The Circuit of Success Podcast with Brett Gilliland

In this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with entrepreneur Tom Fields, founder and CEO of FYNANCIAL, to discuss his journey from financial advisor to fintech founder. Tom shares how his experience working directly with clients revealed problems within the financial services industry and inspired him to build a technology platform designed to help financial firms better serve their clients.   Tom also dives into the realities of entrepreneurship, including the risks of leaving a stable career, the challenges of building a company from the ground up, and the mindset required to push through difficult seasons. He explains the importance of discipline, daily habits, and the values he lives by, including what he calls the “Five F’s” – faith, family, finances, friends, and fitness. The conversation also explores the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and how it will transform the financial industry. Tom shares why he believes AI, data, and technology platforms will reshape the future of financial services and why entrepreneurs and professionals must learn to adapt quickly in order to stay competitive in a rapidly changing world.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

On this episode of the Circuit of Success Podcast, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Corey Schonhorst for an honest and impactful discussion about control, confidence, rejection, and daily discipline. Corey shares his journey from growing up with emotional armor built in childhood to discovering how letting go of control transformed his mindset. They dive deep into how fear, cynicism, and self-doubt can keep us stuck — and why embracing discomfort is the key to growth. Corey opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, how rejection became a tool for learning instead of a setback, and why gratitude, faith, and consistent routines laid the groundwork for his success. From journaling worries to reframing daily challenges, this conversation is packed with real wisdom on how to stay focused on purpose instead of fear. If you’re ready to take responsibility for your mindset and daily habits, this episode will give you clarity and motivation. Brett and Corey also explore practical tools for handling anxiety, building confidence through action, and pushing toward your goals with intention. Whether you’re facing personal fears, professional hurdles, or the daily grind, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you move forward with resilience and purpose. Connect with Corey and follow his journey: Instagram and  LinkedIn   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of the Circuit of Success Podcast, host Brett Gilliland dives into the second installment of the F to the 6th Power framework: faith, family, fitness, firm, fun, and finances. Joined by Scott, Dan, Jason, and Tim, this conversation breaks down practical habits that help high performers stay grounded, disciplined, and intentional in every area of life. From daily prayer routines to tracking nutrition and setting quarterly goals, this episode is packed with actionable strategies. On the faith side, the team discusses building a consistent morning routine, using Bible apps, guided prayer, journaling, and reading powerful books like Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis, Chase the Lion by Mark Batterson, and Atomic Habits by James Clear. They share how 10 minutes a day with God can reduce anxiety and create lasting peace. If you struggle with consistency, busy schedules, or staying spiritually focused, this segment offers simple and realistic steps. The episode also covers staying present with your spouse and kids, eliminating distractions, planning meaningful time together, building gratitude through the 3-2-1 journaling method, and transforming your health through disciplined nutrition tracking using tools like MyFitnessPal. Whether you’re a business owner, leader, parent, or entrepreneur, this conversation will challenge you to stop making excuses and start living intentionally. Success isn’t accidental. It’s built daily. Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ Media, restaurateur, and a leading voice in storytelling and digital hospitality. Raised by his Bulgarian immigrant grandfather, Shawn shares the foundational lessons that shaped his life and leadership: stay curious, get involved, and ask for help. These principles became the backbone of his entrepreneurial journey and continue to guide how he builds businesses and relationships today.   Shawn dives into how podcasting and content creation didn’t just support his restaurant—it transformed it. By focusing on authentic storytelling, building in public, and serving the “audience of one,” he turned a local BBQ restaurant into a scalable media company working with best-in-class restaurant technology brands. He explains why vanity metrics don’t matter, why perfection kills progress, and why the real advantage comes from starting before you feel ready. This conversation goes far beyond the restaurant industry. Whether you’re a wealth manager, business owner, or entrepreneur in any field, Shawn shares why every business is now a media and hospitality business, how smartphones have leveled the playing field, and why the future belongs to those willing to be the show—not the commercial. If you’re looking for practical insight, real-world leadership lessons, and a clear blueprint for using content to grow trust and revenue, this episode delivers.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

