Servant Leader's Library

Episode 49: Joe Palm

What does servant leadership look like when it moves beyond theory and becomes something you can actually practice? In this episode of Servant Leader’s Library, Nick sits down with Joe Palm, author of Practical Servant Leadership, to talk about people-first leadership, trust, accountability, workplace culture, and the courage it takes to lead differently. Joe shares the personal story that shaped his leadership journey, including the moment one manager changed the direction of his career by asking a simple question: “How can I serve and support you?” From there, the conversation dives into the real work of servant leadership — building trust, listening well, creating space for innovation, dealing with toxic culture, and helping teams feel valued without losing sight of results. Joe also challenges the idea that servant leadership is “soft.” In his words, it requires courage, sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to lead against the grain.

Episode 48: Steve Herr

Nicholas Paulukow welcomes Steve Herr, Ph.D., CEO of coLAB, for a thoughtful conversation about servant leadership, strategic clarity, and the role data can play in helping mission-driven organizations create lasting impact. Steve shares his journey from social work and clinical leadership into the world of technology, where he has spent more than two decades building software and systems designed to help organizations operate more effectively, measure outcomes, and align purpose with action. Together, Nicholas and Steve explore what it means to lead with intention, build teams around shared values, and create the kind of structure that turns vision into measurable progress. Their conversation touches on mentorship, leadership development, the tension between mission and growth, and why the strongest organizations are the ones that combine clear strategy with a deeply rooted commitment to serving others well.

Episode 47: René Dekker

Nicholas Paulukow welcomes René Dekker, CEO of Global Disciples, for a meaningful conversation about leading with conviction, serving across cultures, and staying grounded in a mission bigger than yourself.René shares his journey from more than 20 years in international business to pastoral ministry in Bangkok, Thailand, and now to leading a global mission organization focused on reaching those who have never heard of Jesus. Together, Nicholas and René explore what it means to lead with excellence, listen for direction, serve across cultures, and bring servant mentality into every space you are called to lead.Together, Nicholas and René discuss faith in the workplace, leading with humility, recognizing opportunities to serve, and what it means to represent your values with excellence wherever you are called.

Episode 46: Monty Fowler

In this episode of Servant Leader’s Library, Nicholas Paulukow talks with Monty Fowler about “executive debt”—the long-term cost of short-term leadership decisions. Monty breaks down how it shows up in strategy, operations, culture, and talent, and shares practical ways founders can spot it, fix it, and scale with clearer leadership and healthier teams.

Episode 45: Ann Kelly

CFOs don’t just run financials. They shape strategy, culture, and growth. In this episode of Servant Leader’s Library, HH Hunt CFO Ann Kelly shares how servant leadership, capital strategy, and people-centered decision-making come together inside a fast-growing real estate organization, offering practical lessons for CFOs, founders, and leaders who want to turn numbers into impact.