Send us Fan Mail

What does it mean to serve others, steward your resources wisely, and build a legacy that extends beyond your lifetime?

In Episode 47 of the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast, IOL Global's Amanda Chambers welcomes retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran Dennis Merritt, alongside special co-host Dr. Casey LaFrance, for a conversation about faith, servant leadership, financial literacy, and creating opportunities for future generations.

After more than 20 years of service in the Marine Corps, Dennis is continuing his mission of serving others. Alongside his wife, Dana, he is helping families better understand their finances, overcome financial challenges, and prepare for the future through Ascension Financial Services.

Throughout this conversation, Dennis shares how his relationship with Christ transformed his approach to leadership, shifting his focus from gaining obedience to earning respect and serving the people entrusted to his care.

In this episode, we explore:

- How faith transformed Dennis's approach to leadership during his military career.
- The transition from military service to entrepreneurship, ministry, and continued service.
- Why financial literacy is essential for families and future generations.
- Understanding money as a tool and practicing biblical financial stewardship.
- How financial planning, life insurance, and generational wealth can contribute to a lasting legacy.
- Overcoming fear, shame, and uncertainty surrounding personal finances.
- The importance of preparing loved ones with organized financial information and protecting families from financial scams.
- How Lean Six Sigma principles and continuous improvement connect to leadership and everyday decision-making.
- Finding purpose and fulfillment through serving God and serving people.

One of the central themes of this conversation is that legacy isn't simply about what we accomplish for ourselves. It's about how we equip others, serve our communities, and prepare the next generation to thrive.

Dennis also shares how he and Dana offer complimentary initial consultations and budgeting resources to help families better understand their financial circumstances and take practical steps forward.

Whether you're a veteran navigating a career transition, a leader seeking to serve more intentionally, or someone wanting to make wiser financial decisions, this conversation offers encouragement and practical perspectives on living and leading with purpose.

🔔 Subscribe for leadership insights, honest conversations, and practical wisdom you can apply immediately.

🌐 Learn more about IOL Global:
www.iolglobal.com

🔗 Connect with Dennis Merritt

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/d-merritt/

🌐 Ascension Financial Services Website:
https://ascendfm2025.wixsite.com/future

📘 Ascension Financial Services Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/Ascension-Financial-Services/61592039932151/

🔗 Connect with Dr. Casey LaFrance

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-casey-lafrance-8a2045337/

🌐 Learn more about Dr. LaFrance's work:
https://www.agil3enterprise.com

📖 Listening for Value:
https://a.co/d/0fMVSI11

📘 Listening for Value Companion Workbook:
https://a.co/d/0eRLz73Z

#LeadWithLegacy #iolglobal #ServeGod #ServePeople #FaithBasedLeadership #ChristianLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #LegacyLeadership #KingdomLeadership #ServantLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #AmandaChambers #PublicServiceLeadership #LeadershipWithPurpose

Support the show

Lead with Legacy™ is the official podcast of IOL Global, where we explore leadership that outlives titles, roles, and careers.

If you found value in this episode, be sure to follow, like, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with others who are committed to principled leadership.

Discover more leadership resources, podcast episodes, and learning opportunities at IOLGlobal.com.

Interested in being a guest on Lead with Legacy™? Learn more and apply at IOLGlobal.com/podcast.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a team becomes too dependent on its leader?

In Episode #46 of the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast, IOL Global's Amanda Chambers welcomes back Chris McClure and Kyle Bowen for a practical conversation about developing people, releasing control, building stronger teams, and creating organizations where leadership does not stop with one person.

Chris and Kyle explore why leaders can unintentionally become the bottleneck in their organizations and what it takes to move from being the person with all the answers to someone who equips others to think, decide, and lead.

The conversation dives into empowering people with the knowledge and confidence to make decisions, allowing team members to learn through failure, and recognizing that someone else's way of doing something does not have to look exactly like yours to produce the right result.

They also discuss the connection between clarity, care, and ownership, why employees need to understand where the organization is going and how they contribute to that vision, and the difference between truly caring for people and simply saying that you do.

Chris and Kyle share practical insights for making leadership development, mentoring, feedback, and accountability part of everyday organizational culture rather than occasional initiatives. From intentional one-on-one conversations to helping people discover and use their strengths, this episode challenges leaders to invest in people for the long term.
Because great leadership isn't about making yourself indispensable. It's about developing people who are increasingly capable of leading without you.

🔔 Subscribe for leadership insights, honest conversations, and practical wisdom you can apply immediately.

