Ever stood strong for everyone else while secretly questioning everything? In this soul-stirring episode, Dr. Jenny Carter—professor, researcher, and minister with over 20 years studying spiritual formation—shares her journey through spiritual struggle and how it shaped her understanding of authentic faith and leadership.

Dr. Carter vulnerably recounts a moment when her honest questions about faith were met with judgment: "I used to respect you, and now I'm not even sure you're a Christian." This painful interaction highlights the unspoken pressure leaders face to project certainty while privately wrestling with doubt. With remarkable candor, she explains how questioning isn't weakness but often a necessary bridge from "dependent faith" (adopting beliefs from authority figures) to "interdependent faith" (owning personal beliefs while maintaining healthy community).

The conversation offers profound insights for high-capacity leaders navigating spiritual struggles while guiding others. "If we repress what is real and keep soldiering on," Dr. Carter warns, "eventually it leaks out in ways damaging to ourselves and others." She unpacks how unprocessed spiritual questions manifest in leadership through burnout, unrealistic expectations, and the "shrapnel" of pain that wounds those around us.

Among the most liberating revelations: many spiritual struggles stem from expectations we place on ourselves that God never demanded. "Are you putting more expectations on yourself than God, the God of the universe, is placing on you?" Dr. Carter provides practical wisdom for the journey—examining expectations, looking for "glimmers" of God's goodness amid difficulty, and finding trusted confidants who can handle your authentic questions.

Whether you're questioning your faith while leading others or simply seeking a more honest spirituality, this conversation offers permission to be human and practical pathways through wilderness seasons. As Dr. Carter beautifully reminds us: suffering doesn't mean you're cursed—it means you're human. And it's often through these struggles that we experience God's character most profoundly.

Ready to find freedom in the questioning? Listen now and discover how spiritual struggle might actually strengthen your leadership rather than diminish it.

Mentioned During This Episode:

• Bible Verses:
  • Psalm 23
  • 2 Corinthians 3:4–6
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9
  • Psalm 27:13 (NASB)
• Strong Like Water by Aundi Kolber (especially Chapter 6 and the concept of “glimmers” from Deb Dana)
• Reaching for an Invisible God by Phillip Yancey

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What does it really take to walk away from corporate success and build a business aligned with your deepest purpose? The answer lies beyond spreadsheets and business plans, as our guest Denise Taylor reveals in this soul-stirring conversation about faith-fueled entrepreneurship.

Denise's journey from corporate leadership to purpose-driven business ownership provides a roadmap for women standing at similar crossroads. She candidly discusses the fears, doubts, and practical considerations that accompany such a significant professional pivot. Rather than offering sanitized success stories, she shares the messy, beautiful reality of building something meaningful from the ground up – and how faith became her cornerstone when uncertainty loomed large.

This episode delves into the powerful intersection of strategic business thinking and spiritual discernment. Denise illuminates how prayer and purpose can coexist with profit and planning, creating a holistic approach to entrepreneurship that honors both practical wisdom and divine guidance. For leaders contemplating their own business ventures, her insights offer both inspiration and practical direction for moving forward with confidence. Whether you're actively planning your exit strategy or simply feeling the first stirrings of entrepreneurial calling, this conversation provides the encouragement and clarity needed to take your next faithful step. Ready to discover how your professional expertise and spiritual journey might converge in entrepreneurship? Listen now and find the grace to lead in entirely new territory.

Mentioned During the Show:

• Corporate to Entrepreneurship Challenge: www.JoinTheChallenge.live
• Contact Denise: www.CallWithDenise.live

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Ever feel like all the hard work happening behind the scenes in your leadership goes completely unnoticed? You're showing up, making tough calls, and carrying burdens you can't fully share—yet nobody sees the tears, prayers, and silent battles that shape who you are as a leader.

The hidden work of leadership might be the most important work you do. Those late nights wrestling with decisions, protecting your team from anxiety during uncertain seasons, and maintaining faith when progress seems painfully slow—these unseen moments are where your leadership is truly forged. Drawing from personal experience navigating organizational transitions, layoffs, and losses, this episode pulls back the curtain on leadership's most challenging aspects that rarely get discussed in leadership books or conferences.

