In this quietly remarkable episode, Laurie Smale—former dropout, junkyard worker, communication mentor, and now digital storyteller at 79—joins host Nigel Rawlins for a conversation that redefines what it means to start over late in life.Laurie shares how he walked away from school at 13 after brutal treatment by a maths teacher and began working in a junkyard under the guidance of Old Bill, his first mentor. Decades later, he returned to education, graduating with honours at 37, and most recently, launching his Magic Minutes YouTube series at 78 with the support of digital mentor Sue Ellson.From sleeping beside a furnace to building a personal brand online, Laurie’s journey illustrates how fear, when faced with humility and support, can be transmuted into wisdom and legacy. This episode is both a tribute to lived experience and a roadmap for anyone looking to pivot, adapt, and thrive. Key ThemesConfronting lifelong fear and self-doubt with small, intentional stepsReinvention in later life using digital tools and social mediaThe enduring value of mentorship and human connectionLifelong learning as a mindset—not a timelineLegacy, storytelling, and the quiet power of older voices in business MentionsPeople & Mentors:Sue Ellson (LinkedIn expert) https://sueellson.com/Old Bill Menzies (junkyard mentor)Dave Stokes (audio producer) https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-stokes/Systems & References:Magic Minutes video series https://www.youtube.com/@lauriesmaleNational Speakers Association https://www.professionalspeakers.org.au/Grandma Moses (artist & reinvention symbol) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandma_MosesContactExplore Laurie’s books, Magic Minutes videos, and speaking work at lauriesmale.comLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriesmale/ Practical ideas for independent professionals building practice on their own terms. Arrives Tuesday. Subscribe free at wisepreneurs.com.au Support the showConnect with Nigel Rawlins website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs Please support the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311675/supporters/newStay one step ahead with The Wisepreneurs Insider newsletterAs a subscriber, you'll get: Sneak peeks at upcoming must-listen podcast episodes and guests Bonus wisdom straight from recent guest experts Marketing tips to attract your ideal clients Productivity hacks to streamline your independent business And more exclusive insights are delivered right to your inbox! Don't miss out on these invaluable resources Subscribe now and gain the edge you need to survive and thrive as a wisepreneur https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter