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In this rich and wisdom-packed episode of the Thrive Today Podcast, host Natalie Born welcomes back one of our most loved guests, Dr. Dave Martin, to unpack why wisdom isn’t just helpful, it’s foundational.

Drawing from Scripture, leadership experience, and decades of mentoring leaders across faith and business, Dr. Dave reframes wisdom as the master key that unlocks right timing, healthy relationships, sustainable success, and spiritual maturity. Together, Natalie and Dr. Dave explore the difference between information and formation, why humility keeps us teachable, and how wisdom is often built slowly through experience, mentorship, and obedience—not shortcuts.

From navigating AI and modern decision-making to building guardrails through Scripture, prayer, and counsel, this conversation invites listeners to stop rushing outcomes and start cultivating the kind of wisdom that shapes both who we are and where we’re going.

[00:00 – 01:30] Why Wisdom Matters More Than Ever

Introducing Dr. Dave Martin and his heart for wisdom

Why Scripture places such high value on wisdom and understanding

How mistakes often awaken our hunger for wisdom

[01:31 – 03:26] The Game Show Illustration: Why Wisdom Wins Everything

A powerful metaphor for choosing wisdom over outcomes

How wisdom produces better relationships, influence, and success

Solomon’s story and why wisdom multiplies what we’re chasing

[03:27 – 05:31] Wisdom Is Gained, Not Given

Why Solomon, and even Jesus, had to grow in wisdom

How learning changes seasons and shapes the future

The daily discipline of staying teachable

[05:32 – 07:44] AI, Information, and the Loss of Relational Wisdom

How younger generations are outsourcing counsel to technology

The danger of replacing relationships with information

Why wisdom was designed to flow through people, not isolation

[07:45 – 09:48] Formation vs. Information

Why wisdom is about transformation, not just knowledge

How experience, humility, and community shape character

Staying teachable as a spiritual discipline

[09:49 – 11:37] Timing, Faith, and Trusting the Process

Why God is never late, but also never rushed

The danger of platform before preparation

How growth seasons are often mistaken for delays

[11:38 – 13:51] Growth Requires Humility

Why mentors are shortcuts to wisdom

Learning from others’ mistakes instead of repeating our own

The Mount Everest lesson: growth happens in us, not circumstances

[13:52 – 16:21] Humility as the Gateway to Wisdom

Why pride closes our ears but humility opens our spirit

Becoming a “learn-it-all” instead of a know-it-all

Why grace flows where humility lives

[16:22 – 18:23] Building Guardrails Through Daily Wisdom

Making wisdom your default—not a backup plan

Reading Proverbs daily as a lifelong practice

Applying biblical principles to real-world leadership

[18:24 – 21:31] Practical Wisdom in Business and Life

Creating order as a spiritual principle

Making decisions through prayer, not pressure

Seeking counsel before major decisions

[21:32 – 23:46] Supernatural Wisdom at Work

Real stories of God-given ideas producing extraordinary outcomes

Inviting heaven into business decisions

Operating with long-term purpose, not short-term pressure

[23:47 – 25:52] Teaching the Next Generation Wisdom

Helping children learn to listen for God’s voice

Why Scripture speaks differently in different seasons

Moving from advice to surrendered obedience

[25:53 – End] Listening, Obedience, and Maturity

Ignoring wisdom—and the cost of doing so

Why maturity begins with listening

Wisdom as faith applied in everyday life

In this milestone 100th episode of the Thrive Today Podcast, host Natalie Born welcomes Thrive founder Colleen Rouse for a powerful conversation on one of the most defining—and often misunderstood—elements of leadership: culture. Together, they unpack how culture is formed, why it determines whether people stay or leave, and how leaders can intentionally create environments marked by value, belonging, vision, and honor.

Drawing from decades of leadership experience, Colleen reveals why resilience begins with humility, how identity shapes leadership presence, and why vision must move from the wall to the heart. From cultivating a culture of honor to retaining top talent and creating stability in uncertain times, this episode offers both timeless wisdom and practical tools for leaders who want their impact to outlive their title.

[00:00 – 03:30] Celebrating 100 Episodes & Why Culture Matters

Reflecting on 100 conversations of coaching, challenging, and championing leaders

Why culture is something you feel before you can define it

The global impact of Thrive’s mission and message

[03:31 – 07:30] Leadership, Resilience, and Humility

Why high-tension leadership environments drain people

Replacing uncertainty with clarity and confidence

How humility becomes the foundation of healthy culture

[07:31 – 11:30] Identity, Purpose, and Leading from a Place of Security

Why leaders must know who they are and why they’re at the table

The difference between leading to give vs. leading to get

“I have nothing to prove; I have everything to give.”

[11:31 – 15:30] Retaining Talent Through Value and Belonging

The two main reasons people leave organizations (according to McKinsey)

Why compensation alone doesn’t create loyalty

How culture directly impacts retention and reputation

[15:31 – 21:00] Culture of Honor: What It Is—and What It Isn’t

Why leaders are carriers, but not the only carriers, of culture

The danger of honoring up but not peer-to-peer or down

How dishonor creates toxic undercurrents that drive leaders away

[21:01 – 26:30] Honor as a Leadership Lifestyle

Honoring people because you are a person of honor

Why honoring others requires humility

How sowing honor changes environments and outcomes

[26:31 – 32:30] Vision: From the Wall to the Heart

Why vision must be felt—not just stated

How vision ignites internal motivation, not just external compliance

Helping people see themselves and their value in the vision

[32:31 – 38:00] Vision, Mission, and Values as Cultural Anchors

How values define acceptable behavior and accountability

Hiring and releasing based on values, not just performance

Why shared vision reduces the need for micromanagement

[38:01 – 43:30] Stability in Uncertain Times

Treating every team member like a leader

Investing in people beyond their job description

How development, belonging, and belief create long-term commitment

[43:31 – End] The Future of Thrive & Invitation to Community

Why leaders are craving community over crowds

The heart behind Thrive coaching calls and membership

An invitation to help shape what’s next through feedback and connection

Quotes

“Culture is created by what you promote, what you permit, and what you ignore.” – Colleen Rouse

“I don’t honor positionally - I honor because I’m a person of honor.” – Colleen Rouse

“Vision doesn’t light a fire under people; it lights a fire within them.” – Colleen Rouse

About Colleen Rouse

Colleen Rouse is the founder of Thrive Today and a respected leadership voice with decades of experience developing leaders, organizations, and cultures rooted in purpose, honor, and vision. Known for her wisdom, humility, and practical insight, Colleen equips leaders to build environments where people feel valued, connected, and empowered to grow. Her passion lies in helping leaders create legacies that outlast their roles and positively impact generations to come.

🌐 Website: https://thrivetoday.com

In this powerful and deeply compassionate episode of the Thrive Today Podcast, host Natalie Born sits down with trauma-trained therapist and faith-based speaker Ciara Freeman to explore what healing truly looks like when faith and psychology work together. Ciara unpacks how unresolved trauma shapes our behaviors, relationships, and spiritual lives—and why avoiding pain often keeps us bound rather than free.

Through biblical wisdom, clinical insight, and personal experience, this conversation reframes healing as a courageous, intentional choice. From emotional regulation and nervous system awareness to surrender, discipleship, and renewed identity in Christ, this episode invites listeners to stop numbing, start noticing, and choose the hard road that leads to freedom, wholeness, and lasting transformation.

[00:00 – 03:00] Why Healing Is a Choice

- What Ciara means by “choosing your hard.”

- Why staying stuck can feel easier than healing.

- How avoidance quietly reinforces bondage.

[03:01 – 06:30] Trauma, the Nervous System, and Faith

- How trauma lives in the body—not just the mind.

- Understanding fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses.

- Why spiritual practices alone don’t always heal trauma.

[06:31 – 10:00] When Faith Is Used to Bypass Pain

- The difference between faith and emotional suppression.

- Why “just pray about it” can sometimes delay healing.

- How God works through both Scripture and science.

[10:01 – 13:30] Renewing the Mind Requires Safety

- Why regulation must come before transformation.

- How safety creates space for truth to land.

- What renewal looks like beyond positive thinking.

[13:31 – 17:00] Identity, Attachment, and Belonging

- How early attachment impacts adult relationships.

- Why trauma distorts our view of God and ourselves.

- Returning to identity as sons and daughters—not survivors.

[17:01 – 20:30] Discomfort as a Pathway to Freedom

- Why healing often feels harder before it feels lighter.

- The cost of numbing versus the cost of obedience.

- Choosing growth even when emotions resist.

[20:31 – 24:00] Integrating Healing into Daily Life

- Practical tools for emotional awareness and regulation.

- Creating rhythms that support nervous system health.

- Partnering with God in the healing process.

[24:01 – End] Hope, Freedom, and the Courage to Begin

- Why freedom is possible for everyone.

- Trusting God with the process—not just the outcome.

- An invitation to take the next faithful step.

Quotes ;

“Freedom doesn’t come from avoiding pain—it comes from facing it with God.” – Ciara Freeman

“Healing isn’t about fixing yourself; it’s about allowing truth and safety to meet.” – Ciara Freeman

“You can love God deeply and still need help healing your nervous system.” – Ciara Freeman

About the Guest: Ciara Freeman

Ciara Freeman is a trauma-trained therapist and faith-based speaker passionate about bridging the gap between psychology and Christianity. With over five years in private practice, she helps individuals experience emotional healing and spiritual restoration through a Biblical lens.

She is the author of Choose Your Hard: The Road That Leads from Bondage to Freedom, where she invites readers into honest, courageous healing that leads to lasting freedom. When she’s not counseling or leading worship, Ciara enjoys spending time near the water with her pup, Diego.

Guest Links

📘 Book: Choose Your Hard: The Road That Leads from Bondage to Freedom

Loved this episode of The Thrive Today Podcast?

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In this deeply grounding episode of Thrive Today Podcast, host Natalie Born sits down with Thrive Today founder and Victory Church pastor Colleen Rouse to unpack one of the most misunderstood and most resisted topics in leadership: rest. Together, they explore why rest often carries guilt for high achievers, how striving quietly erodes trust and creativity, and why God’s design for work has always been rooted in rhythm, boundaries, and grace.

From perfectionism and trauma responses to Sabbath mentality and stewardship, this conversation reframes rest not as a reward for finishing—but as the foundation from which healthy leadership flows. If you’ve ever struggled to turn your brain off, tied your worth to productivity, or felt trapped in pressure-driven performance, this episode offers both spiritual clarity and practical tools to lead from peace instead of pressure.

[00:00 – 02:30] Why Rest Feels So Uncomfortable for Leaders

• Why the word rest can trigger guilt, fear, or shame.

• How modern work culture rewards constant output over sustainable rhythm.

• Introducing the tension between high achievement and overachievement.

[02:31 – 05:30] When High Achievement Turns into Striving

• The internal pressure that drives overwork more than deadlines do.

• Why overachieving often leads to burnout, not impact.

• How striving reveals deeper issues of trust and identity.

[05:31 – 09:00] Rest Begins Before the Work

• “Rest doesn’t begin when you’re done—it precedes the work.”

• Understanding Sabbath as a posture, not just a practice.

• Why so many leaders struggle to quiet their minds at night.

[09:01 – 12:30] Boundaries, Trust, and God’s Design for Work

• Why anxiety increases when boundaries are absent.

• How Sabbath helps leaders recognize when striving begins.

• Clarifying what belongs to us—and what belongs to God.

[12:31 – 16:00] Grace as the Diagnostic Tool

• How to tell whether you’re operating in grace or pressure.

• Why grace doesn’t remove difficulty—but brings ease.

• Learning to identify where God is already at work.

[16:01 – 19:30] Perfectionism, Trauma, and Leadership Culture

• How perfectionism is often rooted in a lack of contentment.

• Why control can be a trauma response, not a leadership strength.

• The impact of unresolved patterns on teams and organizations.

