What does it mean to retire at 23—and still work with passion and purpose?

In this episode of The Uncommon Leader Podcast, host John Gallagher welcomes Maritza Davila, a business consultant, speaker, and bold believer in values-driven leadership. Maritza’s journey is anything but conventional—and her frameworks are designed to help leaders move from chaos to clarity.

Whether you're an executive, an emerging leader, or someone navigating faith and ambition, this episode offers practical tools and deep inspiration.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

👉 Redefining Retirement: How Maritza built financial freedom at 23 through real estate—and what “retirement” really means when you’re purpose-driven

👉 Fearless Public Speaking: Why Maritza has never feared the stage, and her advice for leaders who do

👉 Optimization in Action: The story of how she helped a client 5X revenue in just 3.5 months

👉 The TRACK Loop: A weekly reflection system—Target, Record, Analyze, Correct, Keep momentum

👉 The GROW Methodology: Guide, Research, Optimize, Win—how to build a business aligned with your values

👉 SPUR Values: Service, Progress, Usefulness, Reliability—Maritza’s personal compass for leadership

👉 Whole-Person Leadership: How she prioritizes health, marriage, and business with intentional habits

👉 Mission-Driven Impact: Why she’s committed to edifying “leaders of leaders” for deeper, ripple-effect transformation

👉 Her Billboard Message: “Live life boldly.”—and why courage is the antidote to cultural fear

👉 Watch full episodes of The Uncommon Leader Podcast here:

🎥 YouTube → https://youtu.be/aTrjbjV85lE

🔔 Subscribe for weekly leadership insights

🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout: https://coachjohngallagher.com/podcast/

📍 Learn more about Maritza:

Website: https://opt360.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maritzadavila/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@_maritzadavila

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_maritzadavila

🎧 Tune in now and share with a leader who needs this message. 💬 Leave a review if this episode sparked something in you. 📩 Interested in coaching or guest referrals? Visit johnrgalagher.com to connect.

#UncommonLeaderPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #FaithDrivenGrowth #CoachingForImpact #Optimize360 #TRACKLoop #GROWMethodology #SPURValues #LiveBoldly

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

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Join host Mitchell Levy and guest John Gallagher in an exploration of what it truly means for leaders to live their values. This episode dives into the profound journey of transforming pain into power, a critical step for any executive leader or CEO striving for authentic growth.

John shares a deeply personal insight: his biggest regret was allowing limiting beliefs, stemming from past hurts, to hold him back. Discover how overcoming these deeply ingrained beliefs is essential to unlock genuine success, holistic health, and a strong sense of purpose.

We discuss how challenging your own beliefs, guided by insights from mentors, not only fosters personal growth but also significantly enhances your credibility. This episode emphasizes that true impact comes from understanding yourself and bravely evolving. It's about helping "who we used to be" to become the leader we are meant to be. Essential listening for those pursuing lean leadership and a meaningful career.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The profound connection between living your values and overcoming personal obstacles.

✅ Strategies for identifying and confronting limiting beliefs.

✅ The role of mentorship in challenging self-imposed boundaries.

✅ How authenticity and self-awareness drive leadership growth and influence.

🎥 Watch the full inspiring conversation here:

👉 https://youtu.be/c3Bq8i3lDrk

Connect with John Gallagher: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@coachjohngallagher

Connect with Mitchell Levy: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@CredibilityNation

Follow us for more insights: 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjohngallagher/

📞 Book your FREE leadership clarity call with me today → https://coachjohngallagher.com/freecall/

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

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My Favorite Mistake #152: John Gallagher on Leadership Mistakes, Business Growth & Lessons Learned from Failure

Episode Guest: John Gallagher, Executive Coach, Mentor, Consultant, Founder & CEO of Growing Champions, LLC, and Host of 'The Uncommon Leader' Podcast.

In this insightful episode from the 'My Favorite Mistake' podcast, host Mark Graban welcomes John Gallagher for a candid discussion about the pivotal role mistakes play in #Business and #Leadership #Growth. Recorded three years ago, this timeless conversation delves into John's 'favorite mistake' – a significant venture into the real estate business where he encountered unexpected challenges, particularly in trying to change established processes (and navigate family dynamics with his mother-in-law!).

John shares powerful #LessonsLearned about adaptability, the importance of focusing on strengths, and the surprising applications of #Lean principles beyond manufacturing. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on:

➡️ Embracing Failure: How #Mistakes and #Setbacks are not just inevitable, but essential catalysts for #PersonalGrowth and #ProfessionalDevelopment.

➡️ Humility in Leadership: The critical importance of being able to admit when you're wrong and fostering a culture where vulnerability is seen as a strength.

➡️ Process Improvement: Why having a robust process, even when 'every situation is unique,' can lead to greater success.

➡️ Creating Safe Environments: Building teams and organizations where open dialogue about #Mistakes is encouraged, leading to innovation and resilience.

➡️ The Uncommon Leader: Insights into common leadership pitfalls and the strengths that set truly #UncommonLeaders apart.

John also touches on his own podcast, 'The Uncommon Leader,' and his previous guest appearances on Mark Graban's 'Lean Blog Interviews.' This episode is a must-listen for executives, entrepreneurs, coaches, and anyone looking to transform their challenges into powerful learning opportunities.

Listen to the episode on other platforms:

👉https://youtu.be/c3Bq8i3lDrk

Guest: John Gallagher, Founder & CEO of Growing Champions, LLC, Host of 'The Uncommon Leader' Podcast.

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjohngallagher/

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@coachjohngallagher

🔗 https://coachjohngallagher.com/freecall/

Host: Mark Graban, Host of 'My Favorite Mistake' Podcast.

🔗https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgraban/

🔗 https://www.leanblog.org/

🔗 https://www.markgraban.com/podcasts/

#ExecutiveCoaching #PodcastInterview #BusinessStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment #MarkGraban #JohnGallagher #RealEstateLessons #FailureIsAnOption #GrowthMindset

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

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In this episode, host Jason Balara chats with a successful consultant who discovered a natural gift for executive coaching. What started as a career in consulting evolved into a passion for inspiring courage and equipping leaders to fulfill their potential. 💡

We explore how leaders can and must adapt their style in a world of constant change. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking to elevate their leadership skills and guide their team with purpose. 🚀

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅The journey from consulting expertise to executive coaching.

✅Why adaptability is the most crucial skill for modern leaders.

✅How to inspire courage and confidence in your team.

✅The rewarding path of helping leaders become who they're meant to be.

Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8y1RH22Djf0

🌍 Connect with our host Jason Balara: https://www.larkcapital.com/

🌍 Follow us on social media: https://www.youtube.com/@jasonbalara6929/featured

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

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"𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐞: 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞" 🎙️

What keeps so many leaders stuck in mediocrity? It’s not a lack of passion or care—it’s the distractions, the noise, and the missing disciplines that turn good intentions into real action.

In Episode 182, host John Gallagher shares his personal journey from engineering to leadership coaching and the lessons learned along the way. He unpacks why multitasking is the enemy of clarity, how intentionality drives impact, and why building systems is key to sustaining improvements.

💡 Highlights:

👉 Why multitasking keeps leaders from true productivity

👉 The power of intentionality and focus

👉 Building disciplines to transform intentions into results

👉 Creating systems & processes that actually last

👉 Why personal growth is the foundation for confident leadership

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or distracted in your leadership, this episode is your invitation to reset. Learn how to cut through the noise and step into the clarity and confidence you need to lead as an Uncommon Leader.

🎧 Listen now and reflect: Where in your life do you need to turn intention into action?

👉 Watch the FULL VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/Ey8M-6iz0KA

🌐Like/Watch/Share Our Resources: https://linktr.ee/SpeakWithPeople

🚀 Level up your leadership with John Gallagher:

🎯 Free 1:1 Strategy Call → https://coachjohngallagher.com/freecall

🌐 More Resources → https://linktr.ee/coachjohngallagher

🌐 Visit → https://coachjohngallagher.com

#CoachJohnGallagher #TheUncommonLeaderPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #UncommonLeader #Productivity #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift #Clarity #Confidence

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

Connect with me

💬 “Coaching isn’t about telling people what to do. It’s about helping them discover who they are.”

