The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast

In this special Q&A leadership session, Dwayne Kerrigan brings forward one of his most personal and powerful teachings yet—an unfiltered look at problem-solving, decision-making, emotional mastery, strategic planning, and the rituals that shape high-performance leaders.Responding to 51 listener questions, Dwayne breaks down the “three pillars of progress,” the psychological layers of every problem, why decision-making is a muscle, and how fear, uncertainty, and overwhelm quietly sabotage performance.He shares the exact rituals he has used for decades—from weekly solitude planning to identity-based scheduling—and the transformative practice he credits with changing his life: think time.This episode is a masterclass in intentional living and high-performance leadership, blending mindset, structure, neuroscience, and real-world business wisdom. If you’re navigating fast-moving environments, leading teams, or trying to build a more purposeful life, this conversation gives you a proven roadmap forward.Key Takeaways:Decision-making is a muscle—if you don’t practice small decisions with process and ritual, big decisions will always overwhelm you.Your focus determines your emotional life—the meaning you attach to events shapes long-term joy or suffering.Rituals create identity and outcomes—weekly solitude planning, think time, and identity-based scheduling produce clarity and momentum.Strategic thinking requires cadence—yearly visioning, quarterly reviews, weekly planning, and daily recalibration.AI will disrupt faster than expected—leaders must systemize processes now to survive the shift.Self-love, vulnerability, and forgiveness are essential ingredients for emotional mastery and better decision-making.Quotes:“Decision making is a muscle .. and it's a skill set. And often times where we struggle is this area of making the tough and difficult decisions.”“What you ritualized in practice in private is rewarded in public.”“The business side of things should be a game. I mean, it should be fun most of the time.”"What is going to make you a happier and more joyful person, is attaching a different meaning to the events that happen in your life.”Resources Mentioned:Tony Robbins – “Three Pillars of Progress,” Date With Destiny program, life-planning philosophyStephen Covey – prioritization framework (A/B/C method)Waking Up App (Sam Harris) – meditation and mindfulnessChatGPT (Teams) – referenced as part of Dwayne’s business infrastructureSOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) – foundational to AI-based workflow agentsIdentity-based scheduling – Dwayne’s personal system (Chairman, Husband, Father, Student, etc.)Audio Timestamps:00:00 – How meaning, not outcomes, determines happiness and fulfillment.01:00 – Welcome, context for the live Q&A format, and session overview.02:00 – Framing the biggest listener questions around decisions, problems, and leadership.03:00 – The three pillars of progress and why focusing on problems makes them grow.05:00 – The three levels of a problem: external, internal, and psychological.07:00 – Why fear, uncertainty, and overwhelm stop people from making decisions.09:00 – Decision-making as a muscle and the importance of rituals for small decisions.12:00 – Managing overwhelm through physiology, breathing, and better questions.16:00 – Focus, meaning, and how emotional patterns shape leadership behavior.23:00 – Strategic thinking rituals: yearly visioning, quarterly reviews, and weekly planning.30:00 – Identity-based scheduling and prioritizing what truly matters.37:00 – Think time as a leadership superpower and how to train your mind.43:00 – Accountability, scorecards, and building high-performance teams.47:00 – Thriving in fast-moving environments through cadence, communication, and clarity.53:00 – AI, SOPs, and preparing organizations for rapid technological change.01:00:00 – Gamification, morning rituals, and energizing daily performance.01:05:00 – Shifting from goal-setting to road mapping and intentional living.01:08:00 – Awareness, vulnerability, self-love, and forgiveness as leadership foundations.01:12:00 – Final reflections, gratitude, and invitation for feedback.Connect with Dwayne KerriganFacebookInstagramLinked InWebsiteDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In Part Two of this high-impact conversation, Dwayne continues his deep dive with global business strategist and Success Story Podcast host Scott Clary, who breaks down exactly why attention is the foundational currency of modern business — and why companies that fail to adapt will be overtaken by those who move quickly with media, content, and AI.Scott unpacks the psychology of why leaders resist content, the identity fear behind “not wanting to suck,” and how legacy businesses risk losing everything because they’re still marketing for 2005 while technology is sprinting into 2025.Dwayne and Scott explore real-world examples—from lawn-care companies to B2B manufacturers to billion-dollar firms—and show how even the most “unsexy” industries can dominate simply by capturing attention and building trust at scale.The conversation expands into AI disruption, the collapse of traditional SEO, the rise of generative search, modern buyer behavior, shortening sales cycles through content, and the undeniable compounding power of personal brand.This episode is a wake-up call to business owners everywhere: adapt now, or be replaced by those who do.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS00:00 – Media equals attention and attention drives every business outcome. 02:00 – The real starting point for content: sucking at first and learning through repetition.04:30 – Scott unpacks why universal business principles apply to content creation. 06:00 – Identity, fear, and why business owners avoid content creation.07:00 – The widening gap between tech adopters and those still resisting digital change. 09:00 – Legacy vs. legitimacy: content won’t damage your reputation, but irrelevance will. 11:00 – Content isn't just video - newsletters, audio, and niche education all count. 13:00 – Niche creators winning with “unsexy” businesses. 17:00 – Example content strategies.20:00 – Why Scott studies fast-growing creators - not the biggest creators. 23:00 – The explosive business outcomes possible when you master content (“not a 1x or 2x”). 27:00 – Why even billion-dollar CEOs must build trust through media. 33:00 – How content accelerates B2B sales cycles and increases closing ratios. 37:00 – Generative search is replacing Google.43:00 – Scott breaks down the KPI stack: retention, shares, watch time, and qualified leads. 48:00 – Essential tools: ChatGPT, Claude, Opus Pro, CapCut, etc., and what they’re best for. 50:00 – Hiring global talent.56:00 – The coming AI household-assistant revolution.01:02:00 – SEO collapse and the rise of creator-driven education and media networks. 01:08:00 – Entrepreneurs have already done hard things - this is simply the next one. 01:10:00 – Passion is the outcome of mastery, not the prerequisite. 01:11:00 – How older leaders can partner with younger digital natives.KEY TAKEAWAYSAttention is the gateway to trust, and trust drives every buying decision.Content doesn’t mean dancing online; it means choosing a medium you can stick with.AI and generative search are rewriting SEO overnight.Content massively increases sales velocity and close rates.Small businesses have the most to gain from adopting a media strategy.Entrepreneurship is staying alive long enough for your strategy to work. QUOTES:"Media is attention. From the beginning of time, attention and influence is what drives people to make decisions." - Scott Clary" Entrepreneurship is a game of staying alive as long as possible until it works." - Scott Clary" I've always found that like you, you become passionate through mastery, through success, through figuring things out." - Scott Clary" People tie their identity to their business and if they try to go and do content and it sucks, it's a reflection that they suck and they don't want to put themselves out there." - Dwayne Kerrigan" I believe that people shift through the power of story. I think it's the greatest way for us to learn because it allows us to put ourselves into other people's shoes." - Dwayne KerriganRESOURCES MENTIONEDChatGPT (OpenAI) – ideation, scripting, research assistance.Claude (Anthropic) – content development and refinement.Opus Pro – turns long-form video into short-form clips.CapCut – simple editing tool for social video.Substack – newsletters and niche written content.Beehiiv – newsletter growth platform.Upwork – for finding global editors and creators (Scott’s preferred starting point).HubSpot – case study for shifting from SEO to media networks.Gary Vaynerchuk / VaynerMedia – example of media-first business building.Alex Hormozi – example of massive content-driven product launches.Scott Clary is a dynamic entrepreneur, investor, and author. He hosts the Success Story podcast, where he has candid conversations with some of the most prolific business & thought leaders in the world. Links:Website: https://www.scottdclary.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary Podcast: https://www.successstorypodcast.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottdclarypage/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/scottdclary   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdclary Connect with Dwayne KerriganFacebookInstagramLinked InWebsiteDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In this conversation, Dwayne sits down with entrepreneur and creator Scott Clary, host of the Success Story Podcast with 30M+ downloads. Scott opens up about his unlikely path from a government-family upbringing to becoming a media-first entrepreneur, the early exposure that ignited his drive, and why curiosity and tenacity can outperform almost anything. Scott walks through how small companies create the best “entrepreneurial classrooms,” why every creator should think like a founder, and how success hinges on defining your personal North Star before you start sprinting. The episode dives deep into AI disruption, content strategy, internal vs. external locus of control, personal branding, and how businesses of every size can prepare for the next wave of transformation. Scott offers tactical clarity on building a media-first business, testing content efficiently, disrupting yourself before the market does, and why attention—sustained over time—is the most valuable commercial asset any entrepreneur can build. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS03:53 - Scott's telecom background  08:22 - How working at a small company provides exposure to all aspects of business 14:27 - The importance of curiosity as a foundational entrepreneurial skill 17:25 - Warning: Be careful what you pursue - success requires understanding your true goals 23:25 - Finding your North Star: Be rigid in goals but flexible in execution 28:10 - Identifying what energizes you through trial and error 32:33 - Building a business while working full-time: The side hustle strategy 38:15 - How AI is disrupting businesses and the need for constant self-disruption 43:15 - The four types of leverage: Capital, technology, people, and media 51:00 - The power of AI to make individuals 10-100x more productive 01:06:30 - Internal vs external locus of control and taking ownership 01:13:30 - Content creation strategy: Testing ideas at scale on forgiving platforms 01:27:26 - How media and AI are already transforming traditional industries like restaurants KEY TAKEAWAYS Define your North Star before you start running Many people pursue success without clarity on what they actually want — a lifestyle business, a scalable company, privacy, or fame. If you have tenacity and skill, you’ll eventually succeed… so make sure you're climbing the right mountain. Curiosity is the foundation of career acceleration Scott attributes almost everything in his career to relentless curiosity — the willingness to ask questions, learn widely, and self-educate. AI won’t replace people but people who use AI will replace people who don’t The companies thriving in this era are disrupting themselves before someone else does. Every role can be up-leveled 10x–100x with the right tools and mindset. Media is the ultimate leverage Capital, technology, people… and media. If you don’t build a personal or company brand, someone in your industry eventually will — and they will take market share. Content is business R&D Social content is the best testing ground for messaging. Use it to refine your voice, validate ideas, influence sales scripts, and improve marketing before spending ad dollars. Attention over time creates trust The companies, creators, and leaders who show up consistently earn trust — which compounds into opportunity. Internal locus of control is a superpower Entrepreneurs who take ownership — good or bad — create their own luck and navigate volatility more effectively. QUOTES From Scott Clary: “If you have the right skill set and you have the right tenacity, whatever you go after, you will find a way to become successful at that thing.”  “Be rigid in where you want to end up, but very flexible in how you get there.”  “Attention over time builds trust.”  “The best employees are entrepreneurs, just in a different season of their life.”  “If you don’t disrupt yourself, someone else will come along and take your lunch.”  From Dwayne Kerrigan: “Every bad idea I’ve ever had started with a good idea at the time.”  “Be careful what you wish for  because you might actually get it.”  “Pros get paid to practice.”  Scott Clary is a dynamic entrepreneur, investor, and author. He hosts the Success Story podcast, where he has candid conversations with some of the most prolific business & thought leaders in the world. Links:Website: https://www.scottdclary.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary Podcast: https://www.successstorypodcast.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottdclarypage/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/scottdclary   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdclary Connect with Dwayne KerriganFacebookInstagramLinked InWebsiteDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In Part 2 of this conversation, Dwayne Kerrigan and France Margaret Bélanger, President of Sports & Entertainment for the Montreal Canadiens, go deep into the personal side of leadership, discussing courage, conviction, and composure.France Margaret shares how calm strength and self-awareness guide her through high-stakes decisions, what she’s learned about emotional control in negotiation, and why courage means making the right choice even when it’s unpopular. Together, she and Dwayne explore what it truly means to lead with heart, to face criticism with elegance, and to never let labels define who you are.Whether you’re leading a team, a business, or your own personal evolution, authenticity, self-mastery, and grace under pressure are key.Episode Highlights00:00 – Making the right decision even when it’s unpopular.03:00 – Balancing intensity with standards.05:00 – Lessons from France’s father.07:00 – The power of calm, and why letting anger take over gives control to others.09:00 – France on staying poised as a woman in leadership without labeling herself.11:00 – When to walk away from conflict and preserve professionalism.12:00 – The balance between courage, compassion, and tolerance for “the gray.”15:00 – Political parallels, and why real leadership requires vision and unity.17:00 – Inside the Canadiens rebuild.25:00 – Leadership lessons from rebuilding a legacy brand under scrutiny.33:00 – How Jeff Molson’s bold decisions shaped new success.41:00 – France recounts how she stepped into leadership unexpectedly.47:00 – Dwayne connects France’s story to business owners everywhere.49:00 – Navigating gender in business. 