Linch With A Leader

Most people develop a plan of action, and “work the plan” in hopes of it coming to fruition. In this week’s episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with Dr. Roger Parrott, who shares a novel concept – tapping into unexpected opportunities – the ones most people typically miss. Dr. Parrott shares several concepts and strategies from his most recent book, Opportunity Leadership, which may jus...

Drawing from stories included in his recent book, Saturdays with Billy, Dr. Don Wilton sits down with Mike and shares wisdom, life, lessons, and conversations from more than 15 years of Saturdays spent with his great friend, Dr. Billy Graham. Dr. Don Wilton has served as senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, South Carolina since 1993. He also serves as president of The Encourag...

There are many leaders and visionaries in our world, but what sets them apart? Mike Linch sits down with Dave Ferguson to talk about the characteristics leaders possess that attract and inspire others, not the least of which are being accessible and expressing a genuine interest in other people. Dave is an award-winning author, founding and lead pastor of Chicago’s Community Christian Church, a mi...

In this episode, Mike sits down with former Major League Baseball player and manager Ned Yost to discuss his career, and how he influenced so many other players and coaches over the course of 40 years in the big leagues. He also shares some fascinating insights and stories from some of the game’s all-time best players and managers, including Bobby Cox and Ted Simmons. Yost played six seasons in ML...

It is every college baseball coach's dream to capture the College World Series title and hoist that National Championship trophy. Well, Chris Lemonis was fortunate to experience that in 2021, as his Mississippi State Bulldogs took home the crown to Starkville. In this episode, Mike Linch talks to Coach Lemonis about the culture of his program, how to overcome challenges when players are struggling...

In this episode, Mike sits down with author and speaker Christy Wright to walk through principles from her latest book, Take Back Your Time: The Guilt-Free Guide to Life Balance. Christy is the #1 national best-selling author of Business Boutique, a Certified Business Coach and served as a Ramsey Personality as the host of The Christy Wright Show with Ramsey Solutions for 12 years. Christy has a p...

Happy Valentine's Day and welcome to Episode 130 of the podcast!  In honor of Valentine's day today, Mike shares lessons that he has learned in 30 years of marriage & leadership!  Life is not made up of just the wedding day when you say I do, but rather in the "messy middle" years where you are just pushing through!  With both of his children getting married in this season, Mike shares thoughts of...

In this week’s episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with Dr. Tim Elmore, founder and CEO of Growing Leaders (www.growingleaders.com ), an Atlanta‐based non‐profit organization created to develop emerging leaders. Mike talks to Tim extensively about his latest book, The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership: Embracing the Conflicting Demands of Today’s Workplace. In his book – and in this i...

Mike sits down with Ken Coleman of Ramsey Solutions to discuss Ken’s new book, “From Paycheck to Purpose: The Clear Path to Doing Work You Love.” Ken is America’s Career Coach, is a national bestselling author, and host of The Ken Coleman Show. Ken helps people discover what they were born to do and provides practical steps to make their dream job a reality. The Ken Coleman Show is a nationally sy...

Episode 127 finds Mike sitting down with a great friend and leader of leaders, Dan Reiland. Dan Reiland is the Executive Pastor at 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He first partnered with the legendary John Maxwell for 20 years, as the Executive Pastor at Skyline Wesleyan Church located in San Diego. He then moved on to become the Vice President of Leadership and Church Development at Inj...

In Episode 126, Mike is blessed to sit down with Mark Miller, the Vice President of High Performance leadership with Chick-Fil-A. Mark has been with Chick-Fil-A for over 40 years and has helped architect the leadership pipeline in one of America's premier organizations! Mark also has written eight books and sold over a million copies in 25 different languages. Here is a link to discover Mark's pre...

Mike kicks of 2022 talking about a "leaders character" with Dr. Richard Blackaby.  This is his second appearance on the podcast (Episode 100) and this conversation delves into the depths of what makes character so critical in the life of a leader! Dr.  Blackaby serves as the President of Blackaby Ministries International and has served in that role since 2006.  He has authored or co-authored over...

