The Circuit of Success Podcast with Brett Gilliland

Olympic gold medalist Dawn Harper-Nelson joins The Circuit of Success for a dynamic live conversation that goes far beyond the track. Recorded Live at Beyond, Dawn brings laughter, insight, and raw honesty as she shares her path from East St. Louis to Olympic podiums—and how family, faith, and fierce determination have shaped every chapter of her story. This isn’t just about medals; it’s about the mindset and the mission that fuels a life of purpose.   Dawn pulls back the curtain on what it takes to train for a race that lasts just 12 seconds, how mental discipline became her secret weapon, and what it was like working under the intense guidance of legendary coach Bobby Kersee. She opens up about motherhood, community, and why coming home will always matter more than global fame. From UCLA to NBC’s Olympic broadcast booth, she continues to evolve and inspire. Dawn Harper-Nelson is one of the most accomplished hurdlers in the world, with Olympic gold (2008), Olympic silver (2012), and World Championship silver (2017) to her name. She’s a 2022 UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, and the state of Illinois honored her with “Dawn Harper Day” following her gold medal win. Beyond sports, she’s a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association, community ambassador for United Way, and supporter of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation. Now preparing for her PhD in psychology and learning French Dawn proves that champions never stop growing.   📩 Connect with Dawn Harper-Nelson Watch the Full Episode Here!

What does it take to thrive in one of the most competitive careers in media and still stay grounded? In this powerful episode of The Circuit of Success, Michelle Beisner-Buck reveals the truth behind the glitz of sports reporting. From her early dance roots to her time as a Broncos cheerleader to becoming ESPN’s go-to storyteller, Michelle unpacks how family, failure, and fierce determination shaped who she is today.   She also shares never-before-heard stories about balancing motherhood with career, the emotional toll of losing both parents, and the freak golf accident that became a turning point in her life. Full of humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and perseverance that fuel long-term success.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of the Circuit of Success, Brett Gilliland is joined by Jason Hreha—renowned behavioral scientist, entrepreneur, and author of Real Change. With a background in neuroscience from Stanford and time spent researching under BJ Fogg, Jason has spent over a decade applying behavioral science to drive business innovation and personal growth. From leading Walmart’s first behavioral science team to founding Persona, his work is reshaping how companies assess talent and how individuals approach transformation.   Jason takes us deep into the intersection of psychology, behavior, and leadership unpacking why much of what we’ve been told about habits is scientifically flawed. He explains why behaviors like working out or dieting aren’t habits at all, but rather conscious, effort-driven decisions. With clarity and insight, Jason reveals how real, lasting change is less about willpower and repetition and more about aligning your environment, mindset, and identity with the outcomes you want. Whether you’re a business leader looking to build high-performing teams or someone trying to create meaningful personal change, this conversation delivers powerful, science-backed strategies. Jason’s unique perspective will challenge how you think about success and provide practical tools to help you unlock your full potential.   📩 Connect with Jason Watch the Full Episode Here!

This week on The Circuit of Success, Brett Gilliland welcomes Eric Van Hook former Police Chief and current Mayor of O’Fallon, Illinois for a conversation about leadership, public service, and navigating high-pressure situations with clarity and confidence. Eric shares the early influences that drew him to a life of service, the evolution of his leadership philosophy, and how crisis management has shaped his approach to decision-making.   From working in corrections to becoming Police Chief and now mayor, Eric emphasizes the importance of preparation, communication, and surrounding yourself with a capable team. He discusses how critical moments like responding to school safety threats or managing public emergencies have taught him the value of systems thinking, adaptability, and leading with calm and compassion. Eric Van Hook is the newly elected Mayor of O’Fallon, Illinois. With over 30 years of public service experience, he served in the city’s law enforcement from 1990 to 2021, ultimately as Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police. His leadership earned him numerous accolades, including the 2019 Illinois “Police Chief of the Year” and the 2022 “Olympian Award.” He’s a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command and holds degrees in Human Resource Management and Criminal Justice. Eric continues to serve his community as a real estate broker, City Council Member, and through his involvement in Rotary, youth sports, and the Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife, Laura, are longtime O’Fallon residents, proud parents of four, and grandparents of three. His mayoral vision is focused on strategic, people-first leadership.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

Andy Brown is joined by Brett Gilliland, CEO of Visionary Wealth Advisors and host of the Circuit of Success podcast, for an honest and energizing conversation on success, mindset, leadership, journaling and how to avoid emotional burnout.   Brett shares the simple, powerful daily habits that have helped him lead a fulfilling life – both in business and at home. From building a business with purpose to raising four kids and giving back through charity work, Brett shows how you can achieve big goals without sacrificing your well being along the way. Whether you’re a founder, leader, business owner, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the pace of life, this conversation will give you practical ways to reset, refocus and recharge. This episode will help you rethink what productivity really means, prioritize what matters most, create healthy habits that last, and avoid (or recover from) emotional overdraft.   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Brendan Keegan—serial CEO, award-winning author, and visionary behind bFEARLESS Ventures. Brendan shares the driving forces behind his remarkable career, from leading global teams and scaling companies to securing over $10 billion in capital. The conversation kicks off with some light sports banter and quickly dives into the key ingredients of lasting success: relentless work ethic, clear vision, and the courage to lead boldly.   Brendan reflects on the mentors who shaped his path and offers actionable insights for those looking to discover their purpose and grow their leadership. He shares how mentorship often happens organically, and how being intentional about your goals can open the door to powerful guidance and lasting impact. Brendan P. Keegan is a 6-time president & chief executive officer, 21-time board director, 2-time best-selling author, World’s Most Innovative CEO award winner, and the visionary leader behind bFEARLESS Ventures, an investment & advisory firm. He has successfully led six companies through liquidity events, averaging a 750% increase in enterprise value. Brendan currently serves as co-owner and board member of Andretti Racing, United Autosports, Merchants Fleet, PURE Electric, Crane Paper, and Sky Meadow Country Club. He also holds board positions with McLaren Racing Indy Team, ExpressIT Delivery, RPI Athletics Council, RPI Lally Leadership Council, and the Keegan Family Courage & Faith Foundation. 📩 Connect with Brendan Watch the Full Episode Here!

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!