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What happens when the business you’re building starts costing you your fulfillment?
In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with leadership coach and keynote speaker Jeff Koziatek to explore his unconventional journey from entertainment and performing on stage to building a coaching business focused on leadership, values, courage, and personal growth.
Jeff’s transition wasn’t simply a career change. After experiencing the pressure and burnout that came with his previous path, he had to rethink what success really meant and build a business around a deeper sense of purpose.
Together, Ann and Jeff explore what it takes to transition into coaching, build a strong foundation for an expert business, attract the right clients, and create success without losing yourself in the process.
Key Takeaways:
How Jeff transitioned from performer to executive coach
The lessons burnout can teach entrepreneurs about sustainable success
Why your core values should influence the business you build
How to create deeper connections with coaching clients
What aspiring coaches need to know about finding and winning clients
Why mindset, courage, and personal worth matter in leadership
How to build an expert business that supports both growth and fulfillment
Key Moments:
05:24 Separating self-worth from work
06:19 Discovering passion for coaching
11:45 Shifting mindset and balancing work
14:35 Transitioning to coaching and speaking
17:29 Types of entertainers explained
21:12 Starting with First Clients
22:52 Discussing personal and professional values
27:54 Overcoming stigma of asking for help
30:37 Starting an entertainment business
32:21 Meeting Jeff at the expo
38:05 Speaking engagements vs. service offers
41:04 Achievers striving for work-life balance
Whether you’re a coach, consultant, speaker, entrepreneur, or executive, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that business growth isn’t just about making more money. It’s about building a business that reflects your values, creates meaningful impact, and allows you to succeed without sacrificing what matters most.
🎧 Tune in now to discover how Jeff Koziatek turned an unexpected career transition into a purpose-driven coaching business and learn how you can build success on your own terms.
About the guest :
Jeff Koziatek works with executives who understand that results alone are not enough. Sustainable performance requires courage – the courage to confront hard truths, lead difficult conversations, hold standards without losing trust, and stay grounded when the stakes are high.
As a certified coach with The Values Conversation and the John Maxwell Team – and with more than 25 years as a business owner, entrepreneur, and former producer – Jeff brings real-world leadership pressure into every room. His work blends performance psychology, leadership development, and practical strategy to help executives amplify courage under pressure.
Organizations and associations partner with Jeff to help senior leaders show up decisive, credible, and composed – especially when the path forward isn’t obvious.
His sessions are known for being high-energy, deeply practical, and immediately actionable – equipping leaders not just to perform, but to lead with clarity when it matters most.
How to connect Jeff:
Company Website https://www.coreauthenticity.com/
LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkoziatek/
Facebook Profile https://www.facebook.com/coreauthenticity
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