Leadership Lessons from a Ghostwriter to the Greats: Why Being Second Fiddle Can Lead to First-Class Success 

Are you frustrated trying to climb the corporate ladder by always pushing to be number one? What if the fastest path to success is actually through helping others succeed first? 

In this illuminating episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast,  Chris Widener, former ghostwriter for leadership legends John Maxwell, Jim Rohn, and Zig Ziglar, shares his unconventional path to becoming a leadership expert and bestselling author.    

Drawing from his remarkable journey from troubled youth to trusted advisor of business titans, Widener reveals how serving as "second fiddle" to industry giants ultimately created more opportunities, influence, and success than trying to be the star of the show. He explores the power of authentic leadership, the importance of personal revival in addressing today's societal divisions, and practical wisdom on everything from parenting to professional growth. 

This Episode Covers: 

• Why the key difference between success and failure isn't the absence of obstacles but the presence of perseverance 
• How asking "How can I help you?" instead of "Will you help me?" opened doors to working with leadership legends 
• The counterintuitive career strategy of being an excellent "number two" that led to greater influence and opportunity 
• Why showing appropriate vulnerability and weakness as a leader actually increases your influence and effectiveness 
• The importance of allowing people, especially your children and employees, to follow their own path rather than forcing them into your vision 
• A practical approach to developing original thought leadership by dedicating just 15 minutes daily to focused thinking 
• Why personal and spiritual revival is essential for addressing today's deep societal divisions 

Episode Highlights: 

(00:00) Introduction to Chris Widener – Damon introduces Chris, highlighting his incredible journey and leadership expertise. 

(01:30) Defining Leadership Success – Chris shares his insights on perseverance and its role in separating great leaders from the rest. 

(05:30) From Struggles to Success – Chris recounts his early life challenges and how they shaped his career and leadership philosophy. 

(09:00) Lessons from Zig Ziglar and Jim Rohn – Chris discusses how working with these legendary figures taught him humility, curiosity, and servant leadership. 

(12:33) Being a Voice, Not an Echo – Chris introduces his life motto and explains how leaders can cultivate original thought and vision. 

(17:00) Transparency in Leadership – Chris shares the importance of showing vulnerability and building trust within teams. 

(21:30) Mentorship and Legacy – Chris reflects on his mentors and offers advice for fostering meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. 

(33:18) Final Thoughts on Leadership – Damon and Chris wrap up with actionable advice for listeners looking to grow as leaders and individuals. 

About Chris: 

Chris Widener is a globally recognized leadership expert who built his career by first serving as the trusted second-in-command to industry legends. As ghostwriter for John Maxwell's nationally syndicated column and co-author of Jim Rohn's million-copy bestseller Twelve Pillars, Widener gained unique insights into the minds of leadership giants. He later co-hosted Zig Ziglar's television show and grew his own publishing company into a major success, selling 50,000-75,000 personal development program sets monthly through Costco and Sam's Club. A Wall Street Journal #2 bestselling author, Widener has written 25 books and speaks to elite business audiences including Microsoft, GE, and Harvard Business School. 

Resources Referenced: 

Chris Widener on LinkedIn 

Chriswidener.com (Email: [email protected]) 

The Coming American Revival: The Biblical Blueprint for Igniting a Nation's Soul by Chris Widener 

The Angel Inside: Michelangelo's Secrets for Following Your Passion and Finding the Work You Love by Chris Widener  

Twelve Pillars by Jim Rohn and  Chris Widener  

The Art of Influence: Persuading Others Begins With You by Chris Widener  

Slouching Towards Gomorrah: Modern Liberalism and American Decline by Robert H. Bork 

The Fred Factor: How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary into the Extraordinary by Mark Sanborn  

Zig Ziglar 

Mars Candy Company 

NBBJ Architecture Firm 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: [email protected] 

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