The Hidden Work of Leadership

Why Listening Makes You a Better, Wiser Leader with Rhonda Butler

Are you listening? If not, there may be more at stake than you realize. For Rhonda Butler—professor, executive leadership coach, and director of Women's L.I.F.T. Fellowship—failing to listen can do real harm, leading to an erosion of trust, silencing other voices, and tarnishing reputations. However, when leaders do listen (and apologize when they fall short), trust is strengthened and wisdom flourishes—for both the leader and those they lead. In this final episode of season 2 of The Hidden Work of Leadership, Michaela and Rhonda explore 1. the intimate relationship between wisdom and listening, 2. the benefits of listening—and the costs when we don't, 3. why good leaders are good learners, and 4. the importance of doing what's right over trying to be right. Links: 1. Learn more about our guest, Rhonda Butler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-chisolm-butler-phd-46aa2416/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-chisolm-butler-phd-46aa2416/] 2. Check out more from the Max De Pree Center for Leadership - depree.org [https://depree.org]

The Ripple Effects of Human Flourishing with Mark Eastburg

In the world of mental health care, wellness is often reduced to a lowering of symptoms. While fewer symptoms are vital to health and healing, it doesn't always lead to a thriving life. So then, how does one view mental health through a wider lens—the lens of flourishing? In this episode of The Hidden Work of Leadership, Michaela O'Donnell talks with Mark Eastburg, president and CEO of Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, about the narrow medical models of health and the wisdom behind the interdependence of flourishing. From elementary schools to thriving local businesses, Mark explains how the ripple effects of individual flourishing extend to communities and vice versa. Together, they discuss 1. why the concept of shalom should shape both individual and communal definitions of flourishing, 2. how leaders can better measure outcomes and successes of flourishing, and 3. the large-scale ripple effects of any and every job—including yours. Links: 1. Learn more about Mark Eastburg - linkedin.com/in/mark-eastburg-13b0239 2. Check out Pine Rest and their work - https://www.pinerest.org/ [https://www.pinerest.org/]

Mythbusting Conventional Wisdom with Daniel Fong

Take a moment and think of some of the best wisdom or advice you've heard from the top businesspeople. What did you hear? Chances are you didn't hear things like, "Discussing failure is outdated." Or "I have never practiced being a leader." And you certainly didn't hear, "The world does not need better leaders." That is, unless you're getting advice from Daniel Fong. In this episode of The Hidden Work of Leadership, Michaela talks with Daniel Fong, founder of Million Dollar Baby Co. and author of Been There, Mythbusted That, about the ways he's learned to lead unconventionally, biblically, and wisely—without all the cliches attached to it. Together, they discuss: 1. why conventional wisdom, though not wrong, is limiting, 2. the importance of knowing where our anxieties come from, and 3. why learning should be both ongoing and joyful—personally and organizationally. Links: 1. Learn more about Daniel Fong - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-d-fong-81106215/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-d-fong-81106215/] 2. Explore Million Dollar Baby Co. - https://www.milliondollarbabyco.com/ [https://www.milliondollarbabyco.com/] 3. Order Been There, Mythbusted That - https://alabasterco.com/products/been-there-mythbusted-that?srsltid=AfmBOoo0jxBP9msX0njVpxFw4LGKYtdLQo0UliirQodGxoEUsvHr_dn8 [https://alabasterco.com/products/been-there-mythbusted-that?srsltid=AfmBOoo0jxBP9msX0njVpxFw4LGKYtdLQo0UliirQodGxoEUsvHr_dn8]

Recovering Our Agency with Gustavo Santos

Agency is a word we hear a lot these days. But what does it mean to live, work, and lead out of it? Particularly, what does it mean to act with agency in moments of crisis? For wellness coach and management consultant Gustavo Santos, the wisdom of recovering our agency begins with paying attention to our bodies and ends in freedom. In this episode of The Hidden Work of Leadership, Michaela and Gustavo discuss, 1. what we can learn from the buffalo about braving the storms of life, 2. the importance of learning to dwell in crisis rather than fleeing it, and 3. the dangers of believing that success is a one-size-fits-all outcome. Links: 1. Learn more about Gustavo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavohrsantos/?originalSubdomain=ca [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavohrsantos/?originalSubdomain=ca] 2. Explore the Doctor of Global Leadership program - https://www.fuller.edu/doctor-of-global-leadership/fall-dgl-2023-cohort-redemptive-imagination-in-the-marketplace/ [https://www.fuller.edu/doctor-of-global-leadership/fall-dgl-2023-cohort-redemptive-imagination-in-the-marketplace/]

Making Wise, Difficult Decisions with Angela Gorrell

So much of life seems to be uncharted. From the rise of AI and its still unknown impact on work to global crises that stir anxiety, to the shifting seasons in our personal lives involving family, relationships, and health. With each new challenge comes another decision to make—and most aren't easy. So, what do you do when you don't know what to do? It takes courage and vulnerability—especially as leaders—to admit we don't always have the answers. But Dr. Angela Gorrell reminds us that humility in moments of uncertainty isn't weakness; it's the foundation of wise decision-making. In this episode, Michaela O'Donnell sits down with Angela to talk about her latest book, Braving Difficult Decisions: What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do. Together, they explore 1. how establishing wise practices can help us make wise decisions, 2. the wisdom of valuing curiosity over certainty, and 3. ways to navigate the competing convictions we face when making difficult decisions. Links 1. Learn more about Angela and her work - https://www.angelagorrell.com/ [https://www.angelagorrell.com/] 2. Check out her latest book, Braving Difficult Decisions: What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do - https://www.amazon.com/Braving-Difficult-Decisions-What-When/dp/0802883974 [https://www.amazon.com/Braving-Difficult-Decisions-What-When/dp/0802883974]