In this episode of The Servant Leader’s Mindset, Dr. Lena Holmes sits down with a panel including Nicole Gibson, Jenna Schutt, and Cathy Peters. Together, they explore what happens when life changes without warning. The conversation includes topics such as traumatic brain injury, aggressive illness, and emotional abuse. At the center of the discussion is a shared message: crisis does not erase faith, and pain does not define worth. The episode offers a grounded look at surrender, peace, scripture as an anchor, and the long process of rebuilding after trauma.

Timestamps

00:00 - Nicole’s early hopes for career, family, and leaving the Midwest
 02:32 - Jenna’s diagnosis as a young mother and the crisis of unanswered prayer
 04:16 - Cathy on wondering whether God was disappointed with her
 06:08 - Healing identity in Christ instead of marriage, motherhood, or status
 08:16 - Nicole’s struggle to cope alone after the accident
 11:12 - Why crisis often stacks up all at once
 12:25 - Surrendering control when nothing else works
 14:30 - Cathy’s lowest point after her father’s illness and death
 16:22 - Learning to receive God as comforter and protector
 18:45 - How Nicole’s prayers changed when she finally asked for guidance
 21:47 - Isaiah 26:3 and Nehemiah 8:10 as anchors in suffering
 24:52 - The trauma of emotional abuse and identity erosion
 28:10 - Responsibility, prayer, and the limits of fixing another person
 30:28 - Red flags in relationships and why boundaries matter
 33:50 - Distinguishing God’s voice from fear and panic
 36:15 - Nicole on comfort, clarity, and external noise
 38:40 - Including God in decisions during new crises, including house fire and pregnancy
 40:34 - Why marriage decisions are personal and peace must lead
 47:00 - Faith does not deny diagnosis, but changes how you walk through it
 49:20 - How peace led Jenna toward the right transplant decision
 53:26 - Showing up for others with empathy instead of judgment
 56:26 - Why compassion matters more than asking why someone stayed
 58:21 - Building identity early and teaching boundaries to young girls
 62:27 - Jenna’s ministry, The Joy Reflex, and training joy as a reflex
 64:13 - Nicole’s book, Shattered Into Grace, and helping women heal
 66:10 - Cathy’s podcast, Overcomers Club, and the Grace Grief Journal

To learn more about Nicole Gibson, and grab a copy of her book please visit: https://www.dynamicallycrafted.com/

To learn more about Cathy Peters please visit: https://www.facebook.com/cathyloveseducators

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-r-peters-m-ed-6b475255/

To learn more about Jenna Schutt and Joy Reflex visit: https://jennaschutt.com/

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Visit Dr. Lena's website at: https://tslm.us

Schedule a complimentary coaching or business consultation at: https://calendly.com/dlhm/free-consultation-tslm

Visit our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.LenaHolmes

To learn more about Dr. Lena's ministry project, visit https://dr-lena.org

In this episode, Dr. Lena Holmes hosts behavioral sleep medicine specialist Dr. Melissa Milanak to explore how sleep impacts our mental, emotional, and physical health. Discover practical tips, common sleep misconceptions, and when to seek medical help to optimize your rest.

key topics:

Sleep hygiene and routines

Impact of substances like caffeine and alcohol on sleep

Sleep disorders including sleep apnea and narcolepsy

Use of sleep tracking devices and their reliability

Stress management and its effect on sleep quality

Sleep environment and partner considerations

Behavioral strategies for better sleep

Age-related changes in sleep needs

• Dr. Milanak's website offers free sleep guides, videos, and consultation options. Mention the Servant Leader’s Mindset Podcast for a free initial consultation. Her book titled "Sleep for Success" by Wiley will be available soon, featuring practical tips for performance and well-being. http://melissamilanak.com/

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Support the show

Visit Dr. Lena's website at: https://tslm.us

Schedule a complimentary coaching or business consultation at: https://calendly.com/dlhm/free-consultation-tslm

Visit our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.LenaHolmes

To learn more about Dr. Lena's ministry project, visit https://dr-lena.org

Discover how giving transforms lives and organizations. With an emphasis on giving as a servant leader’s mindset, Dr. Lena Holmes sits down with Larry O’Nan to discuss stewardship, giving motivations, and the importance of transparency for sustainable impact.

Main Topics Covered:

•The biblical foundation and modern perspective on stewardship
•How leadership begins with managing oneself
•Motivations behind giving, from legacy to love
•Building trust through organizational transparency
•Practical steps for researching charities and nonprofits
•The importance of asking and relationships in fund development
•Challenging traditional views on tithing
•The concept of lifestyle stewardship and intentional giving
•The role of culture and perception in giving to churches

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Visit Dr. Lena's website at: https://tslm.us

Schedule a complimentary coaching or business consultation at: https://calendly.com/dlhm/free-consultation-tslm

Visit our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.LenaHolmes

To learn more about Dr. Lena's ministry project, visit https://dr-lena.org

In this powerful episode of The Servant Leader's Mindset, Dr. Lena Holmes sits down with former cardiac nurse and author Jenna Schutt to discuss her remarkable journey through a rare incurable disease, chemotherapy, and a stem cell transplant.

Diagnosed at age 30 while raising two young children, Jenna faced overwhelming uncertainty, fear, and physical challenges. Yet through her faith, she discovered a powerful framework she now calls The Joy Reflex—a practical approach to training the mind and spirit to respond to adversity with faith, peace, and resilience rather than fear and anxiety.

Visit Jenna Schutt's Website at: http://jennaschutt.com

Free resource link for Jenna Schutt :  http://jenna-schutt-7kfmcu.subscribepage.io/

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Support the show

Visit Dr. Lena's website at: https://tslm.us

Schedule a complimentary coaching or business consultation at: https://calendly.com/dlhm/free-consultation-tslm

Visit our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.LenaHolmes

To learn more about Dr. Lena's ministry project, visit https://dr-lena.org

Most people don’t realize the true complexity behind Iran’s ongoing conflict—until now. Dr. Lena Holmes sits down with Iranian human rights activist Zolal Habibi to uncover the hidden truths behind Iran’s regime, its history of resistance, and what it really takes to bring democracy to a country under siege. Zolal Habibi, a lifelong activist whose father was murdered by the regime, shares how Iran’s darkest chapters—like the 1988 massacre of 30,000 political prisoners—still shape today’s struggle for freedom. You’ll discover how Iran’s unique political system persists despite being one of the world's most complex dictatorships, and why regime change isn’t about bombs but organized resistance from within the Iranian people. Zolal offers her unique perspective on key topics like Iran’s hidden nuclear ambitions, the false notion that war is the only way to effect change, and the critical role of international support in empowering Iran’s democracy movement. Zolal reveals how Iran’s history of foreign intervention fuels mistrust and why Iranians demand to shape their own future—free from external control. 

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Visit Dr. Lena's website at: https://tslm.us

Schedule a complimentary coaching or business consultation at: https://calendly.com/dlhm/free-consultation-tslm

Visit our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.LenaHolmes

To learn more about Dr. Lena's ministry project, visit https://dr-lena.org

In this episode, Dr. Lena Holmes is in conversation with Dr. Liz Matney. Dr. Matney shares her experiences of growing up in India, her family's Christian faith, and the challenges they faced under the current political climate. Dr. Matney discusses the rise of Hindu nationalism, the persecution of Christians, and her family's detention in India. She also reflects on her memoir, 'Home in Exile,' which explores themes of hardship, identity, and the search for belonging. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of faith, culture, and politics in today's world.

To learn more about Dr. Matney, visit her website at: https://lizmatney.com/

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Support the show

Visit Dr. Lena's website at: https://tslm.us

Schedule a complimentary coaching or business consultation at: https://calendly.com/dlhm/free-consultation-tslm

Visit our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.LenaHolmes

To learn more about Dr. Lena's ministry project, visit https://dr-lena.org

In this conversation, Dr. Lena Holmes and Jennifer Zach explore the concept of self-awareness through somatic intelligence. They discuss how understanding body awareness can enhance emotional regulation, improve leadership skills, and foster better relationships. Jennifer shares her 3N model (Notice, Name, Navigate) for managing emotions and emphasizes the importance of curiosity and safety in emotional interactions. The discussion also touches on the differences between coaching and therapy, the impact of trauma, and practical techniques for increasing body awareness in everyday situations.

Takeaways: 

Somatic awareness is about listening to the body.

Emotions are influenced by the brain's amygdala and prefrontal cortex.

The 3N model helps leaders navigate their emotions effectively.

Curiosity is essential for emotional regulation.

Trauma can affect emotional responses in the workplace.

Coaching complements therapy by focusing on the present.

Practicing body awareness can enhance emotional intelligence.

Fear can be contagious in group settings.

Creating a safe environment fosters curiosity and understanding.

Leaders can work smarter, not harder, by managing their emotions.

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Visit Dr. Lena's website at: https://tslm.us

Schedule a complimentary coaching or business consultation at: https://calendly.com/dlhm/free-consultation-tslm

Visit our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.LenaHolmes

To learn more about Dr. Lena's ministry project, visit https://dr-lena.org

In this episode, Drs. Lena and Paul White discuss the signs and impacts of toxic work environments, focusing on the characteristics of toxic leaders, particularly those with narcissistic traits. They emphasize the importance of recognizing these signs early, setting boundaries, and documenting experiences to protect oneself. 

The conversation also explores strategies for surviving and potentially leaving toxic workplaces, as well as the hope for recovery and rehabilitation of such environments.

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Toxic Work Environments

04:22 Identifying Toxic Leaders

08:14 The Impact of Narcissism in Leadership

12:28 Hiring Practices and Toxicity

16:07 The Role of HR in Toxic Workplaces

20:19 Strategies for Surviving Toxic Environments

24:17 Rehabilitation of Toxic Organizations

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Visit Dr. Lena's website at: https://tslm.us

Schedule a complimentary coaching or business consultation at: https://calendly.com/dlhm/free-consultation-tslm

Visit our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.LenaHolmes

To learn more about Dr. Lena's ministry project, visit https://dr-lena.org

Explore the transformative power of appreciation in the workplace, as Dr. Paul White and Dr. Lena Holmes discuss practical strategies for leaders and employees to express genuine appreciation. This conversation highlights the importance of understanding individual preferences and the impact of authentic appreciation on creating a positive work environment. Discover how the five love languages can be adapted to enhance workplace relationships and foster a culture of recognition and teamwork.

## Chapters 

- 00:00:55 Introduction to Dr. Paul White 00:01:13 Practical Ways to Communicate Appreciation 

- 00:02:11 The Five Love Languages 

- 00:04:56 Recognition vs. Authentic Appreciation 

- 00:08:21 Application in the Workplace 

- 00:12:27 Common Appreciation Practices 

- 00:16:36 Impact of Appreciation 

- 00:19:43 Team Effort and Human Interaction 

- 00:21:29 Understanding Individual Preferences 

- 00:31:26 Positive Outcomes of Feeling Valued 

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Support the show

Visit Dr. Lena's website at: https://tslm.us

Schedule a complimentary coaching or business consultation at: https://calendly.com/dlhm/free-consultation-tslm

Visit our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.LenaHolmes

To learn more about Dr. Lena's ministry project, visit https://dr-lena.org

Join Dr. Lena Holmes and David Shar, PhD, SHRM-SCP, as they explore the causes of burnout and offer actionable solutions to reignite your passion. Discover how faith and understanding can provide grounding in challenging times.

Takeaways

• Burnout can be reversed with small, practical changes.
• Loss of passion is often linked to burnout.
• DEI carries a stigma in today's society.
• Faith can provide grounding in challenging times.
• Practical solutions are key to reversing burnout.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Visit Dr. Lena's website at: https://tslm.us

Schedule a complimentary coaching or business consultation at: https://calendly.com/dlhm/free-consultation-tslm

Visit our YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.LenaHolmes

To learn more about Dr. Lena's ministry project, visit https://dr-lena.org