Episode 316: From Cheez-Its to Clarity - Matt Sullivan on Building a Life of Purpose
Description
In this episode of the Success is Subjective podcast, Joanna Lilley sits down with Matt Sullivan, Director of Education at AIM House in Boulder, Colorado. From nearly dropping out of college with nothing but a box of Cheez-Its and a handful of kindness from strangers to leading one of Boulder’s most respected young adult programs, Matt’s story is a masterclass in grit, humility, and self-discovery. Growing up in Marin County, California—where success was measured in Ivy League sweatshirts—Matt felt the pressure early on to perform, achieve, and check all the boxes. But when life threw him a financial curveball that left him stranded at CU Boulder, he had a choice: go home or figure it out. He chose the latter. Through sheer persistence and community support, Matt built a life defined not by prestige, but by purpose. Today, he’s paying that forward by helping young adults and their families navigate emotional regulation, executive functioning, and the messy, beautiful process of growing up. His journey reminds us that success isn’t linear—it’s built one uncertain, intentional step at a time.
Matt’s Resources:
AIM House
Instagram: @aimboulder
Facebook: AIM House
YouTube: AIM Boulder
Dan Siegel on “Flipping Your Lid”
The Whole Brain Child
Connect with Joanna Lilley
Therapeutic Consulting Association
Lilley Consulting on YouTube
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com
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