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Why do most leaders think competency is the finish line, when it's actually just the beginning? In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike Linch sits down with Dr. Harv Powers, licensed clinical psychologist, pastor, and author of Redemptive Leadership, to explore the five stages every leader moves through on the way to genuine influence. Drawing from over 40 years working with leaders in crisis, Harv explains why most leaders don't fail because they lack skill or knowledge — they fail at the level of character. He shares the darkest season of his own life, when his marriage ended and he resigned from his job feeling like a complete failure, and how that exact crucible became the foundation for everything he now does helping leaders navigate their own breaking points. Mike and Harv unpack Harv's Redemptive Leadership framework, including the stages of Competency, Intelligence, Character, Transformation and Redemption, and explore why emotional intelligence is the number one predictor of success in any field. Harv explains why our shadows never fully disappear and must instead be stewarded, why every leader eventually faces their own "well of Midian" moment, and why the leaders who resist their crucible season often stall out right where they are. They also discuss one of the most freeing truths in leadership: God doesn't use us in spite of our brokenness. He uses us because of it. And for leaders in the middle of their own crisis, Harv offers a powerful reframe: Name it. Own it. Steward it. Dr. Harv Powers is a licensed clinical psychologist, ordained minister, and president of The Redimere Group, a faith-based nonprofit focused on leadership development for faith-based leaders and organizations. He is the author of Redemptive Leadership and has spent over 40 years working with leaders in crisis around the world. Read 'Redemptive Leadership': https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998789690?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Every leader carries weight, but Jesus never meant for you to carry it alone. In this Inside Out episode, Mike builds on his conversation with Dr. Barry Corey, president of Biola University and co-author of Necessary Burdens, to unpack Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Mike breaks down the difference between the burdens we take on ourselves and the ones placed on us by others' expectations, and why Jesus didn't come to help us manage those burdens better. He came to carry them for us. The question every leader has to answer isn't whether they'll carry burdens. It's whether they'll carry them alone, or hand them to the people around them and the Savior above them. Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

You can crumble, or you can crumple. One is destruction. The other is something you can still open back up and straighten out. In this episode, Mike sits down with Dr. Barry Corey, president of Biola University and co-author (with Dr. John Townsend) of the new book Necessary Burdens, to talk honestly about the weight every leader carries, and why almost no one talks about it. Barry explains why the person at the top of any organization carries burdens no one else fully understands: the isolation of having no true peer, the criticism that comes with embodying an entire institution, the pull of unchecked temptation, the discipline of discretion, and the quiet fear of becoming irrelevant. Left unaddressed, these burdens can crumble a leader. Rightly carried, they can be the very thing that builds one. Jesus said, "My yoke is easy, my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30) and this conversation is about what it actually looks like to carry leadership's weight in a way that strengthens you rather than breaks you.

Do you see what's coming before it happens or only after it's a crisis? In this Inside Out episode, Mike Linch builds on his recent conversation with pattern-recognition expert and bestselling author Les McKeown to explore a powerful idea: every organization, church, and team moves through a predictable life cycle, and the leaders who thrive are the ones who can see the shift coming before everyone else does. 1 Chronicles 12:32 tells us about the sons of Issachar, 200 leaders who "understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take." That kind of discernment isn't just business instinct — it's a spiritual gift God gives leaders who walk closely with Him. Mike unpacks what it means to lead from the inside out, how staying close to the Lord sharpens our ability to recognize warning signs before they become disasters, and why King Saul lost that gift while King David gained it. Whether you're leading a business, a church, a team, or a family, the question is the same: Are you seeing what's ahead, or only reacting to what's already happened? Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:32 Inside Out takes a spiritual truth or theme from Mike's latest Linch with a Leader conversation and explores what Scripture has to say about it.

Why does an organization often start feeling harder to lead just as it becomes more successful? In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike Linch sits down with bestselling author and Predictable Success founder Les McKeown to explore the predictable stages that businesses, churches, nonprofits and teams experience as they grow. Drawing from decades of experience building, advising and studying organizations, Les explains why growth inevitably creates complexity—and why the leadership practices that helped an organization succeed early can eventually begin holding it back. Mike and Les unpack Les’s Predictable Success framework, including Early Struggle, Fun, Whitewater and Predictable Success, and explore the leadership roles of the Visionary, Operator, Processor and Synergist. Les explains why Visionaries need Operators, why organizations begin dropping the ball as complexity increases, why systems become necessary, and why too much process can eventually become its own problem.   They also discuss one of the most difficult realities of organizational growth: sometimes the people who helped build an organization aren’t the people who can take it into its next stage. And for visionary leaders, Les offers a powerful challenge: Do only what only you can do. If you lead a business, church, nonprofit, ministry or team, and growth has made your organization feel more complicated instead of less, this conversation will help you identify where you are, why you’re experiencing it and what your leadership may need next. Les McKeown is the Founder and CEO of Predictable Success and the bestselling author of Predictable Success, The Synergist, Do Lead and Do Scale. His work focuses on helping leaders build scalable, sustainable organizations and high-performing leadership teams.

Why did God give you the gifts, talents, and abilities you have? In this Inside Out episode, Mike Linch builds on his recent conversation with bestselling author and communication expert Nancy Duarte to explore a powerful idea: stewardship. First Peter 4:10 tells us that God has given each of us gifts and calls us to use them to serve one another. That means your gifts aren’t ultimately just about what you’re good at, what you can accomplish, or how successful you can become. God gave you your gifts for the benefit of other people and for His glory. Mike unpacks what it means to steward something that ultimately belongs to God, how our natural talents and spiritual gifts can work together, and why failing to use what God has entrusted to us affects more than just ourselves. Whether your gift is speaking, serving, encouraging, leading, helping, discerning, or something else, the question is the same: Are you using what God gave you for the purpose He gave it to you? Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10–11 Inside Out takes a spiritual truth or theme from Mike’s latest Linch with a Leader conversation and explores what Scripture has to say about it.

What separates a good communicator from one who can actually move people to action? Mike Linch sits down with bestselling author, communication expert, and Duarte, Inc. CEO Nancy Duarte to explore how the world’s most effective leaders communicate with clarity, empathy, conviction, and story. Nancy shares what she’s learned studying communicators like Steve Jobs, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jesus, including her fascinating analysis of the Sermon on the Mount, and explains why your audience should always be the hero of the story. You’ll learn how to use Nancy’s “What Is / What Could Be” framework, why great leaders prepare more than people realize, how introverts can become powerful communicators, and why communication is ultimately about serving the people entrusted to your leadership. To watch the episode visit: https://www.youtube.com/@linchwithaleader

👇 SUBSCRIBE TO LINCH WITH A LEADER and help us equip more Christian leaders to lead with their faith out front. @linchwithaleader What actually happens when you give your life to Jesus? 2nd Corinthians 5:17 tells us that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. But becoming a new creation doesn’t only change where you’ll spend eternity, it changes your identity, your purpose, your calling, and the way you live right now. In this Inside Out episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike Linch reflects on his conversation with author and CEO Charlie Watkins and unpacks 2 Corinthians 5:17–18. Paul tells us that when we are reconciled to God through Christ, we’re also given something extraordinary: the ministry of reconciliation. In other words, Christians aren’t only called to know Jesus. We’re called to make Jesus known. Mike explores what it means to: - Find your identity in Christ - Become a new creation - Understand God’s purpose for your life - Live out the ministry of reconciliation - Use your gifts and influence for God’s purposes - Make Jesus known wherever God has placed you - Lead people instead of simply managing positions - Whether you’re leading a business, church, team, classroom, family, or organization, your purpose is bigger than your position. Know Him. Make Him known. 📖 SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 5:17–18

Charlie Watkins has led companies, survived cancer and open-heart surgery, experienced business successes and failures, and spent decades mentoring Christian men and leaders. But his definition of success is not built around a position, income, accomplishment, or title. In this conversation, Charlie joins Mike Linch to explain why a leader’s title is temporary, how to build an identity rooted in Christ, and what it means to discover God’s will and calling for your life. Charlie shares the story of meeting Jesus aboard a nuclear-powered Navy cruiser after encountering a ship’s doctor whose integrity and compassion looked like Christ. He also discusses waiting on God, healing through suffering, creating sacred daily rhythms, stewarding time and money, leading through influence, loving your family well, and building a spiritual legacy that changes generations. Charlie and Mike discuss: • Why your leadership title can never sustain your identity • How to ground your identity in what God says about you • Why “Jesus moves at the speed of healing” • The difference between waiting and waiting on the Lord • How suffering prepares leaders to handle prosperity • Why Christian leaders need sacred morning rhythms • Bringing Jesus into meetings and business decisions • Stewarding your time, money, talents, and relationships • Leading with strength without becoming hard • How one faithful Christian can change a family’s trajectory • Becoming the husband, father, grandfather, and leader God has called you to be • Building a spiritual legacy that reaches future generations Charlie reminds us that biblical success is not ultimately about reaching the highest position. It is about discovering and walking faithfully in the will of God for your life.

What does it really mean to surrender your life to Jesus? Is following Christ simply about believing the right things, attending church, and trying to live a good life? Or did Jesus call His followers to something much deeper? In this Inside Out episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike Linch reflects on his conversation with College Football Hall of Famer David Pollack and explores one of the defining themes of David’s life: complete surrender to Jesus Christ. Looking at Jesus’ words in Matthew 16, Mike unpacks what it means to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Christ, not just once at salvation, but through daily surrender. Whether you’re leading in ministry, business, athletics, or your home, this episode is a challenge to examine whether you’ve truly placed every area of your life under the Lordship of Jesus.

What happens when the dream you’ve built your life around suddenly disappears? How do you find your identity when success, career, or the thing you’ve always known is taken away? And what does it really look like to follow Jesus through adversity instead of simply talking about faith when life is easy? In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike Linch sits down with David Pollack—College Football Hall of Famer, three-time All-American at the University of Georgia, former first-round NFL Draft pick, ESPN college football analyst, author, and founder of the Pollack Family Foundation. David opens up about his incredible journey from Shiloh High School to Georgia football, the NFL, and beyond. He shares how a career-ending neck injury reshaped his identity, how coaches like Mark Richt and mentors helped form his faith, and why suffering became one of God’s greatest tools for transforming his life. These are the leadership principles you won’t want to miss: Your Identity Is Bigger Than Your Career Why David says football became “a terrible god”—and how losing the game he loved ultimately strengthened his relationship with Christ. Adversity Is God’s Greatest Classroom How career-ending injury, personal hardship, and family trials taught David to trust God more deeply and discover purpose beyond success. The Power of Coaches and Mentors Why the right coach can change the trajectory of a young person’s life—and how Mark Richt, Kevin Hines, and others modeled authentic Christian leadership. Sharing Your Faith Starts With an Invitation The simple invitation that introduced David to Jesus and why living a life worth emulating is often the most powerful witness. Habits Shape Your Future How daily disciplines, intentional rhythms, and spiritual habits create leaders who remain faithful when life gets difficult. Leading With Faith Every Day David explains why following Jesus isn’t about rules—it’s about freedom, purpose, and becoming the same person on and off the field.

What if the biggest obstacle between you and God’s calling isn’t your ability… but your fear? In this Inside Out episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike Linch reflects on one of the most powerful themes from his conversation with professional baseball coach, author, and speaker Billy Horton. While Billy shared incredible insights on leadership and baseball, one truth stood above the rest: fear of failure keeps too many people from stepping into the calling God has placed on their lives. Using the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14, Mike unpacks a powerful perspective on faith, calling, and why God often sees more in us than we see in ourselves. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re qualified, wondered if you’re capable, or allowed fear to keep you from taking the next step, this conversation is for you. These are the leadership principles you won’t want to miss: God Sees More in You Than You See in Yourself What if Jesus wasn’t questioning Peter’s faith in Him—but Peter’s faith in what God could do through him? Discover why God often believes in us long before we believe in ourselves. Fear Is the Enemy of Calling Fear of failure doesn’t just keep us from failing—it keeps us from obeying. Learn why so many people never pursue what God has placed on their hearts. Faith Requires Taking the First Step Peter didn’t experience the miracle until he stepped out of the boat. God often calls us to move before He reveals what’s next. Opportunity Lives on the Other Side of Risk Every great leader eventually reaches a moment where faith demands action. The difference isn’t talent—it’s the willingness to trust God enough to move. Stop Letting Your Doubts Speak Louder Than God’s Voice Your limitations don’t define your future. God’s calling does. Learn how to replace self-doubt with confidence rooted in His promises. The Question Every Christian Leader Must Answer What is God calling you to do that you’ve been too afraid to try? The greatest regret isn’t failing; it’s never stepping out in faith at all.

Billy Horton has spent decades chasing excellence in baseball. He’s been cut as a freshman, gone undrafted, slept on dugouts while chasing his dream, coached in the San Francisco Giants organization, won multiple Manager of the Year awards, and helped develop players at every level of the game. But if you ask Billy what defines his life, it isn’t baseball. It’s following Jesus wherever God has called him. Billy brings something unique to this conversation: decades inside one of the most competitive environments in the world while refusing to let his identity be shaped by wins, losses, or championships. Instead, he shares how failure, faith, perseverance, and purpose have shaped the leader, and the man, he has become. His perspective on calling, overcoming fear, parenting through adversity, leading young men, and living out your faith in the workplace is practical, deeply biblical, and refreshingly honest. In this conversation, I challenge Billy on why so many people spend years working jobs they don’t love, why fear keeps us from pursuing God’s calling, and how failure often becomes the very tool God uses to prepare us for our greatest influence. We also dive into parenting, coaching, identity, and what it really looks like to be a Christian leader in a culture that desperately needs authentic examples of faith. Every conversation on Linch with a Leader is about helping you lead with your faith out front. Here are a few leadership principles you’ll take away from this one: Your Profession Can Become Your Calling: Why God doesn’t reserve purpose for pastors and missionaries, and how every workplace can become a platform for ministry. Failure Isn’t the End of Your Story: Billy shares how getting cut, going undrafted, financial hardship, and countless disappointments became God’s preparation for future influence. Take Action Before You Feel Ready: Fear keeps more people from their calling than lack of ability. Billy explains why faithful action almost always comes before confidence. Your Identity Must Be Bigger Than Your Career: The lesson Billy learned after professional baseball that every leader eventually has to face: if your identity is rooted in your success, you’ll eventually lose both. Lead So People See Jesus Before You Tell Them About Him: Billy explains why he wants people to describe him as “a Christian who coaches baseball,” not “a baseball coach who happens to be a Christian.” This conversation reminded me that leadership isn’t ultimately about position, platform, or profession, it’s about faithfully stewarding wherever God has placed you. I think every leader, regardless of what they do for a living, will walk away challenged and encouraged by this one.

What does spiritual maturity actually look like? After an incredible conversation with Dr. Richard Blackaby, Mike Linch dives deeper into one of the most important themes from the episode: growing into spiritual maturity. Using Ephesians 4, Mike explains why spiritual maturity isn’t determined by age, church attendance, or Bible knowledge, but by consistently becoming more like Jesus.

What if spiritual maturity is not measured by how long you’ve been in church, how often you attend, or how much you know, but by whether you are becoming more like Jesus? In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike Linch sits down with Dr. Richard Blackaby, president of Blackaby Ministries International and co-author of Experiencing God in Everyday Life. Richard unpacks what it means to experience God not only in mountaintop moments, but in the ordinary, mundane, and difficult seasons of life. Together, Mike and Richard discuss spiritual maturity, hearing God’s voice, daily rhythms with the Lord, divine appointments, leadership, family, legacy, and what faithfulness looks like in every season. Richard Blackaby’s new study Experiencing God in Everyday Life helps believers follow Jesus through ordinary days with small steps of faithfulness, not just mountaintop experiences. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, where you’re invited to join the spiritual principles behind big success, with host Mike Linch. Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode: Watch: @linchwithaleader Prefer audio only? LISTEN to the podcast here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dJfeLbikJlKlBqAx6mDYW?si=6ffed84956cb4848 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/linch-with-a-leader/id1279929826 Find show notes and more information at: www.mikelinch.com Follow for EVERYDAY leadership content and interaction: X: https://x.com/mikelinch?s=20 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikelinch/ JOIN Mike for a Sunday at NorthStar Church: www.northstarchurch.org Watch: @nsckennesaw Read Experiencing God in Everyday Life: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/experiencing-god-in-everyday-life-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005853831