Consuming Careers

Today's episode is for anyone who's ever sat in a cubicle at a soul-sucking job and thought, “There's gotta be more than this.”Meet Andrew Stanley. Eight years ago, he was crunching numbers as a financial analyst. And now? He's doing stand-up comedy; telling jokes on stages across the country. And not just any jokes — clean, smart, relatable comedy that's earned him a spot among the South's funniest (literally — he won “Search for the South's Funniest Accountant”).In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to trade-in a traditional job to something that looks nothing like your résumé. From bombing at open mics, to navigating self-doubt, to preparing for his very first comedy special, Andrew opens up about his challenges, successes and the dangers in the comedy world, and how faith and family have played a critical role in staying tethered to reality.We also dig into what it means to persevere, connecting with your audience, and whether Botox actually makes you funnier.So wherever you are — on your commute, your lunch break, or just avoiding going back to that spreadsheet — join me at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia for this inspiring and hilarious conversation with comedian Andrew Stanley.You can find Andrew Stanley at: https://www.andrewstanleycomedy.com/Search for the South's Funniest Accountant: https://www.accountantsarefunnytoo.com/Our interview was recorded live in Piedmont Park, Atlanta, Georgia.Click to text Bruce now!About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

A few months back, I was grabbing dinner with my friend Mark Fogel, and in the middle of our conversation about this very podcast, he leaned in and said, “You have to interview James Sarvis.”So I did.James is the kind of person who's built a career of commitment. He started at Delta Air Lines over 50 years ago — yes, five-zero — starting at the very bottom: cleaning bathrooms. Today, he's the VP of Global Cleanliness. But his story goes way beyond job titles.Over the years, James has held just about every position short of flying the plane: from leading airport customer service across 220 airports, to overseeing 24,000 flight attendants, to helping shape Delta's global partnerships. He's been through wars, recessions, a pandemic, mergers, even a hostile takeover attempt — and through it all, he's stayed grounded by one thing: a deep sense of purpose and loyalty.We talked about legacy, leadership, mentorship, being an 18-year-old college dropout, surviving a plane crash with his family, and why — even after five decades — he's still not done.You can find James Sarvis at:  LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-sarvis-7183592/Email: james.a.sarvis@delta.comOur interview was recorded live at Delta Air Lines global headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia: www.delta.comSpecial thanks to Whitney Li for her production assistance!Click to text Bruce now!About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

This week I was truly fortunate to meet with David Guthrie, an extremely successful technology executive, who has built and enjoyed the sale of multiple tech companies, worked in venture capital, continues to serve on multiple boards, holds 20 patents, has been married for 33 yrs and has 5 amazing children. Sounds like a charmed life, right? Well, not so fast. David's life might be better described as a miraculous 57-year mountain climb without a rope. You see, David was born with Cystic Fibrosis, which has significantly impacted his lungs and digestion, so he has literally been living one breath at a time. His is a remarkable story of perseverance, sharing why he still goes to work every day, and where he finds the fuel to put one foot in front of the other. I think you'll find his story both encouraging and a timely kick in the pants.You can find David Guthrie at https://www.guthrietech.com/; or on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidguthrie/; or email at: david@lydiasjoy.com or david@repay.com.Our interview was recorded live OKCafe in Atlanta, Georgia: https://www.okcafe.com/Click to text Bruce now!About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

We circle back with Chris Schramm who we interviewed in episode 15 with one question I Forgot2Ask. Click to text Bruce now!About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Did you know that there are approximately 400,000 children in the foster care system in the U.S. alone, but many children age-out of foster care without a permanent or lasting sense of family? This week on Consuming Careers, we're meeting with Andy Cook. Andy's the President & CEO of Promise686, where, for the last 11+ years, he and his team have been working tirelessly on the frontlines of the child welfare crisis by mobilizing church communities to care for vulnerable children. We're talking with Andy about how he got started, what caused him to quit a perfectly good, stable career in education to join Promise686, and what the organization is doing to impact (as they put it) the “unrelenting, unending cycle of foster care”.  I really think you're going to enjoy this story, and I'll even bet you know someone who's been impacted by the work of Promise686.You can find and follow Andy Cook at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-cook-9425883/To learn more about Promise686, check out: https://promise686.org/Interview recorded live at Virtue Village in Peachtree Corners, Georgia; https://www.virtuevillage.com/Click to text Bruce now!About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

