Neen James is a leadership strategist, dynamic keynote speaker, and the author of Folding Time, Attention Pays, and Exceptional Experiences.

With boundless energy, quick wit, and actionable insights, she serves as a confidante to C-suite leaders, helping them elevate experiences, sharpen focus, and strengthen communication and influence. Recently appointed to the board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, Neen has been named one of the Top 30 Leadership Speakers by Global Gurus multiple years in a row for her work with prestigious brands including Viacom, Comcast, Virtuoso Travel, Four Seasons, and the FBI. Originally from Australia, she now lives her best life in Tampa, Florida.

In this episode, Chris and Neen dive into what it truly means to design and deliver exceptional experiences, for your clients, your team, and yourself.

From productivity to attention, and now to luxury experiences, Neen’s work has evolved around one central theme: human connection. She reveals why luxury is a mindset, how leaders can think like concierges instead of bellhops, and why creating emotional connection in an AI-driven world is more important than ever.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why luxury is about experience, not expense
• How to think like a concierge, not a bellhop and why that mindset changes everything
• The Experience Elevation Model: a framework for enticing, exciting, and delighting your clients
• Why retention beats acquisition when it comes to sustainable growth
• How energy, not time, is your most valuable asset as a long-haul leader

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 02:27 - The Power of Thought Leadership and Connection
• 07:04 - The Evolution of Productivity to Exceptional Experiences
• 08:14 - Luxury as a Mindset: Human Connection in a Digital World
• 13:03 - AI vs. Human Connection: The Concierge Approach
• 15:14 - Experience Elevation Model: From Attention to Advocacy
• 17:04 - Enticing Clients with Compelling Stories
• 19:24 - Delighting Clients by Anticipating Needs
• 20:15 - Igniting Client Advocacy
• 22:28 - The Importance of Retaining Existing Clients
• 28:05 - The Role of Energy in Leadership

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul Leader
• Connect with Chris on Instagram
• Get Your Copy of Exceptional Experiences
• Connect with Neen on Instagram
• Neen's Website

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey.

Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

Phil M. Jones is a serial entrepreneur, founder of five multimillion-dollar companies, and a strategic advisor to leaders of some of the world’s biggest brands. He's the author of seven bestselling books, including the acclaimed Exactly series with over 3 million copies sold.

His expertise has impacted more than 800 industries across 59 countries, and he now serves in residence at High Point University’s Access to Innovators Program, joining the ranks of global leaders like Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph, mentoring the next generation of innovators.

In this episode, Chris sits down with Phil to explore the art of communication and thriving in a high-achieving lifestyle.

Phil shares strategies for solving problems effectively, using precise language to drive business results, and balancing work-life demands without sacrificing health or performance. They also discuss the impact of AI on information sharing and how leaders can stay ahead in a fast-changing world.

Packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking ideas, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow, lead, and perform for the long-haul!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• How the right words can transform your business outcomes
• Balancing high-achievement with personal well-being
• Leadership lessons for sustainable success in a fast-changing world
• Practical strategies for long-term thinking and personal growth

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 04:20 - The Impact of 'Exactly What to Say'
• 08:54 - Balancing Work and Personal Life
• 13:34 - The Importance of Momentum and Focus
• 18:05 - Building a Loyal and Effective Team
• 24:11 - The Future of Content Creation and AI
• 26:13 - The Decline of Online Courses
• 26:59 - AI's Personalized Insights
• 28:36 - The Future of Thought Leadership
• 32:06 - Health and Momentum
• 38:41 - Travel Hacks and Jet Lag Solutions
• 40:14 - Maximizing Productivity on the Road
• 45:24 - Exploring New Hobbies

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul Leader
• Connect with Chris on Instagram
• Exactly What to Say
• Phil's Website
• Connect with Phil on Instagram

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey.

Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

Brian Clark is a writer, traveler, and entrepreneur. He’s best known as the founder of the pioneering content marketing resource Copyblogger, along with its popular StudioPress and Rainmaker business lines.

Between 2007 and 2017, Brian’s companies generated over $70 million in sales, all without investment and advertising thanks to a unique content marketing approach.

Following the acquisition of the Copyblogger collection of assets and a brief pause to travel the world with his family, Brian now helps Generation X navigate the new realities of midlife, retirement, and longevity.

In this episode, Chris and Brian dive deep into building long-term, purpose-driven businesses without sacrificing your well-being. They explore how to lead with intention, master your mindset, and create a lasting legacy while navigating the challenges of midlife entrepreneurship.

