ABOUT TANIA

Tania Elias Calles is junior sailing director at Balboa Yacht Club and a four-time Olympian who represented Mexico in sailing at the Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games. She competed in the single-handed Europe class at Sydney and Athens and in the Laser Radial class, now known as ILCA 6, at Beijing and London. She rose to No. 1 in the world rankings during her elite career.

Introduced to sailing as a child, Tania was drawn to the freedom of the boat, the challenge of reading the wind and the connection she felt with nature. Mexican world champion and Olympian Eric Mergenthaler became an early example of what excellence could look like, inspiring her to set increasinglyambitious goals at the national and international levels.

After an injury disrupted her Beijing campaign and sponsorship support fell away, Tania established a Guinness World Record by sailing 300 nautical miles unassisted from Los Cabos to Puerto Vallarta to help fund her return to the Games.

At Balboa Yacht Club, Tania leads a program serving children from age 5 through their teenage years while also developing the coaches who work with them. Her philosophy combines clear standards, purposeful challenge and a strong sense of belonging so young sailors can grow as athletes, teammates and grounded, confident individuals.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Step into an inspiring and candid conversation with Tania Elias Calles, as she shares how belief, discipline, resilience and belonging shape exceptional athletes, thoughtful leaders and strong club communities.

Tania reflects on discovering sailing as a child and learning to understand the invisible power of the wind and how Mexican world champion Eric Mergenthaler made excellence feel attainable .

She also shares the realities behind four Olympic campaigns: the physical demands of single-handed sailing, the difficulty of securing funding and the team required to help an athlete focus entirely on preparation.

The conversation then turns to Tania’s work at Balboa Yacht Club, where she is developing young sailors and the coaches who guide them. She explains why progression must be intentional, why children need opportunities to fail andfigure things out for themselves and how sailing develops decision-making under pressure.

Throughout the conversation, Tania reinforces that junior sailing is about far more than producing racers. It is an opportunity to help young people feel seen, heard and connected to a team while building confidence, character and values. For families, it also preserves a lifelong passion and a club legacy that can move from one generation to the next.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS CONVERSATION

In this thoughtful discussion, Tania shares insights shaped by an Olympic career, high-performance coaching and her leadership of junior sailing at Balboa Yacht Club. You’ll hear:

• How a childhood introduction to sailing evolved into a career spanning seven Olympic Games as an athlete, coach and team leader
• How setting increasingly ambitious goals helped her progress from national competition to the world stage
• Why elite athletes need a multidisciplinary team that allows them to focus fully on preparation
• Why she sailed 300 nautical miles unassisted to establish a Guinness World Record and fund her London campaign
• Why coaching carries a responsibility to model the values, discipline and behavior behind the results
• Why children need opportunities to fail, think independently, recover and try again
• How supporting young coaches strengthens consistency, across a junior program
• Why junior sailing carries family traditions, club culture and a sense of belonging into the next generation

Throughout the conversation, Tania reinforces that excellence is not simply the result we see at the finish line. It is built through discipline, preparation, failure, recovery and the support of people who make the journey possible.

ABOUT CRYSTAL

Crystal Thomas is CEO of Management Connection, where she works with private club leaders, boards and associations to strengthen leadership, culture, clarity and organizational effectiveness.

Her career includes 30 years managing three private clubs and more than two decades in association management. That experience has allowed her to view leadership from inside the clubhouse as well as from the broader association perspective, where patterns across organizations become easier to recognize.

An entrepreneur as well as an industry leader, Crystal developed The Clear Solution, a performance evaluation system, and Club Leader 360, a leadership development platform. Her work reflects a long-standing commitment to helping leaders better understand themselves, their teams and the cultures they are responsible for shaping.

Crystal’s leadership philosophy centers on four interconnected ideas: context, clarity, culture and capacity. She encourages leaders to reduce unnecessary noise, address difficult issues directly and align the culture they want to create with the capacity they and their teams can realistically sustain.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Step into a candid and insightful conversation with Crystal Thomas, CEO of Management Connection. Drawing on decades of experience in private club management, association leadership and entrepreneurship, Crystal explores what leaders need to create healthy cultures and sustain them over time.

In this episode, Crystal shares the four ideas that anchor her leadership philosophy: context, clarity, culture and capacity. She explains that culture is the experience a team and membership have every day, while capacity is a leader’s ability to sustain the energy, focus and presence required to shape that experience intentionally.

Crystal also reflects on one of the most challenging periods of her career. After moving from Calgary to Missouri, she spent a year apart from her family, navigated immigration requirements, reapplied for her position four times and led a demanding club operation through personal and professional uncertainty.

