From Fortune 500 to Founder: The Courage To Start Over with Joan Clark of JM Clark & Company
Making a bold leap from corporate success to personal fulfillment takes more than ambition — it takes courage. In this episode, Joan Clark of JM Clark & Company joins us to explore what it means to listen to your inner voice, take calculated risks and reshape your professional life on your own terms. Joan shares her journey from leading HR teams at a Fortune 500 company to launching her business. We also hear how her leadership philosophy led her to write “Common Sense Leadership,” a practical guide for emerging leaders.
Key Takeaways:
(02:04) Leadership courage means moving forward despite fear.
(03:17) Leaving corporate life to start a business was Joan’s most courageous choice.
(05:46) External success clashed with an inner calling for greater impact.
(10:29) Joan started JM Clark & Company to help others live true to themselves.
(14:52) Leading with listening ensures every solution meets the client’s needs.
(18:57) A simple question from her nephew sparked Joan's idea for her leadership book.
(23:30) Leadership is constant and silence often speaks louder than words.
(25:53) Know your who, why, what and how to lead with clarity and purpose.
Resources Mentioned:
JM Clark & Company website
"Common Sense Leadership" by JM Clark
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