Why I Left
Why I Left tells real stories from real people about the bold career moves that changed their lives.
Hosted by Brian Aquart, the show goes beyond resignations to uncover courage, clarity, and growth in the face of change. Each episode offers honest reflections, lessons learned, and practical insights for anyone considering a pivot, navigating uncertainty, or seeking inspiration for their next chapter.
We don’t talk about resignations enough, this podcast makes sure we do.
Episodes
105 episodes
Faith Over Fear - Stephen A. Hart
Stephen A. Hart left a six-figure corporate leadership role after doctors warned him about the physical toll of chronic stress. What looked like success on paper was quietly becoming unsustainable.In this conversation, Stephen shares how...
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Season 5
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Episode 100
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54:30
Leadership, Presence, and the Cost of Disconnection - Tracy Brower
Loneliness at work is rising. And it is a structural issue.In this episode, Tracy Brower, PhD, returns to Why I Left to unpack the growing disconnection inside modern organizations. Fifty percent of people globally report feeling lonely....
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Season 5
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Episode 99
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50:40
The Jolts That Reshape Work and Identity - Anthony Klotz
Most people think quitting is the story. It isn’t.Before people leave their jobs, something usually happens first. A pause. A realization. A moment that makes it impossible to keep going the same way. Five years ago, Dr. Anthony K...
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Season 5
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Episode 98
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1:04:28
Season 5 Begins: The Courage to Choose What Matters - Brian Aquart
After 100 episodes, one truth stands out. Leaving is rarely about quitting. It is about alignment.In this season five launch, Brian Aquart reflects on what a hundred conversations with leaders, founders, and operators have revealed about...
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Season 5
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2:58
I Did It My Way - Craig the Barber
On the Season 4 finale of Why I Left, Brian sits down with Craig Whitely, better known as Craig the Barber, who shares his inspiring journey from the world of fi...
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Episode 91
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40:03
Igniting Leaders - Jordana Cole
Brian sits down with Jordana Cole, founder of Ignited LLC. Jordana shares her courageous decision to leave behind a successful corporate career and follow her pa...
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Episode 96
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51:11
Trust, Trauma & Leadership - Lori Swartz Eberly
Brian sits down with Lori Eberly, founder of Radius Executive Coaching and co-author of "Fuckery." Lori shares her compelling journey from hospice social worker ...
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Episode 92
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1:02:34
Breaking Free From Myths - Scott Mason
Ready to break free from a traditional career path and reignite your purpose? Brian welcomes Scott Mason, the Myth Slayer, who reveals his journey from high-powe...
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Episode 94
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50:16
Leading With Wellbeing First - Chase Sterling
Brian sits down with Chase Sterling, U.S. Army veteran, founder of Wellbeing Think Tank, and Principal Consultant at HHP Cultures. Chase shares her inspiring jou...
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Episode 93
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52:39
The Power of Intersectionality - Zhou Fang
In this powerful episode of Why I Left, Brian Aquart sits down with Zhou Fang, Founder of Intersectional Group and host of the Intersection Podcast. Zhou shares ...
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Episode 92
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57:56
Writing With Soul - Danielle Perlin-Good
Brian sits down with Danielle Perlin-Good, the Soul-Aligned Ghostwriter. Danielle shares her powerful journey from being laid off at the Chicago Tribune to launc...
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Episode 91
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32:26
From Cockpit to Coach - Walt Morgan
Brian Aquart welcomes Walt Morgan, a retired Navy helicopter pilot turned leadership coach. Walt shares his inspiring journey from the cockpit to the classroom a...
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Episode 90
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47:54
Redefining Justice & Health - Makini Chisolm-Straker
Dr. Makini Chisolm-Straker visits Brian to share her powerful career journey from emergency medicine physician to national leader in public policy and reparation...
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Episode 89
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53:17
Empowering Women - Diane Forster
Brian Aquart welcomes Diane Forster, award-winning TV host, coach, and founder of I Have Today. Diane shares her inspiring journey from a 32-year ad sales career...
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Episode 88
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39:01
Mindful Leadership, Lasting Success - Myrto Legaki
Brian sits down with Myrto Legakileadership and well-being consultant, global keynote speaker, and founder of One Breath Mindfulness Center. Myrto shares her pow...
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Episode 87
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53:27
Winning With Brand Partnerships - Nathaniel Cooke
Brian dives into the fast-paced world of sports management and brand partnerships with Nathaniel Cooke, a seasoned strategist known for his impactful work with R...
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Episode 86
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32:03
Courageous Quitting - Coonoor Behal
Brian sits down with Coonoor Behal, innovation strategist, CEO of Mindhatch, and author of I Quit: The Life-Affirming Joy of Giving Up....
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Episode 85
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59:03
Embracing Opportunity & Change - Cynthia Pong
In this episode of Why I Left, host Brian Aquart sits down with Cynthia Pong, award-winning executive coach, author, and founder of Emb...
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Episode 84
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53:20
Faithfully Navigating Money & Ambition - Judy Weber
Ready to scale your business without sacrificing your values? In this powerful episode of Why I Left, Brian Aquart sits down w...
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Episode 83
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57:27
Entrepreneurship Under Pressure - Michael Dermer
Brian Aquart sits down with Michael Dermer, a healthcare pioneer and serial entrepreneur, to explore his transformative journey from a high-stakes legal career t...
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Episode 79
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49:39
Courage To Walk Away - Rachel Franco
Brian sits down with Rachel Franco, a learning and organizational development leader. Rachel shares her journey from a marketing executive to a change-maker in o...
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Episode 81
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36:04
Unlocking Human Potential - Elena Agaragimova
Brian delves into the journey of Elena Agaragimova, a driving force in talent development and leadership. From academia to entrepreneurship, Elena shares how her...
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Episode 80
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52:11
Redefining Career Transitions - Selena Ng
Selena Ng joins the show to share how she navigates change with resilience and strategic insight. Let's uncover the secrets behind transformative career moves and the intricate world of HR leadership.
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Episode 79
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39:26