We circle back with Laurie Gray who we interviewed in episode 21 with one question I Forgot2Ask. Click to text Bruce now!About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Click to text Bruce now!In this episode of Consuming Careers, we're meeting with Mar Kushner. Now, you've probably never heard of Mar Kushner, but I've been working with Mar for the last 4 years, but it wasn't until 2 years ago that I got a chance to hear her inspiring story of perseverance. Raised in Pakistan, a casualty of an arranged marriage that brought her to the US and into an abusive relationship, escaping back to Pakistan into cultural isolation due to her divorce, and ultimately a last chance opportunity to start over alone in the US with a plane ticket, an education, and just $300 in her pocket. Although you might hear from Mar an unassuming tone of modesty or diffidence, I suspect it is more likely a veneer of quiet confidence that covers her raw determination and steadfast grit. I think you'll be encouraged by Mar's story, and you probably won't forget her name anytime soon. You can find Mar Kushner on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mar-kushner-83977146/  Our interview was recorded live at the offices of RGP in Atlanta, Georgia: www.rgp.comAbout Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Click to text Bruce now!It's been said that ‘culture is what we make of the world around us'. It's episode 27 of Consuming Careers podcast, and we're meeting with Chris Carneal, founder and CEO of Booster. And if you're not familiar with Booster, you're gonna hear all about it in a few minutes. But more than just a successful company, there's a bigger story here. It's how Chris and his team took their core Virtues (not “values”) and put them to the test, most notably the virtue of GRIT. What you'll hear is more than just hollow words on a wall, but guiding virtues that helped him and his team navigate some of business' most dangerous waters. And the result? a stronger and more magnetic culture that continues to thrive today. We also go out of our way to unpack a few of the strategies that Chris employs to make an impact at Booster, that you can make it as well, wherever you are. And that, my friends, is the art of creating culture.You can find and follow Chris Carneal at: https://www.chriscarneal.com/To learn more about Booster, check out: https://www.choosebooster.com/“Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling” by Andy Crouch: https://a.co/d/1bWjoTnInterview recorded live in Chris' office at Booster in Peachtree Corners, GeorgiaAbout Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Click to text Bruce now!On this week's episode of Consuming Careers, we're meeting with Cathy Cox, the President of Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. And if you don't know Cathy, then you're in for a real treat! Born and raised in Bainbridge, Georgia, Cathy's journey is a remarkable blend of journalism, law, politics and education. She is a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, a beacon of inspiration, and a true testament of what it means to embrace a servant leader lifestyle.Cathy is no stranger to leadership roles. Before stepping into her current role as the President of GCSU, she was the Dean of Mercer University School of Law, and even before that, she was President of Young Harris College for a decade.Now, Cathy's story begins in a rather unique way. She started by pursuing a horticulture degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia. But soon her journey diverted to follow her love for journalism at the University of Georgia, where she graduated and then worked for The Times of Gainesville and The Post-Searchlight of Bainbridge, where her stories on local crime and courts sparked her interest in law.That's when she realized she could combine her love for writing and the law, obtaining a JD from  Mercer Law School. She then went on to practice law in her hometown of Bainbridge and in Atlanta for about a decade. And if that's not enough, during that time, she also served in the Georgia House of Representatives. But one of the real highlights of her career was when she shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman in Georgia's history to serve as Secretary of State. You can find and follow Cathy Cox at: Instagram: @GCSUPresidentTo learn more about Georgia College & State University at: https://www.gcsu.edu/Interview recorded live in the front porch of Adkinson Hall at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia: https://libguides.gcsu.edu/c.php?g=21285&p=124659About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

On this weeks' episode of Consuming Careers, we're sitting down with Caleb Bonsi, a young professional who shares his journey to discover purpose and meaning in his work, as he endeavors to integrate his Ghanaian roots into his career at LinkedIn and beyond. He also shares his experience of working at LinkedIn, as well as the contrast between the GenZ, Millennial and BabyBoomer views of work. You can find Caleb Bonsi on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-bonsi/Multiply Men podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MultiplyMenOur interview was recorded live the Fully Furnished Ministries warehouse in Berkeley Lake, Georgia: https://fullyfurnishedministries.org/About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Have you heard of the “Paradox of Generosity”? It goes like this: the more you give, the better off you are; but, very few people are especially generous. Why is that? This week on Consuming Careers, we're meeting with Chris Gabriel who discovered his purpose and passion (and his training) has equipped him to not only be generous, but to build a framework to help others, if done wisely and well, be generous in ways that can make a transformational impact on the giver, receiver, society and the world. You'll hear that a significant inspiration for Chris' generosity journey is City of Refuge in Atlanta, a faith-based environment that helps individuals and families transition out of crisis. And that's where we catch up with Chris for breakfast…Find out more about Chris' book “WISEgenerosity: A Guide to Purposeful and Productive Living and Giving” at: https://wisegenerosity.com/You can find Chris Gabriel by email: chris@wisegenerocity.com or on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-gabriel-cima%C2%AE-200a952/Our interview was recorded live in the Workforce Innovation Hub at City of Refuge in Atlanta, Georgia: https://www.cityofrefugeatl.org/About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

I've been working since I was about 14 yrs old, and though I've tried to stay healthy, I haven't really given much thought to what impact fitness might have on my career. On this week's episode of Consuming Careers, we're meeting with Russ Yeager, a renowned fitness expert and trainer, who shares his encouraging journey from being a husky 11yr old, to competitive bodybuilder, to helping train friends, and ultimately building a successful career around fitness. But early in his fitness career, Russ discovered his own ‘thorn in the flesh', forcing him to reexamine what's truly important, and how consistency and finding a healthy balance between work, family and faith has been the key. And for an added bonus, Russ shares several exercise and nutrition tips along the way.You can find Russ Yeager on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram:IG: @russyeaher or @FTJCLinkeIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russyeagerFB: https://www.facebook.com/RussyeagercoachingWho is Jack Lalanne?: https://jacklalanne.com/Our interview was recorded live at Russ' fitness studio, Fitness Together, in John's Creek, Georgia: https://fitnesstogether.com/johnscreek/about-fitness-togetherAbout Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

On this episode of Consuming Careers, we spend some time with Joe Oquist, a recognized thought leader in the areas of Generative AI, Humanoid Robotics and Quantum Computing. We discuss how GenAI is impacting the future of work, the influence it will have in our daily lives, and some practical steps you can take to stay informed on its benefits and risks.You can find and follow Joe Oquist on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeoquist/Our interview was recorded live Cauley Creek Park in Johns Creek, Georgia: https://johnscreekga.gov/recreation-parks/parks/cauley-creek-park/About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Let's be honest, who among us hasn't felt like they were in way over their heads at some point? On this week's episode of Consuming Careers, we're blessed to have the incredible Laurie Gray with us. She shares her deeply personal journey through something many of us can relate to - impostor syndrome. Yep, she's been there, she's lived it, and she's come out the other side. We're going to delve into her experiences, the physical and emotional challenges she faced, and how she overcame them all. Laurie is also a renowned expert in the field of customer experience, and she shares her insights on that too. But hold onto your seats, because she's also going to take us on a ride through her adventures in professional rock crawling. And you do not want to miss that!An overview of Laurie's professional rock crawling adventures: https://www.ladiesoffroadnetwork.com/laurie-gray-2017-werock-competitor/You can find Laurie Gray at www.lauriegray.com or on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriegray/Our interview was recorded live on the front porch of Laurie's log cabin home in Waleska, Georgia.About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Hey Friends, this week on Consuming Careers, I want to introduce you to a man who's taken a simple, everyday thing, like firewood, and turned it into a luxury experience. His name is Leroy Hite, the visionary founder of Cutting Edge Firewood. From their hub in Atlanta, Georgia, Cutting Edge Firewood delivers kiln dried firewood to thousands of customers all over our nation. For over a decade-and-a-half, Leroy has been on a relentless pursuit to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary: to provide his clientele with a world class fire experience. It all began with a dream: to revolutionize the firewood industry; an ambitious goal that has now evolved into an international success. His mission? To ensure that his customers enjoy the same superior experience with firewood as they do with their other luxury products and services. But, as with any trailblazing entrepreneur, Leroy's journey has been paved with sleepless nights, grit and sacrifices.So, let's jump into my conversation with Leroy, as we discover how he's making firewood sexy..You can find Leroy Hite on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/firewoodandcookingwood/You can also learn more about Cutting Edge Firewood at: https://www.cuttingedgefirewood.com/Interview was recorded live in the middle of the 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse of Cutting Edge Firewood in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Talk about leaving a legacy… What if you could directly influence the customer experience of millions of people who visit one of America's most successful restaurant chains?  On this weeks' episode of Consuming Careers, we're meeting with Andre' Kennebrew who, over his 15 year career with Chick-fil-A, was directly responsible for hiring and mentoring over 500 store operators across the country. His passion for growing people and leaving a legacy has not only shaped the impact he's made throughout his career, but also directs how he continues to influence the lives of everyone he meets. And to prove it, he shares his cell number on the podcast and invites you to give him a call!You can find Andre' on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-kennebrew-70b8825/Our interview recorded live at a very busy Matthews Cafeteria in downtown Tucker, Georgia: https://www.matthewscafeteria.net/About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

How many 2-sport professional athletes can you name? Jim Thorpe, Tim Tebow, Deion Sanders, Bo Jackson…? On this weeks' episode of Consuming Careers, I had the privilege of having a very transparent conversation with another 2-sport pro athlete, Quincy Carter. You may remember Quincy as a former Chicago Cubs minor league outfielder, quarterback for The University of Georgia Bulldogs, and NFL quarterback with the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Jets. But on August 4, 2004, everything changed, with a highly publicized release from the Cowboys and a downward spiral through a 15 year battle with a substance addiction. Thankfully, Quincy's story doesn't end there, and his life is now being restored with a sense of purpose and a new mission… but I'll let you hear more about that from him.A note to the listener: this episode discusses the topic of alcohol and drug addiction, so please be mindful of those who might overhear this podcast. You can find and follow Quincy Carter at: Instagram: quincylevoncarterFacebook: quincylevon.carterTwitter/X: quincylcarterTo learn more about The Quincy Carter Foundation: www.theQuincyCarterFoundation.com About Quincy Carter 17 QB School: https://quincycarter17.com/Interview recorded live in the main gym of Gresham Park Recreation Center in Atlanta, Georgia: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks/gresham-recreation-centerAbout Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

I've always loved a good story about entrepreneurship, but today, we're going to talk about something a little different - intrapreneurship. On this episode of Consuming Careers, I'm thrilled to share a brisk conversation I recently had with the brilliant Louis Gump. Louis has just penned an insightful book called "The Inside Innovator". It's all about how you can spark innovation and launch new products or services right where you are - within your current company. And Louis knows what he's talking about. He's been at the forefront of multiple technology launches at The Weather Channel, CNN and Cox Media Group. He's mastered the art of navigating the complex environments of large corporations to introduce products and services that align with a company's mission while leveraging its core competencies. You can find Louis Gump at on LinkedIN at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisgump/, or on the web at: https://louisgump.com/Louis' forthcoming book, to be released on March 12, 2024: “The Inside Innovator: A Practical Guide to Intrapreneurship”; or on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/8myBRhmInterview recorded live over breakfast at The Silver Skillet Restaurant in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. You can find out more at: https://www.thesilverskillet.com/About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Entrepreneurship often comes in many flavors: and some people thrust themselves into it, and others have it thrust upon them. This week on Consuming Careers, I'm meeting with Paul Masters, who fell “accidentally” into a lifelong career of entrepreneurship, and learned that it was exactly where he needed to be. Not without his fair share of challenges, Paul grew his passion for leading his own business into a platform for coaching others so that they could build legacies of success in their own lives.You can connect with Paul Masters at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmastersatlanta/For more information on Perissos Executive Coaching: https://www.perissosleader.com/“Chazown: Discover and Pursue God's Purpose for Your Life” by Craig Greoschel: https://a.co/d/0hGC16eInterview recorded live at The Crossing Steakhouse in Historic Norcross, Georgia. You can find them at: https://www.thecrossingofnorcross.com/About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Have you ever thought of trading in your career to pursue a lifetime dream? I'm sure we all have at one time or another. On this weeks' episode of Consuming Careers we're sitting down with Chris Schramm who, along with his wife Renee, traded in his lucrative career and comfortable suburban lifestyle for a 52 foot yacht, and has been sailing the world for the past 3 years. Do you have a vision for a different career path or lifestyle shift? Could you be persuaded to make that trade… to burn the ships? Join my conversation with Chris and find out.You can follow Chris and Renee Schramm on social media at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SVOceanaireInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailing_the_oceanaire/For more info on Normal40 and “The Trade” by Lon Stroschein:https://www.normal40.com/“The Trade” on Amazon: https://a.co/d/fo4n5k7Interview recorded live at Mellow Mushroom in Suwannee, Georgia. You can find out more and all their locations at: https://www.mellowmushroom.com/About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

I think you'd agree that one of the most tragic artifacts of today's society is the proliferation of human trafficking. In this weeks' episode of Consuming Careers, we're meeting with Ian Mitchell, who, while on his quest for a meaningful purpose in his life, was awakened to the horrors of human trafficking. Slowly, he began to realize that his entire career was preparing for a battle. Today, Ian is a leader in the fight against sex trafficking, child exploitation, and elder scams, but not with weapons or force; instead, by attacking the lifeblood that fuels these hideous crimes: the digital flow of money. A word of caution: due to the sensitive nature of this topic, please be mindful of those who may overhear this podcast. You can find Ian Mitchell at: https://www.iantmitchell.com/. Also at:Spotify: Ian Mitchll - https://open.spotify.com/artist/31fwXkfT11l03GkbLvDkMeLinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/iantmitchell/Matt Friedman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-friedman-9788555/About The Knoble: Learn more at: https://www.TheKnoble.comAbout the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: https://www.missingkids.org/homeCabo Fish Taco: https://www.cabofishtaco.com/Interview recorded live at Ian's house near Outlook Mountain, TN.About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

As Yogi Berra once said, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” In this weeks' episode of Consuming Careers, we're spending time with Mark Myers, who, after 20yrs in the electronics industry, found himself facing a life-altering tragedy: the loss of his youngest daughter to childhood cancer. In the aftermath, Mark found a new sense of purpose for his work and his relationships, and a redeeming clarity to focus on the things that really matter in his life, but not without the struggle of a day-by-day walk through the tension between hope and loss. You can find Mark Myers at: mark@smileyforkylie.orgAbout Smiley for Kylie: Smiley For Kylie is non-profit organization that exists for the purpose of funding research that will lead to safer and more effective cures for childhood cancer, as well as other charitable purposes related to raising awareness of childhood cancer and supporting those impacted by it. Learn more at: https://www.smileyforkylie.orgFind out more about CURE Childhood Cancer at: https://curechildhoodcancer.org/You can find Mark's book, “Missing Kylie: A Father's Search for Meaning in Tragedy” on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hrZmF65Interview recorded live on a cold winter morning on the Smiley for Kylie bench at Perimeter Church in Johns Creek, Georgia.About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

