The Leader's Journey Podcast

• Nostalgia and Leadership: Honoring the Past Without Getting Stuck

  In this episode of The Leader's Journey Podcast, Trisha Taylor and Edie Lenz delve into the complex role of nostalgia within faith communities. They examine the emotional pull of "the way things used to be" and how leaders can honor the past without letting it prevent forward movement. Through personal reflection and practical examples, they invite listeners to cultivate a healthier relationship with change and cherish fond memories of the past.    Conversation Overview When Looking Back Warps the Present Nostalgia as Emotional Comfort  Generational Dynamics Around the Past The Spiritual Dimension of Nostalgia Practices for Moving Forward  Learning to Grieve What Has Changed   Resources   Edie Lenz at The Leader's Journey Edie Lenz Substack The Leaders Journey Courses The Leader's Journey - Systems Thinking Bowen Theory System Course The Leader's Journey - Spiritual Formation Course

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• Mental Models and the Work of Deep Change

  In this episode of The Leader's Journey Podcast, Edie Lenz is joined by Ken Eriks and Chelsey Harmon of Churches Learning Change for a rich conversation about the power of mental models in congregational life. They explore what mental models are, how they shape the way churches function, and why unearthing and reforming them is essential for leading meaningful, lasting change. Through stories, examples, and practical processes, they describe how congregations can move from feeling stuck to discovering clarity, creativity, and a shared path forward.   Conversation Overview   What Mental Models Are and Why They Matter Different Perspectives and Conflicting Assumptions Why Churches Engage Mental Models Work Competing Models in a Congregation Unearthing Mental Models in Community Congregational Practices for Surfacing Mental Models Experimentation as a Pathway to Learning Reforming and Rooting New Mental Models Why This Work Takes Time, Reflection, and Community How to Connect With Churches Learning Change   Edie Lenz, Ken Ericks, and Chelsey Harmon are the staff of Churches Learning Change (CLC), an organization dedicated to helping congregations engage deep change through adaptive leadership, reflective practice, and intentional learning communities. Through coaching, content curation, and process facilitation, they equip churches to unearth, test, and reform the mental models shaping their life together. Their work integrates theology, systems thinking, and practical tools to support leaders and congregations seeking clarity, transformation, and renewed imagination.   Resources:    Churches Learning Change Learn more about Chelsey Harmon Edie Lenz at The Leader's Journey Learn more about Ken Eriks

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• Developing a Culture of Emotional Inteligence

  In this episode of The Leader's Journey Podcast, Jim Harrington sits down with pastor and coach Mac McCarthy to explore how emotional intelligence shapes the life of a leader and the health of a congregation. Together, they discuss what emotional intelligence truly means, why it's essential for spiritual formation, and how leaders can embody and cultivate it within their teams and churches. Through real stories and practical insight, they invite listeners to see emotional maturity as a lifelong journey of formation and courage. Mac McCarthy is a coach with The Leader's Journey and the lead pastor of Crosspoint Community Church in the Milwaukee area. He has served in ministry since 2008 and is known for his thoughtful integration of emotional maturity, discipleship, and leadership development. Mac also hosts the Praxis podcast, where he explores faith and practice in everyday life. Conversation Overview Defining Emotional Intelligence and Why It Matters Jesus as the Model of Emotional Maturity Practicing What You Teach From Learning to Practicing to Reflecting Building Emotionally Intelligent Cultures Creating Shared Language and Playful Learning Leadership Practices for Growth Navigating Conflict with Maturity The Long Work of Formation Encouragement for the Journey   Resources Mentioned Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman A Failure of Nerve by Edwin H. Friedman The Leader's Journey: Accepting the Call to Personal and Congregational Transformation by Jim Herrington, Trisha Taylor, and R. Robert Creech Praxis Podcast by Crosspoint Community Church Emotional Intelligence Dialogue – November 11, 11:30–12:30 PM CST  

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• Understanding Empathy: The Complicated Superpower

  In this episode of The Leader's Journey Podcast, Trisha Taylor and Michael DeRuyter explore empathy as a guiding principle for leaders. Is empathy always a strength, or can it sometimes get in the way? Through stories, humor, and systems thinking, they unpack what empathy really is, why it is often misunderstood, and how mature empathy helps us stay grounded, connected, and responsible. This conversation invites leaders to move beyond reactive compassion toward empathy that sustains courage, clarity, and truth. Conversation Overview Redefining Empathy Empathy, Sympathy, and Emotional Fusion The Role of Perspective and Curiosity Empathy and Systems Thinking Boundaries, Responsibility, and Courage Resources Mentioned A Failure of Nerve by Edwin H. Friedman Dare to Lead by Brené Brown Empathy Zoom Dialogue – October 21

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• Becoming a Person of Welcome: Hospitality, Boundaries, and Belonging

  What does it mean to be truly welcoming? In this episode of The Leader's Journey Podcast, Trisha Taylor is joined by author and spiritual director Laura Murray to explore welcome as a guiding principle for life and leadership. Together they unpack how hospitality goes deeper than surface-level friendliness, why boundaries are essential to real welcome, and how leaders can create environments of safety, curiosity, and belonging. This conversation will inspire you to rethink what welcome looks like in your home, your leadership, and your community. Laura Murray is a minister, author, and spiritual director who brings faith formation into the digital space through her innovative work with online retreats and resources. She is passionate about integrating ideas, connecting people, and releasing the gifts of others. Her newest book, Becoming a Person of Welcome, explores what it means to embody hospitality in ways that are healthy, grounded, and transformative. Learn more about Laura's work, including her retreats and resources, at laurabmurray.com. Conversation Overview Welcome as more than friendliness Why genuine welcome requires boundaries and limits Protecting both people and purpose in our communities The grief and gift of acknowledging our limitations Learning to welcome our own humanity before we can welcome others Endings, closure, and repair as essential parts of welcome The multiplying effect of welcome beyond ourselves How God's welcome shapes the way we welcome others   Resources Mentioned Becoming a Person of Welcome by Laura Murray LauraBMurray.com  The Leader's Journey Coaching 

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