You Don’t Have to Lose at Home to Win at Work

Written By Stefanie Wenninger

In today’s high-speed world, many men find themselves caught in a loop—chasing professional success while silently struggling at home. They climb the ladder, earn the title, collect the accolades… but feel disconnected, overwhelmed, and often burnt out.

But what if you didn’t have to choose between winning at work and thriving at home?

That’s the question leadership coach, author, and entrepreneur Cory Carlson posed on this week’s episode of The Germinate Podcast with host Joe Sampson. And his answer? It’s not either-or. It’s both-and.

From Corporate Climb to Calling

Cory’s career began in civil engineering and evolved into corporate sales leadership. By the time he was promoted to VP over a $120M division, he found himself battling imposter syndrome and losing grip on his personal life. Quiet time disappeared. Health declined. Presence at home? Minimal.

“I had a laptop on my lap while my kids played on the floor,” Cory admitted. “I thought that was how you succeed.”

But everything changed when he followed his boss’s advice to hire an executive coach.

That decision wasn’t just professional development—it was a turning point. Through coaching, Cory began to zoom out, reframe his priorities, and ultimately walk away from the corporate grind to pursue a more meaningful mission: helping other men do the same.

The Framework for Intentional Living: WIN!

Cory’s clients aren’t just trying to grow their businesses—they’re trying to grow as husbands, fathers, and men of faith. His framework, WIN!, simplifies the complexity of life and leadership into four steps:

  • W — Who do you want to become?
    Define the man you want to be in each role—spouse, parent, friend, leader.

  • I — Intentional Actions
    What daily, weekly, or seasonal habits support that vision? Dates with your spouse? Devotionals with your kids? Time blocking revenue-generating activities?

  • N — Numbers That Matter
    Just like KPIs at work, we need metrics at home. How many dinners as a family? Workouts per week? Screen-free hours?

  • ! — Celebrate Wins
    We move too fast to the next goal. Pause. Acknowledge the growth. Toast to progress.

This isn't self-help fluff—it's practical leadership for real life.

You Don't Need to Jump, You Can Stair-Step

What makes Cory’s story so relatable is its realism. He didn’t go from full-time VP to full-time coach overnight. He stair-stepped his way through:

  • A severance package turned test period.

  • A part-time consulting gig to supplement income.

  • Gradual transition to full-time coaching.

Each step required faith, intentionality, and obedience—not reckless risk.

“I didn’t have the guts to just quit,” Cory shares. “But God provided a path, and I walked it one step at a time.”

Identity, Boundaries & The Lie of the Grind

Joe and Cory discuss the myth of the grind—how society celebrates burnout as a badge of honor. But underneath it is anxiety, disconnection, and a silent cry for help.

“We wing it at home but plan everything at work,” Cory says. “That’s a problem.”

He shares habits that create healthy family culture:

  • No phones at dinner

  • Leaving the laptop in the office

  • Morning devotionals with his 13-year-old son

  • Charging the phone in the kitchen overnight

These aren’t radical practices. They’re simple disciplines that make a world of difference.

Why Men Need Community Now More Than Ever

Out of this passion, Cory created Rise—a coaching and mastermind community for men serious about growth.

It's not another social feed—it’s a safe space where real conversations happen.

Men talk openly about struggles at home, faith journeys, and personal challenges—something that’s rare in today’s surface-level, highlight-reel culture.

Rise gives men the support they need, at a fraction of the cost of executive coaching, with access to live sessions, high-level guest speakers, and ongoing accountability.

“Even though we’re more connected than ever, we’re more lonely than ever,” Cory warns. “Community is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.”

The Books That Started It All

Cory’s two books lay the foundation for much of his work:

  • Win at Home First
    A practical, vulnerable guide to aligning your personal and professional life. (Named by Forbes as one of “7 Books Everyone on Your Team Should Read.”)

  • Rise and Go
    20 chapters to help you recover from setbacks and move forward with faith, focus, and grit.

And yes—Joe’s working on his own book too. After this episode, you’ll be motivated to dust off your own journal and start writing what's on your heart.

Final Thoughts: The Urgency of Now

One of the most emotional moments of the episode was Cory’s reflection on his cousin’s funeral. Amidst the sadness and celebration, he felt an undeniable urgency—to live well, to love deeply, and to lead with purpose.

“You don’t want people at your funeral to say you were a great coworker but nothing else,” Cory said.

It’s time to stop grinding and start growing.

The days are numbered.

Make them count.

Resources & Links

Want to live more intentionally and lead with purpose?
Start small.
Start now.
Just start.

Stefanie Wenninger
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