Break Free from Golden Handcuffs: How John Cerasani Made a 2000% Raise and Built a Life on His Own Terms
Are you stuck in corporate America, yearning for more but too afraid to ask for it? In this electrifying episode, Julie Lokun sits down with John Cerasani—venture capitalist, former insurance executive, and host of the 2000% Raise Podcast—to unpack the truth about leaving your 9-to-5, knowing your worth, and building a life and business on your own terms.
John gets real about:
- Why climbing the corporate ladder is often a trap
- The psychological shackles of "golden handcuffs"
- How asking for a raise (and being denied) catapulted him into entrepreneurial success
- What he learned selling his company for a life-changing exit
- His advice for high-achievers looking to transition into entrepreneurship, even later in life
Whether you’re contemplating a side hustle, launching a startup, or just sick of waiting for your next 3% cost-of-living raise, this episode will shake you up and show you what’s truly possible.
Key Topics:
- 💸 2000% Raise: How John made the leap from employee to millionaire entrepreneur
- 🧠 Mindset Shift: From job security to building equity in yourself
- 🧮 Runway Planning: Smart financial tips for exiting your 9-to-5 safely
- 🔥 Golden Handcuffs: Why benefits and consistency may be keeping you small
- 🧗 Corporate Brainwashing: Overcoming the belief that you can’t compete
- 🧰 Real-World VC Insight: How John became a venture capitalist post-exit
- 🗣️ Tough Love Advice: What most people get wrong when starting their own business
Quotes to Remember:
“Corporate America brainwashes us into believing we can’t compete. But that’s just not true.” — John Cerasani
“If they gave me that raise, I would’ve never left. Thank God they said no.”
“A 2000% raise isn’t just about money—it’s about owning your freedom.”
Resources & Links:
- 💥 Follow John Cerasani on Instagram: @johncerasani
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