About Jonathan Shively:

Jonathan has over 35 years of experience as a pastor, educator, fundraiser, and church and nonprofit executive. He is currently the Executive Director of Fox Valley Hands of Hope, a nonprofit providing no-cost grief care following a death loss. Additionally, he is a leadership and organizational companion through ArtistryLeads. Jonathan’s personal mission is to increase individuals' and organizations' capacity to fulfill their callings, fostering healthy leaders and communities. 

His north star is Jesus and the New Testament. He has been married for 35 years, a proud father of three young adults and one son-in-law, including a son with Williams Syndrome. He is a musician, choir director, and singer-songwriter, and enjoys camping, reading, working with his hands, serving on Boards, and volunteering. Jonathan is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Fuller Seminary.

In this episode, Kevin and Jonathan Shively discuss:

• Why servant leadership requires humility, empathy, and relational connection
• How grief impacts workplaces and why leaders must understand the grieving process
• The importance of authenticity and trust in building healthy teams
• Leading organizations through seasons of transition, struggle, and renewal
• How personal calling and lived experience shape a leader’s ability to serve others

Key Takeaways:

• Servant leadership starts with intention, not titles. Great leadership is not just about what you accomplish — but how you walk with people through the journey. 
• Grief is universal, and leaders who ignore it harm their teams. Most workplaces are unprepared to support grieving employees, yet grief profoundly affects focus, performance, and emotional health. 
• Healthy organizations are built on relationships, not transactions. Whether in churches, nonprofits, or corporations, relational leadership creates safety, understanding, and resilience. When people feel known and valued, they trust their leaders — even during uncertainty or change. 
• A fulfilling career comes from alignment, not ambition. The most meaningful work happens when a leader’s gifts, passions, and purpose meet the real needs of an organization. Misalignment leads to frustration on all sides, but when values match mission, both leaders and organizations thrive.

"There's no substitute for just human compassion and kindness." – Jonathan Shively

Connect with Jonathan Shively:

Website: http://fvhh.net | http://www.artistryleads.com 

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

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS 

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: coachkd63@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63