Are you ready to take your life and company to the next level? Join us for this episode of "A Leader's Journey" with host Joel Gunn and guest Dr Brent Fessler as they discuss how character development can reduce stress and anxiety while creating a culture of trust and agility in organizations. Learn the essentials of culture change, how to live out a culture, and the impact of identity on stress and joy. Tune in and take the journey to living with courage and purpose!#leadership #culture #character #purpose #Integreaters #ALeadersJourneyCharacter DevelopmentKnowing who we are and our purpose, values, and mission. Closing character gaps and becoming more aware of our identity leads to character growth. Uniforms can help us understand how to act and show respect.The Impact of Identity on Stress and JoyDiscovering one's identity can lead to a decrease in stress and an increase in joy. Few people have a personal mission statement, and even fewer can articulate it. Through workshops, excavation tools, and one-on-one coaching, individuals can create an identity statement that resonates with them.Reducing Stress and Anxiety:Moving towards identity brings responsibility and reduces stress and anxiety by understanding one's purpose and meaning for being on the planet. Abundance of opportunity is found when no longer competing with others.Courage to Live a Life of PurposeTaking responsibility for one's destiny requires courage to live a life of purpose and meaning, despite the difficulty and resistance. Practical example of this is when a leader takes a stand to change their culture.Culture Change EssentialsCommunicate definition, model behavior, invest in front line team.Culture Eats Everything for BreakfastCompany culture must come from the inside out, not be legislated from the outside. It takes persistence and commitment to change a habit or culture, and can take days, months, or years.Living Out a CultureOrganizations need to develop a capability to compare their identity with reality and respond to any gaps. This process should become part of the organization's rhythms and requires regular discussion and iteration. It is not a one-time program, but an ongoing process.Culture in OrganizationsHumans in organizations tend to operate in smaller teams, with bureaucracy and corporate structure impacting decision-making. Leaders need freedom to make changes, and culture can be agile if they do. Trust is key for successful teams.

[This teaching is shared in a small group setting, so we apologize for the audio but believe you will enjoy the message...]

Did you know your relationship or how you view your earthly Father can influence how you understand and relate to your Heavenly Father? Good or bad. What does the Bible say about God - one who judges or one who loves?

Do we really understand the force behind our words?

Abram believed God would give him a son (Isaac) for over 24 years, but it never happened until God changed his name to Abraham - Father of Many Nations. Although Abram had faith in his heart, it was not until he spoke God's promise that it happened. Within a few months of saying aloud his new name "Father of Many Nations", Abraham was holding his son in his arms.

Do you know God is constantly trying to speak to you and guide you? Find out more in Part 6 as Pastor Joel shares how you can recognize God's voice everyday. No matter how you describe your current relationship with God, it is possible for you to have a God encounter in your life! Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7 (NKJV)

Gideon the coward becomes a hero. Pastor Joel examines Biblical examples of people who had amazing God encounters in deadly situations. Some of these people did not see themselves as special, they were just ordinary people about to encounter an extraordinary God. Each of these dynamic teachings shows us how we can apply the truths we learn to our lives today.

Daniel's dreams and interpretations propel him to a key position in government. If you ever have wondered if your dreams have meaning, make sure you listen to Part 4 for practical ways to interpret your dreams.

Esther fasts and prays, then acts though it is against the law. Fasting can unlock what we need today.

King Jehoshaphat praises God in the face of his enemies and so can we.

No matter how you describe your current relationship with God, it is possible for you to have a God encounter in your life!

Jesus said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7 (NKJV)

In this six-part series, Pastor Joel examines Biblical examples of people who had amazing God encounters in deadly situations. Some of these people did not see themselves as special, they were just ordinary people about to encounter an extraordinary God. Each of these dynamic teachings shows us how we can apply the truths we learn to our lives today.

When God is on your side the only possible outcome is for you to win!