From Crisis to Clarity: Troy Karnes on the Power of Better Decisions

Purpose of the Show
This show exists to inspire transformation in both life and business. Through candid conversations with authors, leaders, and change-makers, we uncover the wisdom and practical tools you need to thrive.

Introduction
What if the very experiences that nearly broke you became the foundation for helping others make their sharpest choices? Troy Karnes knows this story well. After being diagnosed with a rare and dangerous cancer less than 100 days into his sobriety, Troy needed a system to stay steady under pressure. What emerged wasn’t just survival—it was a framework for making better decisions, one that now guides executives and leaders to move from reaction to response with clarity and confidence.

Credibility + Background
Troy Karnes is an author, speaker, and founder of Donovan Enterprises, where he works with executives to strengthen their decision-making under pressure. He developed his system around the HALT framework—recognizing that no one makes strong choices when they’re hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. By combining decision science, leadership psychology, and hard-won personal experience, he equips leaders to anticipate risks, negotiate with calm confidence, and protect their baseline of judgment when the stakes are high.

His professional journey spans more than a decade of sales leadership, brand strategy, and business development across major players in the spirits industry, including Constellation Brands and High West Distillery, where he helped scale brands from startup status to national recognition. Today, he channels that expertise into empowering executives and organizations with sustainable systems for growth and resilience.

Beyond consulting, Troy is also the founder of Good Vibes Ghostwriting, where he helps business leaders articulate their expertise, share their stories, and connect authentically with their audience. His mission across all ventures is consistent: help high-functioning professionals focus on what matters most by equipping them with the tools and systems to thrive.

Episode Summary
In this episode, Troy shares how his cancer diagnosis and early recovery became the crucible for a system that now shapes stronger leaders. He unpacks the HALT framework, showing why small shifts in self-awareness compound into major improvements in leadership performance. You’ll hear how executives can spot risks before they spiral, maintain judgment in high-stakes negotiations, and avoid the emotional crashes that derail decision-making.

Troy’s story is not about quick fixes or motivational slogans—it’s about building resilience through structure, discipline, and perspective. His insights will resonate with anyone carrying heavy responsibilities, navigating crises, or striving to make sharper calls under pressure.

Call to Action
Ready to sharpen your decision-making and lead with clarity? Connect with Troy here:
troy.coach
🌐 Business: Donovan Enterprises
🌐 Storytelling & Thought Leadership: Good Vibes Ghostwriting
🎙️ Speaking & Workshops: TroyKarnes.com
Troy can help your team make better decisions under pressure, share his inspiring journey with your audience, or implement proven systems that protect your edge in business and in life.

G. Mick (The Doctor of Digital) Smith, PhD
https://www.linkedin.com/in/g-mick-smith-phd-24495127/
LI Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-literary-cpr-playbook-7343709688632381440


American Patriot 

Trusted Book Advisor to C-Suite | Manuscript Doctor 🚨 | Transforming Drafts into Authority Assets | Strategic Ghostwriting & Publishing Guidance | Literary CPR for Elite Experts | PhD | Voice Talent | Podcaster

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