Episode 30

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Published on:

3rd Feb 2026

The Secret Behind the 1%: Why Leaving Corporate Might Be Your Best Decision

LuRae sits down with Justin Michael, bestselling author of 10 books and former sales leader at Salesforce and LinkedIn.

Justin shares his journey from telemarketing boiler rooms to training teams at global companies like HubSpot, and reveals the secret behind helping over 250 startups and 1,000 individuals double or even 5X their income.

He breaks down why traditional sales methods fail in today's AI-saturated market, the psychology behind high-level deal-making, and how professionals can build lucrative consulting businesses around their expertise.

Whether you're in sales, coaching, or contemplating leaving corporate to build your own venture, Justin's insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and the importance of service over self will inspire you to take that leap and live life on your own terms.

Chapters:

  1. (00:00:00) - Opening: Your Superpower Is Your YOU
  2. (00:01:00) - Who Is Justin Michael? From Boiler Rooms to Bestselling Author
  3. (00:06:17) - The Leap: Leaving Corporate to Build a Global Consultancy
  4. (00:10:00) - Why 75% of Salespeople Struggle (And How to Fix It)
  5. (00:14:00) - LinkedIn Is Not Email: Making Real Connections
  6. (00:18:00) - The 10 Books: From Tech-Powered Sales to The Frame
  7. (00:22:00) - Taking the Leap: The Mental Shift to Go Out on Your Own
  8. (00:27:00) - Choose Your Hard: Corporate Prison vs. Building Your Own Cage
  9. (00:31:00) - Fall in Love with Client Acquisition (Not Just the Work)
  10. (00:36:00) - Final Wisdom: Don't Die with Your Music Still Inside You

Links and Resources:

  1. Work With Justin Michael: Website
  2. Justin Michael on LinkedIn
  3. LuRae Lumpkin on LinkedIn
  4. You Can Be Free Newsletter
  5. You Can Be Free on YouTube

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to and then i did this? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

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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

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LuRae Lumpkin