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. Vanelli—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.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:21 - Strategic Planning in Business
04:11 - Understanding Different Motivations
12:52 - Role of a Company Counselor
19:20 - Criteria for Termination
22:22 - High-Volume Hiring Strategies
25:15 - Culture Changes for Employee Retention
28:44 - Measuring Leadership Success
31:13 - Leadership by Example
38:10 - Operations Philosophy
49:29 - Finding Vanneli
53:14 - Podcast Promotion
53:40 - Disclaimer
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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 primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.
