Good Leader Podcast

Will Van Der Hart is joined live in Summit 2026 in Nottingham by John and Debbie Wright to explore what it means to lead with humility, courage and complete dependence on God. Drawing on decades of leadership in the Vineyard movement, John and Debbie reflect on their journey from planting churches to leading nationally and now serving the global Vineyard family. They share honest stories of fear,...

Recorded live at Summit 2026, Will Van Der Hart sat down with church leader and pastor Jonny Hughes for a deeply honest conversation about calling, friendship, leadership and the unexpected ways God shapes our lives. Johnny reflects on his surprising journey into ministry, despite once vowing he would never follow in his father's footsteps. Together they explore the tension between ambition and su...

What does it look like to lead with genuine compassion without burning out? Recorded live at Summit 2026, Will Van Der Hart speaks with Justin Dowds from Compassion UK about poverty, responsibility, emotional resilience and the role of the local church in transforming communities. Justin shares powerful stories from Haiti, Uganda and beyond — including the moment God changed his life forever throu...

In this episode of The Good Leader Podcast, presented by Will Van Der Hart and Will James, we sit down with Kitty Kay Shuttleworth—who has spent 22 years serving the global Alpha movement—to explore what it really takes to lead for the long haul. From a simple prompting at 23 to shaping leadership conversations on a global stage, Kitty reflects on the quiet foundations that have carried her: a dai...

In this episode of the Good Leader Podcast, Will is joined by veteran church leader Nick Cuthbert, whose ministry spans more than fifty years. Nick reflects on the explosive growth of his early ministry in Birmingham, the hidden dangers of apparent success, and the personal crisis that forced him to rethink everything about leadership, identity, and significance. Nick shares how burnout in midlife...

In this episode of The Good Leader Podcast, Will Van Der Hart and Will James are joined by Patrick Regan, founder of XLP and pioneer of urban youth work in London, whose work placed him at the heart of knife crime, gang violence, and community trauma for over 22 years. From mobile youth buses and MTV projects to hospital beds and panic attacks, Patrick shares honestly about what sustainable leader...

Will Van Der Hart and Will James are joined by Camilla Stephens, co-founder of Higgidy — a food business that grew from a kitchen table idea to employing over 350 people and operating 24/7, 365 days a year. Camilla shares her unconventional leadership journey, from leaving school without qualifications to leading a large manufacturing business for over 20 years. Together, they explore what sustain...

On this episode of the Good Leader Podcast, we’re joined by Archie Coates, Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton, for a deeply honest and refreshing conversation about sustainable leadership, emotional maturity, and staying rooted over the long haul. Archie reflects on his unexpected journey into ministry, from early days in sales to planting a church in Brighton and now leading one of the most influenti...

On this episode of The Good Leader Podcast, Will and Will talk with Dr. Johannes Hartl — philosopher, theologian, author, musician, and founder of the Augsburg House of Prayer and Eden Culture. Together they unpack what it takes to make courageous decisions as a leader — especially when those choices come with disappointment, conflict, or criticism. https://johanneshartl.org/en/ https://www.youtub...

In this week’s episode of  The Good Leader Podcast , we chat with Joanna Mollo, founder of Pitch Ninjas, a global coaching business helping leaders master the art of communication. Joanna shares how our words—and the energy behind them—can unlock influence, trust, and creativity in teams. She talks about the tension between authenticity and performance, what to do when you’re “running thin” as a l...

Henry Kaestner is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and faith-driven leader. He co-founded Bandwidth and Sovereign’s Capital, and helped launch the Faith Driven Entrepreneur and Investor movements. In this episode of The Good Leader Podcast, Henry shares how mission and clarity shape leadership, and why faith brings both joy and resilience to the journey.

What do you do after you’ve lived the dream? Ugo Monye sits down to talk about life after rugby, learning to love the work again, and the mindset shift that helped him rediscover purpose. It’s honest, hopeful, and full of practical wisdom on leadership, transition, and finding joy beyond burnout.

Tammy Comer joins  The Good Leader Podcast  to share a powerful story of suffering, healing, and deep faith. From leadership burnout to miraculous recovery, she speaks candidly about humility, integrity, and meeting God in reality—not fantasy.

In this episode of  The Good Leader Podcast , Will Van Der Hart is joined by Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing , renowned author, theologian, and speaker known for making complex biblical ideas deeply accessible. In this episode, Amy explores what makes biblical leadership distinct, how to navigate the tension between commercial ambition and spiritual calling.

Jay Pathak, National Director of Vineyard USA and lead pastor of Mile High Vineyard in Denver. Jay reflects that all leaders eventually face crises — moments of identity doubt, failure, or pressure — and these become opportunities for deeper spiritual formation. 

Counsellor Roy Akins refuses to write people off. He has spent career working with men in the prison system, those in exclusion or special education projects and those who have perpetrated domestic violence. Roy talks about his commitment to those on the outside, as well as how he personally manages the emotional strain of some of his work.  

Director Ben Caron is a multi-film award nominee (BAFTA, OSCA). He directed series including The Crown and Andor and films including Sharper for Apple. Ben talks about his journey into leadership and the power of deep collaboration on set.

Musician, composer and conductor has won an Ivor Novello award and a PRS award for the most performed work, “Giant” with Calvin Harris. Troys career is quite incredible and yet it is his care of people that is even more remarkable.

Theo Brun was educated at Cambridge before becoming a successful city lawyer before giving it all up to cycle 10,000 miles (about 16093.44 km) home from China to the UK. His creative drive led him to become a successful fiction writer. He discusses the power of story and creativity with Will and Will.

Now an ambassador and speaker for issues of social justice Julia previously worked for Sky Sports. Julia rowed the Atlantic in the Talaska Challenge and wrote Row for Freedom following the challenge. She talks about the intersection between the public and private personas and how to stay healthy in the public eye.  

Will James is an executive coach with over 10 years' experience of coaching visionary leaders to realise their goals. We are so happy to have him help us with the next few episdodes! The two Will's discuss about the importance of realising we are not completely independent and the value of being interconnected with a network of forces around us, through family and wider community. 

Matt Wattis is an entrepreneur and business leader who has also served on the board of several charities. Matt discusses the importance of effective and professional givernance with the church and charitable sector to improve accountability, professionalism, and trust. 

Mark Roper was a hospital doctor before becoming an Anglican Priest. He now leads Fabric Church in Manchester. Mark has a reputation as a highly relational leader. He talks to Will about leading withing a community and how we can be truly welcoming.

Linz West is the energy filled frontman of dance band LZ7.  He was a member of Manchester-based dance band The Tribe for three years from 2001. Lindz has served the needs of young people through music for over 25 years. He talks to will about his to retain your energy in Christian Leadership.

Cheryl Donaldson is a psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience, Cheryl Donaldson is passionate about equipping people with the tools they need to face life's challenges. She chats with Will about the trap of working for approval and impact of burnout in leadership.