Stay Forth Leadership Podcast

We’ve been holding this one close, and it’s finally time to share the big news... After years of coaching hundreds of leaders through sabbaticals—and taking a few ourselves—we’re beyond thrilled to announce a double launch that we believe could change how leaders rest, recover, and re-enter their work with purpose. In this episode, Alan and Jonathan unveil: The Sabbatical Journey Field Guide — a beautifully designed, practical, anti-book book that walks you step-by-step through your sabbatical. The Sabbatical Journey Learning Experience — a self-paced, story-rich, coaching-informed digital journey for those who want transformation without the 1-on-1 coaching price tag. If you’re a leader (or know a leader) who’s curious about sabbatical, overwhelmed by the idea, or already mid-journey but feeling a little lost—this episode is your invitation to breathe, recalibrate, and take a next step into one of the most meaningful investments you’ll ever make. This isn’t just theory. It’s the best of what we’ve learned after guiding leaders through deeply personal sabbatical seasons—and what we’ve lived ourselves. What You’ll Learn: Why sabbatical is essential (and not just a long vacation) The top mistakes leaders make when going into sabbatical What’s inside The Sabbatical Journey field guide—and why it’s not a traditional book How the new learning experience bridges the gap between content and coaching How to use these tools with your board, team, or organization to normalize and implement sabbatical culture What it really looks like to return from sabbatical reoriented, not just rested Resources & Links: The Sabbatical Journey Field Guide (Amazon) → https://a.co/d/haM9rSR The Sabbatical Journey Learning Experience (Self-paced Digital Resource) → https://www.sabbaticalcoachinggroup.com/sabbaticaljourney Free Whitepaper: Why Leaders Need Sabbaticals (with Harvard Research) → https://www.sabbaticalcoachinggroup.com/why-leaders-need-sabbaticals-harvard-research Visit the Sabbatical Coaching Group → https://www.sabbaticalcoachinggroup.com Call to Action: Buy Two Copies of The Sabbatical Journey — one for yourself, and one for the leader in your life who’s overwhelmed, burned out, or ready to step into a life-giving break from their work. And if you're curious about sabbatical but don't know where to start, head to the Learning Experience. It’s designed to meet you exactly where you are. 📩 Got questions or want to share your sabbatical story? Reach out through the contact form on the site — we’d love to hear from you.

In this unique episode, Jonathan and Alan explore how the 7th inning stretch in baseball offers a powerful metaphor for leadership—especially during the summer. Whether you're crushing your goals or feeling stuck halfway through the year, summer provides a built-in opportunity to pause, reset, and reconnect. They unpack how leaders can make intentional use of this season to reflect, recalibrate, and reengage before heading into the fall sprint. From practical tips on celebrating small wins to the value of solitude, this conversation blends storytelling, humor, and deeply practical wisdom. If you're looking for a healthier rhythm and renewed momentum for the second half of the year, this one’s for you. Takeaways: Why the “7th inning stretch” is more than a fun break—it’s a leadership reset. The value of pausing with purpose and reconnecting with your “why.” How leaders can use summer for reflection, realignment, and renewed energy. Alan’s and Jonathan’s favorite summer slowdown practices—and how you can find your own. Listener Questions to Reflect On: What’s one practice helping you slow down this summer? What’s something you need to let go of? What are you hopeful for in the second half of the year? Resource Mentioned: Download our free 7th Inning Stretch for Leaders Checklist and follow along with our summer series: Becoming an H2 Leader.

In this episode of the podcast, leadership strategist Alan is joined by Brandon Young—Army Ranger veteran, leadership expert, and co-founder of Applied Leadership Partners. Together, they explore how leaders can develop the mindset and skill set to thrive, not just survive, through seasons of high pressure, deep uncertainty, and prolonged adversity. Brandon brings over 25 years of frontline leadership experience, from elite military operations to scaling nonprofits and navigating complex corporate restructures. This isn’t a theoretical conversation—it’s a grounded, real-world exploration of how mission-focused leaders can build perseverance, resist burnout, and lead with clarity in unpredictable environments. Topics Covered: Brandon’s formative years in the Army and how special operations shaped his leadership foundation The difference between endurance and perseverance—and why the latter is essential for modern leaders Why leaders are facing “justification fatigue” and how to build speed to trust using the C.A.R.E. model (Candor, Authenticity, Reliability, Empathy) How to counter the loneliness of leadership through shared emotional load and intentional relational rhythms Strategic pauses vs. false finish lines: how tactical rest can save your mission The five pillars of perseverance: Change, Uncertainty, Acceptance, Choice, and Growth Why clarity—not certainty—is the real antidote to fear-based decision-making How to lead others through ambiguity using frameworks drawn from combat-tested leadership models Practical tips for shrinking your world to reclaim agency and make wise decisions under pressure Key Takeaways: Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely—but it does have to be intentional. False finish lines will break your team. Build tactical halts into your rhythm. Clarity creates agency. Shrink your focus, extend your vision. Rest isn't quitting—it's preparation for longevity in mission-critical environments. The mission is greater than the moment. Don’t mistake pressure for purpose. About the Guest: Brandon Young is a former US Army Ranger with four combat rotations to Afghanistan. He has spent over 25 years building and leading teams in the military special operations, corporate healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. He is the coauthor of Perseverance > Endurance: Lead With Resilience. Grow Through Adversity. Win Together.  Brandon has built partnerships with some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Nike, Walmart, Starbucks, Microsoft, and Amazon. He is the recipient of the Quest Diagnostics Regional Excellence Award for Commercial Leadership for his work in cancer diagnostics. He’s been published in various magazines and peer-­reviewed academic journals; assessed, mentored, and trained more than 1,000 Ranger leaders while serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment; and placed third in the 2006 Best Ranger Competition. Brandon lives in Littleton, Colorado, with his wife, Kelly. They have two adult children: Jaden is a Soldier in the US Army and Elliot is a student at the University of Colorado Boulder. Brandon holds a master of divinity in leadership from Denver Seminary, and his passions are faith, family, community, and adventure.  Resources & Links: Get the book: Perseverance Is Greater Than Endurance  Learn more about Brandon and Applied Leadership Partners Brandon on LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonyoung14/   Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandon.young14/   Follow Stay Forth for more leadership tools and coaching: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCETGsJdac-zQu6yl5XFNJig Tune In If You: Lead a team through uncertain waters Feel the pressure of constant decision-making without clarity Want to shift from surviving the week to leading for the long haul Are seeking practical, real-world leadership insight with military-grade wisdom Subscribe and leave a review if this episode helps you lead with more clarity, conviction, and calm under pressure. This is the space for leaders who want to grow resilient, sustainable influence in a changing world.

Episode Description: We spend so much time building resumes—but what will people really say at our memorials? In this reflective and unscripted episode, Alan shares how two very different moments—a family memorial and a coaching session—led to the same life-altering question: What truly matters? A Alan is joined by surprise guest Wayne Francis, who shares powerful insights from his own Vision Refresh—a deep-dive coaching experience built to help leaders zoom out, gain clarity, and dream again. In This Episode: Why “eulogy values” matter more than “resume values” What a Vision Refresh is—and how it’s changing leaders’ lives Wayne’s real-time takeaways from his second Vision Refresh The spiritual power of naming your identity and impact goals How leaders can avoid burnout through “inhale and exhale” rhythms The role of adventure, surprise, and sacred space in creating clarity Notable Quotes: “Without clarity, there's collisions.” – Wayne Francis “Disorientation often produces transformation.” – Alan Briggs “Naming is spiritual. If you don’t name it, it’s hard to live it.” – Wayne Francis Perfect For You If You’re: A leader facing transition or burnout Craving clarity for your next season Ready to rediscover what really matters Curious about coaching or life planning Learn More or Apply for a Vision Refresh: Email: www.stayforth.com Leave a rating and review if this episode gave you a fresh perspective—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Time is your most precious resource—and summer is slipping up fast. In this episode, Alan Briggs lays out 4 practical, life-giving keys to intentionally plan a summer that actually replenishes you instead of overwhelming you. “If you don’t plan your summer, it will plan you.” Whether you're a parent, a leader, or someone just feeling May-Sember chaos, this episode is your summer strategy session. Alan helps you zoom out and get real about what matters most this summer—because this season is short, but the impact can last a lifetime. You’ll walk away with a framework and the right questions to: Create Unplanned Space – Ironically, it only happens when you plan for it. Replenish Your Soul – Identify what actually fills you up, not just drains you more. Reconnect Relationally – With friends, family, and the people who matter. Pursue Intentional Growth – Don’t sleep on the summer when it comes to personal and professional momentum. Perfect for: Parents prepping for school break Leaders looking for clarity, not chaos Anyone tired of letting another summer “just happen” Questions We’ll Help You Answer: When will you make space for nothing? What actually replenishes you? Who do you need to reconnect with? What do you need to learn and who will you learn from? 📥 Download the Free Summer Planning Guide → [https://summer.stayforthcoaching.com/plan-for-the-summer] 📝 Journal Prompts + Planning Blocks Included

