The Impactful Leader

Chris Callahan
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Stories of Leaders Who've Built Something. The heaviest calling on earth is leadership.

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    Lead From Behind

    What if the most powerful leadership role isn’t the CEO… but the second in command? In this episode of The Impactful Leader Podcast, Chris Callahan sits down with Jeff Foil, President of Seven Oaks Capital, to unpack a perspective rarely discussed in leadership circles — the power and value of being the “number two.” Jeff spent most of his career as a second-in-command leader before stepping into the presidency. He shares why loyalty, responsibility, and execution are critical traits for supporting a vision — and how caring for employees creates long-term business success. This episode explores: Why the second-in-command role is vital to any organization The difference between managing tasks and developing leaders How “people over profit” actually increases profit The importance of season-aware leadership Why wisdom matters more than knowledge Learning from costly mistakes (including a $500,000 lesson in pride) What it really means to leave a legacy Jeff’s leadership philosophy is simple but powerful: Be kind. Be fair. Do what you say you’ll do. If you're a business owner, executive, or emerging leader, this conversation will challenge how you define success and growth. Because sustainable leadership isn’t about domination — it’s about developing people. Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode impacted you.

    43 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Listening Is Leadership

    What if the greatest leadership skill isn’t strategy… but listening? In this heartfelt episode of The Impactful Leader Podcast, Chris Callahan sits down with attorney Craig Hart for one of the most personal conversations yet. Together, they explore how faith, fatherhood, business, and legacy intersect — and why genuine connection is the foundation of true impact. Craig shares the powerful story of his mother’s miraculous healing, the loss of his father, and the spiritual shift that transformed his life from simply believing in God to actively listening for His voice. As a family law attorney, Craig reveals how his faith reshaped his leadership — from pursuing success and wealth to prioritizing presence, prayer, and people. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why listening is a leader’s greatest superpower How to build a legacy your children will actually carry forward The difference between transactional success and relational impact Why face-to-face connection matters more than ever in the AI age The powerful question Craig asks his children: “How do you want to be remembered?” This episode is for entrepreneurs, parents, business owners, and leaders who want to build something that lasts beyond money, titles, or accomplishments. Because in the end, you won’t be remembered for what you made — but for how you made people feel. If this conversation encourages you, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review.

    34 min

  3. 12/25/2025

    When Generosity Finally Feels Right

    Most Christians think God wants them to give more. Scripture says something very different. If you’re a high-capacity family or business owner seeking clarity, peace, and impact in your giving, this video will transform your perspective on generosity forever.In this video, Chris explains how to discern where God actually wants you to give, so your generosity is aligned with:• Biblical truth• Your family’s calling• Eternal Kingdom impactMany wealthy families give generously — yet still feel anxious, scattered, or unsure. That confusion isn’t spiritual failure… It’s a lack of discernment.You’ll discover:• Why does calling come before the check• The three biblical lenses that clarify every giving decision• The difference between scatter giving and true stewardship• How aligned generosity brings joy instead of pressure• Why God cares more about why you give than how much you giveIf you want your generosity to feel like worship instead of obligation, this message is for you.

    11 min

  4. 12/20/2025

    She Built a $5M HVAC Company in ONE Year (And Changed the Trades Forever)

    What does it take to build a $5 million company in your first year—in a male-dominated industry—without sacrificing integrity, people, or faith? In this episode of The Impactful Leader Podcast, Chris sits down with Katy Higgins, Founder and CEO of True Pros Plumbing, Heating & Air, to unpack one of the most compelling leadership stories in the trades today. Katy shares how a moment in a crawl space forced her to confront her future—and sparked the creation of a company that now: Scaled from a garage startup to $5M in year one Prioritizes people over profit in an industry known for aggressive sales Champions women in the trades, shifting culture from the inside out Leads with faith, integrity, and long-term vision Gives back by fully funding Make-A-Wish family experiences This conversation dives deep into: What rapid growth really costs behind the scenes Why leadership is often lonely—and how community changes everything How culture, core values, and service create sustainable scale What Katy had to become personally to lead a growing organization Her bold vision to build a $30M company with excellence and purpose If you’re a business owner, leader, or builder who wants to grow without losing your soul, this episode is for you.

    28 min

  5. 10/01/2025

    Redefined from Suffering

    Find Out More About the Kingdom Operating System: https://www.launchkingdomos.com Connect with David Esposito: https://onltherapeutics.com/ https://www.harvesttimepartners.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidesposito2/ In Episode 4 of the Impactful Leader Podcast, host Christopher Callahan sits down with David Esposito, President & CEO of ONL Therapeutics, to explore what it means to lead with endurance, adaptability, and vision. From West Point and the military to biotech startups and family life, David shares lessons in resilience, the power of presence, and building a legacy rooted in timeless values. Whether you’re a business owner, leader, or parent, this conversation will inspire you to model the way, embrace suffering as a teacher, and pursue a legacy of abundance and impact. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & introduction of David Esposito 01:00 – David’s leadership journey: Military, corporate, startups, and family 03:00 – Core principles: Leading by example & adapting to change 05:00 – Superpower of endurance: lessons from military, parenting & business 07:00 – The role of hope and faith in resilience 08:00 – Presence of a leader in times of crisis 10:00 – Lessons from leading companies through failure & bankruptcy 12:00 – Staying sharp as a leader: observation & self-awareness 13:00 – Sponsor: The Kingdom Operating System 14:00 – ONL Therapeutics’ mission: Helping patients “see the future” 16:00 – Legacy: Being useful to a cause greater than yourself 17:00 – Defining success in business, science, and family 19:00 – Purpose-driven leadership and abundance mindset 21:00 – Harvest Time Partners: Building values at home, work, and community 23:00 – Parenting with humility & listening in today’s world 26:00 – Keeping the door of communication open with children 28:00 – How to connect with David (LinkedIn, ONL Therapeutics, Harvest Time Partners) 29:00 – 100+ years of abundance & impact: timeless principles that endure 31:00 – Closing thoughts & thank you

    31 min

  6. 09/10/2025

    People Over Profit

    Find Out More About the Kingdom Operating System: https://www.launchkingdomos.com Connect with Glenn: https://avsnno.com In this episode of the Impactful Leadership Podcast, Christopher Callahan sits down with business owner Glenn Schaefer for a deep and practical conversation on leadership, relationships, and legacy. From putting people over profit to navigating family business succession, Glenn shares powerful wisdom from decades of experience—alongside hard-earned lessons from seasons of personal trial. Whether you’re a business owner, leader, or parent, you’ll walk away with actionable insights on building trust, stewarding resources well, and passing down a legacy that lasts beyond wealth. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & how Chris and Glenn connected 02:00 – The healthy (and unhealthy) side of transactions 05:00 – Avoiding hidden motives in relationships 07:00 – The “spirit of mammon” and net worth vs. true value 09:00 – Business with integrity: putting people before profit 12:00 – Glenn’s AV production business & serving clients well 15:00 – Faith, trust, and profit in business 18:00 – Legacy: family business and spiritual inheritance 21:00 – Discipling children & grandchildren in values 23:00 – From “cop” to “coach” as a parent 25:00 – The world’s system vs. Kingdom abundance 27:00 – Modeling generosity from companies like Chick-fil-A & Hobby Lobby 29:00 – Why “fairness” isn’t always the right goal in inheritance 31:00 – Tailoring legacy plans to each child’s maturity 33:00 – Stewardship over fairness & overcoming “success guilt” 35:00 – Teaching the value of work 36:00 – The refining power of hardship 38:00 – Knowing when to let kids face challenges 40:00 – Leaning into faith during tragedy 42:00 – Passing on wisdom through humility 44:00 – Closing thoughts & how to connect with Glenn

    46 min

  7. 08/14/2025

    "Over"Accountability

    In this episode of the Impactful Leadership Podcast, Christopher Callahan sits down with longtime friend, business leader, and man of faith, Jay Dotson. They explore what it means to be “over-accountable,” how vulnerability shapes leadership, and why the marketplace can be a powerful place for ministry. Jay shares personal stories from his journey as a business owner, husband, and father — including how accountability safeguards dreams, how to lead with humility, and why culture matters as much as strategy. You’ll also hear practical advice on building a scalable finance function, hiring the right CFO, and running a business with Kingdom purpose. Whether you’re a leader seeking to grow, a business owner navigating ambition and family, or someone passionate about aligning faith with work, this conversation will inspire and challenge you. Timestamps: 00:00 – Opening banter & intro to Jay Dotson 01:00 – What “over-accountability” means and why it matters 03:00 – Accountability as a safeguard for your legacy and business 05:00 – The ripple effect of leadership on employees and families 06:00 – A lack of accountability is a dream killer 07:00 – Spousal accountability and discernment in marriage 10:00 – Inviting vs. imposing accountability in leadership 12:00 – The power of permission and trust in influence 15:00 – Leadership is not a right, it’s a permission 16:00 – How Jay invites accountability in business and life 19:00 – Identifying blind spots and delegating effectively 21:00 – The “Superman” trap for business owners 24:00 – Leading up: when your team holds you accountable 25:00 – Vulnerability, humility, and saying “I was wrong” 29:00 – Ambition with accountability vs. ambition without it 31:00 – Balancing business, ministry, and family life 33:00 – Morning routines, quiet time, and intentional growth 34:00 – Challenges of building community as a business owner with a young family 36:00 – Why it’s easier to do ministry in business than you think 39:00 – Creating a culture of generosity and unreasonable hospitality 41:00 – Seeing people the way God sees them in business 43:00 – Reframing business leadership as Kingdom impact 45:00 – Evangelism opportunities in the workplace 47:00 – Emotional support as part of leadership 48:00 – Why every business should hire a shepherd-hearted leader 50:00 – Introducing Prosper CFO: helping companies make more, lose less 53:00 – The four major problems in most finance functions 55:00 – The importance of the right leader and right playbook 57:00 – Building a scalable finance function for growth 58:00 – How to connect with Jay and Prosper CFO 59:00 – Closing thoughts & vision for Kingdom impact through business

    1 hr

  8. 08/07/2025

    Business Is Ministry

    🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of impactful leadership. In our very first episode, host Christopher Callahan sits down with Laramie Stevens to explore what it means to lead with Kingdom values in business. From burnout and family dynamics to workplace chaplaincy and spiritual revival in the corporate world, this conversation is full of wisdom, vulnerability, and faith-driven leadership. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro: Making History with Episode One 01:00 - Meeting Laramie: Kingdom Leadership Summit 03:00 - Building Accountability through Life Planning 04:20 - A God-Orchestrated Friendship 05:15 - Laramie’s Family and Background 06:30 - The Origin of Inner Parish Security Corporation (IPSC) 07:50 - Scaling to 2,500 Employees Nationwide 08:45 - The Rare Success of a Family Business Transition 10:00 - From HR Director to Burnout 12:00 - Hitting a Breaking Point with Family and Work 13:30 - Honest Conversations and Internal Tensions 15:00 - The Wake-Up Moment: Missing Breakfast with His Daughter 17:00 - Learning to Take Ownership of His Time 18:30 - Rebuilding: From Survival to Health 19:45 - Sensing a New Season from God 21:00 - Letting Go of Self-Reliance and Embracing Dependence on God 23:00 - A Revelation at a Planning Retreat 24:30 - God’s Vision: Become a Covering for Others 25:45 - Transitioning to Corporate Chaplaincy 27:00 - Partnering with His Wife in Ministry 28:30 - Meeting People Where They Are — Spirit, Soul, and Body 30:00 - Erasing the Sacred vs. Secular Divide 31:00 - Business as Ministry: Greater Than Sunday Church 32:00 - Monthly Leadership Prayer Meetings at IPSC 34:00 - No Blueprint, Just Obedience and Curiosity 35:30 - Opening the Business to God’s Leadership 37:00 - Encouragement to Kingdom Business Owners 39:00 - Final Thoughts: Letting God Lead Every Part of Your Business 40:30 - Setting the Tone for the Podcast Series 📣 Want More? Subscribe for future episodes where we talk to leaders who are reshaping business and culture with Kingdom principles. #ImpactfulLeadership #KingdomBusiness #FaithAndWork #LeadershipPodcast #CorporateChaplaincy #FamilyBusiness #BurnoutRecovery #WorkplaceMinistry #ChristianEntrepreneur #SpiritualLeadership #BusinessWithPurpose

    42 min

  9. 01/01/1970

    From Crisis to CEO: How Tasha Roberts Turned Pressure Into a Multi-Location Empire

    When life collapsed without warning, Tasha Roberts had two choices—let her parents’ company die, or step into a role she never wanted. In this episode, Tasha reveals the behind-the-scenes story of how a sudden family tragedy forced her into leadership overnight… and how that moment became the catalyst for scaling ASAP Commercial Doors into a high-performing, multi-location operation. You’ll discover: • How Tasha went from zero experience to leading a male-dominated industry with confidence • The exact mindset that helped her push through doubt, pressure, and team resistance  • Why delegation, systems, and performance-based pay shattered her company’s growth ceiling • How rebranding transformed her brand’s credibility and positioned her for expansion • The role faith played in her most decisive career move (including a cross-country relocation she made purely out of obedience) • How she develops leaders internally through vision casting, coaching, and an apprenticeship model • The legacy she hopes to leave in the trades—and why she believes “pressure is a privilege” This is one of the most authentic and empowering leadership stories you’ll hear all year—a real-life example of what happens when courage meets calling. If you’re a business owner facing pressure, uncertainty, or transition… This episode will give you the mindset, hope, and clarity you need to lead forward.

    26 min

  10. 01/01/1970

    Harnessing Pain, Leading with Clarity: The Leadership Framework Every Founder Needs

    If you’ve ever felt trapped in operational chaos, margin leaks, or systems that just can’t keep up with your growth, this episode will change the way you think about leadership. Vish Puttagunta, CEO of Power Central, didn’t just build another ERP. He lived the pain of food manufacturing firsthand and created a solution from the warehouse floor up — helping companies uncover where margins disappear and how to fix it for good.  In this conversation, we unpack: How to harness pain instead of avoiding it Why most ERPs fail and what actually works The leadership habits that transform both companies and families How clarity, metrics, and emotional awareness fuel sustainable growth If you're scaling a manufacturing business or you lead teams through complexity, this episode gives you practical tools for becoming an impactful leader — one percent better, every day.

    27 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Stories of Leaders Who've Built Something. The heaviest calling on earth is leadership.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Callahan
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Chris Callahan
  • Show Website
    The Impactful Leader