The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast

In this special bonus episode recorded ahead of their full mindset conversation, Dwayne Kerrigan and Emma Murray reflect on a deeply personal topic: relationships.As Valentine’s Day approaches, they explore how intimate relationships often absorb the stress, pressure, and emotional buildup from the outside world. Dwayne shares candidly about his own growth — recognizing how habitual reactions, unmet needs, and old internal stories can surface at home if they’re not processed throughout the day. Emma adds insight into how unconscious patterns, primary questions, and survival wiring shape the way we show up with those we love most.Together, they discuss raising standards inside the relationship, practicing conscious awareness, meeting your partner’s needs without expectation, and replacing self-judgment with grace. This short but powerful conversation reframes love not as grand gestures, but as attention, awareness, and intentional daily behavior.Episode Highlights:0:00 - Introduction: Valentine's Day as a renewal for relationships0:27 - Viewing Valentine's Day as a time for awareness and meeting needs1:23 - Why we release stress on loved ones instead of during the day2:41 - Holding different standards for work vs. intimate relationships3:43 - The importance of awareness in meeting your partner's needs4:34 - Breaking habitual negative response patterns in relationships5:11 - How relationship quality affects every area of life5:38 - "Chains of habit are too light to be felt until too heavy to be broken"6:06 - Treating your partner with conscious awareness7:14 - Focusing on relationship growth: reading, podcasts, and learning7:53 - Enjoying the process instead of fixating on an end state8:30 - Getting addicted to lighting up your partner9:10 - Managing anger and identifying emotional triggers9:52 - Using Byron Katie's four questions to examine stories we tell ourselves10:12 - Taking responsibility instead of projecting onto your partner10:30 - We're all learning - giving yourself and your partner grace11:54 - Appreciating yourself for being imperfectKey Takeaways:We often release built-up stress on the people we love mostAwareness creates choice inside intimate momentsLove grows when we actively meet one another’s needsSelf-reflection prevents projectionGrace and ownership dissolve conflict faster than blameRelationships are built through process, not perfectionConscious love is practiced — not automaticQuotes:“There’s nothing better in this world and nothing makes life feel greater than having an amazing relationship that is just full of love and abundance when it is going and operating at its peak level.” - Dwayne Kerrigan“ I didn't hold myself to the same standard inside the intimate relationship as I did in my professional life.” - Dwayne Kerrigan“If things are not good in your relationship, they’re not good anywhere you go.” - Dwayne Kerrigan“I think our relationships are very based on just habitual...

In Part 2 of this in-depth conversation, Sarah Jeanneault and Dwayne Kerrigan tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in modern business: AI implementation without foundational process.Drawing from Sarah’s background in education, finance, trading psychology, and her current role at ProcedureFlow, the discussion reframes AI not as a silver bullet—but as an amplifier of whatever already exists inside an organization. Together, they explore why many companies are failing to see ROI from AI investments, how skipping SOPs and governance creates chaos, and why leaders must slow down before they scale up.Using powerful metaphors—from sourdough baking to mountain biking—Sarah explains why meaningful AI adoption requires patience, critical thinking, and uncomfortable conversations. The episode also expands into leadership, parenting, culture-building, and the human elements AI will never replace: empathy, judgment, and connection. This is a grounded, honest conversation for leaders who want to use AI responsibly—without gambling their business on hype.Episode Highlights:00:00 – Sarah introduces AI implementation using a sourdough recipe analogy01:00 – Dwayne welcomes listeners and frames Part 202:00 – Imposter syndrome, fear, and language we use to protect ourselves05:00 – Growth mindset and the “10 more steps” principle08:00 – Parenting, resilience, and building long-term capability12:00 – Leadership, culture, and why hard conversations matter16:00 – Why AI investments often fail to produce ROI20:00 – SOPs, governance, and backing the bus up 25:00 – Customer experience, AI chatbots, and human frustration 30:00 – Agentic AI, avatars, and future customer service models 35:00 – Why AI is already here and cannot be undone 40:00 – Doom scrolling, humanity, and preserving curiosity46:00 – Data collection as preparation—not prediction53:00 – Visual flows and simplifying complex knowledge59:00 – AI timelines, human choice, and optionality 01:05:00 – Where AI helps—and where it shouldn’t replace humans 01:10:00 – Final reflections and resourcesKey Takeaways:AI amplifies broken systems, it doesn’t fix themSOPs, processes, and governance must come before automationROI fails when AI is implemented for optics instead of outcomesProcess clarity enables both humans and AI to perform betterNot every industry, or company, is ready for AI at the same paceData collection today enables smarter AI decisions tomorrowAI should augment human judgment, not replace itThe future still belongs to human connection, empathy, and choiceResources Mentioned:ProcedureFlow – Enterprise knowledge management platform - https://procedureflow.com/ Notable Quotes:

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 planningNotable 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 shitty 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 background03:00 — Framing the conversation: collapse, comeback, and leadership through adversity05:00 — Early life experiences that shaped Michael’s instinct to serve and protect others08:00 — How learning-by-doing in the military built confidence, skill, and leadership12:00 — The missed Naval Academy opportunity and how a single point changed his life path16:00 — Discovering the root of his need to “fix everything” through early childhood memory20:00 — How that identity became both a leadership strength and a business liability24:00 — From couch-surfing to starting his first company with borrowed money28:00 — Explosive growth: scaling from zero to $25M and building teams that drove success35:00 — Hiring high-accountability leaders and why standards matter more than likability42:00 — The beginning of complacency and losing focus after reaching the “top”48:00 — Major projects fail, millions lost, and the cost of avoiding confrontation55:00 — Hard truths: personal blind spots, delayed decisions, and leadership responsibility01:05:00 — 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 forwardKey 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)MastermindNotable 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 - Introduction2:53- France Margaret Bélanger05:13 - Ron Tite06:50 - Jason Castellan09:54 - Karl Tabbakh13:15 - Jeni Hott16:26 - Swish Goswami17:55 - Mark Bradley19:36 - Jim Ritter21:51 - Irfan Rajabali24:43 - Rod Khleif27:18 - Vaneli Martinov31:50 - Scott ClaryKEY 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 HottConnect with Dwayne KerriganFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/Website: http://www.dwaynekerrigan.comDisclaimer 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 - Introduction03:22 - Jessica Janzen05:52 - Master Co09:34 - Molly Bloom12:02 - Tod Melnyk15:10 - Emily Williams16:56 - Mara Dorne19:33 - Alvin Brown22:55 - Jaime McKenna25:52 - Rich Diviney29:09 - John Karpov31:16 - Alan Stein Jr.34:04 - Heather MoyseKEY 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 DorneConnect with Dwayne KerriganFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/Website: http://www.dwaynekerrigan.comDisclaimer 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 philosophyStephen Covey – prioritization framework (A/B/C method)Waking Up App (Sam Harris) – meditation and mindfulnessChatGPT (Teams) – referenced as part of Dwayne’s business infrastructureSOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) – foundational to AI-based workflow agentsIdentity-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 HIGHLIGHTS00:00 – 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 TAKEAWAYSAttention 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 HIGHLIGHTS03:53 - 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 Highlights00:00 – 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 KerriganKey TakeawaysControl 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 MentionedThe 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 CouncilFrance 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 Takeaways1. 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 KerriganFrance 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=frConnect with Dwayne KerriganFacebookInstagramLinked InWebsiteDisclaimer: 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 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.” - 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 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 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rontiteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rontite LinkedIn:

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 “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 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rontiteInstagram:

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 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. 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