Follow 2 Lead: A Christian Leaders Podcast

How do great leaders build trust when their team has been through disappointment, uncertainty, or change? In this solo episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger shares a deeply personal story about a devastating ACL injury that sidelined him for years—and how finally running two miles again revealed one of the most important leadership lessons he's ever learned. The finish line wasn't the victory. The daily decisions, trusted coaches, and consistent investments along the way were. Tony explains why trust isn't built through authority, vision statements, or one-time team retreats. It's built one small, faithful decision at a time. If you're leading a business, nonprofit, church, school, or executive team, this episode offers practical coaching for creating a culture where people feel trusted, valued, and equipped to do their best work. In this episode, you'll discover: Why trust begins when leaders admit they don't have every answer. How vulnerability creates stronger executive leadership. Why healthy team culture is built through everyday conversations—not occasional events. The overlooked leadership habit that quietly strengthens (or weakens) trust. How consistent actions create lasting influence across your organization. One simple question every leader should ask their team this week. Coaching Question What would your team look like one year from now if you started doing the trust work today? Connect with Tony Miltenberger Tony Miltenberger is an executive coach, speaker, and founder of Follow 2 Lead Coaching. He helps Christian executives, business owners, and organizational leaders build healthier cultures, strengthen trust, and lead with greater clarity and purpose. Website: https://www.twmilt.com Executive Coaching: https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Instagram: @twmilt Substack: https://twmilt.substack.com/ Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/ Check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-2-lead-a-christian-leaders-podcast/id1429933082 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What earns trust when you're leading people who aren't sure they should follow you? In Episode 464 of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Scott Smith, Superintendent of Troy Christian Schools, to explore one of the most overlooked principles of Christian executive leadership: people don't trust leaders because of their title—they trust leaders because of their presence. Scott shares the lessons he learned stepping into leadership over former teachers, navigating the loss of a mentor, casting vision through organizational change, and building a culture rooted in faith, trust, and clear expectations. Together, Tony and Scott discuss: Why faithful presence builds trust faster than authority Leading through grief, uncertainty, and organizational transition Developing future leaders before you need them Creating healthy team culture through clear expectations Why servant leadership begins with showing up consistently Whether you lead a business, nonprofit, church, school, or executive team, this conversation offers practical coaching for building influence that lasts. Coaching Question: Where do you need to be more present as a leader? Connect with Scott Smith Scott SmithSuperintendent, Troy Christian Schools Website: Troy Christian Schools — https://www.troychristianschools.org Instagram: @smithjscott Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/ Check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-2-lead-a-christian-leaders-podcast/id1429933082 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 463 of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Laura Hope Whitaker, CEO of Extra Special People (ESP), for a powerful conversation about leading before you feel qualified. Laura shares how God often calls leaders before they feel ready, why embracing uncomfortable moments leads to unexpected growth, and how investing in the next generation creates lasting influence. Drawing from her experience leading one of the nation's most impactful organizations serving individuals with disabilities, Laura offers practical wisdom for Christian executives navigating calling, uncertainty, and leadership development. Tony and Laura explore courageous leadership, communication, mentoring emerging leaders, and why following God's calling often requires stepping into situations that feel bigger than you. This episode is an encouraging reminder that God isn't looking for perfect leaders—He's looking for leaders willing to lean in. Coaching Question:Where do you need to lean in? Connect with Laura Hope Whitaker Website: https://www.laurahopewhitaker.com/ Extra Special People: https://espyouandme.org/ Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial.Visit ⁠IGottaAsk.com⁠ to learn more! https://tinyurl.com/F2LIGottaAsk Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/ Check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-2-lead-a-christian-leaders-podcast/id1429933082 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#462: Before They Misunderstand You with William Lutz In Episode 462 of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with William Lutz, Executive Director of a faith-based Ohio nonprofit, leadership consultant, and author of the growing Civic Capacity Substack. Bill shares practical wisdom on one of the greatest challenges Christian executives face: communicating with clarity before assumptions become conflict. Drawing from his experience leading nonprofits, serving his community, and running for mayor, Bill explains why clear expectations are one of the most overlooked tools in healthy leadership. Tony and Bill discuss executive communication, servant leadership, navigating public criticism, and how closed doors often become God's invitation to something greater. Whether you're leading a business, nonprofit, church, or team, this conversation will help you build trust through intentional communication and values-based leadership. This episode is a practical masterclass for Christian executives who want to lead with greater