I joined Chris Welton on his One Hand at a Time podcast to share my journey, my philosophy, and the lessons that shaped me.

💡 Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mvs845WfMwA&list=PLSZaf6sCskkYPNTSxWxLMot7IkXiSyNCp&index=5

✅ Want the full story? Watch now and start building the mindset of an Uncommon Leader.

🔗 Chris Welton: https://chriswelton.live/

🔗 John Gallagher: https://coachjohngallagher.com/

#LeadershipPodcast #CoachingWisdom #JohnGallagher #ChrisWelton #UncommonLeader

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

Connect with me

What happens when a group of friends decides to turn a simple weekend get-together into a full-blown quest for a Spartan Race trifecta? You get stories of grit, growth, and leadership you won’t want to miss!

In Episode 180, host John Gallagher sits down with his brothers in faith and accountability group members—𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥, 𝐉𝐞𝐟𝐟 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫—as they share what it REALLY takes to do hard things, how training for a Spartan race can unlock your leadership potential, and why age is truly just a number.

💡 Highlights: https://youtu.be/RlF-Pa_x334

The power of doing hard things—on the course and in life

How setbacks (and sore hips!) become lessons in leadership and discipline

Why having a circle of accountability changes everything

The role of consistency and continuous improvement in achieving long-term goals

How to motivate yourself—no matter your age—to chase the next challenge

If you’ve ever needed a nudge to take on something daunting, this is your sign. Listen in for inspiration, laughs, and practical tips on becoming an uncommon leader—both on and off the racecourse.

🎧 Listen now and let us know: What's your next “Spartan Race” in life?

🚀 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐮𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫:

🎯 Free 1:1 Strategy Call → https://coachjohngallagher.com/freecall

🌐 More Resources → https://linktr.ee/coachjohngallagher

🌐 Visit → https://coachjohngallagher.com

#CoachJohnGallagher #TheUncommonLeaderPodcast #LeadershipCoaching #UncommonLeader #ExecutiveCoaching #ValuesBasedLeadership #MindsetMatters #GrowthMindset #LearnLeadGrow #LevelUpLeadership #SpartanRace #ChallengeYourself #BeUncommon

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

Connect with me

🔥 Leaders & CEOs — are you unknowingly stuck in the Comfort Trap?

It’s the silent killer of influence, innovation, and impact — and most high-achievers don’t even see it coming.

In this episode of 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭, I sit down with former U.S. Marine Corps officer, leadership coach, and author 𝐉𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐧 to reveal how to break free from the habits holding you back and build the bravery muscle every leader needs.

💡 Inside, you’ll discover: https://youtu.be/m5uvbQ4ksVs

✅ How to spot the difference between healthy fear & self-imposed limits

✅ Why “pushing the easy button” weakens your leadership over time

✅ The simple, science-backed shift — the Power of YET — that rewires your mindset

✅ Why discomfort is the REAL catalyst for growth, influence, and results

✅ How to surround yourself with a BRAVE TRIBE that fuels your courage daily

This isn’t just motivation — it’s a battle-tested blueprint for fearless leadership, grounded in psychology, real-world grit, and executive coaching strategies you can apply today. https://youtu.be/m5uvbQ4ksVs

🎯 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐧:

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillaschulman/?original_referer=

🌐 Website & Free Bravery Assessment → https://www.jillschulman.com/

🚀 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐮𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫:

🎯 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝟏:𝟏 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 → https://coachjohngallagher.com/freecall

🌐 More Resources → https://linktr.ee/coachjohngallagher

🌐 Visit → https://youtu.be/m5uvbQ4ksVs

#Leadership #ExecutiveCoaching #GrowthMindset #WarriorMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #CEOLeadership #LeadershipCoach #MindsetMatters #ComfortTrap #LevelUpLeadership #TheUncommonLeaderPodcast #CoachJohnGallagher #JillSchulman "

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

Connect with me