Cut The Tie | Success on Your Terms
1st - Define your success on your terms.
2nd - "Cut The Tie" to whatever is keeping you from that success
Cut The Tie is not just a podcast; it's a movement. Hosted by Thomas Helfrich, this highly impactful show features short-form interviews with remarkable individuals who share how they redefined success by boldly cutting ties with fear, doubt, bad habits, toxic environments, and limiting beliefs. You'll hear exactly what they cut, how they did it, what it felt like, and how their lives — and the lives of those around them — changed forever.
Each episode is inspirational, motivational, and — most importantly — actionable. You'll gain real strategies and mindset shifts you can immediately apply to your own life and career.
Plus, every day, Thomas drops solo short-form episodes designed to fire you up, challenge your thinking, and remind you that the only thing standing between you and your potential... is the tie you need to cut.
Join our free community at facebook.com/groups/cutthetie to connect with others on the same journey, and subscribe to our growing YouTube channel with over 1 million subscribers at youtube.com/@cutthetie.
Own your success.
Cut the tie.
Change your life.
Cut The Tie | Success on Your Terms
“You’re Not Secure in a W2”—Why AJ Nash Took the Leap into Entrepreneurship
Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Episode 281
AJ Nash didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur, but after two decades in U.S. intelligence and years in cybersecurity, his career took a sharp pivot. When private equity reshaped the company he worked for, AJ faced a choice: keep waiting for the “right” role, or start building something of his own. He chose the latter, and Unspoken Security was born.
In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich talks with AJ about how to stop letting others define your path, the real risk of relying on a W-2, and why imposter syndrome might actually be a good sign.
About AJ Nash:
AJ is the founder and CEO of Unspoken Security and host of the award-winning Unspoken Security podcast. With 19 years in U.S. intelligence—covering counterterrorism, cyber threats, trafficking, and war crimes—AJ now consults organizations on how to build intelligence-driven security programs. He’s also a frequent keynote speaker and earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership with a focus on servant leadership.
In this episode, Thomas and AJ discuss:
- Letting go of the illusion of job security
Private equity acquisition changed everything—and pushed AJ to bet on himself. - Becoming an accidental entrepreneur
With no company name and contracts in hand, AJ launched Unspoken Security on instinct. - Why imposter syndrome is a feature, not a flaw
If you never doubt yourself, you’re probably not pushing hard enough. - How W-2 safety is a myth
Even top performers can get cut when the strategy changes. - The power of saying yes to new conversations
AJ breaks down how his natural networking mindset helped him land clients fast.
Key Takeaways:
- You don’t need permission to start—just a plan
When no full-time job aligned, AJ launched a business with contracts already waiting. - Imposter syndrome means you’re growing
Doubt is normal when you're leveling up. It's a sign you’re doing meaningful work. - W-2 security is a myth
Even being great at your job doesn’t protect you when priorities shift. Own your path. - Authenticity is a differentiator
People work with AJ because he’s real. The suit-and-tie act never matched the mission. - Diversify your income like you diversify your skillset
Fractional, advisory, content, and podcasting—multiple streams build real security. - Titles don’t change who you are—just how others react
Becoming “CEO” didn’t make AJ different—but suddenly, doors opened faster.
Connect with AJ Nash:
💼 LinkedIn: AJ Nash
🌐 Website: unspokensecurity.com
📧 Email: aj@unspokensecurity.com
Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut The Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
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