CX Joe on The Realities of Going Solo

Written By Courtney Hartman

In this episode, we’re joined by returning guest Joe Gilgoff, founder of CX Joe. After years of leading customer experience for high-growth brands like Daily Harvest, AG1, and SeatGeek, Joe decided to step away from the traditional corporate climb to build an advisory business on his own terms.

We’re getting into the honest, unpolished reality of what it looks like to go solo. We talk about the catalyst, being let go (we’ve been there!) and how that led to a complete reset of what work and freedom mean. This isn't a conversation about "becoming your own boss" in a vacuum; it’s a grounded look at the discipline, the networking hustle, and the constant filtering of advice required to design a life that actually feels good.

Actionable Tips & Takeaways

Navigating The Shift To Solo

  • The Power of the Pivot: Getting fired can feel like a full-stop, but it’s often the necessary friction to start something new. Use that momentum to ask yourself: If I weren't doing this for someone else, what would I be building for myself?

  • Define Your Non-Negotiables: Early on, you’ll be tempted by "fractional" roles or projects that don't quite fit. Practicing discernment means turning down work that doesn't align with your vision so you have space for the work that does.

  • Audit Your Relationship with Stress: The stress of a corporate job and the stress of a solo venture are different animals. Learn to recognize how your stress evolves as you gain more agency - and remember that freedom usually comes with a healthy dose of uncertainty.

The Networking Hustle Playbook

  • Show Up Consistently: Building a network isn't a one-time event; it’s a practice. Use LinkedIn, organize dinners, and reach out to peers without a transactional agenda. Momentum is built in the small, repeated actions of connection.

  • The "Human" Element in Business: Whether you’re building a podcast or a consultancy, remember that we are in the "business of humans." Prioritize real conversation over AI-automated shortcuts whenever possible.

  • Filter Advice Through Context: You’ll get a lot of "shoulds" when you start a business. Always check the source: Is this person's definition of the "good life" the same as yours? If not, their advice might not apply.

Building a Human-Centric Brand

  • Start the "Thing": Joe shares why he started his podcast, In the Business of Humans. Sometimes the best way to clarify your own perspective is to create a platform where you have to speak it out loud.

  • Connect Service to Strategy: Joe’s obsession with customer happiness started at Dunkin’. Look back at your early service jobs - the foundational lessons you learned there are often the most usable insights in your high-level strategy today.

Tips For Managers

  • Encourage "Solo" Thinking: Even if your team members aren't starting their own businesses, encourage them to think like owners of their own "personal brand" within the company.

  • Support Life Transitions: When a team member moves on - whether by choice or due to restructuring - be a bridge for them. Helping a peer transition into their next chapter is the ultimate way to build long-term social capital.

  • Focus on the Human Experience: In an era of AI-driven everything, remind your team that customer experience (CX) is fundamentally about how people feel. Don’t let optimization erase the human touch.

Links & Resources

Courtney Hartman
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