In this powerful episode of the Thrive Today podcast, host Natalie Born sits down with Jordan Loftis, founder and CEO of Story Chorus and author of "Unleash Your Authentic Voice." They explore the painful reality of betrayal in leadership and how to navigate it without becoming cynical or closed off. Through personal stories and biblical wisdom, they reveal how betrayal can become a catalyst for growth rather than a reason to build walls. This conversation offers practical insights for leaders who have experienced betrayal and are seeking to move forward with wisdom and an open heart.

[00:01 - 05:17] The Universal Experience of Betrayal

- Betrayal appears to be an unavoidable aspect of leadership across business and ministry

- Leaders who integrate faith and business often experience similarly deep pain when betrayed

- The depth of pain often correlates with the depth of investment in the relationship

[05:18 - 10:37] Stories from the Trenches: Overcoming Betrayal

- Investing in an employee's dreams only to be repaid with lies and exploitation

- Despite the betrayal, they maintained integrity by refusing to launch a counter-offensive

- The community supports and prays for their betrayers' blessing

[10:38 - 15:06] The Danger of Self-Protection

- Unaddressed betrayal can lead to building walls that not only keep others out but God as well

- The stories we tell ourselves about betrayal often cause more harm than the event itself

- Leaders often blame themselves with thoughts like "If I was better, this wouldn't have happened"

[15:07 - 22:00] Guarding Your Heart Without Closing It

- Betrayal hurts most when it comes from people you've invested in deeply

- The goal shouldn't be to never feel pain again, but to continue fulfilling your purpose despite pain

- Surrounding yourself with the right people during betrayal is crucial for healthy processing

[22:01 - 27:53] Finding Redemption in Betrayal

- God can use betrayal situations for spiritual formation when we surrender control

- Betrayal often reveals what's truly in our hearts, like sediment in a cup when it's bumped

- The experience can lead to wisdom without cynicism

Key Quotes:

"If our God could take the worst thing that has ever happened in human history, which is the murder of Jesus, his son... and win the greatest victory in the history of the universe, then what can he do with our situation?" - Jordan Loftis

"You can't poison the well without poisoning all the water." - Jordan Loftis

Connect with Jordan:

Website: https://swift.storychorus.com/

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

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

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Many leaders set ambitious goals, yet struggle to follow through. What stops them? In this episode of Thrive Today, Natalie Born sits down with Colleen Rouse to break down the core elements of productivity and success. They discuss how clarity leads to action, the importance of mindset in overcoming roadblocks, and how accountability and mentorship drive growth. Whether it's tackling fear, reframing failure, or structuring your time effectively, this conversation offers practical insights to help you move forward with confidence.

[00:01 - 06:22] The Power of Clarity: Defining Your Path

- Productivity begins with clarity—knowing your theme, purpose, and priorities

- Breaking big goals into smaller, actionable steps ensures progress

- Fear often masquerades as uncertainty, keeping people from taking action

[06:23 - 12:48] Overcoming Limiting Beliefs That Keep You Stuck

- Self-doubt and fear of failure prevent many from pursuing their calling

- AI and digital tools remove many excuses for inaction

- Success requires identifying the mental roadblocks that hold you back

[12:49 - 18:01] Accountability and Mentorship: Finding the Right People

- Proverbs 11:14 emphasizes the power of wise counsel

- True accountability partners challenge and encourage you to grow

- Seeking mentorship doesn’t have to be formal—look for mutual value exchange

[18:02 - 21:53] Reframing Failure as Learning, Not Defeat

- The best way to fail is to fail fast and learn quickly

- Honest feedback, even when painful, is the key to growth

- Fear of failure can be just as paralyzing as fear of success

[21:54 - 27:02] Structuring Your Day for Maximum Productivity

- Success is built on daily habits, not one-time events

- Understanding your peak energy periods helps optimize focus and efficiency

- Your thought life shapes your actions—meditate on the right things

​​Connect with Colleen:

Website: https://thrivetoday.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwrouse/?hl=en

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

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

Key Quotes:

"Success and significance don’t happen by accident. They happen by waking up every day knowing the purpose God has placed on your life." – Natalie Born

"Fear of failure keeps many people stuck. But if you learn from it, then it was never failure—it was growth." – Natalie Born

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!

What truly shapes the success of an organization—policies, leadership, or the unseen force of culture?

In this episode of Thrive Today, host Natalie sits down with Thrive Today founder Colleen Rouse to explore the crucial role of culture in organizational transformation. They discuss why 70% of change initiatives fail and how leadership, influence, and values shape the work environment. Colleen shares insights on countercultural leadership, the power of trust, and the importance of servant leadership in fostering healthy workplace dynamics. Whether you're in a position of authority or leading through influence, this conversation offers actionable steps to create a thriving culture that aligns with biblical principles.

[00:01 - 04:15] The Hidden Key to Successful Transformation

- Why transformation efforts fail 70% of the time

- The connection between culture and sustainable change

- Using core values as an organization's guiding light

[04:16 - 08:57] Influence vs. Position: What Really Matters?

- Why a title doesn’t guarantee influence

- The difference between compliance and commitment

- Building trust as the foundation of leadership

[08:58 - 12:36] Countercultural Leadership: A Radical Shift

- How servant leadership stands out in today’s workplace

- Shifting from competition to collaboration

- Why recognizing and uplifting others strengthens culture

[12:37 - 16:31] What You Permit, You Promote

- Addressing negativity before it spreads

- How to create a culture of accountability and trust

- The power of stop-start-continue exercises in leadership

[16:32 - 20:02] Being the Light in a Toxic Workplace

- Steps to influence a culture shift, even without authority

- Why acknowledging leadership mistakes builds credibility

- The biblical principle of sowing and reaping in workplace dynamics

Connect with Colleen:

Website: https://thrivetoday.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwrouse/?hl=en

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

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

Key Quotes:

"Influence doesn’t come from rank—it comes from relationship. Trust is what turns authority into impact." - Colleen Rouse

"The culture of an organization is shaped by what leaders promote and what they permit." - Colleen Rouse

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!

What happens when we step beyond traditional boundaries and explore the uncharted depths of our calling?

In this episode, Martijn van Tilborgh, a strategic marketing architect, speaker, and author of the thought-provoking book Unorthodox, shares his journey of disrupting conventional mindsets in ministry and business, blending faith and innovation. He explores themes of coloring outside the lines, breaking free from limiting paradigms and embracing a personal identity as a divine path to transformation. This episode is packed with inspiring insights to challenge our thinking about leadership, calling, and faith-driven creativity.

[00:01 - 06:54] The Origins of "Unorthodox"

- Great ideas can emerge from reviewing your own journey

- Creativity often involves revisiting what didn’t work for others

- The unorthodox approach disrupts traditional models and inspires fresh thinking

[06:55 - 12:26] Disrupting Ministry Norms

- Growth requires change, and change often involves discomfort

- Ministry is about discovery, not just following established patterns

- God's work extends far beyond religious structures

[12:27 - 18:34] Redefining Calling and Purpose

- Calling isn't limited to specific roles like pastor or missionary

- God’s creativity invites us to think outside traditional categories

- True purpose aligns with personal identity and gifts

[18:35 - 24:48] Seeing Beyond the Box

- Light enables us to see beyond our current realities

- Leaders must open their eyes before leading others

- Questioning the status quo is the first step toward meaningful change

[24:49 - 28:02] Finding Freedom in Faith and Leadership

- God meets us where we are to expand our understanding

- True innovation begins with questioning long-held beliefs

- Discovering your unique identity is essential for impactful leadership

Key Quotes:

"There is more of God outside a religious paradigm than there is inside." — Martijn van Tilborgh

"Ask for sight, ask to see beyond the box you’re in—because with God, there is always more." — Martijn van Tilborgh

Connect with Martijn:

Website: https://www.martijnvantilborgh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjtilborgh/?hl=en

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!

How can leaders approach criticism in a way that fosters growth, strengthens relationships, and builds trust?

In this episode of the Thrive Today podcast, Natalie sits down with Colleen Rouse to delve into Part 2 of their series on navigating criticism. They discuss the balance of delivering feedback with empathy, the importance of timing, and the need for clear communication. Colleen shares biblical insights and practical strategies for handling challenging conversations, whether you're offering feedback or receiving it. This engaging discussion empowers leaders to transform criticism into an opportunity for mutual growth and success.

[00:01 - 05:24] Setting the Tone: Why Criticism Matters

- Understanding the discomfort of giving and receiving criticism

- The difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper

- Key scripture on discipline and growth from Hebrews 12

[05:25 - 10:46] Approaching Feedback with Empathy

- Confrontation versus collaboration: "sitting beside" instead of "facing off."

- Importance of curiosity and asking the right questions before addressing issues

- Techniques to create a safe environment for feedback

[10:47 - 15:57] The Role of Timing and Clarity

- The value of choosing the right moment for difficult conversations

- Ensuring expectations and feedback are clear and documented

- Stories of handling underperformance with grace and firmness

[15:58 - 20:31] Follow-Up and Accountability

- Establishing probationary periods and measuring progress

- Empowering individuals to take ownership of their improvement

- Encouraging follow-through and celebrating incremental successes

[20:32 - 25:13] Leading with Growth in Mind

- Balancing critique with opportunities to build on strengths

- The importance of placing individuals in roles that align with their talents

- Creating a culture of growth rather than a focus solely on weaknesses

Key Quotes:

"Criticism should come from a place of love, aiming for the peaceable fruit of righteousness." – Colleen Rouse

"If you're not clear in your expectations, the failure might not be theirs—it might be yours." – Natalie Born

Connect with Colleen:

Website: / colleenrouse

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwrouse/?hl=en

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!

How do you turn criticism into a tool for growth without letting it erode your confidence?

In this episode of the Thrive Today Podcast, Natalie sits down with Thrive Today founder Colleen Rouse to dive into the complex world of criticism—how to handle it, how to discern its validity, and how to grow from it. From personal anecdotes to practical strategies, Colleen shares her learning journey to embrace feedback, even when it stings. Together, they explore how faith, self-awareness, and a growth mindset can transform criticism from a source of pain to a stepping stone for leadership excellence.

[00:01 - 04:42] The Criticism Dilemma

How criticism lands differently based on relationships and delivery

Recognizing constructive criticism vs. personal attacks

The importance of preparing emotionally for feedback

[04:42 - 09:33] Growth Begins with a Learning Heart

Developing a growth mindset to filter meaningful criticism.

Using faith to sift through harsh words for truth

The power of discernment in leadership

[09:34 - ] Responding vs. Reacting

Why immediate reactions often derail meaningful communication

Practical steps to process and respond thoughtfully

Balancing emotional intelligence with leadership integrity

[00:14:00] Feedback and Confidence

Strategies to separate feedback from self-worth

Weighing feedback based on the source and context

Understanding perception vs. reality in leadership

[00:20:00 - 23:10] The Courage to Grow

Embracing brutal honesty as a path to growth

How seasoned leaders master receiving and applying feedback

The importance of trust and intention in feedback delivery

Key Quotes:

"Criticism can feel personal, but its value lies in what it teaches us." – Colleen Rouse

"Perception might not be reality, but it often becomes the lens through which others see us." – Natalie Born

Connect with Colleen:

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenrouse

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwrouse/?hl=en

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!

What does it take to uncover your brilliance and embrace confident leadership in every aspect of your life?

In this inspiring episode of the Thrive Today podcast, host Natalie welcomes Tinsley English, an expert in female leadership development, keynote speaker, and author of Grit, Growth, and Gumption. Tinsley shares her personal journey, from a childhood influenced by a determined single mother to her career in insurance and leadership coaching. She dives into the transformative principles of her G Force Code and her passion for empowering women to embrace their talents, overcome fear, and lead with confidence. Tinsley also discusses her book’s mission to impact one million women by 2026, offering actionable insights and a faith-driven approach to leadership.

[00:01 – 04:00] A Leader’s Journey Begins

- Growing up with a resilient single mother instilled grit and adaptability

- Early career decisions can shape unexpected but rewarding paths

- Leadership starts with observing strong role models

[04:01 – 08:25] Writing the Book: A Calling

- A 3 a.m. wake-up call inspired the creation of Grit, Growth, and Gumption

- Writing doesn’t need perfection—focus on completion and impact

- Emotional intelligence and resilience are key themes woven into every chapter

[08:26 – 12:00] Breaking Down the G Force Code

- Grit includes adaptability, self-discipline, and resilience

- Growth requires developing emotional intelligence and empathy

- Gumption is about betting on yourself and embracing bold actions

[12:01 – 17:33] Coaching Confidence: The 24-Carat Leader Program

- Confidence is foundational to effective leadership

- Influence and visibility empower women to amplify their impact

- Strategic career mastery turns ambition into action

[17:34 – 22:12] The Million-Woman Mission

- Faith-driven goals can lead to extraordinary accomplishments

- Focusing on one person at a time builds momentum

- Community and mentorship are crucial for sustained impact

Key Quotes:

"Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about thriving forward." - Tinsley English

"Grit, growth, and gumption are the building blocks for transformational leadership." - Tinsley English

Connect with Tinsley:

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marsh-mclennan-agency

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

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!

What if one encounter could radically change your beliefs and set you on a new path of healing?

In this inspiring episode of Thrive Today, Ana Megrelishvili, founder of the Christian Professionals Network Worldwide (CPNW), shares her extraordinary journey from a challenging childhood in Eastern Europe, marked by adversity, to a life transformed by faith. After a powerful encounter with a homeless woman, Ana’s path shifted towards resilience, healing, and a renewed purpose. She discusses her new book, Finding Courage to Change, which delves into generational trauma, personal healing, and the transformative power of faith. With transparency, Ana describes her healing journey, the impact of faith on her life, and how she’s dedicated to helping others break free from the past to lead a thriving life.

[00:01 - 05:00] From Georgia to Georgia: A New Life Path

• Ana’s background in Eastern Europe and her drive to overcome a difficult past

• Her journey from atheism to discovering faith

• Embracing the American dream while seeking something deeper

[05:01 - 10:15] A Journey of Faith and Self-Discovery

• How a chance encounter with a homeless woman changed Ana's beliefs

• Discovering the presence of God through unexpected guidance

• The pivotal decision to begin exploring faith and community

[10:16 - 15:50] Finding Courage to Write and Share

• Ana's process of writing Finding Courage to Change during a silent retreat

• Understanding generational trauma and breaking the cycle of pain

• The decision to publish her story for others' healing

[15:51 - 20:30] Embracing the Healing Process

• The importance of separating trauma from identity

• Embracing healing as a continuous journey rather than a final destination

[20:31 - 25:22] A Message of Hope and Community

• Ana’s vision for helping others through her foundation

• The role of community in supporting survivors of trauma

• Encouragement for listeners to share their stories and seek healing

Key Quotes:

“Healing is a journey, not a destination. It’s about looking back and seeing how far you’ve come.” - Ana Megrelishvili

“If I can use my story to help others find courage and purpose, then it’s all worth it.” - Ana Megrelishvili

Connect with Ana:

Website: https://cpnworldwide.com/

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!

What happens when you start with what you have, where you are, and whom you know?

In this episode, Natalie Born talks with Jacquel Tucker, founder of the Jamaica Project USA, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting rural communities in Jamaica and low-income areas in Georgia through education, healthcare, and outreach programs. Jacquel shares her journey from a business career to a calling-driven nonprofit founder, exploring how faith, purpose, and community empowerment intertwine in her work. Jacquel reflects on setbacks, lessons learned, and the critical importance of aligning her work in both nonprofit and business spaces with her faith.

[00:01 - 06:06] Welcome and Introductions

How the Jamaica Project was founded

Initial projects and achievements in both Jamaica and Georgia

Jacquel’s early influences and faith-driven approach to leadership

[06:07 - 12:15] Early Inspiration and Generosity’s Legacy

Importance of family values and community support

Jacquel’s early experiences of giving with her mother

How these values translated into the mission for Jamaica Project USA

[12:16 - 18:32] The Call to Serve and Starting Small

Taking the first step despite uncertainty

The initial outreach with limited resources

Stories of community impact and the desire to serve on a larger scale

[18:33 - 24:24] Vision for a Sustainable Future

Partnering with local businesses for sustainable land use

Community center as a hub for learning, resources, and self-sufficiency

How Jacquel envisions breaking cycles of poverty through local empowerment

[24:51 - 28:07] Balancing Business and Nonprofit Work

How to discern God’s guidance in decision-making

Lessons in trust, reliance on faith, and building a supportive team

The importance of finding peace in each decision

Key Quotes:

“Start with what you have, where you are, and who you know.” - Jacquel Tucker

“When you lay down what you think you want, God shows you something far greater.” - Jacquel Tucker

Connect with Jacquel:

Website: https://www.thejtuckergroup.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacqueltuckerofficial

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!

How can mastering communication transform your leadership and impact your bottom line?

In this episode of Thrive Today, Natalie shares insights from her recent article on communication in the workplace, unpacking how great leaders use emotional intelligence and speaking skills to drive success. With real-life examples and engaging stories, the conversation dives into the importance of understanding your audience, the power of body language, and the value of feedback for continuous improvement. This episode offers practical tools for leaders who want to enhance their communication skills and create lasting impact in their teams and organizations.

[00:01 - 05:11] Welcome and Role Reversal

-The topic of mastering communication

-Discussion of Natalie’s article on leadership and communication

-The importance of communication for business success

[05:12 - 10:00] Impress vs. Impact: Shifting Your Focus

-The shift from impressing an audience to impacting them

-How focusing on delivering value to others can reduce self-consciousness

-The mindset change needed for effective leadership communication

[10:01 - 15:32] Mastering Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

-Practical exercises for improving body language during public speaking

-How emotional intelligence shapes communication

-The importance of non-verbal cues in engaging an audience

[15:33 - 21:26] Knowing Your Audience: Research and Connection

-Strategies for learning about your audience before speaking

-How interacting with audience members can improve the relevance of your message

-Natalie shares a story about tailoring her message based on audience feedback

[21:27 - 26:48] Feedback as a Tool for Growth

-The value of seeking and receiving feedback after each talk

-Natalie shares her process for using feedback to improve her public speaking skills

-The importance of embracing feedback, even when it’s hard to hear

Key Quotes:

"When we focus on impacting others rather than impressing them, it changes the way we communicate." - Natalie Born

"Your audience deserves the very best version of you, and it’s your responsibility to show up ready to give them that." - Colleen Rouse

Connect with Colleen:

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenrouse

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwrouse/?hl=en

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!