113: The Future of Brand Storytelling: Ron Tite on Aligning What You Think, Do, and Say

In Part 2 of his conversation with Dwayne Kerrigan, creative powerhouse Ron Tite dives deep into the execution side of belief-driven business. Ron breaks down how great companies find alignment with what they think, do, and say - and why most fail when they overthink, overreact, or chase the next shiny thing.This episode explores how to balance creativity with discipline, lead with integrity, and build brands that truly earn trust. Ron’s frameworks and real-world examples (from Dell to Wealthsimple) will reshape how you think about growth, culture, and storytelling in your own business and career.Highlights:00:00 – Your brand isn’t just a color palette04:15 – Balancing structure with innovation10:40 – Aligning through recruiting, training, and compensation13:15 – The short-term trap of chasing sales and ignoring foundations16:00 – Ron shares a personal story that reframes purpose and perspective22:00 – Breaking down what makes a great brand28:15 – The Dell origin story and how storytelling drives strategy and culture32:40 – Applying the Think. Do. Say. formula to everyday decision making35:00 – Identifying and removing your own barriers through honest self-reflectionKey Takeaways:Your Brand Isn’t Just An Aesthetic - True brands align their belief, behavior, and communication - not just colors and logos.Balance Creativity with Consistency - You need both the “concept car” for innovation and the “assembly line” for profit.Culture Must Reflect Belief - If you believe in collaboration or honesty, it has to exist inside your organization too.Tell Future Stories - Vision isn’t a statement, it’s a story of where you’re going and how you’ll get there.Face the Hard Truths - Leaders must ask the obvious questions and own their barriers to growth.Quotes:“ A great brand has a core purpose, a fundamental belief that's behind it.” - Ron Tite“ If you're all concept car, and all ideas, and all innovation, you go bankrupt. If you're all execution, you're all assembly line, you become irrelevant.”&nbsp;- Ron Tite&nbsp;“Advertising is really just a tax on people who don’t have a great product.” - Ron Tite“I’ve seen so many business owners torpedo their business because they wanted something new and flashier.” - Dwayne KerriganResources Mentioned:Everyone’s An Artist - Or At Least They Should Be - by Ron TiteThink Do Say - by Ron TiteThe Purpose of Purpose - by Ron TiteCase Studies: Wealthsimple, Dell Computers, Church+State AgencyRon Tite is an entrepreneur, speaker, and best-selling author. He has been a creative director for some of the world’s most respected brands including Air France, DoorDash, Evian, Google, Intel, Microsoft, and Volvo. He’s the founder and chief strategy officer of Church+State, co-founder of advertising holding company Group 219, and an investor/ advisor to Wavy, the culture OS for distributed teams. He’s the best-selling author of 3 books: Everyone’s An Artist - Or At Least They Should Be (HarperCollins, 2016), Think Do Say (Page Two, 2019), and The Purpose of Purpose (Page Two, 2025).Links:Website: https://rontite.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574805686652&nbsp;TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rontiteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rontite&nbsp;LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontite/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

On this episode of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast, Dwayne is joined by Ron Tite - award-winning creative director, author, comedian, and founder of Church+State - for a conversation that unpacks the real meaning of purpose in business.Ron has spent decades helping global brands like Google, Walmart, and Microsoft align what they believe with how they grow. In this candid conversation, he explains why most companies get their purpose wrong, how to articulate what truly drives your business, and why belief - not branding - is the foundation of sustainable success.Ron shares tangible frameworks straight from his latest book, The Purpose of Purpose, and shows how every entrepreneur can stop chasing trends and start building a company rooted in integrity, clarity, and long-term impact.Highlights:00:00 –Three-line purpose formula01:00 – Introduction03:15 – On balancing creativity and business06:10 – Lessons from Best Buy’s leadership08:40 – What business’ can learn from artists10:15 – Sacrificing ideals leads to a loss of integrity15:00 – Belief helps drive what you sell and how you grow19:00 – The five modern business constituents27:00 – Ron expands on his three-line formula29:00 – The Savannah Bananas example: reinventing baseball by redefining the rules35:30 – Vision is good, purpose is betterKey Takeaways:Purpose Is Practical, Not Promotional - It’s not about charity statements, it’s about aligning belief with how you make money.Focus on the Ecosystem - Shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and communities all define modern success.Stop Copying Competitors - Innovation begins when you stop painting “pink” just because everyone else does.Belief Drives Growth - Purpose clarifies where your next product, hire, and customer come from.Integrity Over Imitation - The moment you sacrifice your ideals for sales, you lose both.Quotes:“Purpose is a fundamental belief that drives what you sell and how you grow.” - Ron Tite&nbsp;“A belief and a purpose is strategically linked to where you make your money.” - Ron Tite“The second I sacrifice my ideals and my pursuit of what I think is true, to match up with your desire and what you want to buy, I have lost all my integrity and I have no more business.” - Ron Tite“Business people can get in their head, and there’s that saying - once you’re in your head, you’re dead.” - Dwayne KerriganResources Mentioned:Everyone’s An Artist - Or At Least They Should Be - by Ron TiteThink Do Say - by Ron TiteThe Purpose of Purpose - by Ron TiteSavannah Bananas (Jesse Cole) case studyRon Tite is an entrepreneur, speaker, and best-selling author. He has been a creative director for some of the world’s most respected brands including Air France, DoorDash, Evian, Google, Intel, Microsoft, and Volvo. He’s the founder and chief strategy officer of Church+State, co-founder of advertising holding company Group 219, and an investor/ advisor to Wavy, the culture OS for distributed teams. He’s the best-selling author of 3 books: Everyone’s An Artist - Or At Least They Should Be (HarperCollins, 2016), Think Do Say (Page Two, 2019), and The Purpose of Purpose (Page Two, 2025).Links:Website: https://rontite.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574805686652&nbsp;TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rontiteInstagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rontite" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In Part 2 of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast with Mara Dorne, the conversation goes beyond business and into the mindset that helped create her success.Mara opens up about living with anxiety, navigating “mom guilt”, and the personal sacrifices involved in becoming successful. Authenticity has been a major key for Mara, who has learned over time what it takes to thrive without losing yourself. Her transparency and humor will inspire you to embrace your truth and imperfections, and lead with both power and compassion.Episode Highlights00:00 – “Progress brings happiness.” 01:15 – “Look good, feel good, do good.” How inner confidence fuels outer success.05:30 – Energy equals productivity — lessons from Tony Robbins on physiology and focus.09:30 – The truth about mom guilt, mom shaming, and giving yourself grace.17:00 – Setting boundaries and choosing family over constant business travel.21:30 – “People like you when you’re authentic.” Leadership lessons from letting go of ego.31:15 – Owning her anxiety — how Mara turned fear into focus and vulnerability into power. 43:00 – “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.” Choosing resilience and self-love.49:30 – “You’re not going to be everybody’s cup of tea — and that’s okay.”Key Takeaways:Progress Creates Purpose Growth — even small — fuels happiness. Stagnation fuels frustration.Grace Over Guilt Working moms and entrepreneurs alike must stop striving for perfection. Give yourself permission to be human.Anxiety Can Be Power Instead of resisting fear, Mara reframes it as heightened awareness — a tool for empathy and performance.Authenticity Wins Success feels better when you stop performing for approval and start living in alignment.Feminine Energy Is Strength Nurturing, empathy, intuition — these aren’t weaknesses. They’re leadership advantages.Boundaries Build Balance Saying “no” with intention creates space for what truly matters — family, health, and peace of mind.Notable Quotes:“There is absolute guilt. I’m the mom at the football meet in heels, on the phone, juggling everything. But at some point, you’ve got to give yourself grace.” Mara Dorne“You’re not going to be everybody’s cup of tea — and that’s okay. Peel back the layer and be who you want to be.” Mara Dorne“Being a woman is a superpower. It really is a superpower, especially in sales, because men like to talk to women and women like to talk to women.” Mara Dorne“We’re all going to experience pain. But what you don’t have to experience is suffering. You don’t have to suffer.” Dwayne KerriganMara is a self-made millionaire, best-selling author, public speaker, and award winning BILF ('Boss I'd Like to Follow') who built a remarkable career in a male-dominated industry. As a top leader at a Fortune 500 subsidiary, she made history by exceeding $1 billion in sales before turning 40. Beyond her corporate achievements, Mara is passionate about mentoring and has guided over 1,500 health insurance agents nationwide, with a particular focus on empowering female entrepreneurs.Links:Website: https://maradorne.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDorneRegionTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mara.dorneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maradorne/LinkedIn: <a...

