The Leadership Podcast

This week we talk to Ness Wilson, a seasoned leader who shares her journey of balancing faith, resilience, and leadership, especially through personal and professional adversity. Ness discusses her beginnings with Open Heaven Church, emphasising the importance of accountable and transparent leadership. She reflects on how communal support and setting personal boundaries enabled her to navigate intense challenges, including the grief of losing two children and facing significant health issues within her family. Ness highlights the role of faith in these hardships, underscoring the importance of grieving openly and leading by example.

She also speaks about a "slow awakening" in the church, marked by a renewed spiritual hunger and increased engagement, which she finds deeply encouraging. Ness advocates for an authentic and accountable church culture, with leaders who embody both strength and vulnerability. Her insights offer guidance on how to lead with both resilience and humility, inspiring listeners to maintain a deep connection with faith amid life’s trials.

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In this episode of the Leadership Podcast, Ed Perry and Sim Dendy engage in a deep conversation with Archie Coates, exploring his journey from leading a church in Brighton to taking on the role of vicar at Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London. The discussion covers various themes including the challenges of transitioning leadership, the importance of building trust within a congregation, fostering innovation and risk-taking in church settings, and the significance of personal well-being for leaders. Archie shares insights on how to navigate change in established churches while maintaining a focus on evangelism and caring for the poor. He emphasises the need for leaders to have confidence in the gospel and to inspire their congregations to engage in outreach and community service.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Archie emphasises the importance of taking risks in leadership.
• Building trust is critical for effective leadership.
• Nurturing the gifts of team members leads to a flourishing environment.
• Transitioning leadership can be more challenging than starting anew.
• A strong sense of identity in Christ is essential for leaders.
• Innovation requires a culture of safety where risks can be taken.
• Effective communication is key when navigating change in established churches.
• Personal well-being and resilience are vital for sustaining leadership.
• The future of the church relies on confidence in the gospel and community engagement.

Follow Archie on X: @archiecoates and on Instagram

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In this episode of the Leadership Podcast, Sim Dendy and Ed Perry engage in a deep conversation with Katharine Hill, the director of Care for the Family. They explore Katharine's early life experiences, her journey through family law, and her current role in promoting family wellbeing. The discussion delves into the challenges of parenting in a technology-driven world, the importance of mental health for children, and the need for resilience. Katharine shares insights from her books, emphasising the significance of being present and the value of ordinary lives. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of community support and the mission of Care for the Family.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Katharine's early experiences shaped her understanding of vulnerability.
• Family law requires a balance of compassion and professionalism.
• Care for the Family focuses on preventative measures for family wellbeing.
• Technology poses challenges for modern parenting.
• Mental health issues among children are on the rise.
• Resilience is a crucial quality for children to develop.
• Ordinary lives can be extraordinary in their own right.
• Parents are role models for their children's technology use.
• Community support is vital for families in crisis.
• Finding stillness in a hectic world is essential for wellbeing.

Follow Katharine Hill on X: @KatharineMHill and on Instagram

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In this episode of the Leadership Podcast, Sim Dendy and Ed Perry speak with Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, who shares her unique journey from growing up in Iran to becoming a prominent leader in the Church of England. Bishop Guli discusses her early life experiences, the challenges of adapting to a new culture as a refugee, and her unexpected path to ordained ministry. She reflects on her role as a bishop, emphasising the importance of embodying the diocese and fostering a supportive community. Throughout the conversation, she offers insights on leadership, work-life balance, and her confidence in the future of the church amidst current challenges.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Bishop Guli's upbringing was shaped by her unique cultural background in Iran.
• Resilience in children is fostered by love and security at home.
• The Church's future cannot be controlled but must be embraced with faith.
• Bishop Guli embodies the diocese rather than just managing it.
• Leadership involves being gentle with oneself and learning from mistakes.
• The Church is both a human institution and the body of Christ.
• Confidence in one's identity is crucial for effective leadership.
• Assuming the best in others fosters a collaborative environment.
• Different aspects of life inform and enrich one another.
• The Holy Spirit can work effectively when given space.

Follow Bishop Guli on X: @Guli_FD

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In this episode we're joined by Jo Frost, the Director of Communications at the Evangelical Alliance. With a rich background in working with various Christian charities and a master's in public communications, Jo shares her journey into the heart of leadership and discusses the challenges and triumphs of advocating for faith in the modern world.

Jo delves into the complexities of leadership, communication, and the importance of being authentically connected with both the message and the audience. She sheds light on her personal approach to navigating the digital landscape, where every word can be scrutinized, and the balance between being open and maintaining necessary privacy. Through her experiences, we explore the critical role of integrity over mere authenticity and the nuanced decisions that leaders must make in today's fast-paced, information-rich society.

The episode also touches on Jo's leadership style, emphasizing thoughtfulness, the willingness to embrace both strengths and shortcomings, and the importance of providing space for emerging voices in the community. Jo's reflections on mentoring, the impact of leadership on personal and professional relationships, and her commitment to fostering unity and understanding across diverse groups offer valuable insights for anyone in a leadership role, whether within the church or in broader societal contexts.

Jo is on twitter: @jofrosty

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This week we’re chatting with John Kirkby - or Johnny Boy as he prefers to be known. Together with his wife Lizzie, they founded Christians Against Poverty (CAP) in 1996. Over 25 years, God used this incredible organisation to lead 20,000 people a year out of debt and release them from poverty.

In Spring 2023, John felt called to start a new ministry - Isaiah 61 Movement - to empower and resource Christians in sharing their faith.

John’s grounded character and passion for the Word of God will leap out as you listen to our conversation with him. With plenty of interesting stories and a wealth of leadership wisdom to share, this episode is a must.

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Steve and Angie Campbell are the Senior Pastors of the C3 Church and National Directors of the Global Leadership Network in the UK and Ireland.

With many years of church leadership under their belts, in this episode they talk about how they have sought to stay true to the mission and ministry to which God first called them, alongside launching a series of new initiatives to support their local community.

Join us as Steve and Angie also discuss the tough side of church leadership and how to navigate times of rebuilding with grace and truth when difficult situations arise.

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Sir Gary Streeter, MP for South West Devon, has been a politician for over 30 years. A devoted Christian, he is Chairman of the all-party group of Christians in Parliament and has been especially supportive of new MPs as they arrive at Westminster.

In this episode, Gary talks us through how he knew he’d been called into politics by God, and how he navigates bringing his faith into the political arena.

He also has some great advice for young people considering pursuing a career in politics.

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Listen in as Sim introduces his brand new co-host, Ed Perry.

Having worked for Alpha International and now the founder of a growing communications and digital consultancy, Ed brings a fresh perspective on leadership from the world of Christian business. Ed shares his thoughts on the importance of partnership working and learning from one another so that everyone benefits.

In this new series, Ed and Sim will be exploring what healthy leadership looks like, and by asking hard, honest questions, consider how Christian leaders can better protect themselves from burnout and breakdown to thrive in a tough arena.

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Join Sim and Ed as they introduce the brand new second series of the Leadership Podcast.

In this episode, our hosts explore the unhealthy and unrealistic expectations on church and Christian leaders, and how it has fueled their desire to create a podcast where vulnerability, brokenness and tough topics can be discussed.

As increasing number of leaders are buckling under the pressures of individualism, temptation and fear of failure, come and find a community intent on nurturing healthy and honest leadership values.

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