Episodes

  • The Connector: How Eric Price Built a Career (and Network) Like No Other

    The Connector: How Eric Price Built a Career (and Network) Like No Other
    Jun 2 2025
    Brendan P. Keegan chats with Eric Price, Managing Director and Head of US Capital Markets at CIBC, for a candid and inspiring conversation about resilience, networking, and leadership in the financial services industry.

    Eric shares his unconventional journey into finance, from receiving his first stock certificate as a Bar Mitzvah gift to cold-calling his way into Wall Street with relentless determination. He opens up about the early rejections, the hustle of sending hundreds of resumes, and the pivotal moment that landed him his first job—thanks to an unexpected connection at a New York City novelty store.

    The discussion dives into Eric’s leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of leading by example, fostering genuine relationships, and the power of networking—both in business and beyond. With an eclectic circle of friends ranging from pro athletes to Hollywood stars, Eric reveals how authenticity and a passion for connecting people have shaped his career and personal life.

    You will also hear about Eric’s charitable work, including CIBC’s Miracle Day, where he brings together celebrities and financial leaders to raise millions for children’s charities. Wrapping up with actionable advice for aspiring finance professionals, Eric stresses the value of having a market view, embracing failure, and staying curious.

    Key Takeaways:
    • How resilience and persistence can break down even the toughest barriers.
    • Why networking isn’t just about contacts—it’s about building meaningful relationships.
    • The surprising link between a Wall Street career and an early job in "retail."
    • How giving back can open doors and create unexpected opportunities.
    • Essential advice for young professionals: Have a view, defend it, and learn from being wrong.

    Watch or listen now and subscribe to The Fearless Experience for more candid conversations with leaders who redefine success.

    Follow Brendan P. Keegan: brendanpkeegan.com
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • Flying Fearless: How Wheels Up CEO George Mattson Disrupts Aviation and Leads with Purpose

    Flying Fearless: How Wheels Up CEO George Mattson Disrupts Aviation and Leads with Purpose
    May 5 2025
    In this episode of The Fearless Experience, Brendan P. Keegan sits down with George Mattson, CEO of Wheels Up, a leading global private aviation provider.

    With over 25 years of leadership experience—from IBM and Goldman Sachs to his current role—George shares invaluable insights on career pivots, fearless leadership, and the power of continuous learning.

    George reflects on his unconventional journey, starting as an electrical engineering major at Duke University, transitioning from sales at IBM to investment banking at Goldman Sachs, and ultimately stepping into the CEO role at Wheels Up. He discusses how his early experiences—moving across six schools worldwide and embracing change—shaped his adaptability and problem-solving mindset.

    George’s fearless approach—running toward challenges, embracing uncertainty, and broadening his skills—offers a masterclass for emerging and seasoned leaders alike. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about owning your career, writing new chapters, and leading with authenticity.Listen now to learn how to live and lead fearlessly!
    Show more Show less
    42 mins
  • From the Track to the Boardroom: Richard Dean on Leadership, Passion, and Building a Winning Team

    From the Track to the Boardroom: Richard Dean on Leadership, Passion, and Building a Winning Team
    Apr 7 2025
    In this episode of The Fearless Experience, Brendan P. Keegan welcomes Richard Dean, CEO and Team Principal of United Autosports, to explore the intersection of motorsport, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Richard shares his journey from growing up at racetracks as the son of a racing enthusiast to becoming a 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning driver and co-founding a globally successful motorsport team with childhood friend Zak Brown (CEO of McLaren Racing).
    Richard opens up about the unglamorous realities of building a business—like starting with a red wine-fueled brainstorm instead of a polished business plan—and the relentless drive required to stay competitive in endurance racing. He delves into the challenges of balancing on-track performance with off-track business decisions, the art of motivating a team through setbacks, and the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors and grounded voices (like his 81-year-old colleague who reminds him, "We’re not digging coal for a living!”).


    Key Takeaways Include:

    • Embracing the entrepreneurial journey—why flexibility matters more than a perfect plan.
    • Leading under pressure—how to navigate 24-hour races (and 24/7 business demands).
    • Work-life balance—the sacrifices and rewards of a career in motorsport.
    • Advice for aspiring professionals—why persistence and problem-solving trump pedigree.

    Whether you’re a racing fan, an entrepreneur, or someone seeking inspiration to turn passion into a career, Richard’s story is a masterclass in fearless leadership.


    Watch or listen now and subscribe to The Fearless Experience for more candid conversations with leaders who redefine success.


    Follow Brendan P. Keegan: brendanpkeegan.com
    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • Fearless Leadership: How Phil Hanson Became the Youngest Brit to Win Le Mans

    Fearless Leadership: How Phil Hanson Became the Youngest Brit to Win Le Mans
    Jun 19 2024
    In this episode of Fearless Leadership, Brendan is joined by British racing phenom Phil Hanson, who, at just 24 years old, has already etched his name into the history books by becoming the youngest British driver to ever win the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Despite his youth, Philip is a veteran of over 50 professional races and quickly established himself as one of endurance racing's brightest talents when he took the LMP2 class victory at Le Mans 2020 with United Autosports. He shares his inspirational journey from go-karting to sports cars, the challenges of transitioning to endurance events like Le Mans, and provides a behind-the-scenes look at his life-changing debut at this grueling race. Through captivating storytelling, Philip offers insights into developing the focus, resilience, and fearlessness required to compete at motorsport's highest level and push past self-doubt to achieve legendary status at the peak of his daring profession.
    Show more Show less
    30 mins
  • Fearless Leadership: The CIA's Crisis Management Framework for Civilian Leaders

    Fearless Leadership: The CIA's Crisis Management Framework for Civilian Leaders
    May 29 2024
    This week's Fearless Leader is Marc Polymeropoulos, one of the most decorated CIA officers of the modern era. With a 26-year career in public service, Marc shares leadership lessons gleaned from managing high-stakes crises around the world. Marc takes us behind the curtain of the secretive CIA, from tracking Osama bin Laden in the 1990s to thwarting terrorist attacks today. He recounts the shocking day in 2009 when seven CIA officers were killed in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan and his face-to-face interview with the bomber. Marc translates crisis management skills from the CIA to the civilian world, advising listeners on leading under pressure. Whether averting global catastrophes or everyday emergencies, Marc demonstrates how clarity, decisiveness, and relying on your core team are key to navigating any storm and becoming the Fearless Leader you're destined to be.

    About Marc Polymeropoulos: Marc served 26 years in the CIA before retiring from the Senior Intelligence Service in June 2019. His positions included field and headquarters operational assignments covering the Middle East, Europe, Eurasia and CounterTerrorism. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the Intelligence Commendation Medal, and the Intelligence Medal of Merit.
    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • Fearless Leadership: The 5 Mental Disciplines of Peak Performers

    Fearless Leadership: The 5 Mental Disciplines of Peak Performers
    Dec 12 2023
    This week on Fearless Leadership, Brendan is joined by elite performance experts Dr. Eric Potterat and Alan Eagle, co-authors of the new book Learned Excellence: Mental Disciplines for Leading and Winning from the World’s Top Performers. Drawing on their decades of experience training top business executives, athletes, and Special Forces operators, Eric and Alan reveal the cognitive skills and mental frameworks that allow people to optimize performance despite chaos and uncertainty. They share research-backed techniques to control attention, emotion, and mental chatter while discussing how to create winning mindsets, build motivational metaskills, and unlock flow states through the deliberate practice of microskills. Listen in as Eric and Alan pull back the curtain on training Navy SEALs in mental toughness and designing peak performance regimes for MLB stars. You’ll discover how shifting one’s consciousness and controlling physiology can transform outcomes when it matters most. Tune in for actionable takeaways you can apply immediately to become a more poised, resilient, and fulfilled leader capable of navigating life’s turbulence with excellence.

    About Eric Potterat: Eric is a clinical and performance psychologist and a leading expert in individual and organizational performance optimization. Eric retired as a commander from the US Navy after twenty years of service, during which he helped create the mental toughness curriculum used during Navy SEALs BUD/S training. Eric spent several years as the director of specialized performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers and has also worked with Red Bull athletes, the US Women’s national soccer team, the Miami Heat, and numerous Olympic athletes, first responders, business leaders, and NASA astronauts.

    About Alan Eagle: Alan is an author and executive communications consultant, helping leaders and companies shape and tell their stories. He spent 16 years at Google, partnering with executives to communicate the company’s story to clients, partners, employees, and the public. He is the co-author of the books How Google Works and Trillion Dollar Coach, and the author, all by himself, of seven letters-to-the-editor published in Sports Illustrated. He has never won the New Yorker Caption Contest.
    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • Fearless Leadership: Sasha DiGiulian on Breaking Barriers in Rock Climbing & Beyond

    Fearless Leadership: Sasha DiGiulian on Breaking Barriers in Rock Climbing & Beyond
    Nov 14 2023
    Join us this week on Fearless Leadership as we welcome the incredible Sasha DiGiulian. At just 30 years old, Sasha has cemented herself as the most accomplished female rock climber in the world. She's traveled to over 50 countries and completed over 30 first ascents, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the sport. Beyond her jaw-dropping climbs, Sasha is also a phenomenal role model. She's brought rock climbing into the mainstream and inspired countless young women to embrace the outdoors. As a staunch advocate for equality, she's working to increase access, pay and visibility for female athletes across all sports. On this week's show, we'll dive into Sasha's record-breaking career, her perspective on being a woman in a male-dominated sport, and her advice for young people looking to follow their dreams. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation with a true fearless leader!
    Show more Show less
    34 mins
  • Fearless Leadership: Adam Bryant and Lessons from 100s of CEOs

    Fearless Leadership: Adam Bryant and Lessons from 100s of CEOs
    Sep 12 2023
    Leaping into leadership is no easy feat. It requires ambition, skill, and the courage to take risks. This week on Fearless Leadership, Brendan P. Keegan sits down with Adam Bryant, author of The Leap to Leader and senior managing director at The ExCo Group. With decades of experience interviewing top executives, Bryant has unique insights into what it takes to make the transition from manager to leader. He shares key lessons learned from CEOs who successfully took the leap, as well as common pitfalls to avoid. You’ll hear Bryant’s advice on developing emotional intelligence, earning credibility, and gaining influence. He also discusses how to create a personal board of directors, solicit honest feedback, and find strong mentors. Any manager with their sights set on leadership will benefit from Bryant’s wisdom and real-world guidance. Tune in for a lively and enlightening conversation about the mindsets, skills, and strategies required to become an impactful leader.
    Show more Show less
    33 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro805_stickypopup