That experience taught her that leadership is not about avoiding tension, but navigating it with clarity and intention.

The conversation examines why leaders become stuck when they carry too many priorities, expectations and open mental tabs. Crystal discusses the value of identifying what matters most, removing what is unnecessary, protecting one’senergy and addressing the difficult conversation taking up valuable brain real estate.

Throughout the conversation, Crystal reinforces the deeper purpose of private clubs as places of community, comfort, recognition and belonging.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS CONVERSATION

In this thoughtful discussion, Crystal shares insights shaped by decades in private club management, association leadership and entrepreneurship. You’ll hear:

• How leading clubs and associations gave Crystal two perspectives on the same leadership challenges
• Why context, clarity, culture and capacity are interconnected
• How culture forms every day—and why leaders must shape it intentionally
• Why a leader’s capacity influences the energy and focus available to the organization
• How empathy balances heart, head, support and accountability
• Why leadership is not about avoiding tension, but navigating it with clarity and intention
• How strategic priorities and removing the unnecessary restore clarity Why an avoided conversation consumes energy and reduces capacity
• Why boundaries, rest and energy management strengthen a leader’s well-being
• Why truly listening means hearing what remains unspoken

Throughout the conversation, Crystal reinforces that leadership begins with the leader. Clarity brings us back to center, capacity sets the ceiling for culture and strong leadership depends on intentional choices about attention, energy and trust.

ABOUT WHITNEY

Whitney Reid Pennell is founder of RCS Hospitality Group, a consulting and training firm serving the private club and hospitality industries. Her work focuses on service culture, leadership development, team training and helping clubs create meaningful, consistent and personalized member experiences.

Whitney’s leadership philosophy was shaped by her upbringing on a ranch, her experience in sports and the mentors who helped her recognize her own potential. Those early influences taught her the value of work ethic, preparation, personal responsibility, teamwork and showing up for others.

Through RCS Hospitality Group, Whitney helps leaders create clarity, provide meaningful feedback and build environments where team members take ownership and succeed. Her approach emphasizes that standards, strategy and data matter, but people need to understand and believe in the purpose behind them. Whitney is known for helping club leaders better understand the connection between culture, service and leadership. She encourages leaders to model the behavior they expect, develop others intentionally and create teams that arenot only a strong culture fit, but meaningful contributors to the culture.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Step into a thoughtful and insightful conversation with Whitney Reid Pennell, founder of RCS Hospitality Group. With decades of experience in club consulting, training and leadership development, Whitney shares how personal responsibility, mentorship, empathy and service culture have shaped her workacross the private club industry.

In this episode, Whitney reflects on the lessons she learned growing up on a ranch, playing sports and working with leaders who helped her see her potential before she fully recognized it. She discusses how those experiences influenced her commitment to helping others grow, lead and contribute to thefuture of the industry.

Whitney also explores the shift from managing teams to truly developing people. She explains why delegation is not simply handing off work but creating opportunities for others to learn, stretch and grow. For leaders, that shift requires trust, clarity and the willingness to let others take different paths to achieve strong results.

The conversation also examines what exceptional member experience really means. Whitney reinforces that private clubs serve a deeper purpose as places of belonging, connection and shared values.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS CONVERSATION

In this thoughtful discussion, Whitney shares insights shaped by training, consulting, leadership development and lived experience. You’ll hear:

• How Whitney’s ranch upbringing and sports background shaped her work ethic and leadership philosophy
• Why mentors play a critical role in helping people recognize their own potential
• Why moving from managing tasks to developing people is essential for growth
• How delegation creates opportunity for team members to learn, contribute and advance
• How service and hospitality differ, and why that distinction matters in private clubs
• How leaders model culture through visibility, presence and behavior
• Why mistakes should be treated as learning opportunities in a healthy culture
• How empathy helps leaders support the whole person, not just the employee
• Why self-awareness comes before empathy in emotional intelligence
• How private clubs serve as a meaningful third place for members and families
• Why human connection is more important than ever in today’s club environment
• How clubs can move beyond culture fit and look for culture contributors

Throughout the conversation, Whitney reinforces that leadership is rooted in people. Her perspective serves as a reminder that strong cultures are built through intentional leadership, meaningful development and a deep understandingof how members and employees want to feel: welcome, comfortable, important and understood.

ABOUT MICHELLE

Michelle Riklan is a career strategist, consulting and search executive with Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. Her work is rooted in communication, leadership development, executive search and helping individuals and organizations make thoughtful, high-impact career and hiring decisions.

With graduate work in speech and interpersonal communication from NYU, Michelle brings a deep understanding of how language shapes leadership, trust and connection. Her career has included human resources, employee relations, training and development, executive coaching, personal career marketing and strategic search.

At Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace, Michelle works closely with private clubs, boards and candidates, with a particular focus on financial leadership searches. She helps clubs look beyond credentials to evaluate communication style, cultural fit, emotional intelligence and readiness for leadership.

Known for her honesty and direct guidance, Michelle believes the right advice at the right moment can change the course of a career. Her approach is relational rather than transactional, grounded in transparency, listening and helping people find the path that aligns with their goals, strengths and stage of life.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Step into a thoughtful conversation with Michelle Riklan, career strategist, consulting and search executive with Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. With a career shaped by communication, human resources, executive coaching and strategic search, Michelle shares how language, listening and transparency influence leadership at every level.

In this episode, Michelle reflects on how her background in speech and interpersonal communication shaped the way she works with candidates, boards and club leaders. She discusses why listening deeply is essential, how leaders can become more aware of their own listening blocks and why the most important work often happens in the gap between what people say and what they actually mean.

Michelle also shares her perspective on executive search in the private club industry, especially when clubs are hiring senior financial leaders. She explains why clubs must be prepared to support the kind of executive they say they want and why readiness, culture and governance matter when bringing in ahigh-level leader.

She also explores the value of reinvention, drawing on her own career path through HR consulting, executive search, training, outplacement, resume development and personal career marketing before joining Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace.

Throughout the conversation, Michelle reinforces that leadership is shaped through communication, self-awareness, impact and the ability to help others move forward with clarity and purpose.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS CONVERSATION

In this thoughtful discussion, Michelle shares insights shaped bycommunication, search, coaching and career development. You’ll hear:

Why language is one of the most important tools a leader uses

How listening blocks can prevent leaders from truly hearing what others are saying

Why communication is central to trust, confidence and leadership presence

How honesty and transparency help prepare people for the next step in their careers

How emotional intelligence helps separate a good hire from a transformative one

How clubs can misunderstand what they are truly ready for when hiring executive-level talent

Why reinvention is not failure, but leadership applied to your own life

Why joy and fulfillment often live in the feedback loop of meaningful impact

Why leaders should pay close attention to the everyday language they use with their teams

Throughout the conversation, Michelle reinforces that leadership is built through listening, clarity and care. Her perspective serves as a reminder that words matter, fit matters and the smallest moments of awareness can create meaningful change in a person’s career, a club’s culture and the memberexperience.

ABOUT DAVID

David Andow is president of SCI, the developers of Food-Trak, a food and beverage management system designed to help organizations improve inventory, procurement, menu management, culinary control and operational decision-making.

With nearly three decades of entrepreneurial experience, David has helped grow and lead multiple brands across different industries. His leadership philosophy is rooted in servant leadership, collaboration, communication and the belief that strong leaders develop other leaders.

At Food-Trak, David works with clubs and hospitality organizations to help them better understand their food and beverage operations through accurate data, improved processes and practical tools that support the people doing thework.

David’s approach emphasizes that technology should not be viewed as a plug-and-play solution. Instead, he believes clubs should begin with a deep understanding of their own operations, goals and team needs before building a system that supports their specific environment.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Step into a practical and insightful conversation with David Andow, president of SCI, the developers of Food-Trak. With a career shaped by entrepreneurship, operations and leadership, David brings a grounded perspective on how technology, data and collaboration can help clubs strengthen food and beverage performance.

In this episode, David explains how Food-Trak supports clubs through inventory management, procurement, menu management, culinary control, allergen tracking, food safety, sustainability and waste-related data. He discusses why food and beverage has become more complex as clubs serve more families, respond to wellness expectations and manage rising costs.

David also reflects on the leadership lessons that have shaped his career, including the influence of his parents, his experience with Cold Stone Creamery and the value of watching how people support one another when they are not the ones in the spotlight. He shares why collaboration is essential, especially when leaders are trying to solve operational challenges or introduce change.

