Case Study

From CEO to Catalyst:
How Sean Miller Found Purpose and Impact Coaching Business Leaders at Acumen

Learn About The Growth Catalyst Role

After decades leading a successful family-run insurance firm, Sean Miller stepped down as CEO and faced the question many former executives do: what now?
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`Through Acumen, he discovered a path that allowed him to continue adding value—this time as a Growth Catalyst for other business owners.

Before Acumen:

  • Recently stepped down as CEO of The Miller Group after a successful internal succession.
  • Was advised to take 4–6 months before jumping into anything new.
  • Collected 50+ ideas on post-it notes for what to do next, including consulting, travel, hobbies, and board service.
  • Felt adrift without the structure, purpose, and impact of leading a business.
  • Experienced a rapid decline in perceived relevance after stepping away from the CEO role.
  • Had a deep desire to contribute meaningfully—but without jumping back into the grind of full-time work.

After Acumen

  • Became a Growth Catalyst for Acumen, leading peer groups of CEOs and business owners.
  • Gained a recurring revenue stream with flexible, low-burden time commitments.
  • Leveraged his business experience and wisdom in a new, impactful way.
  • Found a renewed sense of relevance, purpose, and personal fulfillment.
  • Reconnected with a faith-infused business community that aligns with his values.
  • Expanded his influence by mentoring emerging leaders outside of Acumen, helping shape the next generation.
  • Continues to serve as chairman of his family business while deepening his coaching skills.
  • Mentored four additional young professionals outside Acumen.

“I’ve been in peer groups. Acumen is different. It blends business and faith in a way that actually works. It’s not just business advice. It’s life-on-life. Marriage, family, faith—it all shows up. We start with business, but when I ask, ‘How can I pray for you?’—that’s when the real stuff comes out.”

The Acumen Process

  • 1 Took intentional time post-transition to rest and reflect, eventually narrowing down his next step from a board of 50+ ideas.
  • 2 Chose Acumen for its unique blend of peer groups, business coaching, and faith-based integration.
  • 3 Completed executive coach training as part of the onboarding to become a Growth Catalyst.
  • 4 Now leads a group of 12 business owners, meeting monthly for councils and 1:1 coaching.
  • 5 Facilitates deep conversations—starting with business challenges and often uncovering personal or spiritual needs.
  • 6 Runs structured monthly councils with integrated prayer, business strategy sessions, and member accountability.
  • 7 Brings in his experience as a former CEO to coach on everything from financials to personnel issues—without prescribing solutions.

Sean Miller didn’t retire—he transformed. By becoming a Growth Catalyst with Acumen, he leveraged decades of leadership experience to help other business owners grow personally and professionally. In doing so, he found a new chapter of purpose, fulfillment, and impact, blending faith, wisdom, and business acumen in equal measure.

"Of all the things on my board, Acumen gave me the best opportunity to add value. And to be honest—it gave me meaning. It’s just fun. I’m learning new things, mentoring great people, and feeling useful again.”

Faith in Business:
A Winning Formula 

 

Adding Value
In Your Second Half

 

Why Join Acumen as a Growth Catalyst

 

“As I matured, I leaned more into my faith. But I didn’t want to just serve on nonprofit boards or volunteer at church. I lived out my faith in business, and I wanted to help others do the same. Acumen gave me the space to do that in a way that impacts lives and builds God’s Kingdom.”

Is This Your Next Chapter?

If you’re ready to re-engage—not with spreadsheets, but with significance—you may be built for this. This isn’t a retirement gig. It’s a calling for those who are still called to build, lead, and serve.