Leading Together - Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani

In this episode of the Leadership Podcast, Sim Dendy and Ed Perry speak with Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, who shares her unique journey from growing up in Iran to becoming a prominent leader in the Church of England. Bishop Guli discusses her early life experiences, the challenges of adapting to a new culture as a refugee, and her unexpected path to ordained ministry. She reflects on her role as a bishop, emphasising the importance of embodying the diocese and fostering a supportive community. Throughout the conversation, she offers insights on leadership, work-life balance, and her confidence in the future of the church amidst current challenges.Takeaways from this episode:Bishop Guli's upbringing was shaped by her unique cultural background in Iran.Resilience in children is fostered by love and security at home.The Church's future cannot be controlled but must be embraced with faith.Bishop Guli embodies the diocese rather than just managing it.Leadership involves being gentle with oneself and learning from mistakes.The Church is both a human institution and the body of Christ.Confidence in one's identity is crucial for effective leadership.Assuming the best in others fosters a collaborative environment.Different aspects of life inform and enrich one another.The Holy Spirit can work effectively when given space.Follow Bishop Guli on X: @Guli_FDFollow the Leadership Podcast on X (twitter) Instagram or Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.