ILI: History Makers Leadership Podcast

Why Godly Fathers Matter More Than Ever In today’s world, anxiety, depression, and identity confusion are on the rise, and children growing up without fathers are among the most deeply affected. As we approach Father’s Day, we explore one of the most overlooked root causes of today’s mental health crisis: the absence of a loving, present father. This episode reveals the profound and lasting impact...

In this powerful episode of the History Makers Leadership Podcast, host Daniel Drewski sits down with David Daniels to unpack one of the most critical challenges facing organizations and movements today. Finding, developing, and empowering the next generation of leaders might be the most significant challenge facing today's Christian leaders. Without a clear framework for identifying potentia...

The modern church stands at a critical crossroads between consumer Christianity and authentic discipleship. As Barna research reveals, there's a striking disconnect—while believers desire churches engaged in social justice and community transformation, many struggle to personally embrace their role as evangelists and disciple-makers. ILI's Daniel Drewski and Norival Trindade share how th...

Join hosts Daniel Drewski and Norival Trindade as they explore a profound shift in the global missions landscape—one where Latin America is no longer just a mission field, but a mission force. In this inspiring episode, discover how leaders from the Global South are rising to the challenge of reaching the least-reached with renewed passion, strategic focus, and cultural insight. Through conversati...

In this deeply insightful conversation about authentic evangelism, Dr. Dan Slagle and Daniel Drewski unpack the unnecessary barriers we create when sharing our faith. Rather than approaching evangelism as a sales pitch or theological debate, we discover how vulnerability, honesty, and genuine relationships form the foundation of powerful witness. The conversation reveals two essentials every belie...

Ever wonder why we keep going it alone when the call to unity is so clear throughout Scripture? This thought-provoking discussion dives deep the leadership trap no one talks about - isolation. In this episode, Daniel Drewski and Dan Slagle navigate into the persistent tension between individualism and collaboration in Christian leadership. The conversation unpacks several drivers behind our isolat...

What happens when Christian leaders embrace both the stability of institutional wisdom and the vitality of Spirit-led movement? In this powerful episode of The History Makers Leadership Podcast , Ryan Barnett joins ILI's Daniel Drewski for a transformative conversation on reclaiming the church’s original mission in today’s rapidly changing world. Drawing from his own remarkable journey into p...

In a world fractured by conflict, division, and injustice, what does it mean to lead with a kingdom mindset? In this deeply thoughtful episode, Daniel and Norival sit down to explore how Christian leaders can embody both the vertical reconciliation with God and the horizontal work of peace, justice, and restoration here on earth. Drawing insights from a recent gathering of ILI Leaders, the Lausann...

Have you ever tried sharing your faith only to be met with the reply, "I don't need to be saved"? That disarming response has stopped countless gospel conversations in their tracks. In this thought-provoking episode, Daniel and Norval Trindade tackle the challenging terrain of evangelism in resistant cultural contexts. In this insightful episode of the History Makers Leadership Podc...

This week's episode features a pastor's journey to renewed purpose. From spiritual dryness to leading a vibrant missions movement, Pastor Lee Stevenson offers a masterclass in authentic leadership.  At Macland Community Church, a fascinating transformation is underway. What makes their approach distinctive is how deeply missions is woven into every aspect of church life. Small groups mus...

Pastor Judy Stevenson's journey to Macland Community Church began with a profound "Macedonian call" - a divine confirmation that God was sending her and her husband to steward something special. What followed was an extraordinary eighteen months of community transformation that offers powerful lessons for any leader experiencing or hoping for a move of God in their midst. Rather tha...

Is your spiritual journey as a leader starting to feel like climbing a corporate ladder? In this thought-provoking conversation, Daniel and Jason explore the tension between "abiding in Christ" and the progressive nature of Christian growth.  This dynamic tension touches every aspect of leadership - we're called both to rest and to advance, to be still and to move forward. The hosts...

The average person spends 94 times more hours at work than at church, making the workplace a crucial mission field! In this episode, Daniel sits down with Jason, a seasoned marketplace leader who navigates faith and leadership in both corporate and ministry settings. From his early faith journey to leading in a Fortune 500 environment, Jason shares practical insights on bringing a servant-hearted...

We’re in a leadership crisis—and the stats don’t lie. But what kind of leaders is God actually looking for? In this episode, we break down the four big C’s: Character, Competence, Credentials, and Charisma—and why one of these matters way more than the rest. Leadership is facing a crisis. With 70% of leaders failing to finish well, we need to examine what true Christian leadership looks like in a...

Leadership is in crisis. At least, that's what 82% of young adults believe. This sobering statistic sits at the heart of a profound conversation between Daniel and Shannon about the global leadership crisis and its spiritual remedy. The truth today is that leadership is failing us. Across industries, communities, and even within faith-based organizations, we see a growing gap between effectiv...

Ever felt overwhelmed by life's challenges? Join ILI’s Katie and Shannon, and find encouragement as we discuss the power of surrender and the importance of prioritizing spiritual practices in your leadership. Drawing inspiration from the lives of incredible spiritual leaders from the past and they help us see the ripple effect of these disciplined female leaders and their impact on us today. ...

In this episode of the History Makers Leadership Podcast, Daniel sits down with Carey Aiken, founder of Global Servant Leaders, to explore what it truly means to lead with authenticity and humility. Drawing from decades of ministry experience, Carey shares how he discovered that the greatest need among leaders isn’t more resources—but deeper relationships. Together, they discuss the challenges of...

In this episode of History Makers Podcast, Daniel and Alex dive deep into the fascinating contrasts between Eastern and Western cultures. They discuss key differences in philosophy, traditions, and societal values—exploring topics such as individualism vs. collectivism, historical influences on modern mindsets, and how these perspectives shape everything from business ethics to daily life. The con...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Alex, an exceptional leader from Eurasia, as we unpack the unique challenges Christian leaders face in equipping volunteers. Discover how fostering a passion-driven community can inspire service and overcome the hurdles of delegation. Alex's experiences, help us see into the dynamics of leadership in Eurasia, where many come to faith through perso...

What if a continent could transform from being a mission field to becoming a leading mission force? In this inspiring episode, Norival Trindade, Vice President of Training at the International Leadership Institute (ILI), talks with Ramiro Martinez and explores how leaders can be equipped to accelerate the Gospel’s spread and create lasting impact in their communities. Ramiro is currently ILI'...

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest challenges leaders face - breaking down organizational silos. These invisible barriers can stifle collaboration, limit innovation, and prevent teams from reaching their full potential. But what if dismantling these silos could transform your organization into a thriving, unified community? Daniel and Norival explore the real impact of silos on leadersh...

Discover practical steps to Make Every Day Matter through integrating purpose, passion, and peace into your everyday life with Dr. Elaine Friedrich, a distinguished figure in church ministry and higher education. Elaine helps you unveil how leaders can move beyond the ordinary and truly engage with the world, guiding you to uncover your passions and talents with clarity. She reveals the importance...

Dr. Joel Wood joins us on the History Makers Leadership Podcast to share his insightful journey through ministry. Discover how Joel's passion for strategic planning evolved during his doctorate in ministry and how he now sees himself as a visionary 'architect' helping to craft ministry pathways for success. Drawing from his learnings at Lighthouse Church, Joel shares the process of...

Dr. Joel Wood joins us on the History Makers Leadership Podcast to share his insightful journey through ministry. Discover how Joel's passion for strategic planning evolved during his doctorate in ministry and how he now sees himself as a visionary 'architect' helping to craft ministry pathways for success. Drawing on his experiences at Lighthouse Church, Joel discusses the process...

Discover the inspiring journey of Daniel Drewski, the President of the International Leadership Institute (ILI), as he shares how personal loss ignited his faith and leadership path. From the suburbs of Atlanta to leading an organization present in over 150 countries, Daniel's story is compelling and transformative. This episode examines the faith-driven leadership and distinct ways in which...