You don’t need a plan if you’ve got the right people in your corner.

I loved this chat with Brett Trainor, who walked away from corporate life and found something even better—freedom, purpose, and a community of support. Brett shares how his journey unfolded not through strategy, but through relationships. From his first freelance gig to building the Escapee Collective for Gen Xers ready to do work on their own terms, Brett proves that connection is the true currency. We talked about the mistakes he made early on, how Tiktok became an unexpected launchpad, and why your old network might just be your greatest asset. If you're navigating change or considering a shift, this conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and a reminder that you’re never doing it alone.

Highlights:

1. Relationships Are Your Launchpad - Brett’s first freelance gig came from someone he hadn’t spoken to in 15 years. Your past connections hold future value.

2. How Tiktok Ignited a Movement - He built a Gen X audience of over 70,000 by simply sharing personal stories—no dancing required.

3. From Crickets to Community - The Escapee Collective started as a Slack group and evolved into a paid, engaged support hub for corporate escapees.

4. LinkedIn Is Still King - He uses Tiktok to funnel people to LinkedIn, where meaningful B2B connections and collaboration actually happen.

5. The Power of Being Helpful First - Brett now leads with generosity—offering value without the hard sell—and it pays back in community and credibility.

Connect with Brett:

Website: https://www.bretttrainor.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_corporate_escapee

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bretttrainor/

In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!