What feels like a hidden place is actually holy ground. Just as Jesus spent thirty years in preparation for three years of public ministry, your season of unseen faithfulness isn't wasted—it's essential preparation for what's next. Whether you're leading through workplace transition, ministry challenges, or family difficulties, you'll find practical wisdom for staying anchored in difficult seasons, reframing your perspective, and resisting isolation when leadership feels heaviest. Remember: God sees your hidden faithfulness, and it matters more than you know. Your tears, prayers, and integrity behind closed doors are building something significant, even when no one else notices.

Share this episode with another woman who leads and is carrying hidden burdens. Download the free journaling exercise here to process your own leadership journey, and subscribe to continue growing together as leaders who are graced to lead.

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When that persistent feeling of career discontent refuses to go away, it's often more than just a bad day—it's your internal compass signaling misalignment. Career and leadership coach Amy Krymkowski joins us to unpack the nuanced signs that it might be time for a professional pivot and how to navigate that journey with intention and courage.

Amy shares her powerful framework for understanding career transitions, revealing how we must move through distinct zones—comfort, fear, learning, and growth—to evolve professionally. She compassionately explains why that "fear zone" keeps so many talented professionals stuck, offering practical strategies to push through resistance and limiting narratives like the sunk cost fallacy that whispers, "I've invested too much to walk away now."

For those experiencing unexpected career disruptions through layoffs or organizational changes, Amy provides a refreshing perspective on viewing these moments as opportunities rather than setbacks. Through touching client stories and actionable advice, she demonstrates how pauses in our professional trajectory often create the exact space needed for greater clarity and reconnection with our true strengths and desires.

The conversation takes a meaningful turn when we explore how faith integrates with career decisions. "Faith doesn't always show up as certainty," Amy wisely notes. "Sometimes it's the decision to move forward without it." Her suggestion to ask, "Where am I being called to move with courage, not certainty?" offers a compelling invitation to trust our deeper wisdom.

Whether you're feeling that inner nudge toward change or navigating an unexpected professional transition, this episode provides the guidance, permission, and practical tools to honor your journey. As Amy beautifully reminds us: "You are not broken. You are simply in a season of becoming." Connect with Amy through her Realign and Reset Masterclass or Pause and Pivot coaching program to continue your journey toward professional alignment and fulfillment.

Mentioned during the show:

• Connect with Amy: https://www.amykrymkowski.com/lets-stay-connected
• Pause and Pivot Master Class: https://pauseandpivot.sutra.co
• LinkedIn: @betterpathcoaching
• Instagram: @betterpathcoaching
• Better Path Coaching Website: https://betterpathcoaching.com/

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Has perfectionism ever kept you from moving forward? In this vulnerable Season 2 opener, I pull back the curtain on my own struggle with perfectionism that delayed the podcast's return. Despite previously preaching "progress over perfection," I found myself caught in an all-too-familiar trap—comparing my current self not to others, but to my past success.

This comparison paralysis affects countless leaders. After experiencing success (which often propels us into leadership positions), we become hyperaware of maintaining or exceeding those standards. Questions like "What if it doesn't work like it did last time?" or "What if people respond differently?" can leave us frozen in place rather than moving forward. Coupled with decision fatigue from mentally rehearsing countless scenarios, we can find ourselves stuck in analysis paralysis while opportunities pass us by.

The breakthrough came when I realized two powerful truths: first, staying focused on future possibilities rather than past performance creates freedom and momentum; second, "you are not responsible for other people's expectations." This season brings exciting new elements—video content, downloadable resources, compelling interviews, and a growing Grace to Lead community. Throughout it all, we'll continue providing transparent conversations with practical tools for faith-driven leaders. Whether you lead in boardrooms, churches, or homes, join us weekly as we explore how to lead with God's grace in every aspect of our lives. Have topics you'd like to see covered or questions about leadership? Connect with us and let's grow together!

