In this episode of Faith Driven Leadership, I sit down with Nathan Thompson —HR Director, leadership coach, and fellow Faith Driven Leadership coach — to talk about communication, conflict resolution, faith, service, and what leaders often get wrong when working with people.

Nathan shares how his career journey through retail, HR, and ministry shaped the way he leads today. From learning customer service at JCPenney to helping leaders navigate hard conversations, Nathan brings a practical and faith-rooted perspective on what it means to treat people with respect, clarity, and humility.

In this conversation, we discuss:

* Why clear expectations matter so much in leadership
* How faith should shape the way we treat people at work
* Why avoiding hard conversations is not loving leadership
* The importance of consistency in leadership
* How to approach conflict resolution with wisdom and humility
* Why leaders need to keep growing and learning
* How networking and relationships open unexpected doors

If you are a leader, HR professional, pastor, ministry leader, or someone who wants to grow in communication and conflict resolution, this episode will give you practical tools and encouragement.

Learn more about Faith Driven Leadership:
https://faithdrivenleadership.co

Connect with Nathan Thompson:
https://faithdrivenleadership.co/nathan-thompson

Subscribe for more conversations on faith, leadership, coaching, and practical tools to help you lead with clarity, grow with purpose, and change what really matters.

▶️ Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:29 Nathan Career Journey
03:28 Retail Roots and Service Mindset
07:00 Golden Rule and Employee Advocacy
09:08 Mentors and Dad Influence
11:04 Faith Shaping Leadership
13:32 Youth Ministry and Communication Skills
15:41 Tough Love and Hard Conversations
21:09 Hard Lesson Communication Clarity
23:53 Clear Expectations and Recap Habits
29:00 Teaching Back to Confirm Understanding
30:25 Toolkits That Teach
31:12 The Growth Question
32:48 Staying Sharp In HR
34:00 Networking That Matters
37:21 Passing On Practical Tools
40:36 Rapid Fire Leadership Picks
47:08 Conflict Resolution Basics
52:14 Final Takeaway And Sendoff

Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin

Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea

Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership

Follow me here:
Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin 

How can you lead with clarity when you don’t have all the answers?

In this episode of Faith Driven Leadership, Jonathan Hankin sits down with Hayley Huls to discuss her journey from an entry-level position to managing a team. Hayley shares how mentorship, a culture of professional development, and her faith shaped her growth as a leader.

Their conversation explores the tension between pursuing excellence and avoiding pride, remaining spiritually grounded under pressure, and guiding a team through organizational change. Hayley also explains how leaders can communicate honestly without oversharing—and why authenticity may be one of the healthiest ways to lead.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why professional growth cannot be forced
• How faith transforms our understanding of work and success
• Practical ways to remain spiritually healthy under stress
• How to communicate clearly during uncertainty and change
• The difference between honesty and complete transparency
• How to make decisions when no answer is completely clear
• Why authentic leadership begins with embracing how God has gifted you

Hayley’s final reminder is simple: If God has called you into leadership, ask Him to show you, day by day and moment by moment, how to honor Him through it.

What leadership lesson stood out to you? Share it in the comments.

Please like this episode, subscribe to the channel, and share it with another leader who would benefit from the conversation.

▶️ Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:41 Hayley’s Leadership Journey
01:37 Mentorship and Growth Culture
04:01 Motivation to Develop
07:18 Faith and Work Disconnect
10:15 Excellence vs. Pride
12:50 Spiritual Health Under Stress
14:59 Leading Through Change
21:00 Communication as a Leader
22:41 Leadership Communication Gaps
22:52 Transparency Without Oversharing
26:37 Setting Sharing Boundaries
27:25 Daily Habits That Ground
28:28 Questions for Self-Reflection
29:50 Decisions Without Clear Answers
32:08 Growing in Authentic Leadership
34:08 Adapting to Constant Change
36:28 Advice for Emerging Leaders
39:11 Rapid-Fire Favorites
41:51 Final Takeaway and Sendoff

Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin

Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea

Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership

Follow me here:
Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin 

Are you feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure how to move forward in your leadership journey? In this episode, Heather Hankin shares how faith, self-awareness, transition, coaching, and assessments have shaped her understanding of leadership and personal growth.

Heather talks about growing up in Brazil, serving overseas, walking through burnout, discovering the power of the Highlands Ability Battery, and learning how leadership begins with knowing who you are and how God has uniquely created you.

We discuss servant leadership, the importance of reflection, why leaders need self-awareness, how to navigate transition well, and why asking for help is not a weakness but wisdom.

Whether you are leading a team, navigating a major transition, feeling stuck, or trying to grow personally and spiritually, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, reflect, and take the next step toward growth.

▶️ Learn more about Faith Driven Leadership:
https://faithdrivenleadership.co

▶️ Connect with Heather Hankin:
https://faithdrivenleadership.co/heather-hankin

▶️ Schedule a free discovery call:
https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership

Question: Where do you feel stuck right now, and what kind of help would move you forward?

In This Episode, We Discuss

• Heather’s story and leadership journey
• Growing up in Brazil and serving overseas
• How burnout became a turning point
• Why self-awareness matters for every leader
• The value of the Highlands Ability Battery
• Helping students and adults discover their strengths
• Why transition requires healthy closure
• How leaders can become more reflective
• The danger of leading without self-awareness
• Asking for help without shame
• Servant leadership and Mark 10
• Coaching, assessments, and personal growth
• Why leadership does not need to be lonely

▶️ Chapters
00:00 Meet Heather Hankin

00:28 Her Leadership Journey

03:19 Mentors and Milestones

04:56 Burnout Turning Point

06:57 Highlands Ability Explained

11:41 Burnout Warning Signs

15:19 Faith Redefines Success

16:37 Hard Leadership Lesson

21:05 Coaching Through Transition

23:01 Self Awareness for Leaders

25:44 Tools to Grow Awareness

27:02 Reflective Growth Habits

28:38 Prayerful Decision Making

29:45 Contentment in Transition

30:45 Coaching as Support

32:30 Investing in Yourself

36:22 Go Fast or Far

36:54 Advice to Younger Self

39:21 Rapid Fire Favorites

43:42 Assessments and Openness

44:39 Final Takeaway and Wrap

Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin

Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea

Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership

Follow me here:
Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin 

What does it take to lead with courage, humility, and faith in a high-pressure environment?

In this episode of Faith Driven Leadership, Jonathan Hankin talks with Shane Forbes, a law enforcement leader with more than 29 years of experience. Shane shares how his career shaped his understanding of leadership, trust, accountability, courage, and servant leadership.

Shane reflects on the influential sergeant who taught him how to recognize people’s strengths, give capable officers room to lead, and distinguish between honest mistakes and failures of character. He also explains how his Christian faith challenged him to move beyond dominance, ego, and fear-based leadership toward greater humility, grace, empathy, and sacrifice.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• How to know when someone is ready to be trusted
• Why leaders should develop people instead of micromanaging them
• The difference between mistakes in judgment and failures of character
• Why fear and punishment often produce minimum effort
• How leaders can make difficult decisions and communicate them well
• What servant leadership looks like in demanding environments
• Why “fake it till you make it” is dangerous leadership advice
• How faith changes our understanding of courage and success
• Why leaders must continually grow rather than remain stagnant
• The importance of putting the needs of others ahead of personal ambition

Shane also shares a difficult professional transition that ultimately brought his leadership journey full circle. He is now developing field training officers in a role similar to the one held by the leader who influenced him early in his career.

Whether you lead in law enforcement, business, ministry, a nonprofit, or your own community, this conversation will challenge you to lead with greater courage, competence, humility, and genuine care for others.

KEY TAKEAWAY

Healthy leadership is not built on fear, position, or pretending to have every answer. It is built through trust, humility, sacrifice, clear communication, and a commitment to helping others become better.

LEADERSHIP FUNDAMENTALS

Lead Yourself First
Communicate with Clarity
Build Strong Relationships
Empower and Develop Others
Lead Change and Deliver Results

▶️ Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction
00:47 From Law School to Patrol
03:21 The Sergeant Who Shaped Shane’s Leadership
06:01 How to Give People Freedom to Lead
07:23 Building Trust and Recognizing Team Strengths
14:36 How Faith Influences Leadership
19:43 Balancing Empathy, Justice, and Accountability
25:11 Why Fear-Based Leadership Does Not Work
26:49 A Difficult Leadership Lesson in the Traffic Bureau
31:47 Recognizing When a Role Is Not the Right Fit
33:07 Mission Trips, Brotherhood, and Trust
35:06 Bringing His Leadership Journey Full Circle
37:45 Brotherhood and Bible Study in Law Enforcement
39:07 What Leaders Are Getting Wrong Today
41:17 Making Difficult Decisions Through Communication
43:15 Adapting from Operator to Supervisor
46:41 Advice to His Younger Self
48:36 What Emerging Leaders Need Most
51:23 Rapid-Fire Leadership Favorites
52:59 Romans 8, Faith, and Courage
56:23 Leadership Myths and Final Advice

LEARN MORE

Visit FaithDrivenLeadership.co for leadership coaching, assessments, workshops, podcast episodes, and practical resources designed to help you grow as a leader.

Subscribe to Faith Driven Leadership for more practical conversations about integrating faith, leadership, character, and everyday work.

What is one leadership lesson from Shane’s story that you can apply this week? Share it in the comments.

Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin

Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea

Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership

Follow me here:
Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin 

Are you struggling to integrate your faith into your leadership or wondering how to lead with greater purpose and authenticity? In this episode, Evan Nichols shares how shifting from self-centered success to kingdom-minded leadership transformed his career, relationships, and approach to leading others.

In this conversation, Evan shares how his leadership journey moved from achievement, advancement, and personal success toward stewardship, service, and a kingdom mindset. From Toyota and Snap-on Tools to Hollywood and nonprofit operations, Evan’s story shows how faith can reshape the way we lead, work, make decisions, and build culture.

We talk about identity in Christ, rejecting “fake it till you make it,” work-life intentionality, leading with prayer, and why healthy culture starts with humble, disciplined leadership.

Whether you lead a team, organization, ministry, or business, this episode will help you think more intentionally about how your faith, values, and leadership come together in everyday life.

Subscribe for more conversations on faith, leadership, coaching, and personal growth.
https://faithdrivenleadership.co/

Question: What is the biggest challenge you face in balancing your work and your faith?

In this episode, we discuss:
• What faith-driven leadership means to Evan
• How Toyota, Snap-on, and Hollywood shaped his leadership
• The difference between achievement and stewardship
• Why “fake it till you make it” can damage identity
• How identity in Christ changes the way we lead
• Work-life intentionality and the danger of misplaced priorities
• Why culture drives results
• How leaders can stay humble, disciplined, and open to learning
• The importance of prayer, daily rhythms, and big rocks

Learn more about Faith Driven Leadership:
https://faithdrivenleadership.co

Connect with Evan Nickols:
https://faithdrivenleadership.co/evan-nickols

Subscribe for more conversations on faith, leadership, coaching, and practical tools to help you lead with clarity, grow with purpose, and change what really matters.

▶️ Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and Meaning
01:31 Early Life and Toyota
02:42 Snap-on Franchise Success
03:42 Hollywood Career Shift
04:57 Faith and Leaving California
07:59 Leadership Style and Process
10:42 Creativity and Adaptation
13:04 Faith Changes Leadership
15:18 Rejecting Fake It
17:00 Identity and Imposter Syndrome
18:55 Work-Life Balance
23:39 Discipline and Rhythms
25:21 Heart Posture Shift
26:22 Culture Drives Results
28:22 Turning Culture Around
31:47 Lead With Prayer
34:03 Imposter Syndrome Tools
36:59 No Shortcuts Process
38:53 Coaching and Promotion
42:46 Routines and Big Rocks
45:37 Advice and Wrap-Up

Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin

Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea

Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership

Follow me here:
Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin 

Are you doing great work, but not getting recognized, promoted, or compensated the way you should?

In this episode of Change Agent Leadership, I sit down with Dr. Lisa Hale to unpack the real reason behind the “confidence gap.”

Here’s the truth:

It’s not just about confidence.

It’s about how clearly your value is understood inside your organization.

Together, we explore:

• Why high-performing leaders (especially women) undersell their impact
• The difference between confidence and strategy
• How unclear roles and expectations create hidden leadership gaps
• A powerful tool called the Evidence Ladder to make your value visible
• Practical ways to connect your work to real business outcomes
• How leaders (men and women) can better advocate for themselves and others

This episode is packed with practical leadership coaching you can apply immediately—whether you’re preparing for a performance review, seeking a promotion, or simply trying to lead more effectively.

If you’ve ever thought:

“I’m doing everything right—why isn’t it translating into results?”

This episode is for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The confidence gap is often a visibility gap, not a capability gap
• If your value isn’t legible at the decision level, it won’t scale
• Leaders often communicate effort instead of impact
• Clear, measurable outcomes build credibility faster than charisma
• Journaling your impact creates long-term leverage in reviews and promotions
• Leaders must actively define and communicate their role’s value—not wait for clarity

▶️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:29 What Is the Confidence Gap?

04:18 Reframing Confidence as Strategy

06:59 Case Study: Making Value Visible

20:25 How Men Can Help Bridge the Gap

21:10 The Evidence Ladder Tool

48:11 Practical Next Steps

54:11 Closing Thoughts

Reach out to Dr. Lisa Hale: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaehale/

Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin

Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea

Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership

Follow me here:
Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin 

In this episode of Change Agent Leadership, I address a critical moment all leaders face: recognizing when growth slows down or habits become stale, signaling the need for transformation. Drawing inspiration from Nancy Duarte and Patti Sanchez’s book 'Illuminate,' I introduce the concept of the '(re) Dream' stage, a crucial phase where leaders can rejuvenate their vision and energy. 

The episode covers how to identify signs of stagnation, the importance of 're' dreaming for personal and organizational growth, and practical steps to implement this strategy. I encourage you to reflect on your current positions, recognize areas needing revitalization, and take proactive steps to enter a new era of leadership.

▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d9vG4-dDyXM

▶️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Change Agent Leadership

00:50 Recognizing the Need to (Re) Dream

02:16 Understanding the Bell Curve of Growth

04:57 Signs of Maturity and Approaching Decline

10:01 Practical Steps to (Re) Dream

16:27 The Role of a Torch Bearer

19:01 Weekly Challenge and Final Thoughts

You’ll learn:

• Why maturity isn’t the finish line—and what to do when momentum plateaus
• How to spot the signs that you’re drifting instead of growing
• How to apply the (re)Dream framework to your spiritual life, health, relationships, and leadership
• Four practical questions to help you re-dream your next era

Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin

Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea

Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership

Follow me here:
Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin 

Are you leading… or just managing?

A lot of managers today are functioning as followers — following the system, the checklist, the policies — and never stepping into the leadership their people actually need.

In this episode, we break down the eight essential insights that separate leaders from followers and give you five practical shifts to help your team thrive.

If you want your team to feel supported, aligned, developed, and empowered — this episode is for you.

▶️Watch the video: https://youtu.be/7M9RiSDHXRw

▶️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: Manager vs. Leader

01:59 Insight 1: Managers Follow, Leaders Lead

04:27 Insight 2: Leading People, Not Just Tasks

06:41 Insight 3: Continuous Improvement

08:29 Insight 4: Leadership as a Creative Act

10:07 Insight 5: Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

15:05 Insight 6: Moving People Forward

16:13 Insight 7: Taking Responsibility

17:00 Insight 8: Leadership is a Choice

18:06 Practical Shifts from Follower to Leader

23:29 Conclusion and Call to Action 

Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin

Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea

Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership

Follow me here:
Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin 

In this episode, I sit down with leadership coach and author Jenni Catron to unpack Culture Matters: A Framework for Helping Your Team Grow, Thrive, and Be Unstoppable. 

We explore why culture must be built by design rather than left to default, how leaders can honestly assess their current culture, and practical ways to turn values from words on a wall into lived behaviors. 

Jenni walks through her five-phase framework—Assess, Define, Build, Equip, Commit—and shares actionable tools (Values Grid, Employee Journey Grid) to embed culture into daily rhythms. 

Whether you lead a nonprofit, church, or business, this conversation helps you clarify, reinforce, and sustain a healthy culture.

Key Takeaways
• You already have a culture—ask: Is it the one you want?
• Early teams may “catch” culture by proximity, but growth requires intentional definition and design.
• Leadership leakage is real: what leaders do shapes culture more than what they say.
• Think patience and persistence, culture is a slow build that becomes momentum.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:49 Jenny's Journey to Leadership and Culture
03:19 The Importance of Intentional Culture
06:58 Assessing Your Current Culture
15:05 Defining Your Values
20:42 Building Culture Through Systems and Rhythms
25:39 The Importance of Patience in Leadership
26:39 Developing and Resourcing Your Team
28:44 Equipping Leaders to Reinforce Culture
32:12 Commitment to Culture Over the Long Haul
37:07 Leadership Leakage: Unintentional Cultural Influences
39:26 Starting Your Culture Transformation Journey
42:44 Common Pitfalls in Changing Culture
46:00 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Culture

Jenni Catron — Culture Matters: A Framework for Helping Your Team Grow, Thrive, and Be Unstoppable. Visit culturemattersbook.com for free resources and tools.

Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin

Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea

Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership

Follow me here:
Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin 

Leaders get into trouble when they treat HR as compliance or as a fire extinguisher. Jonathan and risk advisor Kevin Norton outline how to make HR a strategic ally—reducing legal exposure, strengthening culture, and improving outcomes. 

Highlights

• HR belongs at the strategy table; involve them early on org design, promotions, and separations.
• Consistency and documentation are your best legal and cultural defenses.
• Proactive steps: annual handbook/legal review, EPLI coverage, secure files, manager training, clear complaint paths.
• Hiring/onboarding shape retention; slow down to validate culture fit and set expectations well.
• Volunteers need boundaries and training; protect confidentiality and limit scope.
• “At-will” isn’t a blank check—verbal promises and inconsistent practices create risk.
• Fast vs. deliberate action: consider suspension/investigation when appropriate.

Try this (leader toolkit)

• Schedule a 60-minute HR alignment: clarify HR’s role, escalation paths, and documentation standards.
• Audit your handbook and complaint process; update with local counsel.
• Train managers on a one-page documentation flow: expectation → observation → conversation → written note → follow-up.
• Add a simple PIP template with goals, support, timelines, and signatures.

Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin

Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea

Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership

Follow me here:
Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin