Trades Talk Spotlights Jim Madrid’s “Meatballs & Mindset” and the Power of Community

Trades Talks are informative B2B interviews hosted by Resort Trades’ operator Sharon Scott Wilson, RRP. Her educational discussions with professionals and leaders doing business in the timeshare/vacation ownership resort and travel club industries, are posted on https://resorttrades.com/resort-trades-talk/ and on YouTube.com/Resort Trades.

In the latest Trades Talk interview, Sharon spoke with Jim Madrid about his latest book, Meatballs & Mindset, which describes how he survived (or, as he describes it, “is surviving”) Stage 4 cancer.

The discussion touched on Madrid’s career in the vacation ownership and resort industry, his background in cognitive and positive psychology, and the mindset principles he has taught to athletes, executives, and teams worldwide After receiving the diagnosis, Jim describes how relying on these principles and with his family’s support, he was led to making a dramatic turnaround.

Jim uses the metaphor of “meatballs” to symbolize how, like an Italian family sharing a meal as they gather together, the support of friends and family are an important part of reinforcing the mindset.

“I cannot emphasize enough what an uplifting and inspiring experience it has been to get to know Jim and to read his book,” says Wilson. “Meatballs & Mindset is available through Madrid’s website and online retailers.” Additional information about the book and Madrid’s work can be found at www.meatballsandmindset.com.

Resort Trades Media Group, provides FREE resort industry-focused information.  Visit  https://resorttrades.com/subscribe/ to receive free 1) a monthly print/digitized magazine, 2) a weekly eNewsletter, 3) links to YouTube “Trades Talks”, and 4) social media. Resort Trades is a media sponsor of the upcoming GNEX Conference in Nashville, March 18-20, 2026, for which Jim Madrid is the MC.

GNEX (Growth Networking Experience) hosts events with speakers and panels drawn from the industry’s most influential leaders, innovators, and dealmakers. Delegates enjoy three days of powerful connections, forward-thinking insights, and unforgettable experiences designed to accelerate growth across the hospitality, travel, and lifestyle industries. Tickets are available at https://gnexconference.com/register.