Legacy & Leadership

David McKean

Join host David McKean twice a month for Legacy and Leadership, where he interviews industry leaders on why it is important to leave a legacy on many levels—family, community, and financially.  Glean action steps you can implement in your life today. 

Episodes

  1. 21h ago

    Legacy and Leadership Episode 24 | Chris Bell - Part 2

    In Part 2 of this conversation on Legacy and Leadership, host David McKeen continues his discussion with Pastor Chris Bell, diving deeper into the realities of leadership, writing, and building a life that truly matters. Chris shares the behind-the-scenes journey of writing his bestselling book Broken Crown—including the challenges of turning ideas into a finished product and the discipline it takes to follow through. From ditch-digging analogies to hard-earned lessons from mentors, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for anyone chasing a vision. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why most great ideas never become reality—and how to change that The real process behind writing a book (it’s not glamorous) The power of discipline, consistency, and doing the work Lessons from mentors that shaped Chris’s leadership and writing How to handle criticism and lead through challenging, polarized times What it means to stay grounded in your purpose while navigating public leadership Chris also gives a preview of his upcoming book Green Marriage, sharing why he waited over 20 years to write about marriage—and what he hopes it will accomplish. Whether you're a leader, creator, or someone striving to make a lasting impact, this episode will challenge and encourage you to keep showing up, keep working, and keep leading with purpose. 👉 If this episode added value, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! #Leadership #Legacy #WritingProcess #ChrisBell #DavidMcKeen #PersonalGrowth #Mentorship

    29 min
  2. Jun 15

    Legacy and Leadership Episode 23 | Chris Bell - Part 1

    In this episode of Legacy and Leadership, host David McKeen sits down with Pastor Chris Bell—lead pastor of Three Circle Church and a seasoned leader with over 25 years of ministry experience. Chris shares powerful insights from his journey growing up in small-town Mississippi to leading a thriving multi-campus church impacting thousands each week. From his early days in a dynamic church environment to being mentored by influential leaders, Chris unpacks how those formative experiences shaped his passion for leadership, faith, and long-term impact. Together, David and Chris dive into: What makes a church—or any organization—truly dynamic The lasting power of mentorship and how to find the right mentor Why leadership is about long-term impact, not just short-term results The role of humility in personal and professional growth How to build a legacy that lasts for generations Chris also shares personal stories about his upbringing, influential mentors, and lessons learned from decades in ministry—including his perspective on measuring success in leadership. If you’re a leader, aspiring leader, or someone seeking to make a meaningful impact in your family, community, or career, this conversation is full of wisdom you won’t want to miss. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who could benefit from it! 🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2—coming soon! #Leadership #Mentorship #Legacy #ChrisBell #DavidMcKeen #FaithLeadership #PersonalGrowth

    21 min
  3. Jun 1

    Legacy and Leadership Episode 22 | Dr. Charles Smith, Jr. - Part 2

    In Part 2 of this conversation on Legacy and Leadership, David McKeen continues his discussion with Dr. Charles Smith, President of the University of Mobile, diving deeper into leadership in a divided world and what it takes to lead with clarity, conviction, and humility. Dr. Smith shares practical wisdom on navigating polarization, emphasizing the importance of listening well, seeking to understand others, and leading with calm confidence rather than reaction. He offers a thoughtful perspective on how strong convictions and genuine empathy can coexist, and why both are essential for effective leadership today. The conversation also explores how growth and experience, including Dr. Smith’s doctoral journey, shaped his leadership through humility and self-awareness. He reflects on the discipline of thinking deeply, the importance of showing up faithfully, and how small, consistent steps often lead to significant impact over time. David and Dr. Smith also discuss what it means to set “God-sized” goals and the vision behind multiplying leaders who make a difference in their communities, families, and beyond. Dr. Smith shares his passion for helping others recognize their calling and step into leadership with purpose. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about being willing to take the next step, lead with courage, and invest in others along the way.

    18 min
  4. May 15

    Legacy and Leadership | Mobile, AL Sheriff Paul Burch part 2

    Enjoy the rest of this dynamic conversation with David McKean and Sheriff Paul Burch. What a humble servant Mobile, Alabama has in Sheriff Paul Burch.  You won't want to miss a second of this dynamic conversation with David from a man who truly supports his people, jumps in the field with them, will fight for them with the facts. Talk about a leader leaving a legacy!  Sheriff Paul Burch is a Mobile native and a graduate of B.C. Rain High School. He is married and the proud father of four children. He holds an associate degree in Criminal Justice, a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security, and is a 2014 graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session #258). From 1983 to 1988, Sheriff Burch honorably served in the United States Navy as a Seabee. He began his law enforcement career in 1989 with the Montgomery Police Department and returned home to Mobile in 1990 to join the Mobile Police Department. In 1999, he continued his service to the community by joining the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. Over the course of his thirty-six-year career in law enforcement, Sheriff Burch has served in a variety of roles, including uniformed patrol, general investigations, homicide investigations, and narcotics. His extensive experience reflects a lifelong dedication to serving the citizens of Mobile County with professionalism, integrity, and respect. Before his election as Sheriff of Mobile County in November 2022, Sheriff Burch served in every rank within the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, from Patrol Deputy to Chief Deputy, making him the only sheriff in the agency’s history to have held every rank prior to being elected. This distinction underscores his deep understanding of every facet of the department. He was formally sworn in as Sheriff in January 2023. Sheriff Burch remains actively involved in the community and currently serves on the Child Advocacy Center Board, the Penelope House Board, and the Legislative Committee for the Alabama Sheriffs Association.

    22 min
  5. May 1

    Legacy and Leadership | Mobile, AL Sheriff Paul Burch part 1

    What a humble servant, Mobile, Alabama, has in Sheriff Paul Burch.  You won't want to miss a second of this dynamic conversation with David, a man who truly supports his people, jumps in the field with them, and will fight for them with the facts. Talk about a leader leaving a legacy!  Sheriff Paul Burch is a Mobile native and a graduate of B.C. Rain High School. He is married and the proud father of four children. He holds an associate degree in Criminal Justice, a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security, and is a 2014 graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session #258). From 1983 to 1988, Sheriff Burch honorably served in the United States Navy as a Seabee. He began his law enforcement career in 1989 with the Montgomery Police Department and returned home to Mobile in 1990 to join the Mobile Police Department. In 1999, he continued his service to the community by joining the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. Over the course of his thirty-six-year career in law enforcement, Sheriff Burch has served in a variety of roles, including uniformed patrol, general investigations, homicide investigations, and narcotics. His extensive experience reflects a lifelong dedication to serving the citizens of Mobile County with professionalism, integrity, and respect. Before his election as Sheriff of Mobile County in November 2022, Sheriff Burch served in every rank within the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, from Patrol Deputy to Chief Deputy, making him the only sheriff in the agency’s history to have held every rank prior to being elected. This distinction underscores his deep understanding of every facet of the department. He was formally sworn in as Sheriff in January 2023. Sheriff Burch remains actively involved in the community and currently serves on the Child Advocacy Center Board, the Penelope House Board, and the Legislative Committee for the Alabama Sheriffs Association.

    21 min
  6. Apr 1

    Episode 20 Legacy & Leadership | Lee Lawson | Baldwin Alliance | Part 2

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Lee Lawson, President and CEO of the Baldwin Alliance, we go deeper into the mindset behind perseverance, doubt, and long-term vision. Lee opens up about growing up in a single-parent household, embracing the underdog mentality, and how that competitive fire carried him through a decade-long pursuit of a transformational economic development win. For 10 years, he faced public skepticism, internal pressure, and repeated “almost” moments—before landing one of the largest investments in Alabama history: a $5 billion project bringing 1,000 jobs at wages well above the county average. In this episode, we explore: • How to handle doubt when the spotlight is on you • What it’s like to chase a 10-year vision while critics question it • The emotional reality of finishing second—again and again • Why big goals require public commitment and private resilience • How success builds momentum for even greater opportunities Lee also shares what it’s been like to have a front-row seat to explosive growth in Baldwin County—and the responsibility that comes with shaping a community where his own family lives, works, and goes to school. This episode is about staying the course when quitting would be easier—and what happens when perseverance finally pays off. If you care about leadership, growth, and building something that lasts, this conversation will stay with you.

    20 min

About

Join host David McKean twice a month for Legacy and Leadership, where he interviews industry leaders on why it is important to leave a legacy on many levels—family, community, and financially.  Glean action steps you can implement in your life today.