Hello Reader,

Picture the 1950s, an Australia lit by kerosene lamps, where the ‘night man’ made his rounds, and a boy’s future seemed tied to the junkyard.

That’s where Laurie Smale’s story begins—a childhood shaped by hardship, silence, and the warmth of an old junk dealer named Bill.

At 13, after relentless humiliation by a maths teacher, Laurie fled school for the glow of a Frankston tile factory furnace. What followed wasn’t a straight path—but a journey of courage, setbacks, and self-discovery.

In this deeply moving episode of the Wisepreneurs Podcast, Laurie returns—not just to reflect, but to lead.

At 78, when most are slowing down, he reinvented himself yet again—mastering digital tools, launching a YouTube series, and sharing stories that spark something in all of us who’ve lived a little, fallen a lot, and still believe we have more to give.

Think of Laurie’s story not just as a life lived, but as a map for what’s possible—even now, even later

• From dropout to university graduate at 37
• From Mr. Minute to Magic Minutes
• From hiding from tech… to teaching with it

Laurie traces a path from hardship to reinvention—proving how one quiet life can speak volumes. If you’ve ever doubted that reinvention is possible, prepare to change your mind.

Episode #70 Laurie Smale on Reinvention, Mentorship, and Technology out Friday 6 June

• Conquering Self-Doubt: How Laurie tackled fears (like math and technology) with small, bold steps—perfect for anyone hesitant to pivot later in life.
• Mentorship Matters: Insights from mentors like Old Bill and Sue Ellson (Wisepreneurs Podcast Episode #35) that shaped Laurie’s path, showing how connections fuel growth.
• Tech for Impact: Practical ways Laurie uses digital tools to share expertise, inspired by a belief in “using technology to attract aligned gigs.”
• A Life of Purpose: Why reinvention at any age builds a legacy worth sharing, a sentiment echoed by those who see older voices as “quiet heroes.”

Laurie returned to school decades after leaving, graduated with Honors, and now uses digital tools and social media to connect with others—all while staying curious and adaptable.

Laurie Smale on Reinvention, Mentorship, and Technology out Friday 6 June.

Because reinvention doesn’t have an expiry date.
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Stay wise,

Nigel Rawlins

Founder, Wisepreneurs

​wisepreneurs.com.au | wisepreneurs.au​