Grant Wistrom’s journey from a sports-driven household in Central Florida to three national championships at Nebraska and a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams is a story of discipline, resilience, and relentless work ethic. In this episode, Grant sits down with Brett Gilliland to share the lessons that shaped his career, from growing up under the guidance of parents who never missed a practice to navigating the pressures of elite competition at every level.   Beyond the trophies and accolades, Grant emphasizes the mental game—how he managed pressure, self-imposed expectations, and the challenges of performing under scrutiny. He discusses the importance of relationships, accountability, and self-policing teams, offering insights that translate seamlessly from sports to business and personal growth. Listeners will learn why focus, effort, and humility define true champions. Today, Grant channels his leadership into his business ventures and personal life. He shares strategies for building high-performing teams, staying present in the moment, and investing in coaching to foster growth. From lessons on perseverance to maintaining health, mindset, and purpose after sports, this episode delivers actionable advice for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving for success on and off the field.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of the Circuit of Success Podcast, host Brett Gilliland sits down with ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas for a powerful conversation on preparation, leadership, and credibility. Known for his work on ESPN’s College GameDay, Saturday Primetime, SportsCenter, and ESPN.com, Jay shares how his journey through elite college basketball, coaching, law, and broadcasting shaped his disciplined approach to success.   Jay explains the habits most people never see, including relentless preparation, staying curious, and applying the “next play mentality” taught by Coach Mike Krzyzewski. He breaks down how thoughtful analysis, intellectual honesty, and respectful disagreement have helped him become one of the most trusted voices in college basketball and sports media. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of college basketball, including NIL, the transfer portal, player compensation, and leadership in a high-noise world. This episode delivers timeless lessons for athletes, coaches, executives, and anyone looking to build credibility, stay relevant, and lead with integrity over the long term.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this special roundtable episode of the Circuit of Success Podcast, host Brett Gilliland introduces the F to the 6th Power framework, a simple yet powerful model designed to help people build a future greater than their past. Recorded at Visionary Wealth Advisors, this conversation brings together six trusted leaders, each representing one of the six foundational pillars of a fulfilled life: faith, family, fitness, fun, work, and finances.   Each guest delivers practical, real-world insights you can apply immediately. Scott Vieregge shares how consistent faith practices create clarity and purpose. Dan Laure discusses intentional family leadership and raising prepared, confident children. Jason Baldus walks through his personal fitness transformation and the daily habits that drive sustainable health and energy. The conversation continues with Tim Hammett, who explains how values-based leadership builds trust and strong workplace culture. Ted McNulty reframes fun as an intentional and necessary part of a fulfilled life. Closing the episode, Katie Martin ties all six pillars together through the lens of financial stewardship, showing how alignment across every area leads to clarity, confidence, and a life uncommon.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this powerful episode of the Circuit of Success Podcast, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Tim Hammett and Mike Lemp for a deep and honest conversation about personal growth, coaching, and the importance of investing in yourself. Using examples from elite performers like Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, and Michael Phelps, the discussion centers on one defining question: Do you have a coach? The episode explores why guidance, accountability, and self-investment are essential for creating a future greater than your past.   Tim and Mike share personal stories about the foundational influence of their parents, lifelong friendships, mentors, and values-based relationships. They discuss how core values such as trust, respect, and humility shape both personal fulfillment and professional success, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can accelerate growth. The conversation also highlights the power of presence, perspective, and clarity in navigating life’s most important decisions. The episode dives into the uncomfortable truths most people avoid, including fear of change, pride, ego, and the tendency to stay within comfort zones. Tim opens up about investing heavily in coaching early in his career despite financial uncertainty, and how that commitment transformed his confidence, self-respect, and trajectory. From breaking through personal ceilings to showing up consistently even on hard days, this episode delivers timeless lessons on mindset, leadership, and why betting on yourself is one of the most important investments you can make.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Dr. Pete Paciorek, Director of Leadership and Character Development at IMG Academy, to uncover how elite athletes develop a true championship mindset. Dr. Paciorek holds a Doctorate in Youth Character Development and Servant Leadership and has spent his career as a professional baseball player, college head coach, college director of athletics, and IMG Academy National Team Baseball head coach. Coming from a family of 11 professional athletes, Pete brings a rare perspective on leadership, discipline, and long-term success.   Pete takes listeners inside IMG Academy and explains why it is far more than a world-renowned sports school. While IMG is known for producing nationally ranked teams and professional athletes, its real strength lies in holistic development. Leadership training, character education, mental performance, academics, nutrition, and life skills are all integrated to prepare student-athletes for success beyond sports. As a recipient of the Character.org “Champion of Character in Sport” Nationwide Award and author of two books on youth character development in sports, Pete shares how consistency, balance, and purpose create elite performers in every field. This conversation goes beyond athletics and applies directly to business, entrepreneurship, and life. Dr. Paciorek breaks down how to train the mind, build resilience during adversity, create winning habits, and lead yourself before leading others. He introduces practical frameworks used at IMG Academy, explains why discipline matters most on the hardest days, and highlights the transferable skills athletes use to succeed long after competition ends. As a husband and father of three, Pete also shares powerful insights on parenting, mentorship, and legacy, making this episode a must-listen for leaders, parents, coaches, and high achievers looking to build a championship mindset in every area of life.