In this episode of the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast, Alan and Jonathan  discuss the theme of finding newness and freshness when feeling stuck. They emphasize the importance of changing pace, place, and perspective to gain a new outlook. They also explore the mindset shifts necessary to move from feeling stuck to being a designer of one's own life. The conversation covers various strategies for finding newness, including getting away from technology, changing environments, and cultivating new relationships.   The episode concludes with reflection questions and a call to take action.   Takeaways Changing pace, place, and perspective can help bring newness and freshness when feeling stuck. Mindset shifts are necessary to move from feeling stuck to being a designer of one's own life. Strategies for finding newness include getting away from technology, changing environments, and cultivating new relationships. Reflection and taking action are key to transforming information into meaningful change.   Quotables "It's refreshing and it's just a different way to communicate important information." "Change of pace plus change of place equals change of perspective." "Being away from just instant information and supercomputers that fit in our pockets is probably one of the better ways that I can find newness."

In this episode, Jonathan and Alan introduce their summer series on living and leading in a lighter way. They discuss the purpose of the series and how it differs from their regular podcast episodes. The main theme of this episode is overwhelm and the opportunity for clarity. They explore the lies associated with overwhelm and the importance of taking action to find clarity. They provide examples and encourage listeners to identify the sources of overwhelm in their own lives and take steps towards greater clarity.   Takeaways The summer series is designed to provide a more transformational look at living and leading in a lighter way. Overwhelm is an obstacle that can be overcome through clarity. There are two types of overwhelm: positive overwhelm (having too many good things) and negative overwhelm (feeling burdened by responsibilities). The lies associated with overwhelm are the need for certainty and the belief that everything must be done by oneself. Taking action and seeking clarity are essential to overcoming overwhelm. Identify the sources of overwhelm in your life and take steps towards greater clarity. Quotables "When clarity goes up, overwhelm goes down." "Overwhelm is something that is standing between you and where you want to be." Chapters 00:00Introduction to the Summer Series 09:24Overwhelm and Clarity 13:27The Lies of Overwhelm 19:04Identifying Sources of Overwhelm 23:19Steps Towards Greater Clarity

Enhance focus, reduce stress, and support your overall mental health with Magic Mind. One shot delivers a potent blend of 12 brain-boosting ingredients comprised of nootropics, adaptogens, functional mushrooms, and essential vitamins — working synergistically to enhance your mental well-being for a more productive life. Do more, stress less LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Get 3 months for the price of 2 with a quarterly subscription! Grab you offer here: https://bit.ly/3XwfDn8 Use code BRIGGS at checkout for an exclusive discount. In episode, Dr. Tashion Macon takes us on a journey through her remarkable career in pop culture and positive psychology. Join us as she delves into her new book, Coming in Hot: A Blueprint for Black Women Setting the World Ablaze, and shares powerful insights on showing up as your greatest self. About Dr. Tashion Macon Dr.Tashion Macon is a trailblazer. Her professional experience lives at the intersections of brand marketing, pop-culture, philanthropy, and positive psychology. Growing up in East St. Louis, IL, Dr. Macon’s traumatic and transformative experiences showed her that she could accomplish anything. Her life trajectory gives her the ability to authentically invite everyone she encounters to achieve their highest vibration. Dr. Macon has helped iconic companies like Arista/LaFace Records, Interscope/Universal, NBC, T-Mobile, and Warner Brothers achieve their financial and marketing objectives, and she’s led mission-focused organizations like Akoin, Communi- ties In Schools, South Carolina Institutes of Information and Innovation, The Teaching Lab, The Weitz Foundation, Voice Vision Value, and Women’s Foundation of the South to fulfill their purpose. She uniquely understands how to strike – when the proverbial iron is HOT to maximize career-enhancing outcomes. Her new book, Coming In Hot: A Blueprint For Black Women Setting The World Ablaze is a love letter to Black Women. Dr. Macon introduces her innovative “Hotlist”, a framework to support Black women as they count the costs and the coins to cultivate a career path that is as authentic and unique as they are. A best-selling author, speaker, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. Macon’s Coming in Hot offers Black women a thought-provoking and straight-talking guide for professional access, agency, and ascension – one borne of experience and steeped in wit and wisdom. If you enjoyed this book and found the information useful, please help others find it by leaving a review on the site where you purchased it. Reviews are the most effective way to spread the word that this book brings value to others like you! Sound Bites: "Purpose does not need permission to be what it's born to be." "Your title is something you rent, your talent is something you own." "Bet on your own blaze, push all your chips in on that." Key Takeaways: Show up as your greatest self and cultivate a career that is uniquely yours. Bring your essence and talent to everything you do. Trust your unique design and bet on your own blaze. Divine doors will open for you, even in times of discouragement. Declare what you desire and follow the direction of divine discontent. Connect with Dr. Tashion Macon Books: https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Hot-Blueprint-Setting-Ablaze-ebook/dp/B0D4VYV611?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1cMKFxP3fhaqj0QiSmGoyA.Oe9WzymZkX1fv1jUsJlq_Eob_XrVydE0qHgQAwuTprM&dib_tag=AUTHOR Website: https://www.tashionmacon.com/    

In this episode, Alan Briggs and Chad Lunsford demystify the concept of sabbatical and share their personal experiences. They discuss the importance of sabbatical for pastors and leaders, and how it can be a life-giving opportunity for rest, reflection, and reorientation. They outline the three phases of a healthy sabbatical: prepare, experience, and reorient. The hosts emphasize the need for engagement and intentional decision-making during sabbatical, and the value of having a sabbatical coach to guide and support the process. If you or someone you know are experiencing, planning or thinking about a sabbatical ingest this episode! To pursue your free Breakthrough Sabbatical Coaching session head to www.stayforth.com/coaching Takeaways Sabbatical is a valuable opportunity for pastors and leaders to rest, reflect, and reorient. There are three phases of a healthy sabbatical: prepare, experience, and reorient. Sabbatical is not an escape from life, but an engagement with deep personal and relational matters. Having a sabbatical coach can provide guidance and support throughout the sabbatical process. Quotables "We want to demystify sabbatical." "I've experienced sabbatical being incredibly life-giving opportunity and gift." "Sabbatical is different for each person." Order a Right Side Up Journal to help plan your summer. https://www.rightsideupjournal.com  

Welcome back, friends! In this episode, we dive into a crucial yet often overlooked conversation about the aftermath of moral failures in leadership. What happens when a leader falls from grace? How do they find their way back to meaning and purpose? Our guest today is Pastor and Author Greg Lindsay, who opens up about his own experience of crashing and burning as a pastor. Greg shares insights from his new book, "The Rest of Your Story," a candid account of his journey through shame, suicidal thoughts, and the long road to restoration. We discuss the significance of understanding one's story, the impact of past traumas, and the importance of experiencing Jesus in the healing process. Greg emphasizes the necessity of community and trusted relationships in finding true freedom and redemption. Whether you're a leader who's been through a similar fall or someone seeking hope and encouragement, this episode promises to provide valuable insights and inspiration. Join us as we explore the path to healing and the importance of staying true to one's calling despite life's challenges. About Greg Lindsey Greg Lindsey is a trial attorney turned church planter who has been the lead pastor of Discovery Church in Colorado Springs for over fifteen years. He is also one of the founding leaders of COSILoveYou, a Colorado Springs-based organization committed to uniting and igniting the local church in love for the city. Greg and his wife, Stacy, have been married forty years and have four daughters and nine grandkids. Connect with Greg Book: https://amzn.to/4cbjJp8 Instagram: @greglindseyauthor Twitter: @greglindsey Tik Tok: @greglindseyauthor Facebook: @greglindseyauthor Connect with our Sponsor https://www.reachthelost.com/    

