Believe Again: Why Belief Is the Key to Leadership with Chris Widener

There comes a point in every career and every life when confidence takes a hit. Sometimes what you need most isn’t another strategy or tactic. It’s belief.

In this episode of Close The Deal, I sit down with Chris Widener to talk about why belief is the foundation of leadership, personal growth, and long-term success. Chris shares powerful stories from his own life including losing his father at a young age, rebuilding after divorce, being mentored by Jim Rohn and Zig Ziglar, and the moment someone else’s belief helped him believe again.

This conversation goes far beyond business. It’s about identity, mentorship, integrity, and becoming a voice rather than an echo.

Who This Episode Is For
• Leaders who feel stuck or burned out
• Entrepreneurs rebuilding confidence after a setback
• Professionals who know they’re capable of more
• Anyone searching for meaning beyond tactics and titles
• Those looking for mentors and long-term perspective

What You’ll Learn
• Why belief is the true foundation of leadership
• How mentorship accelerates personal and professional growth
• What it means to borrow belief until you can carry it yourself
• Why integrity and kindness still win in business
• How to become a voice instead of an echo

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and why belief matters
02:15 Hitting rock bottom and starting over
05:40 Losing his father and growing up without mentors
09:10 Becoming a Seattle Supersonics ball boy
12:30 Selling 20,000 flower pots at age 14
16:10 Why most people undermine their own success
19:45 The power of someone saying “I believe in you”
23:30 Mentorship from Jim Rohn and Zig Ziglar
27:10 Leadership, integrity, and treating people right
30:40 Faith, purpose, and the American revival
33:00 Final advice: be a voice, not an echo

About the Host
Ewell Smith is the host of the Close The Deal podcast and a seasoned franchise development and sales professional. He has led national trade associations, produced television content, and worked alongside entrepreneurs and leaders rebuilding businesses and careers after major setbacks.

About the Guest
Chris Widener is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and leadership coach. He has delivered over 2,500 speeches worldwide, authored more than 25 books translated into 14 languages, and was mentored by legends including Jim Rohn and Zig Ziglar.

Learn more at https://www.closethedeal.com

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