Christopher S. Mahan’s journey began in the entertainment industry as a teen model and actor, later transitioning to film production in 1991 as a freelance audio technician for Turner Sports. By 24, he worked as a production assistant on films and commercials in Atlanta, eventually joining the crew for the last three seasons of In the Heat of the Night with Carroll O'Connor. Chris went on to serve as a department head in the art department for MGM’s Pointman and various national TV commercials. In 1998, at the request of actress Anjelica Huston, Chris founded FilmDogz, a company that earned awards and served prestigious clients like ESPN and the United States Marine Corps. He also wrote and donated a national commercial for the Humane Society of the United States, narrated by Huston, which was featured on the DVD of the 2004 film Benji: Off the Leash.
Christopher S. Mahan’s journey began in the entertainment industry as a teen model and actor, later transitioning to film production in 1991 as a freelance audio technician for Turner Sports. By 24, he worked as a production assistant on films and commercials in Atlanta, eventually joining the crew for the last three seasons of In the Heat of the Night with Carroll O'Connor. Chris went on to serve as a department head in the art department for MGM’s Pointman and various national TV commercials. In 1998, at the request of actress Anjelica Huston, Chris founded FilmDogz, a company that earned awards and served prestigious clients like ESPN and the United States Marine Corps. He also wrote and donated a national commercial for the Humane Society of the United States, narrated by Huston, which was featured on the DVD of the 2004 film Benji: Off the Leash.
After the 2008 economic downturn, Chris made a significant career shift, discovering his passion for helping others. He became a Family and Teen Life Coach, Youth Leadership Speaker, and author. From 2013 to 2014, Chris led Crazy-8-Freedom, a nonprofit aimed at combating teen suicide, and organized youth basketball leagues in both Georgia and Florida. His Lead Your Teen podcast, now with over 100 episodes, and his books, Parental Leadership (2023) and TAKE ONE! NO Film School Required (2020), offers guidance on parenting leadership and how to enter the film and TV industry without the need for a film degree.
Today, Chris focuses on leadership development for parents, teens, and young adults. His signature "LEADERS" talks empower each audience to navigate and succeed in the digital age. He has worked with clients such as Pasco County Schools, AMSkills, CareerSource Pasco Hernando, Community Service Council of West Pasco, and EmpowerSuccess Fest in Atlanta, GA. Through his coaching, podcast, speaking engagements, and writing, Chris continues to inspire families and youth, helping them thrive in today’s complex world.
After the 2008 economic downturn, Chris made a significant career shift, discovering his passion for helping others. He became a Family and Teen Life Coach, Youth Leadership Speaker, and author. From 2013 to 2014, Chris led Crazy-8-Freedom, a nonprofit aimed at combating teen suicide, and organized youth basketball leagues in both Georgia and Florida. His Lead Your Teen podcast, now with over 100 episodes, and his books, Parental Leadership (2023) and TAKE ONE! NO Film School Required (2020), offers guidance on parenting leadership and how to enter the film and TV industry without the need for a film degree.
Today, Chris focuses on leadership development for parents, teens, and young adults. His signature "LEADERS" talks empower each audience to navigate and succeed in the digital age. He has worked with clients such as Pasco County Schools, AMSkills, CareerSource Pasco Hernando, Community Service Council of West Pasco, and EmpowerSuccess Fest in Atlanta, GA. Through his coaching, podcast, speaking engagements, and writing, Chris continues to inspire families and youth, helping them thrive in today’s complex world.
Speaker Bio.
Christopher S. Mahan
Family and Teen Life Coach
Christopher S. Mahan is a dedicated Family and Teen Life Coach, renowned Youth and Family Leadership Speaker, and accomplished Author. With a passion for guiding and empowering young individuals and families, Christopher has become a trusted mentor and advocate for positive change. His clients include AmSkills, Pasco County Schools, and various community organizations.
Chris is a strong advocate for community service and teaching service to youth and young adults. From 2013 to 2014, Chris created and directed Crazy-8-Freedom, a non-profit organization aimed at combating teen suicide within the Tampa Bay area. During this time, he also began and operated a youth basketball league for ages 6 to 13 in New Port Richey, Florida. Chris facilitated community awareness events to bring attention to the bully victim crisis in local schools. In 2011, he organized a Thanksgiving meal drive that fed 350 local needy families in New Port Richey.
Christopher specializes in helping families navigate the complexities of modern life, fostering stronger connections, and nurturing healthy relationships. His compassionate approach and insightful guidance have earned him widespread recognition and respect in the field.
As a sought-after speaker, Christopher shares his expertise and insights with audiences, inspiring and motivating individuals to become effective leaders within their families and communities. Through his engaging talks, he equips audiences with practical strategies for building resilience, fostering communication, and cultivating a supportive environment for growth and development.
In addition to his work as a coach and speaker, Christopher is also an author, sharing his wisdom and expertise through his written works. His books offer valuable insights, practical advice, and actionable steps for overcoming challenges, strengthening family bonds, and unlocking the full potential of every individual.
Committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, Christopher continues to inspire and empower people of all ages to thrive in today's world.
Christopher S. Mahan began his career as a teen model and actor, later transitioning to film production as a freelance audio technician for Turner Sports in 1991. By 23, he worked as a production assistant on several films, joining the last three seasons of In the Heat of the Night with Carroll O'Connor. In 1998, at Anjelica Huston's request, Chris founded FilmDogz, which earned awards and served clients like ESPN and the United States Marine Corps.
After the 2008 economic crash, Chris shifted to coaching, discovering his passion for helping others. Now a Family and Teen Life Coach, Youth Leadership Speaker, and author, he led the nonprofit Crazy-8-Freedom and ran a youth basketball league. His Lead Your Teen podcast has over 100 episodes, and his 2023 books, Parental Leadership and TAKE ONE! NO Film School Required, provide guidance on parenting and film careers.
Chris specializes in leadership for parents, teens, and young adults, with "LEADERS" talks focusing on empowering each audience to succeed in the digital age. His clients include Pasco County Schools, AMSkills, CareerSource Pasco Hernando, Community Service Council of West Pasco, and EmpowerSuccess Fest in Atlanta, GA. Through coaching, his podcast Lead your Teen on Spotify, speaking, and writing, Chris continues to help families and youth thrive.
