Servant Leadership Podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Brian Mueller, President of Grand Canyon University — the largest Christian university in the world. Brian's path to leading GCU is one of the most unlikely stories in American higher education. A high school teacher and basketball coach turned tech-driven education executive, Brian first helped grow the University of Phoenix to 400,000 students and a $16 billion market cap. After his success at the University of Phoenix, he decided to go to Grand Canyon University, which at the time was a struggling Christian university $20 million in debt, with fewer than 1,000 students, in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Phoenix. Today, GCU has grown to over 100,000 students and invested over 2 billion dollars into the campus, which ranks among the most beautiful in the country — all while holding tuition flat for the last 17 years. What makes Brian's story truly remarkable isn't the growth, it's the why behind it. From producing 26,000 teachers and the largest nursing program in the country, to rehabbing over 600 homes and awarding 2,300 full-ride scholarships to local kids living below the poverty line, GCU has become inseparable from the community it serves. Join us as we talk about what happens when you build a university around untapped potential, why every vocation is a sacred calling, and hear how vision is one of the most important traits a leader can have. Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:31 Brian Mueller Intro01:52 Welcome Brian Mueller02:05 Brian’s Journey - Becoming The Leader Of GCU04:05 Recruiting Students At University Of Phoenix06:57 Grand Canyon Calls09:50 Servant Leadership - Accepting God’s Plan13:20 The Vast Amount Of Untapped Potential15:36 Helping Fight The Teacher Shortage18:11 Using AI To Increase World Productivity20:06 AI Programs At GCU22:03 Create Workers, Not Welfare Dependents23:04 Investing In The Community Around You25:09 Fighting The Poverty Line28:02 CityServe - Serving The Phoenix Community31:00 Sending Students Out Better Than They Came In32:35 Change The World By Changing The Workplace34:11 How To Make The Pie Bigger35:44 Growth Of The Early Church37:05 The Irresistible Christian Philosophy39:12 How To Maintain Energy Amidst Failure41:03 Modernized Programs42:39 Meeting The Needs Of Education44:21 The 360 Teacher Program46:28 Making College What It Should Be48:41 Ten Rapid Fire Questions52:17 The Importance Of Servant Leadership53:56 ClosingLearn More About GCU:https://www.gcu.edu/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome John K Solheim, the President and CEO of Ping Golf. PING is one of the most iconic and innovative golf brands in the world. John is the grandson of Ping's founder, Karsten Solheim, and has carried a multigenerational legacy of engineering excellence and customer-first thinking into a new era. Under John's leadership, Ping has seen record year after record year, growing to nearly 2,000 employees worldwide. Under John's leadership, PING rose to the number one market share position in Japan — the second largest golf market in the world. John's leadership journey took him from engineering clubs on the production floor to running Ping's entire Japanese operation before stepping into the CEO role here in the United States. His approach to leadership is rooted in empowering great people, building strong processes, and embracing a heritage of innovation rather than resting on past success. Join us as we talk about what it takes to lead a family legacy into its third generation, the power of counter-cultural thinking in business, and how faith and servant leadership have shaped one of golf's most enduring brands.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:17 John K Solheim Intro01:24 Welcome John K Solheim01:29 John’s Journey - Raised In The PING-dom03:49 PING’s Expansion Overseas04:50 Gains In Japan06:04 The Size Of Golf In Japan06:54 Rise Of Golf During The Pandemic07:30 Golf For The Younger Generations08:26 John’s First Steps Into Leadership10:13 Servant Leadership - Empowering Your People12:05 Surviving 3rd Generation Business13:32 Thoughts About The 4th Generation14:37 Keeping Up A Legacy Of Innovation15:41 The Data Behind Golf Equipment17:33 PLD Custom Putters18:41 Custom Clubs Beyond The Putters19:34 Creating Relationships Early20:58 PING’s Main Concerns22:02 The Future Of Golf23:31 Leadership Lessons25:22 Counter-Cultural Decisions27:44 Treating Everyone The Same28:41 The Business Process Of PING31:11 Making The Fitting Process Easy33:15 Momentum In The Market35:05 Working Alongside His Father36:57 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions43:59 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast45:07 ClosingLearn more about John here:https://ping.com/en-us/discover-ping/historyServant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome John A. Solheim, the Chairman of PING Golf, one of the most iconic and innovative golf companies in the world. John grew up working alongside his father, Karsten Solheim — the engineering genius who invented the PING putter in his Redwood City garage. Under John's leadership, PING became a dominant force in professional golf, at one point holding 70% of putters on tour. The Solheim Cup, created by John's parents, has turned into one of the most premier events in golf. John has led with a simple but powerful philosophy: take care of your people, and they'll work their hearts out for you. John is now in his third generation of family stewardship, having handed the CEO role to his son John K., while continuing to pour into the company's design and direction. His faith, his family, and his love of engineering have always been at the center of everything he does. Join us as we talk about leading a family business across generations, the servant leadership culture that has defined PING from the very beginning, and why taking care of people is still the greatest competitive advantage of all.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:14 John A Solheim Intro01:17 Welcome John A Solheim01:26 The Birth Of PING04:13 From Aircraft Landing Gear To Putter05:57 Care In Making Putters07:48 Switching To High Quality Materials10:00 Changing The Design To Get With The Times11:24 Path To The Largest Family Name In Golf12:18 The Solheim Cup14:14 John’s Journey - From Architecture Student To PING Exec17:13 ROTC Time And Nearly Going To War20:28 Donation Clubs For Veterans21:29 Charitable Act Rewarded22:34 Servant Leadership - Take Care Of Your People25:56 Protecting The Golf Pros27:34 The Solheim Family Members’ Roles31:21 Succession At PING32:59 Stewarding The 3rd And 4th Generation34:25 Family Working As A Team36:38 How To Set Your Family Up For Success38:49 Leading With Faith40:17 The Constant Evolution Of Golf41:54 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions48:09 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast49:48 ClosingLearn more about PING here:https://ping.com/en-us/discover-ping/historyServant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome New York Times bestselling author, Jon Acuff. His books that have sold more than one million copies include Soundtracks, Finish, and All It Takes Is A Goal. Jon was named one of the top leadership speakers in the world by Inc Magazine and he has been able to help some of the biggest brands on the planet rethink their approach to potential and performance. From his early days in corporate marketing to speaking on global stages, Jon shares how people can overcome overthinking and finish what matters most. Join us as we talk about the gift of invisibility and walk through the art of the "Dream, Plan, Do, and Review" process from his new book Procrastination Proof.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:38 Jon Acuff Intro01:15 Welcome Jon Acuff01:39 Jon’s Journey - Marketing To Author And Speaker02:33 Taking A Bet On Yourself04:19 The Hidden Grind Behind Being A Speaker06:25 Pouring Into Future Leaders 08:26 Procrastination Proof10:44 Dream Plan Do Review12:30 The Success Loop13:30 How To Put Handles On Ideas14:11 How To Lead People Not Like You17:21 The Price To Be Remarkable19:06 How To Be More Remarkable21:26 What Is The Mark Of A Remarkable Person?23:05 Empathy - Read Less Minds, Ask More Questions24:24 Character Is Pliable26:55 Who You Keep In Your Corner28:11 Five Reasons People Procrastinate31:25 They Want You To Win34:13 Soundtracks - Repetitive Thoughts36:50 When You Actually Try, You Will Wish You Started Sooner38:51 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions42:52 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast44:26 ClosingLearn more about Jon here:https://jonacuff.com https://jonacuff.com/bookshttps://jonacuff.com/quizServant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Larry Hartmann, the CEO of ZRG Partners. ZRG is one of the largest and fastest-growing executive search and talent management firms in the world. Under Larry’s leadership, ZRG has expanded across five continents, growing to a global powerhouse with over 700 employees and on their way to one billion dollars in revenue. Larry’s journey is a quintessential example of the American dream. He started his first financial services company right out of college eventually taking it public on the NASDAQ before successfully selling the business to American Express. Larry then went on to help grow his lifestyle business to the full-scale global vision that ZRG has become. Join us as we talk about Larry’s Seven Pillars of Inspired Leadership and practical frameworks that will help you become a better servant leader.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:18 Larry Hartmann Intro01:05 Welcome Larry Hartmann01:12 Larry’s Journey - The Road To A Public Company02:40 The Birth Of ZRG04:00 Growth Through Acquisition05:58 How To Not Lose The Vision07:28 Inspiration For The Seven Pillars09:52 Casting A Vision That Captures Hearts12:23 Communication To Connect15:42 Finding Great Talent18:18 Assemble An Expert Team21:05 People Work For People22:46 The Concept Of E.T.C.H.24:02 Putting Them All Together25:33 Balancing Work And Life28:43 The Importance Of Using Capital29:44 Patience With Business Growth32:07 Every “No” Gets You Closer To “Yes”34:50 Discerning Where To Spend Your Time36:46 Key Leadership Qualities In Potential Acquisitions38:41 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions40:42 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast41:58 Advice For Recruiters44:42 ClosingLearn more about Larry here:https://zrgpartners.com/https://www.7pillarbook.com/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Mark Batterson, the Lead Visionary of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. Mark is a New York Times bestselling author of over 20 books, including The Circle Maker, Win the Day, and Gradually then Suddenly, which have impacted millions of people. Under his leadership, NCC has become one of the most innovative and influential churches in America, famous for its "marketplace" approach to ministry. NCC owns multiple properties near "Capitol Hill" and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, the largest fair-trade coffeehouse in D.C. Mark’s journey is a masterclass in holy curiosity and the power of dreaming big while staying humble. He also shares the concept of the "Double Blessing"—the radical idea that God doesn’t bless us just to raise our standard of living, but to raise our standard of giving. Join us as we talk about building a culture of innovation, the importance of long-term stewardship, and how to lead with a posture of service in the heart of the marketplace.Timestamp:00:00 Opening00:24 Mark Batterson Intro01:03 Welcome Mark Batterson01:34 Mark’s Journey - Failure And Starting Over03:12 Called To Write05:49 Prayer Is A Form Of Dreaming06:29 A Prayer Walk Around The Future08:06 Goals And Who You Become In The Process11:24 Taking Notes To Keep The Writing Flowing13:22 Gradually Then Suddenly15:14 From Crackhouse To Coffee Shop17:29 Just Crazy Enough - A 3 Million Dollar Risk19:05 Bouncing Back From A Failure21:12 Flesh And Blood Over Brick And Mortar23:21 Make History - Dare To Be Different25:18 Living A Life Worth Telling Stories About27:24 Turning Financial Goals Into Giving Goals28:27 Success You Didn’t Sign Up For29:57 Establish Boundaries To Protect Your Priorities31:18 Creating Good Habits33:59 Know How Much You Don’t Know35:24 “I Reserve The Right To Get Smarter, Later”37:43 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions41:22 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast43:05 ClosingLearn more about Mark here: https://www.markbatterson.com/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Jeremy Taylor, the President of the Tyndale House Foundation. Jeremy’s story is one of remarkable stewardship and growth. His grandfather started Tyndale House in the 1950s with a simple mission to make the Bible more accessible, and today, under Jeremy’s leadership, it has become the largest independent Christian publisher in the world. His work is deeply rooted in a generational legacy of stewardship and the mission to engage, equip, and empower local leaders in global contexts for gospel impact. Jeremy’s leadership journey is a powerful study in radical generosity and the posture of obedience. He shares insights on how generosity doesn't start with riches, but with a heart of service. He continues to explain examples of ways to be generous with your Labor, Influence, Finances, and Expertise. Join us as we talk about building a culture of generosity, the importance of obedience, and how to steward a family legacy that outlasts you.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:24 Jeremy Taylor Intro01:19 Welcome Jeremy Taylor01:24 The Origins Of Tyndale03:51 Early Rejection - Founding Tyndale House05:38 Billy Graham Gives Away Copies Of Living Letters07:15 The Billy Graham Association Orders More09:44 The Size Of Tyndale Today11:08 Jeremy’s Journey - Continuing The Legacy12:30 Generosity As A Family Value14:26 Cultivating Generosity16:24 Servant Leadership - Generosity Without Wealth18:48 Discernment With Partnerships19:52 Four Elements To Receive 21:27 Servant Leadership - Obedience To Christ23:10 The Editorial Experience25:10 The Most Effective Authors26:56 We Need Lots Of Good Books29:09 Writing A Book Vs. Publishing One30:48 Generously Investing In Community33:08 Being Generous From A Business Mentality35:48 Six Categories Of Grants37:09 Remaining Faithful Amidst Failure39:11 God Doesn’t Promise Material Blessings42:39 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions46:01 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast49:01 ClosingLearn more about Tyndale House Foundation and Publishing here:https://tyndale.foundation/https://www.tyndale.com/https://generousgiving.org/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Mark Vincent. Mark is an executive advisor known for helping leaders around the world think beyond quarterly results and lean into legacy, succession, and long-term stewardship. He helps leaders define the deeper why behind what they do and recognize whether they are truly leaning into growth, resisting it, or simply pretending to. Join us as we explore how to navigate change in a rapidly shifting world and what it means to lead not just with authority, but as a steward preparing something to outlast you.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:24 Mark Vincent Intro00:56 Welcome Mark Vincent01:06 Mark’s Journey - Becoming A Renowned Mentor03:30 Identifying Leaders Willing To Put In The Work05:10 Pretending To Lean In Is Harmful07:14 Process Consultation10:19 When The Why Doesn’t Lead To Success13:16 Unlocking The Deepest Why’s15:43 Adopt A Learning Posture18:24 The Largest Hurdles Leaders Need To Overcome21:56 The Maestro Effect24:56 Four Key Elements For Legacy 27:47 Stewardship In The Context Of Business30:20 Adapting Stewardship Into Leadership33:48 The Future Of Leadership Mindset35:15 Normal Is Constant Change37:56 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions41:20 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast41:57 ClosingLearn more about Mark here:https://marklvincent.comServant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Peter Greer. Peter is the President and CEO of HOPE International, a global nonprofit focused on poverty alleviation through biblically based microfinance. In this episode, Peter shares how humility, accountability, and faith-driven stewardship shape healthy leadership. He talks about navigating growth, resisting pride, and what it really takes to steward success well over the long term.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:38 Peter Greer Intro01:15 Welcome Peter Greer01:21 Peter’s Journey - The Path To Hope International03:54 Hope’s Mission05:38 What The Fight Against Poverty Looks Like06:48 Writing From A Place Of Questioning09:19 Stay On Mission - Start With Why10:41 Write Your Own Eulogy13:09 Rooting For Your Rivals14:43 The Problem With Viewing Other Nonprofits As Rivals 17:09 Leading With Prayer 20:24 Servant Leadership - How To Not Lose Your Way22:09 The Servant Leader Is The Primary Beneficiary24:27 The Importance Of Character26:19 How We Over-Inflate Ourselves And Minimize Others28:03 Servant Leadership - Generosity29:57 God And Money 31:33 Find Yourself A Mentor33:29 Look At Who You Are Pouring Into34:20 The Constellation Of Relationships36:20 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions39:09 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast39:48 ClosingLearn more about Peter here:https://www.peterkgreer.com/https://www.peterkgreer.com/books/https://howleaderslosetheirway.com/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Josh Block. Josh is the former president of Block Imaging, a medical imaging equipment company that grew from about $30 million to over $200 million under his leadership. What makes Josh’s leadership journey so unique is how he suddenly went from sales rep to president in a single weekend at 29 years old. Out of this unexpected crash-course in leadership, Josh realized that the speed of the leader is the speed of the team, so he built a simple framework he calls the three T’s: Together, Thoughtful, and Transparent. In his book, People Matter at Work, he unpacks the three T’s and challenges leaders to see how their leadership shapes culture, performance, and the people around them. Join us, and learn how the most successful companies in the world are building from the inside out.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:26 Josh Block Intro01:14 Welcome Josh Block01:19 Josh’s Journey - Thrown Into Leadership03:27 Good And Bad Of Family Business04:20 Creating A Place People Love To Work05:13 The Three T’s07:00 Bridging The Gap Between Caring And Impact08:00 Understanding People’s Stories9:48 Servant Leadership - Realizing You Are Imperfect11:38 What Block Imaging Does12:31 Three T’s In Practice14:12 Team Exercises To Flex “T Muscles”15:35 Company Life Cycles16:24 Thinking About The Future Generations17:08 Visualizing The Future To Set Goals18:29 “You Miss 100% Of The Shots You Don’t Take”20:36 Servant Leadership - People Matter22:33 Bring Up The Gap24:07 Difficult But Rewarding Conversations26:52 Dealing With Disconnects28:23 How To Build A Leadership Team29:39 Accountability For Large Teams30:45 Spreading Ownership Throughout The Team32:09 The Future Of People Matter At Work33:59 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions35:17 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast35:51 ClosingLearn more about Josh's book and Block Imaging here:https://peoplematteratwork.com/https://www.blockimaging.com/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Bill Wichterman. Bill served as a senior advisor to President George W. Bush and worked closely with leaders at the highest levels of government. In this episode, Bill shares what it looks like to steward power with humility, serve faithfully behind the scenes, and lead with integrity in high-pressure environments. He talks about faith, influence, and why character, not position, is the most important part of becoming a great servant leader.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:56 Bill Wichterman Intro01:36 Welcome Bill Wichterman01:42 Bill’s Journey - From Missionary To Presidential Advisor03:57 Misconceptions About Government05:58 Servant Leadership - Humility In Politics08:36 Power Given By The Holy Spirit10:59 Wielding Power As A Means Not An End12:30 Psalm 39 - How We Live In Light Of Our Future Deaths14:01 “My Life Is Not A Gift To Me” 15:22 Stewards, Not Owners16:35 Your Finances Show Where Your Heart Is19:00 Giving God All, Not Just A Cut22:25 Be A Saver, Don’t Be A Hoarder24:35 Are You Willing To Do What God Asks?26:34 How To Share Your Finances29:35 Learn How To Be A Steward30:25 Profit In God’s Design33:10 What Do You Do With Your Investments?34:17 From Advisor To Author And Consultant36:00 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions38:49 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast39:44 ClosingLearn more about Bill’s book here:https://stewardsnotowners.com/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast we welcome John Richmond. John has spent decades helping leaders grow through intentional mentoring and discipleship. In this episode, John shares why relationships are central to leadership development, how walking alongside others shapes character, and why leadership is more about who you are becoming than what you accomplish. He unpacks the principles that have guided his approach to mentoring and the practices he has developed, that will help you become a better servant leader.