If you work, then you're all too familiar with networking. But do you network to make a sale or to truly make a difference? In this weeks' episode of Consuming Careers, I'm meeting with Ricky Steele who has invested his life in investing in others. Ricky has become one of the most well known and respected business developers in the Southeast, but not without significant personal sacrifice. Ricky not only shares his approach to networking, but also his calling for pursuing relationships with authentic empathy and generosity.You can find Ricky Steele at: ricky@rickysteele.net, orLinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickysteele/FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/ricky.steeleTwitter/X - @rickysteeleRicky Steele's book “The Heart of Networking” is available here: “The Heart of Networking Third Edition” is available on both the Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. A signed version is also available on Shopify at www.heartofnetworking.net.Interview recorded live over a perfectly cooked petite filet and an amazing Cabernet at McKendrick's Steakhouse in Atlanta, Georgia: https://www.mckendricks.comA special thanks to Carol Conway, General Manager, for her gracious hospitality, and to Mark for his outstanding service. Thank you! About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Maybe you've heard it said that “God doesn't call the equipped, but equips those He calls.” In this week's episode of Consuming Careers, we're sitting down with Kitti Murray, who, with her husband Bill, saw a need in the Atlanta refugee community for jobs, skills training, and a place where refugees could feel welcomed. Answering the call, the Murray's jumped in with both feet and created Refuge Coffee, now with 4 locations, continuing what they call “The Work of Welcome”. A bit of a caveat here: this is less of a “how-to manual”, but more of an inspirational story of perseverance and triumph through the valleys of personal loss. So grab a coffee and check out my conversation with Kitti.You can connect with Kitti Murray at: kitti@refugecoffeeco.comFor more info on Refuge Coffee Co.: https://www.refugecoffeeco.com/ Interview recorded live over a delicious cortado at Refuge Coffee in Historic Norcross: https://www.refugecoffeeco.com/About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Have you ever had one of those jobs where you thought it was your calling, but it just turned out to be a soul draining experience? In this weeks' episode we're speaking with Chad Parsons who shares his experience of growing up in a rather dysfunctional home, and how he learned that the path to a more fulfilling career comes far less from external affirmation than from living an authentic life.You can find Chad Parsons at: http://linkedin.com/in/chad-parsons-ctp-9287b09 or email at: parsons4656@outlook.comDr. Mark Rutland's book “Launch out into the Deep”: https://drmarkrutland.com/product/launch-out-into-the-deep/Interview recorded live over breakfast at Manhattan NY Deli & Bagels (“Grouchy's”) in Peachtree Corners, GA. Learn more at: https://manhattannydeli.comAbout Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

When life punches you in the face and demands every ounce of your energy and attention to persevere, how would you respond? In this week's episode of Consuming Careers, we sit down with Anthony Roman who shares how his life has been shaped by unexpected obstacles, and how those challenges left him no alternative but to dig deep to find the grit of his character, which ultimately fueled his ability to focus on the things that truly matter in his life and his careerYou can find Anthony Roman at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyromanatl/Interview recorded live with a side of tater tots at NFA Burger in Dunwoody, GA. Check them out at: https://nfaburger.com/ And a special thanks to owner Billy Kramer for his wonderful hospitality.About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

How do you find the courage and strength to redefine your career when the “next right step” can lead you down a radical path into very unfamiliar territory? In this episode of Consuming Careers, we're meeting with Kurt Kandler who, at a crossroads in his career, took what he believed was the next right step to follow an unexpected calling that led him to Uganda, Kenya and beyond. You can connect with Kurt Kandler at: kurt@410Bridge.orgFor more info on The 410Bridge: https://www.410bridge.org/You can find the book “If You Really Want to Help: Redefining the war on poverty” by Kurt Kandler on Amazon: https://a.co/d/h714Qe5This interview was recorded live on Kurt's pontoon boat in the middle of Lake Nottley in North Georgia.About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Have you ever considered the power of having a clearly defined point of view? In this episode of Consuming Careers, we're talking with Jeremy Garlington who has spent his career, not only guiding leaders in articulating their unique points of view, but also shares how his personal point of view has evolved while navigating the adversity in his own life.You can find Jeremy Garlington at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremygarlington/Podcast recorded live on the roof of B&W Burgers, Buns & Brews in downtown Norcross, GA: https://bwburgers.com/Special thanks to B&W owner Jimmy Costas for his warm hospitality and complimentary Old Fashions! Thank you!!!About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

In this episode we're going to do something a little different, and to be honest, something a bit self-indulgent. Recently, I spent the weekend at an Asheville mountain cabin with several close friends including three brothers that I interviewed for this podcast. As you'll see, each has quite a different career path, point of view, and offers their unique perspectives on things like ‘grit or quit', perseverance, and relationships in the workplace. We also take some time to relish our 40 years of friendship with some storytelling and favorite practical jokes. I hope you enjoy listening in on our discussion.You can learn more about the McGimsey Brothers at:John McGimsey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcgimsey-64b82135/Jim McGimsey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-mcgimsey-cpa-8901603/Charlie McGimsey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesmcgimsey/Podcast recorded live on the back porch of a mountain cabin just outside of Asheville.About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Is it really possible to have a calling or a purpose? If so, is it possible to know your calling… with certainty and clarity? In this episode of Consuming Careers, we're meeting with Jeff Feldhahn who shares his experience of how he found his calling and the principles he applied to finding clarity in his purpose.You can connect with Jeff Feldhahn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-feldhahn-19814b/For more info on World2One: https://www.world2one.com/Check out the many books by Jeff Feldhahn on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001JP40VKInterview was recorded live at Dagwood's Pizza in Spalding Corners, GA: https://dagwoodspizza.com/A special thanks to Diana at Dagwood's Pizza for her gracious hospitality and making us feel so welcome!About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Many of us carry baggage through our lives that often impact our work and our relationships. In this episode, we explore the career of Brandon Lee, how he came to terms with the wounds of his youth and how he's directing that pain into building workplace cultures that produce flourishing businesses and families.You can connect with Brandon Lee at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonleedigital/FistBump: https://getfistbumps.com/FunnelAmplified: https://funnelamplified.com/This podcast was recorded live around Brandon's fire pit in Suwannee, GA.About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

The idea of having a “calling” can be confusing and elusive. Should I expect to be ‘called' into a career before jumping in? Do I only have one calling on my life? Can my calling change? In this episode, we'll explore the career of David Slagle as he navigated into the healthcare industry, then into pastoral ministry, then back to healthcare, and how his definition of ‘calling' evolved throughout his life.You can connect with David Slagle at: clydeslagle@gmail.comPodcast recorded live at O'Sullivans Irish Pub: https://osullivanspub.com/About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Pursuing your passion can be hard work and take a lifetime to fulfill. In this episode, we explore the unique experience of Game McGimsey, a volcanologist with a long career committed to a single passion. We'll also delve into the rewards often only available to those who are willing to fully commit themselves, and their lives, to the pursuit of excellence in their profession.You can learn more about Game McGimsey at: https://frontierscientists.com/scientists/game-mcgimsey/Podcast recorded live at a private cabin in Weaverville, NC. About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Finding purpose in your career (and life) is often found when you don't actually focus on your career.  In this episode, Mitch Lewandowski will challenge you to think ‘others first' and give you some practical tools that demonstrate “when you elevate the tide of others, you rise with that same tide.”You can connect with Mitch Lewandowski at: https://cymbionic.com/Podcast recorded live at Whitetail Bicycles and Coffee Company: https://whitetailbicycles.com/About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com

Introducing a brand new podcast about finding passion, purpose and perseverance in the work we do every day: Consuming Careers. You can check out an overview right here and tune in every week for new episodes!About Bruce Smith: Over the past 40 years, I've covered a lot of ground in my career: white collar, blue collar, college drop-out, college graduate, practicing CPA, multiple business owner, elected official, recruiter and career consultant. Each chapter has equipped me to better help others navigate their career decisions and has fueled my passion to help people find meaning, purpose and fulfillment in the work they do. You can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewsmith/ You can email at: bwsmith126@gmail.com