Private Club Radio Show

Ever feel like you are not good enough, even when you are?In this episode, GM Kent Johnson opens up about his personal experience with imposter syndrome as a leader in the private club world. We talk honestly about the voice of self-doubt that can show up even after years of success, and what it really takes to lead with vulnerability, clarity and confidence.Kent shares how imposter syndrome shows up at the GM level, why it often goes unspoken, and how he works through it without letting it take over. We also discuss personal growth, leadership style, and learning to stop chasing perfection.If you have ever questioned your own success or felt like a fraud in your role, this episode will remind you that you are not alone. Follow us on the socials Private Club Radio InstagramPrivate Club Radio Linkedin Denny Corby Instagram Denny Corby Linkedin

How do you go from college intern to banquet manager before 30 — and actually lead with confidence?In this episode of Private Club Radio, we’re joined by Mikayla Luby, a rising star in the private club industry, who shares her journey from hospitality student to full-time banquet manager at a major country club.We explore what it’s like to grow your career inside a private club — navigating early leadership challenges, earning respect from older team members, communicating under pressure, and managing large-scale events. Mikayla offers relatable, honest insight into the real-life tradeoffs of club life — from working weekends while friends are out, to the responsibility of managing peers and building trust fast.Whether you're a young professional starting out in private clubs, a club executive mentoring next-gen leaders, or someone exploring a career in country clubs, this episode offers powerful lessons in growth, grit, and professional development.Tune in and hear what it really takes to rise quickly in the country club world — and why Mikayla believes more young professionals should give this industry a closer look. Follow us on the socials Private Club Radio InstagramPrivate Club Radio Linkedin Denny Corby Instagram Denny Corby Linkedin

Ever wondered what it’s like to run a private club that functions more like a municipality than a clubhouse?In this episode, GM Joe Smith takes us deep into the world of Florida HOAs  where leadership isn’t just about member experience… it’s about navigating state law, statutes, and real legal accountability.You’ll hear how HOA-run clubs operate under public scrutiny, manage board meetings where anyone can speak, respond to official record requests, and even enforce rules about house colors and driveway parking. Joe breaks down the legal landscape, the operational headaches, and the leadership strategies it takes to succeed in this unique model.If you’ve ever stepped into an HOA-run club, thought about taking a GM role in one, or just want to know what it’s like to run a club where members have rights protected by law this episode is essential listening. Follow us on the socials Private Club Radio InstagramPrivate Club Radio Linkedin Denny Corby Instagram Denny Corby Linkedin

What happens when chandeliers, mahogany bars, and 150 years of tradition collide with TikTok and influencers? That’s the story unfolding at The Austin Club under the leadership of Paul Kornfeind, MCM, CCE.In this episode of Private Club Radio, Paul explains how he’s reimagining a historic city club for Gen Z and Millennials, while still honoring its rich legacy. From “Bingo After Dark” and “Gourmet Dinners Under the Stars” to collaborating with Austin’s top food and lifestyle influencers, The Austin Club is proving that private clubs can be both relevant and timeless.We dig into the details: why influencer partnerships work, how flexible membership tiers attract young professionals, and what every GM should consider when blending history with modern content strategies.If you’re wondering how to make your club attractive to the next generation without losing its soul, this conversation delivers the blueprint. Follow us on the socials Private Club Radio InstagramPrivate Club Radio Linkedin Denny Corby Instagram Denny Corby Linkedin

Want a packed room and zero complaints after comedy night?Learn how to:Book talent your members actually loveAvoid the AV pitfalls that kill energySet expectations that save your inboxBudget for the headline act, not just the dinnerComedy night should be a club highlight, not a source of member complaints. In this episode, entertainer, club favorite, and PCR host Denny Corby breaks down exactly how to host a packed, laughter-filled comedy night that delights members and drives real engagement.Download the Ultimate Comedy Night Blue Print hereFrom avoiding amateur mistakes like bad room setups and poor AV to booking headline talent that matches your club's vibe, Denny shares a proven blueprint tailored for the private club industry. He also uncovers why many comedy nights bomb and how a few simple changes can turn things around fast.Whether your club has sworn off comedy night or you're planning your first, this episode is a must-listen for every GM, event planner, and club marketer who wants events that members rave about.Follow us on the socials Private Club Radio InstagramPrivate Club Radio Linkedin Denny Corby Instagram Denny Corby Linkedin

Who's really trying to join your club? What secrets lie beneath that polished application and those glowing references? Dan Klimek from Kennis Member Vetting pulls back the curtain on what truly comprehensive member screening can reveal and the results might shock you.Traditional background checks barely scratch the surface. Regulated by employment laws, they're limited in scope and depth. But when vetting potential club members, these restrictions don't apply, allowing for investigations that peel back layers of carefully constructed personas to reveal who applicants truly are when they believe no one's watching.The conversation explores fascinating current trends emerging in member applications: pandemic PPP loan fraud that's only now surfacing, increasingly polarized political personas that might clash with club culture, and those mysterious "ghost accounts" – hidden online profiles where seemingly normal applicants participate in fringe communities. Perhaps most concerning are those joining with ulterior motives – not for the camaraderie or shared interests, but to gain access to wealthy members for business opportunities.Most revealing are the detailed examples shared throughout: body camera footage showing how applicants behave during police encounters (a preview of potential club behavior), individuals maintaining completely separate online identities, and those with extensive litigation histories they've carefully omitted from applications. These real-world cases demonstrate how one problematic member can drive others away from facilities, causing financial and cultural damage far exceeding the cost of proper vetting.While many clubs overlook this crucial step in membership screening, more are recognizing its value – particularly smaller clubs where each member represents a larger percentage of the community. With service options ranging from basic packages to comprehensive investigations, clubs of all sizes can now access professional vetting that protects their unique culture and ensures new members enhance rather than detract from the experience.Ready to discover what might be hiding in your applicant pool? Visit membervetting.com to request a sample report and see firsthand how thorough screening could protect your club's future.Follow us on the socials Private Club Radio InstagramPrivate Club Radio Linkedin Denny Corby Instagram Denny Corby Linkedin

Buckle up for the most exhilarating professional development experience ever created for private club leaders! Management in Motion isn't your typical leadership seminar - it's what happens when you combine high-performance driving with transformative leadership insights at one of America's premier private racetracks.Picture yourself behind the wheel of a BMW M-series vehicle, mastering drag racing, precision driving challenges, and even drifting on the professional track at Monticello Motor Club. Between adrenaline-pumping driving sessions, you'll gain invaluable leadership insights from club professionals who understand both worlds. Ionel Porumb, Monticello Motor Club's visionary GM, will share the fascinating evolution of this unique private club. Josiah Smith, who rose from valet to GM of Countryside Golf and Country Club, will connect his track motorcycle experience to performing under pressure in club leadership. And the incomparable Luann Giovanelli brings her drag racing passion to discussions about building team trust and calculated risk-taking.What makes this experience truly special is the intimate setting. Limited to just 50 club professionals, Management in Motion creates the perfect environment for meaningful connections with forward-thinking industry peers. The carefully curated experience extends beyond Monday's main event to include Sunday night activities and an exclusive poker tournament with special prizes. This isn't just professional development - it's a chance to rediscover your passion for leadership while creating memories and relationships that will last throughout your career.Ready to trade fairways for straightaways and PowerPoints for horsepower? This groundbreaking event takes place Monday, September 22nd at Monticello Motor Club, with over 30 seats already claimed. Visit privateclubradio.com/managementinmotion to secure one of the remaining spots. This experience isn't for everyone - it's designed specifically for curious, open-minded club professionals who lead with fire and aren't afraid to drift outside their comfort zone. Join us and discover how the lessons learned at 100mph can transform your approach to leadership.Follow us on the socials Private Club Radio InstagramPrivate Club Radio Linkedin Denny Corby Instagram Denny Corby Linkedin

