Season 02: E08 | INTENTION: Leading on Purpose, Not By Default

Are you leading by intention—or by habit, reaction, and urgency?In Week 8 of the Take What You Need journey, Dr. Phenessa explores intention as the bridge between values and behavior, between aspiration and action. Drawing from Proverbs 16:3 in multiple translations, neuroscience research on the prefrontal cortex, and organizational psychology's understanding of intentional leadership, this episode offers both theological grounding and practical application.You'll discover: The Hebrew meaning of galal (to commit by rolling upon God)How intentional pauses strengthen neural pathways for regulated leadershipWhy values don't matter if they're not operationalized through intentional actionThree practical ways to lead with intention this weekThis episode includes extended breathwork, poetic reflection, a personal story from Dr. Phenessa's leadership journey, and research-based practices you can implement immediately.Perfect for: Aspiring or experienced leaders, educators, nonprofit directors, executive coaches, ministry leaders, organizational leaders, and anyone who feels like they're leading on autopilot instead of on purpose.Listen when you need: Clarity about your leadership direction | Permission to slow down | Tools to align actions with values | A reminder that your leadership is designed, not accidental.Scripture Tools (Free)Bible Gateway. (n.d.). Free Bible reading and study tools. https://www.biblegateway.com/ Bible Hub. (n.d.). Interlinear and lexicon tools. https://biblehub.com/Blue Letter Bible. (n.d.). Lexicon and word study resources. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Scripture ReferencesProverbs 16:3 (The Passion Translation) - "Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan you make will succeed."Proverbs 16:3 (The Message) - "Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place."Hebrew Study: galal (גָּלַל) - Strong's H1556, meaning "to roll, commit, trust"Literary QuoteJames Clear - "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."Source: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones (2018)References & ResourcesLeadership & Psychology ResearchGoleman, D. (2006). Social intelligence: The new science of human relationships. Bantam Books. Boyatzis, R., Smith, M., & Van Oosten, E. (2019). Helping people change: Coaching with compassion for lifelong learning and growth. Harvard Business Review Press. Rock, D., & Schwartz, J. (2006). "The Neuroscience of Leadership." strategy+business, Issue 43.Schwartz, T., & McCarthy, C. (2007). "Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time." Harvard Business Review, October 2007. Neuroscience InsightBrown, B. (2018). Dare to lead: Brave work. Tough conversations. Whole Hearts. Random House.Davidson, R. J., & Begley, S. (2012). The emotional life of your brain. Hudson Street Press.Sinek, S. (2009). Start with why: How great leaders inspire everyone to take action. Portfolio. Additional ToolsValues Clarification Exercise: Brené Brown's "Living Into Our Values" worksheet - available free at brenebrown.comLeadership Journal Prompts: Center for Creative Leadership (www.ccl.org) - free resources sectionDeliberate Leadership Assessment: ScoreApp self-assessment at https://thedeliberateleader.scoreapp.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/love-light-leadership-podcast--6730707/support.