In this episode, Kevin and Daniel Vestal discuss:

• The deep connection between faith, leadership, and influence
• Developing leadership skills through spiritual formation and self-awareness
• How rhythm, not balance, sustains healthy leadership
• The importance of community and learning from diverse perspectives
• Taking risks in leadership and standing firm in conviction

Key Takeaways:

• True leadership flows from inner alignment. When your soul and role are congruent, you cast light through your leadership, shaped by integrity, self-awareness, and purpose.
• Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It takes time, effort, and community. Leadership is enriched by intentional learning and sharing space with people who think differently.
• Rhythm sustains well-being. Rather than chasing balance, leaders must cultivate rhythms of solitude, community, and meaningful engagement to thrive over the long term.
• Leadership comes with risk. Standing firm in your convictions may cost something, but it builds respect, character, and long-term influence.
• Mentorship must honor individuality. Great mentors don’t create replicas of themselves; they help others become the leaders they were uniquely called to be.

"Leadership is really influence. So in a sense, everybody is a leader, because everybody has influence."– Daniel Vestal

About Daniel Vestal:

Rev. Dr. Daniel Vestal is the Distinguished University Professor of Baptist Leadership and director of the Eula Mae and John Baugh Center for Baptist Leadership. From 1996 to 2012, he served as the Executive Coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, based in Atlanta. Prior to that, he was a pastor of Baptist churches both in Texas and Georgia.

He has authored and contributed to numerous books, including Being the Presence of Christ: A Vision for Transformation and his memoir, This Treasure Within. He has written and contributed to various journals, periodicals, and news magazines while also traveling extensively as a preacher, teacher, and speaker for conferences, conventions, and retreats.

Connect with Daniel Vestal:

Website: https://baughcenter.mercer.edu/about/meet-the-director/

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

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

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