The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast

• 86. The Art of Living, Leading, and Letting Go with Jaime McKenna

  In this deeply candid and inspiring Part 1 of their conversation, Dwayne sits down with Jaime McKenna — President of Real Estate at Fengate Asset Management — for a raw, no-filter look at what it takes to go from near-poverty to managing billions. Jaime shares the deeply personal story of losing everything in her university years, climbing out of debt, overcoming imposter syndrome, and redefining leadership in a high-stakes, male-dominated industry. If you’ve ever doubted your path or wondered how top leaders push forward through fear, shame, and uncertainty — this is your episode.Timestamps:00:00 — Why Jaime shares her story: The power of shedding shame02:00 — A breakdown of Jaime’s career and early hardships05:00 — The root of her humility and difficulty with compliments09:30 — How fear of scarcity became fuel for her success14:30 — Tuna cans, $7 haircuts & the truth behind survival mode18:00 — Baby steps, big vision: The method behind her comeback23:00 — Creating vision when no one else is coaching you26:00 — Studying for a CPA with VHS tapes & Swiss Chalet30:00 — Why discipline is the real secret weapon (not motivation)34:00 — Work-life integration, not balance38:00 — Vulnerability and the power of human leadership44:00 — What Jaime looks for when building elite teams50:00 — Leadership through transitions and letting people go55:00 — Be nice, be direct: How to lead with both heart and clarity1:03:00 — Real workaholism vs. the art of joyful, purposeful work1:08:00 — The power of breathwork and managing internal pressure1:18:00 — Jaime’s battle with anxiety after the loss of her mom1:28:00 — Rebuilding mentally, emotionally, and spiritually1:35:00 — Rewriting identity, leading with heart, and shedding the labelsNotable Quotes:“That fear of having nothing never left me — and it still drives me today.” — Jaime McKenna“If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not growing. That’s your cue to step up.” — Jaime McKenna“Discipline isn’t punishment. It’s a gift. It’s how I get my freedom.” — Jaime McKenna Key Takeaways & Resources:Jaime’s story shows that a successful life and career can be built without family wealth or connections — but it takes relentless discipline.Massive transformation begins with small, consistent steps — not instant miracles.Jaime outworked, out-disciplined, and outlasted many who may have started with more.The most effective leaders are those willing to show their human side.Jaime’s breakdown after her mother’s death led to a breakthrough that reshaped her approach to leadership.Connect with Dwayne KerriganLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/Website: www.dwaynekerrigan.comDisclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those

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• 85. From Economic Uncertainty to Strategic Opportunity with Karl Tabbakh

  In Part 2 of this candid global conversation, Karl Tabbakh returns to The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast to pull back the curtain on the economic uncertainty that’s gripping both Canada and the U.S.—and what business leaders need to do about it.Dwayne and Karl dissect the real cost of tariffs, the psychological divide between the “haves” and “have nots,” and what a future recession could mean for Canadian competitiveness. They challenge leaders to rethink productivity, wealth distribution, and their own growth mindset in a time of instability.From political coalitions to personal responsibility, Karl doesn’t hold back. If you’re in business today, this episode is your compass in the chaos.Timestamps[00:01:00] – The danger of coalitions and the question of democratic representation[00:04:30] – Program creation vs. program funding: Canada’s economic blind spot[00:08:30] – Do we have the GDP to fund the lifestyle we promise?[00:10:00] – Why Canada’s mindset around growth is dangerously passive[00:13:30] – Who really pays the tariffs—and why they’re hidden taxes[00:17:30] – Are tariffs a strategy or political theatre? Dissecting Trump’s leverage[00:24:00] – The “Somewheres” vs. “Nowheres”: Stephen Harper’s cultural divide explained[00:27:00] – The information echo chamber: Why we don’t see disruption coming[00:29:00] – Education, taxation, and why we must fix the divide[00:36:00] – Capitalism’s existential threat: What happens when the system loses balance[00:43:30] – CEO pay, productivity, and compensation in a modern economy[00:48:00] – Catching a falling knife: Should you invest in uncertain times?[00:52:00] – When clarity returns, capital will too: Preparing for the rebound[00:57:00] – The world is better than you think—but you have to choose that lens[00:59:00] – Final message: Educate yourself. Lead with purpose. Elevate others.About Karl TabbakhKarl Tabbakh is a lawyer, a business leader and a strategic advisor with over 20 years of international business experience. Karl’s expertise is sought after to advise corporations, directors and business executives on a range of strategic issues and transactions both domestically and globally. He is a partner at McCarthy Tétrault LLP with a focus on M&A and private equity and serves on the firm’s Senior Leadership Team as National Leader, Markets and International Business. He was appointed by the Government of Canada as Chairman of Invest in Canada, Canada’s agency responsible for promoting, attracting and facilitating global foreign direct investments into Canada. He previously served as Chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and was on the Board of directors of the Canada Arab Business Council. Karl is a regular speaker on matters of governance, global investment and mergers and acquisitions. In addition to his career in Canada, Karl spent eight years in the Middle East and four years in London, UK, where he developed a solid international network and gained an understanding of international business and investments. An active community leader, Karl supports and leverages his network to benefit many non-profit and local community service organizations, including as member of the Centraide/United Way campaign. Born in Syria, Karl immigrated with his parents to Canada at age 10. He holds an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a BCL from the Université de Montréal and a B.Comm from Université Laval in Québec City. Karl is fluent in French, English, and Arabic.Notable Quotes“Imposing a tariff isn’t tax revenue. It’s a