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:28 John Richmond Intro01:00 Welcome John Richmond01:07 John's Journey - From Lawyer To Fighting Against Trafficking02:10 International Justice Mission - An Eye Opener03:59 Ambassador-at-Large05:03 Misconceptions Of Trafficking06:43 How Big Is The Issue?08:03 First Steps To Combat Trafficking09:20 Servant Leadership - Elevating Others Above You11:08 Government Doesn't Move Quickly13:42 What Can You Do To Fight Trafficking?15:24 How To Engage In The Fight17:57 How Success Is Measured In The Fight20:40 Stolen Bike Analogy22:20 What Trafficking Actually Starts Out Like23:33 Selling A False Dream25:34 10 Principles To Protect Your Family Against Trafficking28:58 1 - Understand Your Purpose29:53 2 - Know Your Name32:44 3 - People Are More Important Than Stuff33:49 4 - Speak Truth And Love34:45 5 - Feelings Are Not Actions37:27 6 - Know How To Stop38:31 7 - Finish The Job39:19 8 - Be Generous40:54 9 - Happen To Your Life42:41 10 - Make Wrong Things Right44:49 Ten Rapid Fire Questions46:27 The Importance Of Being A Servant Leader46:59 How To Keep Your Kids Safe49:11 ClosingLearn more about the fight against trafficking:https://www.atlasfree.org/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast we welcome Clare De Graaf. Clare is a longtime ministry leader, author, and founder of the ministry known for helping people live out the teachings of Jesus in practical ways. In this episode, Clare shares how his leadership journey was shaped by success, burnout, and a deep reevaluation of what it means to follow Jesus faithfully. He talks about the tension between ambition and obedience, the cost of surrender, and how true servant leadership begins when we stop trying to build our own kingdom and start serving God’s kingdom. Join us as Clare unpacks the lessons that reshaped his faith journey and what his journey looked like from ambition to surrender.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:19 Clare De Graaf Intro01:00 Welcome Clare De Graaf01:05 Clare’s Journey - Origins Of His Business Drive03:12 Ambitions Of A Young Clare06:04 A Product Of Their Own07:19 A Dire Diagnosis Brings Change10:45 Giving Up Private Jet Money11:39 The Start Of Venture Capital Ministry14:32 Learning To Be Obedient17:47 The 10-Second Rule - Obedience For Dummies20:19 “Why Wouldn’t You Take The First Step?”22:49 Servant Leadership - Being A Leader That Can Be Trusted24:18 The 60-Day Confidence Guarantee26:00 “The Rich Christian’s Bible” Teaser27:56 How Much Is Enough?31:35 Setting A Finish Line Before You Get There34:56 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions38:38 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast40:52 ClosingLearn more about Clare here:https://www.claredegraaf.com/https://www.claredegraaf.com/the-10-second-ruleServant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast we welcome Adam Christing. Adam is a professional comedian, magician, and keynote speaker who has spent decades studying how humor builds connection and trust. In this episode, Adam shares how laughter can break down walls, disarm tension, and create environments where people feel safe and valued. He explains why humor is not about ego or performance, but about service, and how it can be used intentionally to elevate others. Join us as Adam unpacks why humor, when used well, becomes a powerful display of servant leadership.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:15 Adam Christing Intro00:49 Welcome Adam Christing01:31 Adam’s Journey - Class Clown To Legendary MC02:53 Clean Comedians - Funny Doesn’t Always Need To Be Filthy03:35 Leading As A Comedian05:47 Planned Spontaneity06:25 Reading The Energy Of A Room08:11 “Ha-thenticity” - Being Humorously Authentic09:52 The Laughter Factor - Building Connections Using Comedy12:43 The Magic Of Humor13:17 Servant Leadership - The 5 Laugh Languages15:00 The First Laugh Language - Surprise16:10 The Second Laugh Language - Poke17:54 Complexity Of Sarcasm-Based Comedy20:04 The Third Laugh Language - In-Jokes21:16 The Fourth Laugh Language - Word Play22:03 The Fifth Laugh Language - Amplify23:44 How To Be Tactful When Poking Fun26:24 Servant Leadership - Celebrating People With Humor29:29 The Laugh Language Quiz32:00 When The Jokes Don’t Land33:48 “If You Live For Their Praise, You Die By Their Criticism”35:43 Using Nerves As An Adrenaline Boost37:09 How To Start Being Funny39:05 Narrowing It Down To Talking Points40:08 Bonding With 1 On 1 Humor42:24 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions48:52 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast51:03 ClosingLearn more about Adam here:https://adamchristing.com/Figure out your Laugh Language here:https://thelaughterfactor.com/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Twelve people in history have ever walked on the moon. Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by one of them. Charlie Duke served as the Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 16 and became the tenth person to walk on the moon. In this episode, Charlie shares what it was like to be part of one of the most extraordinary missions in human history, but explains that his life was changed far more by what happened after he returned to Earth.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:17 Charlie Duke Intro01:10 Welcome Charlie Duke01:27 Charlie’s Journey - The Road To Becoming An Astronaut02:42 CapCom For The First Moon Landing04:00 Watching The First Steps On The Moon05:27 Servant Leadership - Doing Things To The Best Of Your Ability07:26 Highly Accurate Simulations08:56 The Drive To Study The Moon After Apollo 1110:24 The Apollo 13 Crisis 12:48 Accuracy Of The Apollo 13 Movie13:41 Complications Landing For Apollo 1616:15 “Being Home Again” On The Moon17:19 Rover Revolutionizes Lunar Study19:00 Big Muley - The Largest Rock Sample21:08 Responding To Moon Landing Deniers23:00 Remote Control Video From Earth24:33 “Why Risk A Life For A Mars Trip?”26:13 Excitement For Artemis 227:00 Life After NASA28:41 The Dukes Meet Jesus30:46 Called Out By The Bible33:39 God Calls Us To Be Servant Leaders34:27 Seeing God’s Hand In It All36:49 Apollo 17 - Hopes To Go Back37:33 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions38:26 Eating Astronaut Food42:50 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast44:19 ClosingLearn more about Charlie here:https://charlieduke.com/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast we welcome Brad Formsma. Brad is the founder of I Like Giving, an organization focused on inspiring generosity and joyful giving. In this episode, Brad shares how his own journey shaped his passion for generosity, why giving changes the giver as much as the receiver, and how generosity fuels healthier leadership. He talks about shifting from obligation to joy, creating cultures of gratitude, and how giving is essential to becoming a better servant leader.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:14 Brad Formsma Intro00:45 Welcome Brad Formsma00:59 Brad’s Journey - How Do You Learn To Like Giving02:23 People’s First Take On Giving04:14 Giving Is For Everyone05:46 How To Solve For Generosity For Everyone06:56 Teaching Generous Thoughts In Children’s Books08:37 The Seven Ways Of Living Generously09:31 Start Giving Without Worrying About Getting It Right11:57 Give Cheerfully, Not Out Of Obligation14:25 How To Lead A Business Generously16:14 Different Ways The Seven Ways Can Look17:18 An Unforgettable Generosity Story19:29 Be Giving Oriented For Happy Workers20:36 Taking The Seven Ways Home21:54 Servant Leadership - The Key Pillar Of Giving23:58 Don’t Dwell On Missed Giving Opportunities26:20 Giving Together As A Couple27:57 Approaching Conversations On Giving With Your Spouse31:24 Make Receiving Not About “Me”33:35 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions35:00 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast37:41 ClosingLearn more about Brad, I Like Giving, and Generous Family here:https://www.bradformsma.com/ https://ilikegiving.com/ https://generousfamily.com/https://generousfamily.com/collections/hatCheck out Brad’s son, Drew, and his work:https://www.instagram.com/drewformsma/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast we welcome Tia Newcomer. Tia is a speaker, consultant, and leader with decades of experience helping organizations build healthier cultures through trust and communication. In this episode, Tia shares how listening is one of the most overlooked yet powerful leadership skills. She talks about why leaders often struggle to truly listen, how humility plays a role in servant leadership, and how creating space for others to be heard can transform teams and organizations. Join us as Tia unpacks why listening well is one of the most underappreciated leadership disciplines today.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:28 Tia Newcomer Intro01:18 Welcome Tia Newcomer01:31 Tia's Journey - First Steps Out Of College03:38 The First Pillar - Packaged Goods04:28 The Second Pillar - Technology07:01 The Third Pillar - Healthcare08:52 Servant Leadership - Eat What You Cook10:27 Culture Comes From The Top11:07 Do What Lights You Up11:46 Two Questions For Finding Your Fire14:09 Fighting Imposter Syndrome As A Leader16:20 People - The Core Measure Of A Company18:08 Process Technology And Culture19:13 Themes - A Sign Of Success And Problems20:13 Four Questions To Uncover Themes20:54 Servant Leadership - Be Curious22:33 The Hardest Part About Being A Leader24:20 The Need To Slow Down26:19 Good Documentation For Smooth Transitions27:51 Keeping The Door Open -Paying It Forward28:43 Other Measures Of Success31:21 Steps To Live A Life Of Impact33:35 How To Realize What Really Matters34:55 A Purposeful Pause - Finding Your Value And Values36:30 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions38:48 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast39:25 ClosingServant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Zahi Hawass. Dr. Hawass is one of the world’s most renowned archaeologists and Egyptologists, best known for his leadership in uncovering and preserving some of the most significant discoveries in ancient Egypt. In this episode, Dr. Hawass shares stories from decades of leadership at the highest levels of archaeology, including what it takes to lead large teams, protect priceless history, and pursue excellence under global scrutiny. He reflects on discipline, vision, and responsibility, and how lessons from ancient leadership can still teach us about servant leadership today.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:20 Dr. Zahi Hawass Intro01:10 Welcome Dr. Zahi Hawass01:14 Dr. Zahi’s Journey - First Steps In Archaeology03:07 Inspector Of Antiquities - A Rough First Impression 05:00 Falling In Love With Archaeology 06:29 Dr. Zahi’s Main Takeaways For Being A Leader08:13 Restore Human Beings Before You Restore Stones11:31 Responding To Attacks And Accusations13:40 Passion - The Most Valuable Trait14:59 Keys To Dr. Zahi’s Success17:05 Pyramid Builder Tombs - Evidence Against Alien Pyramids19:06 Secrets Behind The Creation Of The Pyramids22:05 A Feat You Couldn’t Do Today23:23 Dr. Zahi’s Prediction - How Much Is Left To Uncover24:25 Leadership Lessons From The Ancient Egyptians26:59 Why People Are Enamored By Ancient Egypt29:09 The Golden City - The Most Impressive Finding30:22 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions33:46 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast34:24 ClosingLearn more about Dr. Zahi Hawass:https://www.hawasszahi.com/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast we welcome James Ackerman. James previously served as CEO of Prison Fellowship, the largest Christian nonprofit supporting prisoners, former prisoners, and their families. In this episode, James shares how his leadership journey was shaped by personal loss, deep faith, and a calling to serve some of the most overlooked people in society. He talks about the tension between compassion and accountability, the importance of humility in leadership, and why servant leadership is not soft leadership, but the most demanding form there is.