Your Mission Forward Podcast

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Ashley Baxter challenges high-achieving women to rethink how they lead, live, and define success. Drawing from her own experience as a business leader, mother, and founder, she speaks directly to the pressure many women feel to "do it all"—and do it perfectly. Ashley explores the hidden cost of achievement-driven living, where the desire to excel can quietly turn into the need to prove worth. She invites listeners to confront a transformative question: Who are you without what you do? From this foundation, she unpacks how true leadership begins with self-leadership—grounded not in performance, but in identity. Through a moving story of her colleague Lauren Gilbert, Ashley brings urgency and perspective to the conversation around time, reminding us that life's value isn't found in doing more, but in being present for what matters most. Listeners will walk away with three practical strategies to reclaim control and lead with intention: Schedule your values first—align your time with what truly matters Empower others—release control to create growth and multiply impact Outsource without guilt—protect your energy for what only you can do She also highlights the importance of community, emphasizing that no woman is meant to carry leadership, business, and life alone. Growth requires proximity to the right people—those who challenge, support, and elevate you. This episode is both a wake-up call and a permission slip: you don't need more time—you need more intention. Stop proving your worth and start leading from it.

In this episode, we sit down with Josh Cherry—a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot turned entrepreneur—whose journey is a masterclass in leadership, discipline, and building businesses that scale. Josh shares how his 14-year military career, including three combat tours in Iraq and earning nine Air Medals, shaped his mindset around trust, systems, and high-stakes decision-making. But the real story begins when he transitions out of the military and into entrepreneurship—facing uncertainty, redefining identity, and ultimately committing to building something of his own. Through the Mission Forward framework—Lean In, Let Go, Level Up, and Launch—we explore how Josh co-founded Delta Life Fitness and helped grow it into a national franchise with 75+ locations. He breaks down the systems, leadership principles, and mindset shifts required to move from operator to scalable business builder. Now serving as President of MedLead Convert, Josh is focused on helping medical practices grow through smarter marketing and lead conversion—while also coaching and speaking on leadership and franchising across the country. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone navigating transition, building a business, or striving to lead at a higher level. Key Themes: Leadership under pressure and translating it to business Letting go of structure to embrace entrepreneurship Building systems that scale beyond the founder The realities (and myths) of franchising Creating mission-driven impact in business Whether you're a veteran, entrepreneur, or leader in transition, this episode will challenge you to step forward into your next mission.

In this episode of Mission Forward, we sit down with Judith Rias, Founder of Empowering Nations, to explore a powerful model for transformational impact across the globe. Empowering Nations operates through a holistic approach—addressing body, mind, and spirit—to equip individuals and communities with the training, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. Judith shares how the organization partners with local churches, community groups, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals across the USA, Europe, and Africa to create sustainable change. From grassroots initiatives to global collaborations, Empowering Nations is impacting thousands and demonstrating what happens when faith, strategy, and community come together for lasting transformation.

I'm honored to be joined by Darlene Harkins — a pastor's wife, women's ministry leader, worship leader, retired corporate executive, and author who has dedicated her life to serving others. After a miraculous healing from stage four cancer, Darlene developed a deep passion for guiding people toward Christ and helping them engage with Scripture in a meaningful, Spirit-led way. Her story is one of faith, surrender, courage, and obedience. Whether she was raising her family, leading in the corporate world, ministering to women, or walking through one of the darkest seasons of her life, her heart has remained the same — to bring God glory. I cannot wait for you to hear the wisdom she carries. So let's dive into theconversation: "For His Glory: How to Bring God Glory in Every Season."

In this month's episode of the Your Mission Forward Podcast, Ashley sits down with Mike Stu O'Brien — founder of the hit podcast Two Addicts and a Moron, a show that's reaching people across the country with real stories of recovery, hope, and raw honesty. Stu opens up about his journey through addiction, the moment everything shattered, and the unexpected redemption that followed. This episode, "Hope in the Hard Places: Finding Purpose Beyond Rock Bottom," is a reminder that God never wastes pain — He transforms it. Stu's story is one of grit, grace, healing, and the kind of purpose that can only be discovered on the other side of the fire. If you've ever walked through a hard season, questioned your worth, or wondered whether God could still use your life, this conversation will speak straight to your heart. Tune in on Apple Podcasts or YouTube and let this story of redemption strengthen your faith and ignite your purpose.

In our first episode, I sit down with Lauren, a VP of Operations, author, and a woman who embodies strength in motion. As she navigates life and leadership while battling Stage 4 cancer, Lauren shares powerful wisdom on leading through adversity, finding purpose in pain, and showing up with grace even when the pressure is real. Her story will challenge you, inspire you, and call you higher.