Are you leading by intention—or by habit, reaction, and urgency?

In Week 8 of the Take What You Need journey, Dr. Phenessa explores intention as the bridge between values and behavior, between aspiration and action. Drawing from Proverbs 16:3 in multiple translations, neuroscience research on the prefrontal cortex, and organizational psychology's understanding of intentional leadership, this episode offers both theological grounding and practical application.

You'll discover:

• The Hebrew meaning of galal (to commit by rolling upon God)
• How intentional pauses strengthen neural pathways for regulated leadership
• Why values don't matter if they're not operationalized through intentional action
• Three practical ways to lead with intention this week

This episode includes extended breathwork, poetic reflection, a personal story from Dr. Phenessa's leadership journey, and research-based practices you can implement immediately.

Perfect for: Aspiring or experienced leaders, educators, nonprofit directors, executive coaches, ministry leaders, organizational leaders, and anyone who feels like they're leading on autopilot instead of on purpose.

Listen when you need: Clarity about your leadership direction | Permission to slow down | Tools to align actions with values | A reminder that your leadership is designed, not accidental.

Scripture Tools (Free)

1. Bible Gateway. (n.d.). Free Bible reading and study tools. https://www.biblegateway.com/ 
2. Bible Hub. (n.d.). Interlinear and lexicon tools. https://biblehub.com/
3. Blue Letter Bible. (n.d.). Lexicon and word study resources. https://www.blueletterbible.org/

Scripture References

1. Proverbs 16:3 (The Passion Translation) - "Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan you make will succeed."
2. Proverbs 16:3 (The Message) - "Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place."
   • Hebrew Study: galal (גָּלַל) - Strong's H1556, meaning "to roll, commit, trust"

Literary Quote

1. James Clear - "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."
   • Source: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones (2018)

References & Resources
Leadership & Psychology Research

1. Goleman, D. (2006). Social intelligence: The new science of human relationships. Bantam Books. 
2. Boyatzis, R., Smith, M., & Van Oosten, E. (2019). Helping people change: Coaching with compassion for lifelong learning and growth. Harvard Business Review Press. 
3. Rock, D., & Schwartz, J. (2006). "The Neuroscience of Leadership." strategy+business, Issue 43.
4. Schwartz, T., & McCarthy, C. (2007). "Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time." Harvard Business Review, October 2007. 

Neuroscience Insight

1. Brown, B. (2018). Dare to lead: Brave work. Tough conversations. Whole Hearts. Random House.
2. Davidson, R. J., & Begley, S. (2012). The emotional life of your brain. Hudson Street Press.
3. Sinek, S. (2009). Start with why: How great leaders inspire everyone to take action. Portfolio. 

Additional Tools

1. Values Clarification Exercise: Brené Brown's "Living Into Our Values" worksheet - available free at brenebrown.com
2. Leadership Journal Prompts: Center for Creative Leadership (www.ccl.org) - free resources section
3. Deliberate Leadership Assessment: ScoreApp self-assessment at https://thedeliberateleader.scoreapp.com/

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