Steve Carter was next in line to pastor Willow Creek Community Church, but as scandals arose around Bill Hybels Steve walked away in order to heal and care for his family. He talks about the trauma of that season, the faith it required of him and how he experienced restoration and you can too. This is a GREAT episode to share with anyone who has experienced church hurt in any facet. We need more hopeful stories like this of people who have journeyed well and done the work. Pick up his brand new book Grieve, Breathe, Receive on Amazon. About Steve Carter Steve Carter is the best selling author of The Thing Beneath The Thing, host of the Craft and Character podcast, a coach to communicators who are looking to find their unique voice or take their next step of growth in speaking and teaches regularly at churches, conferences, and various businesses around the country. He is the former lead teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and currently serves as a teaching pastor at Forest City Church. He lives outside Chicago, Illinois, with his wife and two kids. Takeaways Embrace grief and learn to sit with the pain in order to find healing and renewal. Forgiveness is a powerful gift that allows us to release bitterness and anger and experience freedom. Finding a sense of place and belonging can be a significant part of the healing process. Leaders often struggle with grieving and celebrating, but both are essential for personal growth and maturity. There is hope and a surprise waiting for leaders who are hurting, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Quotes "Grieve what is, grieve what I thought it was gonna be, grieve how key people let me down, breathe in the new mercies, exhale all bitterness and resentment and anger, and receive what I need to learn, receive what I need to own, receive who I need to become." "Go to the desert and wait for instructions because I am... I was trying to achieve my way out of it. I was trying to figure out, okay, like, where can I go? What's a bigger city? What's a better opportunity? Because that's how I'd always handled my sadness and stress was just look to go do something more. And I thought the desert was metaphorical, but I took out my journal and just started to write similar to the donut shop and... I just wrote down the line, you can't achieve your way out of this, you can only grieve your way through it." "Trust is a mathematical formula. Safe plus consistent, again and again, over and over on repeat, makes you worthy of trust. Unsafe, consistent, again and again, over and over, makes you unworthy of trust. And safe but inconsistent, again and again, over and over on repeat, makes you unworthy of trust. The question is, are you worthy of trust?" Connect with Steve Website: https://www.stevecarter.org/ Book: https://amzn.to/3x87cnc  

Patrick Lencioni, founder of The Table Group and author of numerous leadership books, shares insights on the Working Genius framework. He highlights how identifying six types of genius can enhance team dynamics, boost productivity, and prevent burnout. By aligning team roles with individual strengths, teams can foster innovation and create a supportive environment. Lencioni emphasizes the value of a common language for improving communication and project flow, transforming the way teams collaborate and thrive.

In this engaging discussion, Patrick Lencioni, founder of The Table Group and author of 13 bestsellers on leadership, shares insights on The Working Genius assessment. He outlines the six types of working genius—wonder, invention, discernment, galvanizing, enablement, and tenacity—revealing how understanding these can transform workplace dynamics. Lencioni emphasizes the importance of aligning individual strengths to combat burnout and enhance fulfillment while promoting effective teamwork. His insights promise to inspire leaders and teams alike.

Alan hosts a necessary conversation with his friend, Chris Bruno. Chris is a therapist and author, but in this episode he talks more about being a dad and a sage that is helping to restore mens hearts. Chris is a two time guest so be sure to go back and listen to episode 326 with Chris About Chris Chris received a master of arts in speech from Northwestern University and a master of arts in counseling psychology from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. He is the co-founder and CEO of Restoration Project (restorationproject.net), a ministry devoted to helping men recover their hearts by healing their wounds, knowing God, and restoring the world. He is a licensed professional counselor, and the founder and CEO of ReStory® Counseling (restory.life), leading a diverse and collaborative team of Storywork counselors around the country. Chris has been married to Beth for 27 years and they have three mostly adult children. After spending the better part of a decade in missions in the Near East, they settled in his home state of Colorado. But their love for travel permeates their home and dinnertime conversations and a good adventure is always in the works. Connect with Chris Sage Man Maker Project Restoration Project ReStory Counseling  

In this final episode of the Anti-Burnout series, Alan, Chad, and Jonathan discuss habits that can help leaders avoid burnout and live a lighter way of life. They emphasize the importance of constant learning, viewing limits as a gift, and cultivating empowerment rather than dependency. They also encourage leaders to go slow and not rush through life. The goal is to find freedom and live and lead in a way that is aligned with one's unique design.   Takeaways Constant learning is essential for leaders to stay at or above the curve in a time of high change. Viewing limits as a gift and living within one's unique design can bring freedom and fulfillment. Cultivating empowerment rather than dependency in teams leads to greater impact and growth. Going slow and avoiding rushing through life allows for greater presence and enjoyment of the present moment.   Quotables "Leaders are readers." "Don't just feedback, feed forward." "Go slow or go fast, but don't rush." Grab a copy of AntiBurnout here: https://bit.ly/3VXiVz9