Unlock the mindset that turned a spontaneous choice into a 26-year career of independence, resilience, and growth. Mike Nelligan, a veteran in med device sales and founder of Marathon Medical, reveals the counterintuitive wisdom behind embracing risk, rejection, and living life fully no matter the setbacks.
In this episode, Mike shares how betting on himself, rather than relying solely on corporate stability, created a safer, more flexible future. You’ll discover how his strategic actions like attending surgical training centers, building relationships, and understanding the power of persistence can propel your own success. We break down the importance of doing the uncomfortable, taking risks, and recognizing opportunity in chaos, illustrated through stories of fire, firing, and flipping the odds in his favor.
You'll learn why "just go to the game" is more than a sports mantra, it's a life philosophy. Mike emphasizes the significance of consistent effort, outside-the-box thinking, and the value of trusting trusted advisors. His advice is actionable for entrepreneurs, sales reps, and anyone feeling stuck, showing you how confidence and resilience can turn setbacks into comebacks.
Why does this matter? Because the most meaningful success isn't about avoiding failure, it’s about how you respond, adapt, and keep moving forward. If you're ready to challenge the status quo, rebuild after loss, and learn the true meaning of living at your post-fire level, this episode is your blueprint.
Perfect for sales professionals, entrepreneurs, or anyone seeking a fresh perspective, this conversation might just inspire your next big move. And as Mike says, “just go to the game,” because life waits for no one.

In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Horton, CEO of Avera Packaging, to discuss his leadership journey and the philosophy that has shaped his career. Jeremy believes the role of a leader is simple: remove barriers so others can succeed. In fact, when asked to describe a CEO in one word, his answer was "helper." We discuss servant leadership, humility, the willingness to ask for help, and why Jeremy believes the best organizations are built on trust and empowerment rather than hierarchy. He shares why titles matter far less than creating an environment where every person feels valued, heard, and capable of making a meaningful impact. If you're interested in leadership, culture, and building high-performing teams, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to lead.

In this episode of Peak Presence, I sit down with Rom Mendel, CEO of Optinova Group, for a conversation on leadership, growth, and the inner work required to lead at a high level. We explore the role fear, insecurity, and ego play in leadership and why the best leaders ultimately make it about the team, not themselves. Ram shares insights from leading a global medical device manufacturing organization, including how to balance long term vision and structure with the ability to stay present and fully engage with the moment in front of you. This conversation touches on leadership culture, self awareness, emotional intelligence, performance under pressure, and the human side of building great teams. Whether you are in medical device, manufacturing, private equity, or simply trying to become a better leader and human being, there is something in this episode for you.