o9 Solutions, Inc.

Led global delivery of rapidly scaling AI & Machine Learning-driven supply chain leading solutions. 
Spearheading multi-functional teams and driving client satisfaction through successful implementations of high-impact programs across North and South America.

•	Directed global  deployment of supply chain solutions for Fortune 300 client, affecting Millions in annual savings.
•	Led a 40 person deployment team in delivering an end-to-end supply chain planning solution, optimizing integrated short and long term scheduling horizons.
•	Aligned senior management stakeholder group from five leading companies, driving consensus and strategic direction on cross-functional digital acceleration initiatives, resulting in unified objectives and streamlined execution across all organizations.
•	Championed leadership development, successfully coaching multiple team member into management roles and advancing to senior roles, enhancing leadership capabilities and team capacity.
•	Stabilized the data & integration team by implementing structured management processes, coaching, and rigorous reporting, resulting in enhanced team performance and the elimination of executive escalations.
•	Developed and executed plans for six AI/ML software implementations across North and South America for a fortune 300 client, seamlessly integrating with SAP ERP & Salesforce CRM. Supply Planning, Demand Planning, & IBP/S&OP.

Sr. Manager, Delivery

Most Valuable Player Award - 2022

Turned around the largest industrial account for a global agrichemical company, securing $10M+ in new contracts. Implemented AI & Machine Learning solutions and created a new change management service offering that resulted in securing new clients.
• Drove technology adoption in global supply chain operations, improving project outcomes and client satisfaction.

• Led strategic planning and development of change management frameworks, positioning the company for future growth.
• Developed and implemented a Resource Planning tool in collaboration with the customer, ensuring the on-time deployment of a critical software solution.

Solutions: Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Control Tower,  and IBP/S&OP.

Global Change Management Lead

Harvard Business Review

Invited opt-in member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. Through my membership in the Advisory Council, I assist Harvard Business Review to improve the content it publishes and help chart the magazine's future direction.

Advisor

Tampa Electric

Led strategic transformation for the Lighting Business Vertical and spearheaded the turnaround of the $135M LED Lighting Conversion program. Directed cross-functional transformation across supply planning software deployments, engineering, construction, maintenance, and billing. Led and developed a team of 40+ professionals and 40+ contractors.

•	Established a comprehensive program management framework, incorporating continuous improvement, financial forecasting, and key performance indicators, resulting in $2M in cost savings and enhanced project efficiency.
•	Achieved 22% process improvements and reduced administrative workload by 45% through the implementation of Agile methodologies, data analytics, and RPA-driven performance enhancement initiatives.
•	Led a team of 40+ professionals and contractors, driving a cultural shift towards accountability and ownership.
•	Reduced project timelines by 75% and ensured 95% budget compliance in a $135M program by implementing industry best practices and developing a supply plan mode, showcasing strong project governance and risk management capabilities.
•	Enhanced managerial & leadership capabilities for managers and supervisors through tailored one-on-one coaching, fostering a more capable and strategic leadership pipeline.

Sr. Program Manager, Business Transformation

Co-Chair and foundational leader for Leadership Development initiative. We had positive feedback with 100+ future leaders participating in the program. 

Our goal is to help team members increase their influence and impact in their current role and/or land their first or next leadership role.

Co-Chair, Emerging Professionals

•	Led a $300M spend across five categories, including capital equipment, software, and services, achieving operational improvements and driving strategic business relationships.
•	Led and implemented enterprise-wide modernization of procurement processes and deployment of contract lifecycle management (CLM) technology, driving operational excellence and key process improvement initiatives.
•	Developed leadership talent and cross-trained individual contributors into management roles.
•	Implemented business process improvement initiatives that improved milestone compliance by 90%.

Contract Manager, Gas & Energy Delivery/Supply

•	Managed procurement for a $650M modernization project, mitigating risks and achieving $75M+ in savings.
•	Led supplier relationship management, navigating disruptions, and avoiding critical project delays during the COVID-19 pandemic.
•	Fostered leadership development, coaching a Procurement Manager into a Corporate Counsel role.
•	Mitigated significant cost and schedule liabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic by deploying teams to review contracts, assess supplier schedules, and negotiate with strategic partners, avoiding critical path disruptions and minimizing financial risks. Resulting in zero impact to facility online milestone and cost exposure to $2.5M.

Contract Manager, Energy Center Modernization

•	Led critical capital projects, while increasing programs assigned to the PMO by 10x through a cultural transformation that delivered successful programs.

Career Progression:
Project Management Associate
Implementation Lead
Mechanical Implementation Lead
Systems Operations Engineer
Implementation Lead
Project Engineer
Inroads Engineering Intern

Program Manager

Senior Manager, Program Manager, Procurement and Supply Chain leader with 20+ years of experience in driving complex transformation initiatives, implementing systemic operating models, and developing leaders across technology, industrial, energy, and infrastructure sectors.

Proven track record in delivering high-value programs focused on operational excellence, innovation, and leadership development. Successfully managed portfolios, achieving millions in cost savings and efficiency gains.

Top 5% Restaurant Reviewer on Google Maps!
Youth Soccer Coach! Go Rams!

Mario Aguirre

Deena Priest

Corporate Pivot Accelerator

Helping experienced corporate leaders build high-impact consulting and coaching businesses for freedom and fulfillment.

https://deenapriest.org/corporatepivotaccelerator

Stage 1: Explore
The Clarity Sprint
Get clear on your vision and niche.

Stage 2: Engineer
Client Magnet System
Build a roadmap to 6-7 figures with premium positioning, a signature offer, and systems.

Stage 3: Execute
Authority Amplifier
Unlock predictable leads and referrals via LinkedIn thought leadership, partnerships, and other marketing channels.

All underpinned by accountability and the elimination of imposter syndrome.

----
Client  Successes:

Kitty left a 20 year sales career and is now a 6-figure executive coach to CROs.

Peter, ex-corporate COO, replaced his salary within 90 days and works three days a week.

Glen, HR Director, secured two paid consulting clients before leaving corporate.

Laura, lawyer, runs an executive coaching practice with a thriving group program.

Rachel, left the Big 4 and runs her own risk advisory practice alongside her other passions.

Founder  | Executive Business Coaching

Deena Priest Coaching & Consulting

Helping Corporate Professionals (35+):

✅ Escape burnout, stagnation, and career traps
✅ Gain clarity on your next chapter
✅ Maximize income and visibility with a strong personal brand.
✅ Build a future-proof career with more autonomy, purpose & peace

Executive Coach 

Corporate workshops and keynote presentations on future of work and workplace culture.

Speaker

Purpose & Pay Newsletter

Try it free: https://deenapriest.org/join-purpose-and-pay

Strategies and frameworks for leaving corporate and building a coaching or consulting business.

Writer

Parentaly

Transforming the false tradeoff between career and parenthood  into a win-win.

Coach

Serco

Coach Mentor

Accenture

Led digital strategy projects for consumer goods, retailers and professional services businesses.

Managed and led project teams for large-scale digital transformation, change management and innovation programs.

Part of the team that shaped Accenture's AI proposition for Consulting.

Facilitated workshops for Accenture's Innovation Centre -> helping key clients plan their future strategies.

Managed several key client accounts Client Account Lead -> helping scale Accenture's footprint across Consulting, Digital, Outsourcing & Strategy services.

Digital Transformation & Client Account Director

Part of the Change Management & Talent Consulting function.

Helping PwC client's implement large scale change and transformation programs from a people perspective.

Programs included:

(i) Target Operating Model changes for financial services clients.
(ii) Business recovery consulting for a Global Bank who collapsed during the economic crisis
(iii) Talent advisory for consumer goods businesses.

People & Organisational Transformation Manager

Various Companies

Lawyer

Executive Coach | Accelerating Careers Without Burnout & Designing Smarter Exits | ex-PwC & Accenture Leader | Former Lawyer 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺

I coach ambitious corporate professionals (15+ years experience) to build businesses or portfolio careers — with their health, wealth, and credibility intact.

👋 Who are you?

You’re a high-achieving corporate professional or leader with 15+ years of experience.

But now you're burned out, boxed in, or simply done with the politics, pace, and pressure.

➤ You want freedom without losing income
➤ You want to work with purpose, on your terms
➤ You want to build something of your own with clarity, confidence, and control

👋 Who am I?

I’m Deena Priest.

I spent two decades in  high-pressure industries including law, consulting, and commercial leadership. 

I’m the founder of the SAVVY Framework™, a step-by-step method to exit corporate and build entrepreneurial freedom without the chaos.

🎯 What You Can Expect to Achieve

➤ Clarity and a sharp vision for what’s next
➤ A market-relevant offer that clients will pay for
➤ An authority-driven personal brand that opens doors

💼 This is the heart of the Corporate Pivot Accelerator Program.

A high-touch, high-impact coaching experience for ambitious professionals ready to design and launch their next chapter.

📅 Join the January Waitlist:
👉 https://deenapriest.org/corporatepivotaccelerator

Coach  - Mentor

I used to think success meant saying yes to every opportunity.

(Thanks to my friend, James Ware, for the inspiration behind this post. Follow him.)

Saying yes gave me epic experiences: 

✅ Becoming a citizen of the US, UK + Australia 
✅ A ski season in Colorado (when I couldn’t ski) 
✅ Solo adventures to India and the Egyptian pyramids

But I also said yes when I shouldn’t have: 

❌ 80-hour work weeks 
❌ Projects that pulled me from my kids 
❌ Work that drained my health and happiness

Warren Buffett said it best: 
"Really successful people say no to almost everything."

Because they relentlessly focus on what matters most.

When we’re unclear on our vision, we default to being reactive. 

That was me. 

And it was taking my time and energy away from what I really wanted to be doing: Starting my business.

Here’s what helped me reset:

1️⃣ I got help defining my vision and values 
→ So I had a compass to guide every decision.

2️⃣ I became better at assessing what was key
→ I'd think "by saying yes to this, what am I saying no to?"

3️⃣ I became more candid with my “No” 
→ Especially with people I usually overaccommodated.

4️⃣ I wrote a Not-To-Do list 
→ A clear line between what moves me forward and what doesn’t.

5️⃣ I paused before replying 
→ Bought myself space to make conscious choices.

As Steve Jobs said: "You can have millions of ideas, but you can't pursue them all."

Clarity empowers you to say no to whatever doesn't move the dial.

What’s one thing you’re saying no to right now?

♻️ Repost to help others focus. 
🔔 Follow Deena Priest for more.

Coached 150+ Corporate Execs To Build 6-Figure Coaching & Consulting Businesses | x-Accenture & PwC | Commercial + Consulting Leader

Even senior executives suffer from imposter syndrome.

All of my client's building businesses ask: "What if I fail?"

My response: "What if you succeed?"

When I started my coaching business, I had zero entrepreneurial experience.

I came from a family of academics: Lawyers, engineers, judges, doctors. 

So the idea of becoming a business owner was a big leap of faith. 

I told myself:

I  wasn’t ready.
I didn’t know enough. 
I needed 5 more qualifications.

Now I see the same mindset stall brilliant, seasoned leaders. 

They have the skills. 
The network. 
The ambition. 

But they still doubt themselves.

Here’s what I’ve learned: 

→ Confidence comes after action, not before. 
→ All skills are learnable. Business is no different. 
→ You don’t need more validation. You need action.

Double down on your strengths. 
Close your gaps.
Execute.

And start before you feel ready.

That’s how legacies are created.

♻️ Repost to remind that action builds confidence.

➕ Follow Deena Priest for more.

When my kids were born, I decided my loyalty was to them not my 80-hour corporate role.

So I started a flexible, high-impact business. 

Loyalty to a business can be your biggest career risk after 40.

It can keep you stuck in a role where your potential outpaces your reality.

We’re raised to believe loyalty is a virtue.

And it is. But only when it doesn’t harm you.

Here’s when loyalty becomes a liability:

• You put all your eggs in one basket 
• You stay in a role that’s burning you out 
• You are loyal to a company that lays you off
• You are loyal to a boss that doesn’t see your potential

That kind of loyalty isn’t noble. It’s costly.

I’ve seen it too many times:

• High performers afraid to start a business 
• Leaders staying because “the team needs me” 
• Talented professionals pushing themselves to burnout

Here’s what healthy loyalty looks like:

✅ Loyalty to your values 
✅ Loyalty to your wellbeing 
✅ Loyalty to your future, growth, and purpose

When you start directing that loyalty inward, everything shifts:

✅ You realise your potential
✅ You stop tolerating sub-par cultures

In 2025, there are thousands of other ways to earn.

Definitely don't stay loyal to a paycheck.

♻️ Repost if this hit home. 
➕ Follow Deena Priest  for more.

And if you are leaving corporate to start a business, 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀: https://lnkd.in/e4c_nEp7

I used to think employment was the safe path. 

But no one’s saying that anymore.

Amazon just laid off 14,000. 
TCS – 19,000. 
Accenture – 3,000. 
Microsoft – 7,000.

Even the most “secure” jobs are changing.

When I took the risk to start a business, I was terrified.

I’d worked so hard to climb the ladder.

But I reached a point where staying felt riskier than leaving.

Still..I didn’t leap blindly. 

Here's what helped me move forward in a de-risked way:

✅ I built a roadmap 
✅ I surrounded myself with others doing the same 
✅ I turned my expertise into an offer with market value.

And here’s what surprised me most. 

Confidence didn’t come before the plan.

 It came because of it.

And now I recommend people start building this path whilst they are STILL in employment.

Because job security is quickly disappearing.

That’s why I built the Corporate Pivot Accelerator: https://lnkd.in/e8F7Z2BQ

Join the January waitlist.

For corporate leaders ready to build a coaching or consulting business with a community of peers and without risking everything they’ve worked for.

Curious what a structured, low-risk path could look like for you? 

Drop a 🔥 or DM me “PLAN”.

Follow Deena Priest for more.

Fear of failure haunts corporate leaders who exit to start a coaching or consulting business.

And if I am honest, many do fail.

Because you leave corporate thinking your reputation will carry you.

It's not enough.

When I left corporate, I thought 20 years of experience would speak for itself.

But instead of clients lining up… I was scrambling to figure out how to consistently generate revenue.

(And then I noticed 20 year olds creating $10m ARR businesses. 🤔)

It was a kick in the teeth and a steep learning curve.

I questioned everything: 

• Was I even cut out for this? 
• How long could I go without income? 
• Would I have to go back to an employed job?

Many years and lessons learned later...

I now teach my clients how to build sustainable income:

Here's how:

𝟭. 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆
→If you can’t explain your offer in one sentence, clients won’t buy it. 
→We build your signature offer: ✔️ The pain you solve ✔️ The result you deliver ✔️ How it’s packaged 

𝟮. 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆
→Hourly rates and “free sessions” scream uncertainty. 
→You’ll price for outcomes, not time so your clients value you from day one.

𝟯. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 & 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆
→Client acquisition is a professional skill.
→We ditch vague posting and networking and build thought leadership authority.
→You’ll learn how to attract and convert the right buyers.

𝟰. 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 = 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁
→If you’re still operating like a corporate exec, you’ll build a job not a business. 
→We rewire how you think, market, and show up so clients see you as the solution.

The coaches and consultants earning real money aren’t more talented than you.

They have learned how to be a successful entrepreneur so they never need to return to corporate.

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: https://lnkd.in/eyJx78uv

Follow Deena Priest for more.

From laid-off corporate exec to high 6-figure consultant in 6 months.

This is the new world of work.

Reinvention has become a critical life skill.

In this market:

Job security is gone. 
AI is reshaping industries. 
New career paths are emerging.

(Forbes predicts that 70% of professionals will have portfolio careers by 2030.)

The future belongs to those who can adapt, reposition, and pivot.

Start building your consulting or coaching business whilst still in your corporate job.

This is how I did it:

1️⃣ Monetize Your Expertise
↳Start solving real problems outside your 9–5. 
↳Test offers. Validate your niche. 
↳Don’t wait until you're “ready”

2️⃣ Build Your Personal Brand 
↳If you can't post publicly because of your employer, build (real) relationships behind closed doors.
↳Start showing up where your future clients are. 
.
3️⃣  Stop trading time for money. 
↳Turn your skills into scalable offers—like workshops, strategy days, or advisory retainers.
↳Corporate = capped earnings.
↳Consulting = the sky is your limit.

4️⃣ Create Time Leverage 
↳You don’t need more hours, you need a better system. 
↳Use evenings and weekends to build assets.
↳Automate what you can. Focus only on high-return activities.

5️⃣ Build a new CEO mindset
↳You’re not a “former director”
↳You’re a leader and a trusted advisor solving meaningful problems. 
↳Own it.

“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥.”— Benjamin Franklin

Reinvention isn’t about restarting.

It’s about leveraging all you've already built to build something better. 

And the best time to start?

Before you have to.

Follow Deena Priest for more.

