This is the second episode of my series dedicated to National Recovery Month, and today I’m talking to Jessica Zwayer, the Executive Director of Joshua Recovery Ministries. This faith-based organization offers housing for men, women and most notably, pregnant women and new mothers, who are 30-days sober and in need of a residential environment that will support them in their continuing recovery journey. As a former gambling addict, Jessica has the unique ability to personally relate to the isolation of addiction and the challenge of lasting recovery, and she feels it a true God-calling to help others build the skills and a community that will ensure lasting freedom from addiction. Jessica playfully calls it her personal mission to build a “Jesus Empire”, one person at a time, and I have no doubt that this Higher Leader is well on her way to achieving just that. 

For more information on Joshua Recovery Ministries, visit www.joshualife.org.  

September is National Recovery Month, and for those of you who know my story, you can understand why the month holds special meaning for me. I’m dedicating all three episodes of Higher Leading this month -- yes, there’s a bonus episode! -- to the recovery community by highlighting some Higher Leaders and their organizations who are doing incredible work to make recovery possible.

My first guest is Tom Thompson, founder, former CEO and current Chairman of the Board of The Refuge Ohio, a faith-based, non-profit addiction recovery ministry. Listen as Tom and I discuss how The Refuge has grown from a vision on the interstate to a program that has helped more than 3000 men find hope, love and freedom from addiction. Tom’s belief that recovery is rooted in relationships weaves through our entire conversation, and I left this interview feeling inspired to have a relationship with God that rules not only my head, but also my heart.

If you are struggling with addiction or want to learn more about The Refuge, please visit www.therefugeohio.org. The program is free.

Living in the past is the quickest way to having a miserable present and future. If there is something from your past that seems to be holding you back, it’s time to let go and let God. He wants you to live a full and joyful life, but you’ve got to be willing to name and claim the thoughts that are inhibiting you from living in the present and seeing a better future. Then, you must dump those thoughts and learn to resist picking them back up again.  Listen to today’s ChalkTalk for my thoughts on letting go of the past. 

It’s hard to believe, but this week marks the one-year anniversary of the Higher Leading podcast! To celebrate, I brought back my very first guest, Scott McGohan, former CEO and Co-Chairman of McGohan Brabender. In the episode, we discuss our recovery journeys, and how finally getting vulnerable and truly working on ourselves from the inside out has shaped our leadership styles. We also talk about Scott’s newly published book “Culture Is an Inside Job” (available on Amazon), and I get an update on his succession experience, as he prepares to turn McGohan Brabender over to others who are ready to lead. 

When you’re faced with a difficult problem or experience a major setback, do you immediately think, “Why me?” What if you flipped the script and asked yourself, “Why not me?” instead?  One simple word added to this simple question will change your life. Don’t be a victim. Don’t be the devil’s prey. Know that you’ve been chosen not for the pain and struggle, but for the growth and wisdom that comes as a result.  Join me on today’s ChalkTalk for my thoughts on living with a VICTOR mentality.  

The Dakota Center is a for-purpose organization that seeks to awaken the whole human potential of youth and seniors in inner-west Dayton, Ohio. Mike Miller is the Executive Director, and on this episode of Higher Leading, he and I discuss the maelstrom caused by the COVID pandemic and how the Dakota Center’s mission, vision, values and strategic plan served as the organization’s anchor during that time.  Their clearly articulated and understood framework of operating provided a valuable decision-making filter for Mike and his team during an unprecedented time. 

Whether you are leading a team at work, leading your family at home, or simply leading yourself through life, it's important to recognize the importance  -- even imperativeness -- of personal growth.  On today's ChalkTalk, we're talking about how growing as an individual can exponentially affect the growth of the people around us, and I encourage my listeners to take on the 90-90 Challenge!

Betsy Westhafer is the CEO and founder of The Congruity Group, an organization that is helping C-Level managers engage with their customers at a strategic level, building trust and gaining critical insights to ensure growth and success. In this episode of Higher Leading, Betsy and I discuss our shared passion for building customer and culture focused organizations, and the author and entrepreneur shares her advice for living life with calm confidence, instead of frantic desperation. From focusing on the things that she can control to ending her day with a positive thought, Betsy’s wise words are certain to inspire. 

Our world feels like it is on shaky ground these days. Anxiety, fear and discord are all around us, and sometimes it feels like a very heavy, ominous storm is brewing. I empathize… but I also have good news. There is a way to feel more balance, harmony and contentment, and it all starts with building a rock-solid foundation in Him. On this episode of ChalkTalk, I’m sharing a self-tested and proven formula of prayer, priorities and P.A.C.E. that has helped me weather some of my life’s most difficult storms. I hope you find something in today’s episode that puts you on the path to more peace. 

As a police officer, Monnie Bush witnessed first-hand the challenges that our society faces in terms of at-risk youth.  Kids who came from single parent homes or who were being raised by their grandparents simply could not break the cycle of poverty, and behavioral issues at home soon became criminal issues on the streets. As a faith-filled and family-centered man, Monnie felt God nudging him to find an alternative for these kids.  So in 2009, he founded the Victory Project, an organization that is empowering America's youth to rediscover the life God intended for them. Monnie is an inspirational example of higher leading, and I can’t wait for you to hear about the incredible impact the Victory Project is having on our world.