The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast

• 95. Leading with Grace: Vaneli Martinov on Mastering Chaos and Building Legacy

  What does it take to run 500 events across 16 weeks and still make it home for bedtime stories? In this powerhouse episode, Dwayne Kerrigan sits down with Vaneli Martinov, Executive Vice President of Operations for the world-renowned Wellington International.Vaneli opens up about the reality behind high-performance leadership—juggling relentless operations, motherhood, and building a career from the ground up. From her early days as an intern at the most expensive golf club in the world to project-managing $200M developments, her story is a masterclass in grit, grace, and grounded leadership.You’ll learn how she balances chaos with calm, leads massive teams with empathy, and why being the "swan on the surface, but paddling like hell underneath" is one of her greatest strengths.Timestamps:00:00 – The Swan Mentality: Grace above, chaos below01:10 – Meet Vaneli Martinov03:00 – Managing 500 events in 16 weeks05:45 – Operational teardown + seasonal rebuilds07:00 – Balancing career, marriage & motherhood08:45 – Living in fight-or-flight: Thriving in chaos10:00 – Hustling her way from intern to executive14:45 – Saying yes before you’re ready17:00 – Early career lessons in elite service & proactivity21:00 – Building trust through “nothing is beneath me” leadership23:00 – Predictive thinking vs reactive firefighting26:00 – Scaling up from operations grunt to strategic executive29:00 – 80–100 hour weeks: Was it worth it?31:00 – Redefining hustle with purpose and family in mind35:00 – The truth about toxic relationships and healthy ambition38:00 – The hidden challenges of being a woman in male-dominated leadership44:30 – How Vaneli leads with feminine strength and authenticity48:00 – Modeling the right leadership style through lived experience52:00 – Networking with purpose vs performative connectionKey Takeaways & Resources:1. Say Yes Before You’re ReadyVaneli’s career is built on courageous action—even when she didn’t feel ready. She leaned into the unknown and learned through doing.2. Leadership Is Earned Through ActionShe models respect by showing up in the trenches. From hauling trash to handling investors, no job is beneath her—and that credibility compounds.3. Early Career: Hustle + Humility WinsWhat set her apart wasn’t grades—it was drive. Her advice to young professionals? Show up curious, proactive, and willing to do anything.4. Learn to Anticipate, Not Just ReactWhether managing elite clientele or massive operations, success lies in predicting needs and solving problems before they arise.5. Redefining Feminine LeadershipVaneli rejected the “bulldog boss” stereotype and leaned into emotional intelligence, empathy, and warmth—without sacrificing strength.6. Balance Isn’t Static—It’s IntentionalAs a wife, mother, and exec, she’s constantly pivoting. Her north star? Show up with positivity, and choose grace over perfection.Connect with Dwayne KerriganFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/Website: http://www.dwaynekerrigan.comDisclaimer...

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• 94. Moving Horizons: How to Lead with Trust, Build Resilient Teams with Rich Diviney

  In Part 2 of this masterclass conversation, former Navy SEAL and leadership architect Rich Diviney returns to go deeper into the strategies behind his new book The Masters of Uncertainty—and delivers real, actionable frameworks for leaders who want to scale, perform, and lead better under pressure.Dwayne and Rich explore how to literally reduce fear using a neuroscience-backed process called Moving Horizons, how to train your brain to handle chaos like a SEAL, and how to architect team trust with the 4 C’s of Trust framework. From building high-performance cultures to instilling behavior-based identity in teams, this episode is packed with takeaways for any business owner, leader, or parent navigating complexity.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro to Moving Horizons: Why the brain craves certainty02:00 – The DPO framework: Duration, Pathway, Outcome05:30 – Real-world example: SEAL training and horizon-setting07:00 – Using cold plunges to practice focus under stress09:00 – Coaching children using horizon-picking11:30 – The neuroscience of dopamine, motivation, and why we quit13:00 – How to shift your horizon in real time15:30 – Eliminating fear by narrowing focus18:00 – Learning to appreciate the moment without losing performance21:00 – Can Moving Horizons help with mental health?24:00 – Fear as a risk assessment tool (not something to eliminate)26:00 – Why Part 3 of the book is a surprise gift for entrepreneurs27:30 – Dynamic Subordination: The new leadership model29:30 – Creating trust: The 4 Cs (Competence, Consistency, Character, Compassion)34:00 – How most companies fall short on trust37:30 – Building character and compassion in your culture40:00 – Behavior = the bridge to trust42:30 – Culture values vs. culture behaviors44:30 – How to rewrite company values using “I Am” statements48:00 – Mapping core attributes to job behaviors50:00 – Redefining success as the exploration of human potential53:00 – Final thoughts: You're not too busy, you’re stuck in certaintyNotable Quotes:“Fear is not the enemy. It’s a risk assessment tool. The goal is not to eliminate fear—but to work with it.” – Rich Diviney“If you’re too busy, it’s probably because you’re hiding in certainty. That’s the enemy of scale.” – Dwayne Kerrigan“Our goal in life is to use life to explore our potential. That’s the real definition of success.” – Rich Diviney“You can’t make anyone trust you. All you can do is behave in a way that earns it.” – Rich DivineyTools & Resources:Rich Diviney’s assessment & attributes work: www.theattributes.comAssessment tool use promo code KERRIGAN15: https://hub.theattributes.com/The Masters of Uncertainty – https://learn.theattributes.com/mastering-uncertaintyThe Attributes Book (2021) – foundational read on human performance“Moving Horizons” method – how to reduce fear through micro-goalsThe 4 Cs of Trust Framework: Competence, Consistency, Character, CompassionCulture Architecture with “I Am” StatementsDopamine and Motivation: How to manage goal-setting energyActionable Takeaways:Use “Moving Horizons” to reduce overwhelm → Set micro-goals with a defined Duration, Pathway, and Outcome (DPO).Teach your team how to lead themselves → Empower...