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:14 James Ackerman Intro01:11 Welcome James Ackerman01:38 James’ Journey - Avoiding His Father’s Shadow02:46 The Road To Being A CEO At 3304:28 A Career Built Around Faith05:54 Servant Leadership - Remaining Calm During Crisis08:02 Major Turning Point - Leading A Public Company09:56 Butting Heads With His Team11:15 Growing From The Worst Years12:32 Becoming Very Intentional To Repair His Life13:29 Recommendations For Those In The Valley15:18 Don’t Sacrifice The Most Important Things In Life15:56 The Road To Prison Fellowship16:38 Called By The Holy Spirit To Prison Fellowship19:07 Leadership Opportunity In Prison Ministry21:55 Servant Leadership - Seeing Value In Convicts23:45 Prison Fellowship And Showing Love To The Incarcerated25:22 “You Can’t Keep Me Out Of Prison”26:43 How To Leave A Company In Good Hands28:15 The Life Of A “Fix It” CEO29:26 The Lord’s Message From An Inmate’s Mouth32:13 From Prison Ministry To New Canaan Society33:39 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions35:31 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast36:16 ClosingLearn more about James and the ministries he has been a part of:https://www.jamesjackerman.com/https://www.prisonfellowship.org/https://newcanaansociety.org/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast we're joined by Daniel Kwak. Daniel and his brother immigrated from Korea as pastor’s kids, grew up in poverty in Chicago, and launched their first business as teenagers. When Daniel realized he needed a long-term career, he moved into real estate and built an eight-figure portfolio in his 20s. His journey forced him to confront what actually drives a leader beneath the surface. Join us as we talk about fear, shame, success, and why you cannot become a true servant leader while holding on to your own agenda.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:14 Daniel Kwak Intro00:45 Welcome Daniel Kwak00:59 Daniel’s Journey - From Impoverished Immigrant to Real Estate Investor03:47 DJs Turned Entrepreneurs06:08 Naivety Drives Early Success07:25 Taking Frustrations To Your Heavenly Father08:21 John 13 - The Character Of The True Servant Leader10:44 Applying The Concept Of “Washing People’s Feet”12:08 Servant Leadership - Expect Nothing In Return13:44 What Real Estate Investment Looks Like15:08 Addressing The Early Fear Of Shame18:35 The Birth Of The Kwak Brothers YouTube Channel19:52 Called To Not Follow Our Own Ambitions22:46 Finding Peace With Worldly Failure25:51 God’s Answer After The Bad Deal27:10 The Story Of The Prodigal Son - Being The Bitter Elder Son28:18 The Prodigal Son’s Secondary Meaning30:00 Realizing The Anger Is Rooted In Fear33:20 Encouragement For Those Who Are Weary34:43 Acts 20 - Life Is Nothing Outside Of God’s Calling36:54 Unless The Seed Dies, The Harvest Cannot Occur38:18 How To Show Jesus’ Love To Someone Who Hates Christians40:58 Prayer Meetings Focused On Hearing From God42:01 Showing Love In A Way Beyond Just Kindness44:30 Realizing Your Own Agenda Can Be Damaging46:02 Examples In Scripture - Inquiring Of The Lord48:05 Love Others As Jesus Has Loved Us49:02 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions50:58 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast51:50 ClosingLearn More About Daniel and Sam's Channel and Businesses:https://www.youtube.com/thekwakbrothershttps://thekwakbrothers.com/http://acceleratedreacademy.com/http://acceleratedstrategies.com/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast we welcome Peter Herschend. Peter and his brother Jack built one of the largest family entertainment organizations in the world, but their story didn’t start with theme parks, acquisitions, or millions of guests. Peter shares how Silver Dollar City grew from a 5,000-visitor cave operation into a nationwide portfolio of parks and attractions that now serve over 15 million people across over 40 properties. Some of their brands include Dollywood, the Harlem Globetrotters, many resorts, additional theme parks, and more. In this episode, Peter walks through the decisions, values, and convictions that shaped an entire company culture. Peter talks through Christ being at the center, a deep commitment to loving employees, and a long-term view of stewardship that spans generations. Join us as Peter unpacks the principles that have guided decades of leadership, and why servant leadership is the only way to build something that lasts.Timestamps:00:00 Opening00:09 Peter Herschend Intro01:02 Welcome Peter Herschend01:31 Peter’s Journey - It Started With A Cave04:06 Business Opportunity In Marvel Cave06:57 From Cave To Silver Dollar City08:15 Building Silver Dollar City10:38 The First “Board” Meeting12:48 Moving To More Businesses As A Defensive Measure16:11 The Rise Of Dollywood17:56 “I’d Like To Build A Theme Park”18:48 A Business Meeting With Dolly21:07 The Size Of Their Brands Today21:57 Decision Process Behind Acquiring Businesses23:23 “Who” The Property Is24:28 How The Property Operates27:18 Setting Values And A Strategic Plan28:47 Learn From Your Mistakes31:00 Importance Of Businesses Knowing Who They Are32:04 Servant Leadership - Loving Your Team33:37 A Common Thread - Leaders With A Christ-Like Love36:20 How Peter And Jack Are Involved Now38:12 Removing The Steel Ceiling39:52 Ensuring Long-Term Business Success42:20 Intentional Relationship Building With The Younger Generations43:45 Importance of Educating the Younger Generations On Ownership46:32 From Track Injury To Education Leadership Impact48:58 Valuing Children’s Education Over Social Issues50:57 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions52:44 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast54:24 ClosingLearn more about the Herschend Family's brands:https://www.hfecorp.com/https://www.silverdollarcity.com/https://www.dollywood.com/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast we welcome Rebecca Bender. Rebecca is a survivor of human trafficking. She has used her story of transformation to inspire people around the world. After escaping her traffickers, she rebuilt from nothing—eventually founding the Rebecca Bender Initiative and Elevate Academy, the largest online school for survivors. Rebecca has been a part of training more than 100,000 law-enforcement professionals and shares how servant leadership starts with empathy and persistence. Join us as Rebecca shares what it’s really like to start over after trauma and how to find your purpose after hitting rock bottom.Timestamps:00:13 Rebecca Bender Intro00:46 Welcome Rebecca Bender01:03 Rebecca’s Journey - Human Trafficking Survivor02:29 Fast Love To Being Trafficked04:09 A Freedom Unlike The Ones In Movies05:12 Struggling To Get Off The Ground06:54 Rebecca’s Initial Frustrations With God07:53 The Urge To Break The Silence08:45 The Prevalence Of Human Trafficking10:26 From Struggling Survivor To Law Enforcement Trainer12:53 Elevate Academy - Turning Your Story Into Action13:57 Servant Leadership - Empathy For Those At Rock Bottom15:44 The First Steps To Caring/Mentoring Others18:39 How To Relearn Trust20:43 “Never Burn A Bridge, But Check The Weight Limit”21:17 Approaching The Unfamiliar Like A Student24:30 Most Victims Are Not Trafficked By A Stranger26:15 Misconceptions About Leadership28:00 What’s Next? - Upcoming Survivor Programs30:08 The Power Of Second-Chance Hiring31:50 Next Steps To Combat Trafficking34:33 Prevention Resources36:10 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions38:33 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast39:35 ClosingLearn More About Rebecca:https://rebeccabenderinitiative.org/https://elevate-academy.org/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Pete Briscoe. Pete spent nearly three decades leading a thriving megachurch in Dallas before walking through one of the hardest seasons of his life, that led him into rehab, recovery, and ultimately, renewal. In this episode, Pete opens up about burnout and what it looks like when everything on the outside seems successful, but the inside is breaking down. He talks about the difference between achievement and fulfillment, what it means to rediscover your humanity, and how his journey has reshaped the way he helps leaders today. Join us as we unpack how servant leadership begins not with performance, but with honesty, humility, and the courage to face our reality.00:00 Pete Briscoe Intro00:46 Welcome Pete Briscoe01:07 Pete’s Journey - The Path To Dallas02:46 The Crash And Burn05:16 Choosing Sobriety Over Being A Pastor06:14 When Success Feels Empty Inside07:39 Achievement Is A Science, Fulfillment Is An Art09:02 From Speaking To Thousands To One-On-Ones11:02 How To Understand Fulfillment14:13 Pete’s Persona Revealed By A Rehab Therapist17:40 “What I Was Made To Do”19:24 Pete’s New Calling - Personal Coaching21:31 Leadership Should Lift Up The Whole Team23:58 Servant Leadership - Seeing Your Team As Humans First24:42 How Do You Balance Servant Leadership With Burnout26:40 Pete’s Servant Leadership Definition29:00 How To Ask Questions To Reveal Burnout Before The Crash30:51 Advice For Those Struggling32:44 Recovery Is A Journey, Not Instant35:50 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions39:09 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast40:05 Reach Out To Pete If You Need Help40:40 ClosingLearn More About Pete and His One-on-One Coaching:https://www.petebriscoe.org/https://www.petebriscoe.org/coaching/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Shane Claiborne. In this episode, Shane shares what it was like to serve with Mother Teresa and how her humility and compassion shaped his faith and the founding of The Simple Way. Shane talks about finding your own “Calcutta” and how courageous love can transform the world around us. Mother Teresa often shared that not all of us can do great things, but we can all do small things with great love. Join us as Shane shares how he’s lived out that truth, and how you can start applying it in your daily life as well.Timestamps:00:00 Shane Claiborne Intro00:39 Welcome Shane Claiborne00:58 Shane’s Journey - “Who Is Living Like Jesus?”02:44 The Call That Started It All04:03 Mother Teresa’s Philosophy04:37 The Feet Of A Servant Leader 06:55 “Our Best Sermon Is Our Life”08:10 Shane’s Takeaways From Serving With Mother Teresa09:46 Born Again - A Love That Transcends Blood Relations 11:04 Ice Cream Story - The Innocent Love Of A Child12:52 Find Your Calcutta13:36 The Simple Way - A Community Of Love16:42 A Devastating Fire - The Origin of Phoenix Park18:29 Living For Something Bigger Than Ourselves20:52 The Idolatry of Possessions22:59 Red Letter Christians25:33 Seeing The World Through The Lens Of Jesus 27:00 How To Apply This To Your Life28:55 Our Deepest