57:00 – “No excuses.” Dwayne and France on identity, congruence, and living your values.01:05:00 – Closing reflections on family, legacy, and leading with heart.Notable Quotes"The minute that you, France, is getting mad or angry or whatever, you lost. Might as well give up right now because this other person that managed to get you in that position, won." - France Margaret Bélanger" Hopefully we do things elegantly, right. Firmly, with determination, but elegantly." - France Margaret Bélanger "You show up as who you are, and that's what people will know about you, and that's what people will talk about you. You gotta be authentic and honest to who you are" - France Margaret Bélanger" It's the ultimate control. If somebody can influence your emotion into, especially into anger, you're done. They are now in control of you." - Dwayne Kerrigan “The most powerful force in the human psyche is to remain congruent with how you identify yourself.” - Dwayne KerriganKey TakeawaysControl Your Emotions: The moment you react in anger, you lose your influence.Elegance Wins: Deliver hard messages with composure and respect.Authenticity Over Labels: Show up as yourself; skill and preparation speak louder than gender.Rebuilding Takes Vision and Grit:True progress comes from honest assessment and bold change.Stay Grounded in Values: Your identity and integrity are your anchors under pressure.Resources MentionedThe Rebuild – Behind-the-scenes documentary series on the Montreal CanadiensJeff Molson, Jeff Gorton, Kent Hughes, and Martin St. Louis – leadership and culture case studyNHL Board of Governors and Executive Inclusion CouncilFrance Margaret Bélanger is President, Sports and Entertainment at Groupe CH since 2020, which includes the Montreal Canadiens, the Laval Rocket, evenko and L’Équipe Spectra. She joined the organization in 2013 as Senior Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer, and has held several executive positions over the years.France Margaret is the first woman to sit on the Executive Committee of the Montreal Canadiens in the club’s 104-year history and also the first woman to lead the organization.Links:Website: https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/team/france-margaret-belanger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/france-margaret-belanger-833b6b41Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadiensmtl Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/canadiensmtl/?hl=fr Spectra: https://www.instagram.com/spectramusique/?hl=frEvenko: https://www.instagram.com/evenko/?hl=frConnect with Dwayne KerriganFacebookInstagramLinked InWebsiteDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In this episode of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast, France Margaret Bélanger, President of Sports and Entertainment for the Montreal Canadiens, shares her extraordinary journey from corporate law to leading one of Canada’s most iconic sports and entertainment organizations.France shares how she transitioned from a partner at Stikeman Elliott to the front office of the Canadiens, what she’s learned about negotiation, culture, and leadership, and how she balances motherhood, resilience, and professional excellence in a high-pressure industry. France’s stories of her family, her team, and her leadership philosophy will resonate deeply with anyone striving to lead with both courage and compassion.Key Takeaways1. Preparation Creates Confidence. Knowing your material and your mission lets you show up calm, credible, and composed.2. Listening Wins Negotiations. Speak less, observe more. Real insight comes from awareness, not control.3. Surround Yourself with Excellence. Great leaders aren’t afraid to hire people smarter than themselves.4. Culture Is the Standard You Set. When “getting it done” becomes cultural DNA, excellence follows naturally.5. Grace and Grit Can Co-Exist. Authentic leadership balances empathy with accountability.Quotes“If you talk all the time, you don’t have time to listen.” - France Margaret Bélanger“I prefer a mistake to an excuse. A mistake is a mistake.” - France Margaret Bélanger“Know your outcome, stack experience, and surround yourself with the best.” - Dwayne Kerrigan“Fear shows up as easy. Nobody likes the label fear, but that’s what it is. And fear shows up as an excuse.” - Dwayne KerriganFrance Margaret Bélanger is President, Sports and Entertainment at Groupe CH since 2020, which includes the Montreal Canadiens, the Laval Rocket, evenko and L’Équipe Spectra. She joined the organization in 2013 as Senior Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer, and has held several executive positions over the years.France Margaret is the first woman to sit on the