In this powerful episode of the Circuit of Success Podcast, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Tim Hammett and Mike Lemp for a deep and honest conversation about personal growth, coaching, and the importance of investing in yourself. Using examples from elite performers like Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, and Michael Phelps, the discussion centers on one defining question: Do you have a coach? The episode explores why guidance, accountability, and self-investment are essential for creating a future greater than your past.

Tim and Mike share personal stories about the foundational influence of their parents, lifelong friendships, mentors, and values-based relationships. They discuss how core values such as trust, respect, and humility shape both personal fulfillment and professional success, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can accelerate growth. The conversation also highlights the power of presence, perspective, and clarity in navigating life’s most important decisions.

The episode dives into the uncomfortable truths most people avoid, including fear of change, pride, ego, and the tendency to stay within comfort zones. Tim opens up about investing heavily in coaching early in his career despite financial uncertainty, and how that commitment transformed his confidence, self-respect, and trajectory. From breaking through personal ceilings to showing up consistently even on hard days, this episode delivers timeless lessons on mindset, leadership, and why betting on yourself is one of the most important investments you can make.

Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Dr. Pete Paciorek, Director of Leadership and Character Development at IMG Academy, to uncover how elite athletes develop a true championship mindset. Dr. Paciorek holds a Doctorate in Youth Character Development and Servant Leadership and has spent his career as a professional baseball player, college head coach, college director of athletics, and IMG Academy National Team Baseball head coach. Coming from a family of 11 professional athletes, Pete brings a rare perspective on leadership, discipline, and long-term success.

Pete takes listeners inside IMG Academy and explains why it is far more than a world-renowned sports school. While IMG is known for producing nationally ranked teams and professional athletes, its real strength lies in holistic development. Leadership training, character education, mental performance, academics, nutrition, and life skills are all integrated to prepare student-athletes for success beyond sports. As a recipient of the Character.org “Champion of Character in Sport” Nationwide Award and author of two books on youth character development in sports, Pete shares how consistency, balance, and purpose create elite performers in every field.

This conversation goes beyond athletics and applies directly to business, entrepreneurship, and life. Dr. Paciorek breaks down how to train the mind, build resilience during adversity, create winning habits, and lead yourself before leading others. He introduces practical frameworks used at IMG Academy, explains why discipline matters most on the hardest days, and highlights the transferable skills athletes use to succeed long after competition ends. As a husband and father of three, Pete also shares powerful insights on parenting, mentorship, and legacy, making this episode a must-listen for leaders, parents, coaches, and high achievers looking to build a championship mindset in every area of life.

Watch the Full Episode Here!

In this episode of the Circuit of Success, host Brett Gilliland sits down with Mizzou Athletic Director Laird Veatch for a compelling conversation on leadership and the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics. Set against the backdrop of the Mizzou–Illinois rivalry, the discussion blends lighthearted moments with powerful insights into the experiences that shaped Laird’s leadership philosophy.

Laird shares his journey from growing up with hardworking, self-made parents to playing football at Kansas State under legendary coach Bill Snyder, and ultimately building a career across some of the nation’s most respected athletic programs. He breaks down what it truly means to lead leaders, manage elite coaches, and balance accountability with empowerment in an era defined by NIL, the transfer portal, and heightened business demands.

The conversation also explores vision, culture, and staying focused amid constant public scrutiny. Laird explains how he sets long-term direction, tunes out social media noise, and re-energizes by reconnecting with student-athletes and competition. Whether you’re a business executive, coach, or aspiring leader, this episode delivers timeless lessons on servant leadership, clarity, and navigating change at the highest level.

Watch the Full Episode Here!