Entrepreneur's Journey #1

The Entrepreneur’s Journey: A Conversation with Ryan Townend

Life has a way of presenting us with moments that challenge our identity and force us to ask, “Who am I, really?” I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Ryan Townend from WJ, who generously gave me an hour of his time to explore this profound question. What unfolded was an inspiring conversation about self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness not by chasing it, but by attracting it. Which begs the question how do you attract it?

Ryan and I dove deep into the layers of identity, how do you, peel back the ego and the stories we tell ourselves to uncover the core of who we are. It’s easy to blame external circumstances for our struggles, but Ryan offered a refreshing perspective: happiness isn’t something to chase; it’s something to attract by aligning with your authentic self. This simple yet powerful idea set the tone for our first edition of The Entrepreneur’s Journey.

As we talked, Ryan shared an incredible story about his path to becoming a marketer a journey that began with a bold decision to follow his heart. Growing up, Ryan’s parents encouraged him to pursue his passions, even if it meant diverging from the traditional path he had envisioned for him. At a young age, Ryan told his parents he wasn’t going to be a doctor, despite being on a rigorous academic track. Instead, he declared, “I’m going to be a marketer.” It was a hard left turn, but one that would eventually allow him to turn marketing into a science of capturing attention.

Of course, the road wasn’t always smooth. Ryan admitted that there were times when he felt like he wasn’t gaining traction, questioning whether he was moving in the right direction. Even to this day he sometimes feels like he’s not moving in the right direction. This led us to a fascinating discussion about staying grounded and shining your light in the world, even when others intentionally or not try to dim it. Ryan emphasized the importance of keeping your ego in check and staying true to your values, a life skill that’s as crucial in business as it is in personal growth.

Our conversation also touched on the impact of early experiences and the scars they leave behind. Ryan shared a poignant story from his childhood. In his early school years, he struggled academically, and one day, life threw him an unexpected curveball: a severe leg injury that left him wheelchair-bound for years. Unable to participate in the activities he once loved, Ryan turned his focus to academics not out of choice, but necessity. This pivotal moment reshaped his life, setting him on a path so academically strong that he was headed for a career in medicine before pivoting to marketing.

Ryan’s ability to find opportunity in adversity is a testament to his resilience. He credits his mother for keeping him grounded, always holding him accountable and ensuring he stays humble. His friends, too, play a vital role in helping him remain authentic to the person he strives to be.

But even the most resilient among us carry scars. Ryan recalled a moment in grade three when a teacher criticized his scissor work, comparing it to a dog chewing paper. Decades later, he still thinks about that comment whenever he cuts something. While such feedback may seem trivial, it left an invisible scar one that shaped his journey and contributed to the person he is today.

Throughout our conversation, Ryan’s values shone brightly. He lives by three guiding principles: inspire community, educate, and entertain. These values are the foundation of his work and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

Our talk was more than an interview; it was a reminder that life’s challenges often lead us to unexpected opportunities. Ryan’s story is a powerful example of how resilience, self-awareness, and staying true to your values can help you navigate life’s twists and turns. Thank you, Ryan, for sharing your journey and inspiring us to reflect on our own.

If slightly older Ryan could give younger Ryan a piece of advice: Embrace your difference—what sets you apart will become your greatest strength. Lean into it. Own it. That uniqueness - it’s your superpower. So keep shining bright.