You don’t always end up where you thought you would - sometimes it’s better.

Michael thought he’d be running a creative empire by now. Will thought he’d own multiple businesses and be long out of corporate life. Plot twist: they both landed in completely different industries - and somehow found more fulfillment than they expected.

In this episode, the Unscriptd co-hosts drop the performance and get real about career expectations, turning 30, and the pressure to “be further along.” Michael breaks down why most organizations are faking their AI expertise, why data engineers shouldn’t stay at one company longer than 24 months, and how to strategically “set your rate” by moving intentionally.

Then things get personal - from both admitting their secret dream of being architects to Will’s “truck theater” business pitch and Michael’s mirror pep talks at networking events. What starts as career talk turns into a reflection on vision, partnership, and how complementary personalities make everything work.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why your 30s rarely look how you expected

• The truth about corporate AI and fake expertise

• The smart way to level up in data and tech careers

• Secret dream jobs and creative detours

• Why opposites make better business partners

• The rebranding argument that almost ended everything

• Finding purpose in unexpected places

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Connect with the hosts:
Will Abel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willabel
Michael Grier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgrier