Ep.2 The Music Festival That Changed My Career Path
Host Samantha Fackler shares her journey from corporate marketing with companies like Adobe, LinkedIn, and SF startup life to becoming a successful business coach for women entrepreneurs. Sam’s path is anything but conventional. She dives into the untold stories and side notes that made her path, from Reiki energy healing, to 100 hours of meditation in 10 days, to a nomadic era that involved a Parisian bookstore.
Dive into her candid story of how a moment of clarity sparked a life-changing transition and get inspired by her unique blend of marketing expertise, intuitive gifts, and personal trajectory.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Saying ‘I’m Done’ with Corporate
Feeling trapped in a career that didn’t align with her soul, Samantha Fackler hit a breaking point. Burned out at her agency job, she knew deep down that she wasn’t wired to work for someone else. With the weight of uncertainty looming and fears of how it might impact her personal life, she made the bold decision to quit, embracing the unknown. What followed was an emotional rollercoaster—tears, fear, and the unwavering support of her partner, David, who empowered her to find her path. Sam’s journey reveals a powerful truth: you don’t have to settle for a life that feels out of alignment. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to take the leap and bet on yourself, this is a story you need to hear.
From Side Notes to Success: What Google Can’t Teach You
Samantha Fackler dives into the untold stories and side notes that make personal and professional growth feel possible. Forget the step-by-step guides—you can Google those. Instead, Sam unpacks the moments of clarity, the “aha” realizations, and the unspoken challenges that come with stepping into an aligned path. This is where real conversations happen, with authentic people who are still learning, evolving, and making their purpose known. If you’ve ever craved the “in-between” stories that inspire action, this episode is for you.
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Key Takeaways
🎤 Personal Journey and Career Shift (00:00 - 09:13)
Experienced a transformative moment at a music festival
Quit job in marketing at a tech company
Became an entrepreneur with several businesses
Now primarily a business coach for women
Combines marketing expertise with healing modalities
Recently married to supportive partner David
🚀 Marketing Career and Personal Growth (09:13 - 20:06)
First internship at 19 in a major advertising industry
A 10-year career in marketing, including FANG companies and startups
Freelanced for nonprofits and friends' businesses
Started own businesses on the side
Immersed in healing modalities during personal journey
Became confident in the marketing domain after 10 years
Taught blockchain at CSU Chico and to students in East Africa
Realized passion for coaching while working at an agency
Decided to leave the corporate world and pursue entrepreneurship
💼 Current Business and Life (20:06 - 29:12)
Created four businesses within six months after leaving the agency
Became certified coach through Berkeley Executive Coaching Leadership Institute
Now a successful business coach for 10–15 women entrepreneurs
Does marketing advisory work for 2-3 clients, including PayPal
Works 4-6 hours a day, values efficiency
Lives in San Diego, 5 blocks from the beach
Maintains friendships worldwide and loves traveling
Started 'Side Note' podcast to share authentic conversations and inspire others
Host Samantha Fackler is an Entrepreneur, Transformational Business Coach for Women, and Marketing Expert. Samantha has served hundreds of clients – from scrappy startups to industry giants like Apple, PayPal, and LinkedIn.
Follow Sam on Instagram @growwith_sam
Connect with Side Note Podcast on TikTok: @sidenotepod
Website: https://www.sidenotepod.com/
Watch Side Note Podcast on YouTube @sidenotepod
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