The Piñata Moment That Redefines Success with Toni Will

Toni Will never planned to work in professional hockey — she stumbled into it after a job at a high-end boutique fell through, landing instead at the Kalamazoo Wings, a team she knew nothing about. That accidental entry became a defining advantage: with no attachment to the sport itself, she led with culture, community, and people first, eventually becoming the first woman in franchise history to serve as General Manager and Governor in the ECHL. In this conversation, Toni and Regina trace the throughline from that unlikely start to Toni's book, Rebellious Success — including the moment a promised board promotion was pulled out from under her, and why she chose to see it as cracking the ceiling for the next woman rather than a personal defeat. The conversation moves through some of the harder terrain leaders rarely name out loud: the gap between reacting and responding, the discomfort of leading as your whole self rather than switching personas by room, and what it actually feels like to write about your own arrest in a business leadership book. Toni and Regina also unpack why misalignment so often shows up as a vague sense of being unfulfilled rather than one obvious problem, and how tools like DISC or human design can offer self-understanding without becoming an excuse. It's a candid, funny, and occasionally raw episode about building an authentic career without a script — and why the messiest parts of the story are often the most useful ones. About Toni Will: Toni Will from Michigan is a trailblazing sports executive, sought-after professional speaker, and author of Rebellious Success. She serves as General Manager of the Kalamazoo Wings, becoming the first woman in franchise history to hold the role and the first female Governor in the ECHL. With more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning banking, economic development, and professional sports, Toni is known for her bold, authentic approach to leadership and growth. She is the creator of the empowHER conference, a dynamic event designed to connect and elevate women personally and professionally. A TEDx speaker and host of the globally ranked Women In… podcast, Toni has interviewed hundreds of leaders and changemakers, amplifying stories that redefine success. Alcohol-free for over five years, Toni also coaches others using her behavior-first methodology. Through her speaking, writing, and coaching, she empowers people to break free from limiting beliefs and build a life that truly aligns. www.toniwill.com  www.instagram.com/imtoniwill  www.linkedin.com/in/tonildaniels  www.facebook.com/tonilentini  Rebellious Success - preorder now, on shelves August 11, 2026 Women In... podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/women-in/id1745524618 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.