Mara Dorne, self-made millionaire and top leader at a Fortune 500 subsidiary, joins The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast this week to share her insights and wisdom in all things business. Mara has built a remarkable career in a male-dominated industry. She made history when she exceeded $1 billion in sales before turning 40, so she knows a thing or two about the formula for success.In Part One of their discussion, Mara opens up to Dwayne about her resilience, rebuilding from scratch, and how finding her WHY changed everything. They unpack everything from the changing sales landscape in a post-COVID world, to the non-negotiables of leadership, recruiting, and mindset.If you agree that business, and life, should be about pursuing purpose and passion, not paycheques, this episode is for you!Highlights:00:00 – Mara opens with her mantra: “A.B.C. – Always Be Closing.”02:10 – From broke to a billion: Mara’s journey to leading 1,500 agents.05:45 – Why remote work kills culture — and why energy drives sales.10:15 – Insights from Tony Robbins and Patrick Bet-David on adapting to change.12:10 – “Work-life balance is a theory — it doesn’t exist for go-getters.”16:30 – Always be recruiting: how to build growth through referrals and social media.21:15 – Bob Proctor’s influence and the role of personal development in leadership.33:00 – “Scared money don’t make money” — how to invest wisely during downturns.42:45 – The moment everything changed: from broke to $92K in six months.56:30 – “When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you do good.”Key TakeawaysRecruit Your Way Out of a Slump - Growth solves almost every sales problem. When in doubt, fill your pipeline with new energy and new people.Structure Equals Success - Freedom without accountability is failure. Even independent agents need rules, rhythm, and standards.Invest in Your Business—Smartly “Scared money don’t make money,” but blind spending isn’t strategy. Inspect every process before you invest.Confidence Is Built, Not Born&nbsp;Confidence grows through preparation, discipline, and mastering your craft—especially when no one’s watching.Culture Is the Competitive Edge In-office synergy, shared goals, and consistent communication drive long-term retention and results.Own Your Mistakes, Lead from the Front The fastest way to rebuild momentum is to get back in the trenches and show your team what leadership looks like.Mara is a self-made millionaire, best-selling author, public speaker, and award winning BILF ('Boss I'd Like to Follow') who built a remarkable career in a male-dominated industry. As a top leader at a Fortune 500 subsidiary, she made history by exceeding $1 billion in sales before turning 40. Beyond her corporate achievements, Mara is passionate about mentoring and has guided over 1,500 health insurance agents nationwide, with a particular focus on empowering female entrepreneurs.Links:Website: https://maradorne.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDorneRegionTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mara.dorneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maradorne/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maradorne/BILF Podcast: <a...

In Part 2 of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast with John Karpov, founder and CEO of Action Home Services, Dwayne and John go even deeper into the mindset and systems behind Action Home Services(AHS), a leading landscaping and exterior construction company serving Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. From almost losing his residency to scaling an $8M business while facing deportation, John shares how he built structure, leadership, and culture around his immigrant grit. He opens up about redefining fulfillment, transitioning from survival mode to leadership, and how relentless personal growth became the cornerstone of his company’s 50% year-over-year growth.John reveals his leadership playbook — from reading 2 books a month to building over 1,000 SOPs and investing $1.5M in professional development for his team — and how staying humble, hungry, and human is what keeps him grounded through every phase of growth.If Part 1 was about survival, this episode is about scaling — with purpose, structure, and soul.Listen to Part 1 HEREWatch Part 1 HERETimestamps[00:00:00] — Dwayne opens with: “You can only run a business so long by running the fastest.”[00:01:00] — John’s incredible story of his wife’s visa approval and their shared “never give up” destiny.[00:05:00] — The immigration battle: how they nearly lost everything waiting for permanent residency.[00:07:30] — The miracle timing that let them stay in Canada and the lessons learned living on the edge.[00:10:00] — Reinvesting every dollar into the business while facing uncertainty.[00:13:00] — Scaling to $10M+ before age 25 — and not feeling like it’s an accomplishment.[00:17:00] — Dwayne and John explore scarcity versus hunger — and how the immigrant mindset fuels drive.[00:19:00] — John on never feeling “done” and why fulfillment comes from helping others succeed.[00:22:30] — The breakthrough realization: happiness is in the journey, not the destination.[00:26:00] — Daily fulfillment rituals: reading, training, and prioritizing sleep.[00:29:00] — Building structure and delegation into the company’s DNA — leadership by design.[00:31:00] — Creating organizational charts, head of departments, and scaling through people.[00:35:30] — Learning to lead through education: 100+ conferences and a book club culture.[00:38:00] — Investing $1.5M in personal and professional development and $40K in books.[00:41:00] — Company reading list and rewards program: from “Unreasonable Hospitality” to “Good to Great.”[00:45:00] — John’s transparent leadership: open-book finances, KPI education, and growth accountability.[00:49:00] — Over 1,000 SOPs: how structure scales culture.[00:53:00] — Turning every mistake into a process and every error into a lesson.[00:56:00] — The ROI of structure: new managers finally saying, “I love that it’s organized.”[00:58:00] — Why immigrants often make exceptional employees — grit meets gratitude.[01:00:30] — Dwayne’s reflection on the power of sacrifice and the immigrant spirit.[01:02:00] — John’s final advice: “If you need my help with your business, I’ll be there for you.”Key...

At just 17 years old, John Karpov immigrated alone from Kazakhstan to Canada, barely speaking English and with no safety net. When a scam wiped out his savings and left him contemplating suicide, one phone call saved his life, and set off a chain of events that would redefine what grit and perseverance look like.In this powerful conversation, Dwayne Kerrigan sits down with John to unpack how he went from a desperate student to the founder of Action Home Services, a multimillion-dollar landscape construction company. John shares how he learned English, mastered sales by necessity, and built a thriving business one door knock at a time.This is a masterclass in resilience, risk, and the immigrant mindset that fuels unstoppable entrepreneurs.&nbsp;Timestamps00:00 - John reflects on fear, scarcity, and the pain that still drives him 11 years later.01:00 - Dwayne introduces John Karpov, founder of Action Home Services.03:00 - John’s early life in Kazakhstan and decision to immigrate to Canada at 17.05:00 - Struggling to understand North American English and adapting to culture shock.06:00 - Losing his financial support — and falling victim to a fraud that wiped out his savings.08:00 - A near-suicidal moment and the phone call that changed everything.10:00 - Finding a commission-only job selling driveway sealing — and having no clue what it was.15:00 - Knocking doors for 8 hours with no sales — until a breakthrough changes everything.17:30 - A confrontation, courage, and earning $400 in a day — more than a month’s pay back home.19:00 - What kept him from giving up — the mindset shift from failure to relentless drive.23:00 - Outworking everyone and learning the power of necessity.25:00 - Starting his first business with no money, no truck, no driver’s license — and no experience.31:00 - Working 60 hours a week while in college — the early years of survival.34:00 - Transition from driveway sealing to landscaping and scaling beyond himself.38:00 - Dwayne and John break down the principles of sales: activity, energy, and hunger.41:30 - The scarcity mindset that still lingers — and how fear drives discipline.47:00 - Risk, safety, and how to protect a growing business through systems and liquidity.53:00 - Building systems, crews, and leadership while finishing college.1:03:00 - Growing past chaos: when your living-room floor becomes your job-scheduling system.1:07:00 - Bringing his wife into the business — and the promise to be home by 5 p.m.1:13:00 - Her immigration story — and how persistence beat three rejections.1:14:00 - Dwayne’s closing reflections: from scarcity to abundance — and what’s coming in Part 2.Key TakeawaysNecessity builds resilience. When failure isn’t an option, resourcefulness becomes instinct.Work ethic beats experience. John outworked everyone — before he even knew what he was selling.Systems are survival. Growth without process leads to chaos (and lost contracts under the carpet).Scarcity can ignite hunger — but abundance sustains growth. Learning when to move from survival mode to strategy is essential.Leadership evolves. From door-to-door hustler to CEO, John learned that empowering others fuels exponential scale.Quotes:“The moment I start knocking those doors, the flame inside of me started, and I just knew I cannot give up. I need to actually get back on track. I cannot fail my parents because they gave me this opportunity to come in.” John Karpov“For me, grow, it's in my DNA, like it's in my blood. I would never stop growing.” John Karpov“I think it is still

In Part 2 of this inspiring conversation, Dwayne Kerrigan sits down again with Jim Ritter, founder of Printed Farms and builder of the world’s largest 3D-printed building. Jim shares not only the technical and economic realities of 3D-printed housing but also the mindset shifts, calculated risks, and reinventions that have defined his remarkable journey.From navigating lawsuits and seizing unique niches, to pivoting from horses to housing in his sixties, Jim embodies the belief that innovation has no age limit. Along the way, he draws lessons from history, technology, and personal trial-and-error—reminding us that small, consistent actions and adaptability are the true engines of progress.Whether you’re in construction, entrepreneurship, or simply seeking inspiration for your own reinvention, this episode offers both practical takeaways and timeless wisdom.Timestamps00:00 – “If you say you can or you say you can’t, you’ll be true in both.”01:00 – Why this conversation is about more than building—it’s about innovation and mindset02:00 – Economics of 3D printing: materials, labor, and early success stories06:00 – Finding niches through setbacks: lawsuits, loopholes, and launching into 3D printing at 6408:00 – Innovation vs. practicality: why things must work before they can scale10:00 – Stories of invention: dishwashers, electric cars, and how adoption really happens13:00 – Global housing crisis and opportunities for 3D printing17:00 – Pivoting when plans fail: keeping ventures “plastic” and adaptable21:00 – The value of small, consistent changes that compound over time25:00 – Looking back at unexpected career pivots across decades29:00 – Why career reinvention is vital—and more possible now than ever33:00 – Risk, mitigation, and the realities of jumping into new ventures36:00 – Construction + tech: opportunities for the next generation40:00 – Financing, risk tolerance, and who’s ready for entrepreneurship41:00 – Mindset: “If you say you can or you say you can’t, you’ll be true in both.”46:00 – Printing on Mars? Future frontiers in construction and robotics49:00 – Translation tech, AI, and accelerating innovation52:00 – Why this is the greatest time in history to be alive54:00 – Closing: entrepreneurship, courage, and embracing innovation at any stageNotable Quotes“If you say you can or you say you can’t, it will be true.” – Jim Ritter“Ride the wave you’re on, not the one you want.” – Jim Ritter“Small changes consistently done over time bring the biggest results.” – DK\“Practicality is the key to life. It has to work.” – Jim Ritter“Innovation has no age limit—you can reinvent yourself at 60 or 70 and still make a difference.” – Dwayne Kerrigan&nbsp;Key TakeawaysInnovation Isn’t Age-Bound – Jim jumped into 3D printing at 64, proving reinvention is always possible.Calculated Risk Matters – Pair bold ideas with strategies to mitigate downside.Practicality Over Hype – True innovation must work in the field before it can scale.Small Changes Compound – Success often comes from consistent, minor adjustments over time.Adoption Takes Time – Like dishwashers or electric cars, groundbreaking ideas need

In this episode of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast, Dwayne sits down with Jim Ritter, founder of Printed Farms and the man behind the world’s largest 3D-printed building. Jim’s story is one of relentless innovation—pivoting industries later in life, solving real-world housing problems, and challenging outdated construction methods with cutting-edge robotics and 3D printing technology.From the challenges of curing concrete in extreme heat to the economics of large-scale printing, Jim reveals what it really takes to make 3D-printed housing viable. He explains the logistical nightmares of early machines, why cement isn’t the perfect print material, and how his team has built a new system to solve industry problems.This is more than a conversation about construction—it’s about innovation, adaptability, and the future of housing.Timestamps00:00 – The cost of bright ideas: what you don’t know can hurt you01:00 – Meet Jim Ritter, founder of Printed Farms, and his late-career pivot into 3D printing02:00 – Why curing time makes or breaks a 3D-printed wall05:00 – The myths of “printing a house in a day” and the real economics07:30 – Shell costs, square footage, and learning from first projects10:00 – Logistical nightmares of early machines and moving heavy equipment13:00 – Why robotics and 3D printing matter in solving global housing shortages16:00 – A simple breakdown: how 3D printing a house actually works20:00 – Pouring beams, columns, and integrating trades in one process24:00 – Why stronger, smarter structures are critical for climate resilience27:00 – Innovation always starts small—3D printing’s parallels to early tech adoption32:00 – Safety, silos, and the hidden dangers of construction work36:00 – Old machines vs. new mobility: why hoses and pumps kill efficiency42:00 – Cutting material waste and rethinking the economics of building47:00 – Reinventing mixers and achieving consistent quality52:00 – Training the future workforce: print operators, not laborers58:00 – Economics, labor shortages, and why machines are the future of building01:02:00 – Permitting, insurance, and how 3D printing fits into existing systems01:05:00 – Closing thoughts: innovation is not optional—it’s survivalJim Ritter is a lifelong horseman, entrepreneur, and innovator. After decades competing internationally in show jumping and developing equestrian properties in the U.S. and Sweden, he turned his focus to real estate and advanced construction. In 2019, he founded&nbsp;Printed Farms, the company behind Florida’s first permitted 3D-printed home and the world’s largest 3D concrete printed building. Today, Jim continues to pioneer new patented printing systems through his latest venture,&nbsp;CASPER, shaping the future of construction technology.Notable Quotes“It’s what you don’t know that hurts you the most. If you know something and you don’t mitigate for it, well then you’re just stupid.” – Jim Ritter“Innovation always starts small, and then it catches on. That’s how every industry evolves.” – Dwayne Kerrigan“We need structures that can withstand climate events. We can’t stop them, but we can build smarter.” – Jim RitterKey Takeaways3D Printing is Not a Gimmick – It’s about solving real housing

In this powerhouse second half of Dwayne Kerrigan’s conversation with Tod Melnyk, COO of Martell Media, the focus turns to the bold, disruptive goal of making 90% of their workflow AI-driven by the end of the year. Tod opens up about leadership transitions, the importance of shadowing for accelerated learning, and the framework behind their coaching programs that keep entrepreneurs accountable through five daily non-negotiables.From integrating life and business to running calendar audits that reveal where time really goes, Tod shares the behind-the-scenes playbook of how Martell Media scales with intention, precision, and AI-powered execution.If you’re a business owner wondering how to embrace AI without losing the human touch—or how to structure your calendar and team to unlock exponential growth—this episode is for you.Timestamps00:00 – Why 90% of workflow should be done by AI (and what that really means for jobs)02:00 – Leadership lessons from stepping into responsibility at Dan Martell Media03:30 – The #1 piece of advice for CEOs when onboarding key hires05:00 – Shadowing as the fastest way to transfer culture and context07:00 – Building Dan Martell’s brand: business content + personal integration09:00 – Balance vs. integration: why separating business and personal doesn’t work12:00 – The 5 Daily Non-Negotiables16:00 – Group coaching frameworks and events at Dan Martell Media17:30 – The AI Adoption Summit and Martell Ventures’ incubation of AI tools20:00 – How prompt engineering + execution drive real results22:00 – Using AI for scorecards, insights, and leadership team accountability26:00 – Why businesses that don’t adopt AI face a bleak future32:00 – Calendar audits: how to reclaim time and identify blind spots36:00 – A day in the life: Tod’s 4 AM mornings, workouts, and time-blocked schedule41:00 – The critical role of executive assistants in scaling beyond yourself44:30 – Feedback, accountability, and the power of collaborative leadership46:00 – Parting advice: dream big, be kind, and have funNotable Quotes“I want 90% of your workflow done by AI. Not to replace you—but to amplify you as a human.” – Tod Melnyk“The single best way to get someone up to speed is to have them shadow you for 30 days. Every meeting. Every conversation.” – Tod Melnyk“If you’re not using AI in your business, it’s not going to be pretty.” – Tod Melnyk“Five daily non-negotiables: workout, three posts on camera, review your goals, read 10 pages, and reach out to five people every day.” – Tod Melnyk“What gets scheduled is what gets done.” – Dwayne Kerrigan“Dream big. Be kind. Go have some fun.” – Tod MelnykKey Takeaways &amp; ResourcesAI as Amplifier, Not Replacement: Businesses should aim to automate routine workflows, freeing humans to do higher-value, creative work.Shadowing Matters: Allowing new hires to shadow leaders for 30+ days accelerates alignment, context, and performance.Integration Over Balance: Design a business that integrates life, relationships, and values—rather than separating them.Five Daily Non-Negotiables: Practical, high-accountability habits for building confidence, presence, and discipline.Calendar Audits: Regular reviews reveal wasted time and ensure alignment with top...

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...