Welcome to this episode of Becoming Unshakeable! If you’ve been a follower and fan of Leadership with Heart, you’re in exactly the right place. From here on out, Becoming Unshakeable will be the new name of my show—and I can’t wait to bring you invaluable insights on what it means to lead with clarity, compassion and courage.
Ed Rahill’s story begins with a grandmother’s steady voice and a childhood that could have gone either way. He learned early that fear can freeze your future, and that believing in something bigger than ego keeps you moving when life tilts. In this conversation, we trace his path from broken-home beginnings to the relay anchor leg that changed everything, where a single decision to run for dignity and team turned self pity into grit. That moment became a template for how he leads himself and others.
We follow Ed into boardrooms and high-stakes turnarounds, where respect and clarity, open doors that force will never crack. He explains the quiet moves that earn trust, how to disagree with grace, and why every person wants to feel seen and essential. His “mile relay” philosophy becomes a leadership framework. Receive the baton of wisdom, run your leg with courage, then pass it on stronger. Caring leadership shows up not in slogans, but in the way you help people take ownership of the win.
Then there is the race. A coast-to-coast endurance run, arrests, breakdowns, and a moment on the shoulder of the highway where he almost quit. Ed describes turning the ignition with a new rule for life. One mile at a time. That mindset set a record and reset his compass. Preparation mattered. Faith mattered. Choosing courage over fear mattered most.
If you are becoming unshakeable right now, Ed’s lesson lands simply. Go back to your first principles, remember who taught you to stand tall, and act from values instead of ego. Write down your story from the start and look for the pattern of growth. Lead yourself first, speak with respect, and move one mile at a time.
About Ed
ED RAHILL’S fascination with endurance road racing was sparked as a young boy when he tuned into the iconic 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Born and bred in Western New York and an alumnus of the University of Notre Dame, Rahill carved out a successful career in the energy sector. As CFO of ITC Holdings and later as the Founder, President, and CEO of GridLiance, a Blackstone Company sold in 2021, Rahill showcased his leadership and innovation. Yet, ever faithful to his philosophy of life, upon completing this book, Rahill already has his sights set on his next exciting venture. Ed Rahill holds a place in the annals of history as the cross-continental endurance road race record holder, boasting the fastest time in a competitive road race stretching from Boston to San Diego.
His debut novel, One Mile at a Time, is more than a chronicle of this thrilling feat. It’s a tribute to
a promise made to his grandmother — that his children’s generation would finally shatter the cycle of broken dreams. With its publication, Rahill’s commitment has beautifully come to life.
Currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia, Rahill is a record holder, a successful businessman, and a proud father of four adult children. His story is one of grit, endurance, and the power of dreaming big — his story leaves readers captivated and inspired.
Mentions
Connect with Heather on LinkedIn
Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts
Listen to the podcast on Spotify
Connect with Heather
WHEN YOU’RE READY, HERE’S HOW WE CAN HELP:
Engage your people with work culture consulting: https://employeefanatix.com/
Hire Heather to speak to your group: https://www.heatheryounger.com
Access free Art of Caring Leadership resources: https://heatheryounger.com/kit/
Let’s connect on social
About Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP
Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP is a highly sought-after speaker, 2x-TEDx speaker, diversity, equity and inclusion strategist, and contributor to leading news outlets. She is also the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement and consulting firm. After over 25,000 employee engagement surveys and years of working with organizations to transform employee engagement, here’s what Heather has seen over and over: When you know how to listen, employees will tell you exactly what they need to bring their full selves to work. Book Heather to speak at your event or organization.
Visit heatheryounger.com or https://www.cmispeakers.com/heather-r-younger for more details.
