She Left Her VP Role to Build a 6-Figure Family Business with Renée Goings
Interested in starting a coaching business? Considering leaping into entrepreneurship? On this episode, I kick back with my oldest friend, Renée Goings, a former Vice President turned co-owner of Done Dissertation, to talk about what it’s really like to go from corporate leadership to running a six-figure, family-owned business.
Together we unpack the real, raw side of entrepreneurship: identity shifts, imposter syndrome, finding your lane as a co-founder, and what it means to build a business that reflects your values, voice, and vision. If you're thinking about leaving your 9–5, joining a spouse-led business, or simply redefining what success means, this conversation is a must-listen.
The Corporate Foundation
Before we dive into her entrepreneurial journey, let's acknowledge what Renee was walking away from. She wasn't just leaving any job—she was a VP managing health and welfare benefits for major clients, negotiating renewals with insurance companies, and overseeing complex programs. She had spent eight years climbing from analyst to executive, building expertise and earning respect in a demanding industry.
But success in corporate America came with a price: burnout, overwhelming responsibilities, and the feeling that something fundamental was missing.
The Strategic Leap (Not Jump)
Here's what sets Renee apart from many entrepreneurial stories: she didn't just "follow her passion" and quit. Instead, she spent six months creating what she calls her contingency plans A, B, C, and D.
The Numbers Had to Make Sense
"I didn't want my way of life to change," Renee explains. This meant:
Working with a financial advisor to determine exactly what the business needed to generate
Analyzing their budget and savings thoroughly
Creating multiple backup scenarios in case business didn't grow as expected
Setting a clear financial target that matched her corporate salary
The Risk-Averse Entrepreneur's Approach
For those who, like Renee, are naturally risk-averse but feel called to entrepreneurship, her approach offers a roadmap:
Test the waters while employed - She helped with the business on evenings and weekends
Plan extensively - Six months of financial planning and scenario building
Set non-negotiables - Maintaining lifestyle and family stability were requirements, not luxuries
Have multiple backup plans - What happens if the business doesn't grow as expected?
