On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Jeff Little, pastor, coach, and dedicated people-builder, for an uplifting conversation about leading with heart and purpose.

Jeff shares his journey from stepping into leadership at age 21 to guiding a thriving community, highlighting the power of authentic care and connection. Together, we explore the "shepherd" approach to leadership, the importance of building real relationships, and how leaders can create cultures where people truly thrive. Jeff also discusses practical lessons from his books, Win with People and The Way to Win, emphasizing the difference between leaders who serve others and those who simply manage for their own gain.

Whether you're leading a team, a family, or looking to grow personally, this episode will encourage you to embrace your role as a shepherd, reminding you that great leadership is about investing in others, building meaningful connections, and leaving a legacy through the people you empower.

About Jeff,

Jeff Little is the founding and lead pastor of Milestone Church, with campuses across the Dallas/Fort Worth region. He has been in ministry for over 30 years. He is the founder of Lead to Win which exists to help pastors and leaders build healthy cultures and winning environments through gatherings, coaching, and resources. Jeff earned a Bachelor's in Religion from Baylor University, a Master's in Missiology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a doctorate from Southeastern University. He and his wife, Brandy, live in Keller, TX, have four children, and enjoy being "Papa" and "Honey" to their grandchildren.

Here's a few additional resources for you…

Do you feel called to share your story with the world? Check out Gordon Publishing

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today!

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here!

Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Pastor Tim Timberlake for a conversation about embracing life's challenges as opportunities for growth. Tim shares how his own experiences with pain and hardship inspired his latest book, author of 'The Bumpy Road to Better', and why adversity is often the training ground for our greatest breakthroughs.

We talk about the importance of asking for help, the power of a grateful mindset, and how faith can transform even our darkest seasons. Tim opens about leading with humility, stewarding responsibility, and why the bumps along our journey may be the very blessings we need.

If you're looking for hope on a difficult path or want to see how setbacks can set you up for strength, this uplifting episode is for you.

About Tim,

Tim Timberlake serves as the Senior Pastor of Celebration Church. He's a graduate of the Pistis School of Ministry in Detroit, Michigan. Pastor Tim is a gifted communicator and teacher who has the ability to communicate to people from all walks of life. His sense of humor, combined with his in-depth Bible teaching, gives the listener and reader the tools to transform their lives from the inside out. He takes pleasure in the small things, is an avid sports fan, and a popular thought leader.

Pastor Tim lives in Jacksonville, FL with his wife Jen and son Maxwell. The Timberlake's feel most alive when they are pouring back into others, and they seek to glorify God through their lives and family.

Here's a few additional resources for you…

Do you feel called to share your story with the world? Check out Gordon Publishing

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today!

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here!

Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode, I share my reflections on legacy and how true impact is found in helping others accomplish their dreams. You'll hear my thoughts on shifting the focus from personal achievements to empowering those around you, and the powerful ripple effect that comes from investing in others' growth and purpose. Tune in for inspiration to lead with others in mind and to make a difference through your leadership. If this message encourages you, share it and help support someone else's journey toward greater impact!

Here's a few additional resources for you…

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today!

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode of Positive Mindset Monday, I talk about how pain is an essential part of finding and living your purpose. I share why facing challenges can help you grow, make a greater impact, and become who you're meant to be. Listen in for honest encouragement to see purpose in your pain and use it to make a difference. If this message speaks to you or someone you know, share the episode and help motivate others through their pain and toward their purpose!

Here's a few additional resources for you…

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today!

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Matthew Tedesco, SVP at Miller Knoll and author of The Business Buffet, the very first official release from Gordon Publishing! We dig into the real-world leadership and communication skills that business schools leave out.

If you're looking for simple, practical takeaways to elevate your leadership and strengthen your team, this episode is for you.

About Matthew,

Matthew Tedesco is the author of The Business Buffet: 15 Career Skills They Never Teach—But Everyone Expects You to Know, which distills two decades of global leadership into practical lessons on communication, connection, and culture.

He is a senior global business leader, where he has led teams across Asia, North America, and Europe, launched new divisions, and guided organizations through periods of transformation and change. His approach to leadership was shaped not just in the boardroom, but also while studying improv at Second City in New York, where he learned that authentic connection comes from listening and responding—not delivering a script. He also serves as board chair for Global Nomads Group, a nonprofit that expands education and opportunity for youth worldwide.

Outside of work, Matthew is a musician (under the name NJMJ), photographer, and lifelong storyteller. He grew up on Long Island in a blue-collar family where hard work and education weren't just values—they were survival. Today, he lives with his wife, teenage son, and their Labradoodle, who has never once respected a conference call when the mailman shows up.

Here's a few additional resources for you…

Do you feel called to share your story with the world? Check out Gordon Publishing

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today!

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here!

Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode, I dive into why learning from others is essential for true leadership growth. I share how surrounding yourself with diverse voices and experiences helps you collect invaluable wisdom, just as I've done through my own circle of leaders. Join me as I reflect on the power of collaboration and encourage you to seek out those who can help you become better. If this insight inspires you, share this episode and help others grow their leadership too!

Here's a few additional resources for you…

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today!

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode of Positive Mindset Monday, I dive into the growth process that shapes both trees and people, reminding you that adversity and challenges are opportunities for real development. I share how embracing difficult times can build your strength, spirit, and faith, helping you become who you're truly meant to be. As I reflect on my own journey, I encourage you to trust that every challenge is molding your character. If this message lifts you up, share the episode and inspire others to grow through life's ups and downs!

Here's a few additional resources for you…

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today!

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

On this episode, I sit down with Mark Batterson, my friend, best-selling author, and pastor of National Community Church, for a heartfelt conversation about his inspiring new book, Gradually, Then Suddenly. Together, we unpack powerful themes from Mark Batterson's life and writing, including the importance of embracing gradual growth, the value of long obedience, and trusting that God works through seasons of waiting just as much as in breakthrough moments. You'll hear real stories of dreaming big, failing and starting over, giving generously, and staying humble and hungry, no matter where you are on your journey. Whether you're feeling stuck, facing adversity, or struggling to see the fruit of your hard work, this conversation is a reminder that progress often comes "gradually, then suddenly." You'll walk away encouraged to stay faithful, keep growing, and believe that your own breakthrough might be closer than you think.

About Mark,

Mark Batterson is the New York Times bestselling author of two dozen adult and children's books including Win the Day, Chase the Lion and A Million Little Miracles. His newest book is Gradually Then Suddenly, How to Dream Bigger, Decide Better, and Leave a Lasting Legacy.

More than 10 million of his books are in print in dozens of languages. Mark is also the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. One church with multiple campuses, NCC owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, the DC Dream Center and the Capital Turnaround—a 100,000-square-foot city block that includes an event venue and child development center. Mark holds a doctor of ministry degree from Regent University. He and his wife, Lora, have been married for 30 years, have three adult children and reside on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit markbatterson.com and Instagram.com/markbatterson & https://twitter.com/markbatterson

Here's a few additional resources for you…

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today!

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here!

Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode, I share why elevating your leadership capacity is essential for overcoming adversity and thriving through challenges. You'll hear my perspective on how growing as a leader makes you greater than the problems you face, empowering you to thrive, not just survive. Tune in for a boost of motivation to increase your capacity and lead the way for others. If this message inspires you, please share the episode and help others elevate their leadership too!

Here's a few additional resources for you…

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today!

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode of Positive Mindset Monday, I share the story of how choosing to love what you do, even the challenging parts, can transform your performance and your mindset. You'll hear how focusing on love instead of fear elevates your state of mind and helps you reach your highest potential. Join me for motivation to embrace the process, let go of anxiety, and step confidently into success. If this message inspires you, share the episode and help others discover the power of loving what they do!

Here's a few additional resources for you…

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today!

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.

Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!