Executive Committee of the Montreal Canadiens in the club’s 104-year history and also the first woman to lead the organization.Links:Website: https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/team/france-margaret-belanger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/france-margaret-belanger-833b6b41Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadiensmtl Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/canadiensmtl/?hl=fr Spectra: https://www.instagram.com/spectramusique/?hl=frEvenko: https://www.instagram.com/evenko/?hl=frConnect with Dwayne KerriganFacebookInstagramLinked InWebsiteDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In Part 2 of his conversation with Dwayne Kerrigan, creative powerhouse Ron Tite dives deep into the execution side of belief-driven business. Ron breaks down how great companies find alignment with what they think, do, and say - and why most fail when they overthink, overreact, or chase the next shiny thing.This episode explores how to balance creativity with discipline, lead with integrity, and build brands that truly earn trust. Ron’s frameworks and real-world examples (from Dell to Wealthsimple) will reshape how you think about growth, culture, and storytelling in your own business and career.Highlights:00:00 – Your brand isn’t just a color palette04:15 – Balancing structure with innovation10:40 – Aligning through recruiting, training, and compensation13:15 – The short-term trap of chasing sales and ignoring foundations16:00 – Ron shares a personal story that reframes purpose and perspective22:00 – Breaking down what makes a great brand28:15 – The Dell origin story and how storytelling drives strategy and culture32:40 – Applying the Think. Do. Say. formula to everyday decision making35:00 – Identifying and removing your own barriers through honest self-reflectionKey Takeaways:Your Brand Isn’t Just An Aesthetic - True brands align their belief, behavior, and communication - not just colors and logos.Balance Creativity with Consistency - You need both the “concept car” for innovation and the “assembly line” for profit.Culture Must Reflect Belief - If you believe in collaboration or honesty, it has to exist inside your organization too.Tell Future Stories - Vision isn’t a statement, it’s a story of where you’re going and how you’ll get there.Face the Hard Truths - Leaders must ask the obvious questions and own their barriers to growth.Quotes:“ A great brand has a core purpose, a fundamental belief that's behind it.” - Ron Tite“ If you're all concept car, and all ideas, and all innovation, you go bankrupt. If you're all execution, you're all assembly line, you become irrelevant.” - Ron Tite “Advertising is really just a tax on people who don’t have a great product.” - Ron Tite“I’ve seen so many business owners torpedo their business because they wanted something new and flashier.” - Dwayne KerriganResources Mentioned:Everyone’s An Artist - Or At Least They Should Be - by Ron TiteThink Do Say - by Ron TiteThe Purpose of Purpose - by Ron TiteCase Studies: Wealthsimple, Dell Computers, Church+State AgencyRon Tite is an entrepreneur, speaker, and best-selling author. He has been a creative director for some of the world’s most respected brands including Air France, DoorDash, Evian, Google, Intel, Microsoft, and Volvo. He’s the founder and chief strategy officer of Church+State, co-founder of advertising holding company Group 219, and an investor/ advisor to Wavy, the culture OS for distributed teams. He’s the best-selling author of 3 books: Everyone’s An Artist - Or At Least They Should Be (HarperCollins, 2016), Think Do Say (Page Two, 2019), and The Purpose of Purpose (Page Two, 2025).Links:Website: https://rontite.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574805686652 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rontiteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rontite LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontite/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/rontiteConnect with Dwayne KerriganFacebookInstagram Linked InWebsite Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

On this episode of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast, Dwayne is joined by Ron Tite - award-winning creative director, author, comedian, and founder of Church+State - for a conversation that unpacks the real meaning of purpose in business.Ron has spent decades helping global brands like Google, Walmart, and Microsoft align what they believe with how they grow. In this candid conversation, he explains why most companies get their purpose wrong, how to articulate what truly drives your business, and why belief - not branding - is the foundation of sustainable success.Ron shares tangible frameworks straight from his latest book, The Purpose of Purpose, and shows how every entrepreneur can stop chasing trends and start building a company rooted in integrity, clarity, and long-term impact.Highlights:00:00 –Three-line purpose formula01:00 – Introduction03:15 – On balancing creativity and business06:10 – Lessons from Best Buy’s leadership08:40 – What business’ can learn from artists10:15 – Sacrificing ideals leads to a loss of integrity15:00 – Belief helps drive what you sell and how you grow19:00 – The five modern business constituents27:00 – Ron expands on his three-line formula29:00 – The Savannah Bananas example: reinventing baseball by redefining the rules35:30 – Vision is good, purpose is betterKey Takeaways:Purpose Is Practical, Not Promotional - It’s not about charity statements, it’s about aligning belief with how you make money.Focus on the Ecosystem - Shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and communities all define modern success.Stop Copying Competitors - Innovation begins when you stop painting “pink” just because everyone else does.Belief Drives Growth - Purpose clarifies where your next product, hire, and customer come from.Integrity Over Imitation - The moment you sacrifice your ideals for sales, you lose both.Quotes:“Purpose is a fundamental belief that drives what you sell and how you grow.” - Ron Tite “A belief and a purpose is strategically linked to where you make your money.” - Ron Tite“The second I sacrifice my ideals and my pursuit of what I think is true, to match up with your desire and what you want to buy, I have lost all my integrity and I have no more business.” - Ron Tite“Business people can get in their head, and there’s that saying - once you’re in your head, you’re dead.” - Dwayne KerriganResources Mentioned:Everyone’s An Artist - Or At Least They Should Be - by Ron TiteThink Do Say - by Ron TiteThe Purpose of Purpose - by Ron TiteSavannah Bananas (Jesse Cole) case studyRon Tite is an entrepreneur, speaker, and best-selling author. He has been a creative director for some of the world’s most respected brands including Air France, DoorDash, Evian, Google, Intel, Microsoft, and Volvo. He’s the founder and chief strategy officer of Church+State, co-founder of advertising holding company Group 219, and an investor/ advisor to Wavy, the culture OS for distributed teams. He’s the best-selling author of 3 books: Everyone’s An Artist - Or At Least They Should Be (HarperCollins, 2016), Think Do Say (Page Two, 2019), and The Purpose of Purpose (Page Two, 2025).Links:Website: https://rontite.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574805686652 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rontiteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rontite LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontite/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/rontite Connect with Dwayne Kerrigan FacebookInstagramLinked InWebsiteDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In Part 2 of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast with Mara Dorne, the conversation goes beyond business and into the mindset that helped create her success.Mara opens up about living with anxiety, navigating “mom guilt”, and the personal sacrifices involved in becoming successful. Authenticity has been a major key for Mara, who has learned over time what it takes to thrive without losing yourself. Her transparency and humor will inspire you to embrace your truth and imperfections, and lead with both power and compassion.Episode Highlights00:00 – “Progress brings happiness.” 01:15 – “Look good, feel good, do good.” How inner confidence fuels outer success.05:30 – Energy equals productivity — lessons from Tony Robbins on physiology and focus.09:30 – The truth about mom guilt, mom shaming, and giving yourself grace.17:00 – Setting boundaries and choosing family over constant business travel.21:30 – “People like you when you’re authentic.” Leadership lessons from letting go of ego.31:15 – Owning her anxiety — how Mara turned fear into focus and vulnerability into power. 43:00 – “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.” Choosing resilience and self-love.49:30 – “You’re not going to be everybody’s cup of tea — and that’s okay.”Key Takeaways:Progress Creates Purpose Growth — even small — fuels happiness. Stagnation fuels frustration.Grace Over Guilt Working moms and entrepreneurs alike must stop striving for perfection. Give yourself permission to be human.Anxiety Can Be Power Instead of resisting fear, Mara reframes it as heightened awareness — a tool for empathy and performance.Authenticity Wins Success feels better when you stop performing for approval and start living in alignment.Feminine Energy Is Strength Nurturing, empathy, intuition — these aren’t weaknesses. They’re leadership advantages.Boundaries Build Balance Saying “no” with intention creates space for what truly matters — family, health, and peace of mind.Notable Quotes:“There is absolute guilt. I’m the mom at the football meet in heels, on the phone, juggling everything. But at some point, you’ve got to give yourself grace.” Mara Dorne“You’re not going to be everybody’s cup of tea — and that’s okay. Peel back the layer and be who you want to be.” Mara Dorne“Being a woman is a superpower. It really is a superpower, especially in sales, because men like to talk to women and women like to talk to women.” Mara Dorne“We’re all going to experience pain. But what you don’t have to experience is suffering. You don’t have to suffer.” Dwayne KerriganMara is a self-made millionaire, best-selling author, public speaker, and award winning BILF ('Boss I'd Like to Follow') who built a remarkable career in a male-dominated industry. As a top leader at a Fortune 500 subsidiary, she made history by exceeding $1 billion in sales before turning 40. Beyond her corporate achievements, Mara is passionate about mentoring and has guided over 1,500 health insurance agents nationwide, with a particular focus on empowering female entrepreneurs.Links:Website: https://maradorne.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDorneRegionTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mara.dorneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maradorne/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maradorne/BILF Podcast: https://maradorne.com/bilf-podcast/Connect with Dwayne KerriganFacebookInstagramLinked InWebsiteDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

Mara Dorne, self-made millionaire and top leader at a Fortune 500 subsidiary, joins The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast this week to share her insights and wisdom in all things business. Mara has built a remarkable career in a male-dominated industry. She made history when she exceeded $1 billion in sales before turning 40, so she knows a thing or two about the formula for success.In Part One of their discussion, Mara opens up to Dwayne about her resilience, rebuilding from scratch, and how finding her WHY changed everything. They unpack everything from the changing sales landscape in a post-COVID world, to the non-negotiables of leadership, recruiting, and mindset.If you agree that business, and life, should be about pursuing purpose and passion, not paycheques, this episode is for you!Highlights:00:00 – Mara opens with her mantra: “A.B.C. – Always Be Closing.”02:10 – From broke to a billion: Mara’s journey to leading 1,500 agents.05:45 – Why remote work kills culture — and why energy drives sales.10:15 – Insights from Tony Robbins and Patrick Bet-David on adapting to change.12:10 – “Work-life balance is a theory — it doesn’t exist for go-getters.”16:30 – Always be recruiting: how to build growth through referrals and social media.21:15 – Bob Proctor’s influence and the role of personal development in leadership.33:00 – “Scared money don’t make money” — how to invest wisely during downturns.42:45 – The moment everything changed: from broke to $92K in six months.56:30 – “When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you do good.”Key TakeawaysRecruit Your Way Out of a Slump - Growth solves almost every sales problem. When in doubt, fill your pipeline with new energy and new people.Structure Equals Success - Freedom without accountability is failure. Even independent agents need rules, rhythm, and standards.Invest in Your Business—Smartly “Scared money don’t make money,” but blind spending isn’t strategy. Inspect every process before you invest.Confidence Is Built, Not Born Confidence grows through preparation, discipline, and mastering your craft—especially when no one’s watching.Culture Is the Competitive Edge In-office synergy, shared goals, and consistent communication drive long-term retention and results.Own Your Mistakes, Lead from the Front The fastest way to rebuild momentum is to get back in the trenches and show your team what leadership looks like.Mara is a self-made millionaire, best-selling author, public speaker, and award winning BILF ('Boss I'd Like to Follow') who built a remarkable career in a male-dominated industry. As a top leader at a Fortune 500 subsidiary, she made history by exceeding $1 billion in sales before turning 40. Beyond her corporate achievements, Mara is passionate about mentoring and has guided over 1,500 health insurance agents nationwide, with a particular focus on empowering female entrepreneurs.Links:Website: https://maradorne.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDorneRegionTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mara.dorneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maradorne/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maradorne/BILF Podcast: https://maradorne.com/bilf-podcast/Quotes: “ABC, always be closing. It’s a constant conversation. I’m telling everybody that I know in my life works in this, even my ex-husband and my husband—it’s crazy. And why wouldn’t you want to offer that to somebody if you’re doing well with it and you know that there is uncapped income potential, unlimited growth, you can be your own boss, you’re in business for yourself, not by yourself.” Mara Dorne“Scared money don’t make money. I learned that very early on.” Mara Dorne“Inspect what you expect. And if you don’t do that—because sometimes you think they got it—they don’t got it.” Mara Dorne“It’s an unbelievable story of necessity. When things are that desperate—and you know, necessity is the mother of all skill, as they say—you just have to find a way.” Dwayne KerriganConnect with Dwayne KerriganFacebook InstagramLinked InWebsiteDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

In Part 2 of The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast with John Karpov, founder and CEO of Action Home Services, Dwayne and John go even deeper into the mindset and systems behind Action Home Services(AHS), a leading landscaping and exterior construction company serving Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. From almost losing his residency to scaling an $8M business while facing deportation, John shares how he built structure, leadership, and culture around his immigrant grit. He opens up about redefining fulfillment, transitioning from survival mode to leadership, and how relentless personal growth became the cornerstone of his company’s 50% year-over-year growth.John reveals his leadership playbook — from reading 2 books a month to building over 1,000 SOPs and investing $1.5M in professional development for his team — and how staying humble, hungry, and human is what keeps him grounded through every phase of growth.If Part 1 was about survival, this episode is about scaling — with purpose, structure, and soul.Listen to Part 1 HEREWatch Part 1 HERETimestamps[00:00:00] — Dwayne opens with: “You can only run a business so long by running the fastest.”[00:01:00] — John’s incredible story of his wife’s visa approval and their shared “never give up” destiny.[00:05:00] — The immigration battle: how they nearly lost everything waiting for permanent residency.[00:07:30] — The miracle timing that let them stay in Canada and the lessons learned living on the edge.[00:10:00] — Reinvesting every dollar into the business while facing uncertainty.[00:13:00] — Scaling to $10M+ before age 25 — and not feeling like it’s an accomplishment.[00:17:00] — Dwayne and John explore scarcity versus hunger — and how the immigrant mindset fuels drive.[00:19:00] — John on never feeling “done” and why fulfillment comes from helping others succeed.[00:22:30] — The breakthrough realization: happiness is in the journey, not the destination.[00:26:00] — Daily fulfillment rituals: reading, training, and prioritizing sleep.[00:29:00] — Building structure and delegation into the company’s DNA — leadership by design.[00:31:00] — Creating organizational charts, head of departments, and scaling through people.[00:35:30] — Learning to lead through education: 100+ conferences and a book club culture.[00:38:00] — Investing $1.5M in personal and professional development and $40K in books.[00:41:00] — Company reading list and rewards program: from “Unreasonable Hospitality” to “Good to Great.”[00:45:00] — John’s transparent leadership: open-book finances, KPI education, and growth accountability.[00:49:00] — Over 1,000 SOPs: how structure scales culture.[00:53:00] — Turning every mistake into a process and every error into a lesson.[00:56:00] — The ROI of structure: new managers finally saying, “I love that it’s organized.”[00:58:00] — Why immigrants often make exceptional employees — grit meets gratitude.[01:00:30] — Dwayne’s reflection on the power of sacrifice and the immigrant spirit.[01:02:00] — John’s final advice: “If you need my help with your business, I’ll be there for you.”Key TakeawaysFulfillment is built, not found. True happiness comes from impact and presence, not milestones.Structure creates freedom. You can’t scale chaos — systems and SOPs build sustainability.Growth requires humility. John and his team read, learn, and attend conferences relentlessly.Teach what you learn. John trains his team to think like business owners — not just employees.Leadership is service. Real fulfillment comes from helping others grow beyond their limits.Resources MentionedBooks:Unreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraHow to Win with Accountability by Mike EvansGood to Great by Jim CollinsThe Mountain Is You by Brianna WiestThe Great Game of Business by Jack StackReferenced Concepts:The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber (on entrepreneurial seizure)Kaizen Methodology — continuous improvementOpen-Book Management — teaching employees to understand financialsQuotes:“You can only run a business for so long by running it through the mechanism of running the fastest. That usually ends up being the small entrepreneur way, and then you can't grow beyond that.” - Dwayne Kerrigan“I think sometimes the worst thing that we could rely on is this need for certainty where everything fits in a box and everything is going to be great, and we have this absolute certainty and that just doesn't exist in life.” - Dwayne Kerrigan“The amount of change and breakthroughs I go through every year is remarkable. My mindset shifts every single year.” — John Karpov“Fulfillment comes from impacting other people’s lives. When my team buys homes and grows, that’s when I feel truly successful.” — John Karpov“The real destination is the journey. Happiness isn’t five years from now — it’s today.” — John Karpov“Every mistake creates an SOP. Every error becomes a lesson. That’s how we grow.” — John KarpovLinks:Website: actionhomeservices.caFacebook: facebook.com/ActionHomeServicesTorontoInstagram: instagram.com/actionhomeservicesLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/action-home-services-gtaConnect with Dwayne KerriganFacebookInstagramLinked InWebsiteDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.