Viveka von Rosen
Reinvention

From a Corporate Exec to a Thriving Entrepreneur: A Strategic Roadmap

By Viveka von Rosen · September 3, 2025

This helps professional women 50+ successfully transition to entrepreneurship by providing real-world strategies and insights from someone who's done it successfully.

Grey Matters podcast thumbnail featuring guest Fotine Sotiropoulos with hosts Viveka von Rosen and Steve Dotto

How one former corporate strategist built a successful consulting business while prioritizing family and authenticity - and what it really takes to make the leap.

The dream of leaving corporate life to build your own business is common among successful executives. But the reality of making that transition - especially for women over 50 - often looks different than expected. Without the right strategy and support, many find themselves recreating the same demanding corporate lifestyle, just without the security and resources.

So what does it take to make this transition successfully?

In a recent Grey Matters podcast episode, I spoke with Fotine Sotiropoulos, founder of Thavma Consulting and former corporate strategist, about her journey from Fortune 500 boardrooms to running her own thriving consulting practice. Her insights offer a practical roadmap for women considering this transition.

The Catalyst for Change: It’s Not Always What You Think

Many assume career transitions are driven purely by dissatisfaction with corporate life. But for Fotine, like many women, the catalyst was more nuanced.

“At the time it was a personal decision,” she shared. “I had a little girl and prioritized family time. When I started thinking about going back to work, I realized my priorities were vastly different than before.”

This reflection period provided something invaluable: perspective on the “hustle culture” that defines much of corporate life. It created space to envision a different way of working.

The First Mistake Most New Entrepreneurs Make

“My initial clients came very quickly,” Fotine noted. “I thought, ‘This is amazing!’ But they ended up driving the direction of my engagements. When they end, you’re left wondering what to do now.”

This reactive approach is common among new entrepreneurs, especially those coming from corporate roles. We’re trained to say “yes” to opportunities. But without strategic direction, we risk:

The Strategy-First Solution

Fotine’s background in corporate strategy became her saving grace. She emphasizes starting with foundational work:

  1. Clear strategy development

  2. Defined target personas

  3. Intentional market positioning

  4. Value proposition clarity

“Strategy brings clarity,” she explains. “Once you have clarity, everything else falls into place and makes sense, plus it gives you a path of focus.”

Building Authentic Presence

One surprising insight: success came not just from strategy, but from showing up authentically.

“I’m an outgoing person, but sharing things online historically hasn’t been something I’ve done,” Fotine shared. “Now, if I have a moment or something I feel people will recognize or comment on, I share it.”

This combination of professional expertise and personal authenticity has proven powerful for building trust and attracting ideal clients.

The Reality Check: There Is No Magic Key

For those hoping for a secret formula, Fotine offers this truth:

“There’s no magic key. There is no silver bullet. There is showing up, putting a plan behind what you’re doing, and letting it guide you.”

Key success factors include:

The Role of Community

Perhaps the most emphatic advice? “Don’t go at it alone.”

Success requires:

Moving Forward: Your Next Steps

  1. Start with strategy before tactics

  2. Build your support system

  3. Show up consistently, even imperfectly

  4. Balance professional polish with personal authenticity

  5. Keep focused on your long-term vision

Essential Resources for Your Business Transition

Making the leap from corporate executive to entrepreneur requires more than just courage - it demands the right tools, strategies, and guidance. Throughout this article, we’ve explored Fotine’s journey and the key insights that shaped her success. Now, let’s look at some practical resources she has created that can help you navigate your own transition with confidence. (Especially if you are in the veterinary or medical industries!)

Valuable Resources for Your Journey

Whether you’re just starting to consider entrepreneurship or already making the transition, these resources can help guide your path:

Strategic Planning Tools

Additional Support

From the archive — first published September 3, 2025. See all articles →

Keep going

Turn your wisdom into traction

Twenty-plus years of expertise deserves infrastructure. That's the work I do with women founders — and the writing lands on Substack every week.

Subscribe Free Work With Me