Leaving the Corporate World: How to Redefine Your Identity and Success with Mike Cordone | E8
In this episode I sat down with my twin brother Mike and talked to him about about his recent decision to leave his corporate engineering job in New York City to pursue a more fulfilling career in photography. We discuss finding your purpose, the challenges of switching careers, and the importance of balancing passion projects with making a living. Michael Cordone shares insights on building a creative business, overcoming burnout, and why intentionally designing your life matters more than just climbing the corporate ladder. This episode is perfect for anyone searching for meaningful work, exploring entrepreneurship, or looking for inspiration to take the next step toward their true purpose.
β¨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way
β¨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way
π Timestamps:
00:00 β Introduction
00:53 β Meet My Twin Brother
01:20 β Discovering Photography & Corporate Burnout
03:12 β Starting a Photography Business
04:16 β Multiple Income Streams in Photography
06:01 β Balancing Passion Projects and Making Money
07:01 β Choosing Engineering: Reflections on College & Career Choices
10:18 β The Influence of Family and Following the Expected Path
13:25 β The Impact of Life Events & COVID on Career Decisions
15:29 β Corporate Culture: Early Work Experiences
18:39 β The Decision to Leave Corporate for Photography
21:40 β Prioritizing Life Over Work: Loss, Values & Taking the Leap
24:10 β Mindset, Failure, and Unlearning Corporate Habits
27:14 β Transitioning to Self-Employment: Challenges & Time Management
30:32 β The Importance of Self-Growth and Learning
36:38 β What Excites Michael: Building Connections & The Value of Photography
43:31 β Whatβs Next & How to Connect with Michael
44:27 β Closing
00:53 β Meet My Twin Brother
01:20 β Discovering Photography & Corporate Burnout
03:12 β Starting a Photography Business
04:16 β Multiple Income Streams in Photography
06:01 β Balancing Passion Projects and Making Money
07:01 β Choosing Engineering: Reflections on College & Career Choices
10:18 β The Influence of Family and Following the Expected Path
13:25 β The Impact of Life Events & COVID on Career Decisions
15:29 β Corporate Culture: Early Work Experiences
18:39 β The Decision to Leave Corporate for Photography
21:40 β Prioritizing Life Over Work: Loss, Values & Taking the Leap
24:10 β Mindset, Failure, and Unlearning Corporate Habits
27:14 β Transitioning to Self-Employment: Challenges & Time Management
30:32 β The Importance of Self-Growth and Learning
36:38 β What Excites Michael: Building Connections & The Value of Photography
43:31 β Whatβs Next & How to Connect with Michael
44:27 β Closing
π‘Key Takeaways
In this episode you'll learn:
How to quit your corporate job
How to make a career change and make the leap
How overcome corporate mindsets
How to diversify income with a photography business
How to make a career decision
How to value human connection in photography
How to overcome fear of failure in a career change
How to make steps to build a business
How to make a career change and make the leap
How overcome corporate mindsets
How to diversify income with a photography business
How to make a career decision
How to value human connection in photography
How to overcome fear of failure in a career change
How to make steps to build a business
π Start Here If You're New
π₯How To Connect
Watch on YouTube
WTOP Merch
Connect with Mike:
- Mike's Website
- Check out Mike's Instagram portfolio
- Buy one of his awesome prints
