In the first episode of 2026, Dirk sits down with Daryn Walters—former President of Exmark Manufacturing and senior leader at The Toro Company—to unpack a three-decade career that spanned entrepreneurship, manufacturing, engineering, large-scale operations, and people-centered leadership. Daryn shares how he helped build Exmark from a small operation into an industry force, what he learned about talent, culture, and execution, and why kindness and clarity became defining pillars of his leadership.

The conversation then turns to transition: the often-unspoken shift from running a major organization to rediscovering identity, rhythm, and purpose beyond work. Daryn talks openly about letting go, redefining success, exploring curiosity, and navigating the early stages of “retirement” while still searching for what comes next. It’s an honest, thoughtful look at leadership, reinvention, and the personal journey that begins when the corporate chapter ends.

New episode every Thursday.

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