About Beyond Cubicles
#BeyondCubicles is a LinkedIn series created by Carolina D’Souza, born out of her own experience transitioning from a corporate career to independent consulting. Since its launch in June 2024, the series has evolved into a platform that showcases the inspiring journeys of several founders who have redefined the traditional 9-to-5.
Through authentic narratives, #BeyondCubicles highlights themes of courage, resilience, and purpose. The stories feature individuals from diverse industries—ranging from tech and education to wellness and adventure—who share their experiences of stepping away from conventional roles to pursue passion-driven careers.
"Leaving it All Behind, Rebuilding Life in Lake Como"
After two decades of scaling businesses and leading high-performing teams across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the United States, Stephanie Loader began to question the metrics of success.
“My sense of self had been tied to my title and salary,” she says.
That realization, coupled with a desire for a more intentional life, prompted a pivotal decision that took a few years of planning: to leave corporate leadership and pursue her dream as an executive coach.
Certain upheavals her family faced in the U.S.—from wildfires to the challenges of COVID—served as a turning point.
“Since we’re both from Europe, moving back felt like a good option, especially with our daughter about to start first grade. We wanted her to grow up close to our families and in a value system similar to how we grew up,” she says.
Relocating to Lake Como, Italy, provided more than just proximity to loved ones. The serene surroundings and natural beauty offered the perfect environment for Stephanie to redefine her career and life.
“I’d been wanting to make a change for a while,” she says. “But I kept putting it off. Moving back to Europe became the moment where I thought, ‘If not now, when?’”
Letting go of a corporate identity was harder than expected. Becoming a solopreneur added new layers of responsibility. “I have to do it all—finding clients, creating content, handling payments—on top of coaching itself,” she says. “Asking for help is hard but invaluable.”
With each challenge has come clarity. “I spent time redefining success. It’s no longer only about financial rewards—it’s about meaningful impact,” she says.
From corporate boardrooms to the lakes of Como, her journey is a testament to aligning work with what truly matters.
Stephanie’s coaching philosophy centers on empowering clients to take control of their lives. “You have more control than you think,” she says, emphasizing foundational habits like self-compassion, taking care of your health, and building community as enablers of peak performance.
The move also allowed her to deepen her personal growth. Living in Lake Como, she now enjoys hiking, yoga, and creating shared memories with family.
“In my old career, I had financial comfort but was always short on time. Now I have a lot more time and freedom over my schedule—it’s about magical moments, joy in simplicity, and prioritizing what truly matters,” she says.
Towards building her brand, she has been sharing her journey on LinkedIn. “This helps some clients say they feel like they already know me, which makes working together easier,” she says.
Her advice for others considering a pivot is simple: “Get clear on your why. Don’t make a change just to escape. And be patient—transformation and growth takes time.”