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Christal Newkirk, a two-time international best-selling author and executive coach, joins us for an inspiring conversation on her journey from corporate life to thriving entrepreneurship. As the oldest daughter in a family of seven, Christal Newkirks path was influenced by her mother's success in the telecommunications industry, igniting her ambition to break away from the confines of a traditional nine-to-five job. Tune in as she shares how her spiritual beliefs and the unwavering support of her entrepreneurial twin brother guided her through the challenges of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, ultimately leading her to a life of independence and purpose.

Throughout the episode, we explore the courage it takes to transition into entrepreneurship, especially when health challenges demand a reevaluation of priorities. Christal shares valuable insights on finding mentors, embracing new opportunities, and aligning one's career with personal values and well-being. Discover how understanding your identity and recognizing your innate gifts can empower you to walk in purpose, as Christal recounts her own experiences in talent acquisition and her passion for empowering others. This episode is a heartfelt guide for anyone ready to pursue their calling and create a life that resonates with their true self.

Mentioned during this episode:

Connect with Christal!

Linkedin: ChristalTheCoach
Facebook: ChristalTheCoach
Instagram: ChristalTheCoach
Queen City Women In Business, Georgia Chapter: QCIB Georgia
Christal's Mentor/Coach: Denise Taylor

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Ever found yourself overwhelmed by a big idea and didn't know where to start? This episode is your roadmap to transforming dreams into reality! Join me, Belinda Gaston, as we celebrate the final episode of our first season with the incredible Britt Knight, my podcast coach and strategist. Together, we reflect on our journey from the podcast's inception to reaching this significant milestone. Britt shares her invaluable expertise on creating tailored strategies that align with individual visions, especially for women leaders. You'll gain practical insights on turning your great ideas into successful projects and the importance of influence and leadership.

What are the common pitfalls when implementing a new idea, and how can you navigate them successfully? Britt and I dive into the nuts and bolts of overcoming obstacles, emphasizing the power of writing down ideas, conducting thorough research, and breaking tasks into manageable pieces to avoid feeling overwhelmed. We introduce the WAVE acronym, a biblical metaphor for the challenges women in leadership often face, and offer actionable advice on setting clear goals and seeking support from a coach. This episode is packed with wisdom to help you stay on course and achieve your goals.

Authenticity and divine guidance are the cornerstones of this episode. We discuss the importance of clarity on who you want to help and why, and the value of saying no to external pressures in favor of staying true to your passion. As we wrap up, we provide practical steps for moving from idea to implementation: take small, actionable steps, maintain a clear vision, and engage with like-minded communities. This heartfelt conversation will inspire you to lead authentically and effectively, all while grounding your endeavors in faith and purpose.

Mentioned during this episode:
Connect with Britt!
website: authentically-britt.com
Facebook: AuthenticallyBritt
Instagram: AuthenticallyBritt
Creator's Studio: Creative Spot Studio
Coaching: Think it Through Coaching

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Discover some keys to career growth with expert insights from Ayana Carroll, a trailblazer in human resources and leadership development. Join us as Ayana shares tips on overcoming leadership struggles like imposter syndrome and the unique pressures faced by women in male-dominated environments. Ayanna reveals how acknowledging your right to lead is the first step towards dismantling unrealistic expectations and fostering a healthier leadership mindset.

Mid-level leaders, often the unsung heroes of organizations, face unique challenges, and Ayana offers practical advice to empower them. She emphasizes self-advocacy, increasing visibility, and becoming an expert in your field as keys to unlocking career potential. Hear actionable steps for mid-level professionals to navigate their roles effectively, prevent career stagnation, and ensure their contributions are recognized. Tune in for an episode packed with insights to enhance your leadership journey and career growth.

Mentioned during the show:
Connect with Ayana!

• Website: ARC Consulting
• LinkedIn: Ayana Carroll, SPHR
• Instagram: arccoachingconsulting
• Facebook: AyanaDebowCarroll

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