The Daily LEAD

In this episode, Brad Otto talks with Peggy Contos Hahn about one of leadership’s toughest seasons—knowing when it’s time to step back. Peggy shares honest insights about discernment, humility, and trust as she reflects on how leaders can transition well while staying true to their calling.

In this reflective episode, “Grief and Ghosts: The People and Things We Still Carry,” we explore how love, loss, and remembrance intertwine — reminding us that grief is not an ending, but a continuing bond that shapes how we heal and connect.

Book: Permission to Mourn: A New Way to Do Grief by Tom Zuba

https://www.amazon.com/Permission-Mourn-New-Way-Grief/dp/1600475655

In this special follow-up episode of The Daily LEAD, Brad Otto sits down with guest host Jessica Noonan for an honest and inspiring conversation about his mission work in Africa and the story behind Acts of Wisdom. Building on last week’s episode about rethinking mission work, Brad shares personal stories from the field, lessons learned from local leaders, and how true transformation happens when the church moves from doing for people to being with them. Together, Brad and Jessica explore what sustainable, partnership-based mission looks like today—and how every leader and congregation can live out God’s mission right where they are.

We all wear masks to get through the day — the “I’m fine” smile, the strong leader act, the calm parent face. In this episode, we explore why we hide, what it costs us, and how to find safety in being real again.

In this episode we invite listeners to reimagine what “mission work” really means in the modern church. Drawing from years of experience leading Acts of Wisdom in Africa, Brad Otto challenges the traditional, short-term trip mindset and offers a vision for missions rooted in partnership, empowerment, and sustainable impact. This conversation will stretch your perspective and inspire your congregation or organization to move from doing missions for people to doing ministry with people.

Domestic violence is a difficult but essential topic for every leader to understand. In this episode, we explore how to raise awareness with compassion and caution — recognizing warning signs, supporting others safely, and creating a culture where help and hope are always within reach.

National resources:

• 📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• 💬 Text: “START” to 88788
• 🌐 thehotline.org

In this episode, we build on last week’s Disney-inspired conversation by exploring The New Gold Standard by Joseph A. Michelli, which unpacks The Ritz-Carlton’s world-class service philosophy. Discover how the Ritz-Carlton’s five leadership principles—defining purpose, empowering staff, delivering consistency, anticipating needs, and fostering genuine care—can transform your church culture from simply greeting guests to truly serving people with excellence and love. Whether you lead volunteers, staff, or ministry teams, this episode offers practical and spiritual insight into making every Sunday an unforgettable experience of grace.

In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, this episode explores how ADHD shows up in women — often hidden behind busyness, burnout, and perfectionism — and how understanding your brain can lead to healing and self-compassion.

ADHD Resources:

Attention Deficit Disorder Association:

https://add.org/

ADDITUDE magazine, online version:

 https://www.additudemag.com/

As churches prepare for a season filled with guests and new faces during the fall and holidays, there’s no better time to revisit how we welcome people. In this episode, we explore lessons from Disney’s Be Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Customer Service, uncovering how Disney’s legendary culture of hospitality can transform the way churches greet, engage, and retain guests. From intentional environments to empowering volunteers, discover how the principles that make Disney “the happiest place on earth” can also make your church the most welcoming place in your community.

In this special Mental Illness Awareness Week episode, we break the silence around mental health. Learn why awareness matters, how stigma holds people back from healing, and what simple actions you can take to support yourself and others. Because talking about mental illness isn’t weakness—it’s courage.

Resources:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/world-mental-health-day

https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-illness-awareness-week/

https://mentalhealthmn.org/what-we-do/screening/