🌐 Learn more about IOL Global:
www.iolglobal.com

🔗 Connect with Chris McClure:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisrmcclure/
Website: https://mcclurecoaching.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mcclurecoaching
Podcast: https://mcclurecoaching.com/podcast/
📖 The Magnetic Leader: https://a.co/d/02Zbcb6R
📖 The Way to Greatness: https://a.co/d/0epiytUI

🔗 Connect with Kyle Bowen:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/kyle-bowen-
Learn more at: https://www.hourglass-leadership.com/

Support the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2600300/support

Contact our team to book a time to be on the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast:
https://iolglobal.com/podcast

#LeadWithLegacy #iolglobal #ServeGod #ServePeople #FaithBasedLeadership #ChristianLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #LegacyLeadership #KingdomLeadership #ServantLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #AmandaChambers #PublicServiceLeadership #LeadershipWithPurpose

Support the show

Lead with Legacy™ is the official podcast of IOL Global, where we explore leadership that outlives titles, roles, and careers.

If you found value in this episode, be sure to follow, like, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with others who are committed to principled leadership.

Discover more leadership resources, podcast episodes, and learning opportunities at IOLGlobal.com.

Interested in being a guest on Lead with Legacy™? Learn more and apply at IOLGlobal.com/podcast.

What if success isn't actually yours to control?

In Episode #45 of the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast, IOL Global's Amanda Chambers sits down with Brandon West, founder and Chief Purpose Officer of PHOS Creative and author of It's Not Your Business to Succeed, for a powerful conversation about faith, purpose, leadership, business, and what it means to remain faithful when the outcome isn't yours to control.

Brandon shares how his leadership journey has shifted from focusing solely on business outcomes to building an organization centered on purpose, people, and Kingdom impact. He explains why leaders are responsible for creating economic, cultural, and spiritual value—and why cultivating an environment where people can truly flourish requires intentionality.

Amanda and Brandon also discuss servant leadership, surrendering control, leading and parenting with humility, using business as a platform for ministry, and Brandon's belief that leaders should be the first to admit when they get it wrong—the "Chief Repenting Officer."

Brandon also shares the incredible story behind PHOS Creative's work helping launch care centers serving women and children impacted by trafficking, abuse, vulnerability, and extreme poverty around the world.

The conversation explores AI and ethical leadership, building trust through business, the importance of having the right people around you during difficult seasons, and why Brandon hopes four simple words ultimately define his legacy:

Faithful to the end.

🔔 Subscribe for leadership insights, honest conversations, and practical wisdom you can apply immediately.

🌐 Learn more about IOL Global:
www.iolglobal.com

🔗 Connect with Brandon West:

Website:
https://brandonmichaelwest.com/

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

📖 Purchase It's Not Your Business to Succeed:
https://a.co/d/0cQYCBe1

🌐 PHOS Creative:
https://phoscreative.com/

Support the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2600300/support

Contact our team to book a time to be on the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast:
https://iolglobal.com/podcast

#LeadWithLegacy #iolglobal #ServeGod #ServePeople #FaithBasedLeadership #ChristianLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #LegacyLeadership #KingdomLeadership #ServantLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #AmandaChambers #PublicServiceLeadership #LeadershipWithPurpose

Support the show

Lead with Legacy™ is the official podcast of IOL Global, where we explore leadership that outlives titles, roles, and careers.

If you found value in this episode, be sure to follow, like, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with others who are committed to principled leadership.

Discover more leadership resources, podcast episodes, and learning opportunities at IOLGlobal.com.

Interested in being a guest on Lead with Legacy™? Learn more and apply at IOLGlobal.com/podcast.

What does it take to transform a project management office from an order-taking function into a strategic partner that delivers measurable value?

In Episode #44 of the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast, IOL Global’s Amanda Chambers welcomes Christine DeVol, PMP, award-winning EPMO leader and founder of Willow Path Advisory Group.

With more than 20 years of experience as a project management practitioner and professor, Christine shares her journey building and leading enterprise project management offices, including teams recognized with PMI’s Global PMO of the Year in 2021 and North American PMO of the Year in 2024.

Amanda and Christine explore why project management must evolve beyond schedules and implementation to focus on organizational outcomes, benefits, and the people impacted by change. They discuss the importance of developing confident project professionals, communicating in language executives understand, and building PMOs that earn a seat at the strategic table.

The conversation also examines AI as a thought partner rather than a replacement for human leadership, the importance of resilience, and the inspiration behind Christine’s Willow Path framework. Christine shares how she supports PMO leaders through practical tools, coaching, and real-world experience as they navigate challenges and mature their organizations.

When asked about legacy, Christine’s answer is rooted in servant leadership: to be remembered as someone who was real, who helped others, and who walked alongside them during their personal and professional journeys.

🔔 Subscribe for leadership insights, honest conversations, and practical wisdom you can apply immediately.

🌐 Learn more about IOL Global:
www.iolglobal.com

🔗 Connect with Christine DeVol:

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

Website:
https://www.christinedevol.com

Support the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2600300/support

Contact our team to book a time to be on the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast:
https://iolglobal.com/podcast

#LeadWithLegacy #iolglobal #ServeGod #ServePeople #FaithBasedLeadership #ChristianLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #LegacyLeadership #KingdomLeadership #ServantLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #AmandaChambers #PublicServiceLeadership #LeadershipWithPurpose

Support the show

Lead with Legacy™ is the official podcast of IOL Global, where we explore leadership that outlives titles, roles, and careers.

If you found value in this episode, be sure to follow, like, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with others who are committed to principled leadership.

Discover more leadership resources, podcast episodes, and learning opportunities at IOLGlobal.com.

Interested in being a guest on Lead with Legacy™? Learn more and apply at IOLGlobal.com/podcast.

What separates someone who simply manages projects from a leader who actually drives project success?

In Episode #43 of the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast, IOL Global’s Amanda Chambers welcomes Shane Dixon, project management leader, strategic consultant, veteran, and Director of Customer Experience at Corbeau® Tech.

Shane shares lessons from a career spent in project management, strategic consulting, government contracting, and building and leading PMOs. He explains why decisive leadership matters, how fear can prevent leaders from making necessary decisions, and why sometimes making the wrong call and correcting course is better than making no decision at all.

Amanda and Shane also discuss using AI as a tool to strengthen decision-making, building organizational buy-in before implementing change, communicating difficult project realities honestly, and creating environments where teams feel safe enough to tell leaders the truth.

The conversation also explores how Shane’s military service and faith have shaped his approach to servant leadership. For Shane, leadership means clearing the path for others, treating people with dignity and fairness, doing business ethically, and helping people succeed.

His vision for legacy isn't about having his name remembered. It's about making people’s lives better—and encouraging them to do the same for someone else.

🔔 Subscribe for leadership insights, honest conversations, and practical wisdom you can apply immediately.

🌐 Learn more about IOL Global:
www.iolglobal.com

🔗 Connect with Shane Dixon:

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

Website:
https://essixconsulting.com/

Support the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2600300/support

Contact our team to book a time to be on the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast:
https://iolglobal.com/podcast

#LeadWithLegacy #iolglobal #ServeGod #ServePeople #FaithBasedLeadership #ChristianLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #LegacyLeadership #KingdomLeadership #ServantLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #AmandaChambers #PublicServiceLeadership #LeadershipWithPurpose

Support the show

Lead with Legacy™ is the official podcast of IOL Global, where we explore leadership that outlives titles, roles, and careers.

If you found value in this episode, be sure to follow, like, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with others who are committed to principled leadership.

Discover more leadership resources, podcast episodes, and learning opportunities at IOLGlobal.com.

Interested in being a guest on Lead with Legacy™? Learn more and apply at IOLGlobal.com/podcast.

What does it look like to stop separating faith, leadership, work, and the person God created you to be?

In Episode #42 of the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast, IOL Global’s Amanda Chambers welcomes Steph Pliha, founder and CEO of Tribe Consulting and host of the Leadr. Podcast, for an open conversation about faith, entrepreneurship, leadership, grief, purpose, and learning to show up as your whole self.

Steph shares how her journey from corporate leadership into entrepreneurship gave her the freedom to explore more of what matters to her—including faith, AI, neuroscience, innovation, and the deeper questions surrounding purpose.

Amanda and Steph also discuss navigating loss through faith, releasing the need for control, finding peace in difficult seasons, the importance of Christian community, and why servant leadership means genuinely investing in the people God places in our lives.

Ultimately, Steph shares the legacy she hopes to leave: a love for Christ, an investment in people, and a commitment to leave people better than she found them.

🔔 Subscribe for leadership insights, honest conversations, and practical wisdom you can apply immediately.

