The art and science of redesigning a career:Tom Pietras

A few years ago, my DREAM THINK DO guest, Tom Pietras, asked himself a simple but profound question: "What would I regret if I got run over by a beer truck on the way home from work?" (Hey… he lives in Madison, Wisconsin… so it's not a crazy question!) His answer (and his next steps) changed everything for the better. Listen To The Podcast: By all outward appearances, Tom had everything going for him. He was a successful executive doing challenging work he enjoyed. Plus, he had a happy marriage and was surrounded by some great friends. What more could a guy want? Here's the thing. When he answered his "beer truck" question, he got hit with a surprise. The surprise… was that he wanted to dig back into a former passion. Music. Drumming to be more specific. He had drummed as a kid. His dad had taught him. He was good too. But then a disagreement made him put down the sticks. They stayed down… for 29 years! But the "beer truck" question and a chance encounter at a dinner party changed everything… for the better. During our convo, we dig into Tom's story but we also talk through some of the specific strategies he used to set a new course for his life and career. It hasn't been easy… but the journey has been amazing. Whether you're 25 or 75… or somewhere in between… I think you'll be inspired and equipped by hearing from Tom. I loved this convo. I hope you do too! If so, what's something from Tom's story that stood out to you? What's something you could apply? Comment below and let me know. I'd love to hear from you! CONTACT INFO: Also, here's how you can find out more about Tom and his band, CD, Know My Name by The Ryan McGrath Band is available on Amazon or iTunes. Website: The Ryan McGrath Band for concert and tour dates. Like them on Facebook for updates and information. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BIG DREAM GATHERING: Mitch and Tom also talked about working together on Mitch's BIG Dream Gatherings around the country. Click here to find out more about these inspiring, powerful and fun events. Here are the show notes if you're interested in those kinds of things: Summary Even with a successful career and a happy marriage, there can still be something missing in life. The choice then is whether to keep pushing the feelings away or to open yourself up to your long-buried passions. Tom Pietras, a successful executive at American Family Insurance, faced such a choice. He found his answer when he asked himself one question, What would I regret if I got hit by a beer truck on the way home? The answer opened up a new world to him. Time-Stamped Show Notes [00:00] The second in Mitch Matthews' new series of three podcasts featuring three very diverse Dream Think Doers, at different points in their lives, who recognized the need to make a change to live more authentically. Introduction of Tom Pietras. [02:48] As a successful leader at American Family Insurance, Pietras had a fulfilling and enviable career. At forty-three he went through "somewhat of a midlife crisis" that led to fulfilling a long-buried passion to pursue drumming. [09:20] How a chance encounter at a dinner function turned into an incredible opportunity. [15:40] Finding a public forum where he could perform every week. [22:30] The Ryan McGrath Band cut their first album, Know My Name, available on Amazon and iTunes. [27:40] Success did not come overnight, but every step along the way, Pietras was planning, setting goals, and moving forward. [32:30] Pietras asked both his wife and employer for their support in pursuing his dream. [40:00] Words of Wisdom: Proceed as if Success Is Inevitable. Envision success. Dream Think Do – Tom Pietras Midlife Crisis When you're going through a midlife crisis and you live in Madison, Wisconsin, asking yourself, What would I regret if I got run over by a beer truck on the way home fr...