Welcome to The West Coast Business Show, hosted by Jerrod Downey and William Donnellan! In this episode, we have a special guest, Jay Michael DeMerit, an American retired soccer player who played as a center back. Join us as we dive into the world of soccer, leadership, talent, and developing leaders.

In Vancouver, many people will know Jay as the “first player signed by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.” We’ll explore where his soccer journey began and discuss the level of the FA Premier League, as well as his personal mindset while playing with and against players at the most elite level.

During a Ted Talk, Jay mentioned, “I was smiling because I deserved to be here.” We’ll explore the game that advanced him to the Premier League and find out when he started developing that resilient mindset.

Leadership is a crucial aspect of any successful career. We’ll ask Jay about the great leaders he has interacted with and invite him to share a standout leadership moment from his own experiences.

Talent versus dedication is an ongoing debate. We’ll explore the level of talent required to pursue a career in soccer and delve into what it actually takes to succeed. Along the way, we’ll draw inspiration from legendary players like Lionel Messi.

Jay’s journey goes beyond the soccer field. We’ll discuss his public speaking engagements, his ability to adapt advice based on his audience, and how he transitioned into retirement while setting new goals for himself.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Jay Michael DeMerit, as we explore the world of soccer, leadership, and personal growth. Don’t miss this exciting episode of The West Coast Business Show!

The West Coast Business Show
The West Coast Business Show is a new web series that takes a deep dive into the business, technology, and leadership of the west coast of British Columbia. Hosted by Jerrod Downey from Crownsmen Partners and William Donnellan, President of IRL Group and owner of Irish pubs across Vancouver, the show features interviews with industry leaders, technology leaders, and experts in business and community. Join Jerrod and William as they sit down over a beer at the pub to discuss the latest trends and insights, all while giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the people and businesses shaping the west coast. Don’t miss the unique blend of local pubs, development, and industry knowledge. Tune in to The West Coast Business Show!

Brought to you by IRL Group
IRL Construction Ltd. was the first company they founded within only a few short years of moving to Canada. William had owned his own construction company in his early 20’s back in Ireland and utilized his trade as a carpenter to build the enterprise from the ground up. Likewise, the pubs that were soon to follow, were also built by William and his hard-working IRL team.
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Produced by Crownsmen Partners
Hosted by: Jerrod Downey and William Donnellan 
Crownsmen’s Executive Producer: Rory Bamford (Contact for Booking)
Director and Co-Host: Gaudy Molina

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