In this episode of Thriving Through, leadership consultant George Sample shares how he spent 8–9 years building a profitable side hustle before going full-time into consulting and the exact strategies that helped him scale sustainably.

From starting as a computer science graduate to becoming a global leadership coach, speaker, and founder of Blue Streak Consultants, George reveals what it really takes to transition from corporate employee to successful self-employed consultant.

You’ll learn how to stay visible, generate consistent leads, and position yourself as an expert even while working a full-time job.

This episode is packed with practical insights for consultants, coaches, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to build a thriving business with long-term impact.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

- How George built his consulting practice on the side for nearly a decade before going full-time
- The biggest mindset shift required to move from employee to entrepreneur
- Why staying “top of mind” is critical for consultants and coaches
- Simple lead generation strategies using speaking, writing, and direct outreach
- How to manage time, clients, and marketing as a solo consultant
- What it takes to grow into a national speaker in a competitive market

George also shares tools and platforms that support his business development, including using LinkedIn for visibility and HubSpot for managing relationships and outreach.

If you’re building a consulting or coaching business or planning to start one this conversation will give you a realistic roadmap to grow without burning out.

To connect with George - https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgesample/