#126 Deb Boulanger Insights: From Corporate Success to Entrepreneurial Success

Stepping away from the corporate world into entrepreneurship isn't just about changing careers, it's about transforming your identity, mindset, and relationship with work. In this candid conversation with Deb Boulanger, CEO of Life After Corporate, we explore the often challenging but deeply rewarding journey that high-achieving women navigate when launching their own businesses.Deb shares her personal transition story, from teaching to corporate leadership to founding her own company, revealing that the entrepreneurial path proved more difficult than anticipated. She explains how the identity shift from having preset calendars and clear expectations to designing your own business requires mastering not just strategy, but your internal dialogue. We dig into the psychological barriers that hold women back—particularly around pricing and self-worth—uncovering the startling reality that women entrepreneurs earn just 30 cents to the dollar compared to their male counterparts.Financial considerations take center stage as Deb recommends having at least a year's cushion before making the leap, while noting that expenses typically decrease after leaving corporate life. For women caught between staying in corporate or launching a business, she emphasizes the importance of making a clear decision rather than vacillating, as "the universe can't deliver on a split desire."The conversation moves beyond the misleading image of entrepreneurship portrayed on social media to address practical matters like work-life "blend," the critical importance of networking, and how to approach business development. Deb's advice culminates in encouraging women to trust their intuition, what she calls "the niggle" and to price based on the transformation they deliver rather than trying to be merely affordable.Whether you're contemplating leaving corporate, have recently been laid off, or are already building your business, this episode offers honest insights to help you navigate your journey with greater confidence and clarity. Ready to be bolder in your career? This conversation will show you how.See the full library of Women in Business and Tech Career podcastsDeb Boulanger's Career Tips for Women TranscriptThe 2B Bolder Podcast provides first-hand access to some amazing women. Guests will include women from leading enterprise companies to startups, women execs, coders, account execs, engineers, doctors, and innovators.