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.