Former CIA Officer + DeliverFund Founder Nic McKinley on Defining Your Own Success

Lisa Congdon is a prolific designer, activist, adventurer, bike racer, joy monger, and self-described gay AF. Basically, she is a badass. We talk about designing a life that fits who you are today, not who you used to be, how to change things even if (especially if) you own a business, and how ease and joy and simplicity are where it is at.     If that doesn't get you excited, read this quote: I just woke up one morning and was like, I'm done being stressed out. I'm done. Like I had convinced myself for so long that all of the stress I was experiencing was worth it because I had built this business and, you know, this life. And and I was like, okay, well, now it's time for something new. And so I started making this list of everything that I spent time doing that maybe I loved, but also had an element of stressing me out... I was on all these boards of directors and I quit all of them.  I just started eliminating things that didn't feel meaningful. I used to say yes to pretty much every podcast, every project. And now I'm really picky about what I say yes to... And I was like, Oh, just because you have this successful business doesn't mean you have to keep running it in the same way that you have all these years. Just because you reached this level of success doesn't mean that you have to continue doing living your life in the same way. In fact, you might even have more freedom now to like, change things up. So let's look at that. Let's take advantage of that. " @lisacongdon YEWWW!   Follow us on Instagram: @wheeliecreative  View past episodes, transcripts, and more info about the show: wheeliecreative.com/podcast  Don't forget to subscribe and if you haven't already, please leave us a review to let us know what you think about the show! Support the show by shopping from our Affiliate Links: Adobe Athletic Brewing Creative Live  Creative Market  Descript   

Today's episode is kind of wild, and that comes as no surprise because today's guest is THE Alex Bogusky. Alex was creative director, then partner, then co-chairman of Crispin Porter + Bogusky and was named "Creative Director of the Decade" by Adweek in 2010. Alex led some of the most celebrated and revered ad campaigns of the last few decades. But he left the ad industry behind, and we get a glimpse into his new path in life. You're going to want your SCUBA gear for this one... Alex dives DEEP into topics like infinite consciousness, releasing ego, love, and meditative journeys. Take notes, re-listen a few times, and let it all sink in. 303-718-7048   Follow us on Instagram: @wheeliecreative  View past episodes, transcripts, and more info about the show: wheeliecreative.com/podcast  Don't forget to subscribe and if you haven't already, please leave us a review to let us know what you think about the show! Support the show by shopping from our Affiliate Links: Adobe Athletic Brewing Creative Live  Creative Market  Descript 

"I am such a believer in taking the risk and finding your passion project." This week's guest is award-winning filmmaker Jordyn Romero. Jordyn discusses the act of living your purpose, the importance of passion projects, and the learnings she's found through navigating trauma and grief. Hear about Jordyn's latest film project, how she feels content in her current life, and the effect of on-set group dynamics.  Follow Jordyn: jordynromero.com @jordynromero   Follow us on Instagram: @wheeliecreative  View past episodes, transcripts, and more info about the show: wheeliecreative.com/podcast  Don't forget to subscribe and if you haven't already, please leave us a review to let us know what you think about the show! Support the show by shopping from our Affiliate Links: Adobe Athletic Brewing Creative Live  Creative Market  Descript 

This week on the show: Dersu Rhodes, former VP of Creative at MUD\WTR, former Creative Director at VICE, current freelancer and all-around creative genius. Dersu discusses his career path, what his current phase of creativity looks like, how to discover your passion, and more. Dersu focuses on exploration, authenticity, and bravery. There may or may not be mention of puppets. This one is a can't-miss episode! Follow Dersu: dersurhodes.com @dersurhodes   Follow us on Instagram: @wheeliecreative  View past episodes, transcripts, and more info about the show: wheeliecreative.com/podcast  Don't forget to subscribe and if you haven't already, please leave us a review to let us know what you think about the show! Support the show by shopping from our Affiliate Links: Athletic Brewing Creative Live  Creative Market  Descript 

