103. Beyond Billions: Jason Castellan on Leadership, Legacy, and Canada’s Future

In this episode of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast, Dwayne sits down with Tod Melnyk, COO of Martell Media. Martell Media is the powerhouse company behind bestselling author Dan Martell's high-impact content&nbsp;and coaching ecosystem.&nbsp;Together, Dwayne and Tod explore what it really takes to scale a business while staying true to culture and values.Tod shares his journey from the brewing industry to running operations at one of the fastest-growing media companies in North America. Together, Dwayne and Tod break down:Why one-on-ones and quarterly check-ins are non-negotiables.How Dan Martell Media uses its three core values—Build the People, Be the Example, and Simple Scales—to grow globally while keeping culture intact.Why discipline can be both a strength and a weakness in leadership.The pivotal role of self-belief and internal work in becoming a stronger leader.The handoff process between visionary founders and strong integrators that unlocks true scale.Packed with real-world leadership lessons, this episode is a masterclass in operational excellence, culture building, and personal growth.Timestamps00:00 – 02:30 | Intro: Dwayne welcomes Tod and frames Dan Martell Media’s mission.03:00 – 06:30 | Why building people comes before building business.07:00 – 11:30 | The structure of one-on-ones, quarterly check-ins, and the 5-15 tool.12:00 – 15:30 | Culture and core values at Martell Media: Build the People, Be the Example, Simple Scales.18:00 – 22:00 | Kind warriors: balancing high performance with empathy.23:00 – 28:30 | Tod’s leadership evolution: from hard-driving sales manager to authentic, self-aware leader.29:00 – 34:30 | Going internal: how self-belief and reflection shift everything.36:00 – 39:00 | The upside—and downside—of discipline.41:00 – 45:30 | Scaling through others: why leaders must default to outcomes, not inputs.47:00 – 49:30 | Common roadblocks leaders face when scaling: delegation, systems, and leadership.50:00 – 55:30 | Visionary vs. Integrator: how Tod and Dan divide roles to scale.57:00 – 58:30 | Closing thoughts &amp; teaser for Part 2.Notable Quotes“Build the people, because the people build the business.” – Tod Melnyk“You’ve got to be good to get on the team. You’ve got to be great to stay on the team.” – Tod MelnykResources &amp; MentionsBook: Buy Back Your Time by Dan MartellBook: Worthy by Jamie Kern LimaBook: Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman &amp; Mark C. WintersFrameworks Referenced: EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), Visionary vs. IntegratorKey TakeawaysCulture is everything. Core values—Build the People, Be the Example, Simple Scales—drive hiring, retention, and performance.One-on-ones and quarterly reviews are vital to aligning goals, uncovering obstacles, and fostering accountability.Outcomes over inputs. Hold people accountable to results, not just activities.Leadership evolves. Authenticity, empathy, and self-belief matter more than hard-driving tactics alone.Delegation and trust are the keys to scaling beyond founder-driven businesses.Connect with Dwayne Kerrigan<a...

In Part 2 of his inspiring conversation with Dwayne Kerrigan, Jason Castellan, Co-Founder &amp; CEO of Skyline Group of Companies, goes beyond the growth story to share his philosophy on leadership, risk, and building a multi-generational business.Jason opens up about succession planning, why staying people-focused is Skyline’s greatest advantage, and how he balances growth with responsibility to over 1,000 employees and 6,000 investors. He also provides candid insights on Canada’s economic headwinds, the housing crisis, energy infrastructure, and the future of clean energy.This episode is not just about real estate—it’s about resilience, responsibility, and redefining what it means to lead with integrity.Timestamps00:00 – Believing in yourself &amp; taking risks when young01:30 – What separates Skyline from its peers05:00 – Succession, leadership, and the “piss and vinegar” test09:00 – Building a multi-generational business13:30 – The obligation of leading thousands of employees and investors16:00 – Canada’s economic headwinds &amp; the housing affordability crisis20:00 – Lessons from the U.S. &amp; why Canada needs a wake-up call23:00 – Bureaucracy, red tape, and the need for real solutions in housing29:00 – AI, energy demand, and Skyline’s role in future infrastructure33:00 – Solar, biogas, and battery storage as scalable solutions39:00 – Evaluating risk: from speculation to disciplined growth44:00 – Advice to young entrepreneurs on risk-taking46:00 – Staying grounded: Jason’s unchanging values despite growth49:00 – The power of face-to-face relationships in a digital-first world50:00 – Closing reflections on legacy, integrity, and inspiring the next generationNotable Quotes“When you lose your piss and vinegar, get out of the way.” – advice Jason received from a mentor“We gave up on saying we’re in the bricks and mortar business a long time ago. We’re in the people business.” – Jason Castellan“Take all the risk when you’re young. At 21, you can recover. At 65, you may not.” – Jason Castellan“It takes 25 years to build a reputation and 25 minutes to lose it.” – Jason Castellan“Face-to-face bonds are stickier and last longer than any digital connection.” – Jason CastellanResources &amp; MentionsSkyline Group of Companies → SkylineSkyline Apartment REIT → Learn moreSkyline Industrial REIT → Learn moreSkyline Retail REIT → Learn moreSkyline Clean Energy Fund → Learn moreKey TakeawaysLeadership evolves, values don’t – stay true to your integrity as the business grows.Succession is not retirement – restructure roles but never retire from purpose.People are the business – investors, employees, and community matter more than assets.Face-to-face relationships still...

In this powerful first part of a two-part conversation, Dwayne Kerrigan sits down with longtime friend and business leader Jason Castellan, Co-Founder &amp; CEO of Skyline Group of Companies.Jason shares how growing up in small-town Walkerton, Ontario, instilled humility, resilience, and a relentless work ethic that carried him from hockey rinks and hayfields to co-founding one of Canada’s most respected real estate investment firms.From his first student rental at the University of Guelph to overseeing $9 billion in assets under management and 1,000 employees, Jason pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to scale a business: financing hacks, the importance of partnerships, knowing when to let go, and why trust and relationships are more valuable than capital.This episode is a masterclass in grit, community-driven leadership, and building wealth with integrity.Timestamps00:00 – The myth of the straight path in business &amp; near-bankruptcy moments01:30 – Introducing Jason Castellan &amp; Skyline’s $9B journey04:00 – Lessons from Walkerton: humility, farming roots &amp; mentorship07:00 – Childhood, hockey dreams, and how sports shaped his competitiveness13:00 – The first student rental at Guelph and early entrepreneurial lessons15:30 – Scaling to 52 houses: financing, sweat equity &amp; creative problem-solving21:00 – Financing strategies: trust, relationships, and building a social network27:00 – Building your own legend: why life outside business matters30:00 – Person vs. story: what investors really buy33:00 – Facing doubt, trust, and learning to scale through partnerships39:00 – Business battles, resilience, and “one more round” perseverance42:30 – Experience creates strategy: when to let go &amp; hire experts46:00 – Leveraging talent: how Skyline attracted top-tier leaders50:00 – Roadshows, raising capital &amp; building Skyline’s REIT structure55:00 – Closing thoughts: responsibility, growth, and investor trustNotable Quotes“Build your legend. Be more than just a businessperson—have stories, have character, have a life that’s interesting to share.” – Jason Castellan“Face-to-face relationships are the currency of real estate—and of business.” – Jason Castellan“I wouldn’t have a fraction of what I have today if it wasn’t for partners.” – Jason CastellanResources &amp; MentionsSkyline Group of Companies → SkylineSkyline Apartment REIT → Learn moreSkyline Industrial REIT → Learn moreSkyline Retail REIT → Learn moreSkyline Clean Energy Fund → Learn moreKey TakeawaysBusiness is never a straight line – resilience and adaptability are everything.Partnerships can multiply success – sweat + equity =...

In this deeply personal second half of their conversation, Dwayne Kerrigan and Alvin Brown explore the power of unconditional love, the legacy of strong relationships, and how to face unimaginable loss with grace.Alvin shares the philosophies and daily disciplines that helped him navigate the devastating passing of his son, Cammie, after a courageous battle with cancer. From being a “lighthouse in the storm” for his family, to building a life with no regrets, Alvin reveals how preparation, consistency, and living intentionally can carry you through life’s hardest moments.This episode is raw, vulnerable, and full of wisdom on parenting, relationships, and turning pain into purpose.Timestamps00:00 – The meaning of life: “Who will cry when you die?”01:00 – Recap of Part 1 and the “one decision away” philosophy02:00 – The good wolf/bad wolf parable and the danger of shame05:00 – Parenting with love, freedom, and minimal shaming06:30 – The role of unconditional love and the lack of strong male role models10:00 – Lessons from disappointing mentors14:00 – How unconditional love from his mom shaped Alvin’s resilience18:00 – Avoiding mistakes of past male role models in marriage and parenting20:00 – The blow of losing Cammie and how preparation meets tragedy23:00 – Building life around family to avoid future regrets26:00 – Cammie’s rare cancer diagnosis and courageous fight32:00 – No regrets: being there for every moment36:00 – Processing grief without suffering40:00 – Earning love and respect daily43:00 – Late-night talks with Cammie about fear and life46:00 – Disassociating from the disease to focus on the person48:00 – Creating stability and predictability during chaos52:00 – Rituals, habits, and consistency as anchors54:00 – Turning pain into purpose through Cammie’s foundation57:00 – The unexpected generosity and support from friends and community58:30 – The impact of being present in your children’s lives1:00:00 – Life lessons: courage, clarity, commitment, and consistency1:03:00 – Closing reflections on living a life with no regretsNotable Quotes“I can’t fail—my mom’s always got my back.” – Alvin Brown“Be the lighthouse in the storm.” – Alvin Brown“Love and respect aren’t given; they’re earned every day.” – Alvin Brown“I’m going through grief, but I’m not suffering—because I have no regrets.” – Alvin Brown“Life consistently requires courage—to live and to die.” – Alvin Brown“I want to be sad that I’ll miss you, not sad that you didn’t live.” – Alvin BrownValuable Resources &amp; TakeawaysFeed the Right Wolf – Focus on nurturing the behaviors and thoughts that align with your values.Avoid Shame-Based Parenting – Love and encouragement produce more change than guilt.Unconditional Love as a Foundation – Creates the resilience to take risks and recover from failure.Preparation is Key – In crisis, you default to your level of training and discipline.Life Design – Build work around your life, not the other way around, to prevent future regrets.Predictability in Chaos – Habits and routines create stability during life’s...

In this powerful 100th episode, Dwayne Kerrigan sits down with long-time friend and high-performance coach Alvin Brown to explore the mindset, resilience, and relentless curiosity that transformed Alvin’s life. From his early days as a Jamaican immigrant living in poverty, to his evolution as an elite therapist for world-class athletes, Alvin shares the turning points, challenges, and mindset shifts that fueled his journey.They dive deep into the value of sport as a springboard for confidence and self-worth, the discipline of constant learning, and the life-changing power of creating space between stimulus and response. Packed with raw honesty and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in perseverance, personal mastery, and living intentionally.Timestamps00:00 – “Don’t get through it, get from it” – Alvin’s core life philosophy01:00 – Dwayne introduces Alvin Brown and their 25+ year friendship02:00 – Alvin’s immigration from Jamaica and early years in poverty04:30 – Resilience born from cultural shifts and adversity05:30 – Becoming one of the top massage therapists and constant learning06:30 – Building The Centre for Healing and Peak Performance &amp; writing his book07:00 – Role modeling long-term relationships and perseverance09:00 – Alvin’s early ambitions in wrestling, martial arts, and boxing13:30 – Lessons from sport: confidence, belief, and self-worth15:30 – The Olympic dream as legitimacy and identity18:00 – The chance encounter in Cuba that led to a career in therapy20:00 – Going from a “D for diploma” student to top marks in massage school22:00 – Stacking skills: nutrition, acupuncture, energy work, osteopathy30:00 – The importance of energy, intention, and integrative health31:00 – Overcoming the “no degree” weakness and earning a psychology degree33:00 – Studying NLP and the lifelong practice of mindset mastery35:00 – Curiosity as a driver and eliminating perceived weaknesses40:30 – One decision away – pivotal moments in parenting and relationships45:00 – Creating space between stimulus and response to make better decisions51:00 – The role of introspection and honest mentorship55:00 – Lessons in ego, business building, and staying true to your gifts59:30 – Why asking “why” matters – and when it doesn’t1:02:00 – Understanding that “greatness” is different for everyone1:03:00 – Preview of Part 2: handling loss and becoming a lighthouse for othersNotable Quotes“Don’t get through it, get from it.” – Alvin Brown“You’re always one decision away from turning up or turning down the trajectory of your life.” – Alvin Brown“Sport gave me confidence, belief, and self-worth—and that became my springboard.” – Alvin Brown“The space between stimulus and response is where mastery lives.” – Alvin Brown“I don’t seek to be smart; I seek to be wise.” – Alvin Brown“Sometimes you’re driving the right vehicle on the wrong road.” – Dwayne KerriganValuable Resources &amp; TakeawaysThe Power of Sport – Organized sports teach goal-setting, resilience, teamwork, and how to come back from loss.Stack Your Skills – Keep adding complementary knowledge (nutrition, energy work, mindset training) to create a unique...

Four-time Olympian, two-time gold medalist, World Rugby Hall of Famer and high-performance coach Heather Moyse returns to The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast for a transformative conversation on sustainable success. In this energizing episode, Heather and Dwayne explore what it really means to thrive—from corporate burnout and high performance to the true essence of recovery, clarity, and fulfillment.Heather breaks down her signature “Podium Process”—a framework for shifting from autopilot to intentional mastery. With humour, honesty, and Olympic-level insight, she shares how to move from societal expectations to personal values, how to reframe setbacks, and how to redefine balance on your own terms.This isn’t just about peak performance. It’s about purpose-driven living—without sacrificing your wellbeing.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome back, Heather Moyse01:30 – What Heather’s been working on: new keynotes and multiple book ideas04:00 – Introducing “The Champion Mindset” and what sets it apart06:45 – Mindset shifts: thriving &gt; extreme productivity09:15 – Corporate vs. athletic performance parallels11:00 – Heather’s “Podium Process”: Dream, Plan, Pursue, Perform13:30 – Self-sabotage and moving through internal blocks17:00 – Recovery ≠ rest: the burnout epidemic explained19:15 – Micro, Meso &amp; Macro Recovery in sport and business22:00 – Why “one step back, two steps forward” is a strategic power move27:00 – Root Why vs. Surface Goals: questions that clarify your true path33:00 – Gender differences in burnout and balance38:00 – Self-sabotage, people-pleasing, and the fear of judgment42:00 – Why clarity requires disconnection from the noise45:30 – Heather’s own mindfulness &amp; recovery practices51:00 – What propels forward movement and momentum55:00 – From High Performance to Mastery (Dwayne’s mindset shift)57:30 – Final thoughts + where to connect with HeatherNotable Quotes:“People don’t need to feel guilt and shame for not doing all the things social media tells us to do.” — Heather Moyse“Burnout isn’t from too much work—it’s from too little recovery.” — Heather Moyse“You can’t feel fulfilled when you’re living a life aligned with someone else’s values.” — Heather Moyse“We’re more committed to recharging our phones than ourselves.” — Heather MoyseResources &amp; Mentions:Heather Moyse Website https://www.heathermoyse.com/Book: Redefining Realistic by Heather MoyseInstagram: @heathermoyseListen to Heather’s first episode on the Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Uw17Z9M6WXq8H5LmFBy9Y?si=32ySJBUWTSm-XyqtO9GlQwhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/7cHwtyjwQ1LC3dgJA8W48k?si=OOtCOvU2QIeIfRVuemh2lw&nbsp;Key Takeaways:High performance is not sustainable without intentional recovery built into your system.The Podium Process (Dream → Plan → Pursue → Perform) is a customizable roadmap for fulfillment.Clarity requires space—true insight only comes when you step back from the noise.Reframing setbacks is a skill—one that separates people who grow from those who...

In this powerful second installment, Molly Bloom takes us from her lowest point—convicted felon, millions in debt, and under FBI indictment—to the surprising turn that led her back into the spotlight. She shares how the same athletic grit that carried her down Olympic slopes helped her weather mob threats and a RICO case, and ultimately propelled her into publishing a memoir and partnering with Aaron Sorkin to bring Molly’s Game to the big screen. Along the way, Molly reveals the hard lessons of maintaining integrity under pressure, the freedom found in losing everything, and the resilience required to rewrite your own story. She also opens up about balancing motherhood with newfound opportunities, her unlikely journey through Hollywood, and the personal triumph of starting a family against all odds. Timestamps00:00 – Rock Bottom Reveal: From poker queen to convicted felon in millions of debt01:00 – Athletic Grit, Part II: How Olympic lessons powered Molly’s comeback02:30 – Motherhood vs. Ambition: Battling mom-guilt, building your support “village,” finding stillness07:00 – Rewriting the Rulebook: From burnout to a recovery toolkit of meditation, rest &amp; self-compassion10:00 – Integrity Under Fire: Turning down the easy plea and standing by your values12:00 – The Mob, the Gun, the Mirror: Surviving extortion and confronting your moral drift16:00 – Indictment &amp; Advocacy: Choosing transparency with federal prosecutors over plea-bargain fame20:00 – Betting on a Story: From a 10-copy book launch to winning Aaron Sorkin’s Hollywood trust24:00 – From Courtroom to Red Carpet: The surreal leap from sentencing hearing to Oscar buzz28:00 – True Jackpot: Family: Defying 1% IVF odds to welcome daughter Fiona33:00 – Closing Hand: Your Next Chapter: Molly’s challenge to turn every setback into a comebackNotable Quotes“I just remember making a promise to the universe: I will never abandon my values, my family, or myself ever again.” Molly Bloom“If you’re unwilling to take another bold risk after a bad beat, you’ll stay right where you are.” &nbsp;Molly Bloom“There’s a freedom in losing everything—because then you can’t be anyone but who you really are.” Molly Bloom“I met Aaron Sorkin by betting on the best horse in Hollywood, even when my own book had sold ten copies.” &nbsp;Molly BloomValuable ResourcesMolly’s Game (Aaron Sorkin, 2017) &amp; Molly’s Game memoir by Molly BloomKey TakeawaysIntegrity Pays Dividends: Choosing values over easy outs—even under federal indictment—builds lifelong credibility.Leverage Athletic Grit: The discipline that wins races can also power comebacks after personal and professional collapse.Build Your Village: Sustainable success requires support: mentors, family, hired help, and radical self-care.Own Your Story: When life derails you, the only way forward is to become the author of your own narrative.Bet on Yourself: Even if your first “hand” flops (book sales, legal battles), bold risks can unlock game-changing opportunities.Redefine the Jackpot: True victory lies not in money or fame, but in resilience, relationships, and the chance to start anew.Tune in for more wisdom from Molly’s journey—and get ready to play your next hand with courage and conviction.Connect with Dwayne KerriganFacebookInstagram<a...

