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In this wide-ranging conversation, Sarah Jeanneault shares her unconventional journey from struggling with math in school to becoming a respected leader in fintech, trading education, and enterprise knowledge management. She and Dwayne Kerrigan explore the deep gaps in financial literacy, why traditional education often fails to prepare people for real-world decision-making, and how learning truly begins after formal schooling ends. Sarah explains how she applied adult learning theory to teach herself trading, why psychology matters more than numbers in the markets, and how curiosity, pattern recognition, and humility shaped her success. The discussion expands into the future of education, AI’s role in learning, entrepreneurship, identity shifts after business exits, and the emotional reality of leadership transitions. This episode is a thoughtful examination of growth, risk, and why continuous learning is the most valuable skill anyone can develop. Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Sarah opens by naming the gap in real-world financial literacy. 02:00 – Dwayne introduces Sarah and frames the episode around learning and reinvention. 05:00 – Sarah shares struggling with math and early assumptions about intelligence. 09:00 – Losing her best friend and questioning the direction of her life. 14:00 – Discovering trading and applying adult learning theory to self-education. 18:00 – Why financial literacy is rarely taught despite its life-long impact. 23:00 – Breaking down trading basics and removing unnecessary complexity. 28:00 – Psychology, emotion, and why ego derails good financial decisions. 33:00 – Risk, uncertainty, and learning to sit with discomfort. 38:00 – Podcasts, curiosity, and self-directed learning as modern education. 44:00 – Continuous learning as the foundation of entrepreneurship and leadership. 49:00 – Gamifying learning to build confidence and consistency over time. 54:00 – Building community through transparency and shared learning. 59:00 – Scaling education-driven businesses and teaching at scale. 64:00 – Identity shifts after acquisitions and redefining success. 69:00 – Leadership, disagreement, and creating psychologically safe teams. 74:00 – AI, critical thinking, and the future of learning. 79:00 – Personal growth, reinvention, and staying curious long-term. 84:00 – Reflections on learning, humility, and what truly creates confidence. 88:00 – Closing thoughts, gratitude, and setting up Part 2. Key Takeaways: Financial literacy is rarely taught, yet deeply shapes life decisions.Learning accelerates when curiosity replaces fear of being “bad at math.”Real education often begins after formal schooling ends.Trading and business are driven as much by psychology as by data.Growth comes from pattern recognition, experimentation, and reflection.Entrepreneurship requires comfort with uncertainty and identity shifts.AI will amplify learning — but only if critical thinking is prioritized.Strong leaders create environments where disagreement is encouraged.Sustainable success comes from continuous learning and reinvention. Resources...

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Robyn Benincasa returns to go deeper on one of the most misunderstood elements of leadership: commitment when motivation fades. Drawing from decades of adventure racing, firefighting, and nonprofit leadership, Robyn explains why elite teams don’t wait to feel ready — they move forward anyway. Together with Dwayne Kerrigan, Robyn unpacks the difference between confidence and ego, why standing still is often more dangerous than moving imperfectly, and how innovation only emerges when teams focus on how to win, not how to avoid losing. Through unforgettable stories involving Steve Gurney, creative rule-bending, and suffering with grace, she illustrates how forward momentum unlocks answers that planning alone never will. The conversation culminates with a deep dive into Project Athena, the nonprofit Robyn founded to help survivors of medical and traumatic setbacks reclaim identity, confidence, and purpose through team-based endurance adventures. This episode is a masterclass in leadership under pressure, culture design, and why the ability to suffer well — together — is a competitive advantage in business and in life. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 – Robyn explains commitment through action, not emotion. 02:00 – Dwayne connects mentorship, influence, and leadership responsibility. 05:00 – Why being willing to be a beginner fuels innovation. 07:30 – Failure, repetition, and learning through action. 10:30 – Why preparation paralysis keeps people stuck. 13:30 – Emotions, discipline, and not letting feelings run your life. 16:00 – “Winning is that way” and the mindset shift that sparks innovation. 18:30 – Steve Gurney stories and thinking inside the rules vs. white space. 22:00 – Team selection, culture fit, and suffering equally. 26:00 – Ego vs. confidence and rotating leadership by strength. 30:00 – Why top-down leadership fails in complex environments. 34:00 – Relinquishing ego to avoid slowing the entire team down. 38:00 – Project Athena’s mission and creating comeback identities. 43:00 – How shared suffering builds lifelong trust and leadership. 48:00 – “Excellent suffering” and using adversity as an advantage. 52:00 – Robyn’s six hip surgeries and redefining resilience. 54:00 – Where to find Robyn, Project Athena, and closing reflections. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Commitment is demonstrated by action, not emotion. Feelings can inform decisions, but they should never rule them. Forward momentum creates clarity; standing still creates fear. Innovation comes from operating in the white space. Helping others is the healthiest outlet for ego. Identity is shaped by comeback stories, not setbacks. NOTABLE QUOTES: “ I show my commitment to my goals by what I do, regardless of how I feel.” - Robyn Benincasa “ Commitment starts when the fun stops, right? I mean, you're not actually showing your commitment until shit's not fun anymore.” - Robyn Benincasa “There’s a difference between...

Dwayne Kerrigan sits down with world-class endurance athlete, firefighter, nonprofit founder, and keynote speaker Robyn Benincasa to unpack what truly separates great teams from the rest. Drawing from decades of extreme adventure racing, Robyn shares how elite teams win not by being the most talented, but by being the most committed to each other. She introduces her powerful TEAMWORK framework, revealing why total commitment, empathy, adversity management, mutual respect, and relinquishing ego are the real competitive advantages—whether you’re racing through jungles or leading a modern organization. Through unforgettable stories—including hallucinations after days without sleep, tying boats together to beat world champions, and redefining leadership mid-race—Robyn shows how purpose, preparation, creativity, and shared ownership create cultures that don’t just survive pressure… they win because of it. This episode is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and building teams that operate as one heart, one mind, especially when the stakes are high and the path forward is uncertain. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 – Robyn opens with the defining trait of elite teammates: leaving ego at the start line. 01:00 – Dwayne formally introduces Robyn and outlines her extraordinary background. 03:00 – Robyn shares discovering kayaking after hip surgery and focusing on what she could do. 06:30 – Why progress toward a meaningful goal is what makes humans feel alive. 10:30 – Competing to explore personal limits rather than seeking validation or approval. 14:00 – Why great teams care more about each other than themselves. 18:00 – How Robyn accidentally became a speaker after Fast Company’s “Extreme Teamwork” 21:30 – The importance of leaving ego behind and accepting help to win as a team. 25:30 – The “Steve Gurney Missile” story and choosing to race to win instead of not lose. 30:00 – Creativity, calculated risk, and living in your strengths under pressure. 34:30 – Relinquishing ego, rotating leadership, and leading based on strengths—not titles. 39:00 – Hallucinations, extreme fatigue, and supporting teammates through suffering. 42:00 – Kinetic leadership and adapting leadership styles to what the team needs. 45:30 – Purpose, coaching influence, and how early mentors shaped Robyn’s drive. 50:30 – Innovation, self-awareness, and evolving by leaning into strengths. 56:00 – Finding a greater purpose in business. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Winning teams prioritize commitment to each other, not individual performance. Progress toward a meaningful goal is what makes humans feel alive. Creativity and innovation emerge when teams operate from trust and purpose. Leadership should rotate based on strengths, not titles or tenure. Accepting help is not a weakness, it’s how teams move faster and farther. Great leaders show people how amazing they are, not how amazing the leader is. NOTABLE QUOTES: “ I feel weird when I don't have a goal. I get my juju, I get my energy from...

In Part 2 of this conversation, Michael Grandjean shares the emotional and psychological turning point that allowed him to rebuild his life and career after profound loss. From a raw moment of self-forgiveness in the mountains of Morocco to the daily discipline of “kicking the can,” Michael walks through the mindset shifts, rituals, and relentless patience required to climb out of depression, debt, and despair. Together with Dwayne Kerrigan, this episode explores the role of brotherhood, leverage, honest self-reflection, and creating a compelling new story when the old one no longer serves you. This is a masterclass in resilience, identity rebuilding, and what it truly takes to come back stronger — with wisdom, humility, and purpose. Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Michael opens with the realization that self-forgiveness was required to move forward. 01:00 – Episode introduction and framing this as Part 2 of Michael’s comeback story. 02:00 – The Morocco mastermind trip and being forced to confront the truth. 05:00 – Emotional breakthrough on the mountain and the decision to rebuild. 07:30 – Creating the Three Ps: plan, persistence, and patience. 09:00 – “Kick the can” explained and committing to daily forward movement. 12:00 – Brotherhood, accountability, and why we’re not meant to do life alone. 16:00 – Letting go of guilt, disappointment, and the need for self-forgiveness. 20:00 – Depression, isolation, and breaking life down to “just get through today.” 24:00 – Writing the plan on a whiteboard and becoming resourceful again. 30:00 – Changing the internal story to create a compelling future. 36:00 – Writing goals again, paying off debt, and getting back to zero. 42:00 – Daily mantras, rituals, and retraining the mind. 48:00 – Shifting from hourly work to profit-based consulting and rebuilding cash flow. 01:01:00 – Final reflections, where to find Michael, and the podcast disclaimer. Key Takeaways: Self-forgiveness is a prerequisite for real forward movement.Progress is built daily through patience, persistence, and simple actions.You cannot rebuild alone - community and accountability matter.Changing your internal story changes your future trajectory.Rituals, mantras, and physiology are tools for rewiring the mind. Resources Mentioned: Checkmate: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1365025640684229 Tony Robbins – Date With DestinyMastermindPersonal goal-setting and written planning practicesDaily mantras and meditation ritualsWhiteboard strategic planning Notable Quotes: “The past is the past. The past doesn't equal the future.” - Michael Grandjean“You have to change your story … If you’re living in a s****y story, you’re going to stay in a shitty story.” - Michael...

In this candid and powerful conversation, Michael Grandjean joins Dwayne Kerrigan to share the real story behind his rise, collapse, and rebuilding as an entrepreneur who led with heart—and paid a steep price for it. From early service as a volunteer firefighter and Navy corpsman to building a $25M remediation company, Michael reflects on the leadership blind spots that quietly dismantled his business: avoiding confrontation, ignoring early warning signs, and letting emotion override structure and accountability. He opens up about losing everything, the humility required to face hard truths, and the moment that changed his trajectory—the realization that even at checkmate, the king still has one more move. This episode is a raw masterclass in leadership self-awareness, responsibility, and what it truly takes to rebuild when everything falls apart. Episode Highlights: 01:15 — Dwayne introduces Michael and some of his background 03:00 — Framing the conversation: collapse, comeback, and leadership through adversity 05:00 — Early life experiences that shaped Michael’s instinct to serve and protect others 08:00 — How learning-by-doing in the military built confidence, skill, and leadership 12:00 — The missed Naval Academy opportunity and how a single point changed his life path 16:00 — Discovering the root of his need to “fix everything” through early childhood memory 20:00 — How that identity became both a leadership strength and a business liability 24:00 — From couch-surfing to starting his first company with borrowed money 28:00 — Explosive growth: scaling from zero to $25M and building teams that drove success 35:00 — Hiring high-accountability leaders and why standards matter more than likability 42:00 — The beginning of complacency and losing focus after reaching the “top” 48:00 — Major projects fail, millions lost, and the cost of avoiding confrontation 55:00 — Hard truths: personal blind spots, delayed decisions, and leadership responsibility 01:05:00 — The emotional bottom, rebuilding identity, and the realization that “the king still has one more move” 01:20:00 — Final reflections on honesty, courage, accountability, and choosing to move forward Key Takeaways: Leading with heart is powerful, but without boundaries it becomes expensive.Relationships, not brands, carry small and mid-sized businesses.SOPs, structure, and accountability protect leaders from their blind spots.Complacency quietly erodes even successful companies.Leaders must be honest with themselves before they can fix anything else.Even at your lowest point, you still have one more move. Resources Mentioned: Checkmate: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1365025640684229 Tony Robbins – Date With DestinyAwaken the Giant Within (Tony Robbins)Mastermind Notable Quotes: “The king still has one more move” - Michael Grandjeanli...

Part Two of the Best Of 2025 series brings together some of the most impactful leadership, mindset, and business insights shared on The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast this year. This curated collection highlights defining moments from seasoned executives, founders, and operators who have navigated growth, failure, succession, identity shifts, and reinvention at every stage of their careers. Across these clips, listeners hear honest reflections on making unpopular but necessary decisions, balancing intensity with elegance in leadership, evolving career horizons, and knowing when to step forward—or step aside. The episode explores entrepreneurial thinking inside both startups and large organizations, the power of conviction over persuasion, and why great leadership is rooted in process, accountability, and self-awareness rather than blame. This Best Of episode also dives into legacy thinking: building multi-generational companies, transitioning leadership roles, redefining success beyond ego, and discovering fulfillment through contribution rather than achievement alone. From mindset and marketing to succession planning and service-driven purpose, Part Two captures the wisdom that emerges only through lived experience. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:34 - Introduction 2:53- France Margaret Bélanger 05:13 - Ron Tite 06:50 - Jason Castellan 09:54 - Karl Tabbakh 13:15 - Jeni Hott 16:26 - Swish Goswami 17:55 - Mark Bradley 19:36 - Jim Ritter 21:51 - Irfan Rajabali 24:43 - Rod Khleif 27:18 - Vaneli Martinov 31:50 - Scott Clary KEY TAKEAWAYS: *Conviction gives leaders the courage to act when approval is uncertain. *Strong leaders balance intensity with elegance, standards with emotional control. *Career growth should widen future opportunities, not narrow them. *Identity and ego can quietly sabotage fulfillment if left unchecked. *Sustainable success requires planning for succession long before it feels necessary. *Authority and clarity outperform persuasion and desperation in marketing and leadership. *Happiness comes from progress, contribution, and growth—not from hitting a single goal. NOTABLE QUOTES: “You should never achieve a big goal without having other goals lined up behind it” - Rod Khleif “What gives you the courage to make those tough decisions … you have the conviction that it’s the right decision ultimately” - France Margaret Bélanger “I see a problem, I think deeply about it, and I come up with a solution, and act on it” - Swish Goswami “When I’m no longer being challenged as a leader, this is where I think ok, what should I be doing next?” - Karl Tabbakh “I’ve got a solution that works and I know it’s here for them. That conviction comes through as leadership.” - Jeni Hott Connect with Dwayne Kerrigan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/ Website: http://www.dwaynekerrigan.com Disclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

This Best Of episode of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast brings together some of the most powerful, human, and perspective-shifting moments from recent conversations—highlighting the inner work that fuels resilience, fulfillment, and sustainable success. Across these standout clips, Dwayne and his guests explore the quiet transformations that happen beneath the surface: reframing everyday frustrations into gratitude, redefining identity after loss or transition, and understanding how meaning—not circumstances—shapes our experience of life and leadership. Listeners will hear deeply personal reflections on illness, sobriety, scarcity and abundance, self-belief, and the courage required to evolve beyond old identities. From learning to “get from” experiences instead of merely getting through them, to recognizing that progress creates happiness and balance—not extremes—creates longevity, this episode weaves together the wisdom that resonates long after the moment passes. This Best Of collection serves as both a reminder and a reset: fulfillment isn’t waiting at a destination. It’s found in the journey, in presence, perspective, and the daily choices that shape who we become. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 0:00:32 - Introduction 03:22 - Jessica Janzen 05:52 - Master Co 09:34 - Molly Bloom 12:02 - Tod Melnyk 15:10 - Emily Williams 16:56 - Mara Dorne 19:33 - Alvin Brown 22:55 - Jaime McKenna 25:52 - Rich Diviney 29:09 - John Karpov 31:16 - Alan Stein Jr. 34:04 - Heather Moyse KEY TAKEAWAYS: Perspective can transform frustration into gratitude.Identity drives behavior; what you place after “I am” shapes your choices.You are not your thoughts, emotions, or circumstances — you are the observer of them.Growth comes from introspection and learning from experiences, not just getting through them.Failure becomes lighter when reframed as information, not identity.Sustainable high performance requires balance, not extremes.The journey itself—not the destination—is where fulfillment lives. NOTABLE QUOTES: “We find certainty in some of the smallest things, and that certainty is what gives us purpose.” - Dwayne Kerrigan “You’re not the emotion. It was created by you.” - Master Co “If you don’t get from an experience, you’re bound to repeat it over and over again.” - Alvin Brown “Let go of things and trust the process” - Emily Brown “When you feel good on the inside, you look good on the outside, you perform better” - Mara Dorne Connect with Dwayne Kerrigan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/ Website: http://www.dwaynekerrigan.com Disclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In this special Q&A leadership session, Dwayne Kerrigan brings forward one of his most personal and powerful teachings yet—an unfiltered look at problem-solving, decision-making, emotional mastery, strategic planning, and the rituals that shape high-performance leaders. Responding to 51 listener questions, Dwayne breaks down the “three pillars of progress,” the psychological layers of every problem, why decision-making is a muscle, and how fear, uncertainty, and overwhelm quietly sabotage performance. He shares the exact rituals he has used for decades—from weekly solitude planning to identity-based scheduling—and the transformative practice he credits with changing his life: think time. This episode is a masterclass in intentional living and high-performance leadership, blending mindset, structure, neuroscience, and real-world business wisdom. If you’re navigating fast-moving environments, leading teams, or trying to build a more purposeful life, this conversation gives you a proven roadmap forward. Key Takeaways: Decision-making is a muscle—if you don’t practice small decisions with process and ritual, big decisions will always overwhelm you.Your focus determines your emotional life—the meaning you attach to events shapes long-term joy or suffering.Rituals create identity and outcomes—weekly solitude planning, think time, and identity-based scheduling produce clarity and momentum.Strategic thinking requires cadence—yearly visioning, quarterly reviews, weekly planning, and daily recalibration.AI will disrupt faster than expected—leaders must systemize processes now to survive the shift.Self-love, vulnerability, and forgiveness are essential ingredients for emotional mastery and better decision-making. Quotes: “Decision making is a muscle .. and it's a skill set. And often times where we struggle is this area of making the tough and difficult decisions.” “What you ritualized in practice in private is rewarded in public.” “The business side of things should be a game. I mean, it should be fun most of the time.” "What is going to make you a happier and more joyful person, is attaching a different meaning to the events that happen in your life.” Resources Mentioned: Tony Robbins – “Three Pillars of Progress,” Date With Destiny program, life-planning philosophy Stephen Covey – prioritization framework (A/B/C method) Waking Up App (Sam Harris) – meditation and mindfulness ChatGPT (Teams) – referenced as part of Dwayne’s business infrastructure SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) – foundational to AI-based workflow agents Identity-based scheduling – Dwayne’s personal system (Chairman, Husband, Father, Student, etc.) Audio Timestamps: 00:00 – How meaning, not outcomes, determines happiness and fulfillment. 01:00 – Welcome, context for the live Q&A format, and session overview. 02:00 – Framing the biggest listener questions around decisions, problems, and leadership. 03:00 – The three pillars of progress and why focusing on problems makes them grow. 05:00 – The three levels of a problem: external, internal, and psychological. 07:00 – Why fear, uncertainty, and overwhelm stop people from making decisions. 09:00 – Decision-making as a muscle and the importance of rituals for small decisions. 12:00 – Managing overwhelm through physiology, breathing, and better questions. 16:00 – Focus, meaning, and how emotional patterns shape leadership behavior. 23:00 – Strategic thinking rituals: yearly visioning, quarterly...

In Part Two of this high-impact conversation, Dwayne continues his deep dive with global business strategist and Success Story Podcast host Scott Clary, who breaks down exactly why attention is the foundational currency of modern business — and why companies that fail to adapt will be overtaken by those who move quickly with media, content, and AI. Scott unpacks the psychology of why leaders resist content, the identity fear behind “not wanting to suck,” and how legacy businesses risk losing everything because they’re still marketing for 2005 while technology is sprinting into 2025. Dwayne and Scott explore real-world examples—from lawn-care companies to B2B manufacturers to billion-dollar firms—and show how even the most “unsexy” industries can dominate simply by capturing attention and building trust at scale. The conversation expands into AI disruption, the collapse of traditional SEO, the rise of generative search, modern buyer behavior, shortening sales cycles through content, and the undeniable compounding power of personal brand. This episode is a wake-up call to business owners everywhere: adapt now, or be replaced by those who do. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Media equals attention and attention drives every business outcome. 02:00 – The real starting point for content: sucking at first and learning through repetition. 04:30 – Scott unpacks why universal business principles apply to content creation. 06:00 – Identity, fear, and why business owners avoid content creation. 07:00 – The widening gap between tech adopters and those still resisting digital change. 09:00 – Legacy vs. legitimacy: content won’t damage your reputation, but irrelevance will. 11:00 – Content isn't just video - newsletters, audio, and niche education all count. 13:00 – Niche creators winning with “unsexy” businesses. 17:00 – Example content strategies. 20:00 – Why Scott studies fast-growing creators - not the biggest creators. 23:00 – The explosive business outcomes possible when you master content (“not a 1x or 2x”). 27:00 – Why even billion-dollar CEOs must build trust through media. 33:00 – How content accelerates B2B sales cycles and increases closing ratios. 37:00 – Generative search is replacing Google. 43:00 – Scott breaks down the KPI stack: retention, shares, watch time, and qualified leads. 48:00 – Essential tools: ChatGPT, Claude, Opus Pro, CapCut, etc., and what they’re best for. 50:00 – Hiring global talent. 56:00 – The coming AI household-assistant revolution. 01:02:00 – SEO collapse and the rise of creator-driven education and media networks. 01:08:00 – Entrepreneurs have already done hard things - this is simply the next one. 01:10:00 – Passion is the outcome of mastery, not the prerequisite. 01:11:00 – How older leaders can partner with younger digital natives. KEY TAKEAWAYS Attention is the gateway to trust, and trust drives every buying decision.Content doesn’t mean dancing online; it means choosing a medium you can stick with.AI and generative search are rewriting SEO overnight.Content massively increases sales velocity and close rates.Small businesses have the most to gain from adopting a media strategy.Entrepreneurship is staying alive long enough for your strategy to work.   QUOTES: "Media is attention. From the beginning of time, attention and...

In this conversation, Dwayne sits down with entrepreneur and creator Scott Clary, host of the Success Story Podcast with 30M+ downloads. Scott opens up about his unlikely path from a government-family upbringing to becoming a media-first entrepreneur, the early exposure that ignited his drive, and why curiosity and tenacity can outperform almost anything.  Scott walks through how small companies create the best “entrepreneurial classrooms,” why every creator should think like a founder, and how success hinges on defining your personal North Star before you start sprinting. The episode dives deep into AI disruption, content strategy, internal vs. external locus of control, personal branding, and how businesses of every size can prepare for the next wave of transformation.  Scott offers tactical clarity on building a media-first business, testing content efficiently, disrupting yourself before the market does, and why attention—sustained over time—is the most valuable commercial asset any entrepreneur can build.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 03:53 - Scott's telecom background   08:22 - How working at a small company provides exposure to all aspects of business  14:27 - The importance of curiosity as a foundational entrepreneurial skill  17:25 - Warning: Be careful what you pursue - success requires understanding your true goals  23:25 - Finding your North Star: Be rigid in goals but flexible in execution  28:10 - Identifying what energizes you through trial and error  32:33 - Building a business while working full-time: The side hustle strategy  38:15 - How AI is disrupting businesses and the need for constant self-disruption  43:15 - The four types of leverage: Capital, technology, people, and media  51:00 - The power of AI to make individuals 10-100x more productive  01:06:30 - Internal vs external locus of control and taking ownership  01:13:30 - Content creation strategy: Testing ideas at scale on forgiving platforms  01:27:26 - How media and AI are already transforming traditional industries like restaurants  KEY TAKEAWAYS  Define your North Star before you start running  Many people pursue success without clarity on what they actually want — a lifestyle business, a scalable company, privacy, or fame. If you have tenacity and skill, you’ll eventually succeed… so make sure you're climbing the right mountain.  