Escape and Empower Podcast | Buy Your First Franchise

“Don’t Ignore It—Acknowledge Your Fear” — The First Step in a Job Transition

Dave Greenberg and Pete Gilfillan

Escape and Empower Podcast with David Greenberg and Peter Gilfillan

In this episode of Escape and Empower, Pete and Dave get real about a topic every corporate executive must face but few talk about: fear. Whether you’re being pushed out due to ageism, layoffs, or are simply ready for a change, fear during a job transition is real—and it’s often paralyzing.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Drawing from personal stories and years of coaching executives, Pete and Dave outline the emotional, practical, and strategic tools you need to manage fear—and take your first steps toward business ownership with confidence.

In this episode, Pete and Dave discuss:

  • Acknowledge the Fear, Don’t Bury It
    Fear thrives in silence. Write it down, journal it, and break it into specific concerns so you can address each one clearly and calmly.
  • Reframe What ‘Job Security’ Really Means
    Being your own boss is the only true job security. Pete shares why W-2 jobs no longer offer the protection they once did.
  • Overcome Self-Doubt by Owning Your Success
    Your past wins, leadership experience, and problem-solving skills don’t disappear in transition—they become your greatest asset.
  • Build a Plan to Mitigate Risk
    Uncertainty breeds fear. A transition plan—whether it leads to a franchise or another path—restores control and momentum.
  • Take One Small Action Today
    Fear hates movement. Whether it’s a 15-minute call or learning about franchising, that first step builds confidence and unlocks clarity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fear is normal—but naming it gives you power
  • Job security doesn’t come from employers anymore—it comes from ownership
  • Self-doubt is a liar; your experience is still valuable
  • Having a plan beats waiting in limbo
  • Confidence grows through action, not contemplation

“Fear thrives in inactivity. The moment you take even one small step, it loses its grip.” — Peter Gilfillan



CONNECT WITH PETER GILFILLAN

Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR
Website:
https://www.hireyourself.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/

CONNECT WITH DAVID GREENBERG

Meet with Dave: https://calendly.com/empoweredfranchisee/virtual-coffee-with-dave-the-empowered-franchiee-web?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR
Website:
https://empoweredfranchisee.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-greenberg-entrepreneur/