What if goodness isn't about being nice, agreeable, or keeping the peace? What if it's actually one of the most radical, transformative forces available to you as a leader?

In this episode, Dr. Phenessa unpacks the biblical fruit of goodness—not the surface-level kind, but the active, courageous goodness that flows from union with Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 5:8-9, neuroscience research on mirror neurons, and her own journey of confusing people-pleasing with genuine goodness, she reveals why this supernatural fruit is essential for lasting leadership influence.

You'll discover:
•Why biblical goodness (agathosune) is active, even aggressive—not passive
•How leaders create a "moral climate" that literally shapes people's brains
•The three-question Goodness Audit that exposes compromise
•Why character outlasts competence every time
•How to surrender ego and lead with righteousness even when it costs you something

This isn't about being perfect. It's about being filled. Because here's the truth: You can't light the way for others with a lamp you refuse to fill.

If you're ready to move beyond niceness into the kind of goodness that disrupts darkness and transforms everything—this episode is for you.

Love Bold. Live Lit. Lead Forward.

EPISODE RESOURCES & REFERENCES

Scripture References
Ephesians 5:8-9, The Passion Translation
Matthew 25:3-13, Parable of the Ten Virgins
John 2:13-16 (Jesus cleansing the temple - example of active goodness)

📖 Access The Passion Translation at https://www.bible.com/versions/1849-tpt-the-passion-translation
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Research & Concepts


Ethical Leadership

• Brown, M. E., Treviño, L. K., & Harrison, D. A. (2005). Ethical leadership: A social learning perspective for construct development and testing. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 97(2), 117-134. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749597805000397 

Moral Climate Theory

• Victor, B., & Cullen, J. B. (1988). "The organizational bases of ethical work climates." Administrative Science Quarterly, 33(1), 101-125. https://doi.org/10.2307/2392857

Mirror Neurons & Social Learning

• Iacoboni, M. (2009). Imitation, empathy, and mirror neurons. Annual Review of Psychology, 60, 653-670. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.psych.60.110707.163604

Positive Organizational Behavior

• Cameron, K. S., Bright, D., & Caza, A. (2004). Exploring the relationships between organizational virtuousness and performance. American Behavioral Scientist, 47(6), 766-790. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764203260209

Neuroplasticity & Ethical Decision-Making

• Pascual-Leone, A., et al. (2005). The plastic human brain cortex. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 28, 377-401. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16022601/ 

Authentic Leadership

• Avolio, B. J., & Gardner, W. L. (2005). Authentic leadership development: Getting to the root of positive forms of leadership. The Leadership Quarterly, 16(3), 315-338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2005.03.001

Ego and Leadership

• Vera, D., & Rodriguez-Lopez, A. (2004). "Strategic virtues: Humility as a source of competitive advantage." Organizational Dynamics, 33(4), 393-408. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orgdyn.2004.09.006

Imposter Syndrome Research

• Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). "The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention." Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 15(3), 241-247. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0086006

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Additional Resources

Biblical Language Reference

• Agathosune (ἀγαθωσύνη): Greek word for "goodness" in Galatians 5:22, conveying active, moral excellence and virtue
  • Strong, J. (2007). Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Hendrickson Publishers. https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/agathosune.html 

Explore ethical leadership frameworks:
Center for Ethical Leadership
https://ethicalleadership.org
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Connect with Dr. Phenessa
💡 Website: EMSightGlobal.com
📸 Instagram: @DrPhenessa
💼 LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/phenessagray/
✉️ Email: [email protected]
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