<p>In this episode of the Leadership Podcast, Sim Dendy and Ed Perry speak with Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, who shares her unique journey from growing up in Iran to becoming a prominent leader in the Church of England. Bishop Guli discusses her early life experiences, the challenges of adapting to a new culture as a refugee, and her unexpected path to ordained ministry. She reflects on her role as a bishop, emphasising the importance of embodying the diocese and fostering a supportive community. Throughout the conversation, she offers insights on leadership, work-life balance, and her confidence in the future of the church amidst current challenges.</p><br><p><strong>Takeaways from this episode:</strong></p><ul><li>Bishop Guli's upbringing was shaped by her unique cultural background in Iran.</li><li>Resilience in children is fostered by love and security at home.</li><li>The Church's future cannot be controlled but must be embraced with faith.</li><li>Bishop Guli embodies the diocese rather than just managing it.</li><li>Leadership involves being gentle with oneself and learning from mistakes.</li><li>The Church is both a human institution and the body of Christ.</li><li>Confidence in one's identity is crucial for effective leadership.</li><li>Assuming the best in others fosters a collaborative environment.</li><li>Different aspects of life inform and enrich one another.</li><li>The Holy Spirit can work effectively when given space.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Follow Bishop Guli on X: <a href="https://x.com/Guli_FD" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@Guli_FD</a></p><p>Follow the Leadership Podcast on <a href="https://x.com/LeadershipPodUK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">X (twitter)</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theleadershippodcastuk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheLeadershipPodcastUK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>