Follow 2 Lead: A Christian Leaders Podcast

Follow 2 Lead: A Christian Leaders Podcast

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Follow 2 Lead: A Christian Leaders Podcast episodes

  • #478: Jedd Medefind — Your Phone Is Costing You More Than You Think

    What if your phone isn't just stealing your time, but quietly changing the way you lead, think, and connect with the people who matter most?


    In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Jedd Medefind, president of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) and author of Rule Your Tech So It Won't Rule You, for a conversation about technology, attention, spiritual formation, and the hidden costs of constant connectivity.


    Jedd believes one of the greatest gifts a leader can offer is their presence. Not simply showing up, but bringing a sense of calm, hope, and genuine attentiveness to the people around them. Unfortunately, the technology we rely on every day is making that increasingly difficult.


    Drawing from research, personal experience, and his work leading a global network of Christian organizations, Jedd explores how our devices influence our ability to focus, maintain healthy relationships, and experience peace. He also shares why technology itself isn't the enemy—and how small, intentional boundaries can help us reclaim what matters most.


    From phone-free bedrooms to team-wide spiritual practices, this conversation offers practical encouragement for leaders who want to use technology wisely without allowing it to shape their priorities.


    In this episode, you'll discover:

    • Why your presence may be the most valuable gift you offer as a leader.
    • How constant connectivity can undermine focus, calm, and meaningful relationships.
    • The three ways technology affects us: content, displacement, and brain formation.
    • Why technology boundaries matter for adults just as much as children.
    • How to recognize when your devices are making decisions about your attention.
    • What Jedd learned about leadership and collaboration while serving in the White House.
    • How shared spiritual practices can strengthen an organization's culture.
    • Why keeping your phone out of the bedroom can make a meaningful difference.
    • How small, consistent choices can help you become a more attentive, grounded, and Christ-centered leader.

    • Coaching Question

      What is one boundary you could establish with technology this week that would help you become more fully present with God, your family, or the people you lead?


      Connect with Jedd Medefind

      Jedd Medefind serves as president of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), a collaborative network of organizations committed to caring for vulnerable children. Previously, he served in the George W. Bush administration, including at the White House, helping advance the Faith-Based and Community Initiative.

      His book, Rule Your Tech So It Won't Rule You, explores how intentional technology choices can protect our attention, relationships, and well-being.

      CAFO Website: https://cafo.org/

      Book: Rule Your Tech So It Won't Rule You — Available on Amazon


      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:

      https://leader-integrated-cohort.replit.app/


      Connect with Tony Miltenberger

      Website: https://www.twmilt.com/

      12 Questions: https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com/

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

      Substack: https://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/

      Apple Podcasts

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


      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

      49 min
    • #477: Ryan Miller — What If Your Ambition Is Getting in God's Way?

      What happens when the thing you're working so hard to build becomes the very thing God is asking you to surrender?


      In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with author, speaker, and coach Ryan Miller for a conversation about ambition, identity, surrender, and the surprising power of meekness in Christian leadership.


      Ryan knows what it's like to chase a big vision. In his twenties, he was on the verge of a major Hollywood deal for a multimillion-dollar film project. Then, at the height of its momentum, he made the difficult decision to walk away. What followed were years of financial uncertainty, failed ventures, and a painful confrontation with an identity built around achievement.


      But in that wilderness season, Ryan began discovering something that would change the way he understood leadership: meekness isn't weakness. It's strength surrendered to God.


      Drawing from his new book, Meek as a Mustang, Ryan shares how the process of taming wild horses became a powerful picture of discipleship, trust, and the freedom that comes from letting God lead. Tony and Ryan also explore the importance of spiritual rhythms, discerning whose voices to trust, protecting your priorities, and recognizing when even good ambitions have become distractions.


      In this episode, you'll discover:

      • Why ambition and achievement can quietly become the foundation of your identity.
      • How to recognize when you're pursuing your own success instead of God's direction.
      • What walking away from a major opportunity taught Ryan about surrender.
      • Why meekness is a leadership virtue, not a personality type or a sign of weakness.
      • How seasons of failure and uncertainty can reshape your understanding of success.
      • Why spiritual disciplines should deepen your relationship with God rather than become another performance metric.
      • How to discern which mentors and voices deserve influence in your life.
      • Why healthy boundaries are essential to leading and loving others well.
      • What it means to develop leaders who seek God's presence more than personal recognition.

      • Coaching Question

        Where might your ambition be getting in the way of your obedience—and what would it look like to surrender that area of your leadership to God?


        Connect with Ryan Miller

        Ryan Miller is an author, speaker, and coach passionate about sharing stories that point people toward Jesus. His book, Meek as a Mustang, explores how surrender, trust, and meekness can transform the way we live and lead.

        Website: https://jesuspeoplemovement.org/

        Instagram: @ryan_miller


        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:

        https://leader-integrated-cohort.replit.app/


        Connect with Tony Miltenberger

        Website: https://www.twmilt.com/

        12 Questions: https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com/

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

        Substack: https://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/

        Apple Podcasts

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

        Learn more about your ad choices.

        Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

        59 min
      • #476: Peter Hiskey — You Can’t Develop Leaders If You’ve Stopped Developing Yourself

        You want to develop better leaders. But are you still developing yourself?


        In this episode, Tony sits down with Peter Hiskey for an in-person conversation about developing leaders, remaining a lifelong learner, discerning God’s call, and continuing to grow in every season of life.


        Peter has spent decades discipling and developing people in the world of professional golf, carrying forward a ministry that began when his father started gathering PGA Tour players for Bible study more than 60 years ago. His approach to developing leaders starts with something simple: never stop being a learner yourself.


        Tony and Peter also explore the major transitions that have shaped Peter’s life—from leaving a successful 25-year career with Ping to following God into ministry, to building The Saltire House at St. Andrews, to climbing Kilimanjaro, to taking on one of his biggest assignments at an age when many people are thinking about retirement. Through it all, Peter has learned to keep asking where God is leading, stay aligned with his wife, and remain willing to move when the answer comes. 


        In this episode, you’ll discover:

        • Why developing other leaders starts with continuing to develop yourself.
        • How to recognize when someone is ready to lead and learn on their own.
        • Why lifelong learners make better disciplemakers and leaders.
        • How Peter discerned it was time to leave a successful 25-year career.
        • The rhythms Peter and his wife have used for 40 years to stay aligned.
        • Why your calling may require you to surrender your timeline and expectations.
        • What climbing Kilimanjaro taught Peter about faith, fear, and letting go.
        • Why retirement can be less about what you’re leaving and more about what you’re moving toward.
        • How to identify the work you may be uniquely called and equipped to do. 

        • Coaching Question

          If you want the people you lead to keep growing, where do you need to become a learner again?


          Connect with Peter Hiskey

          Peter Hiskey has spent decades discipling and developing people throughout the world of golf. Today, his work includes The Saltire House at St. Andrews, creating opportunities for discipleship, connection, and spiritual formation at the historic home of golf.

          Website: The Saltire House


          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:

          EBEB Solutions

          ebebsolutions.com


          That Sounds Fun Network

          thatsoundsfunnetwork.com


          Follow 2 Lead Coaching

          follow2leadbenchmark.com


          Apple Podcasts

          Follow 2 Lead on Apple Podcasts

          Learn more about your ad choices.


          Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

          49 min
        • #475: Wendy Speake — Build This Spiritual Discipline Before You Need It

          What happens when praising God no longer comes naturally?


          In this episode, Tony  sits down with author, speaker, and Bible teacher Wendy Speake for a deeply personal conversation about praise, perseverance, spiritual disciplines, and learning to trust God when life gets hard.


          For years, praise had been a natural overflow of Wendy’s faith—until she entered a season where life became tremendously difficult. In the middle of feeling physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally broken, Wendy began to discover that praise and thanksgiving aren’t dependent on our circumstances. Sometimes, they become a discipline we choose precisely when we don’t feel like it.


          Wendy shares the unexpected airplane conversation that led her into an “ask fast,” where she temporarily stopped petitioning God for what she wanted and instead focused on praising Him for who He is. That practice became an important part of her healing—and ultimately inspired her new book, A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving.


          Tony and Wendy also explore the daily practices that keep faith rooted, how our thought patterns shape our relationships, what it means to share vulnerably without sharing every detail, and why persevering in our relationship with God matters even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.


          In this episode, you’ll discover:

          • Why praise is a spiritual discipline—not just a response to good circumstances.
          • What an “ask fast” is and how it can shift the way you approach prayer.
          • How to build spiritual disciplines without turning them into shame-filled checklists.
          • Why intentionally focusing on what is true and praiseworthy can reshape your thought patterns.
          • How surrendering control can change the way you relate to the people you love.
          • The important difference between vulnerability and transparency.
          • Why leaders should be thoughtful about sharing wounds that haven’t fully healed.
          • What it looks like to persevere with God when you’re barely persevering in life. 

          • Coaching Question

            What spiritual discipline are you building today that will help anchor you when life gets hard?


            Connect with Wendy Speake

            Wendy Speake is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher whose latest book, A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving, explores what it means to praise God through difficult seasons.


            Website: wendyspeake.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:

            EBEB Solutions

            ebebsolutions.com


            That Sounds Fun Network

            thatsoundsfunnetwork.com


            Follow 2 Lead Coaching

            follow2leadbenchmark.com


            Apple Podcasts

            Follow 2 Lead on Apple Podcasts

            Learn more about your ad choices. 

            Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

            56 min
          • #474: Allison Steele & Rachel Huffman of Emerge Recovery and Trade Initiative — Stop Mistaking Agreement for Alignment

            What if everyone on your team is saying yes—but you’re not actually aligned?


            In this episode, Tony Miltenberger sits down with real-life friends Allison Steele and Rachel Huffman of Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative to talk about what it takes to build a team that can move in the same direction without avoiding the hard conversations along the way.


            Rachel shares a recent realization from Emerge’s leadership team: they were good at making decisions and moving forward, but sometimes they were acting like “good soldiers” instead of spending enough time in healthy conflict. Real alignment requires more than agreement—it requires trust, curiosity, honest conversation, and a willingness to stay at the table when perspectives differ.


            Tony, Rachel, and Allison also explore leading through rapid growth, navigating relationships with founders, discerning God’s direction, and Allison’s approach of simply doing the “next one right thing.” And they get personal about the relationship they’ve built as leaders—one where disagreement is safe, hard conversations are possible, and neither has to lead alone.


            In this episode, you’ll discover:

            • Why agreement and alignment aren’t the same thing.
            • How healthy conflict can actually strengthen a leadership team.
            • Why curiosity is a leadership muscle worth developing.
            • How core values create clarity around hiring, decisions, goals, and accountability.
            • What it looks like to lead an organization when the founders are still involved.
            • Why Allison focuses on the “next one right thing” instead of figuring out the whole path.
            • How trust creates the safety leaders need to disagree and grow.
            • Why great leaders weren’t meant to lead alone.

            • Coaching Question

              Where might your team be settling for agreement when you need to spend more time building real alignment?


              Connect with Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative

              Emerge Recovery & Trade helps people build healthy, sustainable lives through an integrated ecosystem of behavioral health services, supportive housing, and workforce development—including its on-site Trades Institute.

              Website: https://emergerecoverytrade.com/about


              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:

              EBEB Solutions

              ebebsolutions.com


              That Sounds Fun Network

              thatsoundsfunnetwork.com


              Follow 2 Lead Coaching

              follow2leadbenchmark.com


              Apple Podcasts

              Follow 2 Lead on Apple Podcasts

              Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

              51 min
            • #473: Joni Fedders — If You’re Too Busy to Think, You’re Too Busy to Lead

              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:

              • Why a vision is a “dream with a plan”—and why you have to keep working it.
              • How shifting from “I want” to “I am” can change the way you show up.
              • Why your vision doesn’t have to be perfect before you start moving toward it.
              • How creating physical and mental space helps leaders escape the urgent and think bigger.
              • Why Joni came to see leadership and business as a vocation.
              • What one mentor taught her about humility, self-awareness, and leading through deeply held values.
              • Why great coaching starts with empowering questions instead of advice.
              • How busyness can keep leaders from becoming aware of what’s really happening inside them.
              • Why growth in your organization and growth in yourself can’t be separated.

              • 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


                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:

                EBEB Solutions

                ebebsolutions.com


                That Sounds Fun Network

                thatsoundsfunnetwork.com


                Follow 2 Lead Coaching

                follow2leadbenchmark.com


                Apple Podcasts

                Follow 2 Lead on Apple Podcasts

                Learn more about your ad choices. 

                Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                51 min
              • #472: Annie F. Downs — Stop Letting “I Could Never” Make Your Decisions

                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:

                • Why softening your vision can actually make alignment harder.
                • What Annie has learned about leading a company while preparing for marriage.
                • How to build a personal “board of directors” that expands your thinking.
                • Why the people you need around you may change as your life changes.
                • How Annie knew it was time to sunset something that was still successful.
                • Why “no” usually shouldn’t be your answer before you’ve explored what’s possible.
                • What Seth Godin taught Annie about leadership, learning, and expanding an idea.
                • How Don’t Let That Hold You Back challenges the stories keeping us from taking the next step.

                • 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:

                  EBEB Solutions

                  ebebsolutions.com


                  That Sounds Fun Network

                  thatsoundsfunnetwork.com


                  Follow 2 Lead Coaching

                  follow2leadbenchmark.com


                  Apple Podcasts

                  Follow 2 Lead on Apple Podcasts

                  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                  1 hr 1 min
                • #471: Mark Miller — How to Stop Managing for Today and Start Leading for Tomorrow

                  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:

                  • Why leadership begins with a clear picture of the future.
                  • How to create alignment through role modeling, storytelling, and strategic repetition.
                  • Why leaders need to delegate today’s work so they can focus on tomorrow’s.
                  • How intentional time to reflect, assess, and create strengthens your leadership.
                  • Why stories can communicate what facts alone can’t.
                  • How to build a personal development plan you’ll actually use.
                  • Why identifying your critical gaps should come before simply developing your strengths.

                  • 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.

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

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

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

                    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

                    #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:

                    • How to recognize when you’re white-knuckling your calling.
                    • Why “Scripture before screens” can change the way you begin your day.
                    • Simple spiritual disciplines for surrendering what you’re carrying.
                    • Why feelings are valuable signposts—but shouldn’t make your decisions.
                    • How wise counsel can bring clarity when the stakes are high.
                    • Why creativity needs both discipline and freedom from pressure.
                    • How to trust God’s nearness even when He feels far away.

                    • 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
                      https://www.ebebsolutions.com/

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

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


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


                      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                      44 min
                    • #469: Dr. Stephen Graves — You Can't Do It All. Here's What Great Leaders Do Instead

                      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:

                      • Why trying to do everything well can keep you from flourishing.
                      • How to distinguish an assignment from an opportunity.
                      • Why every leader needs trusted voices outside their own head.
                      • Why managing yourself is a responsibility you can't outsource.
                      • How saying no can affirm your identity and calling.
                      • Why aging isn't a problem to solve—and what it means to age well.

                      • 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


                        Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                        50 min

                      About Follow 2 Lead: A Christian Leaders Podcast

                      From the publisher's feed

                      If you are a faith-driven entrepreneur or executive who wants to lead well without losing yourself in the process, you have found the right place.

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