Follow 2 Lead: A Christian Leaders Podcast

In Episode 447 of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Dr. Chris McKinney to explore the intersection of leadership, emotional health, and authentic community. Chris shares insights from his work helping individuals and leaders develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and relational strength. Together, Tony and Chris discuss why healthy leadership begins internally—through emotional maturity, empathy, and a willingness to grow. The conversation explores how leaders can create cultures where people feel safe, supported, and empowered. Chris highlights the importance of intentional relationships, strong communication, and cultivating environments where honesty and care are valued. Listeners will also gain practical perspective on managing the emotional demands of leadership while staying grounded in purpose, identity, and community. This episode offers valuable wisdom for leaders who want to lead with clarity, compassion, and long‑term impact. Connect with Dr. Chris McKinney: Instagram: @crmckinney Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram   / twmilt   Check out our YouTube page    / @twmilt   Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Alli Patterson to explore how leaders can build meaningful influence—even without a formal title or position of authority. Alli shares how understanding our identity in Christ unlocks confidence and empowers leaders to serve, guide, and influence others authentically. Rather than striving for titles or recognition, she encourages leaders to embrace the gifts God has given them and step into leadership through service, humility, and courage. Tony and Alli also discuss the role of listening to the Holy Spirit in everyday leadership decisions, the importance of creating environments where people feel safe to be real, and how community spaces—like church camps and spiritual gatherings—can spark transformative moments of growth and connection. The conversation dives into practical ways leaders can discover their unique leadership presence, navigate imposter syndrome, and develop a Spirit‑led approach to engaging Scripture and leading others. Alli also highlights the power of low‑control environments where the Holy Spirit is free to move, reminding leaders that authentic leadership often looks less like control and more like trust. Whether you’re leading in ministry, business, or everyday life, this episode offers encouragement and practical insight for anyone who wants to lead with confidence, faith, and influence—even without a title. https://www.allipatterson.com/ ⁠⁠Please check out our sponsors EBEB Solutions⁠ ⁠That Sounds Fun Network: ⁠ ⁠Follow 2 Lead Coaching⁠ ⁠Tony on Instagram⁠ ⁠Check out our YouTube page⁠ ⁠Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts⁠ Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Doug Shaw to explore the power of servant leadership and what it means to lead effectively—even without formal authority. Doug shares how leadership begins not with a title, but with a commitment to serving others and building a culture rooted in care, trust, and shared values. Doug introduces the concept of creating a curative culture—an environment where people can grow, heal, and thrive. He explains how leaders shape culture through daily decisions, humility, and consistency. The conversation also highlights how values and faith can guide leadership in diverse environments, helping leaders remain grounded while navigating complex organizational challenges. As a nonprofit leader, Doug offers practical insight into fundraising as relationship‑building, emphasizing that generosity flows from genuine connection rather than transactional asks. He reframes fundraising as an invitation for people to participate in meaningful impact, rather than simply a financial exchange. Doug also reflects on the influence of family, mentorship, and learning from great leaders, reminding listeners that leadership is deeply relational. This episode is a powerful resource for nonprofit leaders, executives, pastors, and anyone seeking to lead with purpose, humility, and lasting influence. Coaching Question: “Where in your leadership are you waiting for authority instead of choosing to serve—and what would change if you led from service starting today?” Connect with Doug Shaw: • Website: douglasshaw.com Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/ Check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Trey Tucker for a powerful conversation about authentic leadership, emotional health, and the essential role of self‑care in sustaining long‑term influence. Tucker shares why leadership begins with care—both for others and for yourself. He emphasizes that leaders cannot give what they do not possess, and that cultivating emotional health, self‑acceptance, and community is foundational to leading effectively. Together, Tony and Trey explore how embracing imperfection allows leaders to build deeper trust, foster genuine relationships, and lead with authenticity. The conversation also tackles the realities of empathy fatigue, anxiety, and the internal pressure leaders often carry. Tucker offers practical insight into managing emotional strain, understanding how discomfort can lead to growth, and recognizing how anxiety—when understood properly—can be redirected into productive leadership energy. Listeners will gain practical leadership tools for building healthier teams, developing stronger personal resilience, and creating environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. This episode is especially valuable for executives, pastors, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to lead with clarity, emotional strength, and authenticity. Coaching Question: “How well are you caring for yourself emotionally—and how might improving that care transform the way you lead others?” Connect with Trey Tucker: • Website: ruggedcounseling.com • Instagram: @ruggedcounseling • Instagram: @treytucker • X (Twitter): @TTuck10 • YouTube: Rugged Counseling Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/ Check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-2-lead-a-christian-leaders-podcast/id1429933082 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Kristen LaValley for a meaningful conversation on leadership, humility, identity, and the power of storytelling. Kristen shares why one of the most important leadership skills isn’t confidence—but the willingness to be wrong, learn, and grow. Tony and Kristen explore how great leaders create safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Through her work hosting retreats and writing, Kristen has witnessed firsthand how storytelling can bring healing, clarity, and deeper connection. They discuss how writing becomes a tool for personal growth, helping leaders better understand themselves and lead with authenticity. The conversation also dives into the role of community in shaping identity and leadership, and how spiritual storytelling can foster transformation in both the storyteller and the listener. Kristen reflects on her own writing journey, emphasizing that leadership is not about having everything figured out—but about showing up with humility, curiosity, and openness to growth. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is deeply human. It’s built through shared stories, honest reflection, and the courage to create environments where people can grow and belong. Coaching Question: “Where in your leadership might humility—specifically the willingness to be wrong—unlock deeper trust, growth, and connection?” Connect with Kristen LaValley: • Website: kristenlavalley.com  • Instagram: @kristen.lavalley  • Substack: kristenlavalley.substack.com  • Books & author info: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kristen... Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram   / twmilt   Check out our YouTube page    / @twmilt   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices