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Your Worst Years Are Your Best Qualification to Lead
What if the very parts of your story you try to hide are the same parts that qualify you to lead?
In this powerful episode of The School of Influence, Devin Schubert sits down with Dr. Davis McAlister, a former homeless teen who went on to serve in U.S. military intelligence, become a doctor, author, and nationally recognized leadership coach. Dr. Davis shares how sleeping under stadium bleachers shaped the resilience, discipline, and identity that later defined his leadership.
This conversation dives deep into identity, influence, and leading without leverage. You’ll hear how military interrogation principles translate into modern leadership, why relationship matters more than position, and how past pain can become a strategic advantage instead of a liability.
If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, questioned your calling, or felt disqualified by your past, this episode will reset your perspective. Leadership is not about titles or platforms. It’s about character, clarity, and courage forged through experience.
Your story is not a weakness. It is a responsibility.
Get Your Story Published TODAY: https://www.storiestostages.com
Use Coupon Code: PODCAST1
Dr. Davis Transcript
What You’ll Learn
• How identity shapes influence long before position does
• Why leadership is built on relationship, not authority
• How to turn survival skills into leadership strategy
• A practical way to overcome imposter syndrome and lead with confidence
Guest Bio
Dr. Davis McAlister is a keynote speaker, author, and leadership coach known for transforming leaders into resilient problem solvers. With eight years of service in U.S. Army Military Intelligence as an Interrogator, Counterintelligence Specialist, and Linguist, Dr. McAlister brings a rare real-world perspective to leadership development. He is the author of The Interrogator’s Guide series and the host of The Approach YouTube show, where he interviews high-level performers across business, military, and leadership sectors. His work focuses on identity-driven leadership, influence without leverage, and building high-performing teams.
Dr. Davis
Guest Links & Resources
• Website: https://drdavismcalister.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davis.mcalister.27413
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrDavisMcAlister
• Book Series: The Interrogator’s Guide
Connect with Devin (Host)
• Website: https://www.devinschubert.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schubertdevin
• Join the Influence Academy: https://influenceacademyonline.com
• Grab Free Ebook: https://www.createbetterstories.com
View all episodes
By Devin SchubertWhat if the very parts of your story you try to hide are the same parts that qualify you to lead?
In this powerful episode of The School of Influence, Devin Schubert sits down with Dr. Davis McAlister, a former homeless teen who went on to serve in U.S. military intelligence, become a doctor, author, and nationally recognized leadership coach. Dr. Davis shares how sleeping under stadium bleachers shaped the resilience, discipline, and identity that later defined his leadership.
This conversation dives deep into identity, influence, and leading without leverage. You’ll hear how military interrogation principles translate into modern leadership, why relationship matters more than position, and how past pain can become a strategic advantage instead of a liability.
If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, questioned your calling, or felt disqualified by your past, this episode will reset your perspective. Leadership is not about titles or platforms. It’s about character, clarity, and courage forged through experience.
Your story is not a weakness. It is a responsibility.
Get Your Story Published TODAY: https://www.storiestostages.com
Use Coupon Code: PODCAST1
Dr. Davis Transcript
What You’ll Learn
• How identity shapes influence long before position does
• Why leadership is built on relationship, not authority
• How to turn survival skills into leadership strategy
• A practical way to overcome imposter syndrome and lead with confidence
Guest Bio
Dr. Davis McAlister is a keynote speaker, author, and leadership coach known for transforming leaders into resilient problem solvers. With eight years of service in U.S. Army Military Intelligence as an Interrogator, Counterintelligence Specialist, and Linguist, Dr. McAlister brings a rare real-world perspective to leadership development. He is the author of The Interrogator’s Guide series and the host of The Approach YouTube show, where he interviews high-level performers across business, military, and leadership sectors. His work focuses on identity-driven leadership, influence without leverage, and building high-performing teams.
Dr. Davis
Guest Links & Resources
• Website: https://drdavismcalister.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davis.mcalister.27413
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrDavisMcAlister
• Book Series: The Interrogator’s Guide
Connect with Devin (Host)
• Website: https://www.devinschubert.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schubertdevin
• Join the Influence Academy: https://influenceacademyonline.com
• Grab Free Ebook: https://www.createbetterstories.com