In this inspirational episode, Chris Maliszewski shares his extraordinary journey from being a college baseball pitcher and coach to surviving the tragic Highland Park 4th of July mass shooting. He explains how this devastating event led him to create the Walking Tall Movement, which aims to inspire vulnerability, authenticity, and mental health awareness.

Chris also discusses his transition to founding Hail Hail Auctions, where he helps community-building organizations through fundraising auctions. Through his story, Chris emphasizes the importance of mental health, the power of vulnerability, and the significance of building and supporting a community. His experiences and insights provide valuable lessons for anyone seeking to overcome challenges and make a meaningful impact.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Chris Maliszewski's Journey: From a college baseball pitcher and coach to surviving the Highland Park 4th of July mass shooting.
• The Creation of the Walking Tall Movement: Inspired by his tragic experience, Chris founded the movement to promote vulnerability, authenticity, and mental health awareness.
• Founding Hail Hail Auctions: Chris transitioned into helping community-building organizations by organizing fundraising auctions.
• Focus on Mental Health and Vulnerability: Chris emphasizes the importance of mental health and being open about one’s struggles.
• Community Support: Through his story, Chris highlights the significance of building and supporting strong communities.
• Valuable Life Lessons: Chris shares insights on overcoming challenges and making a meaningful impact in both personal and professional life.

QUOTES

• "I think be vulnerable, be authentic, but with tact. You have to be aware of your surroundings."
• "How much more comfortable would one be if they're able to just express themselves with tact in a sales environment?"
• "It came to an end, but you know, as they say, everything happens for a reason. And I'm still very thankful for what I experienced."
• "You're at the bottom until you're not, right? And you got to work your way up."
• "You're also in a circle of really tough-minded people. That are competing at the highest level. So that kind of starts to be the fabric of who you are as well."
• "If you're not feeling up for it yourself, you have a community to support you, so that when you are feeling up for it, you can support others."
• "Getting shit done to me is having an undeniable belief in yourself regardless, but it's also being honest with yourself when you aren't feeling your best."
• You have to help others, and others are going to have to help you."
• There's a reason why when we speak particularly to mental health, that mantra is: you are not alone."

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Timecodes
00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey
03:37 Chris's Baseball Career and Coaching Journey
26:45 Transition to Corporate Life
32:36 The Highland Park Parade Incident
39:49 Unexpected Panic Attack
41:00 Coping Alone
43:05 Returning to Work
44:08 Peer Support and Vulnerability
55:22 Facing Triggers at Work
58:21 Breaking the Cycle
01:08:48 Legal Battles and Moving Forward
01:13:55 Walking Tall Movement
01:18:27 The Walking Tall Movement Begins
01:19:00 Gaining Momentum and Facing Challenges
01:19:42 The Power of LinkedIn and Personal Branding
01:23:06 Engagement and Support Strategies
01:26:38 Milestones and Key Events
01:32:14 Launching Hail Hail Auctions
01:44:18 The Healing Journey and Routine
01:48:34 Final Thoughts and Call to Action