Got questions or comments? Text them to me!

What do you do when the story you were writing for your life suddenly gets flipped upside down? Nina Sossamon-Pogue knows a thing or two about that. From elite-level gymnast to Emmy-winning news anchor to tech exec — and then crashing hard when life unraveled — Nina’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the sacred work of getting back up.

In this episode, we talk about:

• 🌀 How to handle unexpected "plot twists" in your story
• 💥 Why identity crisis often follows big life transitions (and what to do with that)
• 🧠 The neuroscience of resilience — and why your brain resists change
• ✝️ How faith can reframe failure as formation, not finality
• 📖 Why your worst chapter might not be your last
• 🛠️ Practical tools for building emotional stamina when life breaks you open

Whether you're leading a church, navigating a personal storm, or just in a season of uncertainty — this conversation is an invitation to believe that what’s next might actually be better.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Now What Workshop: https://www.nowwhatworkshop.com/
• Nina’s book: This Is Not the End
• www.ninasossamonpogue.com

🙌 Connect with Nina:
Instagram: @nina_sp.eaks
LinkedIn: Nina Sossamon-Pogue

🙏 If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs a reminder that this isn’t the end of their story either.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us at pauljenkins.tv for more conversations that help you keep following Jesus — through doubt, devotion, and everything in between.

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Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure to read the stuff I'm writing on my blog.

Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.

Got questions or comments? Text them to me!

📖 Episode Overview:

Let’s be honest — sometimes the hardest thing about leadership isn’t starting something new… it’s knowing when to stop. In this episode, Paul gets real about a recent decision to pause his weekly email, The Launch Pad, and redirect that time and energy into his leadership at The Gathering and his doctoral studies.

It’s a vulnerable, practical conversation about what it looks like to evaluate our efforts with wisdom and courage — and how to pivot without shame when God starts blessing a different lane.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

• Why pivoting isn’t failure — it’s faithful leadership
• How to evaluate your current strategies through a wisdom-driven lens
• Practical questions to ask when deciding whether to press on or press pause
• Biblical encouragement from Acts 16 about trusting divine redirection
• Why God cares more about your mission than your methods

📖 Scripture Highlight:

Acts 16:6-10 — When Paul’s missionary strategy got blocked by the Holy Spirit, he didn’t fight it. He pivoted and ended up sparking a revival in Europe. God still works that way.

🛠️ Episode Resources:

• Proverbs 16:9 — “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.”
• C.S. Lewis Quote: “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

🎧 Listen If You:

• Are wrestling with a project, ministry, or initiative that just isn’t bearing fruit
• Feel guilty about quitting something you once believed in
• Need wisdom and courage to reallocate your time, energy, and focus
• Want to hear a leader be honest about failure and faithfulness

📣 Stay Connected:

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or teammate navigating a pivot of their own. And don’t forget to leave a review — it helps more reluctant leaders like us find their tribe.

⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure to read the stuff I'm writing on my blog.

Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.

Got questions or comments? Text them to me!

Before Jesus ever sent His disciples out to preach, heal, or lead—He simply invited them to be with Him. In this episode, Paul unpacks Mark 3:14 and explores how powerful it is when leaders prioritize presence over performance.

You’ll learn why Jesus’ leadership style wasn’t built on strategy first—it was built on shared space, vulnerability, and relational connection. Whether you're leading a team, a ministry, or just trying to keep your group chat alive, this episode will encourage you to slow down, lean in, and lead like Jesus.

✨ In This Episode:

• The overlooked leadership wisdom of Mark 3:14
• Why being with your team matters more than always doing for your team
• 3 key takeaways from how Jesus led:
  1. Presence Builds Trust
  2. Presence Prepares Hearts
  3. Presence Multiplies Impact
• Practical tips to become a more present, intentional leader
• A prayer for leaders who feel stretched thin but want to lead with more heart

🛠️ Practical Presence Practices:

• Schedule “presence blocks” with team members
• Start every meeting with five minutes of non-task talk
• Ditch the phone, make eye contact, and give your full attention
• Take a walk, grab a coffee, or send a spontaneous check-in text

⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure to read the stuff I'm writing on my blog.

Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.