clarity, healthier expectations, and stronger influence. Coaching Question: Where in your life do you need to get clear with someone about expectations? Connect with William Lutz • Civic Capacity: https://www.civiccapacity.com/ • Pinnacle Strategies: https://pinnaclestrategies.substack.com/ - New Path Ministries https://www.newpathserves.org/ Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial.Visit ⁠IGottaAsk.com⁠ (http://igottaask.com/) to learn more! https://tinyurl.com/F2LIGottaAsk Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com (https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com/) Tony on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/ Check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-2-lead-a-christian-leaders-podcast/id1429933082 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit http://megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 461 of the Follow2Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Stacey Baxter, Senior Marketing and Growth Engagement Officer for the Come and See Foundation, the organization helping bring The Chosen to audiences around the world. Stacey shares her journey of stepping into a new season of leadership, learning to trust God's calling, and embracing opportunities that require faith over certainty. She offers powerful insights on discerning God's direction, building intentional prayer rhythms, and making decisions that align with purpose rather than comfort. Tony and Stacey discuss the mission behind The Chosen, the vision of reaching one billion people in 600 languages, and what it looks like to lead faithfully while navigating growth, change, and uncertainty. This conversation is an encouraging reminder that the most important leadership decisions aren't always about titles, promotions, or prestige—they're about obedience to where God is calling you next. Coaching Question: Where is God calling you in this next season? Connect with Stacey Baxter: • Come and See Foundation: https://www.comeandseefoundation.org ⁨@ComeandSeeFoundation⁩ • The Chosen: https://www.thechosen.tv ⁨@TheChosenSeries⁩ Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial.Visit ⁠IGottaAsk.com⁠ to learn more! https://tinyurl.com/F2LIGottaAsk Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram   / twmilt   Check out our YouTube page    / @twmilt   Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 460 of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Jodi Cowles, COO of Blue Hat Publishing and author of Then Came Joy, for a meaningful conversation about storytelling, leadership, and the importance of remembering God's faithfulness.  Jodi shares why stories matter so deeply and how leaders, communicators, and authors can become more intentional about the messages they share. Together, Tony and Jodi explore the role of Ebenezers—those markers of remembrance that help us celebrate where God has moved in our lives—and why forgetting those moments can rob us of joy and perspective. They also discuss communication, writing, and the discipline of keeping the reader or listener in mind. Whether you're leading a team, speaking from a stage, writing a book, or simply trying to communicate more effectively, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement. This episode is a reminder that the stories God is writing in your life are worth noticing, remembering, and sharing. Coaching Question:Are you keeping your reader in mind? Are you keeping your listener in mind? Connect with Jodi Cowles Website + new book, Then Came Joy: https://jodicowles.com/ Instagram: @jodicowles Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial.Visit ⁠IGottaAsk.com⁠ to learn more! https://tinyurl.com/F2LIGottaAsk Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/ Check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-2-lead-a-christian-leaders-podcast/id1429933082 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 459 of the Follow2Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger tackles one of the most searched leadership questions on the internet: How do effective leaders handle conflict? Drawing from Matthew 18 and his own coaching experience, Tony explores why most leaders develop a conflict style long before they ever become leaders. Whether you naturally run toward conflict or avoid it at all costs, your approach is often shaped by past experiences, relationships, and learned behaviors. Tony challenges leaders to examine what they bring into difficult conversations and explains why avoiding conflict isn't kindness—it's often self-protection disguised as consideration. He also introduces the Emotional Intensity Scale, a practical tool for determining whether you're emotionally ready to have a productive conversation. Leaders who handle conflict well aren't necessarily the ones who enjoy it; they're the ones who do the internal work before the external conversation. This episode provides a practical, biblical framework for addressing conflict with honesty, wisdom, and a commitment to restoration. Coaching Question:Is there a hard conversation you've been waiting to have? What is it costing the other person because you haven't had it yet? Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial.Visit ⁠IGottaAsk.com⁠ to learn more! https://tinyurl.com/F2LIGottaAsk Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/ Check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-2-lead-a-christian-leaders-podcast/id1429933082 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 458 of the Follow2Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Dave Ferguson for a powerful conversation on what it really means to multiply as a leader. Drawing from his latest book Multipliers, Dave challenges leaders to confront a foundational truth: you will always reproduce what’s already inside of you. Whether you're leading a team, a church, or a movement, your internal health determines your external impact. Tony and Dave explore the burden of leadership and the importance of evaluating your internal “gauges”—your relationships, disciplines, and daily practices. They unpack how intentional rhythms shape long-term effectiveness and why leadership multiplication isn’t about doing more, but becoming more of who you’re called to be. The conversation also touches on disciple making, leadership development, and knowing when it’s time to pivot. Dave brings clarity to the idea that lasting impact starts with personal alignment and consistency. This episode is a strong invitation for leaders to take ownership of what they’re multiplying—before it’s too late to change it. Coaching Question:How are your gauges? If you evaluated your relationships, disciplines, and daily practices today, what would they reveal about what you're multiplying? Connect with Dave Ferguson:• Website: daveferguson.org• Exponential: exponential.org• Instagram: @daveferguson_ Get the Book:• multiplierbook.com Please check out our sponsors: The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial.Visit ⁠IGottaAsk.com⁠ to learn more!The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial.Visit ⁠IGottaAsk.com⁠ to learn more! https://tinyurl.com/F2LIGottaAsk EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/ Check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-2-lead-a-christian-leaders-podcast/id1429933082 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger walks through a powerful leadership diagnostic rooted in Matthew 7—reminding leaders that the difference between those who stand and those who fall in hard seasons isn’t talent, intelligence, or even faith… it’s preparation. Tony challenges leaders to stop waiting for the storm to figure out who they are and instead begin building a strong foundation now—before uncertainty hits. He unpacks three critical practices every leader needs to develop in seasons of clarity so they can lead with confidence when things get difficult: defining affirmation statements, clarifying core values, and creating measurable actions that align with both. This episode is a direct and practical call to leaders who want to stay grounded, decisive, and steady when everything around them feels uncertain. If you want to lead well in the storm, you have to build before it arrives. Coaching Question: What do you want to be true about you before the next hard season arrives? Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/ Check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-2-lead-a-christian-leaders-podcast/id1429933082 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 456 of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger brings a powerful conversation from the Ohio Business Spotlight featuring Charlie McMahan, lead pastor of Southbrook Christian Church, alongside Greg Fay. https://southbrook.org/ https://www.playersbox.org/ Charlie shares honest insight into the weight leaders carry and what it really means to lead at a high level. This conversation goes beyond surface-level leadership advice and dives into the responsibility, pressure, and calling that come with guiding others. Together, they explore how leaders can remain grounded, communicate effectively, and carry the burden of leadership without losing sight of what matters most. Charlie’s perspective is both practical and deeply rooted in faith, offering encouragement for leaders navigating real-world challenges. This episode is a valuable reminder that leadership isn’t just about influence—it’s about stewardship, responsibility, and showing up faithfully for the people you’ve been called to lead. Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/ Check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-2-lead-a-christian-leaders-podcast/id1429933082 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 455 of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger delivers a powerful solo episode on what it really looks like to lead in uncertain times. Drawing from his experience serving in Kuwait, Tony unpacks the tension leaders feel when everything looks normal on the surface—but something deeper is shifting underneath. When clarity is low and pressure is high, many leaders default to trying to motivate their teams. But Tony challenges that instinct. Instead of trying to manufacture motivation, he introduces a more sustainable and honest approach to leadership rooted in presence, stability, and trust. In this episode, Tony breaks down three practical moves leaders can make when navigating uncertainty: choosing presence over empty promises, anchoring to what doesn’t change, and giving teams meaningful ownership even when the future is unclear. This episode is a direct, grounding reminder that your team doesn’t need a perfect leader—they need a present one. Coaching Question: Who on your team is waiting on you to show up and stay? Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/ Check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-2-lead-a-christian-leaders-podcast/id1429933082 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 454 of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Steve and Jenia Williams, parents of Grammy Award-winning artist Zach Williams, for a deeply moving conversation about faith, patience, and loving someone through seasons of wandering. Steve and Jenia share their personal journey of walking alongside a prodigal son—navigating the tension between love and boundaries, prayer and pain, hope and uncertainty. Their story is a powerful reminder that leadership often begins at home, especially in the quiet, unseen moments of faithfulness. Tony and the Williams explore what it means to remain steadfast in prayer, how to love someone even when you don’t agree with their choices, and the role of trust when outcomes feel out of your control. This conversation is honest, heartfelt, and filled with encouragement for anyone carrying the weight of loving someone through a difficult season. Learn more: https://www.klove.com/books/details/gods-heart-for-the-prodigal Coaching Question: Who in your life needs you to remain steadfast in prayer right now? Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/ Check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-2-lead-a-christian-leaders-podcast/id1429933082 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices