Way of Champions Podcast

#470 Chris Malleo, former Pro Football Player and Author of The Chairleader, on the Extraordinary of Coach Frankie Kineavy, and Leading Without Limits

Feb 25, 2026
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ANECDOTE

How Frankie Got Hired And Changed Perceptions

  • Chris Malleo hired Frankie Kenevy after a two-hour interview where Frankie used an alphabet board to type; initial assumptions about Frankie's abilities were overturned.
  • Frankie’s presence forced Chris and the staff to shift from “impossible” thinking to practical curiosity about how to include him.
ADVICE

Choose Curiosity Over Judgment When Hiring

  • Be curious not judgmental when faced with unconventional candidates; ask how to include them instead of why they won't work.
  • Chris shifted from “impossible” to problem-solving and found practical ways to integrate Frankie into practice and games.
ANECDOTE

Team’s First Reaction And The Three Claps Ritual

  • At the first team meeting Frankie wheeled in and the room fell silent, then a player initiated Frankie’s inclusion by loudly giving him the program’s “three claps.”
  • That immediate, authentic respect signaled to Chris that Frankie would be embraced and effective with the team.
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