In this riveting first installment, Dwayne sits down with Molly Bloom, they trace her journey from a straight-A student and elite mogul skier—who overcame major spinal surgery—to California, where an identity crisis set her on an unexpected path into the world of high-stakes underground poker. Along the way, Molly reflects on the powerful roles family dynamics, honesty, and courage have played in her life. She shares how the pivotal “20 Seconds of Courage” mindset transformed her decision-making, and reveals how meticulous attention to sensory details and genuine empathy— “effective presence”—became the secret sauce that elevated her from server to sought-after host of billionaire poker tables. Molly also imparts hard-won lessons in resilience, parenting, and emotional intelligence, including techniques like cognitive reappraisal and value inventories that anyone can apply to amplify personal and professional success.Time Stamps:00:00 – Opening Hand: From Olympic Moguls to Underground Poker01:30 – The Truth Deal: Scoliosis Surgery, Law School &amp; Reclaiming Honesty04:00 – Identity All-In: Chasing Warmth After a Career-Defining Fall07:00 – First Hand Played: How “Tip Molly” Became the Table’s Secret Weapon09:30 – Family Face-Off: Lessons from a Stern Father &amp; Compassionate Mother13:00 – Parenting Like a Pro: Building Resilience in Your Kids19:00 – The 20-Second Bet: A Simple Hack for Courageous Action23:00 – Rock-Bottom Royal Flush: Freedom Found in Failure25:30 – Service Mastery: Elevating the Guest Experience at Billionaire Tables30:00 – Emotional Footprint: The Art of “Effective Presence”36:00 – Empathy Unlocked: Navigating Easy vs. Hard Connections41:30 – Sensory High-Stakes: Designing Unforgettable, Multi-Sense Experiences49:00 – Outsider’s Edge: Creativity &amp; Loyalty from the Poker Fringe54:00 – Part 2 Tease: Scaling Empires, Legal Battles &amp; ReinventionNotable Quotes“If you’re asking how I went from a straight-A student and elite athlete to running an underground crime syndicate, yeah, there’s some causes and conditions there.” &nbsp;Molly Bloom“People are going to forget what you said and what you did. They’re not going to forget the way you made them feel.” &nbsp;Dwayne Kerrigan“20 seconds of courage. That’s all it takes to send the email that changes your career.” &nbsp;Molly BloonValuable ResourcesFilm &amp; Memoir: Molly’s Game (movie by Aaron Sorkin) &amp; Molly’s Game memoir by Molly BloomEmotional Intelligence: Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence; research on the “emotional footprint” meta-analysisMindfulness &amp; Reappraisal: Byron Katie’s Loving What Is; practice journals for cognitive reappraisal (“What else could this mean?”)Risk &amp; Courage: Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability; prompts for “20 seconds of courage” challengesKey TakeawaysInventory Your Values: Write down who you want to be, how you want to treat people, and then audit your behavior regularly.Practice 20 Seconds of Courage: Before fear spins you out, commit just 20 seconds to take the leap—send the ask, make the call, pitch the idea.Cultivate Effective Presence: Focus on the emotional footprint you leave: genuine curiosity, empathetic listening (“listening to discover”), and small acts of service.Use Cognitive Reappraisal: When conflict arises, reframe instantly (“What else could this mean?”) to defuse negativity and maintain inner calm.Design for All Senses: In any client-facing situation—from podcasts to boardrooms—mind...

In this unfiltered second half of their conversation, Dwayne Kerrigan and Vaneli Martinov dive deeper into the mindset, systems, and soul behind exceptional operations leadership.Vaneli—EVP of Operations for the world-renowned Wellington International—opens up about what it really means to lead from the front lines: managing 500+ seasonal staff, navigating crisis in real-time, and mentoring a team while raising a family.From hiring with heart to dealing with "energy vampires," from picking up trash alongside the CEO to gamifying motivation in a 16-week event sprint, this episode is a masterclass in human-centered leadership.She doesn’t hold back on the pressures, pivots, and personal sacrifices that come with the job—but also shares the mindset shifts, values, and rituals that keep her grounded and inspired.Timestamps:00:00 – The true nature of operations: structure in chaos01:30 – From intern to executive: building your network with humility04:15 – Work ethic, boundaries &amp; the generational shift in expectations07:00 – AI, the future of education, and what’s changing fast10:00 – Adapting to AI: how Vaneli's team is preparing12:00 – Company counselor: when leadership means emotional availability15:00 – Empowering your team instead of enabling dependency17:30 – Spotting energy drainers and culture mismatches18:30 – What it actually takes to get fired by Vanelli20:00 – Why most problems are rooted in miscommunication, not incompetence21:00 – Building better