SightShift with Chris McAlister
Too many leaders lead for validation, not impact. And too many organizations are relying on overpriced seminars, gimmicky retreats, and leadership fads to develop their leaders. Are you ready to implement a transformational process to develop impact leaders who develop other leaders? www.SightShift.com
Episodes
What if empathy isn’t the finish line of leadership, but the most dangerous halfway point?
In this episode, Chris and Mark explore how empathy, when misused, can become a powerful tool for manipulation. They unpack the difference between validation and impact, and why leaders must go beyond being “emotionally available” to actually ending the suffering of others. Mercy, not just empathy, is what separates authentic leadership from ...
Matt McClellan knows the pressure of leadership. As a second-gen CEO of a $100M+ construction firm, he’s felt the weight of legacy, the pain of panic attacks, and the breakthrough of letting go. In this episode, he joins Chris McAlister to share how building leaders (not just buildings) has changed everything.
You’ll hear:
• Building a leadership team that runs without you
• Facing the emotional cost of leadership
• Embracing the...
Joe Simonds built a multimillion-dollar company while secretly battling years of anxiety and pressure.
In this episode, Joe shares how letting go of fear, and finding clarity in his identity, became the turning point in his leadership.
You’ll hear:
• What helped Joe break free from anxiety loops
• How he shifted from survival to real fulfillment
• The metaphor that reshaped Salt Strong’s culture
• What it takes to scale without l...
Michael Nardella built a successful law firm. But after years of achievement, he found himself asking a deeper question: is this it?
In this episode, Michael shares the moment external success stopped being enough, and what it took to reconnect with purpose. He opens up about the burnout, the quiet disillusionment, and the transformation that followed as he began building a culture that v...
Mindfulness is a great starting point, but if you stop there, you’re leaving your leadership half-baked.
In this episode of the SightShift Podcast, Chris and Mark discuss the secret to impactful leadership: moving beyond mindfulness to a mindset upgrade. You’ll hear real-life examples, personal stories, and actionable strategies to help you:
- Read more
Is mindfulness really the solution to better leadership? In this episode, we challenge the popular formula of “Mindfulness = Empathy + Psychological Safety” and explain why it often leads to fragile, ineffective leadership. Instead of stopping at self-awareness or emotional connection, we introduce a more complete framework: impact equals right action plus right motive. You’ll learn how overvaluing your personal leadership strength...
In this episode, we explore how rituals - both intentional and unintentional - shape personal identity, leadership, and organizational culture. Here’s what you’ll discover when you listen:
- The Importance of Rituals in Identity and Leadership and the impact of institutions and organizations abandoning meaningful rituals.
- How Generational Shifts Affect Work Motivation, with younger employees seeking personal growth over identity ...
In this episode, we're diving into one of the most common struggles every leader faces: insecurity. Let's unpack how insecurity shows up in leadership, whether through overcompensating or avoiding key moments, and why self-awareness is the key to growth.
Tune in to learn:
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Insecurity is universal: Every leader, no matter their expe...
This is part 2 of our special series, Lead for Impact: The Big Idea. In this episode, we're looking into every leader's struggle and a crucial question: Are you leading for validation or for impact?
Tune in to learn:
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The Key Question for Leaders – Are you leading for validation or for impact? Discover how this question can transfo...
We’re excited to kick off a brand-new podcast series that dives deep into the principles from our book Lead for Impact.
In our first episode, Mark Stanifer and I set the stage for a journey that will challenge and inspire you to rethink your approach to leadership.
The heart of the episode revolves around a crucial question: “Are you leading for impact or validation?”
This is the question every leader needs to ask themselve...
In today's episode, we’re diving deep into something that’s been absolutely revolutionary for me in over two decades of leadership development, and I think it could be for you too.
If you’ve ever hired someone and later thought, “What was I thinking?”—you’re not alone. The truth is, most leaders pick people based on temperament—how charismatic or extroverted they are—and hope that’ll translate into great leadership. But here’s th...
Are you driven by a vision for something that doesn’t exist yet, but you’re determined to make it a reality? Or perhaps you’re on the cusp of pursuing a significant goal and feeling that stirring inside you.
Our ‘5 Stages of a Vision’ framework will help you navigate the journey from conception to completion, categorizing what to expect and providing a map for each stage.
In our recent podcast episode, we delve into the Five ...
In this episode, Chris and Mark explore the transformative power of integrating play and fun into leadership.
Tune in to:
>> Discover how balancing intensity with playful activities can prevent burnout, boost creativity, and foster stronger team bonds.
>> Learn actionable strategies for celebrating successes, achieving peak flow states, and maximizing your team's mental capacity.
>> Uncover the essential min...
In this episode, we’re continuing to dive into the specific challenges of leading a business where one or more family members are involved. Today we’re looking at the dangers of getting stuck in a cycle of "I know best" leadership, which can stifle creativity, innovation, and growth in your family members. Learn the five negative consequences you might face by leading for validation, and discover the three key moments that signal a...
In this episode, Chris McAlister and special guest Mark Stanifer delve into the intricate world of succession planning within family businesses. As leaders embark on this unique journey, the challenges they face are not just about business growth, but also about nurturing the relationships that form the foundation of their legacy.
In this episode, you will learn:
- The Importance of Openness to Change...
In this episode, we explore the crucial mindset shift from leading for validation to leading for impact. Join us as we delve into the concept of envisioning leadership beyond the present moment and contemplating the impact of our actions when we're no longer in the picture.
Key Takeaways:
- Leadership Vision Beyond the Moment: Discover why real leaders think beyond the present, imagining a future wher...
In this episode, we’re talking about the power of an identity shift for impactful leadership. Learn how a robust leadership operating system, incorporating measurement, model, and method, can revolutionize the way you lead.
Key Takeaways:
- Identity Shift for Impact: The episode emphasizes the need for leaders to move beyond validation-seeking and embrace a profound identity shift for impact. It draw...
Imagine looking back on your work life decades from now. Will it be fulfilling just because you managed your inbox and attended every meeting?
In today's corporate landscape, where drudgery often leads individuals to seek meaning elsewhere, the episode challenges this escape. It prompts us to confront the deeper issue—the quest for meaning is intertwined with our identity. Work, the episode argues, is a potent context for self-kno...
In our latest podcast episode, "Lead for Impact, Not Validation," Chris dives deep into the world of self-mastery, doubts, and motives.
Key Takeaways:
- Discovering Self-Mastery and Purpose: Leadership thrives on self-mastery and understanding one's core motivations. By exploring the depths of personal identity and uncovering the "why" behind leadership roles, individuals transition from seeking val...
Welcome to “Lead for Impact, Not Validation” session 6, where we explore impactful leadership. This episode focuses on the first key component of impact – action.
We challenge the common view of empathy, highlighting its role as a starting point for meaningful action. Discover the pitfalls of overemphasizing empathy and the crucial role of mercy in impactful leadership.
Key Takeaways:
- Empathy as a...
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