The Corporate Escapists Podcast

Welcome to The Corporate Escapists, a platform dedicated to helping individuals navigate the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship. Our host, Christine Innes, is an international best-selling author, coach, and entrepreneur who brings in experts from around the world to share their insights and inspirational stories on mindset, innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and more. We believe that it's never too late to follow your passion and create the life and business of your dreams. visit us at www.thecorporateescapists.com#thecorporateescapists

The Corporate Escapists Podcast is a business podcast hosted by The Corporate Escapists, with 208 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

The Corporate Escapists hosts The Corporate Escapists Podcast, a business show with 208 episodes published.

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  The Corporate Escapists Podcast

  Franchise vs Entrepreneurship: Which Path Is Right for You? | Dave Roemer

  Sep 30, 202624 min

  What’s the difference between being an entrepreneur and becoming a successful franchise owner? In this episode of The Corporate Escapists, Christine Innes sits down with Dave Roemer, CEO of Complete Pest Solutions and a franchise industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience. Dave shares the truth about franchising vs entrepreneurship, leadership, customer service and what it really takes to build a profitable business. They explore why some people thrive within a franchise system while others are better suited to creating their own path, why leadership matters even when you're a solopreneur, and how genuine customer relationships can turn ordinary customers into loyal advocates. Dave also shares his philosophy that success isn't simply measured by how much money you make — but by how many people you help become successful. In this episode we share about: ✨ Franchise vs entrepreneurship ✨ Leadership and business growth ✨ Customer service and loyalty ✨ Building trust and generating reviews ✨ Servant leadership ✨ Purpose-driven business ✨ Dave's 35+ years in franchising **Connect with Dave:** Website: https://completepestsolution.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/davidjroemer The Corporate Escapists — where the stories behind business, leadership and success are brought to life. Because your story matters. ✨ GET THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE NOW: https://www.thecorporateescapists.com/i-n-s-p-i-r-e-magazine/ Meet Christine Innes — Founder & Host of The Corporate Escapists. 6× #1 International Bestselling Author. Editor. TV & Podcast Host. Speaker. Educator. Storyteller. I once had the corporate career, the title, the salary and the lifestyle… yet felt completely disconnected from who I was. Hitting rock bottom changed everything. Today, I’ve built a life and business around something I believe deeply in: People don’t connect with perfect. They connect with real. The Corporate Escapists celebrates the entrepreneurs, leaders and changemakers behind the businesses, movements and ideas shaping our world. Because behind every achievement is a story. Behind every brand is a human. And while facts tell… stories sell. ️ We uncover the stories behind the success — the risks, failures, breakthroughs, lessons and moments that changed everything. Because stories create connection. Stories create impact. Stories create legacy. And yours might be the one someone needs to hear. Join my world: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christineinnescoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christine_innes/

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  The Corporate Escapists Podcast

  Franchise vs Entrepreneurship: Which Path Is Right for You? with Guest Dave Roemer | Episode 211

  Sep 30, 202624 min

  What’s the difference between building a business from scratch and becoming a successful franchise owner? In this episode of The Corporate Escapists, Christine Innes sits down with Dave Roemer, CEO of Complete Pest Solutions and a franchise industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience. Dave and Christine unpack the realities of franchising vs entrepreneurship, leadership, customer service, business growth and what it really takes to build a successful business. They explore why some people thrive within established franchise systems, why leadership is essential even for solopreneurs, and why genuine relationships and exceptional customer service can become your biggest competitive advantage. Dave also shares his philosophy that success isn't simply about making money — it's about how many people you help become successful along the way. In this episode: • Franchise vs entrepreneurship • What makes a successful franchisee • Leadership and team building • Growing a service-based business • The power of exceptional customer service • Building trust, reviews and referrals • Turning customers into loyal advocates • Servant leadership and purpose • Why relationships drive business growth • Building a business around the life you want About Dave Roemer Dave Roemer is the CEO of Complete Pest Solutions and has more than 35 years of experience in franchising as both a franchisor and franchisee. He has worked alongside franchise owners with nationally recognised brands including Dunkin’, Arby’s, Long John Silver’s and Rita’s Italian Ice. Today, Dave's mission is to help franchisees become more profitable while expanding Complete Pest Solutions nationally. His philosophy is simple: personal success is measured by how many people you help become successful. Connect with Dave Website: https://completepestsolution.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/davidjroemer About The Corporate Escapists The Corporate Escapists celebrates entrepreneurs, leaders and changemakers and the stories behind the businesses they build. Because behind every achievement is a story. And while facts tell… stories sell.️ Subscribe and discover the people, lessons and stories changing the way we think about business, leadership and success. #TheCorporateEscapists #Franchise #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLeadership #BusinessGrowth #CustomerService #Franchising #DaveRoemer GET THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE NOW:https://www.thecorporateescapists.com/i-n-s-p-i-r-e-magazine/ Meet Your Host, Christine Innes – the Visibility Queen behind The Corporate Escapists.5× #1 International Bestselling Author, Editor, TV Show & Podcast Host, Speaker, and Educator.Once a high-flying corporate queen, I had the title, the salary, the lifestyle… but felt completely dead inside. Hitting rock bottom forced me to face the truth: I didn’t know who I really was. Through years of inner work, I rebuilt my life and designed a business that lights me up — and now I help others do the same.Today, I show entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers how to use their story to build visibility, attract more clients, and create a legacy that matters.

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  The Corporate Escapists Podcast

  From $860 to 27 Years in Business: How Abbey Shepherd Built a Thriving Salon

  Sep 23, 202629 min

  What does it really take to build a business that lasts?For Abbey Shepherd, it started 27 years ago with just $860, a handshake, and a whole lot of determination. Today, Abbey is the proud founder and owner of Simply Stunnin’ Hair & Beauty in Melbourne — a multi-award-winning salon built on passion, resilience, genuine customer connection and community. In this episode of The Corporate Escapists, Christine Innes sits down with Abbey to talk about the realities of building a business over nearly three decades — from navigating massive changes in the hair and beauty industry to embracing technology, surviving COVID lockdowns, creating new revenue opportunities and learning when to pivot. But this conversation goes far beyond business.Abbey also shares the deeply meaningful work she does with Hair Aid Australia, using her skills to teach hairdressing and barbering to people in vulnerable communities, including inmates overseas, while supporting community haircut initiatives in Victoria. Because sometimes success isn't just about what you build.It's about the ripple effect of what you do with it. ✨ In This Episode, We Talk About: *How Abbey built Simply Stunnin’ Hair & Beauty over 27 years *Starting a business with just $860 and a handshake *The biggest changes in the hair and beauty industry *Why exceptional customer service matters more than ever *How to build genuine, long-term relationships with customers *Adapting your business during challenging economic times *How Abbey reinvented her salon during COVID lockdowns *The innovative tint and toner packs that created an at-home salon experience *Learning to embrace technology and AI as a business owner *Why business owners need to be willing to pivot *The importance of having a supportive business community *Why collaboration can be more powerful than competition *Abbey's work with Hair Aid Australia *Using your skills and business to create a ripple effect *What aspiring hairdressers need to know before entering the industry *The physical demands and realities of a career in hairdressing *Why understanding colour theory is essential for emerging stylists *The lessons Abbey has learned after 27 years in business Abbey's story is a beautiful reminder that a business can become so much more than a source of income. Through Simply Stunnin’, Abbey has created a place where people feel seen, valued and cared for.And through Hair Aid Australia, she's taken those skills beyond the salon to help people who may never have had access to the opportunities many of us take for granted.Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, service and purpose. One of the Biggest Lessons from Abbey Don't be afraid to change.The business that survives isn't necessarily the business that never faces challenges.It's the business that learns how to listen, adapt, innovate and keep moving. Abbey's experience during COVID is a perfect example. Rather than simply waiting for things to return to normal, she listened to what her customers needed and created a new way to bring the salon experience into their homes. That's entrepreneurship. Not having all the answers. Being willing to find them.❤️ About Abbey Shepherd Abbey Shepherd is the founder and owner of Simply Stunnin’ Hair & Beauty, a beloved Melbourne salon she has grown over the past 27 years. Starting with just $860 and a handshake, Abbey has built a thriving local business through passion, dedication, resilience and genuine connection with her community. A multi-award-winning stylist, Abbey believes hair has the power to transform confidence, create connection and make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Outside her salon, Abbey volunteers with Hair Aid Australia, using her professional skills to support communities in need both locally and internationally. Connect with Abbey & Simply Stunnin’ Website: https://www.simplystunnin.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simply_stunnin_hair_and_beauty/

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  The Corporate Escapists Podcast

  Digital Storytelling in Business: How to Build Trust in the Age of AI | Brooke Hargraves

  Sep 16, 202636 min

  Storytelling used to be a one-way broadcast. Now it's a conversation — and business owners who understand that shift are the ones building real trust with their audience. In this episode of The Corporate Escapists, Christine sits down with media and communications strategist Brooke Hargraves to unpack what authentic digital storytelling actually looks like in 2026. Brooke is an award-winning former journalist who spent over 20 years advising senior Australian political leaders through election campaigns, national crises and intense media scrutiny. Today, through her agency Trellis Media, she combines media strategy, storytelling, confidence coaching and practical communication skills to help CEOs, founders, executives and emerging leaders become credible, trusted voices — without needing to perform or become someone they're not. We cover: ✔️ How digitalisation turned storytelling from a broadcast into a two-way conversation ✔️ Why owning your story — including the hard parts — builds more trust than a polished version ✔️ Getting clear on your "why" and "who you are" before you share your message ✔️ Why authentic content takes more effort than AI-generated scripts, but earns better long-term results ✔️ "Return on vision" — thinking beyond financial ROI when it comes to storytelling ✔️ Personal branding in an AI-driven world, and why Australians often hold back due to tall poppy syndrome ✔️ Brooke's journey from working within a team to building her own communications business, and what business networks in Brisbane taught her along the way ABOUT BROOKE HARGRAVESBrooke Hargraves is a media and communications strategist who helps leaders communicate confidently and authentically across television, podcasts, live events and boardrooms. An award-winning former journalist, she spent over 20 years advising senior Australian political leaders through election campaigns, national crises and intense media scrutiny. Today, Brooke combines media strategy, storytelling, confidence coaching and practical communication skills to support CEOs, founders, executives and emerging leaders — helping them understand their story, manage pressure, raise their profile, and become credible, trusted voices without feeling they need to perform or become someone they're not. CONNECT WITH BROOKEWebsite: https://trellismedia.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-hargraves-9b207656/ Follow more at www.thecorporateescapists.com

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  The Corporate Escapists Podcast

  Why Women Fall for "Potential" Not Reality | Relationship Advice with Vilma Putt

  Sep 9, 202638 min

  What does it actually take to build a relationship that lasts a lifetime? In this episode of The Corporate Escapists, Christine sits down with relationship therapist, counsellor and coach Vilma Putt to unpack honest, practical relationship advice for couples navigating real life — not just the highlight reel. Vilma has been married to her high-school sweetheart Matt for over 31 years, and as the founder of Laleo Counselling & Coaching, she's spent her career helping couples move from conflict to connection. In this conversation, she shares why lasting relationships aren't built by chance but by intentional choices, and why treating your partner as a teammate — not an adversary — changes everything. We cover:✔️ Why maintaining your own self-worth is the foundation of a healthy relationship✔️ How to have honest conversations with your partner, even in hard seasons✔️ Why relationships take constant effort — and what "choosing to be your best self" really looks like day to day✔️ How couples can shift from a conflict mindset to a team mindset✔️ Why women often see a man's potential instead of accepting where he's at — and how to encourage growth without asking someone to change who they are✔️ Book recommendations: Fascinating Womanhood and Man of Steel and Velvet✔️ Vilma's upcoming relationship seminar with Creative Hearts Co on September 29th, where she'll share 11 relationship processes she and her husband have developed over their marriage ABOUT VILMA PUTTVilma Putt is a Lover of Life, relationship therapist, counsellor and coach, speaker, wife, and mama to four adult children (and a grandmama too!). She's passionate about helping people build deeper connection with God, themselves, and others — both romantic and platonic. As founder of Laleo Counselling & Coaching, Vilma helps individuals and couples navigate relationships with greater understanding, authenticity and love. CONNECT WITH VILMAWebsite: https://laleo.com.au Instagram: https://instagram.com/vilma_putt

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