In this episode of Wise Wednesday, host Jacob Britton engages with Paul Goudreault, a seasoned executive leader with over 40 years of experience. From geologist to CEO, Paul shares a career journey filled with lessons on leadership, mentorship, and personal growth.

They explore the ADAPT model for structured career development, the power of self-belief, and how aligning personal and professional goals leads to a more fulfilling life. Paul also reflects on generational differences in the workplace, the art of mentorship, and what it means to truly make the right choice—even when it's hard.

Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or redefining what success means, this conversation offers a roadmap for owning both your career and your life.

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Wisdom and Experience
02:08 – Paul's Journey from Geologist to CEO
05:28 – Navigating Challenges in Leadership
09:29 – Unlearning to Learn: The Leadership Journey
11:17 – Transitioning to Mentorship and Writing
14:10 – The ADAPT Model: A Framework for Career Success
18:49 – Integrating Career Aspirations with Personal Life
22:06 – Generational Differences in the Workplace
26:08 – Advice to My Younger Self
30:29 – Boiling Down Life Lessons
33:43 – Upcoming Book: Own the Life You Deserve

Guest Info
Name: Paul Goudreault
Website: https://paulgoudreault.com

Wise Bear Creative is a full-service digital marketing and branding agency based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They help businesses “take their brand out of hibernation” through:

• Brand | Web Development
• SEO | Paid Media
• Social Media Management
• Creative Design | And More

Website: wisebearcreative.com

Social Links:

• Instagram: @wisebearcreative
• Facebook: Wise Bear Creative
• LinkedIn: Wise Bear Creative

In this episode of Wise Wednesday, host Jacob Britton sits down with Haley "Allé" Smith, founder of Opened World Design, to talk about her inspiring journey from helping artist friends in Chicago to building a global creative studio. Allé opens up about the challenges of starting from scratch, learning to value her creative work, and navigating fear and self-doubt to build a meaningful business.

They dive into the importance of authenticity in brand voice, how community can fuel personal and professional growth, and why facing fear is often the key to unlocking your potential. Allé also shares the mission behind her studio and her passion for helping others bring their vision to life through strategic design and storytelling.

Follow Allé and Opened World Design
https://openedworlddesign.com
https://www.instagram.com/alle.joyce

Wise Bear Creative is a full-service digital marketing and branding agency based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They help businesses “take their brand out of hibernation” through:

• Brand | Web Development
• SEO | Paid Media
• Social Media Management
• Creative Design | And More

Website: wisebearcreative.com

Social Links:

• Instagram: @wisebearcreative
• Facebook: Wise Bear Creative
• LinkedIn: Wise Bear Creative

In this episode of Why's Wednesday, host Jacob Britton sits down with Adam Fox, a modern maker and woodworker, to discuss his journey from a marketing background to becoming a successful entrepreneur in woodworking. Adam shares his experiences, including his time as a ski instructor, the challenges of overcoming fear, and the importance of authenticity in building a brand. He also emphasizes the value of community engagement and innovative marketing strategies, such as offering woodworking classes. The conversation highlights the significance of taking risks and being true to oneself in the pursuit of success.

Follow Adam and Fox Woodworking

https://www.facebook.com/foxwoodwork

https://www.instagram.com/foxwoodwork/?hl=en

Wise Bear Creative is a full-service digital marketing and branding agency based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They help businesses “take their brand out of hibernation” through:

• Brand | Web Development
• SEO | Paid Media
• Social Media Management
• Creative Design | And More

Website: wisebearcreative.com

Social Links:

• Instagram: @wisebearcreative
• Facebook: Wise Bear Creative
• LinkedIn: Wise Bear Creative

In this episode of Wise Wednesday, host Jake Britton sits down with freelance filmmaker and photographer Phil Carrel to discuss his creative journey, the impact of education on his career, and the importance of storytelling in video content. 

They explore the challenges of freelancing, the significance of collaboration, and the need for authenticity in small business marketing. Phil shares insights on his creative process, the value of relationships, and the necessity of persistence in the industry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of engaging audiences through genuine storytelling and the evolving landscape of video content creation.

Learn More About Phil:
 Website: https://www.philipcarrel.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipcarrel/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipcarrel/

Wise Bear Creative is a full-service digital marketing and branding agency based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They help businesses “take their brand out of hibernation” through:

• Brand | Web Development
• SEO | Paid Media
• Social Media Management
• Creative Design | And More

Website: wisebearcreative.com

Social Links:

• Instagram: @wisebearcreative
• Facebook: Wise Bear Creative
• LinkedIn: Wise Bear Creative

In this episode of Wise Wednesday, host Jake Britton sits down with Jeff Dutton, a copywriter and brand strategist, to explore the power of words in branding and storytelling. They discuss Jeff's journey from aspiring lawyer to successful entrepreneur, the importance of authenticity in brand voice, and the challenges of maintaining consistency in messaging. Jeff shares insights on overcoming doubt and fear in pursuing one's passion, and the mission behind his publishing company, Big Water Press, which aims to help individuals share their unique stories with the world.

01:53
The Journey of Words and Branding

04:33
Entrepreneurial Drive and Creative Evolution

07:37
Defining Brand Voice and Identity

10:44
Authenticity in Storytelling

11:38
Uncovering Your Brand Voice

13:29
Consistency in Brand Messaging

15:50
Real-World Applications of Brand Identity

19:01
Overcoming Doubt and Fear

22:20
The Passion Behind Big Water Press

24:43
Core Truths and Final Thoughts

Wise Bear Creative is a full-service digital marketing and branding agency based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They help businesses “take their brand out of hibernation” through:

• Brand | Web Development
• SEO | Paid Media
• Social Media Management
• Creative Design | And More

Website: wisebearcreative.com

Social Links:

• Instagram: @wisebearcreative
• Facebook: Wise Bear Creative
• LinkedIn: Wise Bear Creative

In this episode of Wise Wednesday, host Jake Britton sits down with Austin Mariglia, the creator of Austin Automates, to discuss his journey from struggling fitness instructor to successful marketer.

Austin shares his insights on the importance of unlearning old habits, the struggles of self-reliance, and the creation of his nonprofit, Michigan Sober Social.

The conversation also delves into the concept of database reactivation, a strategy that helps businesses reconnect with past leads to generate new revenue. Austin emphasizes the need for personal accountability in business and the value of community support.

Timeline: 
01:26
Austin's Story: From Struggles to Success
06:13
Unlearning and Evolving
09:50
The Transformation: Letting Go of Old Habits
14:34
Building Community: The Nonprofit Journey
19:34
Database Reactivation: A Game Changer for Businesses
27:27
Activating Your Database: Strategies for Success
29:41
The One Truth: No One is Coming to Save You

Wise Bear Creative is a full-service digital marketing and branding agency based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They help businesses “take their brand out of hibernation” through:

• Brand | Web Development
• SEO | Paid Media
• Social Media Management
• Creative Design | And More

Website: wisebearcreative.com

Social Links:

• Instagram: @wisebearcreative
• Facebook: Wise Bear Creative
• LinkedIn: Wise Bear Creative