Brian shares his journey, offering insights into the hurdles and opportunities that come with evolving your career and business at midlife. Together, they discuss burnout, mental health, and strategies for sustainable leadership that allow you to stay in your zone of genius.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• The hidden challenges of selling a successful business (and how to rediscover your identity afterward)
• Practical strategies for preventing burnout and protecting your mental health
• Why adaptability and staying in your zone of genius matter more than ever
• The role of AI and technology in amplifying creativity (without losing the human connection)
• Why legacy isn’t about credit, it’s about the people you help along the way

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 02:47 - From Copy Blogger to Longevity Economy
• 03:59 - The Shift to Purpose-Driven Work
• 06:18 - Overcoming Burnout and Finding Balance
• 13:12 - Navigating Identity After Business Acquisitions
• 15:50 - Mastering Every Moment as a Solopreneur
• 19:01 - The Role of AI in Modern Entrepreneurship
• 21:27 - The Importance of Human Connection in the Age of AI
• 22:11 - Using AI for Ideation and Validation
• 23:18 - Staying in Your Zone of Genius
• 24:02 - The Evolution of Further and Midlife Insights
• 27:15 - Economic Fears and Midlife Challenges
• 30:10 - Mentorship and Influences
• 34:14 - Legacy and Lasting Impact

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul Leader
• Connect with Chris on Instagram
• Check Out Brian’s Newsletter, Further
• Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey.

Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

Jenni Field is the founder of Redefining Communications, a global business communications consultancy, and the author of the bestselling book Nobody Believes You. She’s also the co-host of The Frequency Podcast and a trusted advisor to leaders and organizations navigating the complex world of communication, trust, and leadership.

Jenni has worked with organizations of all sizes, from fast-growth startups to global corporations, helping leaders move their teams from chaos to calm.

In this episode, Chris and Jenni explore why credibility is the cornerstone of leadership, the small but common mistakes that cause leaders to lose trust, and the eight traits every believable leader must develop. Jenni shares practical ways to show up with credibility every day, avoid oversharing, and lead with intentionality rather than hustle.

Whether you’re leading a team of two or managing thousands, this conversation will give you the tools to build trust, strengthen your credibility, and lead with confidence for the long-haul.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Everyday ways leaders unknowingly lose trust
• The wheel of credibility and the 8 traits of credible leaders
• The tension between authenticity and inspiration
• Why vulnerability has boundaries and when leaders overshare

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 01:58 - Jenni Field on credibility and leadership
• 06:00 - How leaders unknowingly lose trust in small, everyday ways
• 09:00 - The wheel of credibility: the eight traits every credible leader needs
• 10:30 - Visionary practice, integrity, and why words must match actions
• 11:30 - Social media’s role in shaping (and questioning) leader credibility
• 15:00 - The importance of intentionality and avoiding the hustle hamster wheel
• 17:00 - The tension between being authentic and being inspirational.
• 21:00 - Jenni’s personal practices for being a long-haul leader
• 29:00 - What being a long-haul leader means to Jenni today

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul Leader
• Connect with Chris on Instagram
• Get Your Copy of Jenni's Book, Nobody Believes You
• Connect with Jenni on Instagram
• Check Out Jenni's Website
• Redefining Communications

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey.

Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

Nicole Goode is a Certified Functional Medicine Consultant, Registered Nutritional Therapist (BANT CNHC) and BANT-Registered Nutritionist. She’s the creator of The MitoImmune® Method, and author of the bestselling book, Optimal YOU.

Nicole has been instrumental in helping Chris recover from adrenal burnout and gut health challenges, and in this episode, they discuss how leaders and entrepreneurs can protect their energy, manage stress, and avoid burnout.

Nicole explains what functional medicine really is (and isn’t), why adrenal health matters so much for high achievers, and the surprising connection between gut health and immunity. Together, they dive into the hidden costs of chronic stress and outline three simple, free, and highly effective practices that anyone can start today to boost resilience and performance without sacrificing their wellbeing.

Whether you’re leading a business, a team, or simply your own busy life, this conversation will give you the tools to protect your health for the long-haul.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why adrenal health is critical for leaders and entrepreneurs
• The difference between stress that fuels you and stress that destroys you
• The link between gut health, immunity, and burnout
• How low-level daily stressors quietly erode performance
• Three simple and free practices to lower stress naturally
• The truth about supplements, what’s worth taking, and what isn’t

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 02:25 - Nicole's Background and Functional Medicine
• 04:19 - Understanding Functional Medicine and Chronic Illness
• 06:18 - Chris' Personal Health Journey with Nicole
• 07:32 - The Importance of Adrenal Health
• 09:59 - Stress and Its Impact on Health
• 16:23 - Practical Tips for Reducing Stress
• 20:29 - The Power of Nature for Well-being
• 21:25 - Improving Sleep Hygiene
• 22:35 - Managing Screen Time and Notifications
• 27:43 - The Role of Diet in Adrenal Health
• 28:50 - Practical Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul Leader
• Connect with Chris on Instagram
• Check Out Nicole’s Book, Optimal YOU
• Connect with Nicole on Instagram
• Nicole’s Website

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey.

Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

Jeff Walker is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling book, Launch. He started his first online business in 1996 and pioneered the very idea of the online launch. His “Product Launch Formula” transformed the online marketing world from the day it was released in 2005. Now all these years later, the Product Launch Formula brand is the gold standard in the online entrepreneurial training market.

In this episode, Chris and Jeff talk about how Jeff has continued to build a sustainable business in today’s noisy online world, why succession planning is top of mind, and how personal mastery practices like meditation, evening shutdown rituals, and gratitude tapping have made him a better leader, husband, and human being.

Whether you’re thinking about scaling, planning your legacy, or simply trying to lead without burning out, this conversation is packed with wisdom from one of the best in the game.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• From live events to virtual summits and back again, Jeff shares how his business model evolved through COVID and beyond
• Why the last five years have required more effort to achieve the same results and how to keep innovating in a noisy marketplace
• How Jeff is preparing the next generation (including his own children) to step into leadership and keep the business thriving long after he steps back
• The importance of focus days, intentional morning routines, and a strict 5 PM shutdown ritual for better health and productivity
• Meditation, gratitude practices, and sleep as true superpowers for being a magnetic, long-term leader

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 03:13 - Jeff Walker's Business Philosophy and Evolution
• 05:01 - Navigating Changes and Challenges in Online Business
• 07:08 - Succession Planning and Family Involvement
• 13:02 - Daily Routines and Personal Mastery
• 18:21 - Finding the Perfect Workout Routine
• 21:54 - Balancing Business and Personal Life
• 24:52 - The Impact of Meditation and Gratitude
• 30:38 - The Journey of Leadership

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul Leader
• Connect with Chris on Instagram
• Listen to This is Online Business
• Connect with Jeff on Instagram
• Jeff’s Website

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey.

Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

In this very special solo episode, Chris celebrates the launch of his brand-new book, The Long-Haul Leader. After years of writing, refining, and living the lessons inside its pages, Chris shares the full introduction to the book with listeners.

You’ll hear his deeply personal story of burnout, recovery, and reinvention. From 16-hour days as a call center CEO, to a powerful realization that hustle can’t be a lifestyle. Instead, true success is about setting the right pace, protecting your energy, and building something that lasts.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to hustle harder, this episode will give you both the permission and the tools to embrace a healthier, more sustainable path to leadership and entrepreneurship.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why hustle is powerful, but only in short, strategic bursts
• The hidden costs of burnout and how to spot the warning signs
• The shift from “hustler” to “long-haul leader” and what it really takes
• The 10 core practices every long-haul leader embodies
• How to align your business, relationships, and health for long-term success

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 01:00 - Celebrating the Launch of Chris’ Book
• 02:07 - The Journey to Becoming a Long-Haul Leader
• 05:14 - The Turning Point: Embracing a New Approach
• 08:27 - The Realization: Hustle is Not Sustainable
• 14:28 - The Path to Recovery and Sustainable Success
• 21:29 - Introducing Long-Haul Leadership Principles

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul Leader
• Connect with Chris on Instagram

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey.

Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

Sally Hogshead is a branding expert, Wall Street Journal and New York Times bestselling author, and creator of the Fascinate Test. She’s been named #1 Global Brand Guru and is one of the only 189 professional living speakers to be inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame.

In this episode, Chris and Sally discuss why being different is better than being better, how to identify your unique advantage, and why long-term success comes from leaning into what makes you truly fascinating.

They also dive into the power of relationships, navigating burnout, creating joy in both business and life, and why physical experiences and connections will always win over digital noise.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why different is better than better
• Sally’s simple formula for defining brand differentiation
• The importance of focusing on what brings you joy bubbles in your work and life
• How Sally and her family honored her mother’s life with intentionality, joy, and meaning
• How physical experiences, events, and products are becoming more valuable in the AI era
• The role of hobbies, pastimes, and relationships in sustaining energy for the long game

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 05:05 - Different is Better Than Better
• 11:00 - From Copywriter to Branding Authority
• 13:00 - Joy vs. Burnout
• 16:55 - Honoring Relationships and Legacy
• 21:23 - Staying Focused Amidst Distractions
• 22:56 - The Joy and Toil of Writing a Book
• 27:52 - The Power of Physical Experiences
• 32:00 - Playing the Long Game
• 36:00 - Hobbies, Recharging & Relationships

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Pre-Order The Long-Haul Leader
• Connect with Chris on Instagram
• Connect with Sally on Instagram
• Sally’s Website

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey.

Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.