My Story: A Tale of Two Epiphanies

I believe we are all on some sort of journey and, for that reason, everyone has a story. That's important because our stories serve to teach, encourage, and inspire us. With that, I'd like to share some of my personal story with you--particularly, a journey of self-discovery and purpose that altered my perspective on life and my role in it. This is a story of two epiphanies that reveal how I found my true calling.

In 2020, I joined Sullivan Engineering, taking on the role of EOS Integrator. The company was led by Brian Sullivan, a man full of vision and energy, but who found himself increasingly pulled away from the highest and best use of his time – generating ideas, focusing on big relationships, and considering “what’s next” – by the day-to-day noise of running a business. I was brought on board to run operations and empower him to be the visionary the company needed.

At the time, to be honest, I didn't even understand what an "integrator" was, so the whole idea of having a job with this title was unexplored terrain for me. But I soon discovered that it was the perfect fit. The position provided me with a clear structure in which to work, and my job as an integrator quickly became one of the most fulfilling tasks I'd ever undertaken.

It was at this point that I had my first epiphany: this wasn't new terrain for me, after all. In fact, I'd been an integrator my whole life and throughout my career. I just hadn't known what to call it before now.

In some way, in every role I've taken on, I've naturally been one to take abstract visions and transform them into tangible actions. Implementing big ideas in the real world. Reframing complexity to unlock the pathway forward. It's always been a part of who I am. But when I started working closely with Brian, it was as if someone flipped a switch, illuminating a room that had been dimly lit. This epiphany was not just enlightening, it was life-altering.

By the following year, I had empowered Brian to become the visionary that the company needed. With newfound freedom and a clear mind to operate in his love/great (doing what he loves to do and is great at), Brian saw that the best way to empower everyone connected to the company and improve their quality of life was to sell his business. This decision resonated with the company's purpose, and it was inspiring to witness. Armed with my experience in corporate transactions, I swiftly shifted gears to serve as Brian's transaction advisor. Through negotiations and due diligence, we were able to close a great deal for Brian, his family, and the company.

It was remarkable to see the change in Brian as we moved through this process, and seeing him energized me as well, giving me a fresh sense of excitement and purpose. At one point, I remember saying to Brian, "You know what I love about this? I'm a part of changing your life."

That was the second epiphany. In that moment, my purpose became crystal clear to me: to change lives.

I realized that my mission was to help others, just as I had helped Brian. To empower founders, entrepreneurs, and leaders to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. To be the catalyst for transformation.

It was out of these two epiphanies that Odyssey Advisors was born.

These days, I'm thriving. I'm energized every day that I get up and go to work. Because every day, I get the privilege of helping business owners scale their businesses without the barriers that keep them from their full potential of an awesome life. In the process, I get to change lives. Every day.

If you're reading this and you find yourself in a similar situation to my friend Brian – full of vision but trapped in the day-to-day – I'm here to help. As a fellow business owner and consultant, I am here to change your life by making your awesome easy and empowering you to optimize your time, talent, and treasure. To learn more about me, visit www.odysseyadvisors.us. Let's embark on this odyssey together and change your life.