SAN FRANCISCO, CA, April 18, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A growing number of high-powered executives are trading in their corner offices for the freedom of entrepreneurship, and according to A.J. Mizes, this trend is not a fleeting phase—it's a reshaping of the professional landscape.

A.J. Mizes, a leading HR strategist, executive coach, and founder of The Human Reach, has built a career helping professionals at the highest levels navigate major career transitions. From his vantage point coaching leaders at Fortune 500 companies and Silicon Valley startups alike, Mizes has seen a distinct shift: more senior executives are opting out of traditional employment to build their own ventures, pursue consultancy work, or create personal brands.

"The era of loyalty to one company for life is behind us," says Mizes. "Today's executives are choosing autonomy, purpose, and impact over corporate hierarchy. And for many, it's the best career move they've ever made."

The Rise of the Independent Executive

This shift isn't happening in a vacuum. With economic uncertainty, organizational restructures, and evolving workplace expectations, seasoned professionals are reevaluating their place in the corporate world. Instead of waiting for the next promotion or surviving the next layoff, they're choosing to carve their own paths.

"Executives are burned out by bureaucracy and uninspired by rigid corporate structures," explains Mizes. "They've spent years—sometimes decades—leading teams and driving strategy, and they realize those skills are incredibly valuable on the open market." Rather than retire early or jump to another C-suite position, many are turning to consulting, coaching, and entrepreneurship. In doing so, they retain control over their schedules, choose their clients, and often earn more while doing less.

According to Mizes, the shift also reflects a desire for authenticity and legacy. "When you build your own business, you're creating something with your name on it. That kind of ownership and alignment with personal values is a huge driver for executives going solo."

Economic Conditions Are Accelerating the Shift

Several market forces are fueling this transition. The economic turbulence of recent years has created uncertainty for even the most senior professionals. Layoffs have reached the executive level, and companies are streamlining leadership layers to cut costs. "There's this myth that high-level leaders are untouchable, but that's no longer true," Mizes says. "When a company faces financial pressure, they start cutting expensive salaries. That means even VPs and C-suite execs are at risk."

Rather than wait for the axe to fall, some executives are proactively leaving. The pandemic also shifted values—many leaders got a taste of remote work and flexibility and are now unwilling to return to grueling travel schedules and 80-hour workweeks. "Executives have realized that success doesn't have to come at the expense of wellbeing," Mizes notes. "They want time with their families, freedom to travel, and the ability to pursue passion projects. Going solo gives them that."

Executives Are Creating a New Playbook

As more senior leaders make the leap into solo ventures, a new playbook for professional reinvention is emerging. Mizes has coached dozens of former corporate executives through successful transitions into consulting, coaching, and independent business ownership. "The most important thing is clarity," he explains. "Executives need to get really clear on what value they bring, who they want to serve, and how they'll position themselves in the market."

That clarity often comes through structured coaching and personal branding—two areas where Mizes and his team specialize. The Human Reach offers a tailored program to help senior professionals build thought leadership, define service offerings, and launch sustainable solo careers.

"Your resume doesn't speak for you in the entrepreneurial world," he says. "You need a compelling narrative, a strong brand presence, and the confidence to pitch yourself to clients or investors."

The good news? Executives already possess the most essential ingredients for success: experience, credibility, and a robust network.

Freedom, Flexibility, and Financial Upside

One of the key appeals of going solo is the freedom to define success on your own terms. For some, that means building a boutique consulting firm. For others, it's starting a podcast, writing a book, or speaking internationally. And for many, it means significantly increasing their income.

"Executives often undervalue themselves when they leave the corporate world," Mizes says. "But when they realize that companies will pay top dollar for their expertise on a fractional or project basis, it's a game-changer."

Mizes cites several clients who have replaced—or even doubled—their corporate income within the first year of launching a consultancy or advisory business. By working with fewer clients at higher rates, they avoid burnout and regain ownership over their time. "There's real power in saying no," he adds. "Solo executives don't have to attend every meeting, navigate corporate politics, or chase internal promotions. They work smarter, not harder."

The Emotional Side of Reinvention

While the benefits of going solo are substantial, the transition isn't without challenges. Many executives face fear, imposter syndrome, and a loss of identity after leaving long-standing roles. That's where executive coaching becomes essential. "Reinvention is a deeply emotional process," Mizes says. "You're letting go of who you were to become who you're meant to be. That requires reflection, support, and a willingness to take risks."

The Human Reach provides coaching that addresses not just strategy but mindset. Mizes and his team help clients work through self-doubt, build confidence, and develop a roadmap for sustainable success.

"Once executives start seeing results—landing clients, speaking at events, getting recognized for their work—their entire identity starts to shift," he says. "They realize they're not just surviving outside of corporate—they're thriving."

Looking Ahead: A New Era of Executive Work

As the professional landscape continues to evolve, Mizes believes we're entering a new era of executive work—one defined by autonomy, agility, and impact. "We're going to see more leaders walk away from traditional roles to build something of their own," he predicts. "And we'll see businesses increasingly turn to these independent executives for guidance, innovation, and leadership support."

That means the boundary between corporate and entrepreneurial work will continue to blur. Fractional leadership, contract consulting, and executive coaching will become more common—and more respected.

"This isn't about quitting the corporate world in frustration," Mizes concludes. "It's about recognizing that there's more than one way to lead, grow, and make an impact. For today's senior professionals, going solo isn't a fallback plan—it's a bold, strategic next step."

About A.J. Mizes

A.J. Mizes is a nationally recognized HR expert, executive coach, and the CEO of The Human Reach, a human potential institute helping high-performing professionals reach their full potential. With over a decade of experience leading talent strategy at companies like Facebook, Sungevity, and Premier Staffing, Mizes specializes in helping executives reinvent their careers, build thriving businesses, and lead with authenticity.

Recently named #1 Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year by USA TODAY, Mizes has been featured in major outlets including NBC, CBS, FOX, The International Business Times, and Yahoo! News. His mission is to help professionals align their work with their purpose—and thrive in the process.

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