In this episode, the Forge team welcomes Chris into the conversation for the first time. Chris steps in by sharing an unfinished, vulnerable moment from his leadership journey, reflecting on one of the most difficult decisions he’s faced: stepping away from a business partnership.

Chris opens up about how, over time, he became convinced that staying would limit not only his own growth, but the growth of his partners as well. What he intended as an invitation to discern the future together was communicated poorly and received as a declaration that he was leaving.

That gap exposed immaturity in his communication and leadership, creating confusion and emotional strain for everyone involved. Rather than rushing the decision, the partners took time to process it together. Each ultimately received their own confirmation that the separation was both right and timely. For Chris, one of the clearest indicators that the decision was rooted in faith rather than ego was the unity he experienced at home.

His wife was fully on board, bringing peace to what could have been a deeply divisive season. The conversation expands into the unique weight of leadership transitions when you’re not just changing jobs, but stepping away from something you helped build. Partnerships carry shared history, equity, identity, and responsibility.

Even when growth is the goal, letting go can feel like tearing something apart without certainty of how it will land. The group reflects on how real growth often requires disruption. Entrepreneurs tend to grow through pressure, and while Chris can now see things he would handle differently, he trusted that the challenge itself would force growth for everyone involved.

Central to that trust was his decision to fully release control, removing his influence so others could step into leadership without his shadow. They also acknowledge how nearly impossible it is to communicate a partnership separation without triggering emotion. From both sides of similar experiences, the hosts note how easily insecurity, self-doubt, and fear can overpower even the most thoughtful intentions.

The episode closes not with bitterness, but gratitude. Despite imperfect communication and real tension, Chris expresses thankfulness for where relationships stand today, recognizing that clarity, healing, and growth often only come after the hardest decisions are made.

Original theme music composed and performed by - Ben Smith

Produced by - Seth Steward Productions

Co-produced by - Kalen Wookey

Website: ⁠https://forgealliance.ca/⁠

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

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575541841797⁠

X: ⁠https://x.com/forge_ca⁠ (@Forge_CA) / X