Christian Woman Leadership Podcast with Esther Littlefield & Holly Cain

Does your quiet personality make you feel like you're less likely to be a leader? Have you ever wanted a mentor or wanted to mentor others, but weren't sure of how to do it? And how in the world do we create healthy boundaries when we're doing all the things?

In this episode, I chat with Rachael Gilbert, a homeschooling momma of three, business owner, coach, blogger, co-host of the Declare Conference and podcast host of Real Talk with Rachael. We dive into the topics of personality + leadership, the importance of speaking encouragement over others, and how Rachael sets boundaries in her life and leadership.

For the full show notes, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode14

Show sponsor:

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Quotes from the episode:

"Quiet is a personality trait, but shy is a decision."

"I don't ever want it to be where other people have more access to me than my own household."

"We're missing a huge piece of life and leadership if we don't teach people how to have that personal connection with the Lord themselves, and then turn them into leaders as well."

Other episodes and links mentioned:

• Declare Podcast
• Compel Training

Connect with Rachael:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• 3 Action Steps
• Real Talk with Rachael Podcast

Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page
• Free resource: 23 Practical Ways to Set Boundaries

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode14. To join the Purposeful Leadership Facebook Group, go to estherlittlefield.com/group.

In this special bonus episode, you'll hear a conversation that I was able to be a part of with Carey Nieuwhof. I have been part of the book launch team for Carey's new book, "Didn't See it Coming"*. As part of the launch team, I had the opportunity to be on a podcast episode to discuss the book and ask Carey questions.

In this conversation, you'll hear us ask Carey questions about the topics in his book and more. We chat about cynicism, dealing with overwhelm in ministry, feeling alone in leadership, creating a healthy culture within churches, and much more.

While this is not a typical Christian Woman Leadership Podcast episode where I am interviewing a guest, I am excited to share it with you to cap off our Purpose Series. Many of the issues Carey dives into in this discussion relate to how we as leaders can walk in our purpose, stay healthy, and avoid potential unexpected dangers.

Check out Carey's resources and his blog and podcast here.

For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode13.

Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

*Affiliate link: If you make a purchase through the link provided, I will receive compensation for referring you at no extra cost to you.

Episode Sponsor: Morningstar Media Services

This episode originally aired on The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast Episode 216. Join the conversation in the Purposeful Leadership Facebook Group by going to estherlittlefield.com/group.

Have you ever found yourself thinking that finding your purpose means you need to focus on yourself and what fulfills you? Or believing that you must earn an income with your purpose? Maybe you've seen people get completely burnt out by pursuing their purpose at all costs.

In the 4th episode of our purpose series, Holly and I are chatting about the pitfalls of purpose. If you missed episode 10, be sure to go back and listen. In that episode, we talked about defining purpose, how to find your purpose, and living your purpose.

Today we're talking about purpose and calling, and whenever we are dealing with this issue, there are bound to be some pitfalls--some false beliefs that can trap us, and some dangers to watch out for on this journey.

Holly and I talk about 5 pitfalls of purpose, and we will give you some tips on avoiding hazards.

The 5 Pitfalls of Purpose are:

1. Thinking that your purpose is all about you
2. Thinking that your purpose has to be your job
3. Thinking that your purpose is related to what other people want you to do
4. Burning out by not walking in your purpose
5. Burning out by being so committed to your purpose but not taking care of yourself

Other episodes and links mentioned:

• Episode 10: Finding Your Purpose
• Episode 11: From Dream Career to Purposeful Leadership with Jenni Catron
• Episode 8: The Key to Becoming a Better Leader
• More To Be podcast about ministry vs. work
• Video from Elizabeth Gilbert on hobby, job, career, and vocation

For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode12.

Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

Episode Sponsor: Morningstar Media Services

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode12. To join the Purposeful Leadership Facebook Group, go to estherlittlefield.com/group.

Have you ever thought you knew what your calling in life was, only to have God redirect you to another path? Your current role may define your present situation but it doesn't define your purpose. How can being intentional about self-leadership impact your journey as you lead teams or organizations?

In this episode, I chat with Jenni Catron, a leadership coach, author, speaker, and founder of The 4Sight Group. This is the 3rd episode in our purpose series, and I think you will love hearing Jenni's story of how she went from having her dream career to recognizing that her gifts and skills could be used in any context God called her to.

Jenni shares valuable insights based on her experiences in leadership in the corporate world, in churches, and in running her own business. She provides tips for building a healthy culture within your team and how to understand yourself better so you can lead effectively. We even talk about her advice for you if you're the only woman in your workplace, as well as what it's like to be the one with the leading career in your marriage.

For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode11.

Books mentioned (affiliate links):

• The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader's Day by John Maxwell
• The Four Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership by Jenni Catron
• Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradbury

• Episode 2: What is Leadership and Why Does Your Leadership Matter?
• Episode 7: Receiving Grace & Speaking Truth with Jill McCormick
• Episode 8: The Key to Becoming a Better Leader

• Jenni's Personal Website
• Jenni's Consulting Company
• Instagram
• Women's Leadership Intensive

You can get all the resources Jenni mentions at the end here on her resources page.

Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

Episode Sponsor: Morningstar Media Services

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode11. To join the Purposeful Leadership Facebook Group, go to estherlittlefield.com/group.

How do you know what your purpose is in life? Have you ever struggled with the question of what you're supposed to be doing with your life? Have you ever wondered why some people seem to know exactly what they are doing but you're completely unclear about it?

Many women we talk to wrestle with the question of purpose and calling on their lives. We often overthink this and get stuck looking for "the thing". In our second episode in the Purpose Series, Holly & I discuss different perspectives of purpose, and we also explore how to figure out your purpose and walk in it.

For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode10.

Links Mentioned:

• The Chalene Show episode about the difference between passion and purpose
• This is Your Life with Michael Hyatt episode about finding your purpose
• Spiritual Gifts Test
• Episode 9: Discovering Your Gifts with Jenni Schubring

Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

Episode Sponsor: Morningstar Media Services

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode10. To join the Purposeful Leadership Facebook Group, go to estherlittlefield.com/group.

Have you ever struggled with finding your purpose? Are you aware of your top 5 strengths and how they can help you be most effective in your leadership? Are you regularly investing in community and finding ways to be intentional in your relationships?

In this interview with Jenni Schubring, you're going to hear about her leadership journey, including her experiences with a Christian camp, a discipleship program at her church, and as a life coach.

We chat about how to discover your strengths using a tool we discussed in Episode 8 called the Strengths Finder, and Jenni will share some valuable insights about how knowing your strengths can help you in your leadership. She also shares about the shadow side of your strengths and what that can look like.

We also dive into the value of community and what to do when you are struggling to find the connections you desire. Finally, she shares some wisdom about how to manage multiple passions, especially when you enjoy your work but also want to be a great mom.

For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode9.

Links Mentioned:

• Episode 8: The Key to Becoming a Better Leader
• Strengths Finder Book & Test Code (Amazon affiliate link)

Connect with Jenni Schubring:

• Website
• Facebook Page
• Facebook Group

Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

Episode Sponsor: Morningstar Media Services

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode9. To join the Purposeful Leadership Facebook Group, go to estherlittlefield.com/group.

Can self awareness really make you a better leader? How does knowing more about yourself translate into working better with others? Don't the people you lead just need to listen to you and do what you say? No! There is a better way, and we believe self-awareness is the key to being a better leader.

In Episode 4 we briefly discussed self-awareness when we talked about leaders being born or made. Today we are going to dive deeper into the topic of self-awareness. Self-awareness allows you to understand both your strengths and your weaknesses. It helps you to stay grounded in reality instead of believing that you single-handedly accomplished something.

We discuss 6 ways to become more self-aware, plus we give you some self-reflection questions to ask to help you assess where you are at in each of the 6 areas.

For the full show notes and the free download for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode8.

Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

Episode Sponsor: Morningstar Media Services

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode8. To join the Purposeful Leadership Facebook Group, go to estherlittlefield.com/group.

Are you a driven, type-A leader who has trouble slowing down and receiving grace? Have you ever struggled to embrace your gifts and the way God designed you? Do you ever wonder if you are in the right role or position in your life?

In this episode, I chat with Jill McCormick, a writer and speaker who has experience leading in a variety of settings, from a baseball club to children's ministry. Jill shares about her leadership journey and some of the experiences that have shaped her leadership, including having children and a struggle with body image, and how learning to receive grace has been key for her.

Jill and I also chat about understanding your wiring, embracing your gifts, and the power of speaking truth over yourself and others. We also dive into how to lead as a woman in male-dominated environments, passions, and habits and routines.

For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode7.

Connect with Jill McCormick:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Grab Jill's resource to help you discover your gifts: Text "FORT" to 345345

Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

Episode Sponsor: Morningstar Media Services

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode7. To get the free Confident Leader Manifesto, go to estherlittlefield.com/confident.

What does "leading with confidence" mean, and why is it important? Confidence is foundational to success as a leader, but where does confidence come from as a Christian woman? And how do you develop confidence?

In this episode, we're going to dive into the importance of leading with confidence. You'll find out a bit about how I landed on this phrase, why confidence is important for leadership, and my 3-part definition for the phrase "leading with confidence". In addition, we'll talk about a practical step you can take today to start developing your confidence.

Key points discussed:

• How I landed on the phrase "leading with confidence"
• Why confidence is important in leadership & some of the research behind this
• My definition of "leading with confidence" that involves 3 key components
• How to develop confidence as a leader
• The Confident Leader Manifesto

For the full show notes and the free download of the Confident Leader Manifesto, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode6.

Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

Episode Sponsor: Morningstar Media Services

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode6. To join the Purposeful Leadership Facebook Group, go to estherlittlefield.com/group.

Does age matter when it comes to leadership? Do you need to follow a certain path in life in order to be qualified to lead? It is possible to lead by designing a life you love?

In this episode, I chat with Lilah Higgins. Despite being in her mid-twenties, Lilah runs a successful brand agency alongside of her husband. She leads in her industry, focusing on serving her clients, and she also leads in her community.

Through this interview, you'll see that age doesn't have to be a factor when it comes to leadership. God used young people throughout Scripture, and we discuss how leadership is more about an attitude than age.

We also discuss how to design a life you love and create your own path. And we wrap up with a powerful discussion about the value of community and doing life alongside other Christian women.

For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode5.

Key Takeaways:

• It's possible to design a life you love as a leader by following the path God shows you rather than doing what others expect you to do.
• Discovering your gifts and embracing your identity is a lifelong process.
• Boundaries and routines create freedom.
• Community and mentors are keys to growing as a leader and avoiding the lies of the enemy.
• There's nothing different about leaders. Leaders are people who repent over and over again.
• Being young should not prevent you from leading.

• Lilah's personal Facebook profile • The Higgins Creative website • The Higgins Creative on Facebook and Instagram • Trello Template and Training for service-based business owners

Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode5. To join the Purposeful Leadership Facebook Group, go to estherlittlefield.com/group.