Why do so many great leaders burn out? In this episode of the Linch with a Leader podcast, host Mike Linch sits down with Dr. Karyn Gordon, CEO, author of The Three Chairs, and leadership/relationship expert, to talk about the one skill every leader needs but often neglects: self-care.

Whether you’re leading a business, church, nonprofit, or family, this conversation will help you discover why self-care is not selfish and is the secret to great leadership, strong culture, and lasting influence.

Mike's Leadership Lessons:

- Leaders must balance self-care with caring for their teams.

- The three chairs concept is timeless and applicable across various contexts.

- Emotions in leadership are contagious and impact team culture.

- Finding and maintaining purpose is crucial for effective leadership.

- Professional growth should be a priority for leaders and organizations.

- Play and laughter are essential for reducing stress in the workplace.

- Clear goals enhance confidence and engagement among team members.

- Regular check-ins and cadences help maintain focus on purpose.

- Investing in employee development is key to retention and engagement.

- Leaders should seek to understand their divine purpose and align their actions accordingly.

Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you're invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch.

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In this episode, Casey and Mike discuss the impactful conversation with Coach Dan Skirka, focusing on the importance of building a culture that transcends mere wins and losses. They explore the significance of leaders believing in their team members, the essence of living beyond one's professional role.

Murray State head coach Dan Skirka led the Racers on a historic run to the 2025 College World Series, a journey built on faith, family, and relentless belief in his team. In this interview with Mike Linch on Linch with a Leader, Coach Skirka shares how his Christian faith, leadership philosophy, and underdog mentality shaped a culture that made Murray State one of the most inspiring stories in college baseball.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or faith-driven leader, you’ll be challenged by his approach to building character, overcoming adversity, and leading with love.

Mike's Takeaways:

- Faith played a crucial role in Skirka's life, especially during challenging times.

- Transitioning from assistant to head coach required preparation and resilience.

- Building a winning culture at Murray State was a key focus for Skirka.

- The 2025 season exceeded expectations, showcasing the team's growth and determination.

- Overcoming challenges, including COVID-19, shaped the team's resilience.

- The journey to Omaha was marked by belief in the process and each other.

- Family support, especially from his son, added a personal dimension to Skirka's coaching experience.

- Skirka aims to leave a lasting impact on his players, preparing them for life beyond baseball.

- The importance of love and service in coaching is a central theme in Skirka's philosophy.

Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you're invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch.

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In this episode, Casey and Mike discuss key insights from Jon Gordon's leadership principles, focusing on the importance of belief, commitment to growth, and the role of encouragement in leadership. They explore how these themes manifest in sports and other areas of life, emphasizing the need for leaders to balance accountability with valuing their team members.

In this episode, Mike Linch and Jon Gordon discuss the essential elements of building winning teams. They explore the importance of commitments over goals, the value of teammates, and the necessity of maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity. Jon shares insights from his experiences with various teams and emphasizes the significance of encouragement and continuous improvement as a leader.

Mike's Takeaway's:

- Winning teams have underlying habits that contribute to their success.

- Health checks can provide peace of mind and early detection of issues.

- Commitments are more impactful than mere goals in achieving success.

- Valuing teammates is crucial for building strong relationships.

- Staying positive is essential, especially during tough times.

- Encouragement can help overcome discouragement and keep teams motivated.

- Continuous improvement is necessary for effective leadership.

- Belief in oneself and the team is vital for success.

- Learning from others, regardless of their level, is key to growth.

- Teams should commit to each other to foster unity and success.

Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you're invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch.

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In this episode, Mike Linch interviews Jesse DeYoung, who shares insights on navigating organizational doubt and the challenges faced at Flat Irons Church. They discuss the importance of understanding different levels of doubt, building trust within teams, and the significance of cultural alignment in hiring. Jesse emphasizes the need for transparency and vulnerability in leadership, as well as the necessity of treating doubt as an ally rather than an adversary. The conversation also touches on the personal experiences of leaders and the impact of doubt on their effectiveness.

Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you're invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch.

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Watch: @linchwithaleader

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In this conversation, Mike Linch and David Kraft explore the multifaceted nature of leadership, emphasizing the importance of relationships, character, and lifelong learning. They discuss the evolution of leadership over time, the significance of teamwork, and the challenges modern leaders face. Kraft shares insights on the necessity of finishing well, the role of mentorship, and the impact of a leader's character on their effectiveness. The dialogue highlights the importance of pacing, purpose, and the need for leaders to remain humble and open to learning throughout their lives.

Mike's Takeaways:

- Leadership is a journey that requires continuous growth and adaptation.

- Relationships are foundational to effective leadership.

- Mentorship can significantly shape a leader's development.

- Teamwork enhances a leader's effectiveness and reach.

- Insecurity in leadership can lead to dangerous outcomes.

- Finishing well is crucial for a leader's legacy.

- Modern challenges require leaders to be secure in their identity.

- Character is more important than competence in leadership.

- Pacing oneself is essential to avoid burnout in leadership roles.

- Lifelong learning is vital for sustained leadership effectiveness.

Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you're invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch.

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Watch: @linchwithaleader

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In this conversation, Mike Linch and Gabe Lyons explore the complexities of leadership and marriage, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, shared vision, and communication. They discuss the challenges couples face, the dynamics of relationships, and the necessity of confronting distance and emotional disconnect. The dialogue highlights the role of the enemy in creating strife and the importance of fighting for one another in marriage. Ultimately, they share insights on how to cultivate a healthy relationship and the lessons they hope to pass on to future generations.

Mike's Takeaways:

- Great leaders understand their vulnerabilities.

- Marriage requires shared dreams and vision.

- Emotional connection is crucial for a healthy marriage.

- Distance in relationships can be confronted and addressed.

- Communication is key to understanding each other's needs.

- The enemy seeks to create division in marriages.

- Apologizing first can lead to healing in relationships.

- Understanding one's origin story is important for personal growth.

- Shame can hinder personal responsibility in relationships.

- Fighting for your marriage is essential for its success.

Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you're invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch.

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Watch: @linchwithaleader

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In this episode, Mike Linch engages with Mike and Daniel Blackaby, exploring the profound impact of genuine parenting, the importance of connecting with people's hearts in leadership, and the cultural shifts affecting faith today. They discuss the role of emotions in leadership, the storytelling power of Hollywood compared to the church, and the significance of understanding desire and identity in a distracted world. The conversation culminates in reflections on parenting and the hope that their children will carry forward a genuine faith.

Mike's Biggest Takeway's:

- Everybody has a hole in their heart that only Jesus can fill.

- Genuine parenting focuses on the positive aspects of a child's character.

- It's important to connect with people's hearts in leadership.

- Cultural shifts have changed how faith is perceived today.

- Emotions play a crucial role in motivating people.

- Hollywood excels at storytelling that resonates with the heart.

- Desire and identity are central to understanding people's motivations.

- Parents should trust their children to handle difficult conversations.

- Faith should be integrated into all aspects of life, not compartmentalized.

- The head is downstream of the heart; emotional connection is key.

Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you're invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch.

Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode:

Watch: @linchwithaleader

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In this powerful episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike Linch sits down with Nadine Sophia Evans Oliver—Senior Special Counsel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission—to talk about faith, leadership, and unwavering hope through life’s most painful moments.

From growing up in Brooklyn as a first-generation American, to studying in Japan, to climbing the ranks in big law, Nadine’s story is one of grit, grace, and God’s relentless pursuit. But her greatest testimony? Walking through the valley of grief after losing her husband—and discovering that hope can still rise.

This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt like life broke them… and needs to be reminded that God still has a plan.

Mike's Biggest Takeaway's:

- Cultural exposure in Japan shaped her worldview and communication skills.

- Her parents instilled unconditional love despite financial struggles.

- Education was a lifeline for Nadine, leading her to law school.

- Faith played a crucial role in her life, especially during hardships.

- Nadine's career path was influenced by her desire to help others.

- She faced significant challenges while working at the SEC.

- Loss of her husband taught her about hope and rebuilding life.

- Nadine emphasizes the importance of community support during tough times.

- Her new relationship highlights the beauty of second chances.

Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you're invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch.

Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode:

Watch: @linchwithaleader

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