In this powerful episode, host Alan Briggs sits down with Dave Garrison—former multinational CEO and author of The Buy-In Advantage—to unpack one of the workplace’s biggest hidden threats: employee disengagement. Drawing from decades of experience and real-world data, Dave shares why disengagement is accelerating, what’s really behind it, and how today’s leaders can reverse the trend and re-engage their teams. About Dave Dave has over 25 years of experience as a CEO and independent board member of public and private companies both in the U.S. and internationally. Dave has spent his career rebuilding and exponentially growing organizations in a strategic and sustainable way. His success throughout his career organically led him to his encore work in supporting other CEOs in experiencing the same success he did. Dave holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and is Certified as a DISC and Emotional Quotient consultant for individuals and teams. Additionally, he is a certified facilitator in a system based on Verne Harnishes’ Rockefeller Habits and the book Traction. He’s an avid sailor, accomplished pilot and fierce yet mediocre golfer!     Key Takeaways: Disengagement is a systems issue, not a people issue. Gen Z and younger managers are demanding purpose—not just paychecks. Culture beats compensation: engaged employees rarely leave for small raises. Better alignment on purpose and priorities can slash turnover and boost performance. Meetings should be a catalyst for engagement—not a drain on energy. Notable Quotes: “Disengagement is the enthusiasm we leave in the parking lot Monday morning.” – Dave Garrison “All of us are smarter than any of us. Leaders must learn to draw out that collective genius.” – Dave Garrison “People don’t burn out when they care deeply about what they’re doing.” – Dave Garrison Learn More: Grab your copy of The Buy-In Advantage and explore tools, assessments, and resources mentioned in the episode at buyinbook.com.

Alan Briggs is joined by leadership developer and Multiply Group founder Mac Lake to unpack the growing leadership crisis—and how we fix it. Mac shares why so many organizations struggle with developing leaders rather than recruiting them, and how we can begin to shift the culture from leadership borrowing to leadership building. They dive deep into: Why leadership development is still the #1 challenge for churches and nonprofits How to disciple leaders like Jesus did—slowly, intentionally, and with purpose The overlooked importance of “pre-leadership” and helping people see their own potential The difference between competency and confidence—and how to build both Why Mac finally wrote Leading Yourself, and how it's helping people define their mission and grow their influence Health, habits, and why maximizing your energy is a leadership strategy Whether you’re a pastor, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, this conversation will stretch you and equip you. Mentioned in this episode: Leading Yourself by Mac Lake The Multiplication Effect and The Discipling Leaders Series Multiply Group (www.multiplygroup.org) Connect with Mac Lake: Instagram - @multiply_group YouTube - youtube.com/maclake  Facebook - facebook.com/maclake24 LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/maclake Blog - maclakeonline.com Website - multiplygroup.org Books: https://multiply-group.myshopify.com/collections/books Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to grow their leadership!