Curiosity is the foundation of career acceleration  Scott attributes almost everything in his career to relentless curiosity — the willingness to ask questions, learn widely, and self-educate.  AI won’t replace people but people who use AI will replace people who don’t  The companies thriving in this era are disrupting themselves before someone else does. Every role can be up-leveled 10x–100x with the right tools and mindset.  Media is the ultimate leverage  Capital, technology, people… and media. If you don’t build a personal or company brand, someone in your industry eventually will — and they will take market share.  Content is business R&D  Social content is the best testing ground for messaging. Use it to refine your voice, validate ideas, influence sales scripts, and improve marketing before spending ad dollars.  Attention over time creates trust  The companies, creators, and leaders who show up consistently earn trust — which compounds into opportunity.  Internal locus of control is a...

In Part 2 of this conversation, Dwayne Kerrigan and France Margaret Bélanger, President of Sports & Entertainment for the Montreal Canadiens, go deep into the personal side of leadership, discussing courage, conviction, and composure. France Margaret shares how calm strength and self-awareness guide her through high-stakes decisions, what she’s learned about emotional control in negotiation, and why courage means making the right choice even when it’s unpopular. Together, she and Dwayne explore what it truly means to lead with heart, to face criticism with elegance, and to never let labels define who you are. Whether you’re leading a team, a business, or your own personal evolution, authenticity, self-mastery, and grace under pressure are key. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Making the right decision even when it’s unpopular. 03:00 – Balancing intensity with standards. 05:00 – Lessons from France’s father. 07:00 – The power of calm, and why letting anger take over gives control to others. 09:00 – France on staying poised as a woman in leadership without labeling herself. 11:00 – When to walk away from conflict and preserve professionalism. 12:00 – The balance between courage, compassion, and tolerance for “the gray.” 15:00 – Political parallels, and why real leadership requires vision and unity. 17:00 – Inside the Canadiens rebuild. 25:00 – Leadership lessons from rebuilding a legacy brand under scrutiny. 33:00 – How Jeff Molson’s bold decisions shaped new success. 41:00 – France recounts how she stepped into leadership unexpectedly. 47:00 – Dwayne connects France’s story to business owners everywhere. 49:00 – Navigating gender in business.  57:00 – “No excuses.” Dwayne and France on identity, congruence, and living your values. 01:05:00 – Closing reflections on family, legacy, and leading with heart. Notable Quotes "The minute that you, France, is getting mad or angry or whatever, you lost. Might as well give up right now because this other person that managed to get you in that position, won." - France Margaret Bélanger " Hopefully we do things elegantly, right. Firmly, with determination, but elegantly." - France Margaret Bélanger  "You show up as who you are, and that's what people will know about you, and that's what people will talk about you. You gotta be authentic and honest to who you are" - France Margaret Bélanger " It's the ultimate control. If somebody can influence your emotion into, especially into anger, you're done. They are now in control of you." - Dwayne Kerrigan “The most powerful force in the human psyche is to remain congruent with how you identify yourself.” - Dwayne Kerrigan Key Takeaways Control Your Emotions: The moment you react in anger, you lose your influence.Elegance Wins: Deliver hard messages with composure and respect.Authenticity Over Labels: Show up as yourself; skill and preparation speak louder than gender.Rebuilding Takes Vision and Grit:True progress comes from honest assessment and bold change.Stay Grounded in Values: Your identity and integrity are your anchors under pressure. Resources Mentioned The Rebuild – Behind-the-scenes documentary series on the Montreal CanadiensJeff Molson, Jeff Gorton, Kent Hughes, and Martin St. Louis – leadership and culture case studyNHL Board of Governors and Executive Inclusion Council France Margaret Bélanger is President, Sports and Entertainment at Groupe CH since 2020, which includes the Montreal Canadiens, the Laval Rocket, evenko and L’Équipe Spectra. She joined the organization in 2013 as Senior Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer, and has held several executive positions over the years.France Margaret is the first woman to sit on the...

In this episode of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast, France Margaret Bélanger, President of Sports and Entertainment for the Montreal Canadiens, shares her extraordinary journey from corporate law to leading one of Canada’s most iconic sports and entertainment organizations. France shares how she transitioned from a partner at Stikeman Elliott to the front office of the Canadiens, what she’s learned about negotiation, culture, and leadership, and how she balances motherhood, resilience, and professional excellence in a high-pressure industry. France’s stories of her family, her team, and her leadership philosophy will resonate deeply with anyone striving to lead with both courage and compassion. Key Takeaways 1. Preparation Creates Confidence. Knowing your material and your mission lets you show up calm, credible, and composed. 2. Listening Wins Negotiations. Speak less, observe more. Real insight comes from awareness, not control. 3. Surround Yourself with Excellence. Great leaders aren’t afraid to hire people smarter than themselves. 4. Culture Is the Standard You Set. When “getting it done” becomes cultural DNA, excellence follows naturally. 5. Grace and Grit Can Co-Exist. Authentic leadership balances empathy with accountability. Quotes “If you talk all the time, you don’t have time to listen.” - France Margaret Bélanger “I prefer a mistake to an excuse. A mistake is a mistake.” - France Margaret Bélanger “Know your outcome, stack experience, and surround yourself with the best.” - Dwayne Kerrigan “Fear shows up as easy. Nobody likes the label fear, but that’s what it is. And fear shows up as an excuse.” - Dwayne Kerrigan France Margaret Bélanger is President, Sports and Entertainment at Groupe CH since 2020, which includes the Montreal Canadiens, the Laval Rocket, evenko and L’Équipe Spectra. She joined the organization in 2013 as Senior Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer, and has held several executive positions over the years.France Margaret is the first woman to sit on the Executive Committee of the Montreal Canadiens in the club’s 104-year history and also the first woman to lead the organization. Links: Website: https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/team/france-margaret-belanger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/france-margaret-belanger-833b6b41Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadiensmtl Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/canadiensmtl/?hl=fr Spectra: https://www.instagram.com/spectramusique/?hl=frEvenko: https://www.instagram.com/evenko/?hl=fr Connect with Dwayne Kerrigan Facebook Instagram Linked In Website Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent...

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 palette 04:15 – Balancing structure with innovation 10:40 – Aligning through recruiting, training, and compensation 13:15 – The short-term trap of chasing sales and ignoring foundations 16:00 – Ron shares a personal story that reframes purpose and perspective 22:00 – Breaking down what makes a great brand 28:15 – The Dell origin story and how storytelling drives strategy and culture 32:40 – Applying the Think. Do. Say. formula to everyday decision making 35:00 – Identifying and removing your own barriers through honest self-reflection Key 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.” - Ron Tite  “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 Kerrigan Resources 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 Agency Ron 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  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rontite Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rontite  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 formula 01:00 – Introduction 03:15 – On balancing creativity and business 06:10 – Lessons from Best Buy’s leadership 08:40 – What business’ can learn from artists 10:15 – Sacrificing ideals leads to a loss of integrity 15:00 – Belief helps drive what you sell and how you grow 19:00 – The five modern business constituents 27:00 – Ron expands on his three-line formula 29:00 – The Savannah Bananas example: reinventing baseball by redefining the rules 35:30 – Vision is good, purpose is better Key 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  “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 Kerrigan Resources 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 study Ron 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  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rontite Instagram: 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 Highlights 00:00 – “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 Kerrigan 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/TheDorneRegion TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mara.dorne Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maradorne/ LinkedIn: a...