CEOs & ABCs is the podcast for high performers who lead at work and show up at home.
Hosted by Kevin Rice, this show features candid conversations with executives, founders, and rising leaders about how they’ve advanced their careers while staying present for the moments that matter most... raising kids, building strong partnerships, and prioritizing their health.
Each episode dives into executive career advice, leadership development, work-life balance, and the realities of parenting while managing demanding professional lives. Whether you’re navigating promotions, team growth, toddler tantrums, or time management, you’ll find insights and inspiration to lead with intention - both at work and at home.
️ New episodes weekly
Topics: Career growth, executive mindset, parenting, burnout prevention, productivity, and more
For working parents, driven professionals, and leaders building meaningful lives
Subscribe now and join the journey from "boardrooms to bedtime stories."
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CEOs & ABCs is the podcast for high performers who lead at work and show up at home.
Hosted by Kevin Rice, this show features candid conversations with executives, founders, and rising leaders about how they’ve advanced their careers while staying present for the moments that matter most... raising kids, building strong partnerships, and prioritizing their health.
Each episode dives into executive career advice, leadership development, work-life balance, and the realities of parenting while managing demanding professional lives. Whether you’re navigating promotions, team growth, toddler tantrums, or time management, you’ll find insights and inspiration to lead with intention - both at work and at home.
️ New episodes weekly
Topics: Career growth, executive mindset, parenting, burnout prevention, productivity, and more
For working parents, driven professionals, and leaders building meaningful lives
Subscribe now and join the journey from "boardrooms to bedtime stories."
Navigating Career Transitions, Balancing Family Life and the Importance of Faith with Wade Allen (Costa Vida, Chili's) #003
CEOs and ABCs
37 minutes 23 seconds
3 months ago
Navigating Career Transitions, Balancing Family Life and the Importance of Faith with Wade Allen (Costa Vida, Chili's) #003
In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Wade Allen, President of Costa Vida and former Chief Digital Officer at Brinker International, to explore what it means to lead with discipline, humility, and heart in both work and family life.
Wade shares his journey from tech and marketing leader to the top seat of a fast-growing restaurant brand, opening up about the career transitions, daily routines, and spiritual grounding that have shaped his leadership. He reflects on fatherhood, the challenge of being present while growing in his career, and the lessons he learned from moving his family across the country.
Together, Kevin and Wade unpack what it looks like to build a legacy that goes beyond job titles. Wade talks candidly about the impact of handing out bonus checks after a record-breaking year, the power of showing up for his family, and how faith and early morning routines help him manage stress in a high-pressure role.
Whether you're navigating a big career leap, trying to stay grounded at home, or looking for a more meaningful way to lead, this episode offers practical wisdom and real-life insight from someone who has walked the path.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why humility is the foundation of strong leadership
How to balance faith, family, and a demanding career
The value of morning rituals for clarity and focus
What it takes to shift from functional leader to president
How Wade rebuilt connection with his kids after being on the road
The emotional power of recognition and genuine connection
How to lead with intention in every season of life
Why being present is more important than being perfect
How to use tough decisions as growth opportunities for your kids
What legacy really means and how to shape it through action
Top Takeaways:
You can redefine your identity at any stage of your career
Legacy is about people, not possessions
Spiritual grounding brings clarity and compassion
Parenting well requires presence, not perfection
Handing out checks is more powerful than receiving them
Career growth and family growth don't have to compete
Culture is built through consistent, personal connection
Reconnecting with your kids is always possible
Routines are a powerful antidote to chaos
Leaders who serve leave a lasting impact
About Wade Allen: Wade Allen is the President of Costa Vida, where he is leading the brand through one of the most successful chapters in its history. Before joining Costa Vida, he held executive leadership roles across marketing, technology, and digital at Brinker International, the parent company of Chili’s and Maggiano’s. He is a devoted husband and father of four, known for his values-driven leadership, commitment to faith and fitness, and passion for creating meaningful connections with his team and his family.
CEOs and ABCs
CEOs & ABCs is the podcast for high performers who lead at work and show up at home.
Hosted by Kevin Rice, this show features candid conversations with executives, founders, and rising leaders about how they’ve advanced their careers while staying present for the moments that matter most... raising kids, building strong partnerships, and prioritizing their health.
Each episode dives into executive career advice, leadership development, work-life balance, and the realities of parenting while managing demanding professional lives. Whether you’re navigating promotions, team growth, toddler tantrums, or time management, you’ll find insights and inspiration to lead with intention - both at work and at home.
️ New episodes weekly
Topics: Career growth, executive mindset, parenting, burnout prevention, productivity, and more
For working parents, driven professionals, and leaders building meaningful lives
Subscribe now and join the journey from "boardrooms to bedtime stories."