On this episode of the Unfinished Leadership Podcast, Jon Peacock sits down with Shawn Williams, Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, to talk about the realities of leading through a rebuilding season. From stepping into a post-crisis environment to making painful but necessary changes, Shawn shares what he’s learned about putting values in the driver’s seat, rebuilding culture, and restoring trust. He opens up about the endurance required to keep showing up, the role of feedback in shaping healthier teams, and why leaders must hold onto vision even when it feels dormant.
If you’ve ever found yourself leading in the aftermath of disruption - whether in business, ministry, or community - this conversation will encourage you to stay committed, lead with integrity, and hold out hope for the “fun stuff” ahead.
00:00 – Introduction
05:57 – From building to rebuilding at Willow Creek
09:14 – Post-crisis realities and shattered vision
11:48 – Making painful but necessary staff and structure changes
14:58 – Culture on life support: addressing trust and morale
17:51 – Staff surveys, feedback, and rebuilding culture
20:54 – Personal endurance, calling, and convictions
23:51 – Values in the driver’s seat vs. vision in the driver’s seat
26:47 – Looking ahead: the future of leadership at Willow Creek
Together, these shifts create a framework for lasting transformation helping leaders close the gap between who they are today and who they are becoming tomorrow.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Habits
02:24 Recap of Episode 4 Mindshifts
08:27 The Power of Avoidance Over Resistance
09:05 The Importance of Showing Up
15:00 Tapping into God's Power for Habits