David Shriner-Cahn

Podcast Guest | Founder of Smashing the Plateau

Smiling older man with white hair and beard wearing a dark gray sweater outdoors on a city street
Smiling older man with white hair and beard wearing a dark gray sweater outdoors on a city street

David Shriner-Cahn is the founder of Smashing the Plateau, a platform dedicated to helping experienced independent professionals make better decisions so they can build businesses that support the lives they want.

Drawing on his own experience leaving corporate life and building an independent business, David brings a thoughtful perspective to the challenges of independent leadership, business development, and decision-making.

Through years of conversations with experienced independent professionals and hundreds of podcast interviews, David explores how reflection, outside perspectives, and collective intelligence can help people navigate the complexities of working independently.

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Topics David Can Discuss

As the founder of Smashing the Plateau and host of its podcast, David understands the challenges independent professionals face when navigating business ownership, leadership, and the transition from corporate life.

He can share practical insights, personal experiences, and thought-provoking perspectives that encourage listeners to reflect on their own decisions and approach their businesses differently.

David is available to discuss topics including:

  • Transitioning from Corporate Life to Independent Business: Leaving traditional employment, building an independent practice, and navigating the challenges of working for yourself.

  • Independent Leadership: Making decisions alone, managing uncertainty, and finding support outside traditional workplace structures.

  • Collective Intelligence & Better Decision-Making: Using shared experiences, thoughtful questions, and different perspectives to make better-informed business decisions.

  • Building a Business That Supports Your Life: Aligning business goals with personal priorities and defining success on your own terms.

  • Reflection, Perspective & Accountability: Challenging assumptions, gaining outside perspectives, and strengthening decision-making through reflection.

  • The Realities of Independent Business: Managing clients, recognizing opportunities, setting priorities, and determining the direction of your business.

Red podcast cover reading “Smashing the Plateau” with David Shriner-Cahn and a microphone atom logo

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau helps experienced independent professionals make better decisions through reflection, shared experience, and collective intelligence.

Founded by David Shriner-Cahn, it creates opportunities for independent professionals to gain new perspectives, think through important decisions, and build businesses that support the lives they want.

Explore Smashing the Plateau

David's Photos & Media Assets

Download David's photos for podcast guest announcements, episode artwork, promotional materials, and other media-related use.

Both low-resolution and high-resolution versions are available for each photo.

Portrait of a smiling older man with white hair and beard wearing a dark coat outdoors
Older man with white hair and beard wearing a dark sweater, standing on a blurred city street.
A smartphone displaying a podcast episode with an older man outdoors, with text indicating the guest's name, David Shriner-Cahn, and the podcast duration.

Get in Touch

Interested in inviting David to your podcast or discussing a potential interview? Get in touch with the Smashing the Plateau team to discuss your show, interview topics, and scheduling.