Ep. 76 – Conflict

In leadership—and in life—conflict is unavoidable. But it’s not the conflict itself that defines you—it’s how you show up in the middle of it. In this episode of Pillar Talk, Chris Ross unpacks the lessons he’s learned about navigating conflict over the years, both professionally and personally. He challenges the belief that conflict is always…

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Episode 75 – 75 Hard Roundtable: The Power of Personal Discipline

For our 75th episode of Pillar Talk, we’re doing something different—and powerful. Host Chris Ross sits down with four guests who recently completed the 75 Hard challenge. Together, they break down what 75 Hard taught them—not just about fitness and nutrition, but about mindset, identity, and leading by example. Each guest shares a unique story…

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Ep. 74 – Burnt Toast

Life rarely unfolds the way we plan—and that’s the point. In Episode 74 of Pillar Talk, Chris dives into the burnt toast theory—a mindset shift that turns everyday frustration into profound perspective. From personal health scares to missed flights and traffic delays, this episode explores how the small inconveniences we hate might actually be saving…

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Ep. 73 – Trifecta of Trust

In Episode 73 of Pillar Talk, Chris Ross breaks down one of the most common leadership frustrations: when your team doesn’t seem to hear—or act on—what you say. The issue often isn’t what you’re saying, it’s how you’re building trust around it. This episode introduces the Trifecta of Trust—a practical, leadership-first framework that’s already transforming…

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Ep. 72 – Sacrifice

In this powerful episode of Pillar Talk, Chris Ross challenges us to reframe our understanding of sacrifice—not as a loss, but as an intentional transfer of energy. Sparked by Memorial Day reflections and his own military service, Chris shares a deeply personal perspective on what sacrifice really means and why it’s essential for leaders who…

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Ep. 71 – Buy-In

Buy-in. Every leader wants it, but most go about it the wrong way. In this episode of Pillar Talk, Chris Ross breaks down what it really takes to earn buy-in from your team—not through inspiration alone, but through intention, action, and aggressive patience. After hearing the same question asked over and over at a recent…

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Ep. 70 – Lead the Leaders: A Conversation with Cynda Walter

This week on Pillar Talk, we’re shaking things up. For the first time in a long time, Chris is joined by a guest—and it’s one worth tuning in for. Meet Cynda Walter, Founder of People Empowered and a powerhouse in healthcare leadership development. Cynda brings 16+ years of experience from the acute care side of…

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Ep. 69 – Easter & Passover: 7 Leadership Lessons on Growth

In this special episode of Pillar Talk, Chris steps outside his comfort zone to reflect on two powerful and deeply meaningful holidays—Easter and Passover—and the leadership and growth lessons we can draw from both. While not a religious person, Chris shares his respect for the principles and rituals that shape both the Christian and Jewish…

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Ep. 68 – Habits

Episode 68 – Habits: The Hidden Drivers of Your Life Let’s talk about something that’s shaping your success—and maybe sabotaging it too—without you even realizing it: habits. In this episode of Pillar Talk, Chris breaks down the real power of habits and how they silently drive the outcomes in our lives, our work, and our…

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Ep. 67 – Hidden Lessons

Sea Turtles & Leadership: What They Have in Common Might Surprise You What do sea turtles and great leaders have in common? More than you’d think. In this week’s fun and reflective episode of Pillar Talk, Chris shares lessons from his family’s recent trip to Hilton Head—and more specifically, from an unexpected encounter with a…

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