The Strategic Living Podcast with Brian Holmes

We’re rounding out the four quadrants of leadership today, with this final episode in this series. We’ve talked about personal leadership, family leadership, and community leadership so far, and today we’re talking about vocational leadership – more specifically, the people group you’re called to serve.

Last week, I introduced part one of a two-part series on what it means to take your life and leadership to the next level. The premise is there IS a next level available to you – right now! How does one navigate their journey between their current circumstance and the next? Between here and there? What are the steps and considerations one might encounter on their way to their new level? On today’s...

You and I have the power to influence our inner circles, and the ripples we leave beyond our immediate spheres. The way to do that, the way to have a positive, powerful impact on the world around us, is to get involved in it. Oftentimes we “excuse” ourselves from civic service, thinking it will be someone else’s job. And it very well may be. But will they do the kind of job that best suits the fut...

On today’s program, I want us to begin to explore what it means to take our life and leadership to the next level. I’m also going to be sharing with you why the next few weeks are so very strategic for me, for our podcast, and for our work, AND why what we are sharing is going to make a massive difference in your life. What Is The Next Level?  Let’s begin by considering the meaning of NEXT LEVEL....

Family leadership is something that is so important, yet we find it missing in so many areas of our culture today. While in our last episode, we focused on being able to take care of yourself and your own personal growth and development, we continue that train of thought with developing leadership in the family. Having a title of “mom” or “dad” does not make you a qualified family leader. Your lea...

No doubt you’ve heard about her and the struggles she has endured over the last few years especially. After her husband was shot and killed here in Texas, Taya Kyle had a choice to make. She could give up, or she could step up. I had the distinct honor and privilege of visiting with Taya Kyle for the podcast, and know you will find this episode inspiring, encouraging, and forthright. Listen in and...

You are not able to lead others successfully without first getting your life, priorities, and personal self in order. “Fake it till you make it” will only get you so far, and is not in any sense advisable. It may be difficult, but it’s necessary for you to clear the cobwebs and make room for growth. Tune in today to hear more about personal leadership.

Imagine yourself with your own board of directors, or knights of the round table. Who lifts you up, who mentors you, who scales you back, and who tries to keep you on their own path or idea for you? It’s time to reconvene and surround yourself with those who can propel you to your highest potential. Not sure who I’m talking about? Listen in today and evaluate your circle of influence.

It has been a long time since we’ve had my good friend, Aaron Walker, on the podcast, so we were thrilled to do another interview with him today! Aaron has an incredible heart, he is an incredible leader, and he shares incredible wisdom he has learned from his own life experience and from overcoming a devastating tragedy. Every time I talk with Aaron, I’m left feeling inspired, encouraged, and cha...

I’m sure you have mentors in life who are positioned in places, or who have accomplished objectives you aspire to. I’m also certain you have people who look up to you and want to go or do similar places and objectives as you have. The important thing to remember is not everyone is helping you get where you need to be. As others are pulling you in the direction you need to go, it is also your respo...

I’m excited to share again what we’ve created for you – the emerging leaders, business owners, church leaders, solo-preneurs, artists, and ANYONE who desire to take their life, business, and leadership to the next level. We’ve launched our second season of the Strategic Influencers Mastermind group! Many of you are familiar with the concept and function of a mastermind group, though others of you...

We are absolutely affected by our environment and our surroundings. Not only relationships, but attitudes, events, culture – those things we’re immersed in on a regular basis. If we are in a negative environment, we will eventually become worn down or negative ourselves. Tune in to hear how we can identify our environments and position ourselves in areas we need to be.

As leaders, we are compelled to serve others. We always pour personal investments into other people. That said, however, we must remember we cannot give what we do not have, and serving while on empty creates incredible challenges for us personally. Leadership burnout is a real problem! Whether you’re the CEO, a pastor, or a solo-preneur, taking care of YOU is paramount to the success of your lead...

Jim Rohn says you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Another saying goes “a rising tide raises all ships.” There is a law of averages according to our relationships! Quality, not quantity, in our connection and our relationships, is what spurs us on to our next levels in life. It is not only about who we spend time with, but what those people are thinking, doing, and...

We are creatures of comfort, craving the familiar and “normal”. We unconsciously defend – even rationalize – our positions and attitudes as a way of avoiding exposure or risk. Most times, however, you have to leave safety and security behind and risk everything to commit your life and future to your unknown destiny. There will be times in life when you need to cut all escape routes, and stand with...

Most people consider the “cost”, and everything they encounter is a consumable. What would happen if we shifted our mindset to an investment rather than a cost, and began to reap the returns from what we’re investing in? This is a critical and crucial shift in how we view how we can improve our influence and impact. Listen in and see if you agree.

It’s been said one is lucky (and even blessed) if in their lifetime they have a handful of true friends. As you and I grow in life, and pursue the things the Father has for us, we will find not everyone is willing to go where you are going. I want to share with you a little more about my journey the last few years, and how along the way, it has been necessary to evaluate relationships, and make ad...

Most people I know rush through their mornings and spend the rest of their day trying to catch up, or find themselves having spent their whole day feeling behind. If you put this simple play into practice, however, you can change your whole WEEK (month, year…) simply by tweaking your morning. Listen in today as we talk about how to dominate your ENTIRE day, in two hours time!

You’ve heard it said many times, “Readers are leaders” This is absolutely true, however, leading is about more than just filling your head with a lot of stuff; it is about learning, and most importantly, implementing what you learn. My guest today exemplifies what this looks like in every way! Jeff and I met earlier this year at a Ray Edwards event, and became fast friends. He is a wonderful leade...

When we see what we want or even need to do, sometimes our head says yes but it is disconnected from our heart and we’re not sure we can do what we really want or need. Doubt leads to hesitation. Hesitation leads to failure. Failure creates shame and condemnation. Simply said, double mindedness leads to failure and shame! Let’s switch this around to thinking clearly and propelling us to success.

Hi. My name is Brian Holmes, and I am a recovering people pleaser. Before you get your feathers ruffled, I’m willing to bet you’re one, too! Why do so many of us struggle with pleasing others and gaining their approval? What motivates us to say yes when we know we shouldn’t? Is it possible to break free from people-pleasing and performance-based approval? In this episode, we’ll revisit an issue th...

Have you ever known anyone who, no matter what seems to happen, they always blame someone else? The art of deflection is quite destructive. Take ownership, accountability, and responsibility rather than deflecting those as excuses. When you own it, you can really go places.

Tired eyes rarely see a good future, and a tired mind rarely makes good decisions.” ~ Mike Murdock One of the most damning traits of the western culture is an obsession with being busy. There is a false supposition many have bought into: if you are not busy doing something, you are not valuable. In the US, a staggering percentage of people experience depression, hypertension, disease, and so many...

What you believe about money governs what you believe and act out in so many other areas of your life. If you believe you should lack, you will. If you believe you can bless others, you will. But it’s hard to bless with what you don’t have, right? Tune in to today’s Monday Mastery for a discussion on financial philosophies.