The Circuit of Success Podcast with Brett Gilliland

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!

In this special return episode of The Circuit of Success, Brett Gilliland sits down with Travis Thomas, performance and culture coach, founder of Live Yes, And, and author of Confidence is Overrated. Since his last appearance on the show in October 2022, Travis has continued his work with elite athletes and organizations, including serving as the Leadership and Team Dynamics Coach for the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team during the 2022 World Cup. With a background in professional improvisational comedy spanning over 20 years, Travis blends the principles of improv, leadership, and personal growth to help individuals and teams thrive.   In this episode, Travis challenges the traditional belief that confidence is the key to success. Instead, he argues that true achievement comes from courage—the ability to take action despite fear and uncertainty. He shares powerful insights from his career coaching FC Dallas, St. Louis University Men’s Soccer, and corporate leaders, explaining how developing a growth mindset, embracing discomfort, and prioritizing psychological safety are critical to sustained high performance. Drawing from his latest book, Confidence is Overrated, he provides practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt and unlocking your full potential. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or professional looking to level up, this episode will challenge your mindset and inspire you to take bold action. Tune in to discover why courage—not confidence—is the foundation of success. 📩 Connect with Travis: travislthomas@mac.com 🌐 Learn more: www.LiveYesAnd.com 📲 Follow Travis on Social Media: @LiveYesAnd on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Curtis Francois, the visionary leader behind the revival of Worldwide Technology Raceway (WWTR). A lifelong St. Louisan, real estate developer, and former professional racecar driver, Curtis has dedicated himself to transforming the St. Louis region into a premier motorsports destination. He shares how faith, family, and perseverance played a pivotal role in purchasing and reopening the racetrack in 2012, turning a struggling facility into a world-class venue that now hosts NASCAR, INDYCAR, and NHRA events, along with 300+ additional events per year.   Curtis discusses his passion for community engagement and diversity in racing. WWTR has a long-standing partnership with Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee to promote STEM education, alongside initiatives with World Wide Technology to enhance fan experiences and expand motorsports’ accessibility. Through WWTR’s charitable foundation, Raceway Gives, Curtis is committed to making a lasting impact on the community by fostering STEM experiences and supporting local leaders. His dedication has earned him numerous awards, including the Comcast Community Champion Award, NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Award, and the Innovator Award from Explore St. Louis. Tune in to hear Curtis’ incredible journey—from real estate to racing—and how he turned faith and vision into one of the most unique motorsports venues in the world. His story is a testament to resilience, leadership, and a relentless commitment to making a difference. 📩 Connect with Curtis Francois: avandemore@wwtraceway.com   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of The Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Joe Davis, former Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), TED speaker, and author of The Generous Leader. Joe shares the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership journey—from personal hardships to career-defining mentorships—and how those experiences led him to champion resilience, empathy, and decisive leadership.   Joe spent 37 years with BCG, where he co-founded the Washington, D.C. office, launched BCG’s North American Public Sector business, led BCG North America, and founded and chaired BCG’s Center for Inclusion and Equity. In The Generous Leader, he reflects on a performance review that changed his perspective: he wasn’t the best problem-solver alone, but with others, he could tackle any challenge. His ability to connect with people became his greatest leadership asset. Joe earned his BA from Whitman College and an MBA from Harvard Business School and is currently serving his second term as Whitman’s Board Chair. Brett and Joe dive into the value of “generous listening” and why truly hearing others is the key to effective leadership. Joe shares practical insights for leaders at all levels, from navigating high-stakes decisions to fostering genuine human connections in an increasingly digital world. He also opens up about his family life—his marriage of over 40 years to Sarah, their four children, and eight grandchildren—and how the deep sense of care and support in his personal life has influenced his leadership philosophy. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that will inspire you to lead with authenticity, resilience, and generosity. 📩 Connect with Joe Davis: joedavistgl@gmail.com   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode Brett sits down with Kristy Shell as they share candid moments ranging from the contrast of Florida sunshine and Illinois winter to the personal experiences that have shaped their lives. Kristy draws on over 25 years of experience in the medical and wellness fields to explain how everyday challenges and family connections inform her approach to compassionate care. Their conversation weaves together lighthearted banter and deep reflections on what it means to truly support patients and families through the complexities of the healthcare system.   Kristy Shell is a nurse healthcare advocate and system improvement champion who founded Haven Healthcare Advocates in 2020. Inspired by her own family’s struggles especially a challenging time when her father faced a critical health crisis. Kristy realized that many people needed a trusted guide to navigate an often overwhelming system. Her journey from bedside nursing to leading a comprehensive care management team shows how personal experiences can fuel a passion for making healthcare clearer and more accessible for everyone. With a robust background that includes advanced studies in nursing leadership and public health at the University of Missouri along with degrees from Southern Illinois University and Barnes Jewish School of Nursing, Kristy brings both practical expertise and academic insight to her work. Her team provides full care management hospital advocacy and helps resolve issues from medical billing errors to navigating insurance appeals. Tune in to learn how Kristy Shell is transforming healthcare by ensuring that every patient understands their medical needs and receives the highest standard of care. 📩 Connect with Kristy Shell: kristy@havenhca.com   Watch the Full Episode Here!

Great podcast with Erin Stafford, a powerhouse author, speaker, and leader with a diverse and impactful career. Erin has excelled as an MTV advertising executive, a celebrity stylist, a journalist, and a marketing expert, working with global brands like Apple, Nike, and American Express. She is also the author of “The Type A Trap: Five Mindset Shifts to Beat Burnout and Transform Your Life.”   In this episode of the Circuit of Success, Erin shares her journey of embracing change, taking risks, and building confidence through learning and experience. She discusses the importance of not staying stuck in one career, leveraging skills for new opportunities, and adopting a fearless “Why not me?” mentality. Erin also opens up about the most challenging year of her life, overcoming personal hardships, and how the lessons from her burnout helped her navigate adversity while achieving her most successful year in business. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, reinvention, and pushing through life’s obstacles to create a fulfilling and dynamic career. 📩 Connect with Erin Stafford: erin@erinstafford.com   Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Jimmy Sansone, co-founder of The Normal Brand, to explore his journey from finance to fashion entrepreneurship. Growing up as the eldest of ten siblings in a close-knit St. Louis family, Jimmy was influenced by his father and grandfather’s sense of style and strong work ethic. That inspiration, combined with a frustration of not being able to find a “normal” shirt, led him to take a bold leap from his corporate career into the world of apparel. What started in his parents’ basement with just five hats has grown into a nationally recognized lifestyle brand known for its blend of style, comfort, and practicality.   Jimmy shares the risks and challenges he faced while launching The Normal Brand, including the fear of failure, the uncertainty of starting without a perfect plan, and the determination to succeed in a highly competitive industry. He emphasizes the importance of taking action, learning through experience, and staying true to his Midwest roots. He also dives into the habits that keep him focused, including faith, fitness, and a commitment to humility. As The Normal Brand approaches its tenth anniversary, Jimmy reflects on the lessons learned, the key moments that shaped the company, and the mindset that continues to drive its success. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a fan of high-quality apparel, or someone looking for motivation to take the next step toward your goals, this conversation is filled with valuable insights. Jimmy’s story is a powerful example of how embracing your roots, trusting your instincts, and putting in the hard work can lead to extraordinary success. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on building a brand, taking risks, and creating something meaningful. Connect with Jimmy Sansone at jimmy@thenormalbrand.com   Watch the Full Episode Here!