On this episode of the Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast, we sits down with, Brett Connolly Executive Search Consultant at Vanderbloemen, to talk about what it really takes to develop young leaders in ministry. Brett shares his personal journey from almost pursuing a career in sports marketing to discovering his call to ministry, and eventually stepping into his current role. Together they discuss why exposure is just as important as experience, how churches can avoid the “revolving door” of student ministry hires, and what senior leaders can do today to invest in the next generation. If you want practical insights on building leaders who last, this episode is for you.

Leadership transitions do not have to be messy. In this episode of the Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast, Sarah Meggars, Executive Search Consultant and former worship ministry leader, shares practical wisdom for both sides of the handoff. We talk about building trust fast, entering a new role with a learning posture, normalizing succession planning, and why humility and self-awareness matter more than ever.

You will learn:

• How to design a “crossfade” handoff instead of a hard cut
• Ways new leaders earn trust without stalling for six months
• Why authenticity in the interview process protects both sides · How to spot and develop future leaders long before you need them
• Simple steps to make succession a normal, healthy conversation

Whether you are handing off, stepping in, or preparing your organization for what is next, this conversation will help you build, run, and keep great teams.

In this episode of the Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast, William Vanderbloemen unpacks the rapidly changing landscape of communication, and what it means for pastors, heads of school, and nonprofit leaders. From the importance of contextualizing messages to embracing an omnichannel strategy and understanding the timeless power of emotional connection, William shares practical tips and real-world stories to help you become a more effective communicator in today’s noisy world.

Whether you’re crafting Sunday sermons, leading a staff meeting, or reaching your community online, you’ll walk away with tools for communicating clearly, consistently, and meaningfully—across every platform and generation.

In this episode of the Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast, executive search consultant Ivette Naron shares practical and inspiring insights for leaders who want to think differently. From understanding the difference between problems and tensions, to using the “Six Thinking Hats” method for creative solutions, Ivette unpacks tools leaders can use to break out of the cycle of reactive problem-solving.

Whether you’re leading a church, nonprofit, or business, this conversation will challenge you to:

• Step out of the weeds and gain organizational altitude
• Create margin for reflection (not just reaction)
• Embrace feedback as a friend, not an enemy
• Build a culture that supports collaborative problem-solving

If you’re ready to lead with clarity and creativity, this episode is for you.

📖 Explore more leadership resources at vanderbloemen.com

Behind every thriving team is a leader who knows how to spot the signs of trouble and take action.

In this episode, Vanderbloemen COO Jennifer Paulson shares practical wisdom for identifying “check engine lights” in team health, from gossip and disengagement to meetings after the meeting. Learn why tough conversations matter, how to lead with transparency and humility, and how to develop future leaders who can do the same.

Whether you’re leading a church, nonprofit, or business, this conversation will help you create a culture of trust and accountability that lasts.

What Makes a Workplace Truly Attractional?

What sets apart the organizations top talent lines up to join and what makes others struggle to attract anyone at all?

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Albert, Senior Executive Search Consultant at Vanderbloemen, to talk about what really makes a workplace stand out. Spoiler alert: it’s not the stocked snack fridge or the trendy job title.

We explore what makes a culture truly attractional, the hidden factors that push candidates away, and why mission statements don’t mean much without action.

Eric shares practical ways leaders can create a healthier workplace culture and tells a powerful story of a church that recognized its unhealthy staff environment and turned things around.

Whether you’re hiring now or preparing for the future, this conversation is full of insights on how to build a team people want to join and stay on.

In this episode of the Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast, William Vanderbloemen unpacks why the future of pastoral ministry isn’t about better preaching, trendier content, or digital strategy, it’s about returning to the roots of relational leadership.

In a time when sermons can be streamed and content is everywhere, the greatest impact comes from something far more personal.

• AI might write sermons, but it can’t do pastoral care.
• Online church is helpful—but it’s the echo of the echo.
• The pastors people remember are the ones who showed up.
• Deep connection over drive-by engagement. 
• H2H (human-to-human) skills are the new essential leadership trait.

Whether you're leading a church, nonprofit, or school, this conversation will help you rethink how you connect—and why the most meaningful ministry moments are still the most human.

In this episode of the Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast, William Vanderbloemen unpacks one of the most common but overlooked challenges in leadership: invisible lids. These growth limiters—whether personal, organizational, or team-related—often hold leaders back without them even realizing it.

• Growth lids are often invisible but real.

• Flexibility fades with time—stay intentional.

• Time management is a leader’s greatest asset.

• Mediocre hires = long-term team ceiling.

• Don’t settle—anticipate and outgrow your lids.

Whether you're just starting out or you're decades into your leadership journey, this episode will help you name the lids that might be holding you back—and how to plan ahead to grow beyond them.

In this candid and insightful episode, William Vanderbloemen talks through one of the hardest parts of leadership—what to do when you’re fired, forced out, or just feel like your season is ending. From William’s teenage painting job to his years in ministry and executive search, he shares real stories and practical advice on how to navigate transitions with self-awareness, integrity, and hope.

He discusses:

• Why few people admit getting fired—and why they should

• How to process your part in a job loss without shame

• Why how you leave will be remembered more than what you did

• Signs a firing or transition might be coming

• The surprising power of rest in avoiding failure

• What to do if you're burned out, broke, or in-between roles

Whether you're leading a church, business, or nonprofit, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating a difficult season. Your setback could be God’s setup for your comeback.

In this episode of the Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast, Jared sits down with William Vanderbloemen to explore how church leaders can wisely navigate the rise of AI and other emerging technologies. From sermon preparation to staffing decisions, they discuss where AI fits into ministry—and where it doesn’t.

Key discussion points include:

• AI in the Pulpit: Should pastors use AI to help build sermons? What’s ethical and what’s helpful?

• Human-First Ministry: Why the future of the church will depend on real human connection more than ever before.

• The Echo of Worship: What makes in-person ministry irreplaceable, even in a digital world.

• Hiring in the Age of AI: How churches and values-based organizations can future-proof their teams by investing in relationally gifted leaders.

• Tech-Savvy Leadership: Why every senior leader needs someone on their team who understands the digital landscape—and how to protect your data.

Whether you're excited about AI or overwhelmed by it, this conversation will help you stay grounded in your mission while adapting to the future.