Leaving the 9-to-5 for a Life of Adventure: Dave Fatula’s Story

Send fanmail to Lauren and let us know how you like the show!Note: This episode was originally released when the podcast was called Biggest Best Life. The show has since been rebranded to She’s Got the Mic, where we focus on helping women speakers and entrepreneurs use their voice to grow their business and step on more stages. What happens when you trade your office view for mountain vistas? Dave Fatula found out when he left his 20-year career as a commercial real estate investment partner to create Guinea Fowl Adventure Company, a full-service hiking business based in Boston.During the pandemic, Dave found himself spending more time hiking and trail running to maintain his sanity. The transformative moment came during a solo hike in pouring rain, when he realized how deeply happy he was despite the conditions. "I was on a ridge, alone and so happy," Dave shares. "I thought this mental health builder, as well as physical health that you gain by hiking – this is necessary and people need to connect with this."Dave spotted a crucial gap in the outdoor recreation market. While mountaineering guides existed in places like the White Mountains and Adirondacks, no one was providing transportation, gear, and guidance all in one package for city dwellers. His company now removes all barriers to outdoor adventures, making nature accessible to everyone regardless of experience level.The name "Guinea Fowl" comes from birds Dave observed at a dairy farm that stayed together in groups for safety, knew no boundaries, and called out to help strays find their way back – the perfect metaphor for his adventure company. A flock of guinea fowl is called a "confusion," which became his company's playful tagline: "Join the confusion."During our conversation on the trails of Middlesex Fells, Dave speaks candidly about the challenges of career transition, particularly adjusting to not being his family's primary income provider. "A lot of your worth is tied up with your ability to produce," he reflects. "You provide for your family in lots of ways, not just economic."Dave also offers pointed criticism of modern work culture: "Zoom became a digital leash. People who spent their entire professional lives were losing autonomy." He believes society needs a fundamental shift toward honoring personal time and finding meaning beyond professional identities.When asked about living your "biggest, best life," Dave's answer crystallizes his philosophy: "It's owning your time and doing what you love. Spend your time with people you care for and who care for you, doing the things you enjoy."Ready to reclaim your time and connect with nature? Visit guineafowladventure.com to learn more about how Dave and his team can guide your next outdoor experience.Instagram: @guineafowl_adventure_coTo be played at opening of all SGTM episodes, this is a promo for the Speakers Collective.Support the show