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Mizzou Athletic Director Laird Veatch for a compelling conversation on leadership and the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics. Set against the backdrop of the Mizzou–Illinois rivalry, the discussion blends lighthearted moments with powerful insights into the experiences that shaped Laird’s leadership philosophy. Laird shares his journey from growing up with hardworking, self-made parents to playing football at Kansas State under legendary coach Bill Snyder, and ultimately building a career across some of the nation’s most respected athletic programs. He breaks down what it truly means to lead leaders, manage elite coaches, and balance accountability with empowerment in an era defined by NIL, the transfer portal, and heightened business demands. The conversation also explores vision, culture, and staying focused amid constant public scrutiny. Laird explains how he sets long-term direction, tunes out social media noise, and re-energizes by reconnecting with student-athletes and competition. Whether you’re a business executive, coach, or aspiring leader, this episode delivers timeless lessons on servant leadership, clarity, and navigating change at the highest level.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with leadership expert, author, and Fortune 500 executive Dalmo Cirne to uncover what truly prepares someone for leadership before the title ever arrives. With more than 30 years of experience across leadership, management, technology, and mathematics, Dalmo explains why most leadership struggles stem from being unprepared, not incompetent, and how intentional development can change that outcome.   Dalmo breaks down the framework from his book The Four Streams of Leadership, outlining the four critical areas every leader must master: the reservoir, focused on self-awareness, values, and culture; downstream, where teams, projects, and daily execution live; upstream, centered on communicating with executives and customers; and sidestream, where collaboration across departments determines real-world success. Together, Brett and Dalmo explore how culture fills a vacuum when leaders fail to define it and why clarity of communication is essential at every level. Drawing from real-world experience including participating in an IPO, building successful products, and leading high-performing organizations, Dalmo also shares practical strategies for managing yourself instead of managing time. From creating uninterrupted focus to leading teams that thrive even when you’re not in the room, this conversation delivers actionable insight for current and aspiring leaders who want to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

On this episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Fred Joyal, bestselling author, international keynote speaker, and co-founder of 1-800-DENTIST, the most successful dentist referral service in the country. During his time as CEO, Fred helped grow the business into a billion-dollar enterprise by combining creative marketing, disciplined execution, and a deep understanding of human behavior. His journey proves that success often begins with curiosity, courage, and a willingness to take bold action.   Fred shares how 1-800-DENTIST scaled nationally by solving a real consumer problem and building long-term value for its clients. He opens up about navigating near-extinction moments, why creativity mattered more than capital, and how focusing on simplicity made the business nearly impossible to replicate. From advertising strategy to customer experience, Fred breaks down what it truly takes to build a durable company in a competitive market. The conversation also dives into leadership, confidence, and culture. Fred discusses lessons from his Wall Street Journal and Amazon bestselling book Superbold: From Under-confident to Charismatic in 90 Days, along with insights gained from 15 years as a keynote speaker addressing audiences of up to 5,000. With humor, humility, and real-world wisdom, Fred explains why integrity must come before profit and how creating a great place to work ultimately drives lasting success.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

On this episode of the Circuit of Success Podcast, Brett Gilliland welcomes entrepreneur and global publishing leader Kevin Anderson for a deep conversation on what it really takes to build businesses at the highest level. From his upbringing on a remote Canadian farm to leading one of the world’s most respected book-writing firms, Kevin shares how values, discipline, and curiosity laid the foundation for a life of entrepreneurship.   Kevin pulls back the curtain on Kevin Anderson & Associates, a global firm trusted by top entrepreneurs, executives, and billionaires to turn their ideas into influential books. He explains why building “the best possible version” of a product is often simpler than settling for average, how betting on people accelerates growth, and why saying yes to opportunity before having all the answers has been central to his success. The conversation also explores leadership routines, creative thinking, and the evolving role of AI in publishing and business. Kevin shares how quiet reflection fuels innovation, why structure creates freedom, and how human storytelling remains irreplaceable in a world of automation. This episode is packed with insight for entrepreneurs, leaders, and high performers looking to build something meaningful and lasting.   Connect with Kevin Anderson: Website Watch the Full Episode Here!

This week on the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with American amateur golf icon Jim Holtgrieve. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Jim’s path began with early struggles, including flunking out of Mizzou, before finding discipline and direction during four transformative years in the United States Air Force. He discovered humility, respect, and purpose, all of which became the foundation for a lifelong journey defined by hard work, gratitude, and giving back. Jim went on to compete at the highest levels of amateur golf, eventually earning induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Throughout their conversation, Jim shares stories from an extraordinary playing career that includes five Masters appearances, two Eisenhower Trophy teams, and three Walker Cups as both a player and a captain. He reflects on his first invitation to Augusta, playing alongside legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, and the profound honor of representing the United States on an international stage. Jim also opens up about a powerful moment from his bio, when he played the final round of the Home Depot Invitational just hours after learning that his mother had passed away following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. His emotional clarity that day carried him to a tie for second place and reminded him of the strength and purpose his parents instilled in him. Beyond the championships and historic venues, Jim speaks about his commitment to honoring tradition, uplifting younger players, and preserving the true spirit of the Walker Cup. He shares the wisdom passed down to him, especially the belief that you should never forget where you came from and always give back. This episode is filled with heart, humility, resilience, and perspective, showcasing why Jim Holtgrieve remains one of the most respected figures in the world of amateur golf.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

On this episode of the Circuit of Success Podcast, host Casey Jacox sits down with Brett Gilliland, CEO and Founder of Visionary Wealth Advisors, devoted family man, and the original creator of this very show. Today, the script flips. Casey leads Brett through an authentic and meaningful conversation about the values, experiences, and mindset that have shaped his journey as a leader in both business and life.   Brett opens up about raising four boys, sending his oldest to college, and the emotional growth that comes with navigating this new season of fatherhood. From shared ugly-cry moments to the importance of staying present and connected, Brett reflects on how gratitude, vulnerability, and intentional communication continue to guide his family. He also discusses the powerful relationship he has with his wife as they build a new business together while staying aligned at home. Casey and Brett dive deep into the habits, influences, and personal standards that drive Brett’s success. They revisit his upbringing, talk about the mentors who shaped him, and explore how leadership at home directly influences leadership in the workplace. Filled with heart, humor, and real wisdom, this episode gives listeners a rare look behind the scenes of Brett’s own circuit of success — and the principles he lives by to keep growing, serving others, and leading with purpose.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

On this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland welcomes aviation circumnavigator, bestselling author, philanthropist, and Navy Gulf War veteran Robert DeLaurentis. Known around the world as the Peace Pilot, Robert has flown over all seven continents, crossed both poles, and visited 53 countries while carrying scientific experiments for NASA and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. His plane, Citizen of the World for the World, became a flying symbol of unity as he championed the global peace movement and the message of “One Planet, One People, One Plane.”   Robert shares the experiences, mentors, and spiritual principles that shaped his remarkable life. He opens up about how these same principles helped him build a successful real estate business and retire at 37 before dedicating his time to aviation, teaching, and writing. His works include Peace Pilot, Zen Pilot, Flying Thru Life, and three children’s books, all centered around growth, purpose, and personal transformation. From the intense preparation behind his equatorial and polar flights to navigating extreme temperatures, losing navigation over the South Pole, and landing with just fifteen minutes of fuel after an eighteen hour journey, Robert takes listeners inside every challenge and breakthrough. He also shares the deeper mission behind his documentary Peace Pilot, a raw and powerful account of adversity, human connection, and the pursuit of peace through storytelling and aviation. 📩 Connect with Robert DeLaurentis 🌐 FlyingThruLife.com   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland welcomes Dr. Will Haas, Founder and CEO of VYVE Wellness in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Haas is on a mission to redefine what it means to age well—helping driven professionals reclaim their energy, focus, and performance through advanced, science-based wellness strategies. A board-certified physician in Integrative and Family Medicine, he’s known for helping clients feel decades younger through personalized cellular optimization programs.   Brett and Dr. Haas dive deep into the real meaning of longevity—why it’s not just about living longer, but about living better. From IV nutrient infusions and therapeutic peptides to hyperbaric oxygen and red light therapy, Dr. Haas explains how these cutting-edge tools work together to restore the body’s natural ability to heal and thrive. They also unpack the truth behind health trends, gene testing, and metabolic science, revealing what truly drives long-term vitality and peak performance. Beyond leading VYVE Wellness, Dr. Haas co-founded OvulifeMD, where he created natural fertility protocols, and serves as Chief Medical Officer at Infusive, guiding wellness practices across the country. Featured in Men’s Journal, Daily Mail, Yahoo Life, and Woman’s World Magazine, Dr. Haas is passionate about bridging science with practical results. His mission is clear—to empower high achievers who don’t just want more years in their life, but more life in their years. 