Energized
I’m Ian Christianson, a 17-year-old entrepreneur who’s not waiting around for life to happen. I’m on a mission to build my dream lifestyle, and the best way I know how is by learning directly from the people who’ve done it—those who’ve built empires, conquered setbacks, and turned their vision into reality.
This podcast isn’t about sugarcoating success. It’s about real conversations with people who’ve faced the same struggles we all do and found a way through. It’s about taking their lessons and applying them, step by step, to our own journeys.
If you’re someone who’s ready to take control, escape the average, and start creating a life on your terms, this podcast is for you. I’m not here to inspire you; I’m here to share the playbook so we can all level up together, and build a life worth living.
Energized
The Secret Sauce to Building an Innovative Community with Nick Smoot
In this episode of the Energized Podcast, Ian sits down with Nick Smoot, a serial entrepreneur with a fascinating background in both nonprofits and business. Nick shares the story of how he started out working with youth programs and eventually went on to launch several successful companies. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes how important it is to have a sense of purpose in your work, to seek out mentors who can guide you, and to build a strong community around you as an entrepreneur.
Nick also dives into the difference between being an entrepreneur and an influencer. He explains why entrepreneurs should focus on solving real-world problems instead of just seeking attention, and why adopting a creator mindset is so valuable. For small towns and rural areas, Nick offers encouraging advice on how they can foster innovation. He believes that by identifying unique opportunities and collaborating with others, even smaller communities can become hubs of creativity and progress.
The episode also covers some practical and thought-provoking topics, like how to communicate effectively—whether you're presenting your ideas or having a meaningful conversation. Nick talks about the art of creating events that aren’t just about networking but are designed to bring people together and spark real collaboration. He shares his insights into the venture capital world, the evolving role of AI in the future of work, and why it’s time to rethink how we build social structures to strengthen communities and encourage innovation. If you’re looking for advice, inspiration, or a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.