Stuck In Corporate? | Corporate Burnout, Christian Women, Career Transition, Faith-Based Coaching, Corporate Exit Strategy

After 30 years in the same industry, Mark Barbaro found himself at a crossroads. His latest corporate role had ended after just eight months, and he had a choice to make: return to the safety and stability of corporate life, or take a leap of faith and start his own business.
In this powerful episode, Mark shares his journey from corporate veteran to successful home improvement business owner. He opens up about the real fears he faced when starting from scratch at 56, the moment he had to choose between a corporate job offer and his month-old business, and the customer-first philosophy that helped him build a thriving company where 50% of his work now comes from referrals.
Mark's story proves that it's never too late to bet on yourself, that your corporate experience is more transferable than you think, and that building a business is less about having it all figured out and more about taking action despite the fear.
Whether you're wondering if you're too old to start over, afraid to leave a stable paycheck, or questioning whether you have what it takes, Mark's honest and practical insights will show you that escaping corporate is not only possible—it's doable.
 
About Our Guest: 
Mark Barbaro spent over 30 years in corporate America working in the building materials and home improvement industry. After his last corporate role ended after just eight months, Mark made the courageous decision at 56 years old to start his own home improvement and handyman business rather than returning to the safety of corporate life.
Today, Mark serves customers throughout his community, helping homeowners with everything from simple handyman tasks to full bathroom remodels. His business has grown organically through exceptional customer service, with 50% of his work now coming from referrals and repeat customers.
Mark's approach is simple: put the customer first, figure out how to say yes, and build trust one project at a time. He's proof that it's never too late to bet on yourself and build something meaningful.
CONNECT WITH MARK:
📧 Email: saltyheronhi@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 1-732-371-1920
🌐Linked In: Mark Barbaro | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-barbaro-32495b6/
🔨 Thumbtack: Salty Heron Handyman
 
READY TO CREATE YOUR OWN CORPORATE EXIT STRATEGY? 
You know, I remember sitting in my car in that corporate parking lot, listening to podcasts just like this one, thinking "I wish that could be me." But here's the thing I didn't realize then: wishing doesn't build a bridge from where you are to where you want to be. A plan does.
Maybe you're listening to this right now on your commute, or during your lunch break, or late at night when everyone else is asleep and you're finally alone with your thoughts. And maybe you're thinking, "I want out, but I have no idea where to even start."
That's exactly where the Corporate Exit Strategy Call comes in. It's not about me selling you anything. It's about you finally getting clear on what YOUR path forward actually looks like. What if, six months from now, you could look back at today as the moment everything shifted? Not because something magical happened, but because you finally stopped waiting and started planning.
📅 BOOK YOUR CORPORATE EXIT STRATEGY CALL: www.stuckincorporate.com
Your future self is waiting for you to take that first step
STAY CONNECTED 
📧 Join the Stuck in Corporate? Community and get weekly tips on escaping the 9-to-5: Click Here 
🎙️ Love this episode? Follow Stuck in Corporate? on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review! Your reviews help other corporate professionals find the courage to make their own escape.
 

What really happens when you leave corporate after 20 years to become an entrepreneur? In this raw and honest episode, I'm sharing the whole truth—the excitement of the beginning, the breakdown in the middle, and the slow rebuild that changed everything.
If you've ever read those "I replaced my six-figure salary in 12 months" stories and wondered why your journey doesn't look like that, this episode is for you. I'm pulling back the curtain on what first-time entrepreneurship actually looks like, including the parts nobody talks about.
You'll hear about:
The honeymoon phase of leaving corporate and why it doesn't last
The unrealistic expectations I set for myself (and why they almost destroyed me)
The breakdown that made me question everything
How Romans 12:2 became my turning point
Why entrepreneurship isn't for everyone—and that's okay
The truth about building a business when money isn't your motivator
Why this is still the most gratifying work I've ever done
This isn't about discouraging you from entrepreneurship. It's about painting a realistic picture so you can make an informed decision about your own path.
If you're in corporate and feeling stuck, let's talk. Book a free strategy call at stuckincorporate.com  or book here: Calendly to explore what your exit could look like.
Key Takeaways
✅ Your entrepreneurial journey won't look like anyone else's—stop comparing, start trusting
✅ It's going to be 10x harder than you think (mentally and physically)—and that's okay
✅ You're learning everything for the first time—give yourself grace
✅ If money is your only goal, you won't make it through the hard seasons
✅ When you serve people genuinely, the work becomes gratifying in ways money never could
✅ Renew your mind daily—don't conform to the world's timeline or definition of success
Scripture References
Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Proverbs 16:9 - "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Resources Mentioned
📞 Book a Free Strategy Call: stuckincorporate.com
💌 Join My Email List: Get weekly encouragement, practical tips, and strategies for your corporate exit journey. Sign up at stuckincorporate.com and receive my free guide: "From Corporate To Calling: Clarity Guide"
Connect With Me
🌐 Website: stuckincorporate.com
📧 Email: holly@stuckincorporate.com
📱 LinkedIn: Holly Powell | LinkedIn
About This Podcast
Stuck in Corporate is for high-achievers who are tired of playing it safe in their corporate jobs and ready to step into their God-given calling. Each week, we talk about faith, strategy, and the real journey of transitioning from employee to entrepreneur.
Next Steps
If this episode resonated with you:
Share it with someone who needs to hear this message
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps other corporate professionals find the show
Book a call at stuckincorporate.com to talk about your exit strategy
Join the email list at stuckincorporate.com for weekly encouragement

It's time to make a decision.
In this direct and empowering episode, we're tackling the hard truth: if you're not going to be obedient to God's direction, it's time to either take the leap or let the dream go. No more living in the painful in-between.
Looking at your life a year from now in the exact same spot—wishing you had made the change—is far worse than never dreaming at all. God planted that dream in your heart for a reason, and He's not asking for perfection. He's asking for obedience, one small step at a time.
Using the WHAT, WHY, and HOW method, we'll break down five powerful reasons why you need to stop waiting and start moving—or release the dream entirely:
You're confusing perfect timing with God's timing
Delayed obedience is draining your faith
The in-between is the most painful place to be
Your calling isn't just about you
You already know what to do—you just need to do it
Like a retired gymnast who masters complex skills by starting with the basics and building step by step, you don't need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the first step. Or, if you're not going to move, give yourself permission to release it and let God close the door.
No more torture. No more "someday." Launch it or let it go.
If you're ready to stop delaying and start launching your dream with clarity and faith, check out the Faith Fuels exit program. Find details at www.stuckincorporate.com
Scripture References:
Ecclesiastes 11:4
Genesis 12:1
1 Samuel 15:22
Hebrews 11:6
Proverbs 13:12
Esther 4:14
James 4:17

It's Christmas week, and while everyone's wrapping presents, you're sitting with that familiar ache—knowing you're called to something more meaningful but paralyzed by confusion and doubt.
If you're a high-achieving woman who's been overthinking every step of your next career move, this episode is for you. I'm breaking down exactly why confusion and doubt aren't helping you find your purpose—and sharing the three faith-based strategies that actually work.
In This Episode, You'll Discover:
Strategy #1: Replace Confusion with Clarity Questions
Why "What's my purpose?" keeps you stuck (and what to ask instead)
The 3 specific clarity questions that create momentum:
"What problem do I solve better than most people?"
"Who do I feel called to serve?"
"What's the next right step, not the whole staircase?"
How to identify your next right step without seeing the whole staircase
Strategy #2: Replace Doubt with Decisive Belief
Why doubt sounds like wisdom but actually prevents your purpose
How to counter specific doubts with God's truth
The decision + action formula that crushes doubt and creates momentum
Strategy #3: Replace Waiting with Walking
Why waiting for perfect clarity is stealing your abundant life
How to act on what you already know (even when it's imperfect)
The power of celebrating small steps on your faith-fueled journey
Key Scriptures Referenced:
John 10:10 - Abundant life
Ephesians 2:10 - Created for good works
Proverbs 16:3 - Commit your work
Psalm 119:105 - A lamp to your feet
James 1:6-8 - Faith without doubting
Hebrews 11:1 - Faith is assurance of things not seen
Romans 12:2 - Transformed by renewal of mind
A Special Christmas Reflection:
Jesus didn't come to earth so you could spend your days riddled with confusion and doubt. He came to give you abundant, purposeful, meaningful life. This episode will remind you that your meaningful work already exists—God has already prepared it for you.
Ready to Stop Overthinking and Start Walking?
If you're tired of confusion and doubt keeping you stuck in corporate, the Faith-Fueled Exit program is your 24-week roadmap from employed and uncertain to running your own purpose-driven business with absolute clarity.
Book your discovery call: stuckincorporate.com
Connect With Holly:
Website: stuckincorporate.com
LinkedIn: @stuckincorporate
Instagram: @stuckincorporate
Love This Episode?
Take a screenshot and share it on your Instagram or LinkedIn stories! Tag me @stuckincorporate—I love seeing your takeaways.
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help other corporate women find this podcast!

Are you stuck in corporate burnout, knowing you're meant for something more, but financial fear keeps you frozen? In this episode, Faith-Fueled Exit Coach Holly breaks down exactly how to leave your corporate job and step into your purpose-driven entrepreneurial journey—even when money anxiety feels overwhelming.
What You'll Learn:
Understanding Financial Fear in Career Change
Why financial fear paralyzes corporate professionals from pursuing their purpose
The difference between wisdom and fear when planning your entrepreneur journey
How to recognize when corporate burnout is costing you more than staying
Practical Financial Preparation for Entrepreneurs
Know Your Numbers: Track exactly what you need to survive your career change
Build Your Runway: Create 6-12 months of security before your corporate exit
Start Building Before You Leave: Launch your service-based business while employed
The Faith Component in Leaving Corporate
Biblical wisdom for navigating financial fear during career transitions
Why seeking your purpose doesn't mean being financially reckless
How God provides when you're strategically obedient to your calling
The Mindset Shift Every Aspiring Entrepreneur Needs
From "I can't afford to leave" to "I can't afford to stay in corporate burnout"
Understanding the hidden cost of staying stuck in your corporate career
Taking strategic, faith-fueled action toward your entrepreneurial purpose
Scripture Referenced:
2 Timothy 1:7 - God gives us power, love, and a sound mind
Proverbs 21:5 - The plans of the diligent lead to abundance
Matthew 6:33 - Seek first the kingdom of God
Philippians 4:19 - God will supply every need
Ready to Make Your Corporate Exit?
If corporate burnout has drained your passion and financial fear has kept you stuck, it's time for a strategic career change. The Faith-Fueled Exit program helps corporate women transition from burnout to purpose-driven entrepreneur—in 24 weeks, while you're still employed.
Book a Discovery Call: stuckincorporate.com 
No blind leaps. No financial recklessness. Just a proven path from corporate burnout to entrepreneurial purpose.
Stay Connected:
📧 Subscribe to Weekly Emails: Get faith-fueled strategies for your career change delivered to your inbox every week. Click here https://carefree-bird-15610.myflodesk.com/uss5ljf2oq
💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Join 2,700+ corporate professionals planning their entrepreneur journey. Follow Holly for daily insights on leaving burnout behind and stepping into your purpose. Linked In
About Your Host:
Holly is a Faith-Fueled Exit Coach who left her corporate career at Lowe's in May 2025 to help other women escape corporate burnout. Through the Stuck in Corporate podcast and her coaching program, she guides corporate professionals through strategic career changes into purpose-driven entrepreneurial businesses—without financial chaos.
Keywords: corporate burnout, leave corporate, financial fear, career change, entrepreneur, purpose-driven business, faith-based career coaching, corporate exit strategy, service-based business, corporate to entrepreneur
Categories: Career, Business, Entrepreneurship, Self-Improvement, Christianity
If this episode resonated with you, please rate and review! Your reviews help other women stuck in corporate burnout find the guidance they need to make their career change.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Are you sitting in your corporate job right now, feeling that pull toward something more? That whisper that says you're meant to coach, consult, or serve in a bigger way?
In this episode, I'm breaking down the 5 reasons why you need to stop wasting your calling and finally start your business. We're not just talking about WHAT's holding you back—we're diving into WHY it matters and exactly HOW to overcome each obstacle.
This is your wake-up call. The world needs what you have to offer, and it's time to stop hiding it.
Perfect for you if:
You're burnt out in corporate but scared to make the leap
You know you're called to do something different but don't know where to start
You've been "thinking about it" for months (or years) but haven't taken action
You're tired of trading your purpose for a paycheck
You're ready to build a coaching, consulting, or service-based business
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Reason #1: Your Dream Has an Expiration Date
Why waiting is costing you more than you realize
How to set a real launch date (not "someday")
The action step you need to take THIS WEEK
Reason #2: You're Trading Your Purpose for a Paycheck
The real cost of staying in misalignment
Why success without fulfillment is just exhaustion with a title
How to take your first step toward alignment (in just 30 minutes)
Reason #3: Fear is a Terrible Financial Advisor
Why "I can't afford to leave" is keeping you broke
The financial risk you're ALREADY taking by staying
How to build your business WHILE you're still employed
Reason #4: Your Story is Someone Else's Survival Guide
Why your mess is your message
The woman who's waiting for YOU to help her
How to find your first clients through authentic sharing
Reason #5: The Best Time to Start Was Yesterday—The Second Best Time is Now
Why you'll never feel "ready"
The one decision you need to make this week
How momentum builds belief (and belief builds your business)
Key Quotes from This Episode
"Every single day you stay stuck in corporate without taking action toward your calling, you're using up your precious reserves of courage, vision, and excitement."
"The enemy of action isn't fear—it's familiarity."
"Success without fulfillment is just exhaustion with a title."
"You're so afraid of losing your current income that you're refusing to create new income."
"Your experience—the good, the bad, the messy middle—that's your curriculum. That's what qualifies you to help others."
"You will never feel completely ready. There will always be a reason to wait."
Ready to Make Your Faith-Fueled Exit?
If you're tired of staying stuck in corporate and you're ready to finally start your coaching, consulting, or service-based business, I want to help you make it happen.
Faith-Fueled Exit is my 24-week program designed specifically for corporate women who are ready to build their business WHILE they're still employed. We break it down into three clear phases:
✅ Phase 1: Clarify your calling and offer ✅ Phase 2: Build your foundation (brand, messaging, systems) ✅ Phase 3: Launch and scale your business with confidence
You don't have to figure this out alone. Let's build your exit strategy together.
🔗 Learn more and apply: www.stuckincorporate.com 
📧 Questions? Email me: holly@stuckincorporate.com
💼 Connect with me on LinkedIn: LinkedIn 
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Faith-Fueled Exit Program: www.stuckincorporate.com 
Book a Discovery Call: Calendly 
Previous Episode: Apple Podcast
About Stuck in Corporate
Stuck in Corporate is the podcast for burnt-out corporate professionals who know they're meant for more. Hosted by Holly, a former corporate professional turned Christian life coach and business strategist, this show gives you the practical strategies, spiritual encouragement, and honest truth you need to make your faith-fueled exit from corporate and build the coaching, consulting, or service-based business of your dreams.
New episodes drop every Monday. Subscribe so you never miss an episode!
 
