Corpreneur Conversations: Where Corporate Experience Meets Entrepreneurial Vision

kirstinbrenders
Jun 13
4 min read

I had the honor of speaking at the panel event titled Corpreneur Conversations: Where Corporate Experience Meets Entrepreneurial Vision. The event was hosted by the Ladies Lifestyle Network Houston and the energy was electric, and the audience was a vibrant mix of corporate professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, and business owners.

Three women sit on a sofa, smiling. One wears a white dress, another a pink dress with floral patterns, and the third a leopard print dress. Cozy setting. — Speakers left to right: Shaleen Dove, Angelica Bryant, Kirstin Brenders. Photography by Pix by Holly

Angelica Bryant, the Community Director of LLN Houston, came up with the clever event and panel title. She defines:

"Corpreneurs" as people with a corporate background pursuing an entrepreneurial path.

The panel also featured Shaleen Dove, the founder of Virago Lux Skin Care. She brought her expertise in balancing a full-time Operations Supervisor role while growing her vegan, organic skin & beard care brand.

What I appreciated most about the lineup was that each of us showcased a unique approach to generating income beyond a traditional 9 to 5 job or role.

Why I Said Yes to This Conversation

I want to inspire others to believe that changing careers or launching a new venture, such as a business, is achievable. Unlike the other panelists, my aspiration to start a business emerged after experiencing burnout and stepping away from my corporate role to reevaluate my career and redefine what success looked like to me after becoming a mom.

During that time of reflection, I came across a whole new world of opportunities: online businesses. A spark was lit. That was it!

I started a business that initially provided virtual support to others from my home office, and it's a choice I am glad I made. I've managed to turn my corporate experience into something distinctly personal, and now I assist other women in doing likewise.

I believe too many of us stay on default paths - following a version of success chosen by our past selves. - Kirstin Brenders

What if your next chapter looks different from what you imagined five years ago?

That is not failure; it is growth!

What was Shared in the Panel Discussion

Women in a stylish lounge converse, seated in wicker chairs. — Panel Discussion Photography by Pix by Holly

Here are a few of the ideas that sparked head nods and deep conversations during the panel:

Your Job Is Not Your Identity

You are more than one title. Start considering that your job is a stepping stone, not the destination.

Change is not Quitting

At one point in my journey, leaving my role in commercial design & project management felt like quitting, but in truth, it was simply a matter of evolution. In hindsight, I could see that I outgrew a goal and wanted to a role that better aligned with strengths & purpose.

Save to make a down payment on your future self

If you feel it's time for a career shift but aren't sure what that change should be, begin saving to support your next move. I saved before taking a deliberate break and used those funds to hire a mentor and start my business. Shaleen shared how her salary gives her the runway and financial cushion she needs while she expands her product line.

You’re Starting from Experience

If you lose or decide to leave your job, just know that it's fear talking when you hear, “I don’t want to start over.” I almost let this fear do the driving, but here’s what I know: Everything you’ve done before counts. It all comes with you.

Get visible and start making connections before you are ready

Having a side gig or business will require to get visible if you want sales. I shared how I wish I had started showing up on LinkedIn or Instagram before I started my business. Because getting visible isn’t about boasting or bragging - it’s about letting people know who you are, what you care about, and how you help others.

For better or worse, everyone is a brand today. If you’re thinking about entrepreneurship or landing a new job, now is the time to start being visible and creating meaningful connections—before you feel "ready."

Audience Conversations That Stuck With Me

A group of women sit in chairs, smiling and watching the speakers discuss their paths to entrepreneurship. — Panel Audience Photography by Pix by Holly

One woman asked a question that really stood out: “I have a full-time job and want to explore a side business… but I don’t know what it is. What can I do now to prepare?”

That question is so real.

And my answer was this:

Get curious
Start having conversations outside your bubble
Pay attention to who inspires you and follow that energy
Join communities like Ladies Lifestyle Network to connect with others

Because clarity doesn’t come from overthinking, it comes from exposure, connection, and small steps forward.

Summary

Woman smiling, holding colorful strands in her hands. "The Fairy Hair Girls" sign on display with sparkly hair extensions. Bright, casual setting. — Vendor Spotlight | Photography by Pix by Holly

What made this panel special was the range of experiences and business models represented.

Angelica represents the ability to build an income stream through cultivating a community.

Shaleen represents the ability to create income from a product-based business.

I represent the ability to launch and grow a service-based business that gives me location and time freedom.

Even the vendors in the room were there to showcase their side businesses after the work day ended! Together, we showed that there’s more than one way to build something of your own.

Whether it’s a creative outlet, a consulting gig, or a long-term exit plan, you get to decide what’s right for you. And you don’t have to wait for burnout or layoffs to start building a career or business that fits your life.

A woman in a leopard print dress sits smiling in a cozy setting with pink chairs, surrounded by others. Casual, lively mood. — Wrapping up the Panel Discussion | Photography by Pix by Holly

If anything in this post stirred something in you—if you’re wondering what’s next or feeling called to start a business that gives you location and time freedom, grab my Online Business Start-up Kit.

The PDF is packed with insight and a checklist to help you hit the ground running.

Plus, you get access to a complimentary call with me to talk through your ideas, get clarity, and explore how to make your next move.