What does it really mean to lead well when the stakes are high and the path forward isn’t clear?

In this episode of The Inner Compass, Andy sits down with Tom Sherlock, co-founder of Talonvest Capital, to explore leadership, integrity, and decision-making across four decades in commercial real estate finance.

Tom has spent his career helping people navigate uncertainty — market cycles, financial crises, team conflict, and moments where doing the right thing isn’t always the easiest or most profitable option. From building and leading teams, to facing hard conversations, to staying grounded through pressure and responsibility, this conversation goes far beyond business tactics.

Together, Andy and Tom explore what sustains long-term success: sound judgment, trust, self-awareness, and a commitment to something bigger than personal wins. This is a thoughtful, honest conversation for leaders who want to grow without losing their values, their people, or themselves along the way.

In This Episode

• Tom’s unconventional path into commercial real estate and leadership
• The difference between rainmakers and real leaders
• Why team culture matters more than technical skill
• Lessons learned from financial crises, layoffs, and hard leadership calls
• Navigating imposter syndrome at high levels of success
• Scarcity vs. abundance mindsets in leadership
• Why actions often change beliefs — not the other way around
• Philanthropy, purpose, and redefining success later in life
• Tom’s personal definition of fulfillment and his “inner compass”

About the Guest

Tom Sherlock is the co-founder of Talonvest Capital and an advisor to commercial real estate owners navigating complex financing decisions across market cycles. With over 40 years of experience as a lender, investor, and advisor, Tom brings a rare perspective shaped by decades of high-stakes decision-making.

In addition to his advisory work, Tom teaches in UC Irvine’s MBA program, mentors emerging leaders, serves on nonprofit boards including Ronald McDonald House Orange County, and leads Talonvest’s philanthropic initiatives. At this stage of his career, Tom is focused on sound judgment, long-term thinking, and making a meaningful difference through leadership.

Connect with Tom: Website: https://talonvest.com Email: tsherlock@talonvest.com

About the Host

Andy Petranek is an Executive Leadership & Fulfillment Coach who works with highly successful entrepreneurs and executives who want to grow without sacrificing their peace, relationships, or sense of purpose. A former Marine officer, professional athlete, and lifelong entrepreneur, Andy brings discipline, depth, and lived experience to conversations about leadership and inner work.

Connect with Andy: Website: https://andypetranek.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andypetranek/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andypetranek/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andypetranek

When life hits its hardest moments, most people turn to family and friends. But when those relationships are the ones breaking apart, they turn to someone like Brett Berman — a highly respected family law attorney who’s spent over 20 years guiding people through some of the most emotionally charged chapters of their lives.

In this conversation, Brett pulls back the curtain on family law: the pressure, emotional volatility, court battles, personal toll, and the profound responsibility of helping families move forward. We also go deeper into Brett’s inner compass — his boundaries, struggles with balance, leadership evolution, and the spiritual meaning he finds in service.

This episode is a masterclass in truth-telling about relationships, stress, purpose, parenting, and what it takes to keep going when life demands everything.

Episode Highlights

• How Brett accidentally entered family law and discovered his calling
• Why divorce cases are emotionally raw, unpredictable, and rarely have clear winners
• The truth about mediation, litigation, and protecting children
• Managing emotionally charged clients while telling hard truths
• The difference between being a great lawyer and running a great firm
• Brett’s own divorce and the decision that changed his son’s life
• Leadership, delegation, and building teams in a hybrid world
• Boundaries, burnout, discipline, and staying aligned
• What fulfillment looks like in midlife

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• What really happens behind the scenes of divorce cases
• The emotional cost of family litigation
• How to support clients without absorbing their pain
• Why boundaries and discipline matter in demanding careers
• How service and perspective shape a meaningful life
• Why “show up every day” still wins

Memorable Quotes

“Nobody whistles their way home from a successful mediation.” “If I don’t manage my boundaries, this job becomes a mistress.” “I became an overnight success — it only took 25 years.” “Hard work, discipline, and serving others… that’s my compass.” “Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is compromise.”

About the Guest — Brett Berman

Brett Berman is the managing partner of Moder Berman in Los Angeles, with nearly 25 years of experience handling high-conflict divorces, custody disputes, and complex financial cases. He has published in the LA Daily Journal, lectured on divorce taxation, judged statewide mock trials, and volunteered extensively with the LA Domestic Violence Project. He also serves on the board of the ACFLS Charitable Foundation, supporting families affected by domestic violence, elder abuse, and fractured relationships.

About the Host — Andy Petranek

Andy Petranek is an Executive Leadership & Fulfillment Coach for high-achieving entrepreneurs and executives facing burnout or disconnection. A former Marine officer, professional athlete, and lifelong entrepreneur, Andy helps leaders succeed without losing themselves, their relationships, or their peace.

Connect: andypetranek.com | @andypetranek

The Person to See: Tim O’Brien on Freedom, Failure, and Forward Motion

How a late-blooming lawyer built Rainmaker U — and why resilience beats perfection

What really defines success? For Tim O’Brien, it isn’t one big win — it’s the relentless forward motion, the courage to take imperfect action, and the freedom to choose his own path.

In this conversation, host Andy Petranek sits down with the founder of Rainmaker U to unpack how high-achieving professionals can build lives and businesses that align with who they truly are. Tim shares his winding journey from Georgetown Law to acting to coaching — and how the idea of becoming “the person to see” reshaped both his career and mindset.

He opens up about anxiety, scarcity thinking, and late-bloomer lessons learned the hard way. From building community to leveraging digital tools, Tim explains why the path to fulfillment isn’t about perfection — it’s about staying in motion.

In this episode

• The origin of “the person to see” and the real meaning of freedom • Why late bloomers often go further • Resilience vs. perfection — launching before you’re ready • How Rainmaker U turned coaching into community • The sales truth: 80 % of deals happen after the 5th contact • Turning anxiety into action and scarcity into abundance • Building a business and life you can run from anywhere

Key takeaways

• Freedom means choice. Build your brand so you can pick your clients and name your price.
• Forward is a practice. “I go one direction — forward.” Progress beats perfection.
• Resilience wins. Launch, learn, and adjust; if you’re happy with v1, you waited too long.
• Persistence pays. 80 % of sales happen after the fifth follow-up — don’t quit early.
• Community is leverage. Growth accelerates when you pair coaching with connection.
• Mindset matters. Scarcity and fear are common; awareness turns them into fuel.

Memorable quotes

“I go one direction — forward.”

“If you’re happy with your first launch, you waited too long.”

“I’ve suffered many tragedies in my life — most of which never occurred.”

“Freedom is picking your clients and naming your price.”

Connect with Tim O’Brien

Website: rainmakeru.net LinkedIn: Tim O' Brien: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepersontosee/ Email: tob@thepersonalbrandinggroup.com