Subscribe & Review
If this episode resonated with you, I'd be so grateful if you'd:
Subscribe to Stuck in Corporate so you never miss an episode
Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts (it helps other corporate women find this show!)
Share this episode with a friend who's stuck in corporate and needs to hear this message
Take a screenshot and tag me on LinkedIn—I love seeing what speaks to you!
Your support helps me reach more women who are ready to stop wasting their calling and start living their purpose.

Burnt out, financially stressed about the holidays, and too exhausted to even imagine what freedom could look like? You're not alone—and this episode is for you.
If you've been telling yourself "I'll figure it out later" but later never comes... if you're tired of grinding through each day while dreaming of something more... if you feel like nobody truly understands how hard you're working—friend, let's talk.
In this episode, I'm sharing three practical shifts to help you move from exhaustion to clarity, even in this chaotic season:
Stop Before You Start – Why stillness isn't a luxury and how to build it into your overwhelmed life (Psalm 46:10)
Name the Real Need – How to get beneath the fog of burnout and bring your specific needs to God (Philippians 4:6-7)
Choose Freedom in the Small – Why tiny choices build momentum toward the life you're dreaming of (Luke 16:10, Galatians 5:1)
You don't have to overhaul your entire life by January. But you can take one small step today.
Want weekly encouragement delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for my newsletter using the link below.
👉https://carefree-bird-15610.myflodesk.com/uss5ljf2oq

What if chasing money is actually keeping you broke? In this episode, we're flipping the script on traditional success and diving deep into why purpose-driven work will always outperform money-chasing hustle. If you're building a business, starting a side hustle, or feeling stuck in the grind, this conversation will shift your entire perspective on success, fulfillment, and what really matters.IN THIS EPISODE:✨ Why leading with purpose makes money a natural byproduct instead of an elusive target✨ The real reason money-chasing always leads to burnout (and what to do instead)✨ How to build sustainable success that doesn't sacrifice your health, relationships, or peace✨ The difference between building a lifestyle and leaving a legacy✨ Biblical principles for purpose-driven entrepreneurshipKEY SCRIPTURES:📖 Matthew 6:24 - You cannot serve both God and money📖 Proverbs 11:28 & Matthew 6:33 - Seek first His kingdom📖 Isaiah 40:31 & Galatians 6:9 - Renewed strength and not growing weary📖 1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Laying up treasure for eternity📖 1 Timothy 6:10 - The love of moneyREFLECTION QUESTION:What if your greatest success isn't measured by your bank account, but by the lives you've touched and the purpose you've fulfilled? What would you do differently today?ACTION STEPS:1. Identify what problems you're genuinely passionate about solving2. Create a purpose statement for your work beyond making money3. Ask yourself legacy questions: What do you want to be known for?4. Make decisions based on legacy, not just immediate profitCONNECT WITH ME:📧 Join my FREE weekly email community for exclusive insights and strategies: https://carefree-bird-15610.myflodesk.com/uss5ljf2oqIf this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message!---Remember: You can't serve both God and money, but when you seek first His kingdom, all these things will be added to you. 💫 

The Holidays are here… and so is the pressure to spend money you don’t actually have. But the real danger isn’t the debt — it’s the fear of looking at it.
In this honest and freeing episode, Holly opens up about how she fell into debt through unchecked spending, relationship dynamics, and avoidance… and the moment everything shifted when she finally faced the numbers with God.
You’ll learn:• Why avoiding your bank account keeps you stuck• How household spending affects your financial peace• What shame does to your clarity and calling• A simple pause to make before ANY purchase• How to start rebuilding your financial confidence with God
If you’re tired of feeling stressed, ashamed, or confused about your money, this episode will give you hope, clarity, and a next step.
DM Holly the word RUNWAY on Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-powell-b463a5125/  to get the free Mini-Audit Sheet and early access to the 5-Day Stuck In Corporate Financial Bootcamp launching in January.

Are you sitting in a corporate job you once prayed for… but now secretly dread showing up to every day?Do you feel burned out, stuck, and torn between security and obedience — wondering if God’s really calling you to something more?
You’re not alone, friend.
In this episode of Stuck in Corporate?, I’m sharing how I faced my fears, wrestled with doubt, and finally took the leap of faith to leave my six-figure corporate job — scared, but obedient.
We’ll talk about:✨ How to know when it’s time to leave corporate (and when it’s not)✨ The difference between a God calling and a good idea✨ How to trust God’s timing when fear tells you to wait✨ Practical steps to build faith and confidence before your exit✨ Why obedience will always lead to peace — even when it feels scary
Whether you’re a high-achieving professional, burned-out leader, or faith-driven person trying to discern your next step — this episode will give you hope, clarity, and courage to move in faith… even when you’re still scared.
If this episode speaks to your heart, share it with a friend who’s standing at her own crossroads.And if you’re ready to start your Faith-Fueled Exit Plan, download my free Corporate to Calling Guide at stuckincorporate.com.
Let’s trade burnout for breakthrough — together. 💛