In this powerful episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Bishop Jeffrey Dudley Sr., Founding and Senior Pastor of New Life in Christ Church, retired Air Force chaplain, and author of Leading Through Storms, to unpack a lifetime of leadership forged through obedience, obscurity, and unwavering faith.From preaching his first sermon as a teenager to serving as a chaplain around the globe, Bishop Dudley shares hard-won lessons on humility, self-leadership, and God’s timing. He reflects on the quiet years of preparation, the weight of influence, and why true leadership isn’t about platform or fame, it's about being wrung out for God’s glory.Don’t miss this insightful conversation. Tune in now!Links & Resources:www.thisismynewlife.com/

#ChristianLeadership #FaithAndLeadership #ServantLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipMatters #SelfLeadership

In this episode of Up Next, Tommy Lee sits down with Jon Hirst, Co-Founder of Generous Mind, to explore how nonprofits can pursue innovation with clarity and courage, even in seasons of uncertainty.

Jon draws from his experience as a longtime Chief Innovation Officer to unpack the tension nonprofits face between preserving what works and taking bold steps into the unknown. He and Tommy discuss the difference between invention and innovation, how AI is reshaping donor engagement, and why defining ROI as “return on learning” can build deeper trust with stakeholders.

Whether you lead a ministry, manage strategy, or are dreaming up the next big idea, this episode will help you think more intentionally about risk, experimentation, and the future of gospel-centered work.

Links & Resources:

www.generousmind.com
www.innovationinmission.com
generousmind.blogspot.com

#UpNextPodcast #PodcastConversation #LeadershipPodcast #FaithAndLeadership #NonprofitInnovation #InnovationStrategy #InnovativeLeadership

In this episode of UpNext, host Tommy Lee sits down with Pastor Naeem Fazal to talk about his journey of planting a diverse, multiethnic church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Naeem opens up about the personal challenges he faced along the way, the heart behind his book Tomorrow Needs You, and how God brings purpose through pain.This powerful conversation touches on identity, perseverance, and the hope that even in our lowest moments, we are seen and loved by God. If you've ever felt stuck, broken, or unsure about your future, this one’s for you.

For more information on our guest, please check out the link below:

www.naeemfazal.org

#UpNextPodcast #NaeemFazal #TomorrowNeedsYou #ChristianLeadership #FaithJourney

In this inspiring episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Meryl Herr to explore her journey from Birmingham to Athens, Georgia, and her experiences living and working across several cities. Meryl opens up about her career transitions, including her time at Fuller Seminary and the launch of her new consulting venture. They dive deep into the vital role mentoring plays in leadership development and share insights from research on flourishing leaders. Meryl also reveals the story behind her book, When Work Hurts, discussing how God’s presence sustains us through career setbacks, the healing power of sharing personal struggles, and how vulnerability builds stronger communities. Join us for a conversation about resilience, faith, and finding purpose amid challenges.

For more information on our guest this week, please check out the link below:

https://merylherr.com

#UpNextPodcast #ResourceGlobal #ChristianLeadership #FaithAndWork

In this episode of UpNext, Tommy chats with Nicholas Rowe and Sheila Wise Rowe to unpack the heart behind their book Healing Leadership Trauma. Together, they explore how personal wounds, cultural backgrounds, and unaddressed emotional pain can deeply impact how we lead. Drawing from their own experiences and cross-cultural insights, Nick and Sheila discuss why true leadership requires inner healing and how relationships play a central role in that journey. This episode challenges leaders to confront their past and embrace emotional wholeness in order to lead with authenticity, compassion, and strength.

For more information on our guests this week, please check out the links below:https://sheilawiserowe.com/about-me

https://www.gordonconwell.edu/faculty/current/nicholas-rowe/

#UpNextPodcast #FaithAndCulture #EmotionalHealth #TraumaHealing #CulturalDifferences #ChristianLeadership #CrossCulturalMinistry #MentalHealthAwareness

This week on UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Bertie Lourens, CEO of Waste Plan, to explore his remarkable journey from the heights of entrepreneurial success to navigating profound business challenges. Bertie opens up about lessons learned through failure, the role of humility in leadership, and the daily discipline of seeking God’s voice through Scripture and prayer. He shares powerful insights on generosity, stewardship, and how these biblical principles have reshaped his approach to life, business, and family.

If you value honest conversations about faith, leadership, and living with eternal purpose, this episode is for you.

For more information on our guest and his work, please check out the link below:

https://www.wasteplan.co.za/

#ChristianLeadership #FaithAndBusiness #BertieLourens #WastePlan #MarketplaceFaith #KingdomLeadership #BiblicalStewardship #ChristianPodcast #LeadershipJourney #GodInBusiness #UpNextPodcast

In this episode, Tommy Lee sits down with licensed counselor, spiritual director, and author Michael Cusick for an honest conversation about pain, identity, and healing in the life of a leader.

Michael shares how his early experiences shaped his calling, the critical difference between guilt and shame, and how God’s severe mercy, grace in our broken moments can transform us. They also reflect on biblical characters and the importance of closing the gap between what we believe and how we live.

Whether you're navigating burnout, carrying hidden wounds, or longing to lead more authentically, this episode offers hope, insight, and a call to deeper soul care.

For more information on Michael and his work, please check out the links below:

https://michaeljohncusick.com/

https://restoringthesoul.com/

#ChristianPodcast #FaithAndLeadership #SoulCare #ChristianCounseling #SpiritualFormation #InnerHealing #MichaelCusick #UpNextPodcast