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.
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