I've Been Exactly Where You Are
After 25 years in Fortune 500 Strategy & Operations, I made the power pivot from corporate executive to full-time entrepreneur—not through a reckless leap, but through a strategic, staged transition.
Now I help experienced corporate leaders do the same.
My Story:
From Golden Handcuffs to Portfolio Entrepreneur
Oh hey there! I'm Cathy Brough, founder of The Growth Octopus.
I spent 25 years in Fortune 500 Strategy & Operations—CME Group, Accenture, and more. I climbed the ladder. I earned the golden handcuffs. I signed the same restrictive COI and non-compete agreements you probably did.
For the first 10 years, I thought corporate WAS my path. I was good at it. I made good money. It came with prestige. I kept getting promoted. There was always a tasty carrot just ahead that seemed like a good enough reason to stay.
But somewhere around year 15, I started to feel it: the restlessness, the "is this all there is?" feeling, the sense that I was building someone else's vision instead of my own. There was still a lot I liked about where my career was, but I also wanted more.
I started experimenting.
For 15 of my 25 corporate years, I quietly tested and built entrepreneurial ventures on the side while still employed.
I built in Stealth Mode.
I explored ideas safely. I learned what worked. And I started helping other people do it too.
And then the corporate landscape changed.
What used to be the sensible option, turned into the opposite. Round after round of layoffs – blindsiding people I respected. Flexible work options were abruptly taken away, just when I needed them most. I already had my backup plan ready. It was time for me to make my pivot out official.
I didn't just quit and hope it worked out. And it wasn’t a reckless leap.
I protected my income. I built proof before I ever gave notice. I negotiated my exit.
And I confidently transitioned to my entrepreneurial portfolio.
Now I help experienced corporate leaders test, plan and execute their own pivot to entrepreneurship—through the same strategic, staged approach that I took to de-risk the "leap".
Why I Created The Growth Octopus
The Growth Octopus was born from one realization:
Corporate isn't safe anymore—and entrepreneurship doesn't have to be reckless.
The landscape has changed. Layoffs, restructuring, forced return-to-office, burnout. I've watched brilliant, capable professionals feel increasingly trapped.
And yet, these same people have deep expertise, strategic thinking skills, and 15-20 years of amazing results to draw from. They're sitting on knowledge that could become a profitable, fulfilling business.
They just need the right frameworks—and someone who's actually navigated this path—to show them how to do it.
The Growth Octopus exists to help you:
→ Stop thinking and start deciding (Next Chapter Explorer)
→ Design and launch your first offer (Launch Accelerator)
→ Scale sustainably without burning out (Scale Advisory)
All while protecting your six-figure income, navigating your company's policies safely, and building proof before you ever make it official.
This is corporate-to-entrepreneur done strategically, not recklessly.
What Makes The Growth Octopus Different
25 Years in Fortune 500 Strategy & Operations
This isn't "lifestyle design" coaching.
I've built, fixed, and scaled businesses across Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups. I've led strategy, operations, transformation, and innovation across tech, finance, healthcare, and consulting.
That hard-earned experience is the backbone of everything I teach.
Big business strategy—made accessible for your next chapter.
I've Done This Pivot Myself (Recently)
In 2025, I made my own power pivot from corporate executive to full-time entrepreneur.
I navigated the same COI policies you're worried about. I built while employed for 15 years. I negotiated my exit strategically.
I'm not teaching theory. I'm advising you on what actually works in today’s climate.
3x Entrepreneur
I've launched 3 businesses:
→ BRUFF Photography (taught me it’s OK to wind something down, even when it’s a success on paper)
→ The Lake Shark (still running, creative + charitable)
→ The Growth Octopus (helping corporate leaders create backup plans & intentional pivots to entrepreneurship)
I know what it's like to test ideas, make mistakes, and figure out what actually works. That perspective shapes everything I teach.
Built for High-Stakes Pivots
This isn't for 25-year-olds with nothing to lose.
This is designed for corporate leaders with:
→ Golden handcuffs (six-figure income, benefits, equity)
→ Restrictive COI and non-compete policies
→ High visibility (reputation matters)
→ Real responsibilities (mortgage, family, healthcare)
I understand the stakes. And I know how to navigate them.
The Growth Octopus Method
A strategic system that blends purpose, lifestyle, and revenue—so your business is not only profitable, but built to support the life you actually want.
The 3 Hearts
Impact, Self, Revenue—your non-negotiables that guide every business decision.
→ Impact: Who you serve and what problem you solve
→ Self: Your time, energy, & lifestyle boundaries, and what you need to thrive
→ Revenue: Your financial targets and what "enough" actually means for you
This framework ensures you don't build a business that succeeds financially, but fails to give you the freedom and fulfillment you're seeking.
The 8 Strategic Arms
A holistic business design framework spanning positioning, offers, delivery, visibility, operations, and scale.
The 8 OCTO Arms include:
→ Deep Client Understanding
→ Positioning & Messaging
→ Product & Experience
→ Specific & Compelling Offers
→ Unique Brand Positioning
→ Authentic Sales & Marketing Engine
→ Flywheel & Continuity
→ Ecosystem Relationships
→ Metrics & Systems to Scale
Each OCTO "arm" represents a critical area of your business design. They’re customized to ensure they support & amplify each other – powering you like a clever octopus!
Who I Work With
I partner with experienced corporate professionals who are ready to build strategic exit plans and validated businesses—without giving up their values, lifestyle priorities, or income.
Experienced
15+ years in tech, finance, legal, HR, or operations. You're a Principal, Director, or senior leader with deep expertise and a track record of results.
Ready for Options
You want a backup plan that can become an intentional pivot. An off-ramp that creates freedom, stability, and a clear path to replace your income.
Strategic Thinkers
You value structure, clarity, and data-driven decisions. Not manifestation vibes, hustle culture, or generic motivational coaching.
Action-Oriented
You're ready to stop thinking and start testing. You're willing to take focused action over the next 6 months to create real optionality in your career.
Beyond The Growth Octopus
I'm a portfolio entrepreneur because I believe in building a life that blends revenue, impact, and creativity.
The Lake Shark
My sea-creature-inspired sustainable swimwear brand. This is my creative outlet and charitable giveback venture—I partner with conservation nonprofits and donate a portion of revenue to fund marine debris prevention and dive training for underprivileged communities.
Great Lakes Great Responsibility
Board Director for a nonprofit dedicated to clean water advocacy and environmental stewardship across the Great Lakes region.
I run multiple ventures not because I'm a workaholic, but because I've designed a business model that gives me flexibility, purpose, and financial stability.
And I help my clients build the same.
Ready to Build Your Strategic Exit Plan?
Whether you're just starting to explore your next chapter or you're ready to design and launch, here's how to get started:
Download the Free Starter Pack
Two essential exercises (20 min total):
→ The First 5 Questions Framework → Next Chapter Prep Stage Diagnostic
Know where you are, what's keeping you stuck, and what your smartest next step is.
Book a Strategy Call
Free 20-minute conversation to discuss:
→ Your situation and goals
→ Which program (if any) makes sense
→ Whether we're the right fit
Everything is strictly confidential.