In this unfiltered second half of their conversation, Dwayne Kerrigan and Vaneli Martinov dive deeper into the mindset, systems, and soul behind exceptional operations leadership.

Vaneli—EVP of Operations for the world-renowned Wellington International—opens up about what it really means to lead from the front lines: managing 500+ seasonal staff, navigating crisis in real-time, and mentoring a team while raising a family.

From hiring with heart to dealing with "energy vampires," from picking up trash alongside the CEO to gamifying motivation in a 16-week event sprint, this episode is a masterclass in human-centered leadership.

She doesn’t hold back on the pressures, pivots, and personal sacrifices that come with the job—but also shares the mindset shifts, values, and rituals that keep her grounded and inspired.

Timestamps:

00:00 – The true nature of operations: structure in chaos

01:30 – From intern to executive: building your network with humility

04:15 – Work ethic, boundaries & the generational shift in expectations

07:00 – AI, the future of education, and what’s changing fast

10:00 – Adapting to AI: how Vaneli's team is preparing

12:00 – Company counselor: when leadership means emotional availability

15:00 – Empowering your team instead of enabling dependency

17:30 – Spotting energy drainers and culture mismatches

18:30 – What it actually takes to get fired by Vanelli

20:00 – Why most problems are rooted in miscommunication, not incompetence

21:00 – Building better onboarding, systems, and structure

23:00 – Hiring 600+ people in 3 months: inside the chaos

24:30 – Culture, compensation & the shift from scrambling to stability

25:45 – How gamification, incentives & recognition drive retention

28:00 – When your CEO leads by example (and picks up trash)

30:00 – Leadership on the ground vs. from the tower

33:00 – What Saturday nights with 10,000 people look like

35:00 – Vanelli’s operational bumper sticker: Hustle, pivot, repeat

37:00 – Fear vs. courage in leadership

39:00 – How motherhood redefined her priorities and definition of fear

42:30 – Business as a gladiator sport—and a spiritual journey

44:00 – Why leadership reflection is crucial for sustainable growth

45:30 – How to get in touch with Vaneli

Key Takeaways & Resources:

1. Leadership Is Emotional Labor

Vaneli embraces the role of “company counselor,” knowing that guiding people through emotional and professional bottlenecks is part of her value—but she’s also learned to set boundaries to avoid burnout.

2. Hiring 500+ Staff? Culture Is the Glue

They’ve moved from scrambling to stability through better pay, returning managers, incentive programs, and weekly recognition rituals. Culture wins over resumes.

3. Operations = Chaos + Calm

You can plan all you want, but execution is where the real work begins. Flexibility and adaptability are key to thriving in operations.

4. Don’t Confuse Fear with Failure

Vaneli explores the difference between being fearless and being courageous. She still feels fear—but leads with action anyway.

5. Modern Leadership = On-the-Ground Leadership

Their CEO leads by example, works beside the crew, and gets real-time feedback from front-line staff. Leadership isn’t about distance—it’s about presence.

6. AI Is Coming for Admin—Not Empathy

While they’re just starting to adopt AI tools, Vaneli acknowledges its potential for operations—but believes people will always be at the core of execution.

Connect with Dwayne Kerrigan

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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 below

01:10 – Meet Vaneli Martinov

03:00 – Managing 500 events in 16 weeks

05:45 – Operational teardown + seasonal rebuilds

07:00 – Balancing career, marriage & motherhood

08:45 – Living in fight-or-flight: Thriving in chaos

10:00 – Hustling her way from intern to executive

14:45 – Saying yes before you’re ready

17:00 – Early career lessons in elite service & proactivity

21:00 – Building trust through “nothing is beneath me” leadership

23:00 – Predictive thinking vs reactive firefighting

26:00 – Scaling up from operations grunt to strategic executive

29:00 – 80–100 hour weeks: Was it worth it?

31:00 – Redefining hustle with purpose and family in mind

35:00 – The truth about toxic relationships and healthy ambition

38:00 – The hidden challenges of being a woman in male-dominated leadership

44:30 – How Vaneli leads with feminine strength and authenticity

48:00 – Modeling the right leadership style through lived experience

52:00 – Networking with purpose vs performative connection

Key Takeaways & Resources:

1. Say Yes Before You’re Ready

Vaneli’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 Action

She 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 Wins

What 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 React

Whether managing elite clientele or massive operations, success lies in predicting needs and solving problems before they arise.

5. Redefining Feminine Leadership

Vaneli rejected the “bulldog boss” stereotype and leaned into emotional intelligence, empathy, and warmth—without sacrificing strength.

6. Balance Isn’t Static—It’s Intentional

As a wife, mother, and exec, she’s constantly pivoting. Her north star? Show up with positivity, and choose grace over perfection.

Connect with Dwayne Kerrigan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/

Website: http://www.dwaynekerrigan.com

Disclaimer...

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 certainty

02:00 – The DPO framework: Duration, Pathway, Outcome

05:30 – Real-world example: SEAL training and horizon-setting

07:00 – Using cold plunges to practice focus under stress

09:00 – Coaching children using horizon-picking

11:30 – The neuroscience of dopamine, motivation, and why we quit

13:00 – How to shift your horizon in real time

15:30 – Eliminating fear by narrowing focus

18:00 – Learning to appreciate the moment without losing performance

21:00 – 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 entrepreneurs

27:30 – Dynamic Subordination: The new leadership model

29:30 – Creating trust: The 4 Cs (Competence, Consistency, Character, Compassion)

34:00 – How most companies fall short on trust

37:30 – Building character and compassion in your culture

40:00 – Behavior = the bridge to trust

42:30 – Culture values vs. culture behaviors

44:30 – How to rewrite company values using “I Am” statements

48:00 – Mapping core attributes to job behaviors

50:00 – Redefining success as the exploration of human potential

53:00 – Final thoughts: You're not too busy, you’re stuck in certainty

Notable 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 Diviney

Tools & Resources:

• Rich Diviney’s assessment & attributes work: www.theattributes.com
• Assessment tool use promo code KERRIGAN15: https://hub.theattributes.com/
• The Masters of Uncertainty – https://learn.theattributes.com/mastering-uncertainty
• The Attributes Book (2021) – foundational read on human performance
• “Moving Horizons” method – how to reduce fear through micro-goals
• The 4 Cs of Trust Framework: Competence, Consistency, Character, Compassion
• Culture Architecture with “I Am” Statements
• Dopamine and Motivation: How to manage goal-setting energy

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Use “Moving Horizons” to reduce overwhelm → Set micro-goals with a defined Duration, Pathway, and Outcome (DPO).
2. Teach your team how to lead themselves → Empower...

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 Diviney

02:00 – Why The Masters of Uncertainty had to be written

05:40 – The book format that turns ideas into tools

07:00 – Life after SEALs: Business, family, and building with purpose

11:30 – Humans first: Common ground in conflict zones

13:30 – The irony of great leadership: Make yourself obsolete

16:00 – From Navy SEALs to CEO: The universal language of leadership

18:10 – The language of performance and the power of attributes

20:00 – Scaling wisely: Patience vs. pressure in entrepreneurship

26:00 – The psychology of transition & identity

33:00 – “I AM” statements and their impact on behavior

37:00 – Why we freeze, panic, or procrastinate

40:00 – The science of fear: Uncertainty + Anxiety

48:00 – The “Physiological Sigh” and open-gaze breathing

53:00 – Cold plunges, breathwork, and nervous system mastery

57:00 – Teaser: What to expect in Part 2

Notable 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 Kerrigan

Resources & Tools Mentioned:

• Rich Diviney’s assessment & attributes work: www.theattributes.com
• Assessment tool use promo code KERRIGAN15: https://hub.theattributes.com/
• The Masters of Uncertainty – https://learn.theattributes.com/mastering-uncertainty
• The Attributes Book (2021) – foundational read on human performance
• Physiological Sigh (breathwork tool) – Explained in Andrew Huberman’s work
• Open-gaze technique – A tool for reducing autonomic arousal instantly

Top Takeaways for Business Leaders:

1. Uncertainty + Anxiety = Fear
2. → Break the cycle by managing one or both.
3. The Identity Shift Matters
4. → Retire old “I AM” statements that no longer serve you. Choose new ones consciously.
5. Breath and Vision Are Performance Tools
6. → Use the “physiological sigh” and panoramic vision to reset your nervous system.
7. Attributes > Personality in Stress
8. → Know how your team shows up under pressure, not just how they act when it’s easy.
9. Great Leadership is Scalable
10. → Teach a language of performance so others can lead with the same clarity and...

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 right

Notable 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 Goswami

Featured Resources & Tools:

• Replit – No-code AI platform for loyalty cards, gamification, and business apps: https://replit.com
• Typeform (AI Survey Builder) – https://www.typeform.com
• Google Veo 3 (Video Gen) – AI video generation tool for onboarding & content
• 11 Labs (AI Voice Cloning) – Hyper-realistic audio generation: https://elevenlabs.io
• Gleam.io (Giveaway Engine) – Smart sweepstakes & lead generation platform: https://gleam.io
• GDPR Overview – The global gold standard in data protection: https://gdpr.eu

Key Takeaways:

• Businesses should start collecting first-party data now—email, SMS, and engagement tracking are the foundation of future-proof marketing.
• Use no-code...

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 economy

Notable 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 Goswami

Resources & Mentions:

• Parallel Studios – Explore the sci-fi universe built on original IP, comics, and gaming
• The Young Entrepreneur – Co-authored by Swish Goswami
• Pangea – Hire vetted marketing freelancers and contractors
• AppsFlyer – Mobile attribution platform used for tracking campaigns
• GetLeverage.com & Fiverr – Tools for scaling with freelance support

Key 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

In the final installment of our powerful 3-part series, Dwayne welcomes back world-renowned energy healer and spiritual teacher Master Stephen Co for a transformative conversation designed to help high-performing professionals reclaim calm, clarity, and control—especially in the face of emotional chaos.

