Ashley Returns: Two Years Into the Escape — What Worked, What Didn’t, What’s Next

Ashley Evenson returns for her third appearance on The Corporate Escapee Podcast — and this time it’s a real update from the field. Two years into her escape, she breaks down what actually helped her land fractional work, what surprised her, and the biggest mistake most new escapees make once they get busy. This is a practical conversation about network-first business development, creating momentum without feeling “salesy,” and why the long game matters more than the perfect plan. What you’ll learn • How Ashley landed her first fractional roles through her existing network • Why “pick your brain” beats cold outreach for most escapees • The content → connection flywheel: using LinkedIn engagement to reopen relationships • What fractional work can feel like behind the scenes (and why it can get lonely) • How Ashley uses frameworks + a single grounding slide to lead discovery conversations • Why you must keep “breadcrumbing” even when client work gets busy • The reality of income volatility — and how to reduce the “oh crap” moments • Portfolio career thinking: experimenting with speaking, books, and new revenue streams • A fun (and honest) AI/TikTok viral experiment — and what it taught her about unit economics • The mindset truth: escaping requires hustle — but it’s a better “hard” than corporate Key quotes • “You’re in here for the long game.” • “People are sick of being sold to on LinkedIn.” • “Always be top of mind… keep breadcrumbing.” • “Both paths are hard. Choose which hard you want.” Resources & mentions • Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyevenson/  • Ashley’s site: AE Marketing Collective: aemarketingcollective.com • AI slide tool mentioned: Gamma (export to Google Slides / PowerPoint) If this episode hit home… If you’re still in corporate and thinking about an exit strategy: • Start with one conversation this week. • Don’t pitch. Ask for perspective. • Keep one weekly “breadcrumb” habit so you don’t disappear when you get busy. About the guest Ashley is a fractional marketing leader with experience across agency, brand, and consul