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• 84. Business in an Uncertain World: A Candid Conversation with Karl Tabbakh

  In one of the most urgent and eye-opening conversation, Dwayne sits down with Karl Tabbakh—top Canadian business strategist, international dealmaker, and former chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce—to unpack the global forces redefining the rules of business, politics, and leadership.Together, they explore what rising geopolitical tension, fractured trade alliances, and shifting world orders mean for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and decision-makers across North America. With experience advising on multi-billion-dollar cross-border transactions and leading strategic investments in Canada and the Middle East, Karl offers a rare lens into how to stay sharp—and sane—in chaotic times.This is part one of a two-part conversation filled with powerful insights on resilience, globalism, and the responsibilities of leadership in the modern era.Timestamps[00:02:45] – Why Karl was the first person Dwayne thought of for this global conversation[00:05:20] – Karl’s career snapshot: from billion-dollar deals to chairing Invest in Canada[00:09:45] – A five-year vision framework for career growth and avoiding professional stagnation[00:13:00] – Why global exposure isn't just travel—it’s transformational for decision-making[00:17:30] – The danger of only seeing the world through a North American lens[00:21:00] – Are we ignoring the signs of World War III? The breakdown of the post-WWII order[00:25:30] – What the markets are really saying about uncertainty and leadership[00:33:45] – Are nations acting out of fear, or a thirst for certainty?[00:40:00] – Why Canada must rethink its overreliance on one trade partner[00:52:00] – The hard truth about energy, natural gas, and global climate equity[01:03:00] – The upcoming Canadian election: What voters need to be asking[01:11:00] – Vision, will, and resources: Three pillars for Canada’s next leader[01:15:00] – Final thoughts: Canada’s opportunity to punch above its weight againAbout KarlKarl Tabbakh is a lawyer, a business leader and a strategic advisor with over 20 years of international business experience. Karl’s expertise is sought after to advise corporations, directors and business executives on a range of strategic issues and transactions both domestically and globally. He is a partner at McCarthy Tétrault LLP with a focus on M&A and private equity and serves on the firm’s Senior Leadership Team as National Leader, Markets and International Business. He was appointed by the Government of Canada as Chairman of Invest in Canada, Canada’s agency responsible for promoting, attracting and facilitating global foreign direct investments into Canada. He previously served as Chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and was on the Board of directors of the Canada Arab Business Council. Karl is a regular speaker on matters of governance, global investment and mergers and acquisitions. In addition to his career in Canada, Karl spent eight years in the Middle East and four years in London, UK, where he developed a solid international network and gained an understanding of international business and investments. An active community leader, Karl supports and leverages his network to benefit many non-profit and local community service organizations, including as member of the Centraide/United Way campaign. Born in Syria, Karl immigrated with his parents to Canada at age 10. He holds an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a BCL from the Université de Montréal and a B.Comm from Université Laval in Québec City. Karl is fluent in French, English, and Arabic.Notable Quotes“If World War III...

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• 83. Digital Traffic Mastery: Jeni Hott on Building Systems & Freedom-First Business Models

