The Circuit of Success Podcast with Brett Gilliland

On this episode of the Circuit of Success, Brett Gilliland sits down with Tony Martignetti, a leadership advisor, bestselling author, and host of The Virtual Campfire podcast. With more than 30 years of experience in business and biotech finance, Tony has worked with leaders across industries to help them uncover what truly drives their success. He is the author of Climbing the Right Mountain and Campfire Lessons for Leaders, and his message is simple but powerful: real leadership starts with self-awareness and meaningful connection.   Tony shares how his career path evolved through a relentless curiosity and a willingness to ask deeper questions. From corporate boardrooms to an unexpected opportunity in China, his journey proves that being open to learning can change your life. He and Brett also reflect on an unforgettable 2004 World Series moment involving Jimmy Fallon, Drew Barrymore, and a surprise movie shoot in the heart of Boston. As the conversation unfolds, Tony offers his framework for finding calm in the chaos of leadership. He introduces the three Cs—curiosity, connection, and compassion—as tools for navigating high-pressure moments and becoming a more grounded, impactful leader. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or redefining your path, this episode will inspire you to lead with intention and heart. 📩 Connect with Tony 🌐 Learn more Watch the Full Episode Here!

On this special Beyond Podcast episode, recorded live at the Cardinal Event, Brett Gilliland brings together two iconic voices of St. Louis Cardinals baseball: Brad Thompson and Chip Caray. Lifelong Cardinals fans and newcomers alike will appreciate the rare stories they share from early inspirations to the unexpected moments that shaped their careers behind the microphone. With a mix of humor, gratitude, and deep reflection, Brad and Chip pull back the curtain on life in broadcasting and the powerful lessons learned through baseball.   Listeners will hear Chip recount how a pinch-hit grand slam and a moment of pure stadium chaos in Atlanta inspired his career, while Brad opens up about his unexpected shift from Major League pitcher to radio broadcaster, thanks in part to a life-changing recommendation from a dear friend. They discuss how passion, preparation, and mentorship helped them navigate the unpredictable world of sports media, highlighting the people and moments that had the greatest impact along the way. More than a conversation about baseball, this episode is about perspective, perseverance, and staying connected to what matters most. Brad and Chip reflect on the importance of learning from every experience, surrounding yourself with great people, and never losing sight of how lucky they are to do what they love. Their stories will leave you inspired to chase your own version of success with passion, gratitude, and a little bit of humor along the way.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

On this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Jennifer Williams, founder and president of Saint Louis Closet Co. Jennifer shares the inspiring journey of how she went from a 20-something with a vision and a stack of credit cards to the owner of a thriving 30,000-square-foot operation employing 40 people. Her story is packed with lessons on risk-taking, resilience, and long-term business growth.   Jennifer opens up about her leap from graduate school to entrepreneurship, how she landed her first business loan through pure determination, and the mindset that fueled her early and ongoing success. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with smart people, staying curious, and never having a plan B. Jennifer Q. Williams has been a leader in the custom closet industry for over 34 years. In her early twenties, she founded Saint Louis Closet Co., the first locally owned custom closet company in St. Louis. What started as a simple idea helping people get organized has grown into a successful business. Today, Jennifer and her team help homeowners throughout St. Louis with high-quality custom closets, mudrooms, pantries, laundry rooms, Murphy beds, and more.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

Success isn’t just about talent or opportunity. It’s about resilience. In this episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Tino Dietrich, a visionary entrepreneur, Inc. 500 honoree, and certified Mindvalley coach, to uncover the mindset and strategies behind his journey of reinvention. After battling a life-threatening case of COVID-19 that left him in the ICU and forced him to lose 90 pounds, Tino emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. He turned his passion for golf into SNYDER Americas, bringing premium German-engineered golf balls to the U.S. and disrupting the industry with innovation and precision. As the founder of The Dietrich Institute, Tino is dedicated to coaching high achievers, helping them master personal growth, build powerful relationships, and leave lasting legacies. A former collegiate golfer at Syracuse University, he blends strategic thinking with real-life experience to inspire others to overcome challenges and create meaningful success. His upcoming book, a tribute to his late mother, explores themes of resilience, legacy, and intentional living. In this conversation, Tino explains why the idea of work-life balance is misleading and how true fulfillment comes from integration, not separation. He shares insights on visualization, self-management, and staying aligned with your goals. This episode is filled with wisdom for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone looking to level up in business and life. Show Notes & More: DietrichInstitute.com/CircuitofSuccess (Coming Soon!) Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this compelling episode of The Circuit of Success, Brett Gilliland sits down with Eli Drinkwitz, Head Coach of the University of Missouri Football team. Known for his energy, focus, and commitment to building a winning culture, Coach Drinkwitz shares what it takes to lead a major college program in today’s rapidly changing sports landscape. From navigating the challenges of NIL and the transfer portal to staying grounded in faith and family, he offers a powerful look behind the scenes of Mizzou football.   Coach Drinkwitz talks about the defining moments and mentors that shaped him, including the impact of his parents and the belief former coach Gus Malzahn had in his ability to get the job done no matter the task. That “get it done” mindset has become a foundation for his success, helping him lead with consistency through adversity and change. He also shares the personal values that keep him steady in a high-pressure environment. A key focus of the conversation is the culture he’s building at Mizzou. With the motto “Chase Two Dreams,” Coach Drinkwitz is developing athletes who aim for excellence on the field and find purpose beyond the game. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, leader, or someone chasing your own dream, this episode delivers meaningful insight on what it takes to succeed with integrity and grit.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this inspiring episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland welcomes back Dr. Timothy Eberlein, a trailblazing leader in the world of cancer care and the founding Director of the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center. With over 25 years of vision and leadership, Dr. Eberlein shares the incredible story of how Siteman grew into one of the nation’s most respected cancer centers anchored in world-class expertise, compassionate care, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey from humble beginnings in Western Pennsylvania to national prominence in academic medicine is nothing short of extraordinary.   Dr. Eberlein walks us through the formative experiences that shaped his career starting with a chance summer job that ignited his passion for surgery, and the influential mentors who helped guide him along the way. His story is a testament to perseverance, preparation, and the power of embracing unexpected opportunities. For students, young professionals, and anyone chasing purpose, this episode is filled with wisdom on how pivotal moments can set a lifelong mission in motion. Dr. Timothy Eberlein is the Director of the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and serves as the Olin Distinguished Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Cancer Programs at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University Medical Center. He recently concluded over two decades as the Bixby Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and former Chief Resident at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dr. Eberlein has held numerous national leadership roles, including Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, past President of the American Surgical Association, and member of the National Academy of Medicine. His groundbreaking work has earned him national and international recognition, including numerous honorary fellowships and awards for clinical excellence, academic leadership, and community service. Support the life-saving work of the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and be a part of the mission to change the future of cancer care. Donate today! For more information or to explore other ways to get involved, reach out to: Friends of Siteman   Watch the Full Episode Here!

On this episode of The Circuit of Success, Brett Gilliland welcomes back entrepreneur and author Katie Lee. Since her last appearance, Katie has written a memoir, expanded her restaurant ventures, and earned Walmart’s prestigious Golden Ticket for her frozen pizza line. She shares the behind-the-scenes story of her high-stakes pitch, the unexpected challenges she faced, and what this milestone means for her growing brand.   Beyond business, Katie gets personal about her journey through addiction and the moment that changed everything. She opens up about the struggles of hitting rock bottom, the difficult path to sobriety, and the resilience that led her to success. Her story is one of perseverance, self-discovery, and the power of embracing life’s toughest lessons. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with hard-won wisdom, business insights, and the mindset it takes to turn adversity into opportunity.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Mark Sawyier, CEO and founder of Bonfyre, an award-winning employee engagement platform. Mark shares his entrepreneurial journey from launching his first business at WashU to scaling Bonfyre into a cutting-edge platform that helps companies like Medtronic and Duke Energy build stronger workplace cultures. He breaks down how Bonfyre’s AI-driven culture coaching, recognition, and communication tools seamlessly integrate with Microsoft Teams to drive engagement and performance.   Mark also reflects on the lessons he’s learned as an entrepreneur, including the importance of perseverance, adapting to market shifts, and staying accountable as a leader. He discusses how Bonfyre evolved from a private social networking app to a powerful engagement solution, and why grit and iteration were crucial in shaping its success. His insights on structuring work, balancing big-picture strategy with daily execution, and learning from challenges offer valuable takeaways for business leaders and founders alike. Tune in to hear Mark’s perspective on what makes a thriving workplace culture, the future of employee engagement, and how leaders can stay ahead in today’s evolving business landscape. Whether you’re looking to enhance team performance or build a successful startup, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you succeed.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

Today, we have Dr. Tracy Gapin, a leading men’s health optimization and longevity expert. He’s the founder of the Gapin Institute for Precision Medicine and a board-certified urologist with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Gapin helps high-performing entrepreneurs, athletes, and executives reach peak performance through cutting-edge, data-driven health strategies. He’s a best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and a trusted advisor to top professionals looking to optimize their health, energy, and longevity. Welcome to the show, Dr. Gapin!   In this episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland dives deep into Dr. Gapin’s personal journey and the science behind achieving peak performance. Dr. Gapin shares how growing up without a father figure shaped his mission to help men become more present, engaged, and healthy leaders in their lives. He explains the importance of precision-based medicine, why traditional healthcare often falls short, and how proactive strategies—like optimizing sleep, gut health, and hormone balance—can dramatically improve longevity and daily performance. From understanding peptides and nutrition to breaking common health myths, Dr. Gapin provides actionable insights to help you take control of your well-being. Whether you’re looking to enhance cognitive function, boost energy, or prevent chronic disease, this conversation is packed with game-changing advice. Tune in to discover how personalized, data-driven approaches can help you achieve sustained energy, resilience, and peak potential. Sizzle Reel Launch Page (useful information and free gifts included!)   Watch the Full Episode Here!

On this episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Ben Erwin, the visionary CEO of Charitybuzz. Ben shares his journey from aspiring lawyer to leading a groundbreaking platform that has raised over $500 million for thousands of charities. He discusses his passion for leveraging a for-profit model to drive impact in the nonprofit world and the innovative ways Charitybuzz is transforming charitable giving through exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.   Ben also dives into the pressing challenges facing the philanthropic sector, from stagnant donation trends to the need for modern fundraising strategies. He highlights how Charitybuzz is tackling these issues by offering high-value experiences that inspire more giving. Whether it’s playing a top-ranked golf course, dining with Hollywood elites, or networking with Fortune 100 CEOs, Charitybuzz makes philanthropy exciting and rewarding for donors. With a career marked by strategic growth, acquisitions, and a relentless drive to maximize charitable impact, Ben provides invaluable insights for business leaders and nonprofit professionals alike. Tune in to learn how innovation, accountability, and purpose can redefine success—not just in business, but in creating a better world. 📩 Connect with Ben Erwin: Berwin@charitybuzz.com   Watch the Full Episode Here!