame—even when they appear successful on the outside. We discuss emotional intelligence, leadership awareness, intuitive dec...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with Life Strategist and author Bernice McDonald. Through her Tiny Brave Steps method, Bernice helps people navigate fear, loss, uncertainty, and life’s unexpected challenges by focusing on small, intentional actions that create lasting change. We discuss self-worth, resilience, overcoming the voice of “not enough,” learning to befriend fear, and how ti...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with executive leader, investor, and board director Christopher Swing. With experience spanning healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, finance, consulting, and private equity, Christopher shares the leadership principles that have helped him drive growth, innovation, and lasting success across multiple industries. We discuss leadership, investing, relati...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with franchise coach, entrepreneur, and author Adam Goldman. After realizing the limitations of traditional corporate careers, Adam dedicated his career to helping professionals transition into franchise ownership and build businesses that create freedom, wealth, and long-term success. We discuss franchising, entrepreneurship, business ownership, financ...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with entrepreneur, business coach, and Ironbrij founder Louis Swart. With more than 35 years of experience building, scaling, and selling businesses, Louis shares powerful lessons on delegation, leadership, automation, and creating a business that delivers freedom instead of burnout. We discuss why so many entrepreneurs become trapped inside their own c...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with TEDx speaker, former elite athlete, and founder of Harmonize With Life, Natalie Bouchard. Natalie shares her journey through leadership, performance, personal transformation, and the discoveries that led her to develop the Return to Center framework. We discuss self-trust, emotional resilience, internal authority, and why many high achievers still...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with men’s embodiment coach, group facilitator, and evolutionary guide Jason Lange. Jason shares his personal journey through loneliness, relationship struggles, and self-discovery, and explains why men’s work has been one of the most powerful forces in transforming his life. We discuss modern masculinity, emotional health, purpose, relationships, and t...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with real estate entrepreneur, author, and coach Mike Deaton. After losing his corporate job, Mike discovered an overlooked niche in real estate that would completely change his life: vacant land investing. We discuss land flipping, entrepreneurship, financial freedom, return on time, and why success is about much more than money. Mike also shares lesso...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with entrepreneur, author, speaker, and podcast host Jordan Mendoza. Jordan shares his journey from overcoming adversity to building a thriving personal brand that has generated millions of content views and helped countless entrepreneurs grow their businesses. We discuss social media, personal branding, resilience, AI, entrepreneurship, and the mindset...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with leadership strategist, coach, and transformation expert Carlee Wolfe. With more than 20 years of experience leading talent, culture, and organizational change at companies like Under Armour, Hyatt Hotels, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, Carlee shares practical insights on leadership, resilience, career growth, and navigating uncert...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with bestselling author, speaker, and Delay the Binge™ Podcast host Pam Dwyer. Pam shares her journey from a childhood marked by adversity to becoming a voice for resilience, healing, and personal growth. We discuss quiet depletion, emotional exhaustion, behavioral patterns, and why lasting change begins in the pause before the reaction. If you’ve ever...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with entrepreneur, author, investor, and coach Daryl Dittmer. Daryl shares lessons from a life built through hard work, discipline, personal responsibility, and the willingness to show up when it matters most. We discuss entrepreneurship, self-respect, consistency, overcoming adversity, and why success often comes down to mastering the simple habits tha...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with entrepreneur and business owner Chris McManus. After launching a landscaping company straight out of high school, Chris grew the business into a multi-seven-figure operation within seven years and became a millionaire at just 26 years old. We discuss entrepreneurship, business growth, wealth creation, leadership, and the hard lessons that come with...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with counselor, leadership consultant, and author Michael T. Brown. With more than 25 years of experience helping individuals, families, organizations, and communities overcome challenges, Michael shares powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, personal growth, and purpose. We discuss how people can break through setbacks, develop stronger mindsets,...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with entrepreneur and business builder David Sauers. As the co-founder and CEO of Royal Restrooms, David transformed an overlooked industry into a nationally recognized brand with more than 50 locations across the United States. We discuss entrepreneurship, scaling businesses, brand-building, customer experience, and how to identify opportunities that m...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with certified health coach Anthony Guastella. After overcoming numerous personal health challenges, Anthony dedicated his life to helping others improve their health and well-being. He specializes in simplifying complex wellness topics and providing practical tools people can use to create lasting change. We discuss resilience, nutrition, sleep, hormon...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with Speaker Profitability Expert Kimberly Crowe. With more than 5,000 speaking engagements worldwide, Kimberly has mastered the art of turning visibility into opportunity. She shares practical strategies for getting booked on stages and podcasts, building powerful relationships, and converting speaking opportunities into business growth. We discuss con...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with Certified Professional Coach, author, and former Google sales leader Chris Woods. Chris shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Boston to becoming a four-time global C-suite executive, and how a near-death experience at age 40 forced him to completely redefine success. We discuss fear, courage, personal growth, leadership, and the power...

In this episode of 9-5 Exit Plan, I sit down with business coach, entrepreneur, and sales expert Joe Kavanagh. With more than 35 years of experience across sales, marketing, real estate, and business ownership, Joe shares practical insights on communication, relationship building, sales psychology, and long-term business growth. We discuss why understanding people is one of the most valuable skill...