From working on an oil rig to living around the world as a digital nomad for 17 years. Consistent adaptation and creating 4 businesses all bent on building a life of freedom.

Today's trailblazer is Nick Wharton. Nick and his partner Dariece left their unaligned jobs in Canada back in 2008 to go on a gap year. That gap year turned into a life of travel. They started Goats on the Road, which became one of the top travel blogs. Turned to helping others create blogs, and recently started helping others in leaving their unaligned 9-5 job to building a life of freedom.

In this episode Nick shares the day that changed it all for him and Dariece to leave Canada and their old lives behind to turning something they started to update friend and families on their travels into a major money-making blog. The conversation delves into the challenges they faced with Google algorithm updates, the impact of AI on blogging, and their strategy for continuous adaptation. Nick also provides insights into the importance of starting despite uncertainties and building a personal brand.

Key Takeaways

The episode is filled with practical advice for anyone looking to ditch their job and listen to the voice whispering to pursue a freedom-led business.

• The Growth Zone: how to recognize when you are in the growth zone, and to know whether you should pivot or keep going
• Reach the Oasis: persistence in how to keep going to finally reach the oasis on the other side
• Knowing your Why: how to find your why that you'll turn to when things get hard

Timestamps

(00:00) Guest Introduction

(04:03) Early Challenges and Breakthroughs

(06:05) The Turning Point: From Travel Blog to Business

(12:48) The Evolution of Goats on the Road

(22:22) Monetizing the Blog and Sustaining the Lifestyle

(29:31) Balancing Travel and Work as Nomads

(35:35) The Decline of Blogging and Rise of AI

(40:33) Building a Personal Brand for Success

(43:50) Client Success Stories: From 9-to-5 to Financial Freedom

(51:48) Adapting and Thriving in Business

(56:27) Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Nomads

Guest's links:

Goats on the Road Website

Goats on the Road Instagram

Goats on the Road LinkedIn

Goats on the Road Facebook

Support the podcast:

- Follow us on Instagram (@thedirtpathpodcast)

- Subscribe to the YouTube

- Email your questions (thedirtpathpodcast@gmail.com)

From not knowing what GPS is, to making it into a successful business. Quitting a promising 9-5 career to being invited to the G20 as a decorated entrepreneur.

Trailblazer Russel Gonzalez, or Mr. Merida, has made a big name for himself in the Yucatan state in Mexico as an entrepreneur. Russel is the only Yucatecan to be featured in Forbes three times, attended the G20 twice, and is constantly working to help other entrepreneurs in his home state.

We first chat through Posadas, and other unique traditions in the Yucatan. The conversation delves into Russel's journey as an entrepreneur, from his early inspirations to starting his GPS tracking company, Rastreall, and the obstacles he overcame. Russel also discusses his involvement in the G20 summits and sharing insights into the entrepreneurial landscape in Yucatan, Mexico, and how he changed the business operations to only work a few hours a day. Moreover, he talks about diversifying his ventures with e.xperiencer, a platform promoting local businesses, and his approach to mental health and balancing life.

Key Takeaways

A great episode for any new or aspiring entrepreneur.

• 2 needs for successful entrepreneurs: contacts and knowledge
• Symbolize what you're selling: when you embody what you sell, your sales will explode
• Entrepreneur energy: the determination and relentlessness of a successful entrepreneur

Timestamps

(00:00) Guest Introduction

(03:51) The Tradition of Posadas in Mexico

(06:46) Yucatecan Culture and Traditions

(10:26) The Journey to Entrepreneurship

(17:15) Starting a GPS Business

(21:51) Challenges and Growth

(26:12) Networking and Building Contacts

(31:04) Mindset and Emotional Resilience

(34:40) Achievements and Recognition

(36:51) Supporting Entrepreneurial Initiatives in Mexico

(38:26) G20 Summit and International Recognition

(41:36) Growth of the Entrepreneurial Scene in Yucatan

(46:08) Automating Business Operations

(53:44) Launching e.xperiencer

(01:02:24) Balancing Multiple Ventures and Personal Life

(01:09:31) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

(01:15:08) Planning for the Future

Guest's links:

Russel's LinkedIn

Russel's Instagram

E.xperiencer Instagram

Support the podcast:

- Follow us on Instagram (@thedirtpathpodcast)

- Subscribe to the YouTube

- Email your questions (thedirtpathpodcast@gmail.com)

Entering the dirt path for calculated risk-takers, doing it one step at a time, with intention, to achieve the life of your dreams.

In this episode, the roles are switched as your host, Grayson Harris, sits in the interviewee chair to share his story. Grayson has an incredibly unique journey in being the only person to curate their own path in becoming a digital nomad while in operations as an electrical engineer, to later developing a whole nomad program for a company so others can follow suit. Grayson's story has been featured in multiple books, podcast appearances, and articles.

Initially captivated by travel during a family trip to Europe, he pursued his dream of living and working abroad. Through intentional planning and seizing opportunities, he navigated job changes, workplace dynamics, and the uncertainties brought by a tumultuous moment. His dedication to remote work not only enabled him to work from various countries but later led him to creating a whole new position at the company centered around flexible work. When later given a big choice, he decided to leave his job to pursue a new venture, driven by the mission to inspire others to take their own dirt path.

Key Takeaways

This episode offers invaluable insights for any calculated risk-takers, and 9-5ers in chasing your dream life.

• 9-5 Freedom Unlock: 3 ways to build leverage when in a 9-5
• Nomad Sustainability: insider tips to living the nomad life without burnout
• Intentionality Wins: speaking things into existence, the power of a good plan, and how to use the engineering mindset to achieve your dreams

Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction and Role Reversal

(03:37) Early Influences and Love for Travel

(05:00) Career Beginnings and Aspirations

(06:30) The Digital Nomad Dream

(08:02) The Impact of COVID-19

(08:48) A Life-Changing Decision

(10:12) Pursuing Remote Work

(20:35) Starting the Nomad Journey

(24:16) Solo Travel and New Connections

(27:21) Sustainable Nomading Tips

(31:39) Struggles of Working in Asia

(32:04) Embracing Asynchronous Work

(32:43) Achieving the Nomadic Dream

(33:16) Discovering the Role of Head of Remote

(34:47) Challenges of Working in Different Time Zones

(35:41) Building Remote Work Practices

(36:37) Pitching a New Role

(38:41) Transitioning to a New Role

(47:11) Facing Job Uncertainty

(48:41) Choosing the Path Less Traveled

(52:38) Starting the Dirt Path Podcast

(57:19) Advice for Aspiring Nomads

Guest's links:

Grayson's LinkedIn

Support the podcast:

- Follow us on Instagram (@thedirtpathpodcast)

- Email your questions (thedirtpathpodcast@gmail.com)