Are you ready to break free from corporate and build a business on your own terms? In this episode of Life After Corporate, Deb sits down with Erin Halper, Founder and CEO of The Upside, to explore how real community—not just networking—can transform lives and careers. Erin reveals how her own shift from corporate to consulting laid the groundwork for a global community that champions flexibility, purpose, and high-value business building. Whether you're a coach, consultant, or aspiring entrepreneur, you'll walk away with useful insights on community-building, authenticity, and escaping the scarcity mindset for good. [00:05- 09:33]
Are you ready to break free from corporate and build a business on your own terms?
In this episode of Life After Corporate, Deb sits down with Erin Halper, Founder and CEO of The Upside, to explore how real community—not just networking—can transform lives and careers.
Erin reveals how her own shift from corporate to consulting laid the groundwork for a global community that champions flexibility, purpose, and high-value business building.
Whether you're a coach, consultant, or aspiring entrepreneur, you'll walk away with useful insights on community-building, authenticity, and escaping the scarcity mindset for good.
[00:05- 09:33] From Corporate Ladder to Consulting Freedom
-
Erin's personal "life after corporate" story and leap into consulting.
-
A health crisis during pregnancy makes flexibility non-negotiable.
-
Erin spots a trend: women are quitting, unaware that consulting is an option.
-
The first version of The Upside—consultant matchmaking—and why she hated it.
[09:34 -18:18] Creating a True Community for Consultants
-
The "aha" moment: Erin realizes consultants need better positioning—not just clients.
-
Erin's lesson: "I am the brand"—why she stopped hiding behind the business.
-
Community vs. Network: why support, not transactions, is the core of The Upside.
-
Establishing values, structure, and strict no-selling boundaries.
[18:19 - 26:00] Mindset Shifts & Milestones
-
How the community hit "flywheel" momentum through word-of-mouth.
-
Erin's unique referral model—why a 1:1 with her is the best reward.
-
From heartbreak to maturity: Erin learns to let go when members leave.
-
How The Upside made her a more confident, people-first leader.
[27:14 - 36:31] Community, Not Competition
-
Deb and Erin dismantle the "competition myth" in coaching and consulting.
-
Erin's high-integrity filter: only serving true business owners.
-
How generosity and transparency create unstoppable momentum.
-
Erin's final advice: block out the noise and build from your values.
Connect with Erin Halper
Website: betheupside.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinhalper/
Ready to turn insights into action? Don't just listen—join the movement! The Life After Corporate Community (https://lifeaftercorporate.com/community) is where ambitious women like you connect, collaborate, and get the strategies, tools, and high-level support to grow a thriving, profitable business.
Join us now and start making the powerful connections that will elevate your success! https://lifeaftercorporate.com/community
Other episodes you may enjoy; find them all at:
https://lifeaftercorporate.com/podcast/ or
Life After Corphttps://pod.link/1500631278orate
205. Common Trademark Mistakes That Could Cost Your Business Thousands
197. How Meghann Conter is Rewriting the Rules of Success for Women Entrepreneurs with THE DAMES
194. How Entrepreneurs Can Avoid Becoming Seven-Figure Poor
19. Pivoting During a Pandemic and Leading With Your North Star, with Cate Luzio - Founder of Luminary
Tweetable Quotes:
"It's about creating a structure where people can help one another to help themselves, and that is really hard to do."...Erin Halper on the challenges of building a community
"But it's why there's experts out there that charge for their time and charge for their expertise."...Erin Halper on the Value of Community
**TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST**
SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this podcast to other growing entrepreneurs!
Get weekly tips on how to create more money and meaning doing work you love and be one of the many growing entrepreneurs in our community. Connect with me on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12656341/ or on Instagram or our website at www.lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com .