onboarding, systems, and structure23:00 – Hiring 600+ people in 3 months: inside the chaos24:30 – Culture, compensation &amp; the shift from scrambling to stability25:45 – How gamification, incentives &amp; recognition drive retention28:00 – When your CEO leads by example (and picks up trash)30:00 – Leadership on the ground vs. from the tower33:00 – What Saturday nights with 10,000 people look like35:00 – Vanelli’s operational bumper sticker: Hustle, pivot, repeat37:00 – Fear vs. courage in leadership39:00 – How motherhood redefined her priorities and definition of fear42:30 – Business as a gladiator sport—and a spiritual journey44:00 – Why leadership reflection is crucial for sustainable growth45:30 – How to get in touch with VaneliKey Takeaways &amp; Resources:1. Leadership Is Emotional LaborVaneli embraces the role of “company counselor,” knowing that guiding people through emotional and professional bottlenecks is part of her value—but she’s also learned to set boundaries to avoid burnout.2. Hiring 500+ Staff? Culture Is the GlueThey’ve moved from scrambling to stability through better pay, returning managers, incentive programs, and weekly recognition rituals. Culture wins over resumes.3. Operations = Chaos + CalmYou can plan all you want, but execution is where the real work begins. Flexibility and adaptability are key to thriving in operations.4. Don’t Confuse Fear with FailureVaneli explores the difference between being fearless and being courageous. She still feels fear—but leads with action anyway.5. Modern Leadership = On-the-Ground LeadershipTheir CEO leads by example, works beside the crew, and gets real-time feedback from front-line staff. Leadership isn’t about distance—it’s about presence.6. AI Is Coming for Admin—Not EmpathyWhile they’re just starting to adopt AI tools, Vaneli acknowledges its potential for operations—but believes people will always be at the core of execution.Connect with Dwayne KerriganFacebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

What does it take to run 500 events across 16 weeks and still make it home for bedtime stories? In this powerhouse episode, Dwayne Kerrigan sits down with Vaneli Martinov, Executive Vice President of Operations for the world-renowned Wellington International.Vaneli opens up about the reality behind high-performance leadership—juggling relentless operations, motherhood, and building a career from the ground up. From her early days as an intern at the most expensive golf club in the world to project-managing $200M developments, her story is a masterclass in grit, grace, and grounded leadership.You’ll learn how she balances chaos with calm, leads massive teams with empathy, and why being the "swan on the surface, but paddling like hell underneath" is one of her greatest strengths.Timestamps:00:00 – The Swan Mentality: Grace above, chaos below01:10 – Meet Vaneli Martinov03:00 – Managing 500 events in 16 weeks05:45 – Operational teardown + seasonal rebuilds07:00 – Balancing career, marriage &amp; motherhood08:45 – Living in fight-or-flight: Thriving in chaos10:00 – Hustling her way from intern to executive14:45 – Saying yes before you’re ready17:00 – Early career lessons in elite service &amp; proactivity21:00 – Building trust through “nothing is beneath me” leadership23:00 – Predictive thinking vs reactive firefighting26:00 – Scaling up from operations grunt to strategic executive29:00 – 80–100 hour weeks: Was it worth it?31:00 – Redefining hustle with purpose and family in mind35:00 – The truth about toxic relationships and healthy ambition38:00 – The hidden challenges of being a woman in male-dominated leadership44:30 – How Vaneli leads with feminine strength and authenticity48:00 – Modeling the right leadership style through lived experience52:00 – Networking with purpose vs performative connectionKey Takeaways &amp; Resources:1. Say Yes Before You’re ReadyVaneli’s career is built on courageous action—even when she didn’t feel ready. She leaned into the unknown and learned through doing.2. Leadership Is Earned Through ActionShe models respect by showing up in the trenches. From hauling trash to handling investors, no job is beneath her—and that credibility compounds.3. Early Career: Hustle + Humility WinsWhat set her apart wasn’t grades—it was drive. Her advice to young professionals? Show up curious, proactive, and willing to do anything.4. Learn to Anticipate, Not Just ReactWhether managing elite clientele or massive operations, success lies in predicting needs and solving problems before they arise.5. Redefining Feminine LeadershipVaneli rejected the “bulldog boss” stereotype and leaned into emotional intelligence, empathy, and warmth—without sacrificing strength.6. Balance Isn’t Static—It’s IntentionalAs a wife, mother, and exec, she’s constantly pivoting. Her north star? Show up with positivity, and choose grace over perfection.Connect with Dwayne KerriganFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/Website: http://www.dwaynekerrigan.comDisclaimer...