Throughout the conversation, David reinforces that successful technology adoption starts with listening. Before implementing a system, clubs must understand what they are trying to accomplish, what their teams need and how the technology will make work more efficient, not more cumbersome.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS CONVERSATION

In this thoughtful discussion, David shares insights shaped byentrepreneurship, operations and technology. You’ll hear:

• Why food and beverage management has become more complex for private clubs
• How Food-Trak supports inventory, procurement, menu management and culinary control
• Why food safety, allergen tracking and sustainability are becoming more important for clubs
• How accurate data helps leaders make better operational decisions
• Why technology must be configured around a club’s specific needs
• How leaders can identify gaps between what they think is happening and what staff members are experiencing
• Why the people closest to the work often have the best ideas for improving operations

• Why adoption matters as much as the technology itself
• How tools such as scanners can reduce friction and make employees’ jobs easier

• Why clubs should ask what they are trying to accomplish before adding another technology platform
• How family dining, wellness and children’s programming are influencing the future of club food and beverage

Throughout the conversation, David reinforces that operational excellence is built through a combination of data, people and process. His perspective serves as a reminder that the right technology should not overwhelm teams. It shouldsupport them, simplify their work and help clubs create stronger, more sustainable food and beverage operations.

ABOUT SIMEON

Simeon Miranda is general manager of Embassy Suites byHilton Waikiki Beach Walk, one of the largest Embassy Suites properties in the world and a destination resort in the heart of Waikiki.

With more than three decades of experience in hospitality, Simeon has built a leadership philosophy rooted in humility, respect, mentorship and service. His approach was shaped by early influences from his family, particularly his mother, and by hospitality leaders who taught him the importance of being prepared, treating people well and standing up foroneself while remaining humble.

At Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk, Simeon leads with a strong belief in ohana, creating a workplace culture where hosts feel valued, supported and connected to the guest experience. His leadership emphasizes personal service, daily communication, immediate feedback and celebrating the wins that help employees feel seen and appreciated.

Simeon is also deeply committed to mentorship and community involvement. He has helped develop future general managers and hospitality leaders while remaining active in organizations that support tourism, education, community service and the next generation of hospitality professionals.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Step into a thoughtful and heartfelt conversation withSimeon Miranda, general manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk. As the first hotelier featured on Leadership Lens, Simeon brings a hospitality perspective that closely aligns with the values of private clubs: service, culture, mentorship, guest experience and community.

In this episode, Simeon reflects on the people who shaped his leadership philosophy, from his mother’s humility and organization to the early general manager who taught him to pursue his goals, be prepared and treat others with respect. He also shares how difficult leadership examples helped him understand the kind of leader he did not want to become.

Simeon discusses how culture is built through experience, consistency and care. At Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki BeachWalk, that means creating an ohana environment where employees, called hosts, are supported through onboarding, mentoring, daily huddles, recognition programs and meaningful celebrations.

He also explores what it takes to deliver personal service at scale in a high-volume Waikiki resort. Whether serving more than 1,400 breakfasts each morning or welcoming families from around the world, Simeon believes small details create the most memorable guest experiences.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS CONVERSATION

In this thoughtful discussion, Simeon shares insights shaped by hospitality, mentorship and community. You’ll hear:

• How family and early mentors shaped Simeon’s leadershipphilosophy
• Why humility, respect and preparation are essentialleadership qualities
• How leaders can learn from both positive and negativemanagement examples
• Why hospitality culture must evolve to meet theexpectations of new generations
• How ohana shapes the employee and guest experience inWaikiki
• Why onboarding, mentoring and recognition are criticalto retention
• How small personal touches can transform a guestexperience at scale
• Why daily huddles and immediate action help strengthenoperations
• How leaders can support their teams when difficult guestor HR situations arise
• Why mentorship is central to developing future generalmanagers and hospitality leaders
• How balance, family and personal passions help leaderssustain their careers
• Why giving back to the community is an important part ofhospitality leadership

Throughout the conversation, Simeon reinforces that hospitality leadership is rooted in service. His perspective offers a reminder that great guest experiences begin with great employee experiences, and that the most meaningful legacy a leader can leave is found in the people they mentor, support and inspire.

ABOUT FRANK CORDEIRO

Frank Cordeiro is GM/COO of Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, TX, a historic private club known for its championship golf legacy, strong family culture and deep connection to the Fort Worth community.

With more than 30 years of experience in the private club industry, Frank brings a thoughtful, relationship-centered approach to leadership. His philosophy is rooted in service, curiosity and the belief that leaders create lasting impact by helping others define and achieve success.

At Colonial Country Club, Frank has helped guide a significant period of renewal and transformation. Inspired by the club’s founder, Marvin Leonard, and his belief that it is not enough to be better than the rest, but that one must be better and different, Frank has helped connect Colonial’s history with a forward-looking strategy designed to serve today’s members and future generations.

His leadership emphasizes listening before persuading, creating buy-in rather than compliance and surrounding the organization with people who share the club’s values and purpose.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Step into a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation with Frank Cordeiro, GM/COO of Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, TX. Drawing on more than three decades in the private club industry, Frank shares how history, relationships and a clear sense of purpose have shaped his leadership philosophy andColonial’s ongoing evolution.

In this episode, Frank reflects on the influence of Colonial’s founder, Marvin Leonard, whose belief that organizations must be both better and different continues to guide the club’s strategy nearly a century later. Frank discusses how that philosophy helped shape a major transformation at Colonial,including a restored golf course, renewed dining and social amenities and a member-driven strategic planning process rooted in listening and trust.

He also explores the balance between championship golf and family-focused club life, the importance of hiring people who believe in the club’s values and the role relationships play in building respect with boards, members and teams.

Throughout the conversation, Frank reinforces that leadership is not about control, title or personal legacy. It is about service, thoughtful inquiry and the privilege of facilitating success for others.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS CONVERSATION

In this reflective discussion, Frank shares insights shaped by history, service and experience. You’ll hear:

• Why Colonial Country Club’s history continues to shape its modern strategy
• How Marvin Leonard’s “better and different” philosophy guided the club’s transformation
• Why tradition and relevance do not have to compete with one another
• How championship golf, family culture and lifestyle amenities can coexist within one club identity
• Why leaders should seek buy-in rather than simple compliance from their teams
• How hiring people who want what the organization wants strengthens culture
• Why relationships are central to leadership in clubs and across all businesses
• How club leaders can build trust with board members through curiosity and thoughtful questions
• Why listening to understand must come before persuading others to support a plan
• How member input helped shape Colonial’s strategic planning process
• Why service is at the heart of meaningful leadership
• How legacy is carried forward by helping others succeed

Throughout the conversation, Frank reinforces that leadership is a privilege rooted in service. His perspective offers a powerful reminder that the best leaders do not simply manage organizations. They honor the past, listen carefully, build trust and create the conditions for people, clubs and communities to thrive.

ABOUT MICHAEL

Michael Stott, CCM, CCE, is a partner with The Triumph Group and a respected leader within the private club industry with more than 30 years of experience in club management and leadership. Beginning his career as a caddie and Evan Scholar, Michael went on to serve as a GM for more than three decadesbefore transitioning into executive search, leadership advisory and consulting.

Known for his servant leadership philosophy and strong people-centered approach, Michael places a significant emphasis on trust, accountability and culture. He believes that great leadership begins with humility, consistency and a genuine investment in the success and well-being of others.

Through his work with The Triumph Group, Michael helps clubs identify and develop strong leaders while guiding organizations in building healthy cultures that support both staff and member experience. His perspective is rooted in the belief that leadership is ultimately about service, integrity and positivelyimpacting the lives of others.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Join us for a thoughtful and engaging conversation with Michael Stott, CCM, CCE, partner with The Triumph Group and longtime private club leader, as he shares lessons learned from more than three decades in club management, leadership and mentorship.

Drawing on experiences that range from his early days as a young GM trying to “make everyone happy” to advising clubs and placing leaders today, Michael reflects on the importance of trust, accountability and servant leadership in building strong organizations.

In this episode, Michael discusses why culture is one of the mostimportant assets within a club, how leaders must protect and support their teams and why hiring the right people is critical to long-term success. He also explores the connection between employee experience and member satisfaction, emphasizing that exceptional service can only happen when staff members feel respected, empowered and valued.

Michael shares thoughtful insights on leadership development, difficult conversations, consistency in service and the role mentorship has played throughout his life and career. His perspective offers a compelling reminder that leadership is less about authority and more about serving others with humility, integrity and purpose.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THISCONVERSATION

In this thoughtful discussion, Michael shares leadership insights shaped by decades of experience in club management, mentorship and organizational culture. You’ll hear:

• Why leadership is about making thoughtful decisions, not trying to please everyone
• How trust is built through care, competency and consistency
• Why mentorship and accountability are essential for leadership growth
• How strong club culture directly impacts both staff engagement and memberexperience
• Why hiring the right people is one of the most important leadership responsibilities
• How protecting staff creates healthier and more successful organizations
• Why consistency matters in delivering exceptional member experiences
• How servant leadership helps leaders build stronger teams and cultures
• Why difficult conversations are necessary to maintain standards and accountability
• How humility, faith and personal values can shape leadership philosophy
• Why great leadership is rooted in service, integrity and genuine care for others

Throughout the conversation, Michael reinforces that leadership is not about titles or control, but about positively influencing people, protecting culture and helping others grow. His reflections offer valuable lessons for leaders both inside and outside the private club industry.