325. Leading with Awareness: Nicole Zasowski on Emotional Health, Trauma, and Joy in Leadership

How does your own emotional health shape the way you lead?

In this episode of Group Answers, Brian Daniel sits down with Nicole Zasowski, LifeWay author and practicing counselor, to explore the vital connection between self-awareness, trauma, and leadership. Nicole shares insights on how leaders’ personal pain, emotional responses, and healing journey directly influence the groups and teams they lead.

Listeners will discover:

• The importance of self-awareness for effective leadership
• How group dynamics are impacted by leaders’ emotional health
• Evolving perspectives on trauma and leadership
• Why joy is a practice, not a reward
• How leaders can take responsibility for their own healing to better serve others

This conversation is a must-listen for small group leaders, ministry directors, and anyone leading others in a church context. Nicole provides practical guidance for cultivating resilience, emotional intelligence, and authentic joy while navigating the challenges of leadership.

We’d love to hear from you!
If this episode inspired you, share it with another leader or ministry team member. And don’t forget to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more leaders discover Group Answers and engage with conversations about healthier, more effective leadership.

SHOW LINKS:

Daring Joy

CLICK HERE to read the report from Lifeway Research about the state of groups.