This is the tenth and final episode for Season 1 of the “Corporate Dropout Stories” Podcast.

A project I never intended to start when I launched the Corporate Dropouts Community at the end of September 2024.

I currently don’t know how Season 2 will take shape or when it will release in 2025…

…If you find yourself itching to share your own Corporate Dropout Story and co-create season 2, email me directly at [email protected] to tell me a little about what you’re feeling and let’s get you on the schedule.

Now! On to this season’s final episode!

S1E10 | How Can I Stop Relying on My Paycheck? | Leland Beaumont

An Intimate Interview with a “Self-Made Sage” Who Shares How He Stopped Living Someone Else’s Success Story and Built a Life That Reflects Who He is and Why He’s Here.

For 28 years, Leland Beaumont was a rising star at Bell Labs, AT&T, and Lucent, surrounded by some of the brightest minds, creating groundbreaking systems, and enjoying the security of a steady paycheck near the Jersey Shore.

Yet, something felt off.

Then one day, an unexpected question was posed:

“Is this something you’d like to do?”

In that moment, Leland saw his crossroads.

Would he continue down the well-worn path of stability, or take the leap into the unknown to pursue work that felt deeply aligned with who he truly was?

With courage — and a healthy dose of fear — he chose the leap.

Does This Sound Familiar?

You’ve worked hard to climb the corporate ladder, but deep down, you feel a restless pull for more.

You want work that excites you, challenges you, and aligns with your core values.

Yet, the thought of walking away from your paycheck feels impossible.

This is where Leland’s story meets yours.

He faced the same doubts, fears, and financial hurdles — and came out the other side, not just surviving but with a sense of purpose and fulfillment from the second career he created.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

It’s time to stop settling for “good enough” and start building a life that reflects the work only you can do.

Listen to Leland’s story and discover how to step boldly into work that feels right for you.

Then, join (for free!) the growing community of Corporate Dropouts LIVE every Wednesday to get support for your next steps.

DropTheCorporate.com

Be Sure to Reach Out to Leland

Visit his website, LelandBeaumont.com, to:

* Subscribe to his Substack and Podcast about Seeking Real Good.

* Start a discussion with him about one of his 80+ courses provided for free on Wikiversity.

* See what he’s developed in the Applied Wisdom Curriculum to prepare ourselves to solve the great universal problems that prevent us from realizing and enjoying all that is most important in life — our well-being.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to Corporate Dropout Stories

00:30 Meet Leland Beaumont: From Engineer to Wisdom Researcher

02:32 Leland’s Early Career at Bell Labs

03:31 Navigating Corporate Turmoil and Career Changes

04:53 The Turning Point: Leaving Lucent

07:31 Reflecting on Success and Management Challenges

25:18 Financial Realities and New Beginnings

31:41 Exploring Human Behavior and Emotions

33:59 The Importance of Emotions

34:30 Creating Emotional Competency

35:56 Consulting and Writing Journey

37:58 Understanding Emotions and Personal Growth

43:40 Advice for Emotional Competency

46:25 From Emotional Competency to Practical Wisdom

49:18 The Applied Wisdom Curriculum

52:43 Seeking Real Good and AI

57:10 Final Thoughts and Advice

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecorporatedropout.substack.com/subscribe