This episode is not just a conversation. It’s a clinic.

Master Co walks listeners through a step-by-step energetic technique to move from turmoil to stillness, including live guided visualizations and the Screen Technique—an easy-to-follow method to dissolve emotional patterns, cravings, and even chronic self-doubt.

Whether you’re navigating business pressure, burnout, personal pain, or simply seeking peace, this episode equips you with practical tools to clear emotional clutter, access stillness, and take back your power.

Timestamps

00:00 – Why most people stay stuck in emotional pain

02:30 – From chaos to calmness: The 4-stage energetic process

07:45 – Identity traps: How thoughts and emotions become “you”

10:00 – “I am angry” vs. “I feel angry”: Why language matters

15:45 – Confession, color therapy, and violet fire

17:20 – The “Screen Technique” demonstration

24:45 – Visualizing your new reality with the Golden Screen

29:00 – Observing the mind: Meditation for finding the Self

35:00 – Who is the observer? A guided experience

41:00 – Applying the process in everyday emotional triggers

43:00 – How to begin forgiving yourself

46:00 – Addiction, repeated patterns, and the importance of help

50:00 – A powerful real-life story: Dwayne’s son, emergency healing, and immediate pain relief

51:45 – Where to learn more about Pranic Healing

Notable Quotes

“You are not punished for your anger. You’re punished by your anger.”

“Whatever comes after the word ‘I am’ becomes your identity—be careful with it.”

“Observe the one who is observing. That’s where your real power lives.”

“You created your thoughts and emotions—so you have the power to dissolve them.”

“Energy goes where your attention flows. What are you feeding today?”

Resources & Takeaways

The Screen Technique

Free Meditations & Energy Tools

Explore guided practices: https://masterco.org

Learn More About Pranic Healing

Find a practitioner or training: https://pranichealing.com

Recommended Book: Your Hands Can Heal You by Master Co & Dr. Eric B. Robins

Connect with Dwayne Kerrigan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/

Website: http://www.dwaynekerrigan.com

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

In Part 2 of this profoundly moving conversation, Dwayne sits down again with Master Stephen Co—one of the most influential spiritual teachers in Dwayne's life—for a powerful discussion that stretches beyond business and deep into self-awareness, spiritual discipline, and energetic mastery.

Master Co guides listeners through a short but transformative meditation, unpacks the mechanics of stress and healing through the lens of pranic energy, and explains how stillness—not just calmness—is the true gateway to mastering your reactions, relationships, and results in life and business. This is more than a conversation—it’s a shift in perspective.

Timestamps & Highlights:

[00:01:00] – Why you must listen to Part 1 before diving in

[00:02:15] – How stress anchors into your energy system and where it lives

[00:05:10] – The power and purpose of violet light in healing

[00:08:15] – Meditation is not concentration—here’s the difference

[00:13:00] – Guided 2-minute meditation for experiencing stillness

[00:19:30] – What it means to meditate and remain awake (and why that matters in business)

[00:23:15] – Dwayne shares his real-world transformation through energy work

[00:25:00] – You are the thinker—not the thought

[00:29:30] – Are we just nothingness? The spiritual physics behind your true identity

[00:33:00] – What reincarnation teaches about learning through the body

[00:36:45] – Master Co’s mind-blowing take on the ego, and training your emotional horses

[00:42:30] – The “three questions” Buddhist practice you can apply in business today

[00:45:30] – The ripple effect of healing in leadership and life

[00:48:10] – The ultimate bottom line: “Being a good person will always make you come out on top.”

Notable Quotes:

“You are not your body, not your thoughts, not your emotions. You are the creator of them.” – Master Co

“The more time I spend in the stillness, the more I realize I get to choose what I create.” – Master Co

“Being a good person is the manifestation of the ‘I’ controlling the three horses—body, thoughts, emotions.” – Master Co

Key Takeaways & Resources:

• Guided Meditation: Experience Master Co’s 2-minute “space between the breath” meditation (13:00 mark) to center your awareness
• Self-Mastery Framework: Identify your true self as the creator of thoughts and emotions—not the passenger of them
• The Three-Question Method: Ask:

1. What am I feeling/thinking?
2. Why am I feeling/thinking this?
3. What should be my next thought?

• Energy Anatomy: Understand how emotional energies lodge in specific chakras and how to clear them using breath and visualization
• Practical Spirituality for Business: Learn how daily spiritual hygiene leads to better leadership, calmer decisions, and intentional relationships

Share the Ripple:

This is the episode you share when someone you know is stuck in stress, seeking clarity, or struggling to lead with grace. Forward it. Post it. Let them hear it.

Connect with Dwayne Kerrigan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedwaynekerriganpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynekerriganpodcast/

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