461: 10 Lessons From Hosting Management in Motion w/ Denny Corby
Manage episode 508433471 series 3442904
What happens when you throw over 30 club professionals into BMW M cars and let them rip around a professional racetrack? Pure magic—and unexpected leadership lessons that no conference room could ever provide.
Management in Motion 2025 began as a casual conversation with the GM of Monticello Motor Club during a podcast interview. What started as a simple track visit evolved into a full-blown event combining adrenaline, education, and authentic connection among club leaders who share a passion for high-performance experiences.
The two-day adventure featured everything from drag racing in BMW M2s, M3s, and M5s to navigating the infamous skid pad (imagine a wet Costco floor with rear-wheel drive cars and all safety features disabled). We mixed in peer-to-peer leadership talks from established club GMs who connected their motorsport experiences directly to club management principles. Rather than generic professional speakers, we deliberately created space for club leaders to share their authentic insights with peers who truly understand the unique challenges of our industry.
Among the ten key lessons I took away: everything costs more and takes longer than you think; your vibe truly attracts your tribe; people don't need to participate in everything to find value; the quietest attendees often have the most powerful reactions; and unique experiences always beat generic ones. Perhaps most humbling was realizing that some people attended simply because my name was attached to the event—a level of trust that carries tremendous responsibility.
The event wouldn't have been possible without incredible sponsors who embraced the vision immediately, including Monticello Motor Club, Kennis Member Vetting, GSI, Members First, and Northstar. Their support even extended to funding scholarships for Club Management Association students to attend and network with established professionals.
For clubs looking to create similar magic, the formula is surprisingly simple: niche down to create specialized experiences, be the glue that connects people with shared interests, and don't be afraid to try something completely different. The most powerful moments often happened without words—just a smile, a head shake, or a high-five that communicated more than any conversation could.
If you missed Management in Motion this year, don't worry—we're already planning for 2026, and it will be bigger, faster, and even more impactful. Ready to swap your boardroom for a racetrack and discover leadership lessons at 100 MPH?
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Chapters
1. Introduction to Management in Motion (00:00:00)
2. How It All Started (00:05:18)
3. Event Structure and Driving Experiences (00:08:04)
4. Ten Lessons Learned (00:11:44)
5. Sponsor Shoutouts (00:17:36)
6. Creating Unique Club Experiences (00:24:46)
7. Final Thoughts and Future Plans (00:28:37)
467 episodes