Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast

Patrick Lencioni joins William Vanderbloemen to make a simple point: you don’t need to motivate harder, you need to place better. When work aligns with someone’s natural strengths, engagement follows. This episode gives leaders language and clarity for putting people where they actually thrive instead of burning them out in the wrong roles.

On this episode of the Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast, we sits down with, Brett Connolly Executive Search Consultant at Vanderbloemen, to talk about what it really takes to develop young leaders in ministry. Brett shares his personal journey from almost pursuing a career in sports marketing to discovering his call to ministry, and eventually stepping into his current role. Together they discuss why exposure is just as important as experience, how churches can avoid the “revolving door” of student ministry hires, and what senior leaders can do today to invest in the next generation. If you want practical insights on building leaders who last, this episode is for you.

Leadership transitions do not have to be messy. In this episode of the Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast, Sarah Meggars, Executive Search Consultant and former worship ministry leader, shares practical wisdom for both sides of the handoff. We talk about building trust fast, entering a new role with a learning posture, normalizing succession planning, and why humility and self-awareness matter more than ever. You will learn: How to design a “crossfade” handoff instead of a hard cut Ways new leaders earn trust without stalling for six months Why authenticity in the interview process protects both sides · How to spot and develop future leaders long before you need them Simple steps to make succession a normal, healthy conversation Whether you are handing off, stepping in, or preparing your organization for what is next, this conversation will help you build, run, and keep great teams.

Explore the evolving landscape of communication, where leaders must adapt their messages to resonate in a distracted age. Discover the power of omni-channel strategies to engage diverse audiences, particularly the younger generation. Learn about Aristotle's persuasive techniques to craft impactful messages by connecting emotionally. Embrace authenticity and vulnerability in leadership, and find out why engaging your audience with thought-provoking questions is key. Get ready to communicate clearly and meaningfully across all platforms!

Ivette Naron, an executive search consultant at Vanderbloemen with 15 years of ministry experience, shares her insights on innovative problem-solving in leadership. She discusses the crucial difference between solving problems and managing tensions, emphasizing a strategic approach. Ivette also highlights the 'Six Thinking Hats' method, encouraging leaders to embrace reflection and feedback. Her advice promotes stepping back from daily operations to build collaborative cultures that foster creativity and clarity in decision-making.

Behind every thriving team is a leader who knows how to spot the signs of trouble and take action. In this episode, Vanderbloemen COO Jennifer Paulson shares practical wisdom for identifying “check engine lights” in team health, from gossip and disengagement to meetings after the meeting. Learn why tough conversations matter, how to lead with transparency and humility, and how to develop future leaders who can do the same. Whether you’re leading a church, nonprofit, or business, this conversation will help you create a culture of trust and accountability that lasts.

What Makes a Workplace Truly Attractional? What sets apart the organizations top talent lines up to join and what makes others struggle to attract anyone at all? In this episode, we sit down with Eric Albert, Senior Executive Search Consultant at Vanderbloemen, to talk about what really makes a workplace stand out. Spoiler alert: it’s not the stocked snack fridge or the trendy job title. We explore what makes a culture truly attractional, the hidden factors that push candidates away, and why mission statements don’t mean much without action. Eric shares practical ways leaders can create a healthier workplace culture and tells a powerful story of a church that recognized its unhealthy staff environment and turned things around. Whether you’re hiring now or preparing for the future, this conversation is full of insights on how to build a team people want to join and stay on.

In this episode of the Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast, William Vanderbloemen unpacks why the future of pastoral ministry isn’t about better preaching, trendier content, or digital strategy, it’s about returning to the roots of relational leadership. In a time when sermons can be streamed and content is everywhere, the greatest impact comes from something far more personal. AI might write sermons, but it can’t do pastoral care. Online church is helpful—but it’s the echo of the echo. The pastors people remember are the ones who showed up. Deep connection over drive-by engagement.  H2H (human-to-human) skills are the new essential leadership trait. Whether you're leading a church, nonprofit, or school, this conversation will help you rethink how you connect—and why the most meaningful ministry moments are still the most human.

In this episode of the Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast, William Vanderbloemen unpacks one of the most common but overlooked challenges in leadership: invisible lids. These growth limiters—whether personal, organizational, or team-related—often hold leaders back without them even realizing it. Growth lids are often invisible but real. Flexibility fades with time—stay intentional. Time management is a leader’s greatest asset. Mediocre hires = long-term team ceiling. Don’t settle—anticipate and outgrow your lids. Whether you're just starting out or you're decades into your leadership journey, this episode will help you name the lids that might be holding you back—and how to plan ahead to grow beyond them.

In this candid and insightful episode, William Vanderbloemen talks through one of the hardest parts of leadership—what to do when you’re fired, forced out, or just feel like your season is ending. From William’s teenage painting job to his years in ministry and executive search, he shares real stories and practical advice on how to navigate transitions with self-awareness, integrity, and hope. He discusses: Why few people admit getting fired—and why they should How to process your part in a job loss without shame Why how you leave will be remembered more than what you did Signs a firing or transition might be coming The surprising power of rest in avoiding failure What to do if you're burned out, broke, or in-between roles Whether you're leading a church, business, or nonprofit, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating a difficult season. Your setback could be God’s setup for your comeback.