⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The host(s) and guest(s) are NOT financial advisors, attorneys, medical professionals, or licensed experts. You should always consult with a qualified professional before making any financial, legal, or health decisions. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk.
Meet the ONLY female General Manager in professional hockey who transformed her life by getting sober, completing two Ironmans, and turning around a struggling hockey franchise - all while breaking every glass ceiling in sight.
In this powerful episode of The Healthy Wealth Experience, Chris Hall sits down with Toni Will, GM of the Kalamazoo Wings, who took a 35% pay cut to enter a male-dominated sport she knew nothing about.
Now 11 years later, she's doubled attendance, implemented the first-ever Rainbow Ice for inclusion, and became the first woman on the ECHL Executive Committee - all while celebrating 5 years alcohol-free.
From "Tony Party Time" to Ironman athlete, from bank manager to hockey executive, Toni's story proves that your perceived weaknesses can become your greatest strengths.
In this episode, you'll discover:
✅ How she landed a GM role without knowing "shit about hockey"
✅ Why sobriety became her competitive advantage in sports business
✅ The Six Leadership Pillars that turned around the K-Wings
✅ Navigating business networking without alcohol in a booze-soaked industry
✅ Breaking barriers as the only woman in professional hockey leadership
✅ Her journey from "Tubby Tony" to completing two Ironman triathlons
✅ Why she chose "This Naked Mind" over AA for her sobriety journey
📍 CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction - The Only Female GM in Pro Hockey
01:29 From Banking to Hockey - The Unexpected Career Pivot
03:32 "I Don't Know Hockey" - Getting Hired Anyway
07:31 Being the Only Woman in the Room
10:22 Breaking Into the Executive Committee
12:17 Rainbow Ice Controversy - Taking a Stand for Inclusion
15:41 Doubling Attendance - The Business Turnaround
19:14 COVID and Choosing Sobriety
21:16 Finding "This Naked Mind" After AA Didn't Fit
24:08 From "Tony Party Time" to Just Tony
26:19 Business Networking Without Alcohol
32:06 TEDx Talk - Leadership and Living Alcohol-Free
33:33 The Six Leadership Pillars Framework
36:41 Writing "Not The Norm" with a Ghostwriter
38:33 Health Span vs. Lifespan Philosophy
40:15 "Women In..." Podcast Mission
41:17 Sober October Program Details
44:53 The Ironman Journey - Two Completions
48:16 "You Were Built to Do Hard Things"
50:47 Empower Her Conference and Future Plans
🔗 CONNECT WITH TONI:
Website: TonyWill.com
Podcast: "Women In..."
Book: "Not The Norm" (Coming March 2025)
Sober October Program: (Details on website)
📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
"This Naked Mind" by Annie Grace
"Outlive" by Peter Attia
"4,000 Weeks" (Time Management)
Couch to 5K Program
🎙️ ABOUT THE HEALTHY WEALTH EXPERIENCE:
Join Chris Hall weekly for conversations with extraordinary people who've discovered that true wealth requires optimal health. From pharmaceutical sales to financial advising, Chris brings unique insights into the intersection of physical wellbeing and financial success.
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