Innovating Your Career Path Post-Graduation

In this episode of Blueprints, Michael sits down with Isabelle for a candid and inspiring conversation about career paths, purpose, and growing into leadership. As the Director of Marketing at Custom Built, Isabelle shares how she went from running a summer baking camp in high school to leading the marketing department of a thriving design-build firm—all without a traditional college degree. Isabelle reflects on how growing up as the oldest of eight shaped her leadership style, and how her early interest in business and people led to a journey filled with unexpected turns. From early navigating life transitions during COVID, to turning a summer job into a full-time career, Isabelle’s story is one of initiative, resilience, and intentional growth. She shares how she taught herself marketing, took ownership of tools like HubSpot, and stepped into leadership in a male-dominated industry—all while continuing to invest in personal development, mentorship, and learning by doing. Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or someone rethinking your next career move, this episode is a powerful reminder that the path to success isn’t always linear—and that with the right mindset, you can create a meaningful impact no matter where you start.