The Leading Tomorrow Podcast

In this episode, Adam Haugen , Discipleship Director at River of Life Church joins Jolene to talk about small group ministry and Millennials as churches consider what ministry in a post-pandemic world looks like. Adam draws upon his experience and research to highlight best practices for engaging the next gen in ministry and discipleship in both virtual and in-person contexts.

Listening is one of the most important ways we can engage and earn the trust of young people in our lives. In this episode, Jolene discusses some of the key elements to actively listening to understand and strengthen relationships.  Learn more at leadingtomorrow.org

The National Student Clearinghouse reported on October 15, 2020 that undergraduate student enrollment is now running 4% below last year's level. In this episode Jolene talks about trends in college enrollment this fall and how to encourage students who are taking a gap year or reassessing their plans. If you know a student who is interested in applying for the virtual gap year, use promo code LT20...

This is a generation that is incredibly individualistic and is growing up in a world that tells them identity is fluid. They also live with social media and the pressure to compare themselves to others. Young people today need confidence to understand themselves. In this episode, Jolene discusses the book, The 8 Great Smarts by Kathy Koch, and talks about how we can help Gen Zers identify their un...

Gen Z kids have unprecedented access to ideas, opinions, and information. It is imperative that we train them to understand truth and think critically. Elizabeth Urbanowicz joins Jolene to discuss her Worldview Foundations Comparative Curriculum, perfect for parents, teachers and church leaders seeking to equip the next generation to understand and communicate their faith. 

In part 2, Jolene shares more tips to better engage with people in online work and learning environments. From how to interact with coworkers and students during trainings, to fostering better communication with different personalities

Jolene shares 4 tips to better engage with people in online work and learning environments. From how to interact with coworkers and students during trainings, to fostering better communication with different personalities.  Learn more about this and other topics at, leadingtomorrow.org

Technology has increasingly facilitated the option of remote work for many years. The global pandemic, however, resulted in a large number of people suddenly finding themselves working from home. In this podcast, Josiah and Jolene discuss the remote work experiences for different generations and their expectations of leaders during this time. 

Generational researcher and university instructor, Vienna Lewin, joins Jolene to discuss her research on Gen Z in the workplace. As we navigate new remote work settings, there is much we can learn from younger employees. Vienna and Jolene discuss the opportunities that exist for multi-generational teams in today's context. Vienna's work, visit www.viennalewin.com

In this episode, Josiah and Jolene discuss their different experiences and perspectives navigating work during the global pandemic. Josiah, a Millennial, is an essential worker, who has put in long hours and seen the impact of fear on the workforce around him. Jolene, a Gen Xer, is a self-employed small business owner and professional speaker, whose schedule has been dramatically impacted by cance...

In this episode, Jolene discusses some of the unique risks that Gen Z and Millennials face amid social distancing. These include increased anxiety, loneliness, decrease in empathy, and lack of physical activity. She also discusses some of the opportunities for us as parents, leaders, and mentors to help mitigate these risks and maximize the opportunities young people have right now. 

Katy White serves as the director of Goer Experience with GoCorps, and she joined Jolene to discuss the emergence of the Gen Z cohort into the Missions landscape. They explore the best ways to motivate Gen Z as opposed to their predecessors, the Millennials, and how to engage them in a more personalized manner. Learn more about Katy's work at GoCorps.org

Generation Z will be significantly impacted by the effects of the coronavirus. Jolene shares inspiration from the story of Jochebed, a mother who lived through a crisis, regarding the opportunities we have as leaders, mentors, and parents to prepare and equip young people to live with faith and not fear.

Jolene and Josiah delve into the topic of receiving and giving honest feedback, whether that be from a boss or supervisor, or from someone who works for you. They highlight the best ways to approach giving feedback, and ways to implement feedback in a positive way. For more on this and related topics visit: leadingtomorrow.org

Jolene and Josiah discuss the way that media has allowed us to present ourselves to so many different people in different ways. The subsequent fragmentation brings with it valuable tools to reach different groups, but can also be dangerous if not properly managed. For more on this and related topics visit: leadingtomorrow.org

Period effects are how significant events impact a generation based on the period of life they are in when the event occurs. Undoubtedly COVID-19 will affect every generation, but especially Gen Z as they are still developing their worldview and habits. Perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors will be impacted. While there are real threats and fears related to this virus, there are also profound opp...

Jolene is joined by Gen Z author and student, Tessa Landrum, to discuss how the church can best engage and disciple Gen Z. She shares ways to encourage her generation to participate and how to be a positive influence on them. Learn more about Tessa on IG @tessa_annelise, and at her blog whollybound.com Find more about summit ministries as recommended by Tessa at  summit.org  

Jolene is joined by Professor Rebecca Rhoades to discuss ways that teaching, especially in higher education, has changed in the last few decades. They explore how technology has impacted the worldview of students, impacting both classroom interactions like power distance, as well as potential workplace opportunities.  For more on this and related topics visit, leadingtomorrow.org

Just like investing in the stock market seems insignificant at first, investing in a young leader may seem the same way. But, over the course of a lifetime, the small things we teach and invest compound, and there is no telling how much a small investment early on may produce long-term. For more on this and related topics visit, leadingtomorrow.org

For the first episode of 2020, Jolene shares her vision for the coming year. In a journal entry she revisited, the phrase, "Strengthen the Faithful Ones" stuck out to her, leading to meditation of what God was calling her to pursue. Tune in to hear what was the answer she received. For more on this and related topics visit: leadingtomorrow.org

Jolene and Josiah discuss what makes the Christmas season so special, and how to create memories that will last a lifetime. They explore ways to make the holidays mean more than just the presents, and delve into why we remember the past so fondly.   For more on this and related topics visit leadingtomorrow.org  

Doug Harrison, Director of Special Projects at Mission Aviation Fellowship, joins Jolene to discuss the topics of making disciples of the younger generations. They share tips for equipping the next generation to become strong leaders, and to help give them understanding of all the information that they have at their fingertips.  For more information on this or related topics visit: leadingtomorrow...

John Murray, President of Imago Dei Leadership Forum and author of a new e-textbook, In Whose Image? Image-bearers of God vs. The Image-makers of Our Time, joins Jolene to discuss equipping Gen Z students. As the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in history, with unprecedented access to media and technology, young people today face unique challenges and opportunities. John presents a...

Jolene is joined by Dr. David Geisler, author, professor, and president of NGIM (Norm Geisler International Ministries). They discuss his new book, "conversational evangelism", which explores strategies to reach people with the gospel message in a way that every generation can be successful.  For more information on Dr. Geisler's work visit  www.ngim.org  and receive free access to their 3 bookmar...

Jolene explores the world of technology that parents and their children must navigate. She shares tips on how to help children engage with technology, maintain boundaries, and ultimately thrive in all aspects of our technology driven lifestyles.   For more info visit  leadingtomorrow.org