---
🔥𝟯 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁:

1. Download the guide: "𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀.": https://lnkd.in/epwykXmZ
   
2. Try the newsletter for 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀: https://lnkd.in/e4c_nEp7
   
3. Join the waitlist for the January 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝘃𝗼𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺: https://lnkd.in/ejEKEKQM

Coached 150+ Burned-Out Corporate Leaders To Build 6-Figure Coaching & Consulting Businesses | x-Accenture & PwC | Commercial + Consulting Leader | Former Lawyer

A lesson Prince Andrew learned too late: 
The people in your circle will either make you or break you.

If you're a corporate leader who is starting a business, pay attention to who’s sitting at your table.

You’re not just starting a company. 
You’re choosing your future identity, values, and reputation.

And for corporate leaders leaving the system, this isn’t a soft skill. 
It’s a strategic decision.

When you’re surrounded by people with high integrity, high standards, and high self-respect...you rise.

But when you stay surrounded by fear, scarcity, or blurred ethics...you shrink. 

Even if you're brilliant. Even if you mean well.

So, who belongs at your table right now?

1. The Challenger 
— Pushes you beyond safety. 
— Won’t let you shrink to fit your old identity. 
— They challenge you because they respect your potential.

2. The Visionary 
— Helps you reimagine what’s possible with purpose and profit. 
— They see who you can become and hold you to that standard.

3. The Truth-Teller 
— Delivers uncomfortable truths with love and clarity. 
— They’ll call out when fear is dressed as logic so you don’t sabotage your growth.

4. The Connector 
— Shares their network, opens doors, and only backs people of integrity. 
— They expand your world because they trust your character.

5. The Energizer 
— Reminds you who you are when you forget. 
— They hold your vision and refill your belief when yours runs low.

When starting a business, you’re not just choosing collaborators, mentors, or clients. 

You’re choosing who shapes your standards, success, and legacy.

Choose wisely.

Which one of these 5 are you missing right now? 👇 

➕Follow Deena Priest to build a coaching or consulting business with purpose, integrity, and profit.

📌Join the newsletter "Purpose & Pay" for strategies and frameworks for purposeful business growth when leaving corporate: https://lnkd.in/e4c_nEp7

Gen Z unsettles us with their entrepreneurial streak.

We call them impulsive. Entitled. Unfocused.

But some are building wildly successful businesses straight out of uni.

AI consultancies. Brand agencies. Gaming empires. Sales machines running off their phones.

Whilst my generation are busy smashing glass ceilings in boardrooms... 

They’re literally smashing the rulebooks. 

We were trained to be employees.

They have been bred to be entrepreneurs. 

They’ve opted out of beliefs we have been conditioned to follow:

❌ That “success” = climbing the corporate ladder 
❌ That degrees matter more than digital presence 
❌ That stability comes from tenure, not self-trust

We can see that as a threat. 

Or as a wake-up call for ourselves.

So if you’re 40+ and want to build a business, here’s what I’d focus on: 

1️⃣ Challenge beliefs holding you back 
— About money, success, career, your capability 

2️⃣ Turn your expertise into outcomes
— What real-world result can you help someone achieve? 

3️⃣ Start building your personal brand
— Visibility creates opportunity 

4️⃣ Speak the language of value, not experience
— Clients care about transformation, not titles 

5️⃣ Surround yourself with entrepreneurial minds
— Borrow their momentum while you build your own

Because you have wisdom and experience.

Letting go of the rules that no longer serve you, means you can build something extraordinary too.

Do you notice differences between the generations?

Join 1000+ executives and corporate leaders building their consulting and coaching businesses: https://lnkd.in/e4c_nEp7

Follow Deena Priest for more.

When I first launched my coaching business, I was overwhelmed.

Not by the work but by all the advice.

Endless noise. Conflicting strategies. 

No wonder it felt like I was drowning.

Here’s what I learned:

𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱. 𝗟𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.

1️⃣ Decide what is important

→ What do you want to build and why?
→ How much money do you need?
→ What are you 𝘯𝘰𝘵 willing to sacrifice?

You don’t need 100 steps. You need a filter. 

2️⃣ 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 

If you can’t see it, you can’t steer it. 

Turn your intentions into milestones:
→“Validate my offer in 30 days”
→“Land 2 paid clients before I leave”
→“Dial in my positioning by next quarter”

This stops you spinning.

3️⃣ 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻

Warren Buffett said it best:
“A genius without a plan is no match for an idiot with a plan.”

Build a plan that is 70% of the way there that will keep you focused. 

→ When will you finalise your offer?
→When will you implement your sales and marketing strategy?
→ What skills or support do you need?

4️⃣ 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 

This is the part most people skip. 

They 𝘢𝘤𝘵 busy… but avoid the real work. 

→ Like posting on LinkedIn 
→ Or selling before the brand is perfect 
→ Or reaching out to possible clients

Execution reveals your mindset. 
It shows you where fear is disguised as “strategy.”

Overwhelm becomes momentum with a simple, sustainable strategy.

 If you've exited corporate to start your business, take the 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 to see where you might be holding yourself back: https://lnkd.in/eyJx78uv

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What happens when you first exit corporate to become a coach or consultant?

You ride a wave of realizations.

𝟭. 𝗔𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱.
→I am free.
→Goodbye politics.
→Hello flexibility and purpose.

𝟮. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳.
→What have I done?
→What do I do now?
→Where are the clients?

(At this point some people give up and return to corporate, if not...)

𝟯. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁 (𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲)
→Right, I am smart. I can figure this out.
→I just need a plan and a strategy.
→But I am moving slowly.

𝟰. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽
→To have a sounding board
→To accelerate your progress
→To create a new community

And on the other side, here's what happens to you:

✅ 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆
Your realize you are more than a job title.

✅ 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵
Because you see people will pay for your brain not your badge.

✅ 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗿
You create your opportunities. You choose your clients. 

Yes, the journey starts with some discomfort.

But everyone always says the same thing: “I wish I’d done this sooner.”

Have you heard of the Dunning Kruger effect?
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📌Join the free newsletter for frameworks to go from 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗼 𝟲-𝟳 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁: https://lnkd.in/e4c_nEp7

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Your coaching and consulting clients won’t always know what they want.

This is true of both B2C and B2B clients. 

They’ll tell you symptoms: 
“We need clarity.” “We want to grow.” “We’re stuck.”

But if you take that at face value,
you risk selling the wrong thing. 
Delivering the wrong result. 

And ending up with a client who’s “meh” at best or disappointed at worst.

That has a cost: No referrals. No renewals. Damaged reputation.

When I first started consulting, I made this mistake. 

Jumped to strategy. Skipped the deep work. 

And built solutions for problems they hadn’t fully committed to solving.

Everything changed when I redesigned my discovery process.

Now I use 2 core frameworks to uncover what clients really need:

𝟭. 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗗 (𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝟮𝗖 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀)
Uncovers both logical and emotional needs, wants and drivers.

𝗦𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 
– What triggered the conversation? 

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺 
– What’s not working day-to-day? 

𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 
– What’s it costing them to stay stuck? 

𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 
– What’s really underneath it? 

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 
– What do they say they want?

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 
– What will make them feel this was worth it?

--------

𝟮. 𝟱𝗗 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 (𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝟮𝗕 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴)
Use this when the ask is big, political, or vague.

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗿𝗲 
– What do they truly want? 
– Often the request is surface-level. 
– Dig for what’s driving it. Reputation? Revenue? Legacy?

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 
– What’s in the way? 
– Uncover both external blockers (budget, regulation) and internal ones (silos, resistance).

𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 
– What does success actually look like?
–  Push for tangible outcomes across 3, 6, and 12 months.
 – Not just “more alignment” or “better culture.”

𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 
– What could derail it? Who needs to buy in? 
– What priorities, politics, or hidden agendas exist?

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 
– What do they actually need? 
– Co-create the solution based on what you’ve now uncovered.

The best consultants and coaches ask sharper questions. 

They define the real problem and co-create the solution.

Client success = Your success.

What's your go-to discovery framework for coaching or consulting?

-----
I'm Deena Priest. I help corporate professionals and executives with 15+ years experience build 6-figure coaching and consulting businesses.

It's a good time to build your own consultancy.

The industry is estimated to be worth $541+ Billion by 2033.

The same forces reshaping big consulting firms are creating entry points for those who want to build solo or boutique consultancies.

Here’s where the smartest opportunities exist for you:

1️⃣ 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄: 
• ESG & sustainability strategy 
• AI adoption & change enablement 
• Pricing & commercial optimisation 
• Leadership & culture transformation
• Tech implementation & data advisory

 2️⃣ 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 
• Orgs are cutting costs but need results. 
• Instead of hiring FTE or expensive firms, they’re bringing in 𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 for specific problems.

If you’ve built a 15–20 year career in a niche area, your knowledge has market value.

3️⃣ 𝗔𝗜 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 
• Firms want advisors who can 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁.
• If you understand transformation, change, data, or strategy you’re relevant. 
  
What’s missing is your packaging, positioning, and go-to-market plan to sell it independently.

4️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵.
• Clients want 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲. 
• Consultants who combine strategic with hands-on delivery are winning.
  
Especially independents who move faster and cost less than big firms.

So if you’re still in corporate… here are your 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝟯 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀:👇

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟭 – 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 
Identify the specific problem you solve that leaders will happily pay to fix. 

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟮 – 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 
Package your experience into a framework, methodology, or system that makes your expertise tangible. 

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟯 – 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗱 
Start small: validate your idea through conversations, pilot projects, or advisory work on the side. 

You may already have consulting-grade expertise.

What you’re missing is a 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 that turns your experience into revenue.

Are you surprised by this forecasted figure for the consulting industry?

♻️ Repost to help your network.
➕ Follow Deena Priest for more.

I missed a billion-dollar opportunity.

In 2005, someone approached me about building a coaching subscription platform. 

Back then, almost no one knew what that even was.

We sketched out the vision. Mapped the model.

It had real potential. But I hesitated.

“I don’t know how to build tech,” I told myself. 
“Maybe later.”

Someone else moved. 

That same idea is now a billion-dollar business.

It’s not about the money.

It’s the hesitation. The self-doubt. The fact that I didn’t back myself.

Sir Richard Branson said it best:
“𝘐𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘵, 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳.”

Because the cost of hesitation is real: 
Regret. Time. Momentum. Income. Relevance.

If you’ve been:
• Laid off
• Restless
• Sitting on 20 years of wisdom
  
And have wanted to start a business, here's your chance:

𝟭. 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 
If not you, someone else will do it.

𝟮. 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻-𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 
Get clear on what problem you solve better than anyone else.

𝟯. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘁 
This is the biggest gap for most ex-corporate leaders and the most powerful shift.

𝟰. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁  
The right roadmap and peer group changes everything.

I’ve seen clients land deals within 3 weeks of doing this.

Not all opportunities knock twice. 

Some slip by quietly. 

And one day, they belong to someone else.

Don’t let action come too late.

P.S - What’s one opportunity you still think about?

♻️ Repost to encourage action over perfection.

Follow Deena Priest to exit corporate and build a coaching or consulting business.

You don’t need to quit to escape corporate bureaucracy. 

You just have to stop thinking like a captive.

Corporate trains you to believe a few lies:

• Employment is security
• Success equals sacrifice
• Busyness equals importance
  
The truth is most people don’t want to leave corporate.

They want to leave who they’ve become in it.

• The person who "circles back."
• The one who babysits delicate egos.
• Ignores their kid for pointless meetings.
• Who must beg, borrow and steal to take vacation.

(I still have a massive allergic reaction to the thought of needing my vacation "approved.")

Freedom doesn’t always mean quitting your job. 

Sometimes it’s:

• Setting boundaries that shock people
• Saying no to projects that drain you
• Choosing purpose over politics

That’s when you stop playing the game and start leading your life.
-----
And if you do want to exit corporate, download the free guide for the different solopreneur options that exist for experienced professionals: https://lnkd.in/epwykXmZ

Follow Deena Priest for more.

You could work 80-hour weeks and then be erased with a single sentence:

"Sorry, you are being laid off."

Don't attach your identity to any organization, job title or income stream.

In this market, even high performance ≠ protection.

This month I’ve spoken to:
• Tech execs
• Law firm partners
• Sales Directors
  
All left jobless due to restructures, bullying and bad luck. 

Instead, build something that’s truly future-proof:

✅ 𝟭. 𝗔𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 a 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 
• What gives you meaning beyond money?
• Do more of that in and out of work.

✅ 𝟮. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿
• Multiple income streams = real security
• Turn passion and purpose into profit.
• Consulting. Coaching. Advisory. 
  
✅ 𝟯. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱
• Be known for something specific
• Visibility creates opportunity (even when you’re asleep)
  
✅ 4. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀
• Every future opportunity is one conversation away
• Don’t wait until you need help to connect
  
✅ 5. 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆
• Build market-relevant skills that can unlock huge value for you 

This isn’t about fear.

It's about foresight. 

It’s about protecting your income, impact and sanity.

Because ultimately, that's how you keep your power and peace.
---
➕ Follow Deena Priest to build a 6-figure coaching or consulting business.

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