Jumping Out of the Corporate Plane—with a Parachute (and a Plan) with Tonya McKenzie

The Corporate Escapee

In this inspiring episode, Brett chats with PR powerhouse Tonya McKenzie, a true OG in the escapee world, having built her own agency nearly a decade ago. Tonya shares the story of how her husband (a fellow escapee) gave her the push she needed to leap from corporate—and how she turned that leap into a thriving PR and media business. From launching a local real estate magazine to running full-service communications and now building a new Substack community, Tonya unpacks what it really takes to go solo and control your own narrative.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why Tonya left a corporate role in frustration over outdated practices

• How her husband gave her the nudge to take the leap

• What she learned from cold calling, local networking, and starting with community

• The critical PR advice solo business owners need (especially GenX escapees!)

• How personal storytelling and vulnerability are your greatest marketing tools

• Why community-driven platforms like Substack are the new PR powerhouses

Key Quotes:

“Listen to hear, not to respond. That’s the foundation of all good PR.”

“Your personal brand will attract the right customers—and repel the wrong ones.”

“Everyone has a story. But not everyone is willing to be vulnerable enough to share it.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Sand & Shores – Tonya’s PR & communications agency

• CTRL the Narrative – Tonya’s Substack community

• Connect with Tonya on LinkedIn

• Ray McKenzie’s past episodes: [Oct 2021] & [Oct 2024]

If you’re ready to get comfortable telling your story and positioning yourself for solo success, this episode is a must-listen. And don’t forget—if you’re looking to join a supportive community of fellow GenX escapees, check out The Escapee Collective.