The Circuit of Success Podcast with Brett Gilliland

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!

In this episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with leadership and culture expert Brett Hoogeveen, co-founder of BetterCulture, for an inspiring conversation about how great leaders shape workplaces where people truly thrive. From Omaha, Nebraska, Brett shares how his father’s influence as a nonprofit founder and visionary leader sparked his lifelong passion for understanding motivation, teamwork, and what makes organizations succeed from the inside out. What began as lessons learned at home has grown into a mission to help companies build better leaders and stronger workplace cultures. Brett is a trained engineer, former healthcare executive, startup investor, and co-founder of BetterCulture—a leading leadership development and technology firm serving clients from entrepreneurial startups to Fortune 500 companies. Over the past decade, he has trained thousands of leaders and worked closely with hundreds of organizations to create stronger businesses through elevated leaders, engaged teams, and more energized workplace cultures. As an international speaker and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP®), Brett delivers practical, actionable insights on leadership, company culture, and the not-so-secret keys to success and happiness. In this episode, Brett unpacks his powerful concept of “Stars vs. Vacuums,” explaining how every organization has individuals who either lift others up or pull them down—and why great leaders ensure that their stars win the battle for influence. With wisdom, humor, and relatable stories, Brett reminds us that culture isn’t built by chance—it’s shaped by daily choices, authentic leadership, and a shared commitment to growth. When he’s not guiding companies toward better culture, Brett enjoys life in Omaha with his wife and three spunky kids, where he proudly claims his title as one of the “Top 10 Airzooka Marksmen” in the world.   📩 Connect with Brett 🌐 Learn more: Brett’s Website 📲 Follow Brett on Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook   Watch the Full Episode Here!

On this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Cal Riley — veteran, entrepreneur, leadership coach, author, and EOS implementer. Cal opens up about his remarkable journey from military service to business leadership, and the personal experiences that have shaped his mission to help leaders lead with both drive and compassion.   Cal’s book, Entrepreneurial Compassion, was born out of tragedy after losing his brother to suicide. In honor of his brother, Cal committed himself to building a movement of compassionate entrepreneurs with the belief that fostering care in leadership not only prevents burnout and isolation but also creates stronger businesses and healthier communities. He explains how compassion is not a weakness in business, but a powerful driver of trust, loyalty, and long-term success. This conversation dives deep into practical strategies for leaders looking to balance ambition with empathy. From cultivating self-awareness through journaling and meditation to strengthening teams by showing genuine care, Cal shares insights that can transform the way you lead and live. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or aspiring leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink what true success really means.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

On this episode of the Circuit of Success, Brett Gilliland welcomes back Dr. Colby Jubenville for an inspiring conversation about what it truly means to succeed. With his trademark mix of storytelling and straight talk, Dr. Jubenville unpacks how success is defined differently today and why resilience, clarity, and community are more important than ever. From memories of childhood lessons to reflections on leadership and personal growth, he brings a message that challenges listeners to pursue success on their own terms.   Dr. Colby Jubenville, PhD, is a nationally recognized coach, advisor, and professor at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where he leads the Center for Student Coaching and Success. He is the author of Zebras and Cheetahs and Me: How To Sell Who You Are, What You Do & Why You Matter to the World, and has published more than 50 professional articles. Through his work, Dr. Jubenville helps people uncover their unique talents, build confidence, and take ownership of their future, using obstacles as opportunities to grow. In this conversation, Brett and Dr. Jubenville dive deep into the shifting meaning of success across generations, the challenges of social media comparisons, and the timeless principles that help people thrive. Whether you’re a student preparing for the next step, an entrepreneur chasing a vision, or a leader guiding others, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement to keep moving forward and create a life that’s uniquely yours.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

On this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Eric Blankenship, the Nashville entrepreneur who turned an unexpected career pivot into a thriving empire. As Co-Owner of All Access Coach Leasing, Eric provides luxury tour buses for country music’s biggest stars, from George Strait and Martina McBride to Jason Aldean and Luke Combs. His path wasn’t straightforward, but his story proves that detours can lead to destinations greater than the original plan. Eric came to Nashville in 1992 with hopes of becoming the next big country artist. Along the way, he sold merch for Ricky Skaggs, drove buses for Tim McGraw and Lari White, and discovered a new passion that would eventually transform his life. Partnering with Jim Borelli, he built All Access Coach from the ground up, starting with bare bus shells and growing the fleet to nearly 40 rolling homes that serve tours across the nation. His relentless work ethic and commitment to being the best—not the biggest—set his company apart in a demanding industry. Despite building a successful business, Eric never left music behind. He recently performed at the Grand Ole Opry alongside The Isaacs, received his first ASCAP royalty check, and continues to open for country legends like Gene Watson and the Oak Ridge Boys. His journey is one of vision, perseverance, and balance—proof that you can create lasting success in business while still keeping your creative dreams alive.   Watch the Full Episode Here!