Join Rollie Carlson, Managing Director of the Upper Midwest CMAA Chapter, as he shares his wealth of experience in the private club industry. He discusses the essence of a great club professional, emphasizing mindset over mere skills. Rollie reveals his 'management by wandering around' philosophy and why saying 'yes' should be a default response. Discover common career pitfalls, the importance of timely communication, and how to cultivate effective mentorship. Through warmth and wit, Rollie delivers invaluable insights for anyone in club management.

Nicole Wasserman isn't your typical club professional. At an age when most are still figuring out career basics, she's already compiled a resume that reads like a hospitality industry scavenger hunt—Augusta National, the Governor's Mansion, Hershey, Roaring Gap, wedding planner, and more. Now serving as Food and Beverage Manager at Daniel Island Club, Nicole brings a refreshingly grounded perspective on what it means to build a meaningful career in the private club world.Our conversation explores Nicole's unconventional path into club management, beginning with her early wedding planning experience where every minute detail was scheduled down to bathroom breaks for the bride. This meticulous background created an unexpected culture shock when she first encountered club operations, initially believing BEOs were missing crucial information that wedding timelines would have included. Her transformative experience with The Players Championship, where she witnessed extraordinary service training that created genuine enthusiasm among staff, ultimately sparked her passion for club management.What truly distinguishes Nicole's outlook is her thoughtful approach to leadership development. Rather than chasing titles or being the "youngest GM," she focuses on becoming the kind of leader others call for guidance and mentorship. "I want to look back on my career and say I did something that really changed people's lives," she explains, highlighting the value she places on making meaningful impact over rapid advancement.For club leaders wondering how to connect with the next generation of talent, Nicole offers invaluable insights. Young professionals seek consistent, supportive leadership that provides hands-on opportunities while offering guidance when needed. They want authentic connections rather than superficial engagement. And most importantly, they want to be at clubs where the cultural fit aligns with their personal values and communication style.Whether you're a seasoned club professional looking to better understand your younger team members or an emerging leader seeking to navigate the club industry, Nicole's blend of youthful enthusiasm and mature perspective provides a roadmap for bridging generational gaps while preserving what makes club culture special. Follow us on the socials Private Club Radio InstagramPrivate Club Radio Linkedin Denny Corby Instagram Denny Corby Linkedin

What if your club could serve as more than just a dining and recreation venue for aging members, but become a true lifeline of purpose and connection? Clubhouse Manager Kaitlyn Allen, CCM takes us on a fascinating journey through how her background in gerontology transformed her approach to hospitality at Long Cove Club.Starting with her teenage job at a retirement community, Kaitlyn discovered both the beauty of serving older adults and the ugly reality of elder abuse, initially setting her on a path toward geriatric law before finding her true calling in club management. Her unique perspective reveals how hospitality for older members transcends service to become a matter of dignity, purpose, and identity.The magic happens in the details from backlit check presenters that eliminate the embarrassment of struggling to read bills in dim lighting to programming that keeps members engaged through tap dancing classes, cultural associations, and wellness activities. These seemingly small touches make profound differences in how members experience their club.Equally impressive is Long Cove's approach to staff culture through their Leadership and Culture Crew – non-managerial employees from every department who help shape workplace policies and create engaging team experiences. This innovative program has catapulted employee satisfaction into the 95th percentile industry-wide, creating a "palpable" culture where staff refer friends and family because they genuinely love their workplace. "Hospitality isn't about what you serve, but about making people feel seen, celebrated, and like they still matter." This episode will transform how you approach member engagement at every age. Follow us on the socials Private Club Radio InstagramPrivate Club Radio Linkedin Denny Corby Instagram Denny Corby Linkedin