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The ChairLeader: Lead Without Limits
When former pro football player Chris Malleo took over a broken high school program, he expected a challenge. What he didn’t expect was that the person who would help rebuild it had never coached a football game and had been born with cerebral palsy. Frankie Kineavy couldn’t walk. He typed to communicate. But he saw the game, and the people around him, with uncommon clarity.
He coached with his eyes. He led through presence and principle. And together, they turned a team into a national powerhouse, sending over forty players to college scholarships and a handful to the NFL.
The ChairLeader is more than a sports story. It’s a story about belief. About leadership without ego, connection without words, and courage without limits.
Through nine unforgettable lessons, Chris and Frankie redefine what it means to lead, showing how love, trust, and conviction can transform not just teams, but lives.
If you’ve ever doubted your voice, your value, or your vision—this story will stay with you long after the final page.
He coached with his eyes. He led through presence and principle. And together, they turned a team into a national powerhouse, sending over forty players to college scholarships and a handful to the NFL.
The ChairLeader is more than a sports story. It’s a story about belief. About leadership without ego, connection without words, and courage without limits.
Through nine unforgettable lessons, Chris and Frankie redefine what it means to lead, showing how love, trust, and conviction can transform not just teams, but lives.
If you’ve ever doubted your voice, your value, or your vision—this story will stay with you long after the final page.
202 pages, Paperback
Published October 22, 2025
4 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 23, 2025
The Chair Leader is a powerful and inspiring true story that reminds us what real teamwork, leadership, and perseverance look like. The book follows a dedicated coach (Malleo) who takes a bold step by hiring an assistant coach with cerebral palsy (Kineavy), who cannot walk and needs to type to speak. Together, they lead their team on an unforgettable journey proving that heart and determination matter more than any limitation.
What makes this story so moving is the deep bond between the coaches and their players. The assistant coach communicates through his presence and unshakable belief in the team. The head coach’s willingness to see potential where others might see obstacles becomes the foundation of their success. Their shared grit, love for the sport, and commitment to one another turn an ordinary season into a historic one.
The Chair Leader is more than a sports story. It’s about inclusion, courage, and the strength that comes from believing in others. It leaves readers inspired to look beyond challenges and to see what’s possible when a team — and a community — comes together with heart.
A must-read for anyone who loves stories of triumph, teamwork, and the power of the human spirit.
What makes this story so moving is the deep bond between the coaches and their players. The assistant coach communicates through his presence and unshakable belief in the team. The head coach’s willingness to see potential where others might see obstacles becomes the foundation of their success. Their shared grit, love for the sport, and commitment to one another turn an ordinary season into a historic one.
The Chair Leader is more than a sports story. It’s about inclusion, courage, and the strength that comes from believing in others. It leaves readers inspired to look beyond challenges and to see what’s possible when a team — and a community — comes together with heart.
A must-read for anyone who loves stories of triumph, teamwork, and the power of the human spirit.
January 14, 2026
Wow. It’s hard to put into words just how deeply this book touched me. As much as I want to pass it along to others, I know I can’t just yet - this is a book I need to read again and again.
This is so much more than a football story. It’s a powerful message about empowerment, believing in yourself, never giving up, and continually pushing yourself — both on the field and off. It’s about gratitude, growth, resilience, courage and becoming a better person in every aspect of life. Most of all, it’s a reminder to live each day to the fullest and truly make every day count with zero restrictions. And to challenge yourself to ask why not me as you pursue your goals with confidence and purpose, while enjoying and appreciating the journey.
I am incredibly grateful to Coach Malleo and Coach K for sharing their story. It’s every bit as inspirational as their coaching careers were, and the lessons shared in these pages extend far beyond the game. After reading The ChairLeader I can confidently say I will live and lead more boldly and with love.
This is so much more than a football story. It’s a powerful message about empowerment, believing in yourself, never giving up, and continually pushing yourself — both on the field and off. It’s about gratitude, growth, resilience, courage and becoming a better person in every aspect of life. Most of all, it’s a reminder to live each day to the fullest and truly make every day count with zero restrictions. And to challenge yourself to ask why not me as you pursue your goals with confidence and purpose, while enjoying and appreciating the journey.
I am incredibly grateful to Coach Malleo and Coach K for sharing their story. It’s every bit as inspirational as their coaching careers were, and the lessons shared in these pages extend far beyond the game. After reading The ChairLeader I can confidently say I will live and lead more boldly and with love.
December 27, 2025
This is one great book with many life lessons presented. I could not put it down.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews