The Leader's Journey Podcast

In this episode of The Leader's Journey Podcast, Trisha Taylor sits down with Mandy Smith, a gifted pastor, artist, and author of Confessions of an Amateur Saint. Together, they discuss the deep challenges Christian leaders face, the journey of faithfulness over success, and the importance of embracing weakness as a pathway to strength. Mandy shares her insights on how leaders, particularly in faith communities, often find themselves caught between the desire for competence and the necessity of surrendering to God’s guidance. Through personal stories and deep reflection, this episode invites leaders to embrace vulnerability and trust God with their limitations. Mandy Smith is the pastor of St. Lucia Uniting Church in Australia and the author of Confessions of an Amateur Saint. With a unique blend of pastoral leadership, artistic expression, and deep theological insight, Mandy serves as a voice of compassion and clarity for leaders seeking to integrate faith with everyday life. She is also associated with the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination. Mandy’s creative and thoughtful approach to ministry continues to inspire leaders to lead with authenticity and dependence on God. Key Points: The Role of Faithful Leadership: Mandy reflects on the tension between striving for professional competence and the call to lead with faith and reliance on God. Faith Over Competence: Leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about modeling the need for God. Mandy talks about how, as leaders, we are called to admit our limitations and trust God’s power to work through us. The Confession of Leadership: The act of confession is integral to faithful leadership. It involves not only acknowledging our weaknesses but also reaffirming our trust in God despite those weaknesses. The Struggle with Human Limitation: Mandy shares her experience of being thrust into leadership roles that challenged her competencies, and how leaning into vulnerability rather than striving for control has been both humbling and healing. The Invitation to Lead Authentically: By embracing human limitations, leaders can create space for God’s strength to shine. Mandy challenges leaders to stop hiding their weaknesses and to model dependence on God for the benefit of those they lead. Resources: The Vulnerable Pastor: How Human Limitations Empower Our Ministry Unfettered: Imagining a Childlike Faith Beyond the Baggage of Western Culture Confessions of an Amateur Saint: The Christian Leader's Journey from Self-sufficiency to Relying on God Mandy's website: The Way is the Way The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination

In this episode, Jim and Rick Rarick dive into the essential role of values in organizational culture and the importance of leadership integrity. They discuss the concept of the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and how it can shape a meaningful workplace experience. By acknowledging imperfections and fostering a supportive environment, leaders can build stronger connections with their teams and enhance employee loyalty. Rick Rarick is an experienced organizational coach with a background in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. He specializes in helping leaders understand and improve workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, accountability, and meaningful engagement. With a passion for guiding organizations toward healthier dynamics, Rick brings a wealth of knowledge to discussions about employee experience and leadership development. Key Points: The significance of living organizational values with integrity. Acknowledging and addressing integrity gaps as a means of fostering loyalty. The Employee Value Proposition (EVP) defined as a statement of what employees receive from their organization. Importance of meaningful work and connection between individual roles and company goals. The role of friendships and relationships in employee retention. Growth opportunities and the ability to learn from mistakes as key components of employee satisfaction. The shift from traditional work-life balance to a more flexible work-life rhythm. The impact of generational attitudes on work expectations and the importance of creating a human-centered workplace culture. References: Harvard Business Review: Employee Value Proposition Rick Rarick - The Leaders Journey Coach  

In this episode, the Jim and Trisha host guests Chris and Kurt from Brimstone coaching to engage in a deep conversation about leadership, self-awareness, and the mental models that shape our approach to work and relationships. They explore the importance of slowing down, reflecting, and questioning existing assumptions about what it means to be an effective leader. This episode wraps up with a powerful reminder: “You don’t have to be as tired as you are.” Chris Godfredson and Kurt Bash have both come out of leadership and supervisory roles in a variety of business kind of contexts and then transitioned into church ministry where they have each led in a variety of contexts. They are the co-founders of Brimstone Coaching Group. Kurt Bush began his working career in the manufacturing world. He spent time working for a large manufacturing company in various roles over 10 years, with the majority of that time being spent in Human Resources and Production Supervision. He was then called out of that into seminary, and subsequently, full-time vocational ministry. Over the last 6 years, he has served and led churches in and through both minor and major changes, along with helping leaders establish a clear sense of “who we are together.” It’s his work in his own life that fuels the passion that he feels in helping others do their own work. Chris Godfredsen made the transition a number of years ago from printing the news to telling the Good News. He has a growing understanding of Family Systems theory and Internal Family Systems, and he uses tools and resources that help people stop doing things that have hampered their growth for so long so they can live whole lives. These tools have also been helpful in conflict resolution work with co-workers and leadership teams. Conversation Overview Seeing to Change Mental Models of Leadership The Courage to Let Go Redefining Strong Leadership Testing Assumptions Invitation to Reflect Resources Brimstone Coaching Group An Everyone Culture: Becoming a Deliberately Developmental Organization by Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey (the idea of doing two jobs is in the introduction and first chapter) Wholeheartedness: Busyness, Exhaustion and Healing the Divided Self by Chuck DeGroat Western Theological Seminary Brimstone Coaching podcast

Chuck DeGroat, a seasoned therapist and author, delves into the profound themes of healing and connection. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in overcoming disconnection and shares insights on reframing suffering as a universal experience. The discussion highlights imaginative practices that foster a deeper spiritual connection and explores addiction as a response to unmet needs. Chuck also advocates for community support and redemptive remembering as vital tools for reclaiming one's narrative of worth and achieving personal growth.

In a world where every conversation or statement can spark intense debates, how do you maintain your composure and stay true to your values? Join Trisha, Nate, and Mac as they dive into a conversation about managing both online and in person engagement with empathy, leading through political tensions, and making a meaningful impact on a local level. Mac McCarthy has been in Christian ministry for over 15 years.  As a pastor, practitioner, and coach, he is passionate about equipping leaders by integrating missional theology, spiritual formation, family systems, and adaptive leadership to navigate congregational change.  Nate Pyle is a pastor, author, and coach. He has over 25 years in Christian ministry, and during that time Nate began learning and practicing skills related to adaptive leadership, congregational revitalization, family systems, emotional maturity, and spiritual formation.  Key Points Engaging on Social Media Dialogue over Provocation Outrage vs. Conviction Maintaining Perspective and Empathy Recognizing Limitations Managing Anxiety and Maintaining Emotional Maturity References The Colossian Forum Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now by Jaron Lanier

Note: This podcast is part one of a three-part series on trauma-informed leadership. You can find it in the podcast archives of our website on dates January 23, Feb 13 and Feb 27 of 2019.   Trauma is real and leaders who understand the effects of trauma in their own lives and in the lives of others are less likely to be sabotaged by trauma and are more likely to lead in ways that turn out to be healthy and lifegiving. Conversation overview: Trauma and leadership Trauma can hinder and stimulate growth Unaddressed trauma in leaders is dangerous How do we access trauma? Experiencing other people's trauma Leaders may be survivors of trauma; leaders are also leading survivors of trauma The past is always present Resources: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog The Body Keeps the Score Healing Developmental Trauma If you enjoy listening to The Leader's Journey podcast, the best way to support us is to take a few seconds and leave a rating and/or a comment on iTunes or share it on Facebook. Thank you!

Dive into the art of transformative conversations that can spark real change. Learn how our words can inspire hope and create meaningful connections. Explore the importance of authenticity in storytelling and share your journey to empower others. Discover personal reflections on overcoming shame and the impact of vulnerability in leadership. The power of honest dialogue can reshape perceptions and drive significant transformation in lives.

Emotional maturity in leadership is explored through the balance of being defined and connected. The conversation uncovers how articulating core values fosters empathy and meaningful relationships, even in disagreements. Listeners are encouraged to assess their own patterns of self-definition versus connection, learning from historical examples like the Civil Rights Movement and Jesus' teachings. Practical examples illustrate the importance of integrity and accountability, creating a roadmap for healthier interactions and personal growth.

In the latest episode of The Leader's Journey Podcast, explore the nuances of navigating misuse and abuse of authority with Jim and Trisha. In a candid discussion, they delve into crucial topics: from recognizing various forms of abuse to implementing proactive measures for prevention. With clarity and empathy, they outline practical steps and resources every leader should consider to create safer environments. Whether you're new to these discussions or well-versed, their approachable style and wealth of experience make this episode a must-listen. Join Jim and Trisha as they equip listeners with tools to foster healthier, more informed organizational cultures. Conversation Overview Overview of previous episodes Reporting Abuse What are you pretending not to know? Risks of and Responses to Confrontation Taking a Victim Centric Approach Awareness of Triggers Communication is Key Recognizing Culpability Doing Your Part   Podcast Series Power Dynamics Power Dynamics for Trustworthy and Transformative Leaders Power Dynamics and Conflict The Balance of Power: How Leaders Balance Authority and Vulnerability Creating Space for Flourishing.    Trauma Informed An Introduction to Trauma for Leaders Part 1 An Introduction to Trauma for Leaders Part 2 An Introduction to Trauma for Leaders Part 3   Links and Resources Matt Tebbe: Some Common Tactics Used to Avoid Justice Church Cares Website Net Grace Website - While we don't recommend particular groups for consulting because each group has its own unique approach and we recommend each individual do their research to determind what is best for them,we absolutely recommend the resources on the GRACE page.  A Church Called Tov Bully Pulpit When Narcissism Comes to Church  

Join Jim and Trisha with guest Ryan Donovan as they explore the evolving role of authority in today's world. They discuss recognizing blind spots, the effects of a double bind, and stewardship of authority. Ryan, a licensed counselor, brings valuable insights on connection vs. commitment and the paradigm shift in authority dynamics.