In episode 124 of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with Pastor, Author, Educator and "Leader of Leaders" Dr. Mark Rutland.  Mike & Dr. Rutland look back at his incredible journey and how God is still using him in big ways in leading leaders.  Dr. Rutland is the picture of "Living Leadership" for leaders at all levels! Dr. Mark Rutland is the Founder and Executive Director of the National Instit...

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with leader Daniel Harkavy who not only leads his company, Building Champions, but coaches some of the greatest leaders in the world! Mike & Daniel not only talk about his spiritual journey but also spend time unpacking his newest book The 7 Perspectives of Effective Leaders!  Here is more on the WHO Daniel is: Daniel Harkavy has been coaching...

In today's episode, Mike sits down with leader & story-teller Bryan Coley.  Bryan is the Chief Imagination Officer of Reel Experiences in Atlanta, Ga.  Bryan used his love & background in film to create a space to help people learn leadership through movies! Bryan said it this way,  "After 20 years working with playwrights and screenwriters, I decided to try out our story development methodologies...

In Episode 121 of Linch with a Leader Mike sits down Jeff & Andre' Shinabarger to talk about whether you have to choose between "love & work".  They unpack this couple's newest book along with their journey in life & leadership. Jeff Shinabarger is the founder and executive director of Plywood People, an Atlanta-based non-profit that helps launch and sustain start-ups. He is the author of the book...

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with author, consultant & leader Brad Lomenick. Brad is one of America's greatest thought leaders and his website is a go-to for leaders from all walks of life! From his time at Catalyst to today, Brad has had a front row seat to observe leadership and today spends time talking with Mike about what makes great leaders great!

Episode 119 finds Mike sitting down with Super Bowl Champion and former NFL player, Chris Maragos.  Chris took a crazy road in his travels to the National Football League.  After walking on at Western Michigan and then transferring to the University of Wisconsin as a walk-on, Chris established himself on the field as he moved from wide receiver to the defensive side of the ball.  After concluding...

Episode 118 finds Mike sitting down with Christina Hovestadt of the NFL. When she's not working in community relations at the national football league, Christina has dedicated her life to giving back and making a difference; one that empowers those that she reaches to walk in the fullness of who they were created to be. Christina partners with athletes, celebrities and every day people to inspire,...

In this episode Mike sits with the incredible Pastor of one of America's largest churches, Church of the Highlands, Pastor Chris Hodges! He is the founding and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands. Since it began in 2001, Highlands has grown to have campuses across the state of Alabama, and we’re known for our life-giving culture and focus on leading people to an intimate relationship with God...

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with Mayor Tommy Allegood to talk about his leadership journey and his faith that drives him! TOMMY ALLEGOOD was raised in Atlanta, GA. Tommy is a 1970 graduate of Gordon Military College and served as a cadet in the ROTC program, and is a 1972 graduate of the University of Georgia. When he graduated, he began a management career with Lowe's C...

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with the amazing Rebekah Lyons. Rebekah Lyons is a national speaker, host of the Rhythms for Life podcast, and bestselling author of Rhythms of Renewal, You Are Free, and Freefall to Fly. An old soul with a contemporary, honest voice, Rebekah reveals her own battles to overcome anxiety and depression—and invites others to discover and boldly p...

In this episode of "Linch with a Leader" Mike sits down with author Ethan Bryan and talks about his newest book "A Year of Playing Catch". Ethan D. Bryan is a storyteller whose narratives explore what it means to live a good story. At the age of six, he lost all of his hair due to an immune-system disorder called alopecia. Ethan knows about overcoming personal obstacles and being bullied. He also...

In episode 113 of LInch with a Leader, Mike sits with Bill Purvis who is a best-selling author, coach, and speaker. Bill began as a pastor to a church of 32 people on Easter Sunday and guided this ministry at Cascade Hills Church to exceeding over 10,000 people in attendance for the last 5 Easter services of his leadership. Since 2015, Cascade Hills Church has baptized a new believer every single...

Episode 112 finds Mike sitting down with author, speaker, leader and good friend Kit Cummings.  Kit is passionate about making a difference in this generation. In 2010 Kit founded the Power of Peace Project. Using the experience he gained resolving conflict in some of the most dangerous areas in the world, he applies his principles to bring about change in prisons, schools, corporations and the fa...