  In this bonus Q and A, Jeni Hott sits down with longtime friends to unpack the evolution of online entrepreneurship—from the early days of AOL chat rooms to today's AI-powered marketing tools. Jeni breaks down the four major business models she’s worked in, why she avoids ads (still!), and how she builds evergreen, automated systems that run themselves for months at a time.She shares how she chooses which ideas to pursue, why traffic is everything, and how she’s used the same core strategies for over two decades across wildly different businesses—from art to education to (soon) a day-trading firm. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by options or unsure how to structure your online presence, this episode is your roadmap to clarity and freedom.Learn more https://brilliantetc.com/ Timestamps:00:00 – Jeni crashes the podcast with surprise insights!01:00 – Kim Burke asks: How has Jeni’s revenue model evolved?02:30 – The 4 Online Business Models and why Jeni avoids some of them04:00 – 100M+ organic blog visits and never using paid ads05:30 – “Set it and rest” marketing: Why Jeni loves YouTube, blogging & Pinterest07:00 – Don’t do what they say you “have” to do—unless it’s aligned08:30 – How Jeni decides what businesses or models to pursue10:00 – From selling seeds on AOL to building automated funnels12:00 – Capture → Engage → Convert: Timeless strategy in any era14:00 – The surprising risk Jeni always checks before starting something new16:00 – Revenue always comes from products, not just traffic18:00 – Why learning how to capture attention is the skill that multiplies everything19:30 – Dwayne’s unexpected pivot to podcasting and building online reach21:00 – Why you don’t need to know what you’re doing to start23:00 – Jeni’s crash-course in learning how to coach 80 people at once25:00 – Real leverage: getting paid to practice and having skin in the game26:30 – The power of mindset, fast feedback loops, and action over perfection28:00 – Google vs. Instagram vs. Facebook: Which traffic platforms do what?29:30 – Blogging strategy: Pillar posts vs. supporting content31:00 – Why over-optimizing for SEO can hurt performance33:00 – Turn your profiles into funnels and lead people step-by-step35:00 – Subtle marketing psychology: name placement, repetition, familiarity36:30 – The rising role of instinct-driven selling (especially among women entrepreneurs)38:00 – Men vs. women in marketing: how coaching and communication differ39:00 – Wrap-up and reflections on the podcast’s ripple effectNotable Quotes:"You never have to do anything you don’t want to do to build a successful business.""Everything I do is based on one question: Can I set this up and not touch it for 3–4 months?""It’s never the product—it’s how you get people in front of the product.""You don’t need to know everything to start. You’ll learn faster after you begin.""Confused people don’t buy. Lead them step by step with clear direction."Mindset & Decision Filters:Ask yourself:Do I actually want to do this?Will it serve people?Can I automate and step away from it?Will it increase stress or peace in my...

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• 82. High-Converting Simplicity: Jeni Hott on Marketing Mindset, Funnels, and Future-Proofing with AI

  In Part 2 of this powerful series, Jeni Hott and host Dwayne Kerrigan dive deep into the mindset and mechanics behind magnetic marketing. Jeni unpacks why traditional strategies fail, how to simplify your sales funnel, and how to shift from desperation to authority in your messaging. She breaks down the types of social media posts that actually convert, explains her timeline-based client targeting strategy, and shares how to create a "content vault" that makes your marketing repeatable and scalable.Jeni also addresses the rise of AI and how business owners can use ChatGPT and custom GPTs to build systems, streamline operations, and reclaim their time—without losing their personal touch.Timestamps:00:00 – Marketing from angst vs. marketing from leadership02:30 – Understanding "objection posts" and sales page content05:00 – FAB (Features, Advantages, Benefits) and storytelling in marketing07:30 – Jeni’s “client timeline” strategy vs. the traditional avatar model10:00 – The power of targeting tipping points for high-converting offers12:00 – Why you don’t need to convince when you're speaking with conviction13:30 – Building a content vault to reflect customer buying moments15:00 – Creating a seasonal content calendar that predicts conversions16:30 – Should a VA or OBM manage your social content? Yes—if trained well18:30 – The danger of hiring without understanding the basics20:00 – The Time Rich program and its holistic business foundations23:30 – Embracing social media instead of avoiding it26:00 – Staying in your lane and not chasing online trends29:00 – Avoiding distractions: Focus on purpose, not reaction31:00 – AI tools: ChatGPT, Poe, custom GPTs & what's coming next35:00 – Household bots & humanoid robotics on the near horizon38:00 – How to create a custom GPT tailored to your business42:00 – AI learning and the “unconscious competence” advantage45:00 – Singularity and AI as human evolution, not a threat47:00 – Algorithm hacks vs. adding true value to your audience50:00 – Using engagement posts to boost algorithm reach53:00 – How to analyze comments and reels with ChatGPT55:30 – Scraping content and training AI on what’s working58:00 – 6 key post types and why simplicity wins in content strategy01:01:00 – Final thoughts: embrace, optimize, empower your teamNotable Quotes:"You don’t need to convince when you come from conviction. That’s when magic happens.""Most people aren’t your ideal client—they’re just not far enough along the timeline yet.""Complexity is the enemy of execution. Simplify, then scale.""AI is not going away. You don’t need to master it overnight, but you do need to start.""Your people can’t help you scale unless you empower them with knowledge and tools."Valuable Resources & Takeaways:Core Post Types Jeni Recommends:Value PostsObjection PostsStory PostsEngagement PostsProblem Awareness PostsAI Tools Mentioned:ChatGPT – Jeni’s favorite tool for custom GPT creation and business system building Poe – Alternate AI tool used by many entrepreneursCustom GPTs – Can be trained to match your brand...

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