Chris and Tracy continue enjoying helpful conversations with their guests in Next Step Leadership. Each podcast brings new thoughts and ideas. In this episode, they talk with John R. Miles. John tells his story—an interesting and diverse career from serving in the military, national security, management consultant, leading cyber security practice, private equity, and to his present career. John hopes to help people transform their lives. Through writing and leading, he is trying to help those who are thinking and feeling the way he previously thought and felt. His book is titled Passion Struck, and his podcast by that name is one of the top podcasts for today’s listeners. John hopes people hear the stories of success while realizing what he has leaned. Success isn’t just determined by wealth and job titles. He had many positions and possessions most people crave, but he knew there was more. Listen to his story and learn what matters most.

https://johnrmiles.com/

In their second conversation with author and professor Dr. Jen Bennet, Tracy and Chris believe all listeners will value greatly from her wisdom. Her years of serving in the academic world, her great advice on online ministry and marketing, her willingness to move geographically and accept change, and her battle with their house burning down are all narratives today's leaders need to here. Each change was difficult. But important. Each transition brought challenges. But also lessons.

Readers often forget the great work God can do through our seasons of pain and questions. Are you in that season now? Are you receiving God’s peace even when so much seems to be going wrong?

Listen to Jen. Women in ministry need to hear from her. All who face uncertainty need to hear from her. Every leader hoping to lead like Christ needs to learn from her. Her story and her areas of expertise bring the ideal information for us all.


https://drjenbennett.com/

Dr. Jen Bennett is this week's guest on Next Step Leadership Podcast. Tracy and Chris are excited for you to hear her wisdom.

As an educator, writer, and speaker, Jen never imagined herself doing the work God has her doing. She's continued education and ministry, while serving business leaders for their online presence.

Her book Be Worth Following and her podcast She Impacts Culture are perfect for these seasons of pressure and uncertainty. They offer guidelines in the areas of marketing and value.

Jen believes work was not designed to be miserable. She contends joy and hope are key parts for entrepreneurs and business leaders. To develop successful online presence, people must first gain a better grasp of who they are. Her book provides key elements of online audiences and overall goals.

Jen voices guidance on credibility and curiosity. She instructs leaders to be credible before trying to be influential.

Become skilled in your areas. Appropriate curiosity can lead to influence which leads to leadership. Ask questions. Seek answers. And be ready to become a leader worth following.

https://drjenbennett.com/

https://annbylewriter.com/

Ann Byle offers a wonderful perspective in this week’s episode of Next Step Leadership. Chris and Tracy haven’t invited animals to their podcast, but Ann offers great wisdom from chickens. Her latest book, Chicken Scratch: Lessons on Living Creatively From a Flock of Hens, shows how Ann discovered that her chickens provide valuable insight and inspiration. Rarely do books or podcasts share intuition from a flock of hens, but it happens here. Writers, speakers, pastors, leaders, and those serving in any capacity can learn from Ann’s wisdom and creative thinking. Be ready to smile. Hear the invitation to lead creativity. Apply what you learn from Ann and her flock of hens.

https://annbylewriter.com/

The Next Step Leadership podcast offers a variety of perspectives from many different speakers. Hosts Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell hope to encourage each person who listens to continue their journey—and to guide many others with them. Brenda Quinn is their guest again this week. What she has learned through Richard Foster and other leaders has helped guide her through pain from the past. God’s ongoing healing through spiritual practices is not just her story—it is your story. Think about how you can follow Jesus for the long hall and guide others with you. Who is modeling for you the soul care life? Who are you modeling it for? Are you revealing a healthy life with God for yourself and for others to see? Set your eyes on Him and not on the things of the world. You are the hands and feet of Jesus.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-quinn-292b6a29/

Tracy and Chris enjoy their conversations with each other and with guests. They hope you enjoy their weekly podcasts and that you are encouraged. This week, their guest Brenda Quinn brings deep wisdom and spiritual care. Brenda is Pastor of Spiritual Formation in Colorado and is passionate about soul care for leaders. That is such a vital topic. Listen to Brenda’s story and process your own spiritual adventure. Ask yourself deep questions. How are you seeing soul care as a priority? How can you improve? What practical steps can you begin taking? What times can you set aside this week for your spiritual growth?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-quinn-292b6a29/

Pastor Steve Ely continues as the guest in this episode of Next Step Leadership with Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell. As mentioned last week, Steve serves as the Director of Clergy Development for the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. He’s also the author of Climate Change, a book about the climate of today’s Christianity. In this conversation Steve tells the story of his own healing process from the stress, tension, and pressure of life in leadership and ministry. His heart attack almost ended his life. He lived, but it forced him to take a sabbatical, see a counselor, and make major decisions. He had been internalizing perfectionism and the pressure of ministry. He had to come out of his isolation and pursue healthy relationships. Isolation is the number one factor causing ministers to seek leaving the ministry. Listen to Steve’s honesty. Read his book. Seek help. Now is the time to seek help.

Climate Change book - https://www.amazon.com/Climate-Change-Calming-Lifes-Storms/dp/1960024345/

IPHC Clergy Development - http://phpastor.org/