Eliene Augenbraun was a science and medical journalist for two decades and has since turned her attention to teaching and coaching scientists and physicians on how to communicate better. She is also launching a podcast about intergenerational trauma called The Aspen Forest. Over the course of her career, she has led many creative teams and built technical spaces like studios and labs.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how reframing professional challenges as civil rights issues can become the foundation of lasting leadership and business success.

Eliene and I discuss:

• How Eliene's varied career path came together [02:14]
• The moment that redirected her entire career [04:00]
• Why the shiny coin isn't always the best coin [08:32]
• How reframing problems as civil rights issues changed outcomes [10:02]
• What business really is [13:36]
• Learning financial literacy as a scientist [14:31]
• The most important thing you can do when starting out [16:45]
• What role trusted peers and thinking partners play [20:15]
• Why your partners need to believe in you, not like you [22:09]
• What Eliene is building now [22:41]

Learn more about Eliene at https://www.the-communicationclinic.com/

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About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

Carl Smith is a community builder and philosophical futurist focused on helping agency leaders connect, grow, and thrive. As the leader of The Bureau, he has hosted and attended over 500 workshops, talks, and masterminds, gaining a front-row view of how agency leadership is evolving. His upcoming book, Built to Change: Designing The Agency of Tomorrow, explores AI, shifting client dynamics, and the reinvention of knowledge work. Based in Florida, Carl runs long miles, studies the future of work, and writes about leadership and second chances.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build community, embrace the future of knowledge work, and thrive as an independent entrepreneur in a rapidly changing landscape.

Carl and I discuss:

• Carl's career journey and how he stumbled into community building [02:17]
• How Carl found his passion for The Bureau [04:41]
• What kinds of businesses qualify as agencies [07:32]
• The loneliness of leadership and how community solves it [11:45]
• The future of knowledge work and AI's impact [13:23]
• Why domain expertise is your greatest competitive edge [17:00]
• What true community really means [21:16]
• One piece of advice for entrepreneurs in career transition [22:15]

Learn more about Carl at https://thebureau.community/.

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

Jennifer Sifert is an author, leadership mentor, and shamanic guide who supports experienced entrepreneurs navigating identity shifts and growth plateaus. A former Chartered Professional Accountant, she left her six-figure corporate career to build a purpose-led business rooted in strategic clarity and embodied authority. Jennifer helps entrepreneurs rise into sustainable, high-level leadership by refining judgment, stabilizing uncertainty, and activating prosperity through embodied authority, while navigating the isolation and decision fatigue that often accompany purpose-led growth.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to break free from high-functioning autopilot and step into fully activated leadership through presence, inner work, and conscious entrepreneurship.

Jennifer and I discuss:

• How Jennifer's corporate career was holding her back [02:20]
• Why selling for yourself is harder than selling for an employer [02:54]
• What toxic environments really are and how they affect you [04:55]
• How becoming present can change the way you lead [09:03]
• The difference between high functioning and fully activated leadership [13:23]
• Why entrepreneurs avoid looking at their numbers [17:39]
• How money and currency are connected to your presence [19:28]
• The first step to becoming more conscious and present [21:24]
• How community accelerates your growth and activation [24:10]

Learn more about Jennifer at:

https://www.youtube.com/@jennifersifert

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersifert/

https:// www.facebook.com/jennifer.sifert.3

https://www.instagram.com/jennifersifert/

https://jennifersifert.kartra.com/page/Life-Force-Starter-Kit

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news