Episode 142: “Learning Leadership” with Compassion International CEO Jimmy Mellado

Mike sits down with President and CEO of Compassion International, Jimmy Mellado, to discuss his leadership journey, from humble beginnings in El Salvador to leading one of the most influential organizations in the world. How can serving a great cause be dangerous for our souls and for our walk with the Lord? Jimmy answers this question, and shares the only true motivation we should have for serving and ministering to others.

Prior to joining Compassion in June of 2013, Jimmy was president of the Willow Creek Association (WCA) – a global ministry completely dedicated to helping local churches thrive. Additionally, Jimmy was key in launching and hosting The Global Leadership Summit, an annual not-for-profit event created to address the dire need for excellent leadership training in local churches and other people-centered organizations around the world.

He is also an accomplished athlete. In college, Jimmy was a member of the 1983 NCAA Division I Indoor & Outdoor National Championship team at SMU, where he competed in the decathlon and held the school record. After college, Jimmy went on to place 4th at the 1987 Pan American Games and 26th in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, competing for the country of his birth, El Salvador.