From Coach to Leader: Building Systems That Scale
Tue Jan 27 2026
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Schaalo to unpack his evolution from athlete and CrossFit coach to one of the key leaders shaping Active Life’s coaching systems. Chris shares how fulfillment — not performance or prestige — ultimately pulled him toward helping people rebuild their lives through better coaching.
We dive into the realities of growing into leadership inside a fast-moving company: building roles while flying the plane, learning to say “I don’t know,” and creating standards that scale across locations without losing quality. Chris explains how mentorship, consistency, and ownership became the foundation of his role.
This conversation is essential listening for coaches who want more than sessions and programs — who want to build careers, lead teams, and create systems that outlast them. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at what professional growth actually requires.
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In this episode, we sit down with Chris Schaalo to unpack his evolution from athlete and CrossFit coach to one of the key leaders shaping Active Life’s coaching systems. Chris shares how fulfillment — not performance or prestige — ultimately pulled him toward helping people rebuild their lives through better coaching. We dive into the realities of growing into leadership inside a fast-moving company: building roles while flying the plane, learning to say “I don’t know,” and creating standards that scale across locations without losing quality. Chris explains how mentorship, consistency, and ownership became the foundation of his role. This conversation is essential listening for coaches who want more than sessions and programs — who want to build careers, lead teams, and create systems that outlast them. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at what professional growth actually requires.