How Did Your Northwestern Football Journey Unfold?

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Chris Malleo, co-author of The ChairLeader, for a moving conversation about his unexpected journey from college athlete to transformational leader. Chris shares how his own setbacks—on and off the field—ultimately led him to coaching, where an email from Frankie Kennevy, a nonverbal young man with cerebral palsy, changed everything.

Together, Chris and Frankie turned a struggling football program into champions, building a culture rooted in selflessness, gratitude, and the belief that attitude can overcome any circumstance. Chris reflects on the incredible lessons he learned from Frankie about resilience, teamwork, and what it really means to make an impact.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is about lifting others up, and the greatest victories come from the heart. Listeners will be inspired by The ChairLeader and rethink what's possible!

About Chris,

Chris Malleo is a former Northwestern and professional football player turned coach, author, and leadership entrepreneur. As the founder of Culture Health and the author of The ChairLeader, Chris helps leaders and organizations strengthen culture through trust, alignment, and intentional leadership.

After leading one of the nation's top high school football programs — sending 48 players to college in four years — Chris transitioned into commercial real estate, where he advises high-net-worth families and businesses on large-scale investments. His unique journey from locker rooms to boardrooms gives him a rare perspective on how great cultures are built.

Grounded in faith, family, and purpose, Chris lives in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida with his wife Ashley and their four children.

Here's a few additional resources for you…

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today!

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here!

Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!