In today’s episode, Alan sits down with Stephanie Chung, a trailblazing aviation executive, leadership strategist, and best selling author of Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Aren’t Like You. With over 35 years of aviation experience—from parking planes at Boston Logan Airport to becoming the first Black president of a major U.S. private aviation company—Stephanie brings a powerhouse perspective on modern leadership. Together, Alan and Stephanie unpack what it really means to lead diverse teams in an age of cultural complexity and generational divide. They dive into her powerful leadership framework—A.L.L.Y. (Ask, Listen, Learn, You Take Action)—and discuss how leaders can earn the right to be called allies, not just declare it. You’ll learn: Stephanie’s journey from the tarmac to the boardroom Why the acronym A.L.L.Y. is more than a buzzword—it’s a roadmap for relational leadership The reality of leading across six generations in today’s workforce How to overcome bias by rewiring your brain through exposure and empathy What it really takes to earn the title of "ally leader" (Hint: receipts required!) The surprising advantages of a diverse, opinionated team—and how to manage it Practical steps to ask better questions, lead with curiosity, and rally your people around a shared mission Quotes to Remember: “Don’t overcomplicate leadership. Same stuff you learned in kindergarten—ask, listen, learn.” – Stephanie Chung “You can’t self-anoint yourself as an ally. You have to earn it.” “Curiosity is the birthplace of better leadership.” Grab the Book: Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Aren’t Like You Available wherever books are sold. Visit Stephanie’s website for more info. Connect with Stephanie: Instagram: @thestephaniechung TikTok: @thestephaniechung Website: stephaniechung.com

What happens when your calling—the thing that once felt like holy ground—starts draining you? In this compelling conversation, Alan sits down with Dr. Arianna Anderson, author of the new book Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work. Arianna combines academic research, personal story, and spiritual wisdom to expose the surprising dark side of calling. Together, they unpack why some of the most driven and passionate people—those who feel most called to their work—are also the most vulnerable to burnout. From relational shame to boundary shaming, calling-driven burnout has unique roots—and this episode offers practical ways forward. About Dr. Arianna Molloy Arianna is a Communication professor at Biola University, where she designs and teaches Organizational Communication courses. She has also partnered with Biola’s Office of Faculty Advancement, leading the Pedagogy Development Consulting program. Her research focuses on meaningful work, work as a calling, and the link between humility and burnout, with publications in premier journals such as the International Journal of Business Communication and Communication Studies. One of her collaborations won “Article of the Year” in the Journal of Management, Spirituality, and Religion. She views her role as a professor through the lens of being a mentor who loves to learn. While she’s been honored with awards like Biola’s Provost Award for “Excellence in Teaching” and the “Faculty Excellence” award, her deepest joy comes from witnessing the transformation in her students' lives. What You’ll Learn: Why calling can lead to deeper burnout than a regular job or career The difference between general burnout and "calling burnout" The role of humility in avoiding burnout and leading sustainably How boundaries (and boundary-shaming) impact your emotional health Reflection Questions: Am I pursuing my calling—or idolizing it? How close am I on the spectrum from healthy to burnout? Have I been shamed for setting boundaries… or doing that to others? Am I confusing hustle with faithfulness? What would Sabbath look like if I truly stopped for one day each week? Pick Up the Book: Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work by Dr. Arianna Molloy Now available wherever books are sold!  

Life is bumpy. Leadership? Even bumpier. And in this final part of the H2 Leader mini-series, Alan explores how leaders can develop fresh shocks—the resilience required to stay grounded during change, disruption, and uncertainty. From economic instability to organizational shifts to personal burnout, leaders today are being shaken more than ever before. But you don’t have to be a shaky leader. This episode will help you recognize the signs of instability, process the weight of change, and equip your leadership with the tools to stay calm, clear, and contagious—in all the right ways. What You’ll Learn: Why leadership “shocks” matter now more than ever The danger of becoming a reactive vs. proactive leader How unprocessed pain shows up in your leadership (and what to do about it) What a “replenishment cycle” looks like for sustainable leadership Why resilience is contagious—and how to share stability with your team Tools + Resources Mentioned: Feedback + Feed Forward Framework – Learn from the past, plan for the future Therapy & Emotional Processing – Address the fear and exhaustion under the surface Replenishment Cycle Weekly Sabbath Daily/Weekly Margin Vacation & Extended Rest (not just a perk—it's a leadership essential) Reflection Questions: Which area do you most need to focus on—your speed, your alignment, or your shocks? What one step can you take to slow down? What one step can you take to re-align with your wiring? What one step can you take to re-align with your team? What one step can you take to strengthen your shocks? Don’t Miss: This wraps up our mini-series on H2 Leadership—covering Brakes, Alignment, and Shocks. If you missed the earlier episodes, go back and catch up! And if you’re ready to go deeper, check out our Breakthrough Coaching Sessions via Stay Forth. The next level of your leadership might be one coaching conversation away. Stayforth.com