This week on Talk the Walk, Alan and I riff on quitting—firing clients, pausing projects, and stopping things that technically “work” but don’t work for you anymore. We dig into ego, sunk-cost traps, scope creep, and how to communicate a graceful stop without burning bridges. Alan shares a simple pre-flight test to help you avoid quitting later by deciding smarter upfront.In this episodeWhy “don’t be a quitter” is terrible advice for grown-ups with goalsAlan’s 5 When-Not-to-Start filters (my new decision cheat sheet)Preventing scope creep with pragmatic curiosity (ask before you say yes)Temporary quits, partial quits, and getting help to stopFeedback without pity: choosing truth-tellers and being oneSunk costs vs. smart experiments (market first, build later)How to cancel or pause publicly without drama (and keep goodwill)What consultants should quit immediately (hello, time-sink social!)Raising value before raising fees (Peloton did this well)The monkey bars analogy: you can’t reach out unless you let goMy takeawaysAsk a better first question: not “Can I help?” (always yes), but “What’s in it for me—learning, growth, low labor, fair revenue?”Five red flags = don’t start: low interest, little learning, no growth path, poor revenue, excessive labor.Curiosity saves you later: clarify sites, scope, timelines, decision rights before you commit.Quitting can be temporary: pausing ≠ failing. Partial stops count.Truth > cheerleading: select 2–3 people who’ve proven they’ll tell you the truth.Market → then make: sell the outcome, then build the content once you have critical mass.Value drives fees: explain the added value before you adjust price.Favorite moments & quotables“If you never let go, you’ll never reach out.” (Monkey bars!)“It’s better to ask when not to start than wonder when to stop.”“The way to be successful isn’t to raise fees—it’s to raise value.”“Be empathetic with feedback, never pitying.”Tiny scripts you can stealAfter you blurted ‘yes’: “On reflection, I’m not the right person for you. I can suggest the kind of expert who’d be a better fit.”Cancelling with class: “We don’t have critical mass for the learning dynamic. I won’t waste your time—I’ll let you know if we reschedule.”Shout-outs & referencesHugh Jackman (Alan’s NYC weekend plans!)Peloton’s price-rise email framed through added valueSign up for free for my best articles every week: Work Fame.Show notes for every episode at https://podcast.leannehughes.comP.S. Ready to take things up a level? Here are some ways I can help:Watch My 2025 Speaker Reel: Let's energise your next event.Get My Book: Design your workshops fast using The 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint. Let's connect on all the channels:Leanne Hughes on LinkedInLeanne Hughes on InstagramVisit my website: leannehughes.comEmail me: [email protected] you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

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