What does it really take to leave a large consulting firm and build a thriving solo practice from scratch?
In this episode of the Thriving Through Podcast, AJ interviews David Hermann, founder of Herman Group and Herman Digital Media, about his transition from corporate consulting to entrepreneurship.
David shares how he:
• Rebuilt authority after leaving a major healthcare consultancy
• Used content marketing, authority building, and networking as a “three-legged stool” growth strategy
• Leveraged LinkedIn newsletters and moved to Substack to reach founders outside corporate circles
• Paused sales to earn business brokerage credentials
• Structured value-based consulting fees tied directly to measurable client outcomes
• Built social proof without relying on a website
• Published his first book, The Change Agent Code
• Navigates revenue uncertainty, pipeline rebuilding, and imposter syndrome
If you're a consultant, founder, coach, or service professional wondering how to price confidently, generate qualified leads, or transition from corporate to independent work, this episode delivers practical strategy and honest insights.
David also explains:
– How to qualify leads using 3 powerful questions
– Why hourly pricing misaligns incentives
– How to handle pushback on premium fees
– Why speaking engagements outperform websites for lead generation
– How founders should prepare emotionally and strategically for exit
Whether you're building a consulting firm, preparing for acquisition, or trying to create sustainable authority in your niche, this conversation will help you thrive through uncertainty.
To connect with David Herman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhermann/