The Leader's Journey Podcast

In this episode of The Leader's Journey, Trisha Taylor welcomes longtime friend and colleague Chuck DeGroat to discuss his new book, Who You're Becoming: The Slow and Courageous Work of Cultivating Character in a Narcissistic Age. Together, they explore the importance of character formation in leadership and the ways our past experiences, survival patterns, and the systems around us shape who we become.   Chuck shares why meaningful change begins with slowing down, paying attention to our own behavior, and allowing ourselves to be truly known by others. Their conversation offers a thoughtful look at the ongoing work of becoming emotionally healthy leaders who can influence others without causing harm.   Guest Bio   Chuck DeGroat is a professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI, where he also serves as executive director of the clinical mental health counseling program. He is an author, licensed therapist, church consultant, and spiritual director. He and his wife, Sara, have two daughters.   Conversation Overview Character Formation and the Gap Between Who We Are and Who We Want to Be Recognizing Survival Patterns and Learning From Our Pain The Importance of Being Known by Others Why Leaders and Helpers Need Their Own Formation Ripening, Maturity, and the Dangers of Rushing Leadership Development Letting Go of Image Management and the Need to Appear Virtuous How Systems and Culture Shape Our Character Slowing Down, Paying Attention, and Becoming More Self-Aware Practicing Reflection as Part of Leadership Development   Resources Chuck DeGroat's Website   Chuck's New Book - Who You're Becoming: The Slow and Courageous Work of Cultivating Character in a Narcissistic Age   Find The Leader's Journey on Youtube

In this episode of The Leader's Journey, Mike and Trisha welcome Barbara Laymon for a conversation about triangles in Bowen family systems theory. They explore how triangles are dynamic relationship patterns that influence families, workplaces, and congregations, often carrying tension from one relationship into another.   Through biblical stories, personal experiences, and examples from organizational life, the conversation examines how family patterns can follow us into other relationships, how our position in a triangle shapes our reactions, and how systems thinking can help us respond with greater maturity.   Conversation Overview Understanding Triangles in Bowen Family Systems Theory How Family Roles and Patterns Carry Into Other Relationships Biblical Examples of Triangles and Sibling Rivalry Emotional Estate Planning and Managing Family Anxiety Changing Our Own Responses Within Relationship Patterns Recognizing Triangles in Workplaces and Congregations Gossip, Exclusion, and the Spread of Anxiety Applying Systems Thinking to Relationships   Resources   https://theleadersjourney.kit.com/triangles-self-reflection   https://www.thebowencenter.org/faculty-bios/barbara-laymon

In this episode of The Leader's Journey, Trisha, Mike, and Kathleen discuss individuality and togetherness through the lens of Bowen family systems theory. They explore how these forces shape how people function within families, churches, organizations, and other groups. The conversation examines the difference between true individuality and simply reacting against a group, how anxiety and pressure influence group behavior, and how leaders can create space for people to bring their own thinking into the system. Conversation Overview Individuality, Togetherness Individualism vs Individuality Reactivity and Group Pressure Anxiety and Systems Getting "On the Same Page" Inviting Individual Thinking Leadership and Responsibility Thinking Outside Your Own Mind Creativity and Flexibility in Groups Resources The Leader's Journey Team Building Exercises Everything Isn't Terrible: Conquer Your Insecurities, Interrupt Your Anxiety and Finally Calm Down True to You: A Therapist's Guide to Stop Pleasing Others and Start Being Yourself The Anxious Overachiever substack Church Leaders Facing Significant Change Program with Edie Lenz  

In this episode, Jim and Trisha explore the tension between growth, organizational culture, and human flourishing. They examine how the pace of growth can create burnout, why leaders need to think systemically about the impact of their decisions, and what it might look like to intentionally build organizations around sustainable cultures rather than simply getting bigger.   Conversation Overview Growth and Flourishing Organizational Mental Models Growth and Burnout Culture and Organizational Health The Pace of Growth Church Planting and Growth Leadership and Organizational Health Rethinking Growth   Resources https://theleadersjourney.kit.com/organizational-growth

What happens when physical pain becomes part of a leader's everyday life? In this episode, Trisha talks with Warrick Baker about his journey with chronic pain, the cycle that contributed to his condition, and the lessons he has learned. Together, they explore what it means to listen to pain rather than simply trying to make it disappear, and how alignment, balance, grace, and discernment can shape the way we lead.   Warrick is the youngest of seven siblings from Baton Rouge, LA. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and the Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees from Houston Graduate School of Theology. He has been a pastor and community leader in Pearland, TX for more than 20 years. Warrick is passionate about encouraging God's people. He is married to Aundrea Baker, and they have four children. He is the owner of Coach's Construction and has been a long-standing Rotarian. Warrick enjoys spending time with his family,  competing as a USA Track and Field Master athlete, and coaching young people in track and field at a national level   Conversation Overview Pain as a Part of Leadership The Cycle of Pain Apathy and Atrophy From Injury to Chronic Condition Pain as a Teacher Breaking the Cycle Alignment and Balance Living Beyond Pain Grace and Discernment in Leadership Resources Warrick at The Leader's Journey The Vicious Pain Cycle: