Episode 39

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Published on:

28th Jul 2026

From Wall Street Recruiting to Building a Movement

Nat Berman spent seven years in a career that never quite fit, recruiting for Wall Street firms while quietly working on his own projects after hours.

Then a friend's email about a blogging platform gave him the opening he had been waiting for, and within nine months he walked away from the safe path for good.

In this episode, LuRae and Nat trace the whole journey: the fear of cold calling strangers, the calculated leap with six months of savings, and the unexpected loss of his mother that inspired the Be Better Movement, a community built around one small daily action.

Nat gets honest about what actually changes a life. Not motivation, not a perfect plan, but tiny habits, real ownership, and the courage to commit first and figure out the how later.

If you've been standing at your own crossroads wondering whether it's too late to change direction, this conversation is proof that it isn't.

Chapters:

  • (00:00:00) - Introduction and Meet Nat Berman
  • (00:02:07) - The Career That Never Fit and the Leap Out
  • (00:06:22) - Starting the Be Better Movement
  • (00:10:26) - Cold Calling, Rejection, and Staying Kind
  • (00:13:41) - Let Go of What Isn't Yours to Do
  • (00:16:13) - You Already Know Enough to Start
  • (00:21:14) - The Loss That Inspired Be Better
  • (00:26:38) - One Small Thing Every Day
  • (00:31:22) - Be Better Cards and Street Conversations
  • (00:36:29) - Advice for Anyone Ready to Start Over

Links and Resources:

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About the Podcast

and then I did this
The unique journeys of individuals who've had the courage to break free and live life on their own terms.
"And Then I Did This" brings you the unique journeys of individuals who've had the courage to break free and live life on their own terms.

Each episode takes you behind the scenes of an ordinary person's extraordinary transformation. You'll hear from those who've walked away from the beaten path to pursue work and a life that nourishes their soul. Their stories prove that you truly can be free to live your best and most authentic life.

Get ready to be inspired as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned from those who dared to create the life of their dreams. Whether it's leaving the corporate grind to start a small business, embarking on a midlife career change, or simply redesigning your daily routine to prioritize your passions - the guests on "And Then I Did This" show you that it's possible to break free and live life on your own terms.

Join us each week and prepare to be motivated, encouraged, and empowered to take the first steps toward more freedom in your life.

If you're feeling inspired and ready to explore your own path to freedom, check out YouCanBeFree.life where you'll find resources and support to help you break free and live life on your own terms.

About your host

Profile picture for LuRae Lumpkin

LuRae Lumpkin