The Leader's Journey Podcast

In this episode of  The Leader's Journey Podcast , host Trisha Taylor is joined by coach and colleague Aundrea Baker for a rich and practical conversation about self-awareness and the Enneagram. Together, they explore how understanding the inner motivations behind our behavior can lead to personal growth, deeper compassion, and stronger team dynamics. Whether you're new to the Enneagram or a long-...

In this episode, Jim and Mike explore how Bowen Family Systems Theory offers powerful tools for leading in times of uncertainty and anxiety. Drawing on personal stories—including parenting a child with trauma, navigating racial and cultural dynamics in St. Croix, and caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's—they discuss how guiding principles, curiosity, humor, and staying connected help leaders funct...

In this episode of The Leader's Journey Podcast , Trisha and Jim sit down with coach and educator Dawn Bird to explore the deep emotional and spiritual transformation that can come through Family of Origin work. Through vulnerable storytelling and honest reflection, Dawn shares how doing this work helped her uncover grief, reshape her understanding of her family, and show up differently in every a...

Welcome to this episode of The Leader's Journey Podcast, where we take a deep dive into one of the most foundational — and often fragile — elements of leadership and community:  trust . In this extended conversation, we explore how trust gets broken, why it's so emotionally charged, and what it really takes to rebuild it — both in relationships and within organizations. Whether you're a leader try...

"Trust is like the air we breathe -- when it's present, nobody really notices it. When it's absent, everybody notices." Warren Buffett, quoted in Forbes Magazine Trust is the bedrock of every successful relationship—whether personal, professional, or within a community. In this episode, Jim and Trisha dive deep into what trust really means, why it's essential, and how to cultivate it. Through real...

In this episode, we explore the critical need for men to develop emotional maturity, take personal responsibility, and engage in meaningful self-reflection. Ryan, Aaron, and Trisha delve into how men's work, particularly in groups, can serve as a powerful tool for emotional growth and healthy relationships. Conversation Overview: The Power of Group Work for Emotional Growth   The Role of Self-Refl...

In this episode of The Leaders Journey podcast, Jim and Trisha are joined by Reverend Dr. Timothy Scoonover, senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. With over a decade of pastoral experience, Timothy shares how, as an unlikely nomade, he has led his congregation through a journey of adaptive leadership, emotional health, and spiritual formation. Timothy's story...

Join The Leader's Journey team as they explore what it means to ride the waevs of reactivity and and how those waves have shaped their experiences and goals to improve.  a reflective conversation about reactivity—how it shows up in our lives, how we manage it, and what we're learning in the process. Tricia and the team explore personal stories of how they've navigated emotional waves in their own...

In this episode of  The Leader's Journey Podcast , Trisha Taylor, along with Nate Pyle, Matt McCarthy, and Katie Ignatowski, dive into part three of the politics series exploring the challenges of division and leadership in polarized times. While the focus isn't on the U.S. election specifically, the discussion addresses the broader implications of division in churches, workplaces, and communities...

The following episode originally aired in July of 2022. You can find the rest of that coaching series here:  The Leader as a Coach: Developing People The Leader as a Coach: Being Coachable    The five skills that leaders can start to work on today to become more effective leaders through coaching are deep listening, inquiry, giving clear feedback, guiding focus, and doing your own work.  Subscribe...

In this episode of  The Leader's Journey Podcast , Trisha Taylor sits down with Mandy Smith, a gifted pastor, artist, and author of Confessions of an Amateur Saint . Together, they discuss the deep challenges Christian leaders face, the journey of faithfulness over success, and the importance of embracing weakness as a pathway to strength. Mandy shares her insights on how leaders, particularly in...

In this episode, Jim and Rick Rarick dive into the essential role of values in organizational culture and the importance of leadership integrity. They discuss the concept of the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and how it can shape a meaningful workplace experience. By acknowledging imperfections and fostering a supportive environment, leaders can build stronger connections with their teams and en...

In this episode, the Jim and Trisha host guests Chris and Kurt from Brimstone coaching to engage in a deep conversation about leadership, self-awareness, and the mental models that shape our approach to work and relationships. They explore the importance of slowing down, reflecting, and questioning existing assumptions about what it means to be an effective leader. This episode wraps up with a pow...

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the themes of connection, vulnerability, and healing with Chuck DeGroat. Drawing from his rich experience as a therapist and author, Chuck offers insights into how we can move away from shame-based narratives and toward a more empowering understanding of ourselves and our relationship with the divine. Join us as we explore the importance of comm...

In a world where every conversation or statement can spark intense debates, how do you maintain your composure and stay true to your values? Join Trisha, Nate, and Mac as they dive into a conversation about managing both online and in person engagement with empathy, leading through political tensions, and making a meaningful impact on a local level. Mac McCarthy has been in Christian ministry for...

Note: This podcast is part one of a three-part series on trauma-informed leadership. You can find it in the  podcast archives of our website  on dates January 23, Feb 13 and Feb 27 of 2019.   Trauma is real and leaders who understand the effects of trauma in their own lives and in the lives of others are less likely to be sabotaged by trauma and are more likely to lead in ways that turn out to be...

Change happens at the speed of conversation. This episode is about learning to master transformation conversations from our six-part series on leadership practices that lead to breakthrough. If you'd like to learn more about this series or our organizational coaching and leadership development services you can contact us using our website,  https://theleadersjourney.us/contact Conversation Overvie...

We know that our lives and our leadership flourish when we  practice showing up in emotionally mature ways  but we don't always know what that looks like practically. After thinking together about emotional maturity for more than 20 years, we believe that it looks like  practicing being both defined and connected as a way of life. In this podcast, we talk about defining ourselves, letting others d...

In the latest episode of The Leader's Journey Podcast, explore the nuances of navigating misuse and abuse of authority with Jim and Trisha. In a candid discussion, they delve into crucial topics: from recognizing various forms of abuse to implementing proactive measures for prevention. With clarity and empathy, they outline practical steps and resources every leader should consider to create safer...

Join Jim and Trisha as they discuss how assigned authority affects our lives with their guest Ryan Donovan. Take the time to listen to the hard questions being asked about how the role of authority in today's world has shifted and changed.    Ryan Donovan is a licensed counselor who lives in Austin, Texas who loves the outdoors. He plays fastpitch softball in his free time, and his life experience...

Authority is inherent in leadership roles, and that inherent authority can be misused and abused. In part one of this series, Jim and Trisha discuss the reality of abuse, the questions surrounding it, and the way leaders are called to respond.    Conversation Overview None of This is New Authority is Inherent in Leadership What is Authority and Where Does it Come From? The Legitimate Uses of Autho...

In this episode, dive into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on various aspects of life, including leadership, sermon writing, and more. Join us as we explore the innovative ways in which AI is being integrated into everyday tasks and decision-making processes. For this special podcast, Jim and Trisha hear some insightful points from multiple guests on how they u...

Jim talks with Mike Whang about how his shift away from the traditional church model opened up avenues of ministry that can be limited for those in Christian leadership. Mike explains how working out the equations of ministry, the balancing of values, the realities of day to day life, and the needs of the Church, has been a challenge and a blessing as he grows in his walk with God and leadership p...

On this episode of The Leader's Journey Podcast, Trisha talks with Mac McCarthy and Nate Pyle about how the election year has affected their congregations and the ways they are navigating that social landscape within their churches. Listen to this first of several podcasts in 2024 as they discuss the unique ways they have each worked with the leadership in their churches in order to guide their co...

Trisha and Jim continue their insightful discussion on boundaries in this week's podcast. Join them as they discuss your questions about boundaries and the benefits and struggles of implementing them in personal and professional leadership roles.  Conversation Overview Flourishing Within Boundaries Boundaries and Emotional Maturity Working Within a Broken System The Cost of Boundaries Managing Gui...