In this episode of Cracking the Success Vault, Sean Penhale sits down with Ryan Donally, President & CEO of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce — and former NHL draft pick — to explore how the mindset of a professional athlete translates into business leadership and community impact.

From competitive swimming and pro hockey to leading one of the most important business organizations in the region, Ryan shares what it takes to reinvent yourself and stay aligned with your long-term goals.

🔑 In this episode
• Why he gave up a promising swimming career to pursue hockey full-time
• How concussions forced an early retirement — and opened up a new life path
• Lessons from being a team role player and how that shaped his leadership style
• How his father’s work ethic built the foundation for his competitive edge
• Transitioning into business and building experience across economic development & financial services
• Why he believes Windsor-Essex is a world-class region worth promoting
• Two big career lessons: everything is sales and there’s no single “right path”
• Why evolution and impact matter more than titles or accolades

⏱️ Timestamps
00:39 – Intro: Ryan’s background & sports career
02:43 – Choosing hockey over swimming
05:28 – Retiring due to concussions & pivoting to Windsor
09:38 – Role-player mindset → leadership mentality
20:25 – Father’s influence & work ethic
25:26 – Moving into business / working with entrepreneurs
33:01 – Why the Chamber role aligns with his purpose
39:35 – Two lessons: sales & goal alignment
46:40 – The power of reinvention
49:31 – Defining success through impact

👉 Learn more:
https://spectrefinancial.ca

https://spectregroup.ca