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The Beacon Way
Want to grow your business but not sure how? Wondering when to recruit new team members? Struggling to stay motivated after a setback? Tune in to find out everything you need to know to help your business grow, scale, and thrive, from two people who’ve done it successfully. Adrienne Wilkerson and Jennifer Christensen each have more than two decades of small business experience, and now they’re sharing the story of how they built a seven-figure company to help others do the same. Find out about all the highs and lows, including surprise wins and hard knocks, with plenty of laughs along the way. While you’re here, they’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need to build a winning digital marketing strategy of your own. Ready to get started?
The Beacon Way
From Newsroom to Purpose-Driven Storytelling | Michael's Journey with Bipolar Advocacy & Media Entrepreneurship
From Newsroom to Purpose-Driven Storytelling | Michael's Journey with Bipolar Advocacy & Media Entrepreneurship
In this episode of The Beacon Way: Founders Edition, we sit down with Michael, co-CEO of Pizzetta Media, who shares his remarkable transformation from a seasoned news professional to a purpose-driven entrepreneur amplifying mental health voices.
Michael opens up about his diagnosis with bipolar disorder, his journey through stigma in the corporate world, and how he turned personal struggles into a mission to uplift others. This conversation dives deep into mental health in the workplace, entrepreneurship with a cause, and finding harmony between family life and business.
🔥 Whether you're a therapist-turned-business-owner, a creative entrepreneur, or someone navigating mental health challenges, this episode is for you.
đź”— Connect with Michael:
- Website: https://pizzettamedia.com
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/pizzettamedia
🧠Topics Covered:
- Mental health advocacy in business
- Starting a business after corporate burnout
- Building trust as a solo media entrepreneur
- Juggling creativity, family, and self-care
- Advice for aspiring founders with mental health considerations
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Meet Michael from Pizzetta Media
01:45 – Michael’s media background & mental health journey
03:40 – The moment he chose to become a mental health storyteller
06:20 – Facing stigma in the workplace
08:15 – Embracing vulnerability to help others
10:00 – Feedback from the community on sharing his story
11:20 – The challenge of building trust as a small media business
13:10 – Overcoming fear: Why the mission outweighs nerves
15:00 – On-camera fears & the importance of authenticity
18:00 – Work-life harmony & being present with family
21:30 – Creativity outside 9-to-5: When inspiration strikes
24:10 – Advice for new entrepreneurs: Believe in your mission
26:00 – What’s next: Collaborations, speaking, and nonprofit work
27:50 – Managing bipolar while running a business
29:45 – Practical mental health tools Michael uses
31:30 – Leveraging the Chamber of Commerce for founder support
33:00 – The value of transparency and community in entrepreneurship
35:10 – Final thoughts & how to connect with Michael