What if one of the biggest things holding you back as a leader is believing you’re supposed to have the answer?

In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Joni Fedders, President and CEO of Aileron, for a conversation about vision, self-leadership, creating space to think, and what it really takes to help people and organizations grow.

After more than two decades leading Aileron, Joni has seen the power of a clear vision play out across hundreds of privately held businesses—and in her own life. She shares why a vision should be more than words on a wall, how it changes the way you show up today, and why leaders need to intentionally get out of the urgent and immediate if they want to think differently about the future.

Tony and Joni also explore the influence of her longtime mentor and Aileron founder Clay Mathile, the unexpected career path she believes was guided by the Holy Spirit, and the coaching lesson that transformed the way she leads: the person sitting across from you doesn’t need you to have the perfect answer. They need you to help them discover theirs.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Coaching Question

Where are you trying to provide the answer when your leadership would be more powerful if you asked a better question?

Joni Fedders + Aileron Summit

Joni Fedders is President and CEO of Aileron, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping privately held businesses build healthier organizations through professional management, leadership development, coaching, and community. She has led Aileron since 2003 and has spent decades helping business owners and leaders grow themselves as they grow their organizations.

Aileron Summit brings business owners, CEOs, presidents, and their teams together to step away from the day-to-day, connect with other leaders who understand the weight of leadership, and create space for meaningful conversations about building healthier businesses.

There’s still time to register and join Tony at Summit.

Learn more: aileron.org

Integrated Leader Mastermind — Applications Open

Strong leaders weren't meant to lead alone.

Tony Miltenberger and Trey Tucker are bringing together 12 Christian men for a six-month mastermind focused on growing professionally, personally, and spiritually alongside other leaders committed to doing the same.

Learn more and apply:

leader-integrated-cohort.replit.app

Connect with Tony Miltenberger

Website: twmilt.com

12 Questions: follow2leadbenchmark.com

YouTube: youtube.com/@twmilt

Substack: twmilt.substack.com

Instagram: @twmilt | @follow2lead

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Download the free SEEDS app and take one small step today: plant your first seed and see what God can grow.

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What have you already decided you could never do—before you’ve even explored what might be possible?

In this episode of the podcast, Tony Miltenberger welcomes back bestselling author, podcaster, entrepreneur, and longtime friend Annie F. Downs for a conversation about vision, leadership, risk, relationships, and what happens when we stop allowing “no” to be our first answer.

As Annie prepares to release her new book, Don’t Let That Hold You Back, she shares why hearing people repeatedly say, “I could never do that,” made her start questioning the limits we place on our own lives. Sometimes the door you thought you were heading toward will close—but taking the next step may reveal doors you couldn’t see from where you started.

Tony and Annie also get candid about leading through major life change, protecting a God-given vision without softening it to keep everyone happy, surrounding yourself with people who expand your thinking, knowing when to end something that’s still successful, and learning to hold the things you build with open hands.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Coaching Question

Where have you already told yourself “I could never” without first asking, “Could I?”

Connect with Annie F. Downs

Annie F. Downs is a bestselling author, podcaster, speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of the That Sounds Fun Network. Her new book, Don’t Let That Hold You Back, releases September 15 and challenges readers to examine what has kept them from becoming who God created them to be.

Website: anniefdowns.com

Don’t Let That Hold You Back: dontletthatholdyouback.com

Integrated Leader Mastermind — Applications Open

Strong leaders weren't meant to lead alone.

Tony Miltenberger and Trey Tucker are bringing together 12 Christian men for a six-month mastermind focused on growing professionally, personally, and spiritually alongside other leaders committed to doing the same.

Learn more and apply:

leader-integrated-cohort.replit.app

Connect with Tony Miltenberger

Website: twmilt.com

12 Questions: follow2leadbenchmark.com

YouTube: youtube.com/@twmilt

Substack: twmilt.substack.com

Instagram: @twmilt | @follow2lead

SEEDS

Download the free SEEDS app and take one small step today: plant your first seed and see what God can grow.

Please check out our sponsor:

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Are you actually leading your organization toward the future—or just getting really good at managing today?

In this episode of the podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with longtime leadership expert, bestselling author, and former Chick-fil-A executive Mark Miller to talk about two responsibilities leaders can’t afford to delegate: casting vision and creating alignment.

Mark explains why so many leaders struggle to articulate where they’re going, why knowing exactly how you’ll get there isn’t a prerequisite for casting vision, and what it takes to get an entire organization moving toward the same preferred future.

Tony and Mark also dig into the leadership discipline of margin, the power of storytelling, personal development planning, and the lessons Mark learned through decades of working alongside Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Coaching Question

What leadership work are you neglecting because the urgent work keeps winning?

Connect with Mark Miller

Mark Miller is an author, speaker, leadership coach, and former Chick-fil-A executive whose work is dedicated to serving and developing leaders. His latest release is the fourth edition of The Secret, co-authored with Ken Blanchard.

Lead Every Day: leadeveryday.com
The Secret: https://a.co/d/02PZvYst

Integrated Leader Mastermind — Applications Open

Strong leaders weren't meant to lead alone.

Tony Miltenberger and Trey Tucker are bringing together 12 Christian men for a six-month mastermind focused on growing professionally, personally, and spiritually alongside other leaders committed to doing the same.

Learn more and apply:
leader-integrated-cohort.replit.app/

Connect with Tony Miltenberger

Website: twmilt.com
12 Questions: follow2leadbenchmark.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt
Substack: twmilt.substack.com
Instagram: @twmilt | @follow2lead

Please check out our sponsors:

SEEDS: Download the free SEEDS app and take one small step today: plant your first seed and see what God can grow.

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#470: Monika Kirkland — When You're Called to It but Can't Keep Carrying It

What happens when you know God called you to something—but you’re exhausted trying to carry it?

In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with author, podcaster, and speaker Monika Kirkland to talk about overwhelm, surrender, spiritual disciplines, and what happens when high-capacity leaders begin relying on their own strength.

Monika shares the wake-up call that forced her to reevaluate a very full life. She couldn’t simply walk away from her work, family, or responsibilities. Instead, she had to learn how to carry the same things from a different posture—moving from striving and self-reliance toward surrender and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Tony and Monika also explore storytelling, creativity, discerning God’s voice, navigating seasons when He feels distant, and the message behind Monika’s book, Ever With You.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Coaching Question

Where are you trying to carry a God-given calling in your own strength?

Connect with Monika Kirkland

Monika Kirkland is an author, podcaster, and speaker whose work explores intimacy with God and what it means to live an integrated life of faith. Her new book, Ever With You, is about becoming fully awake to the God who is near.

Website: monikakirkland.com
Instagram: @monikakirkland

Integrated Leader Mastermind — Applications Open

Strong leaders weren't meant to lead alone.

Tony Miltenberger and Trey Tucker are bringing together 12 Christian men for a six-month mastermind focused on growing professionally, personally, and spiritually alongside other leaders committed to doing the same.

Learn more and apply:
leader-integrated-cohort.replit.app/

Connect with Tony Miltenberger

Website: twmilt.com
12 Questions: follow2leadbenchmark.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt
Substack: twmilt.substack.com
Instagram: @twmilt | @follow2lead

Please check out our sponsors:

EBEB Solutions
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That Sounds Fun Network
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Here is the application to the Integrated Leader Mastermind.

What if the answer to feeling overwhelmed isn't doing more—but getting clearer about what was yours to do in the first place?

In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with longtime executive coach, author, and leadership advisor Dr. Stephen Graves to talk about building a life and leadership that flourish over time.

After nearly four decades of coaching CEOs, founders, and executives, Steve has learned that great leaders don't try to be great at everything. They learn to distinguish between God-given assignments and good opportunities, surround themselves with trusted voices, make wise choices consistently, and recognize what each season requires.

Tony and Steve also explore partnership, learning to say no, managing yourself well, and Steve's countercultural perspective that aging isn't a problem to be solved.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Coaching Question

Where in your life do you need to surrender a little control and realize this isn't a problem to be solved?

Connect with Dr. Stephen Graves

Dr. Stephen Graves is an executive coach, author, strategist, and founder of Cornerstone Group.

Website: stephenrgraves.com
Cornerstone Group: cornerstoneco.com

Integrated Leader Mastermind — Applications Open

Strong leaders weren't meant to lead alone.

Tony Miltenberger and Trey Tucker are bringing together 12 Christian men for a six-month mastermind focused on growing professionally, personally, and spiritually alongside other leaders committed to doing the same.

Learn more and apply:
leader-integrated-cohort.replit.app/

Connect with Tony Miltenberger

Website: twmilt.com
12 Questions: follow2leadbenchmark.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt
Substack: twmilt.substack.com
Instagram: @twmilt | @follow2lead

Please check out our sponsors:

EBEB Solutions
https://www.ebebsolutions.com/

That Sounds Fun Network
https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/

Follow 2 Lead Coaching
https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com

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Who really knows you—not your title, your responsibilities, or the version of you that shows up to lead, but you?

In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger welcomes back counselor, author, and speaker Trey Tucker for a conversation about what leaders need when the weight of leadership starts to feel heavy. They explore everything from silence and solitude to mentoring the next generation, building meaningful friendships, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to grow.

Trey explains why our brains need space from the constant stream of information we consume, why leaders may be running from the very thoughts and emotions they need to process, and how even a few minutes of intentional silence can begin to change the way we show up. As Trey puts it, choosing short-term discomfort can lead to long-term peace.

Tony and Trey also announce the Integrated Leader Mastermind, a new six-month experience designed to give a small group of Christian men a place to grow professionally, personally, and spiritually alongside other leaders who are committed to becoming more integrated versions of themselves.

If you're leading a business, nonprofit, church, school, or executive team, this conversation is a reminder that strength doesn't mean doing leadership alone. The right people in your corner can help you grow faster, lead healthier, and last longer.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Coaching Question

How are you doing with silence? Take an honest look at where God may be calling you to create more space—and what silence could look like in this season of your life.

Connect with Trey Tucker

Trey Tucker is a counselor, author, speaker, and founder of Rugged Counseling. Through his work, Trey helps people better understand mental health, relationships, faith, and what it looks like to live a healthy, integrated life.

Please check out our sponsors:

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Connect with Tony:

Follow2Lead Coaching
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https://twmilt.substack.com/

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https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/

https://www.instagram.com/follow2lead/

Check out our YouTube page
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What if feeling overwhelmed isn't a sign you're failing—but a sign you're growing?

In this episode of the Follow2Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with author, pastor, and leadership expert Eric Geiger to unpack one of the biggest misconceptions leaders face today: burnout and overwhelm are not the same thing. While burnout can drain your passion and purpose, seasons of healthy overwhelm often become the catalyst for your greatest growth.

Drawing from his new book The Rooted Leader, Eric shares practical wisdom on building leadership rhythms that help you weather storms, embrace challenges without being crushed, and lead from a place of deep spiritual and personal health.

If you're leading a business, nonprofit, church, school, or executive team, this conversation will help you develop greater resilience, steward your influence well, and build the kind of leadership that lasts.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Coaching Question

Is your current season stretching your leadership—or slowly draining it? What would change if you viewed your overwhelm as an opportunity to grow instead of a problem to escape?

Connect with Eric Geiger

Eric Geiger is the Senior Pastor of Mariners Church in Southern California and the author of The Rooted Leader. He is a trusted voice on Christian leadership, organizational health, and developing leaders who thrive through every season.

Please check out our sponsors:

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Connect with Tony:

Follow2Lead Coaching
https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com

Formed in the Tension Substack:

https://twmilt.substack.com/

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/

https://www.instagram.com/follow2lead/

Check out our YouTube page
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Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
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What if your greatest leadership challenge isn't your strategy, your team, or your circumstances—but the story you're telling yourself?

In this special episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, we're sharing Tony Miltenberger's guest appearance on the Culture Is an Inside Job podcast. In this thought-provoking conversation, Tony joins the hosts to explore why emotional maturity is one of the greatest leadership advantages you can develop—and how doing the inner work changes the way you lead others.

Drawing from his book Wisdom in the Wound, his executive coaching experience, and his own personal journey, Tony explains why feelings are meant to inform us, not lead us. He shares practical tools for recognizing emotional triggers, responding with intention instead of reaction, and building healthier relationships at work and at home.

If you're leading a business, nonprofit, church, school, or executive team, this conversation will help you grow in self-awareness, strengthen your leadership, and create a culture where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why great leaders don't let feelings drive the car.

How unresolved wounds quietly shape your leadership and influence your decisions.

Why feelings are decision points—not decision makers.

How curiosity and empathy create healthier teams and stronger workplace cultures.

Why emotional awareness is one of the greatest leadership advantages you can develop.

A practical coaching question to help you lead with greater clarity, wisdom, and purpose.

Coaching Question

Where was the last time your emotional intensity spiked above a six—and what might that reaction reveal about you instead of the other person?

Connect with Tony Miltenberger

Tony Miltenberger is an executive coach, speaker, and founder of Follow 2 Lead Coaching. He helps Christian executives, business owners, and organizational leaders build healthier cultures, strengthen trust, and lead with greater clarity and purpose.

Website: https://www.twmilt.com

Executive Coaching: https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com

Instagram: @twmilt

Substack: https://twmilt.substack.com/

Please check out our sponsors:

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That Sounds Fun Network:

https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/

Follow 2 Lead Coaching

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Tony on Instagram

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Check out our YouTube page

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Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

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How do great leaders build trust when their team has been through disappointment, uncertainty, or change?

In this solo episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger shares a deeply personal story about a devastating ACL injury that sidelined him for years—and how finally running two miles again revealed one of the most important leadership lessons he's ever learned.

The finish line wasn't the victory. The daily decisions, trusted coaches, and consistent investments along the way were.

Tony explains why trust isn't built through authority, vision statements, or one-time team retreats. It's built one small, faithful decision at a time.

If you're leading a business, nonprofit, church, school, or executive team, this episode offers practical coaching for creating a culture where people feel trusted, valued, and equipped to do their best work.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Coaching Question

What would your team look like one year from now if you started doing the trust work today?

Connect with Tony Miltenberger

Tony Miltenberger is an executive coach, speaker, and founder of Follow 2 Lead Coaching. He helps Christian executives, business owners, and organizational leaders build healthier cultures, strengthen trust, and lead with greater clarity and purpose.

Please check out our sponsors:

EBEB Solutions

https://www.ebebsolutions.com/

That Sounds Fun Network:

https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/

Follow 2 Lead Coaching

https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com

Tony on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/

Check out our YouTube page

https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt

Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-2-lead-a-christian-leaders-podcast/id1429933082

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What earns trust when you're leading people who aren't sure they should follow you?

In Episode 464 of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Scott Smith, Superintendent of Troy Christian Schools, to explore one of the most overlooked principles of Christian executive leadership: people don't trust leaders because of their title—they trust leaders because of their presence.

Scott shares the lessons he learned stepping into leadership over former teachers, navigating the loss of a mentor, casting vision through organizational change, and building a culture rooted in faith, trust, and clear expectations.

Together, Tony and Scott discuss:

Whether you lead a business, nonprofit, church, school, or executive team, this conversation offers practical coaching for building influence that lasts.

Coaching Question:

Where do you need to be more present as a leader?

Connect with Scott Smith

Scott Smith
Superintendent, Troy Christian Schools

Please check out our sponsors:

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Tony on Instagram

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Check out our YouTube page

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Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

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