Leaders Who Create

What does it take to turn a creative vision into something real? And how do you keep moving when the path forward isn't always clear? In this episode of Leaders Who Create, Jason Squires sits down with Nashville songwriter and music producer Sam Hart to talk about vision, creativity, and what it looks like to pursue the things we're wired to create. Sam has worn a lot of hats throughout his career, from touring musician and worship leader to professional songwriter and producer. He's spent years helping artists take the ideas, songs, and dreams they have in their heads and turn them into something others can experience. We talk about how our vision changes through different seasons, recognizing potential in an idea, helping others bring their creative vision to life, and staying committed when progress is slow and the results aren't what we expected. Because having a vision is one thing. Doing something with it is another. Join us for a conversation about creativity, purpose, faith, and turning what you see in your heart into something that makes an impact. Learn more about Sam at https://samhartmusic.com/

How do you know when it's time to change something that's always worked? In this episode of Leaders Who Create, Jason Squires sits down with Mark MacDonald, founder of Be Known For Something, to talk about brand innovation, recognizing when it's time for a shift, and knowing the difference between a fresh idea and a change that's actually needed. Together, they explore how to know when to start over versus make a few adjustments, how to create room for new ideas without constantly changing direction, and how to keep things fresh without losing sight of what matters most. Whether you're leading a business, serving on a church staff, or navigating everyday life, this conversation will help you think differently about change, creativity, and leadership. Learn more about Mark and Be Known For Something at https://beknownforsomething.com/

What does it really take to innovate when the world around you keeps changing? This week on Leaders Who Create, Jason Squires sits down with Ryan Dahl, owner of PraiseCharts, to talk about what it looks like to recognize a need, take a risk, and create something that makes a difference. From the early days of paper charts and binders to the digital resources worship leaders use today, we’re talking about what it means to adapt, when it’s time to pivot, and the difference between simply improving something and truly innovating. We’ll also dive into the cost of innovation, the risk of trying something new, and the big question on everyone’s mind: How will AI change the future of worship ministry? Because innovation isn’t just about keeping up with change. It’s about recognizing opportunities to serve people better and being willing to take the next step.

What does it actually take to build something from the ground up?

This week on Leaders Who Create, Jason Squires sits down with Randy Sherwood, Church Planter & Lead Pastor of South Hills Church in Eagle, Idaho, to talk about what happens before the idea ever gets launched.

Who do you want around the table? How important is it for everyone to believe in the vision? And what’s the difference between building a team that simply works for you and building a team that feels like they own the vision with you?

Randy and Jason talk about creating culture before you have an organization, building teams that don’t become dependent on one person’s creativity, and what it looks like to give people ownership in something bigger than themselves.

And, of course, they answer the most important question: If you’re inviting people into a room to pitch the vision for a brand-new idea, what are you eating?

Join us for a conversation about vision, culture, ownership, and the people who help turn an idea into something real.

What happens after you have the idea?

In this episode of Leaders Who Create, Jason Squires sits down with Eric Stalter, the creator of String Translator, to talk about what it actually takes to get an idea off the ground. They talk about where String Translator started, what Eric saw when the idea first came together, and the moment he realized that having a great idea was only the beginning. Because innovation isn't always some huge lightning-bolt moment. Sometimes it's doing the work, figuring things out as you go, changing things, asking for help, and continuing to move forward when the excitement of the original idea wears off. The guys also talk about what he needed to hear from someone else to start moving on the idea, and what he wishes someone had told him before he started building. If you've ever had an idea that wouldn't leave your head, but you weren't sure what to do with it next, this conversation is for you.

And yes, we talk food too. Because of course we do.

Learn more about String Translator at https://stringtranslator.com/.

Legacy starts with when we connect with people.

Over the last couple of months, we’ve had conversations around the idea of creating connection and creating legacy. Two things that might not seem to go together, but are very much a part of each other.

In this episode, Jason Squires brings those two topics together in a short conversation and reflects on some of the conversations we’ve had over the last couple of months.

Our hope is that you’ll listen to all the conversations, find some people to connect with, and continue to create wherever you are.

What does it look like to take an idea that feels a little crazy and actually build it?

In 1974, Jack Hamlin founded Woodland Christian School in Woodland, CA. What started as an idea became something that would grow, impact generations of students and families, and eventually become something much bigger than any one person. In this conversation, Jason Squires sits down with Jack as he takes us back to those early days and shares what it was like to build something from the ground up, navigate the challenges people on the outside never see, and protect the values and culture that mattered along the way. They also talk about that moment when you realize, “This thing is bigger than me now,” and what it looks like to eventually hand something you've poured your life into over to someone else. And maybe the biggest question of all: What do you do when you have an idea but don't feel qualified or capable enough to actually start? This is a conversation about creating, building a legacy, letting go, and having the courage to start the thing that's been on your heart.

What happens when something you’ve spent your life doing becomes something your whole family gets to experience together? In this episode, Jason Squires sits down with John Waller to talk about music, family, and the legacy we leave behind. John shares what led him to make music with his family, what he’s learned about communication and giving each other space, and how he creates room for his kids to bring their own creativity to the table. They also talk about something bigger than music: what we hope our kids carry forward from us, even if they choose a completely different path. Because sometimes the greatest thing we create isn’t the thing we’re known for. It’s what we build into the people coming after us. Check out Waller and Co at www.wallerandco.com.

Legacy isn't always about what we build. Sometimes it's about what we pour into people and what they go on to do with it. In this conversation, Jason Squires sits down with Mike Sexton from Awana to talk about the power of investing in leaders and the incredible ripple effect that can happen when those leaders pour into kids. Together they talk about creating an environment where kids know they are seen, believed in, and capable of making a difference, and what it looks like to invest in people even when you may never get to see the full impact of that investment.

Mike has spent years helping leaders develop and lead the next generation, and this conversation is a reminder that some of the most significant things we create may never have our name on them. They live on through the people we choose to invest in. And, of course, we talk about food because every good conversation eventually gets there.

What does it look like to build something that can outlast you? Join Jason Squires and Jeremy Willet, founder of The Million Movement, as he shares what inspired him to launch a vision bigger than himself. He also shares what he's learning about building for the future. Jeremy and Jason sit down to talk about developing others to carry the vision, staying faithful when the results may be years away, and what it means to “plant trees you will never sit in the shade of.” And of course, we talk about his favorite food stops on tour. Join the Million Movement at https://themillionmovement.com/.