Episode #102: Chris Woods Flatlined at Forty. Here’s What He Learned.

Chris Woods flatlined at forty, got a pacemaker, and figured out what actually holds people back. He joins Dr. Cindy to talk about his book, Balls and Brains, the strengths test that changed his career, and one deceptively simple question that gets even the toughest guys talking. Expect fear, growth, and some jokes along the way.

In this episode, we cover:

• (3:00) The connection between balls, brains, and wood.
• (5:00) Who would you be in the absence of your concerns?
• (9:00) The brain believes exactly what you tell it.
• (10:00) Why do men struggle and hesitate to ask for help?
• (14:00) You don’t need to flatline in a hospital bed to make a positive change in your life.
• (16:00) How can you build the authentic version of yourself?
• (20:00) Balls and brains!
• (24:00) Chris talking about his role in becoming a dad.
• (26:00) Would you go back in time and live through a life-altering event again?
• (31:00) Who’s the perfect reader for the book?
• (40:00) Rapid-fire questions

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About Chris Woods

Chris Woods is a Certified Professional Coach and the author of the book "Balls & Brains: A framework for living your best life by overcoming fears and maximizing strengths."

"Balls & Brains" is a no-nonsense, actionable guide for people seeking to break free from self-imposed limitations and step into their fullest potential.

Chris Woods combines personal storytelling, psychological frameworks, and practical exercises to help readers overcome fear (Balls) and maximize their innate strengths (Brains). This isn't just another self-help book, it's a roadmap for those who are tired of playing small and ready to lead with courage and clarity.

Chris brings decades of experience as a four-time global C-suite executive and former Google sales leader. He has led at scale, made high-stakes decisions, and lived inside the pressure that comes with responsibility and ambition.

He rose up from a rough upbringing in a tough area of Boston - the original "Good Will Hunting".

At 40 years old, Chris flatlined in a hospital bed. That moment forced him to confront not just his health, but how he was defining success and the internal fears driving his choices. It changed everything.

Today, he coaches from lived experience—not theory. He helps leaders and professionals align who they are with what they do, so success feels energizing instead of exhausting.

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