[19:31 – 22:30] Stewardship vs. Ownership

• Why leaders often carry weight they were never meant to hold.

• The difference between being an owner and a steward.

• How stewardship restores margin, clarity, and peace.

[22:31 – End] Practical Practices for Restful Leadership

• Using Scripture, worship, and journaling to retrain the mind.

• Creating margin as a spiritual discipline.

• Leading from identity as a daughter and friend of God—not performance.

Quotes:

“Rest doesn’t begin when you’re done working—it precedes the work.” – Colleen Rouse

“Grace doesn’t make your job easier; it gives you ease while doing it.” – Colleen Rouse

“You have nothing to prove. You have everything to give.” – Colleen Rouse

About Colleen Rouse:

Colleen Rouse is the founder of Thrive Today and the founding pastor of Victory Church in Norcross, Georgia. She is a trusted voice for faith-centered leadership, helping high-capacity leaders move from pressure-driven performance to grace-filled stewardship.

Connect with Thrive Today:

🌐 Website: https://thrivetoday.com

📸 Instagram: @thrivetodaywomen

💼 LinkedIn: Thrive Today

📘 Facebook: Thrive Today Women

Loved this episode of The Thrive Today Podcast?

⭐️ Subscribe and leave a 5-STAR review to help more women lead with clarity, confidence, and faith.

💬 Join the Thrive Tribe for weekly encouragement, leadership tools, and spiritual formation resources.

👉 Learn more about the Thrive Today Membership at thrivetoday.com/pages/membership

In this powerful and deeply encouraging conversation, Natalie Born sits down with wealth advocate, author, and speaker Tricia Daniel to unpack what it truly means to face financial storms with joy, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Drawing from her own journey through divorce, job loss, caregiving, and rebuilding from scratch, Tricia shares how women can break free from money shame, access the resources God has already placed around them, and create a practical “CARE plan” that keeps their families grounded even when life hits hard.

If you’ve ever felt unprepared, anxious, or alone when navigating money challenges, this episode reminds you that resilience isn’t about having perfect finances—it’s about having deep roots, biblical perspective, and a plan anchored in God’s truth.

[00:00 – 03:00] Introducing Tricia & the Hidden Crisis of Money Shame

- Why money conversations are often avoided—even in families and churches.

- Tricia’s background as a third-generation financial expert and her personal story of starting over.

- The surprising number of Bible verses about money and why financial stewardship is deeply spiritual.

[03:01 – 06:45] Rebuilding After Loss & the Weight of Financial Anxiety

- How divorce, job loss, and caregiving can suddenly wipe out finances.

- Why shame keeps women silent—and how sharing our stories brings healing.

- The importance of trusted communities for support, guidance, and empowerment.

[06:46 – 11:00] Cultivating Deep Roots: Building Your Spiritual & Financial Foundation

- The “tree planted by the water” metaphor and how Scripture anchors us during financial storms.

- Why women must develop a root system strong enough to withstand crises.

- The reality of systems failing (like government shutdowns) and learning to lean on God first.

[11:01 – 14:30] The CARE Plan: A Practical Framework for Financial Preparedness

C — Cash: Knowing how much you need to care for your family for 1–6 months.

A — Accessibility: Ensuring you can access money quickly in emergencies.

R — Resources: Leveraging financial AND non-financial support systems.

E — Efficiency: Creating a clear execution plan your family understands.

- Visual tools (circles, shapes, trees) to help families understand money.

- Why financial stewardship is “surrender, not spreadsheets.”

[14:31 – 16:45] Breaking Generational Silence & Bringing Kids Into the Conversation

- How cultural norms keep money conversations hidden—and why that must shift.

- Helping children build healthy money mindsets early.

- Transforming family narratives from secrecy to confidence and stewardship.

[16:46 – 20:00] “Finish the Unfinished”: Obedience, Calling & Financial Breakthrough

- The word God gave Tricia: finish the unfinished.

- How delayed obedience stalls provision, purpose, and generational impact.

- The reminder that our next financial breakthrough is often hidden inside the assignment we’ve been avoiding.

[20:01 – End] What’s in Your House? Seeing What God Has Already Provided

- The widow’s oil as a model for resourcefulness and faith.

- Why God often uses what’s already in our hands to increase our capacity.

- How non-monetary resources—community, creativity, connections—can be the key to rebuilding.

Quotes:

“Financial stewardship is surrender, not spreadsheets.” – Tricia Daniel

“Your CARE plan is your financial ‘go bag’—faith-filled, practical, and ready when life shifts.” – Tricia Daniel

“Money shame keeps us silent, but shared stories set us free.” – Tricia Daniel

“Financial resilience isn’t built on money—it’s built on where your roots are planted.”

About Tricia Daniel:

Tricia Daniel is a wealth advocate, speaker, and author who helps women overcome financial anxiety and rebuild confidence after life’s unexpected shifts. A third-generation financial expert with decades in corporate finance and public accounting, she combines practical wisdom with deep faith to empower others to steward their money with clarity, courage, and joy.

In this powerful conversation, Natalie Born sits down with speaker, advocate, and compassion-driven leader Brenda Chand to explore what it really means to see people through the eyes of hope—not judgment. Brenda shares her personal story of growing up in a difficult environment, how those early experiences shaped her desire to champion others, and why leaders must resist the cultural pull toward criticism and comparison.

From the power of presence, to loving people in their mess, to cultivating spaces where grace leads the way, Brenda offers deeply practical and spiritually grounded wisdom. If you’ve ever struggled with self-worth, dealt with hidden pain, or felt the weight of others’ expectations, this episode reminds you that freedom begins with being seen—and seeing others—with compassion.

[00:00 – 05:00] Brenda’s Early Story & Hidden Pain

* Brenda shares childhood memories that shaped her understanding of shame, secrecy, and survival.

* How growing up in a home marked by instability taught her to recognize pain in others.

* Why empathy begins with acknowledging our own broken places.

[05:01 – 10:00] The Moment Everything Shifted

* Brenda reflects on the internal questions that followed her into adulthood.

* Realizing that her story wasn’t a source of shame—but a source of ministry.

* How God used her past to ignite a calling to help others experience hope.

[10:01 – 14:30] Casting Hope, Not Stones

* What it means to “cast hope” in a world that’s quick to criticize.

* Practical ways leaders can respond with compassion instead of judgment.

* Why withholding criticism isn’t weakness—it’s strength rooted in purpose.

[14:31 – 20:00] The Power of Being Seen

* Brenda explains why many people don’t need solutions—they need presence.

* How leaders can create environments where people feel safe to show their real story.

* Natalie and Brenda discuss the spiritual discipline of seeing people the way God does.

[20:01 – 25:00] Loving People Through Their Mess

* Why people often behave from places of unspoken pain.

* The importance of curiosity over assumptions.

* How to walk with someone through transformation without carrying the weight for them.

[25:01 – End] Hope as a Leadership Strategy

* How compassion fuels influence, loyalty, and authentic connection.

* Questions leaders can ask to remain grounded in grace and truth.

* Brenda’s encouragement to anyone wrestling with identity, shame, or purpose.

Quotes:

“When we lead with compassion, we create space for people to breathe, heal, and belong.” – Brenda Chand


“Hope is an invitation. Judgment is a barrier. Leaders get to choose which one they build.” – Brenda Chand


“Your story isn’t something to hide. It’s the very place God wants to speak through.” – Brenda Chand

About Brenda Chand:

Brenda Chand is a speaker, mentor, and advocate passionate about helping people move from shame to purpose. Drawing from her own journey of overcoming childhood adversity, Brenda equips individuals and leaders to offer compassion, hope, and healing in their spheres of influence.

Connect with Brenda:

Website: https://www.dreamreleaser.com

Connect with Thrive Today:

* Website: thrivetoday.com

* Instagram: @thrivetodaywomen

* LinkedIn: Thrive Today

* Facebook: Thrive Today Women

Loved this episode?

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💬 Join the Thrive Tribe for community, encouragement, and resources to help you lead with courage and clarity.

👉 Learn more about the Thrive Today Membership at thrivetoday.com/pages/membership

In this inspiring conversation, host Natalie Born welcomes back Jacquel Tucker—entrepreneur, leadership coach, and founder of the J. Tucker Group—to help leaders reframe what it truly means to finish well. As the year draws to a close, Jacquel shares how faith, focus, and intentional reflection can turn fatigue into fresh fire. Together, Natalie and Jacquel unpack how leaders can regain momentum, celebrate progress, and bring clarity to their next season—without burnout or striving.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running out of steam before the finish line, this episode will remind you that ending strong isn’t about perfection—it’s about purpose, integrity, and trusting God with what’s next.

[00:00 – 03:00] Rethinking What It Means to Finish Well

- Jacquel explains why finishing strong isn’t about checking every box but leading with integrity and peace.

- The mindset shift: milestones build momentum for the next season.

- How Colossians 3:23 shapes her philosophy of working “unto the Lord.”

[03:01 – 07:00] Finding Your Second Wind

- Why leaders lose momentum between January’s enthusiasm and December’s fatigue.

- How rest, reflection, and reliance on God help restore clarity and drive.

- Identifying what’s working—and what to release—before stepping into the next season.

[07:01 – 10:00] Accountability and Celebration

- Natalie shares the power of quarterly reviews to stay on track.

- Jacquel’s analogy of “the game played in inches”—progress happens step by step.

- Why teams must build in moments of celebration to sustain motivation and joy.

[10:01 – 14:00] Leading Teams with Purpose

- The importance of connecting individual “whys” to company goals.

- How cascading goals and contextual communication help teams stay aligned.

- Why understanding the “why” transforms compliance into ownership.

[14:01 – 17:00] Inviting Collaboration and Creativity

- Jacquel shares how inclusive goal-setting unlocks innovation at every level.

- How involving your team early builds buy-in and breakthrough ideas.

- Why leaders must cultivate an environment where ideas can flow freely.

[17:01 – End] Entering the Next Season with Clarity

- Practical questions to ask as you close the year: What worked? What didn’t? What’s next?

- How celebration, gratitude, and reflection position you to lead from strength in the year ahead.

- A reminder that finishing well is not about doing more—it’s about trusting God to complete what He started.

Quotes:

“Finishing well doesn’t always mean you hit every goal—it means you’ve led with integrity and peace.” – Jacquel Tucker

“We can’t reach the next level until we master where we are.” – Jacquel Tucker

“Momentum builds when we pause, reflect, and realign with God’s vision.” – Jacquel Tucker

About Jacquel Tucker:

Jacquel Tucker is a leadership coach, entrepreneur, and founder of the J. Tucker Group, where she equips leaders to build purpose-driven teams and faith-centered businesses. Drawing from her background in hospitality, sales, and ministry, Jacquel inspires individuals and organizations to lead with excellence, service, and heart.

Connect with Jacquel:

🔗 Website: https://www.jtuckergroup.com

🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacqueltucker

Connect with Thrive Today:

🌐 Website: https://thrivetoday.com

📸 Instagram: @thrivetodaywomen

💼 LinkedIn: Thrive Today

📘 Facebook: Thrive Today Women

Loved this episode?

⭐️ Subscribe and leave us a 5-STAR review to help more women grow in faith and leadership.

💬 Join the Thrive Tribe for encouragement and resources to help you lead with courage and clarity.

👉 Learn more about the Thrive Today Membership at thrivetoday.com/pages/membership

In this uplifting episode of Thrive Today, host Natalie Born welcomes back bestselling author and researcher Shaunti Feldhahn for a deeply encouraging conversation about the transformative power of kindness. Drawing from her groundbreaking research and her latest writing on the subject, Shaunti reveals how even the smallest acts of kindness can transform relationships, reshape cultures, and revive weary hearts.

Together, Natalie and Shaunti explore what happens when leaders intentionally choose compassion over criticism, and how faith empowers us to lead with grace in a world that often prizes efficiency over empathy.

If you’ve ever doubted whether kindness truly makes a difference, this episode will remind you that genuine kindness isn’t just nice—it’s revolutionary.

[00:01 – 06:50] The Science and Spirit of Kindness

- Shaunti shares her global research journey exploring kindness across organizations and communities.

- Why kindness is not weakness—it’s one of the most powerful leadership tools we have.

- The neuroscience behind kindness and its profound effects on engagement and trust.

[06:51 – 12:40] The Ripple Effect in Leadership

- How one person’s consistent kindness can shift an entire culture.

- The stories behind workplaces that turned around through empathy and grace.

- Why small, intentional acts matter more than grand gestures.

[12:41 – 18:00] Faith, Psychology, and the Human Heart

- How Scripture and science agree: we are designed for kindness.

- The spiritual truth that kindness reflects the heart of God.

- How choosing kindness reshapes our thoughts, emotions, and reactions.

[18:01 – 23:50] Practicing Kindness in Real Time

- How to pause before reacting and choose gentleness instead.

- Daily disciplines that help cultivate a “kindness reflex.”

- Why authentic kindness goes deeper than surface-level niceness.

[23:51 – 28:00] Leadership That Heals

- How kindness restores dignity and unlocks creativity in others.

- The unexpected business and relational outcomes of grace-filled leadership.

- Shaunti’s invitation to each listener: be the one who breaks the cycle of harshness with compassion.

Quotes:

“Kindness isn’t weakness, it’s strength under control.” – Shaunti Feldhahn

“We underestimate how powerful one kind response can be in changing someone’s day or their life.” – Shaunti Feldhahn

“God wired us for kindness because it heals what harshness breaks.” – Shaunti Feldhahn

About Shaunti Feldhahn:

Shaunti Feldhahn is a social researcher, bestselling author, and speaker whose work bridges faith and science to reveal what helps people thrive in relationships and leadership. Known for her bestselling books The Kindness Challenge and For Women Only, Shaunti equips leaders, couples, and organizations with research-backed principles for cultivating connection and compassion in everyday life.

Connect with Shaunti:

🔗 Website: https://www.shaunti.com

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauntifeldhahn

Connect with Thrive Today

🌐 Website: https://thrivetoday.com

📸 Instagram: @thrivetodaywomen

💼 LinkedIn: Thrive Today

📘 Facebook: Thrive Today Women

Loved this episode?

⭐️ Subscribe and leave us a 5-STAR review to help more women cultivate their influence and lead with courage.

💬 Join the Thrive Tribe and discover resources designed to help you grow in faith, leadership, and purpose.

👉 Learn more about our Thrive Today Membership at thrivetoday.com/pages/membership

In this inspiring episode of Thrive Today, host Natalie Born sits down with Roshanda Pratt—former TV news producer turned communication strategist, visibility coach, and storyteller extraordinaire. Roshanda unpacks what it really means to build influence that goes deeper than likes, clicks, or surface-level visibility. Together, they explore how courageous communication, collaboration, growth mindset, and vulnerability shape authentic leadership. Roshanda also shares personal stories of adversity and faith that reveal how influence can change not just organizations, but lives.

If you’ve ever wondered how to show up, speak up, and scale up your impact, this conversation is for you.

[00:01 – 07:20] Why Influence Matters

- Influence is about more than marketing—it’s about moving people to action.

- Courageous communication begins with creating safe spaces for others to be seen and heard.

- True leadership requires humility, curiosity, and a willingness to listen.

[07:21 – 13:50] Vulnerability as a Leadership Strength

- Why “visibility is power”—and why you deserve to be seen, heard, and paid.

- Jesus as the model of transparency and vulnerability with Thomas.

- Collaboration as a form of vulnerability: inviting others into the process.

[13:51 – 20:00] Growth Mindset in Action

- Challenges are not happening to you, but for you.

- Learning to invite God into decision-making and leadership moments.

- A powerful story of forgiveness and provision in business.

[20:01 – 24:30] Influence Through Adversity

- Roshanda’s vulnerable story of navigating grief and sharing it openly.

- How transparency in hardship creates resonance and builds trust.

- Influence comes when you give people language for what they’re experiencing.

[24:31 – 25:57] Practical Steps to Cultivate Influence

- Start with your why—life gives you clues about your calling.

- Don’t despise small beginnings: influence grows through consistency.

- Commit to showing up for your people the way God consistently shows up for us.

Quotes:

“Visibility is power—you deserve to be seen, heard, and paid.” – Roshanda Pratt

“Challenges aren’t happening to you; they’re happening for you.” – Roshanda Pratt

“Influence isn’t about a platform; it’s about giving people language for what they can’t yet say.” – Roshanda Pratt

About Roshanda Pratt:

Roshanda Pratt is a former TV news producer turned visibility coach and communication strategist. Known as “your visibility coach,” she equips leaders to show up, speak up, and scale up through the power of storytelling. Roshanda is passionate about helping women master their message, own their voice, and lead with influence that matters.

Connect with Roshanda:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshandaepratt/

Connect with Natalie:

Website: https://innovationmeetsleadership.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieborn/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationmeetsleadership/#

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innovationmeetsleadership

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@innovationleadership

X (Twitter): https://www.tiktok.com/@innovationleadership

Learn More about Thrive Today:

Website: https://thrivetoday.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thrivetodaywomen

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Finding Your Voice: Leading with Courage and Conviction

In this empowering episode of Thrive Today, host Natalie Born sits down with Tinsley English—SVP of Business Insurance Operations, keynote speaker, best-selling author, and founder of the G-Force Code System. Tinsley opens up about her personal journey of silencing, healing, and ultimately reclaiming her voice. Together, they explore what it takes to show up authentically in leadership, dismantle internalized narratives, and lead with clarity, confidence, and conviction. This is a conversation for every woman ready to step into her power and live her purpose.

[00:01 - 07:25] From Silence to Significance

- Tinsley’s early struggles with people-pleasing and perfectionism

- The internal war between external success and internal insecurity

- How finding your voice is tied to owning your truth

[07:26 - 13:50] Rewriting the Narrative

- Unlearning the belief that good leadership means silence

- Moving from external validation to internal clarity

- The role of emotional healing in discovering your leadership voice

[13:51 - 19:42] Confidence That’s Not Conditional

- Why competence is not the same as confidence

- Learning to lead from identity, not performance

- The power of grit, growth, and gumption in bold leadership

[19:43 - 26:10] Practical Tools to Reclaim Your Voice

- Strategies from the G-Force Code to build confidence and clarity

- Using journaling and silence as leadership disciplines

- How to mentor others while still evolving yourself

[26:11 - 31:29] Becoming a Voice for Others

- The ripple effect of finding and using your voice

- Encouraging women to speak from identity, not fear

- Why your story matters more than you think

Quotes:

“You don’t have to earn your voice. You were born with it.” – Tinsley English

“Confidence isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the presence of truth.” – Tinsley English

“When you use your voice, you give others permission to find theirs.” – Tinsley English

About Tinsley English:

Tinsley English is an SVP, Regional Business Insurance Operations Leader, a recognized expert in female leadership development, a dynamic keynote speaker, and a best-selling author renowned for her transformative G-Force Code System. She was a founding member of the Southeast GROW Chapter (Growing Relationships and Opportunities for Women) and serves on the Enterprise Grow Chapter for National Marsh McLennan Agency. With over a decade devoted to coaching high-performing women, her direct approach enables her to swiftly identify obstacles and unveil hidden strengths, fostering authentic leadership through grit, growth, and gumption. Tinsley is on a mission to reach one million women by 2026 with this message, helping them grow in confidence, clarity, and sense of purpose.

Connect with Tinsley:

Website:https://gritgrowthgumption.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinsleyenglish/

Follow Thrive Today:

Instagram: @thrivetodaywomen

Website: thrivetoday.com

Loved this episode?

Subscribe and leave us a 5-STAR review to help more women reclaim their voice and lead with confidence.