"If I'm passionate about one thing, I'm passionate about being a curious human." This week we're joined by Emmy-nominated creative producer and photographer Tatiana Alexandra. Tatiana dives into her career journey and covers her propensity to enter into the unknown, how to find joy in being lost, and daring to break away from what's conventional. Follow Tatiana: tatianaalexandra.com @tatiana.alexandra   Follow us on Instagram: @wheeliecreative  View past episodes, transcripts, and more info about the show: wheeliecreative.com/podcast  Don't forget to subscribe and if you haven't already, please leave us a review to let us know what you think about the show! Support the show by shopping from our Affiliate Links: Athletic Brewing Creative Live  Creative Market  Descript 

"When you look at a problem like human trafficking and you know you have the ability to help solve that problem, how can you not do that?" We're joined in our first episode of 2023 by Nic McKinley - former Air Force Pararescueman and CIA officer, founder + chairman of DeliverFund, all-around badass. Trust us, he's been called the "real-life Jack Ryan." Nic discusses how he ended up on the path of entrepreneurship starting DeliverFund, a counter human trafficking organization using data and technology to fight slavery around the globe. He also details how he defines success at this point in his career, the radical creative thinking his team uses to fight trafficking, and his stance on TikTok and internet regulation.  Follow DeliverFund: @deliverfund deliverfund.org   Follow us on Instagram: @wheeliecreative  View past episodes, transcripts, and more info about the show: wheeliecreative.com/podcast  Don't forget to subscribe and if you haven't already, please leave us a review to let us know what you think about the show! Support the show by shopping from our Affiliate Links: Athletic Brewing Creative Live  Creative Market  Descript 

"If you're going to do anything, make it with intention." Artist and backcountry guide Jessa Gilbert brings her colorful energy to the podcast this week! Jessa shares about balancing the artist side and the adventurous side of herself, not feeling like she belonged in the fine art world and then creating a niche for herself, getting out of your own way as an artist, and the importance of play.  Follow Jessa: @jessagilbert jessagilbert.com   Follow us on Instagram: @wheeliecreative  View past episodes, transcripts, and more info about the show: wheeliecreative.com/podcast  Don't forget to subscribe and if you haven't already, please leave us a review to let us know what you think about the show! Support the show by shopping from our Affiliate Links: Adobe  Athletic Brewing Creative Live  Creative Market  Descript 

Grab your shovel, this week we're digging DEEP! Danica Carey, Director of Marketing Operations at Seirus Innovation, joins us on the podcast this week to cover some great topics including Black joy, instilling a collaboration mindset, barriers to diverse creators, and being your own representation. This is an episode you don't want to miss! Follow Seirus: @seirus_gear seirus.com   Follow us on Instagram: @wheeliecreative  View past episodes, transcripts, and more info about the show: wheeliecreative.com/podcast  Don't forget to subscribe and if you haven't already, please leave us a review to let us know what you think about the show! Support the show by shopping from our Affiliate Links: Adobe  Athletic Brewing Creative Live  Creative Market  Descript   

This week is a special episode to discuss a big change that's going on at WHEELIE - that's right, we sold our office and we're now fully remote! This decision has been coming for a while now, and Lisa dives into what pushed her over the edge (a hummingbird?) and 5 main reasons she and the team have made the big switch.  Follow us on Instagram: @wheeliecreative  View past episodes, transcripts, and more info about the show: wheeliecreative.com/podcast  Don't forget to subscribe and if you haven't already, please leave us a review to let us know what you think about the show! Support the show by shopping from our Affiliate Links: Adobe  Athletic Brewing Creative Live  Creative Market  Descript 

Nick Hammond, self-described Creative Consultant/Marketing + Design Admiral, joined us on the show to talk all things creativity. Nick and Lisa nerd out on creative philosophy, how technology sometimes isn't designed for the human mind, the importance of asking questions, and more. Nick even flips the script and asks Lisa some fascinating questions toward the end of the episode.   Follow Nick: nickhammonddesign.com linkedin.com/in/nhammonddesign dribbble.com/nhammonddesign   Follow us on Instagram: @wheeliecreative  View past episodes, transcripts, and more info about the show: wheeliecreative.com/podcast  Don't forget to subscribe and if you haven't already, please leave us a review to let us know what you think about the show! Support the show by shopping from our Affiliate Links: Adobe  Athletic Brewing Creative Live  Creative Market  Descript