What happens when a high-powered executive walks away from a billion-dollar corporate role to build a life of passion-driven ventures? In this episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, David speaks with George Appling – former McKinsey partner turned “passionpreneur,” festival founder, and author of Don't Settle: A Pick-Your-Path Guide to Intentional Work.
George shares his transformative pivot from strategy consulting and telecom leadership to launching a medieval theme park, a summer camp rooted in artisan crafts, a mead company, and a nonprofit for veterans. His story is a blueprint for mid-career reinvention and aligning work with personal values.
🎯 You’ll learn:
-
Why a calendar reminder changed George’s life at age 36
-
How to design your exit from corporate success to purpose-led work
-
What “intentional work” means and how to find it
-
Tips for using long-term planning to fuel major career transitions
-
Insights on leveraging business acumen for meaningful impact
Tune in to explore how George found freedom and fulfillment after industry – and how you can, too.
🎧 Subscribe now and share this episode with a friend exploring non-academic paths.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.