📩 Connect with Dr. Will Haas 🌐 VYVEWellness.com   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland welcomes Bill Blankschaen, Founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders, for an empowering conversation on how to uncover, own, and share your story in a way that transforms both your life and your leadership. Bill shares his leap of faith—from running a private school to following his true calling as a writer and storyteller—and how that bold move led him to create StoryBuilders, a company dedicated to helping people live a story worth telling.   A multiple New York Times and USA Today Bestselling writer, Bill has worked with world-class leaders and influencers such as John C. Maxwell, Kevin Harrington (Shark Tank), Lewis Howes, Dean Graziosi, Michael Hyatt, and the Zig Ziglar family. Through StoryBuilders, he and his team craft books, courses, and experiences that help individuals and brands turn their ideas into greater impact, influence, and income. In this conversation, Bill shares the principles behind his upcoming book, Your Story Advantage, revealing how the “story multiplier formula” can help you leverage who you are and how you tell your story to elevate your purpose and results. Brett and Bill dive deep into the art of storytelling, the importance of faith and alignment in leadership, and how vulnerability and authenticity can unlock new opportunities for growth. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or leader seeking clarity and direction, this episode will challenge you to see your life as a story worth telling—and inspire you to share it with confidence and conviction. 📩 Connect with Bill and his team: Jennifer | Katiesue | James   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland welcomes Alex M.H. Smith, the bestselling author of No Bullsht Strategy* and founder of Basic Arts. Joining from England, Alex shares his unconventional journey from the advertising world to becoming one of today’s most refreshingly practical voices in business strategy. Known for cutting through the corporate fluff, he helps founders and CEOs escape the noise of me-too competition and build companies that stand apart. From studying abroad at the University of Illinois to working with billion-dollar brands like Porsche, Alex’s story is proof that the best strategies don’t come from an MBA—they come from seeing the world differently.   Alex breaks down his philosophy of “Make interesting companies, not interesting advertising,” explaining why so many businesses waste energy trying to market what isn’t truly unique. Instead, he focuses on helping leaders identify the one-of-a-kind value only their business can deliver—and turn it into a competitive advantage customers can’t ignore. His plain-spoken approach replaces timid, complicated plans with bold, energizing directions that inspire decisive action from the boardroom to the front line. Throughout the conversation, Brett and Alex dive into the mindset behind great strategy: humility, adaptability, and clarity. Alex shares insights from his viral online presence, where his global LinkedIn and YouTube audiences follow him for real-world lessons on focus and differentiation. Together, they explore how every entrepreneur can uncover their “accidental advantage,” craft a mission that truly matters, and lead with authenticity in a world drowning in corporate jargon. Whether you’re building a startup or leading a legacy brand, this episode will challenge how you think about strategy—and help you rediscover what makes your business impossible to ignore.   📩 Connect with Alex 🌐 Learn more: Alex’s Website 📲 Follow Alex on Social Media: Tiktok, LinkedIn, and Twitter   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this powerful episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Leslee Holliday — wife of former Major League Baseball star Matt Holliday and mom to four, including two professional baseball players. A devoted wife of 24 years and passionate follower of Jesus, Leslee shares how her family has built their lives around faith, sports, and mission. From her small-town Texas roots to the bright lights of professional baseball, she opens up about the lessons, values, and faith that have guided her through every chapter of motherhood and marriage.   Leslee shares the heartfelt story behind a viral post that resonated with parents and sports fans alike — a reflection on empathy, criticism, and the emotional journey of raising young athletes in the public eye. She talks about watching her sons, Jackson and Ethan, chase their baseball dreams with humility and purpose while encouraging her other children, Gracyn and Reed, to pursue their passions with the same confidence and integrity. Through it all, Leslee reminds listeners that true success is not measured by statistics or fame but by character, grace, and the faith that grounds a family. A graduate of Ozark Christian College with a degree in Biblical Studies and currently pursuing her Master’s at Dallas Theological Seminary, Leslee’s passion for Scripture and discipleship shines throughout the conversation. She reflects on leading Bible studies in the Cardinals’ clubhouse, mentoring women in faith, and helping families navigate life with Kingdom purpose. Filled with wisdom, warmth, and authenticity, this episode is an inspiring reminder that faith, love, and family are the ultimate markers of a life well-lived. 📩 Connect with Leslee   Watch the Full Podcast Here!