Linch With A Leader

In this episode, Casey and Mike discuss the impactful conversation with Coach Dan Skirka, focusing on the importance of building a culture that transcends mere wins and losses. They explore the significance of leaders believing in their team members, the essence of living beyond one's professional role.

Murray State head coach Dan Skirka led the Racers on a historic run to the 2025 College World Series, a journey built on faith, family, and relentless belief in his team. In this interview with Mike Linch on Linch with a Leader, Coach Skirka shares how his Christian faith, leadership philosophy, and underdog mentality shaped a culture that made Murray State one of the most inspiring stories in college baseball.Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or faith-driven leader, you’ll be challenged by his approach to building character, overcoming adversity, and leading with love.Mike's Takeaways:- Faith played a crucial role in Skirka's life, especially during challenging times.- Transitioning from assistant to head coach required preparation and resilience.- Building a winning culture at Murray State was a key focus for Skirka.- The 2025 season exceeded expectations, showcasing the team's growth and determination.- Overcoming challenges, including COVID-19, shaped the team's resilience.- The journey to Omaha was marked by belief in the process and each other.- Family support, especially from his son, added a personal dimension to Skirka's coaching experience.- Skirka aims to leave a lasting impact on his players, preparing them for life beyond baseball.- The importance of love and service in coaching is a central theme in Skirka's philosophy.Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you're invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch.Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode: Watch: @linchwithaleader Prefer just listening? SUBSCRIBE to the podcast here:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dJfeLbikJlKlBqAx6mDYW?si=6ffed84956cb4848Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/linch-with-a-leader/id1279929826Find show notes and more information at: www.mikelinch.comFollow for EVERYDAY leadership content and interaction:Follow on X: https://x.com/mikelinch?s=20Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikelinch?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==https://www.instagram.com/mikelinch/?...JOIN Mike for a Sunday at NorthStar Church:www.northstarchurch.org Watch: @nsckennesaw

In this episode, Casey and Mike discuss key insights from Jon Gordon's leadership principles, focusing on the importance of belief, commitment to growth, and the role of encouragement in leadership. They explore how these themes manifest in sports and other areas of life, emphasizing the need for leaders to balance accountability with valuing their team members.

In this episode, Mike Linch and Jon Gordon discuss the essential elements of building winning teams. They explore the importance of commitments over goals, the value of teammates, and the necessity of maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity. Jon shares insights from his experiences with various teams and emphasizes the significance of encouragement and continuous improvement as a leader. Mike's Takeaway's:- Winning teams have underlying habits that contribute to their success.- Health checks can provide peace of mind and early detection of issues.- Commitments are more impactful than mere goals in achieving success.- Valuing teammates is crucial for building strong relationships.- Staying positive is essential, especially during tough times.- Encouragement can help overcome discouragement and keep teams motivated.- Continuous improvement is necessary for effective leadership.- Belief in oneself and the team is vital for success.- Learning from others, regardless of their level, is key to growth.- Teams should commit to each other to foster unity and success.Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you're invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch.Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode: Watch: @linchwithaleader Prefer just listening? SUBSCRIBE to the podcast here:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dJfeLbikJlKlBqAx6mDYW?si=6ffed84956cb4848Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/linch-with-a-leader/id1279929826Find show notes and more information at: www.mikelinch.comFollow for EVERYDAY leadership content and interaction:Follow on X: https://x.com/mikelinch?s=20Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikelinch?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==https://www.instagram.com/mikelinch/?...JOIN Mike for a Sunday at NorthStar Church:www.northstarchurch.org Watch: @nsckennesaw

In this episode, Mike Linch interviews Jesse DeYoung, who shares insights on navigating organizational doubt and the challenges faced at Flat Irons Church. They discuss the importance of understanding different levels of doubt, building trust within teams, and the significance of cultural alignment in hiring. Jesse emphasizes the need for transparency and vulnerability in leadership, as well as the necessity of treating doubt as an ally rather than an adversary. The conversation also touches on the personal experiences of leaders and the impact of doubt on their effectiveness.Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you're invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch.Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode: Watch: @linchwithaleader Prefer just listening? SUBSCRIBE to the podcast here:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dJfeLbikJlKlBqAx6mDYW?si=6ffed84956cb4848Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/linch-with-a-leader/id1279929826Find show notes and more information at: www.mikelinch.comFollow for EVERYDAY leadership content and interaction:Follow on X: https://x.com/mikelinch?s=20Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikelinch?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==https://www.instagram.com/mikelinch/?...JOIN Mike for a Sunday at NorthStar Church:www.northstarchurch.org Watch: @nsckennesaw

