This is the inspiring story of Dan Turner, CEO of Xperigo, a company that has been recognized multiple times as being one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures. In the first part of this special two- part series, we unpack Dan’s improbable journey from tow truck driver to CEO. It shines a light on the grit, gumption, and the audacious goals that can lead any determined individual from the roadside to the corner office. Dan opens up about the role models that sparked his ambition and the confidence that grew from each small win, providing a blueprint for anyone ready to take the wheel of their career and steer it towards success. Dan and I dig into the parallels between the leadership qualities forged in the competitive fires of high school sports and how those skills translate seamlessly into guiding teams in a business setting. This episode is a playbook for dreaming big, crafting a winning strategy, and maintaining momentum in the darkest times. Together, we dissect the attributes that propel an individual from the starting line to the finish line, emphasizing the resilience that turns setbacks into setups for greater achievements. We wrap up our conversation with a candid look at the risks that lead to the greatest rewards and immerse ourselves in how to navigate the choppy waters of leadership during crisis. Our exchange sheds light on the value of authenticity, adaptability and the strength found in teamwork. Dan’s journey is not just a testament to his own success, but a beacon for those yearning to unleash their potential and make the climb from the ground floor to the C-suite. What You’ll learn: - The power of role models - Why setting small goals is key to achieving big wins - The mindset needed to overcome self-doubt and set audacious goals - The role confidence plays in taking risks - How to celebrate small victories and build unshakable confidence - The parallels between sports leadership and building a peak performance company - The importance of adaptability and authenticity in navigating a company through challenging times Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - From Tow Truck Driver to CEO (08:39) - Celebrating Wins and Building Confidence (15:18) - Overcoming Setbacks and Finding Motivation (20:44) - The Power of Leadership and Teamwork (30:29) - Setting and Achieving Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals (BHAGs) (39:58) - Taking Big Chances for Big Success (48:24) – Navigating Crisis Leadership (52:30) - Embracing Authentic Leadership More of Dan: Dan Turner is the esteemed President and CEO of Xperigo, a premier provider of customer experience management services in the automotive industry. With over three decades of experience, Dan has honed his skills in strategic planning, business development, and fostering invaluable partnerships. Under his visionary leadership, Xperigo has flourished, earning accolades such as Shell Mobility Partner of the Year and Canada's Most Admired Corporate Culture award, a remarkable achievement reflective of Dan's commitment to excellence. Beyond his professional prowess, Dan is revered for his dedication to cultivating a workplace culture marked by collaboration, empowerment, and continuous improvement, making Xperigo a standout choice for top talent and industry recognition. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turnerdan/?originalSubdomain=ca Key Topics Discussed: CEO Mindset, Success, Self-Belief, Grit, Teamwork, Big Goals, Self-Motivation, Navigating Setbacks, Authentic Leadership, Adaptability, Empowerment, Collaboration, Confidence, Resilience, Growth, Overcome Obstacles More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/craig-dowden/message