Passions To The World’s Deepest Pain29:58 Every Person Is Made In The Image of God33:13 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions35:29 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast36:55 ClosingLearn More About Shane:https://www.shaneclaiborne.com/https://thesimpleway.org/https://redletterchristians.org/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by Bobby Gruenewald, entrepreneur, innovator, pastor, and the founder of the YouVersion Bible App. Before stepping into ministry at Life Church, Bobby was a serial entrepreneur — launching one of the early web hosting companies and later building a subscription-based entertainment streaming company. At Life Church, Bobby helped pioneer church online long before livestreaming was normal. Out of that same spirit of innovation, he and a small team launched the YouVersion Bible App—what started as a simple idea to help people engage Scripture on their phones has now become one of the most widely used apps in history, recently surpassing 1 billion downloads. Join us as Bobby shares how he’s seen innovation, risk, and pushing the boundaries help make a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world.Timestamps:00:00 Bobby Gruenewald Intro00:56 Welcome, Bobby Gruenewald01:17 Bobby’s Journey - Humble Beginnings In Website Building03:25 Mr. Bailey’s Investment In Bobby’s Future04:15 Starting A Web Hosting Company06:12 The Professional Wrestling Site - A Strange Learning Experience08:15 From Entrepreneur To Church Leader09:59 Getting Plugged In At Life Church11:49 Turning Down an Offer To Join The Staff At Life Church13:05 A Quick Trip From Volunteer To 24 Years on Staff16:37 YouVersion Bible App Beginnings18:26 A Foray Into Bible Tech - Church Online and Open19:30 “How Could I Use Technology to Read the Bible More Consistently?”23:08 Difficulty With Bible Text Acquisition24:48 YouVersion’s Big Failure - How to Learn From Failure26:36 The Desktop Issue - Moving From Website To App28:12 YouVersion Launches With Apple’s App Store29:35 YouVersion’s Accelerated Growth Even Today30:25 An Age of False Media And AI Generations31:54 The Bible - An Answer To The Hunger For Truth34:46 Servant Leadership - Providing Their Apps For Free36:21 No Sense Selling What’s Unclear38:23 YouVersion’s Business Model40:16 How To Keep The Innovation Alive40:35 Fear of Failure Prevents Us From Quitting42:39 Innovation Happens Best Under Constraints44:35 Cutting Down A Process From Three Weeks To 48 Hours46:51 “I Loath Best Practices”48:20 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions51:41 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast53:04 Why You Should Read Your Bible Every Day55:15 ClosingLearn more about Bobby:https://www.youversion.com/https://open.life.church/https://churchonlineplatform.com/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Heidi St. John. Heidi’s story is one of healing, grit, and grace. She’s a bestselling author, national speaker, and longtime podcaster whose show has reached tens of millions. She founded a Homeschool Resource Center in the Pacific Northwest and even ran for Congress, driven by a simple mantra: see a problem and serve. In this conversation, Heidi opens up about the seasons of a woman’s life and why priorities matter. Heidi shares about the courage it takes to speak truth in love, and why servant leadership often looks like quiet, daily sacrifice. Join us to hear practical wisdom on setting boundaries, building resilient families, and leading with conviction without being ruled by fear.Timestamps:00:00 Heidi St. John Intro00:48 Welcome Heidi St. John00:55 Heidi’s Journey - Broken Teen To Speaker, Author, And Leader02:49 Heidi’s Foray Into Speaking And Writing04:34 The Lie Of “We Can Have Everything”05:42 The Blessing Of Family08:18 Prioritizing Faith First09:58 The Importance Of Knowing Your Priorities11:38 Social Media’s Negative Impact On This Generation14:10 Restricting Social Media Access For Your Kids15:48 Charles Spurgeon’s Definition Of Discernment16:15 Heidi’s Willingness To Step Into The Controversial17:49 A Cultural Era Against Objective Truth20:56 How To Engage In Uncomfortable Conversations Correctly21:47 Discernment - Reading The Room22:38 Commitment To The Truth Requires Courage24:56 Fear Is Not An Emotion, It Is A Spirit26:02 You Can Do Anything If You’re Willing To Do It Afraid27:57 Servant Leadership - Motherhood29:09 A Parent’s Main Responsibility30:37 You Don’t Get A “Do-Over” When Raising Your Children33:48 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions36:58 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast37:24 ClosingLearn more about Heidi St. John:https://www.heidistjohn.net/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Thank you to Thrivent for partnering with us on the Servant Leadership Podcast. If you or anyone you know is looking to join a great team, learn more about open career opportunities at Thrivent: https://bit.ly/chicago-thriventToday on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Anne Beiler — best known as the founder of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. Anne's story goes far beyond the success of a global brand. Anne grew up in an Amish family, experienced the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, and endured years of pain and confusion after abuse from a trusted pastor. Through confession and vulnerability, her life was completely transformed. Out of all of this pain and the story of redemption that came from it, Auntie Anne's became a company built on love, generosity, and servant leadership. Join us as Anne shares how her story has helped others find freedom and purpose, reminding us that light can emerge from even the darkest places.Timestamps:00:00 Anne Beiler's Intro00:46 Thrivent Ad01:37 Welcome Anne Beiler01:51 Anne's Journey - The "Auntie Anne's" Story07:01 The Day "Everything Changed"11:24 Emotional Pain And Spiritual Confusion13:11 Experiencing Sexual Abuse15:37 Grace Is Always Available16:55 Choosing To Go Toward The Light19:35 The Creation Of Auntie Anne's21:39 Advice To People Holding Onto The Pain23:59 Starting Auntie Anne's26:20 Anne's Husband's Response28:24 Servant Leadership - Love The People And Give31:11 Be Salt And Light31:47 L.I.G.H.T.33:56 10 Reasons That Kept It Successful40:22 Advice On Selling The Company45:18 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions47:33 Importance Of A Servant Leadership Podcast48:09 ClosingLearn more about Anne Beiler:https://www.auntieannes.com/https://auntieannebeiler.com/annes-story/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Mark Whitacre—whose life inspired the Matt Damon film The Informant! At 32, Mark was a divisional president and corporate VP at ADM, groomed for the top. When a global price-fixing scheme came to light, he wore a wire for the FBI—ten hours a day, for three years. The fallout cost him his career and his freedom, but it also led to mentors who helped him trade pride for purpose. Today, Mark serves at Coca-Cola Consolidated, advancing servant leadership throughout Coca-Cola and beyond. Join us as we talk about pressure, integrity, redemption—and how servant leadership transforms both people and performance.Timestamps:00:00 Mark Whitacre's Intro00:46 Welcome, Mark Whitacre01:06 Mark's life story - "The Informant"07:24 The Emotional Impact Of Being An Informant08:48 Hollywood Production Background09:40 Immunity Versus Prosecution15:55 Decision To Reject Plea Agreement - Fight Prosecution17:43 Personal Prison Journey - With Chuck Colson21:47 Career After Coming Out Of Prison24:13 Coca-Cola Bottling Company - Culture And Care26:57 A Culture Of Servant Leadership29:21 "t-factor" - Transformation Factor30:32 "t-factor" Seminars31:47 L.E.A.D.S. (Listen, Empathy, Advocate, Develop, Self-reflection)32:39 Being Salt And Light34:32 Making Other Companies' Workplaces Better36:10 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions40:26 ClosingLearn more about Mark Whitacre:https://www.markwhitacre.com/https://t-factor.com/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Nancy Ortberg. Nancy’s leadership journey has been anything but linear—starting in nursing and spending nearly a decade in hospitals and emergency rooms before moving into church leadership at a megachurch and later consulting alongside Patrick Lencioni. For the past ten years, she has helped lead a major nonprofit movement across the Bay Area and recently transitioned into a new season after passing leadership to her successor. With a passion for building healthy cultures, Nancy has shaped thousands of leaders around the world. Join us as she shares insights from working with top leaders and her perspective on bringing humanity and servant leadership into everyday life.Timestamps:00:00 Nancy Ortberg's Intro00:48 Welcome, Nancy Ortberg01:01 Nancy's Journey Into Non-Linear Leadership02:24 Valuing Non-Linear Leadership03:01 Nancy's "Non-Linear" Background04:52 Characteristics Of Great Leaders06:12 Blind Spots Of Leaders06:56 Background For "Transforming The Bay With Christ (TBC)"09:34 The Right Time To "Move On"?11:44 Importance Of Mentors And BOD13:58 Perspective On Servant Leadership17:53 Becoming A Great Leader20:06 Developing Young Leaders22:17 Helping Leaders Work For "The Greater Good"24:27 Bringing Your "Full Self" To Work27:05 The Importance Of Listening And Asking Questions28:54 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions30:42 Importance Of A Podcast On Servant Leadership31:10 ClosingNancy Ortberg's Links: https://www.tbc.city/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Thank you to Thrivent for partnering with us on the Servant Leadership Podcast. If you or anyone you know is looking to join a great team, learn more about open career opportunities at Thrivent: https://bit.ly/chicago-thriventToday on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by David Horsager — a global authority on trust and leadership, and the CEO ofthe Trust Edge Leadership Institute.David has spent decades researching what makes leaders, teams, andorganizations truly effective — and it all comes down to trust. David works with everyone from professional sports teams to Fortune 100 companies to leaders of nations, helping them build cultures of trust.In this episode, David unpacks what breaks trust, how to rebuild it,and why servant leadership can’t exist without it. If you’re looking to lead more effectively, build stronger teams, or simply show up better — this episode is packed with clarity and insight you can put into action.Timestamps:00:00 David Horsager's Intro 00:46 Thrivent Ad01:38 Welcome David Horsager01:50 David's Story - Becoming An Expert On Trust03:59 Research On Trust06:25 How Trust Personally Changed David07:38 Background - 8 Pillars Of Trust09:59 Clarity - Focus On Being Clear12:35 Keys to Clarity - Memorable, Repeatable, Actionable14:08 Compassion - Caring Beyond Yourself14:29 Character - Would You Follow You?15:43 Competency - Fresh, Relevant, and Capable17:21 Commitment - Staying Committed In The Face Of Adversity18:28 Connection - Connect And Collaborate With Others20:09 Contribution - Contribute Results21:05 Consistency - Performing Over Time22:32 It Really Is These Eight25:10 Does Trust Have To Be Earned?26:46 Navigating Changing Conversations About Trust27:24 History Of Trust32:44 Measuring Trust - Enterprise Trust Index35:40 Focusing On Results Over Relationships/Trust37:33 One Question To Ask Yourself About Trust39:30 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions46:10 Importance Of A Podcast On Servant Leadership46:21 ClosingServant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Thank you to Thrivent for partnering with us on the Servant Leadership Podcast. If you or anyone you know is looking to join a great team, learn more about open career opportunities at Thrivent: https://bit.ly/chicago-thriventToday on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by Dave Ferguson—someone who has spent his life shifting from being the hero of the story to becoming a hero maker.He’s helped launch a movement that has planted thousands of churches around the world, led one of the most influential churches in the country, and written books that have shaped how leaders think about growth and multiplication.What stands out most is his commitment to investing in others—not just building his own platform, but helping others build theirs.In this conversation, we unpack what it means to become a hero maker—wherever you’re called to lead.Timestamps:00:00 Dave Ferguson's Intro00:46 Thrivent Ad01:37 Welcome Dave Ferguson01:48 Dave's Career Journey04:28 Creating A Church Planting Organization - New Thing07:15 Church Planting Conferences - Exponential08:35 Merging New Thing and Exponential09:17 Hero-Making - Finding New Leaders12:34 Servant Leadership - Multiplying Your Influence13:11 Coaching Others To Become A "Hero Maker"16:27 The Concept Of Multiplication17:28 Vision For Exponential - Innovation Curve21:07 Getting Into Writing Books23:09 Moving From Hero To Hero-Maker26:14 First Steps To Become A Hero-Maker27:18 Permission Giving27:55 I.C.N.U Conversations30:57 Be Intentional32:00 Disciple/Apprentice Multiplying33:33 Gift Activation34:41 Kingdom/Legacy Building35:58 Choosing People To Invest In36:42 Encourage Many ... Invest In A Few37:52 Making It Simple and Practical39:20 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions41:46 Importance Of A Podcast On Servant Leadership42:20 ClosingDave Ferguson Links:https://daveferguson.org/ https://heromakerbook.org/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Thank you to Thrivent for partnering with us on the Servant Leadership Podcast. If you or anyone you know is looking to join a great team, learn more about open career opportunities at Thrivent: https://bit.ly/chicago-thrivent Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by Jon Gordon —a voice that millions have turned to for strategies to unlock the power of their mindset and reach their full potential.Jon has worked with everyone from CEOs to Fortune 500 companies to professional athletes. His practical approach helps leaders cut through the noise and become the best version of themselves.He’s authored many best-selling books including The Energy Bus, The Carpenter, The Power of a Positive.Timestamps:00:00 Jon Gordon's Intro00:49 Thrivent Ad01:41 Welcome Jon Gordon01:59 Jon's Career Journey03:26 Why Am I Here?04:29 Steps To Become More Positive06:27 Helping Others To Shift Their Mindset09:28 Talk To Yourself Rather Than Listen To Yourself09:52 Would You EVER Choose A Negative Thought?11:50 Positive Leadership Is A Competitive Advantage12:50 Helping People Find Their Purpose16:46 Making Content To Influence The World18:33 The Energy Bus20:03 The 7 Commitments Of A Great Team20:44 How To Apply The 7 Commitments24:31 Perspective On Servant Leadership26:49 Practical Steps To Create A Better Culture29:08 Practical Workshops and Certification31:27 Sequence Of Books To Read32:53 Principles and Practices34:15 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions35:49 Importance Of A Podcast On Servant Leadership37:14 ClosingLinks for Jon Gordon:https://jongordon.com/  https://powerofpositiveleadership.com/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Mark Chassman. From starting in Hollywood’s talent agencies, to leading broadcast television turnarounds in Alaska to being one of the first 50 employees at Facebook, Mark has spent decades at the intersection of business, leadership, and innovation.What makes Mark's story so compelling isn’t just his tech startup stories; it’s the shift he made from chasing career success to discovering his true calling of helping people flourish.Through his work with the Social Leadership Academy, the Emerging Leaders Initiative, and now community transformation projects in Chicago, Mark has devoted his life to guiding leaders toward purpose, calling, and impact.Join us as we talk about what it really means to flourish, how to navigate seasons of burnout and reinvention, and why servant leadership is the foundation of lasting influence.Timestamps:00:00 Mark Chassman's Intro00:56 Welcome Mark Chassman01:16 Mark Chassman's Corporate Journey06:38 Involvement with AOL and Facebook08:32 Mark's Journey To "Finding His Purpose"10:23 Mark's Mid-Life Crisis and Calling12:09 Mark's Self-Discovery and Vision15:17 Coaching Others For More Purposeful Lives17:20 Action Steps To Help Leaders Awaken20:27 Surrounding Yourself With The Right People22:38 Human Flourishing26:14 Finding Joy In Everyday Life29:24 Focus On Helping Others Rather Than Self-Focus33:32 Mark's Current Season Of Flourishing36:07 Finding Peace In Your Current Season37:29 Potential Involvement In A Soccer Club38:24 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions42:14 Why is a podcast on Servant Leadership important?42:13 Final Thanks To Mark42:59 ClosingTransform Capital - https://www.tccommunity.org/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by Steven Trulaske — CEO of True Manufacturing. If you’ve ever ordered food at a stadium, picked up a drink at a gas station, or been in a commercial kitchen, you’ve probably interacted with True Manufacturing without even realizing it.Over the last 80 years, they’ve quietly become one of the largest refrigeration companies in the world. True is a third-generation, family-owned business that has grown from bending metal in a garage to becoming a global brand—serving customers in over 100 countries while keeping their roots in American manufacturing.In this conversation, Steve shares the story of how True got started, how they’ve expanded globally without losing their culture, and what it takes to build a company that lasts for generations.Timestamps:00:00 Steven Trulaske's Intro00:52 Welcome Steven Trulaske00:58 True Manufacturing's Products02:58 True Manufacturing's Background04:40 Keeping True Manufacturing As A Family Business06:00 Steven's Career Background06:50 Keeping The Family Involved In The Business07:38 True Manufacturing's Future09:00 Moving Into New Markets10:22 Dealing With Products That Are Not Successful11:36 The Long-Term Mindset13:20 Encouraging Business Owners To Stay Engaged14:47 Steven's Perspective On Servant Leadership15:50 Bringing On New Team Members16:53 Thinking About Future Generations18:26 Advisors - What Should You Look For?19:50 Finding Great Mentors And Advisors20:56 Peer Group Opportunities21:31 Personal Life Outside The Business22:54 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions24:43 True Manufacturing's International Growth25:34 ClosingTrue Manufacturing:https://www.truemfg.com/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Jeff Korzenik. Jeff is the Chief Economist for Fifth Third Bank and a leading voice on one of the most overlooked issues in our economy.His focus is on helping bring people with criminalrecords back into the workforce.In his book, Untapped Talent, Jeff makes a compelling case for why second-chance hiring isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s one of the smartest business strategies leaders can embrace.Join us as Jeff shares the data, stories, and practical steps that can help leaders better understand the economy and tap into this hidden talent pool while transforming both lives and organizations.Timestamps:00:00 Jeff Korzenik's Intro00:43 Welcome Jeff Korzenik00:55 "Second Chance Hiring" Background03:56 The Risks Of Second Chance Hiring05:35 Stepping Into The Second Chance Hiring World07:29 Resistance To Second Chance Hiring08:49 Business Case For Second Chance Hiring10:18 Effects On The Macro Economy11:43 Servant Leadership Perspective On Wall Street14:31 Can This Work In My Industry?16:42 Finding Employers That Give A Second Chance17:14 Helping People Not To Re-Offend19:29 Countering Prisons As A Place Of Hopelessness21:31 Encouraging People To Get Involved22:59 Defy Ventures And Other Nonprofits23:44 Common Questions About The Economy26:12 Economic Trends For The Public To Study27:30 Are You Hopeful?29:54 Market Moving On Emotions31:35 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions36:33 Three Rules For Young Professionals36:49 Why A Servant Leadership Podcast Is Important37:15 ClosingJeff Korzenik Information:Defy Ventures - https://defyventures.org/our-story-main/our-story Second Chance Business Coalition - https://secondchancebusinesscoalition.org/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Bill High. Bill’s journey took him from poverty… to becoming a partner in a major law firm… to guiding some of the most influential families in the world on how to build a legacy.Through his work with high‑net‑worth families at Legacy Stone and co‑authoring books with Hobby Lobby founder David Green, Bill has helped leaders see that the greatest measure of success isn’t networth—it’s how well you prepare your family to thrive for generations.Join us, as Bill shares why family vision, mission, and values are the foundation for a generational mindset—and why true legacy is about what you set in motion, not just what you leave behind.Timestamps:00:00 Bill High's Intro00:47 Welcome Bill High01:03 Bill's "Crazy" Background Story02:10 Bill's Jump From A Law Firm To A Start-up03:02 Getting People To Think About Charitable Giving05:10 Process For "Building Something That Lasts"07:00 Family Values - Family World View08:55 Guidance To Families - Vision, Mission, Values11:03 Do Vision, Mission Values Change?12:37 Developing Curriculum and Books15:31 Helping Families Get Better17:10 Bill's Perspective On Servant Leadership19:15 Empowerment vs Losing Control21:08 Bringing Family Into The Business23:24 Flexing The "Generosity Muscle"24:49 Starting Conversations With Families26:26 New Book - "The Legacy Life"28:05 Bill's Early Childhood Impact30:12 "100 Year Mindset"32:22 Legacy: Setting Thing In Motion33:17 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions34:40 The Benefits Of Journaling35:59 Two Action Steps For People To Take36:25 Closing Bill High's Links:https://legacystone.com/   https://billhigh.com/   https://billhigh.com/resources/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Alex Weber. You’ve probably seen him hosting American Ninja Warrior, but what makes Alex stand out isn’t the obstacles he’s overcome as both host and competitor… It’s the ones he’s faced in life. From battling self-doubt and loss to rebuilding after hitting rock bottom, Alex has become a voice for what it really means to lead with passion, empathy, and grit. Join us as he unpacks what it means to be unstoppable—not by never failing, but by setting goals and refusing to quit.Timestamps:00:00 Alex Weber's Intro00:38 Welcome Alex Weber00:58 Backstory of Alex's "Unstoppable"02:12 American Ninja Warrior Experience05:21 Self-Doubt Battles07:08 Dangers of Staying In A "Comfortable Safe Box"08:51 Steps To Being The Best Version Of Yourself - Empathy10:45 Hollywood Experience - A Big Opportunity13:44 Importance Of Showing Up16:57 Mental Switch - I Am An Athlete18:43 What Happens When It Doesn't Work21:50 Gotta Have Brave Honesty - Going After The Goal24:35 Going Off A Cliff25:42 Henry Cloud Impact - In The Battle But You're Winning It27:56 What Happens When You Hit A Speed Bump32:05 Giving Yourself Grace33:36 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions36:25 ClosingAlex Weber:Website: https://www.imalexweber.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImAlex Weber Reels: https://vimeo.com/545829196?fl=pl&fe=shServant Leadership URLs: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we welcome Garry Ridge — the legendary former CEO of WD-40. For over 25 years, Garry didn’t just grow revenue — he built one of the most admired workplace cultures in the world.At WD-40, 98% of employees said they loved coming to work. They felt trusted. They were empowered. Their work had purpose.In this episode, Garry shares how they built a tribe where people felt safe and inspired to do their best work, and how servant leadership became the foundation for building a global brand.If you’re a founder, executive, or team leader, this episode will inspire how you lead and what kind of culture you’re creating.Timestamps:00:00 Garry Ridge's Intro00:46 Welcome Garry Ridge00:57 Garry's Journey To Leading The WD-40 Company01:50 Creating The Culture At WD-4002:35 The Secret Sauce04:00 The Purpose Of WD-40 Company04:48 Servant Leadership Perspective - A Great Coach07:28 Helping People Win At Work - First Steps10:52 The Journey After Leaving WD-4011:36 Don't Float Into A Void12:06 Business Must Be A Force For Good12:33 Garry's New Purpose Statement13:47 Major Learnings Since Leaving WD-4015:24 Common Mis-Steps Of Leaders17:13 Recommendations To People In A Bad Culture18:41 Stewards Of People's Future19:37 What Didn't Go Well While At WD-4021:54 Most Recent Book - "Any Dumb-ass Can Do it"23:15 Advice To Young Leaders24:39 Partnering With Ken Blanchard25:51 Value OF A Hierarchical Set Of Values30:08 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions32:15 ClosingGarry's new book: https://thelearningmoment.net/any-dumb-ass-can-do-it/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by David Ashcraft — president of one of the most influential leadership organizations in the world.As CEO of the Global Leadership Network, David leads the Global Leadership Summit, which equips millions of leaders across more than 120 countries.Before stepping into his role at the Global Leadership Network, David spent over three decades pastoring LCBC Church — growing it from asmall congregation into one of the largest churches in the country.In this episode, David shares why everyone has influence, and what it looks like to lead with clarity, stay on mission, and leave everyorganization better than you found it.Whether you’re leading one person or thousands, this conversation is for you.Timestamps:00:00 David Ashcraft's Intro00:46 Welcome David Ashcraft00:59 David's Journey To The Position Of GLN CEO01:43 Starting LCBC Church in Pennsylvania03:06 Initial Difficulties Of Church Growth04:23 Transition After 32 Years05:02 Don't Ever Quit In The Middle Of The Storm06:06 A Level 5 Leader - Better Once You Leave?07:49 Preparing For Succession09:39 Importance Of Mentoring10:20 Transitioning To The Global Leadership Network11:20 Challenges Of Leading The GLN12:58 "Planting Seeds" At The Leadership Summit15:19 Impact Of The Leadership Summit16:27 Servant Leadership Perspective18:25 Personal Impact From The Leadership Summit20:40 Future Direction Of The Global Leadership Network22:30 Keys For Maintaining Organizational Focus24:01 Innovation - Improving Your Core Competency25:59 Everyone Everyday Getting Better And Better26:07 Doing Your Job To The Best Of Your Ability26:44 Identifying Good Leaders28:43 Impact Of David's Wife, Ruth31:23 Staying "Healthy" As A Leader33:26 Why Is The GLS Relevant To Everyone?35:47 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions38:22 ClosingGlobal Leadership Network https://globalleadership.org/ Global Leadership Summit https://globalleadership.org/summit/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we have superbowl winner, Don Beebe. Don is a true underdog turned NFL legend.Don’s journey to the NFL is one of incredible perseverance, faith, and humility. From his small-town roots and unexpected path to professional football, Don’s story defies the odds. Over the course of his career, he played in six Super Bowls, became a superbowl champion with the Green Bay Packers, and delivered one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history when he chased down Leon Lett, refusing to give up even in the face of defeat.In this episode, Don shares his unique perspective on character, faith, and leadership both on and off the field. From his incredible NFL career to his work mentoring young athletes and coaching, Don exemplifies the power of never giving up and leading with humility. Join us for an inspiring conversation with a true servant leader.Timestamps:00:00 Don Beebe Intro00:59 Welcome Don Beebe01:03 Don's NFL Journey03:22 Overcoming Negative Opinions06:06 NFL Career Thoughts08:00 Super Bowl Experience10:10 Servant Leadership In The Sports World11:47 "Character" Characteristics15:46 Never Give Up - Memorable Super Bowl Play23:24 Never Give Up Devotional27:07 A Father's Perspective on Servant Leadership30:55 House Of Speed33:35 How To Instill A Never Give Up Attitude38:09 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions43:09 ClosingServant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by Frank Carone, ranked as one of the most powerful people in New York. Frank Carone has spent his life navigating law, politics, and business at the highest levels. He built one of Brooklyn’s top law firms and has advised some of the most influential leaders in the country, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, whom he served as Chief of Staff. Frank now leads Oaktree Solutions, a strategic advisory firm, and is the author of Everyone Wins — a book on creating outcomes where relationships thrive and no one loses. In this episode, Frank shares what it takes to lead in complex spaces and the difference between power and influence. If you’re leading in high-pressure environments or want to see what servant leadership looks like when the stakes are real, this episode is for you.Timestamps:00:00 Frank Carone's Intro00:48 Welcome Frank Carone00:59 Frank's Career Journey03:16 Servant Leadership Perspectives05:19 Writing The Book - "Everyone Wins"09:10 Making Hard Decisions10:34 Becoming Chief of Staff For N.Y. Mayor11:42 Staying Grounded During Times of Crisis13:09 Building Solid Teams14:27 The Culture Code15:02 Overcoming Fear That Paralyzes People15:30 Significant First Year Accomplishments17:56 Navigating Risk Taking - Follow Your Heart21:09 Doing What You Know Is Right22:58 How To Keep Perspective When Being Criticized24:14 Personal Examples Of Servant Leadership26:36 Encouraging Servant Leadership In Others28:40 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions30:12 Whatever Decision You Make Is The Right One32:11 Who Will Benefit From The Book - "Everyone Wins"33:03 ClosingFrank Carone: https://www.frankcarone.com/everyone-winsServant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by Steve Preston — a leader who has served at the highest levels of both business and government, and now leads dwill Industries, a Fortune 500 CFO, and a senior government official — serving as Administrator of the Small Business Administration and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Today, he oversees one of the largest nonprofit networks in North America, focused on helping people find dignity and opportunity through work. In this episode, Steve shares how he’s navigated some of the toughest leadership challenges of his career — from turning around federal agencies in crisis to transforming workplace culture — and how servant leadership guides every decision he makes. If you’re passionate about using your influence to make a difference, this conversation is for you.Timestamps:00:00 Steve Preston's Intro00:54 Welcome Steve Preston01:01 Steve's Professional Journey03:00 Why Take On New Job Challenges?05:17 Katrina Crisis And The Small Business Association09:46 Servant Leadership In Difficult Environments11:15 Importance Of Clear, Decisive Leadership11:59 Honesty Concerning The Severity Of The Crisis13:40 Selection As Secretary Of Housing And Urban Development15:07 A Square Peg For A Square Hole17:06 Accepting The Goodwill Position20:17 Steve's Personal Mission Statement22:31 Employment As A Redemptive Force25:30 Dealing With The Pressures Of Impacting Millions Of People27:40 Building Trust In People, Teams, and Leadership31:44 Advice For Developing Leadership Capabilities35:58 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions39:26 Actions To Take Relative To Goodwill40:04 Closing Servant Leadership URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by Alec Hill — a leader well known around the world for his deep commitment to servant leadership. Alec spent 14 years as the president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, leading thousands of people across 150 countries. His career has spanned law, refugee work, academia, and publishing — all woven together by a desire to lead with integrity and purpose. In this episode, Alec shares how a cancer diagnosis changed his perspective on life and how he’s found purpose in ‘bonus time.’ Whether you’re facing your own crisis or just want to lead with greater purpose, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.Timestamps:00:00 Alec Hill's Intro00:45 Welcome Alec Hill01:00 Alec's Career Journey01:50 "Just Business" - Christian Ethics03:00 "Living In Bonus Time" - Surviving Cancer and Finding New Purpose05:05 Encouraging People Who Are Going Through Trauma06:43 Writing A Book - Intimidating?07:49 Background Behind Writing Books08:42 Biggest Takeaways From "Bonus Time"10:25 God's Presence On Dark Days11:11 Trauma's Affect On Servant Leadership12:28 Leading InterVarsity Christian Fellowship14:03 Impact Of Crisis On Servant Leadership15:55 Growing Through Organizational Crisis17:37 Balancing Vision Casting and Caring For People19:35 Maintaining Your Identity21:22 Transition To Mentoring23:10 Encouraging Potential In Others24:30 Ethics In Leadership26:03 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions27:52 ClosingServant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by Steve Carter, nationally recognized pastor, author, and one of the most respected communicators in the church today. Steve has preached on some of the largest stages in the country, led in high-profile ministry roles, and now serves as lead pastor of Christ Church of Oak Brook in the Chicago suburbs.Steve is best known for his ability to help leaders grow in both character and communication, guiding them to lead from a place of integrity, emotional honesty, and spiritual depth.In this episode, he shares what it looks like to stay grounded, lead through pain, and build the kind of life that can withstand both pressure and success. Whether you’re leading a team or not, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.Timestamps:00:00 Steve Carter's Intro00:46 Welcome Steve Carter01:16 Steve's Journey03:12 Being Around Great Leaders04:47 Staying A Humble Servant Leader06:36 Spiritual Formation Practices08:18 Importance Of Craft And Character11:23 Steve's Podcast - Craft and Character12:31 The Thing Beneath The Thing - Steve's Book13:51 Potholes And Sinkholes16:04 T.H.I.N.G. Acronym18:06 Dealing With Change - Steve's Book: Grieve, Breathe, Receive22:14 Breathe And Receive25:24 High Character Leaders28:18 Choosing The Best Opportunities31:09 Engaging In The Mentoring Process - 4 Steps34:46 Choosing Specific Areas For Mentoring35:19 Saying "Yes" To Mentoring Others38:27 Listen To Learn41:02 Servant Leadership Takeaways42:38 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions44:38 Finding More Info About Steve Carter45:15 ClosingSteve Carter: https://www.stevecarter.org/Servant Leadership: URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we hear from Jim Gash, President of Pepperdine University.From shaping the future of Christian higher education to leading justice reform efforts in Uganda, Jim shares how Pepperdine is raising up leaders rooted in purpose, service, and leadership.This episode dives into what it looks like to serve faithfully in positions of influences and how saying “yes” to hard things can open doors to unimaginable impact.If you’re serious about servant leadership on aglobal scale, this one’s for you.Timestamps:00:00 Jim Gash's Intro00:35 Welcome Jim Gash00:44 History of Pepperdine University03:59 What Is Pepperdine's Purpose And Why Is it Different?06:06 Jim Gash's Personal and Career Journey12:39 Characteristics For The President Position14:13 Work In Uganda And The Developing World15:20 Bob Goff's Impact20:54 Working With 23 African Countries22:30 Servant Leadership At Pepperdine and Around The World25:14 Establishing A Plea Bargaining Process In Uganda29:39 Saying "Yes" To Hard Things31:34 Future Vision For Pepperdine - Resilience Training34:57 College Of Health Science35:23 A Hub For Spiritual Life - "The Mountain"38:00 Wanting Students To "See The World"40:12 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions41:16 ClosingCheck out Jim's Book: Divine Collision - https://divinecollision.com/book/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we hear from David Phillips, founder and president of Children’s Hunger Fund. For over 30 years, Children's Hunger Fund has delivered food and the hope of the gospel to children in need, serving thousands of churches and distributing hundreds of millions of meals around the world. In this conversation, you’ll hear how Children's Hunger Fund grew from a garage-based startup in Los Angeles to a global ministry, serving some of the world’s most vulnerable places. If you want to see what faithful, lifelong servant leadership really looks like, this one’s for you.Timestamps:00:00 David Phillips' Intro00:40 Welcome David Phillips00:51 Children's Hunger Fund and Dave's Background06:28 Founding of Children's Hunger Fund07:34 Miraculous Provision Of Cancer Drug For Children11:31 The Northridge Earthquake Story18:50 Driving The Mission and Vision of CHF19:35 Stewardship Of Resources20:27 Establishing "The Poverty Encounter" Exhibit For Schools and Churches29:45 Servant Leadership Perspective31:56 Advice From Billy Graham and Bill Bright34:37 Avoiding Leadership Isolation35:33 Hiring Talented/Gifted People37:00 Dealing With Hard Times And Missteps44:10 Expanding Into Dallas50:14 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions51:43 ClosingChildren's Hunger Fund: https://childrenshungerfund.org/ Children's Hunger Fund Poverty Encounter: https://childrenshungerfund.org/poverty-encounter/Servant Leadership:URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Tom Hsieh might be one of the most humble servant leaders you will ever meet. He helped grow Earthlink into a billion-dollar company, but chose a radically different path, capping his income at the national median and investing the rest into revitalizing communities like Pomona in California.Today, he’s leading an airline company, supporting nonprofits, and still living with the same open-handed posture that marked his earliest days of faith. This episode is packed with wisdom on business, calling, humility, and how to lead with deep conviction, whether in tech, politics, or aviation. For anyone pursuing servant leadership with open hands and a humble heart, this one’s for you.Timestamps:00:00 Tom Hsieh's Intro00:46 Welcome Tom Hsieh01:01 Tom's Business and Faith Journey03:13 Introduction To Urban Communities04:16 Earthlink Business Career - Early Days08:00 Drastic Decisions About Personal Finances11:20 Dealing With Early Leadership Challenges13:10 Involvement in Pomona California15:32 A 50-Year Plan For Pomona17:51 Learning Humility26:45 Political Involvement29:16 Fuller Seminary Moving To Pomona31:48 What's Next? An Air-Transportation Business35:20 Buying Ravn Alaska Airline37:58 Adapting To Change - Team Involvement40:57 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions47:00 Importance Of Servant Leadership Podcast49:42 ClosingServant Leadership URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by Stephen Cloobeck — a dynamic entrepreneur, investor, and leader best known for founding Diamond Resorts and appearing on Undercover Boss. From studying neuroscience and psychology to building one of the largest hospitality brands in the world, Stephen has always looked for ways to solve problems, build strong teams, and lead with both compassion and conviction. Now he’s bringing that same mindset to his run for Governor of California. In this episode, you’ll hear stories about leadership, risk, public service, and what it looks like to create real value in every room you walk into — whether it’s a boardroom, resort lobby, or the state capitol. Join us for an inspiring and energizing conversation that’ll challenge how you think about leadership, service, and impact.Timestamps:00:00 Stephen Cloobeck's Intro00:44 Welcome Stephen Cloobeck00:54 Diamond Resorts Background/Journey02:11 A Life Of "Full Circles"02:29 Importance Of Mentors and Serving04:05 Instilling A Service Mentality07:39 Undercover Boss Experience09:20 Approach After Diamond Resorts12:01 Living My Dream In California13:11 Decision To Run For Governor15:35 Why Haven't Others Succeeded?17:28 Talk versus Action - Hope Feels Real19:37 What Is Exciting About Government?21:31 Facing Challenges23:39 Some Simple Truths24:18 New Book: Facing Hard Truths27:15 Helping Others To Feel Leadership Confidence29:56 The Concept Of Listening31:04 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions32:38 Why Is Servant Leadership Important?33:22 ClosingWant to learn more about Stephen? Check out the links:https://stephenjcloobeck.com/https://californiagetacloo.com/https://stephenjcloobeck.com/facing-hard-truths/Servant Leadership URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by Pastor Matthew Barnett—founder of the Dream Center in Los Angeles and one of the most hands-on leaders I’ve ever met. At just 20 years old, Matthew took over a struggling church in the middle of gang-ridden LA. What started as a temporary assignment turned into a lifelong mission to serve people at rock bottom—from the homeless and addicted to single moms and veterans. Under his leadership, the Dream Center has grown into a 24/7 outreach hub that provides housing, food, rehab, and life transformation to thousands each day.On this episode, you’ll hear the real story of how the Dream Center started, what kept him going through burnout and crisis, and how he’s built a culture of servant leadership that’s changing lives—one person at a time.If you’ve ever felt like the dream you started with didn’t match the reality you’re living in, this conversation will give you hope and a whole new perspective. Join us for a powerful conversation with someone who’s redefined what it means to love people well.Timestamps:00:00 Matthew Barnett's Intro00:53 Welcome Matthew Barnett00:58 The Dream Center's History03:08 Dying To The Dream04:06 Dream Hitting Rock Bottom04:27 Buying The Building06:25 Rebuilding The Dream07:02 Taking A Risk On Risky People09:04 It's Not That Hard09:44 Skid Row Experience13:13 Keeping Your Heart Alive13:50 The LA Fires of 202516:34 The Ministry Of "Showing Up"20:20 Leading Through Crisis22:00 Maintaining Passion And Sacrificial Love24:58 Motivating Volunteer Involvement27:33 Maintaining Motivation28:44 A Culture Of Celebration29:54 Bringing Joy Through Dreams31:38 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions33:51 Closinghttps://www.dreamcenter.org/Servant Leadership URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast

Today on the Servant Leadership Podcast, we hear from Ed Moy —trusted advisor to President George W. Bush and former Director of the U.S. Mint. From helping lead a presidential transition to overseeing national coin production during 9/11, and managing record-breaking demandduring the 2008 financial crisis, Ed shares what servant leadership looks like when pressure is at its highest.Raised in a Chinese family restaurant by immigrant parents, Ed shares how early lessons in stewardship and integrity shaped how he led on the global stage — always with a mindset to build up others and leave things better than he found them. If you’re interested in what real servant leadership looks like at the highest levels of government, this one's for you.Timestamps:00:00 Ed Moy's Intro00:46 Welcome Ed Moy01:01 Ed's Journey To Become The Director of The U.S. Mint02:23 Ed's Private Sector Experience04:12 Expectations and Experience In The Public Sector07:54 Becoming The U.S. Mint Director08:54 Characteristics Required For Selecting National Leaders12:17 How To Make Good Decisions14:29 Dealing With The Financial Crisis16:04 Servant Leadership During Crisis18:25 Handling Wealth, Influence, and Success21:55 Making Tough, Unpopular Decisions - Two Examples27:55 Advice To Leaders In Difficult Situations29:37 Ed's Christian Faith Journey and Influence31:47 Finding A Mentor - Critical Leadership Step33:36 Advice For How To Find A Mentor36:20 Ten Rapid-Fire Questions39:15 ClosingServant Leadership URL: https://servantleadershippodcast.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantLeadershipPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantleadershippodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/servant-leadership-podcast/X (Twitter): https://x.com/servant_podcast