Passion Struck with John R. Miles: Episode 545 Summary – George Appling on How to Make Intentional Career Choices

In Episode 545 of Passion Struck with John R. Miles, host John R. Miles engages in a profound and insightful conversation with George Appling, author of Don't Settle: Pick Your Path Guide to Intentional Work. This episode delves deep into the art of making deliberate career choices, aligning one's work with personal passions, and navigating the complexities of professional fulfillment.

Introduction to George Appling

John R. Miles warmly welcomes George Appling, highlighting his impressive background which spans leadership roles in both large corporations and entrepreneurial ventures. George's diverse experience, from leading companies and startups to creating nonprofits for veterans and first responders, underscores his expertise in intentional career development.

Educational Journey and Influential Mentors

George shares his academic journey, emphasizing the pivotal role of his mentors in shaping his path. Reflecting on his mother's influence, he recounts his early ambition in education, which was further nurtured by two significant mentors:

• Professor Paul Secting (00:32): George credits Professor Secting, a German language teacher from his high school in El Campo, Texas, for inspiring his love of travel through a study abroad program in Germany at age 16. “That started a lifelong love of travel,” George notes.

• J. Wayne Stark (10:32): At Texas A&M, George encountered J. Wayne Stark, the director emeritus of the Memorial Student Center. Stark encouraged George to pursue a well-rounded education beyond his accounting degree, urging him to take classes in Shakespeare, philosophy, metaphysics, and medieval history. This advice led George to unexpectedly earn a degree in political science and secure a position at McKinsey, illustrating the profound impact of a holistic educational foundation. George recounts, “He gave me this piece of paper... and I just started taking everything on that list.”

Corporate Experience and Lessons Learned

George discusses his tenure at prestigious strategy consulting firms, including Booz Allen and McKinsey. Highlighting the invaluable lessons from these firms, he emphasizes the importance of letting facts and logic guide decisions rather than preconceived notions. “They have really had the chance to do the Kaizen right, do the continuous improvement, get better and better,” George explains (15:35).

Transition to Entrepreneurship: Founding Sherwood Forest Fair

At the age of 36, motivated by a lifelong passion for the Texas Renaissance Festival, George made a bold decision to transition from his corporate career to entrepreneurship. Despite initial setbacks in purchasing existing festivals, George co-founded Sherwood Forest Fair in 2010, which has since grown into a thriving medieval fair attracting over 167,000 patrons in 17 operating days last year. He shares the operational challenges behind the scenes, from managing parking and sanitation to hiring artisans and performers. “A lot of it is the line — getting into the parking lot, clean toilets, and the beer lines,” George notes (25:22).

Launching Additional Ventures: Mead Company and More

George elaborates on his strategic approach to utilizing fixed assets, such as land, to diversify his business portfolio. This led to the creation of a highly successful mead-making company, a Celtic music festival, and a medieval summer camp. Each venture was born out of intentional decision-making and strategic thinking, maximizing the use of existing resources while aligning with personal passions.

The Metapaths Framework: Five Career Paths

Central to George's philosophy is the Metapaths Framework, introduced in his book Don't Settle. This framework helps individuals identify their unique relationship with work and passion through five distinct paths:

1. Passion Path (07:52): Aligning work directly with one's passion.
2. Independent Path (45:03): Keeping work and passion separate, allowing them to coexist independently.
3. Experiment Path (45:03): Exploring various interests to discover one's true passion.
4. Money Path (45:03): Prioritizing financial stability with the possibility of pursuing passion later.
5. Balance Path (45:03): Building financial security and skills in a traditional career before transitioning to a passion-driven endeavor.

George provides actionable steps and game plans for each path, encouraging listeners to choose the one that best fits their current life circumstances and future aspirations.

Navigating Different Career Scenarios

George offers tailored advice for various career stages and personal situations:

• Early-Career Individuals (30:38): For those in their mid-20s with a stable job but a passion on the side, George recommends assessing financial needs and gradually building skills relevant to their passion while maintaining their current employment.

• Life Changes (50:10): In scenarios where unexpected life events deplete financial resources, George advises reassessing financial needs and continuing to work while cautiously investing time and resources into passion projects.

• Family Pressure (52:00): Addressing individuals pressured into careers they don't love, George emphasizes the importance of parents recognizing the long-term consequences of imposing their career paths on their children. He advises young individuals to evaluate their financial security needs and capabilities before pursuing a passion-driven career.

Intentionality as a Superpower

George passionately discusses the concept of intentionality, likening it to a superpower that drives career and personal fulfillment. Drawing inspiration from the story of William Marshall, George underscores the importance of reputation, loyalty, and deliberate decision-making in achieving success. At timestamp [34:06], George states, “I think it's easier when it comes naturally to you, but if it doesn't come naturally to it to you, I think it's really important to try to figure it out.”

Owner vs. Victim Mindset

A pivotal part of the conversation revolves around the distinction between the owner mindset and the victim mindset. George advocates for the owner mindset, which embraces personal agency and proactive decision-making, as a more effective approach to mental health and overall well-being. He references Viktor Frankl's experiences in concentration camps to illustrate how purpose and intentionality can drive resilience and survival. “People typically have a lot more agency than they think they do,” George emphasizes (38:34).

Critique of Ikigai and Integration of Passion

George critiques the popular Ikigai framework, particularly Scott Galloway's interpretation, which he feels omits the critical component of passion. He argues that passion should remain a central element in determining one's purpose, aligning with his own emphasis on intentionality and passion-driven career choices.

Future of Entrepreneurship

Looking ahead, George predicts a resurgence in entrepreneurship, fueled by the digital revolution and catalyzed by events like the COVID-19 pandemic. He observes a booming gig economy and an increase in solo entrepreneurs who value the freedom and control that comes with running their own ventures. “I think entrepreneurship is booming just numerically,” George asserts (70:10).

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

As the episode concludes, John R. Miles and George Appling reflect on the importance of making intentional career choices to achieve personal fulfillment and professional success. George's Metapaths framework serves as a valuable tool for listeners to evaluate their career paths and make deliberate decisions that align with their passions and life goals.

Notable Quotes:

• George Appling ([01:04]): “People typically have a lot more agency than they think they do.”
• George Appling ([07:52]): “You do have to be brave enough to say, I’m not going to be a doctor. I’m going to be a musician.”
• George Appling ([34:06]): “Intentionality is absolutely a superpower.”
• George Appling ([38:34]): “Don’t make excuses. Take the damn step.”
• George Appling ([45:03]): “The balance path is you're going to do a career for 10, 15, 20 years, and then you're going to switch over.”
• George Appling ([50:10]): “You can start building out a passion business while working in the real world at the same time.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Passion Struck provides a comprehensive guide to intentional career planning, blending personal anecdotes with practical frameworks. George Appling’s insights empower listeners to take control of their career paths, emphasizing that fulfillment and success are attainable through deliberate and thoughtful decision-making.

For those seeking to transform their professional lives and align their work with their deepest passions, this episode is an invaluable resource. George Appling’s expertise and actionable advice make Don't Settle a must-read for anyone at a career crossroads.

Resources Mentioned:

• Don't Settle: Pick Your Path Guide to Intentional Work by George Appling
• Metapaths Framework
• Victor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning
• Sherwood Forest Fair

Connect with George Appling:

• Website: georgeampling.com
• Book Purchase: Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target

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Passion Struck with John R. Miles continues to inspire and equip listeners with the tools and insights needed to lead intentional, purpose-driven lives. Stay tuned for more transformative conversations and actionable advice in upcoming episodes.