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• 93. The Masters of Uncertainty with Rich Diviney

  In this powerful first installment of a two-part conversation, former Navy SEAL commander and performance expert Rich Diviney returns to The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast to discuss his groundbreaking new book, The Masters of Uncertainty.With decades of leadership inside one of the world’s most elite military units, Rich unpacks how we can all perform better under pressure, lead with clarity in chaos, and transform anxiety into purposeful action.Dwayne and Rich dive into the neuroscience behind fear, the underestimated power of identity, and the simple yet potent tools you can use to build teams that scale with integrity. Whether you're a business owner, leader, or high performer—this episode is a masterclass in navigating the unknown with confidence and precision.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome back Rich Diviney02:00 – Why The Masters of Uncertainty had to be written05:40 – The book format that turns ideas into tools07:00 – Life after SEALs: Business, family, and building with purpose11:30 – Humans first: Common ground in conflict zones13:30 – The irony of great leadership: Make yourself obsolete16:00 – From Navy SEALs to CEO: The universal language of leadership18:10 – The language of performance and the power of attributes20:00 – Scaling wisely: Patience vs. pressure in entrepreneurship26:00 – The psychology of transition & identity33:00 – “I AM” statements and their impact on behavior37:00 – Why we freeze, panic, or procrastinate40:00 – The science of fear: Uncertainty + Anxiety48:00 – The “Physiological Sigh” and open-gaze breathing53:00 – Cold plunges, breathwork, and nervous system mastery57:00 – Teaser: What to expect in Part 2Notable Quotes:“Leadership is about creating the environment where your team can outrun you.” – Rich Diviney“When the shit hits the fan, personality goes out the window. That’s when attributes take over.” – Rich Diviney“True confidence is knowing that when uncertainty hits, I’ll figure it out—and I’m okay.” – Rich Diviney“Most people are not aware of how driven they are by the need for certainty. That’s what holds them back.” – Dwayne KerriganResources & Tools Mentioned:Rich Diviney’s assessment & attributes work: www.theattributes.comAssessment tool use promo code KERRIGAN15: https://hub.theattributes.com/The Masters of Uncertainty – https://learn.theattributes.com/mastering-uncertaintyThe Attributes Book (2021) – foundational read on human performancePhysiological Sigh (breathwork tool) – Explained in Andrew Huberman’s workOpen-gaze technique – A tool for reducing autonomic arousal instantlyTop Takeaways for Business Leaders:Uncertainty + Anxiety = Fear→ Break the cycle by managing one or both.The Identity Shift Matters→ Retire old “I AM” statements that no longer serve you. Choose new ones consciously.Breath and Vision Are Performance Tools→ Use the “physiological sigh” and panoramic vision to reset your nervous system.Attributes > Personality in Stress→ Know how your team shows up under pressure, not just how they act when it’s easy.Great Leadership is Scalable→ Teach a language of performance so others can lead with the same clarity and...

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• 92. The Future Is Now: AI, Risk, and Building with Purpose with Swish Goswami (Part 2)

  In this dynamic Part 2 episode, entrepreneur and growth strategist Swish Goswami returns to The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast to explore the cutting edge of AI, data ethics, and leading with intention in an unpredictable world.From the growing tension between privacy and innovation to the responsibility of the next generation of creators, Swish unpacks what it takes to thrive in a digital-first era. He also shares actionable strategies for collecting first-party data, using no-code tools to transform customer engagement, and building authentic, future-ready relationships.It’s a sharp, forward-looking conversation at the intersection of modern marketing, entrepreneurial resilience, and tech-powered growth.https://www.swishgoswami.com/Timestamp Guide:[00:00–03:00] The AI surveillance debate: Is our phone listening—and what happens next?[03:00–07:00] How platforms track behavior, listen for cues, and sell targeted access[07:00–10:00] Why North America lags in privacy laws & what GDPR gets right[10:00–14:00] Marketing in the age of AI: personalization, data, and trust[14:00–19:00] Loyalty programs, event-driven marketing & digital rewards for restaurants[19:00–22:00] Replit & no-code AI platforms: Building smarter, faster, and cheaper[22:00–26:00] Gamifying customer experiences and building public-facing leaderboards[26:00–30:00] AI optimism vs. AI caution: The parental dilemma in a post-ChatGPT world[30:00–35:00] The responsibility of Gen Z and what it really means to take initiative[35:00–38:00] Entrepreneurial mindset tips for teens and why network is everything[38:00–42:00] First-principle thinking, Sunday planning rituals & high-performance habits[42:00–47:00] What stops most people? Risk, fear, failure—and how to reframe them[47:00–50:00] Constant motion: why failing fast and often is a sign you’re doing it rightNotable Quotes:“AI is going to replace repetitive roles—but your ability to think critically, build relationships, and act fast? That’s the real differentiator.” – Swish Goswami“Marketing isn’t about shouting louder. It’s about building a feedback loop between trust, value, and relevance.” – Swish GoswamiFeatured Resources & Tools:Replit – No-code AI platform for loyalty cards, gamification, and business apps: https://replit.comTypeform (AI Survey Builder) – https://www.typeform.comGoogle Veo 3 (Video Gen) – AI video generation tool for onboarding & content11 Labs (AI Voice Cloning) – Hyper-realistic audio generation: https://elevenlabs.ioGleam.io (Giveaway Engine) – Smart sweepstakes & lead generation platform: https://gleam.ioGDPR Overview – The global gold standard in data protection: https://gdpr.euKey Takeaways:Businesses should start collecting first-party data now—email, SMS, and engagement tracking are the foundation of future-proof marketing.Use no-code...

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• 91. Swish Goswami on Future-Proof Marketing & Modern Entrepreneurship

  In this powerhouse Part 1 conversation, Dwayne Kerrigan sits down with Swish Goswami—serial entrepreneur, public speaker, and Head of Growth at Parallel Studios—to uncover what it really takes to build, scale, and sell companies in today’s hyper-evolving landscape.From co-founding the data-forward tech company Surf (acquired in 2025), to leading global growth for sci-fi gaming empire Parallel Studios, Swish shares deeply candid insights on strategic marketing, leadership evolution, the future of AI in games, and building community-led brands that scale with trust. Whether you're a startup founder, a growth strategist, or simply obsessed with the intersection of tech, storytelling, and data—you’ll walk away with a new framework for action.https://www.swishgoswami.com/Timestamp Breakdown:[00:00–02:00] Swish’s philosophy on uncertainty and embracing the mystery of life[02:00–06:00] From public speaking to startup exits—Swish’s journey and intro to Parallel[06:00–10:00] What is Parallel Studios? The origin story, universe building, and IP strategy[10:00–14:00] Building a multi-platform franchise from comics to games to film[14:00–18:00] Growth mindset: From objective-first to understanding user behavior[18:00–22:00] The Parallel marketing playbook: giveaways, influencers, events, ads[22:00–26:00] Cutting channels that don’t convert + redefining what “working” really means[26:00–30:00] Vanity metrics vs. business results and why Swish cut all outsourced agencies[30:00–35:00] Hiring freelancers, testing AI tools, and doing the gritty work yourself[35:00–38:00] The untapped power of word-of-mouth and referral marketing[38:00–45:00] Data ethics, transparency, and the revolutionary Surf browser extension[45:00–50:00] Turning data into customer value without crossing privacy lines[50:00–51:00] Preview of Part 2: AI tools, risk-taking, and scaling smart in a shifting economyNotable Quotes:“You don’t have to be everywhere. Do it yourself first—even if you fail, you’ll understand what it takes.” – Swish Goswami“Marketing starts with a clear objective. Work backwards. Understand your user. Then choose your channels.” – Swish Goswami“PR won’t convert on its own. But what can you do with PR? That’s the strategy.” – Swish Goswami“The beauty of life is mystery. If there was a button that told me what I’d be doing at 40, I’d never press it.” – Swish GoswamiResources & Mentions: Parallel Studios – Explore the sci-fi universe built on original IP, comics, and gamingThe Young Entrepreneur – Co-authored by Swish Goswami Pangea – Hire vetted marketing freelancers and contractors AppsFlyer – Mobile attribution platform used for tracking campaignsGetLeverage.com & Fiverr – Tools for scaling with freelance supportKey Takeaways:Great marketing doesn’t start with channels—it starts with understanding your user and working backwards from your business goals.Word of mouth and grassroots engagement are still unmatched for long-term traction.Don’t fall for vanity metrics. Test, measure real

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