Leave the Pile Higher
"My job is to leave the pile higher for you and your sister."
That was my father's philosophy long before I understood it—and decades before I ever thought about launching a podcast. He never used the word legacy.
He simply lived it.
In 1983, faced with financial sacrifices and difficult choices, my father made a decision that changed the trajectory of my life. Rather than take the easier path, he chose to invest in my future. At the time, I didn't fully appreciate what that sacrifice meant. It wasn't until after his passing in 2018 that I truly understood the depth of his commitment and the legacy he was building.
On what would have been my father's 75th birthday, I launched Leave the Pile Higher as a way to honor his legacy and explore a question we all face:
What are we leaving behind for those who come after us?
Through honest conversations with guests from all walks of life, we explore leadership, faith, family, resilience, service, personal growth, and purpose.
While this podcast often speaks directly to Black men navigating fatherhood, leadership, purpose, and life's responsibilities with intention, the lessons shared here are universal. Legacy belongs to all of us.
Whether through guest interviews, Legacy Notes, or Legacy Blueprint panel discussions, every episode is designed to challenge, encourage, and inspire you to think differently about the impact you're making right now.
Because legacy isn't something you leave someday.
It's something you build every day.
One decision.
One sacrifice.
One conversation.
One rep at a time.
Let's Build.
Leave the Pile Higher
Grounded, Growing, and Generational: Ferris Dean on Healing, Mindset, and Legacy
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Growth doesn’t happen when life is easy — it happens when you face fears and step out of your comfort zone. Legacy doesn’t start with money — it starts with mindset. So what does it really take to unlearn what’s been passed down, heal what’s been ignored, and build something that actually lasts?
That’s where Financial Advisor Ferris Dean comes in.
In this episode, we talk about what real growth looks like — not the picture-perfect kind, but the kind that stretches you. The kind that forces you to slow down, look in the mirror, and deal with what’s real.
We dig into therapy, self-care, and the things many of us never heard growing up — like how to talk about money, how to teach our kids to manage it, and why building wealth isn’t about the bag… it’s about building freedom.
Ferris also opens up about life after loss, fatherhood, and how those moments shaped the man he’s becoming. And somewhere in this conversation, you’ll hear the story that made him look at money differently — and for both the gem of wisdom and the laugh it brings, trust me, it’s one you’ll want to lean in for.
This is real talk about growth, mindset, and legacy — the kind that reminds you that purpose starts on the inside.
Listen now — and when it hits, don’t keep it to yourself.
Share it with a brother or sister who’s doing the work.
Subscribe so you never miss what’s next.
Follow the movement at @leavethepilehigher.
Rate and review the show to help more people find these conversations.
BUILD IT. LIVE IT. LEAVE IT.
Because legacy isn’t optional.
Looking to protect what you've built, strengthen your foundation, or create a plan for the future?
Whether you're a family focused on protecting what matters most or a business owner building something bigger than yourself, Savage Family Office can help you think through the risks, opportunities, and strategies that support your long-term goals.
Schedule a complimentary 15-minute Legacy Snapshot and let's explore ways to help you protect, build, and preserve the legacy you're creating for yourself, your family, your business, and future generations.
Book your Legacy Snapshot today and take another step toward leaving the pile higher.
Interested in being a guest on Leave the Pile Higher?
I'm always looking for individuals who are building, serving, leading, overcoming challenges, and making a difference in the lives of others.
If you have a story of faith, resilience, leadership, personal growth, entrepreneurship, or legacy-building, I'd welcome the opportunity to learn more about your journey and consider the possibility of featuring you on the podcast. Your story may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
To be considered as a guest—or to ask a question about an episode—email: leavethepilehigher@gmail.com
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