Brian T. Prairie, co-founder of Converge’s sponsor, Pathfinder, discusses his career timeline and the process of starting a full-service creative & marketing agency in Kankakee County.
Brian notes the key difference between working a job that he wasn’t passionate about versus doing something that he took personally. Even when he’s putting more hours into his current role than he was at prior jobs, he recognizes it inspires more passion and fulfillment. Brian also shares that one of the things he loves about his work is when a creative idea becomes collaborative – there’s nothing like creatives working together!
Brian discusses dealing with the feelings of “I wish I had started this sooner” and imposter syndrome, the vital difference between being a leader and being a boss, and the necessity of failure as part of learning and refining your creative direction. Brian identifies through his experience that leaders must have the ability to adapt, adjust and reassess.
Meet Your Guest
Brian Prairie
After college, Brian struggled to find a niche in his field of study that suited him well. While dealing with burnout and career dissatisfaction, he recognized that true career satisfaction would have to come from following the passion that he has for creative work. Alongside co-founder Jesse Erickson, Brian pursued his passion into the creation of Pathfinder.
Currently, Brian T. Prairie is a co-host of Level Up Leadership Podcasts and a co-founder of Pathfinder, a full service creative & marketing agency in Kankakee county. Pathfinder provides a variety of services to local clients including web development, digital marketing, strategy and analytics, bookkeeping, graphic design and animation, as well as videography and photography.
About the Leadership LevelUp Podcast
Being a boss and a leader are very different. A boss tells you what to do and a leader partners with you in the process. Jeff, being a leader of leaders, has a vast knowledge of best practices and exercises to discover leadership traits. Brian shares stories with Jeff about the ups and downs of his leadership quest while talking to business and community leaders to discuss their personal leadership journey. Who influenced them? What do they do when they have a bad day? What gives them inspiration? Do french fries or tacos or ice cream make them feel better after a bad day? Through laughter and casual conversation, Brian and Jeff explore all aspects of good leadership.
Meet Your Hosts
Jeff Williamson
Brian Prairie
Show Sponsor
Pathfinder: A full-service creative & marketing agency with a mission to provide strategic storytelling to our clients. There is no greater impact in this world than a story. Storytelling is how we learn, remember, and feel. The world has used storytelling since the beginning of time to entertain, teach, inspire, and innovate. Pathfinder’s mission is to provide strategic storytelling for our clients. How? Through inventive business services and pioneering campaigns that help organizations find their own path and carry out their vision.
