Episode Details

What actually counts as an “untraditional” career?

At Embrace the Squiggle, that definition is constantly evolving—and this episode is proof that there’s no one way to build a meaningful career.

This week, Colleen and Ashleigh sit down with Shawn Thornton, founder and CEO of SmartBiz IT, to explore what it really looks like to follow a non-linear path fueled by intrinsic motivation and continuous learning.

Shawn’s career isn’t built on a rigid plan—it’s driven by curiosity, growth, and a mindset he describes as simply being “wired this way.” That internal drive has shaped his journey into entrepreneurship and continues to influence how he leads and scales his business today.

From navigating career moves to launching SmartBiz IT, Shawn shares honest insights into what it takes to build something from the ground up—and why being naturally motivated to learn might be one of the most powerful (and underrated) career advantages.

Whether you’re considering entrepreneurship, pivoting careers, or questioning the traditional path, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to grow on your own terms.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What defines an “untraditional” or squiggly career path
• How intrinsic motivation can shape long-term career success
• Why continuous learning is a key driver for entrepreneurs
• The realities of starting and running a business
• How to navigate career growth without a linear plan

About Shawn & SmartBiz IT:

Shawn Thornton is the founder and CEO of SmartBiz IT https://www.smartbizit.com/  where he helps companies navigate complex challenges like SOC 2 and HIPAA readiness, enterprise security reviews, and cloud modernization. His work sits at the intersection of technology, security, and business growth—helping organizations scale with confidence.

🎯 Want accountability while navigating your career pivot?

Join the Squiggle Huddle with Colleen—a monthly accountability space designed to help you stay focused, aligned, and moving forward in 2026.
👉 https://www.maxady.com/workshops/p/the-squiggle-huddle-monthly-accountability-for-2026-goals

🤝 Stay Connected:

Colleen on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/comara/

Ashleigh on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-beadle/

🎙️ Love squiggly careers, mindset shifts, and real talk about building a career on your terms?
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