🌐 Learn more about IOL Global:
www.iolglobal.com

🔗 Connect with Steph Pliha

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

Website:
https://stephpliha.com/

Leadr. Podcast:
https://stephpliha.com/leadr-podcast

Tribe Consulting:
https://www.tribeconsulting.co/

Support the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2600300/support

Contact our team to book a time to be on the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast:
https://iolglobal.com/podcast

#LeadWithLegacy #iolglobal #ServeGod #ServePeople #FaithBasedLeadership #ChristianLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #LegacyLeadership #KingdomLeadership #ServantLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #AmandaChambers #PublicServiceLeadership #LeadershipWithPurpose

Support the show

Lead with Legacy™ is the official podcast of IOL Global, where we explore leadership that outlives titles, roles, and careers.

If you found value in this episode, be sure to follow, like, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with others who are committed to principled leadership.

Discover more leadership resources, podcast episodes, and learning opportunities at IOLGlobal.com.

Interested in being a guest on Lead with Legacy™? Learn more and apply at IOLGlobal.com/podcast.

What happens when the title, rank, or authority you once relied on disappears?

In Episode #41 of the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast, IOL Global’s Amanda Chambers and K. Sloane Lott welcome Dr. Brian Ables, senior program manager and founder of Capable Coaching, for a conversation about leadership, project management, service, and influence.

Drawing from his military service, government leadership, defence contracting, and project management experience, Dr. Ables shares how his understanding of leadership changed when he realized that influence cannot depend on a title or position.

The conversation explores leading without formal authority, building trust and credibility with stakeholders, mentoring mid-level project managers, and why the human side of leadership is becoming even more important as AI transforms the way we work.

Dr. Ables also shares the story behind The Ground Truth, his physical newsletter designed to bring more honest and vulnerable leadership lessons into the hands of readers.

🔔 Subscribe for leadership insights, honest conversations, and practical wisdom you can apply immediately.

🌐 Learn more about IOL Global:
www.iolglobal.com

🔗 Connect with Dr. Brian Ables
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianables/
Join "The Ground Truth": https://www.capable.coach/

Support the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2600300/support

Contact our team to book a time to be on the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast:
https://iolglobal.com/podcast

#LeadWithLegacy #iolglobal #ServeGod #ServePeople #FaithBasedLeadership #ChristianLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #LegacyLeadership #KingdomLeadership #ServantLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #AmandaChambers #PublicServiceLeadership #LeadershipWithPurpose

Support the show

Lead with Legacy™ is the official podcast of IOL Global, where we explore leadership that outlives titles, roles, and careers.

If you found value in this episode, be sure to follow, like, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with others who are committed to principled leadership.

Discover more leadership resources, podcast episodes, and learning opportunities at IOLGlobal.com.

Interested in being a guest on Lead with Legacy™? Learn more and apply at IOLGlobal.com/podcast.

What happens when success on paper no longer feels like success in your life?

In Episode #40 of the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast, IOL Global’s Amanda Chambers and K. Sloane Lott welcome Jessica Thomas, transformation consultant, power coach, and founder of Zenith Performance Coaching.

Jessica shares practical insights on navigating change, developing self-trust, setting healthy boundaries, and leading through transformation without losing yourself in the process. The conversation also explores faith, identity, workplace expectations, and why strong leadership creates space for people to speak up, grow, and thrive.

From major organizational transformations to deeply personal ones, this conversation is a reminder that change is inevitable—but how we lead through it matters.

In this episode:
Leading effectively through transformation and change
Building self-trust as a leader
Creating psychologically safe teams
Setting boundaries without guilt
Separating identity from professional success
Leadership challenges facing high performers
Finding purpose through faith and surrender

🔔 Subscribe for leadership insights, honest conversations, and practical wisdom you can apply immediately.

🌐 Learn more about IOL Global:
www.iolglobal.com

🔗Connect with Jessica Thomas

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-m-thomas/

Learn more at:
https://zenithcoachingllc.com

Support the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2600300/support

Contact our team to book a time to be on the Lead with Legacy™ Podcast:
https://iolglobal.com/podcast

#LeadWithLegacy #iolglobal #ServeGod #ServePeople #FaithBasedLeadership #ChristianLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #LegacyLeadership #KingdomLeadership #ServantLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #AmandaChambers #PublicServiceLeadership #LeadershipWithPurpose

Support the show

Lead with Legacy™ is the official podcast of IOL Global, where we explore leadership that outlives titles, roles, and careers.

If you found value in this episode, be sure to follow, like, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with others who are committed to principled leadership.

Discover more leadership resources, podcast episodes, and learning opportunities at IOLGlobal.com.

Interested in being a guest on Lead with Legacy™? Learn more and apply at IOLGlobal.com/podcast.