In this conversation, Mike Linch and David Kraft explore the multifaceted nature of leadership, emphasizing the importance of relationships, character, and lifelong learning. They discuss the evolution of leadership over time, the significance of teamwork, and the challenges modern leaders face. Kraft shares insights on the necessity of finishing well, the role of mentorship, and the impact of a leader's character on their effectiveness. The dialogue highlights the importance of pacing, purpose, and the need for leaders to remain humble and open to learning throughout their lives.Mike's Takeaways: - Leadership is a journey that requires continuous growth and adaptation.- Relationships are foundational to effective leadership.- Mentorship can significantly shape a leader's development.- Teamwork enhances a leader's effectiveness and reach.- Insecurity in leadership can lead to dangerous outcomes.- Finishing well is crucial for a leader's legacy.- Modern challenges require leaders to be secure in their identity.- Character is more important than competence in leadership.- Pacing oneself is essential to avoid burnout in leadership roles.- Lifelong learning is vital for sustained leadership effectiveness.Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you're invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch.Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode: Watch: @linchwithaleader Prefer just listening? SUBSCRIBE to the podcast here:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dJfeLbikJlKlBqAx6mDYW?si=6ffed84956cb4848Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/linch-with-a-leader/id1279929826Find show notes and more information at: www.mikelinch.comFollow for EVERYDAY leadership content and interaction:Follow on X: https://x.com/mikelinch?s=20Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikelinch?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==https://www.instagram.com/mikelinch/?...JOIN Mike for a Sunday at NorthStar Church:www.northstarchurch.org Watch: @nsckennesaw

Gabe Lyons, an author and speaker known for his insights on faith and culture, dives deep into marriage dynamics with host Mike Linch. They discuss how vulnerability and communication are crucial for nurturing emotional connection. The conversation highlights common challenges couples face, such as distance and misunderstandings, and emphasizes the importance of shared dreams. Lyons also touches on how our origins shape relational behaviors, offering practical strategies to fight for lasting love and cultivate resilience in marriage.

Mike Blackaby and Daniel Blackaby, from the esteemed Blackaby family known for their contributions to spiritual leadership, discuss the intricacies of genuine parenting and its impact on Generation Z's view of faith. They highlight the need for emotional connection in leadership and the church's storytelling challenges compared to Hollywood. The brothers emphasize the importance of understanding identity and desire in today's distracted world, and they encourage fostering authentic faith while nurturing curiosity in the next generation.

In this powerful episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike Linch sits down with Nadine Sophia Evans Oliver—Senior Special Counsel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission—to talk about faith, leadership, and unwavering hope through life’s most painful moments.From growing up in Brooklyn as a first-generation American, to studying in Japan, to climbing the ranks in big law, Nadine’s story is one of grit, grace, and God’s relentless pursuit. But her greatest testimony? Walking through the valley of grief after losing her husband—and discovering that hope can still rise.This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt like life broke them… and needs to be reminded that God still has a plan.Mike's Biggest Takeaway's:- Cultural exposure in Japan shaped her worldview and communication skills.- Her parents instilled unconditional love despite financial struggles.- Education was a lifeline for Nadine, leading her to law school.- Faith played a crucial role in her life, especially during hardships.- Nadine's career path was influenced by her desire to help others.- She faced significant challenges while working at the SEC.- Loss of her husband taught her about hope and rebuilding life.- Nadine emphasizes the importance of community support during tough times.- Her new relationship highlights the beauty of second chances.Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you're invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch.Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode: Watch: @linchwithaleader Prefer just listening? SUBSCRIBE to the podcast here:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dJfeLbikJlKlBqAx6mDYW?si=6ffed84956cb4848Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/linch-with-a-leader/id1279929826Find show notes and more information at: www.mikelinch.comFollow for EVERYDAY leadership content and interaction:Follow on X: https://x.com/mikelinch?s=20Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikelinch?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==https://www.instagram.com/mikelinch/?...JOIN Mike for a Sunday at NorthStar Church:www.northstarchurch.org Watch: @nsckennesaw

David McIver, the long-time chaplain for the Minnesota Twins and executive director of Praise FM, shares his insights on evangelism and personal transformation. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on individual connections over large crowds. David recounts transformative stories from his work in Major League Baseball, highlighting how daily acts of kindness and spiritual conversations can open doors. He underscores listening to the Holy Spirit and being intentional in building relationships, encouraging listeners to seek God's guidance in their own lives.