Christian Woman Leadership Podcast with Esther Littlefield & Holly Cain

Latest Episodes:

152: How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt as a Christian Leader May 18, 2021

Show notes

Have you ever wondered if you're qualified to do what you are doing in your leadership or business? Maybe you've questioned if you're actually cut out to do this or whether anyone will take you seriously.

If you've ever struggled with self-doubt, feeling like a fraud, or wondering if you're on the right track, you're not alone. As a Christian woman leader or business owner, you want to serve God and others with your gifts and skills, but sometimes you're not sure if you're worthy of doing what God has put on your heart.

For today's episode, you're going to hear an episode I recorded for the Christian Woman Business Podcast: 3 Ways to Develop Confidence & Combat Imposter Syndrome in Your Business. But it's not just for business owners… you'll get value from this even if you're leading in other settings, because the steps I walk you through will be applicable no matter the role you're in right now.

For the show notes for this episode, go to estherlittlefield.com/episode152

151: Values, Boundaries, and Leadership Lessons from Running a Virtual Assistant Business with Alyssa Avant May 11, 2021

Show notes

Have you ever considered working from home with your own business? Or perhaps you've considered hiring someone to work virtually for your own ministry or business, but you're not sure what that would actually look like.

In this episode, Holly and I talk with Alyssa Avant, virtual assistant and coach, about her leadership journey. We dive into what it looks like to be a virtual assistant as well as what it means for those who hire one. In addition, we explore the leadership lessons she has learned in her business journey and why values and self-awareness are so important.

For the full show notes for this episode, go to estherlittlefield.com/episode151.

Key Points Discussed:

Alyssa's life and leadership journey
What is a virtual assistant & who would need to hire one?
Leadership traits that are needed to work virtually
Transitioning to teaching others about how to be a VA
Leadership challenges Alyssa has faced in her business
Values that Alyssa includes in her business
How Alyssa decided to focus on serving Christian clients and students
Why it's important to say no to clients who are not a good fit
The value of self-awareness
How Alyssa has become more confident in her journey
How she manages her different roles as business owner, wife, and mom
Leaders are Learners

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode151.

150: The Power of Community & Connections in Business and Leadership May 04, 2021

Show notes

Entrepreneurship can be lonely, and even more so in the past year during the COVID pandemic. But it is possible to create community and connection with others in business.

In this episode, Holly & I are diving into talking about entrepreneurship, which we haven't covered much recently. And while this episode has a business focus, a lot of what we share could also apply to leading in ministry and other areas.

We dive into why creating community and connections is essential as an entrepreneur, what that community could look like for you, and how to start making those connections.

Key Points Discussed:

Why do we need community in business?
- Business/entrepreneurship is lonely
- Input from others outside of your own business
- There's power in collaboration
- Having someone to lean on
What does community and connection look like for online entrepreneurs?
- Personal board of directors as described by Dr. Ronke Dosunmu in episode 126
- People who are in your industry
- Someone who knows finances
- Someone who is a bit ahead of you
- Mentors
- Biz Besties
How do you find these people?
- FB groups
- Paid programs
- In person events
- In communities of a coach or mentor you follow
- Local networking groups
- Friends
Fun question: If you could jump into a pool of something, what would it be?

Key Quotes from the Episode:

"Sometimes we need someone to help us see where we are getting off track." - Esther

"Community in business is a way to grow the Kingdom of God." - Holly

"Know what you need to help you determine who should be in your network." - Esther

"It's gonna be weird… you don't know them!" - Holly

"Any relationship you are looking to build and create only happens when you are willing to be vulnerable." - Esther

"There's no shame in not knowing how to do something." - Esther

"Have an answer to the question: 'What do you do?'" - Holly

Action step:

Take the awkward step to reach out to someone who might be a good person to connect with.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

Business Series on the podcast

Thriving in Work and Life and How to Transition From Employee to Entrepreneurship with Dr. Ronke Dosunmu [126]

How to Network Authentically Online [CWBP Ep. 36]

Shine Online Course

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode150.

149: Meeting the Needs in Your Church Without Burning Out with Laura Howe Apr 27, 2021

Show notes

Why is it vital for leaders to care for those they lead? How can churches develop effective care ministries that don't burn out their leaders?

In this episode, I talk with guest Laura Howe about the importance of care ministries in churches. You'll find out why a care ministry shouldn't be solely dependent upon the pastor, how meeting people's needs impacts Kingdom growth, and signs that it's time to start or strengthen your church's care ministry.

Whether or not you lead in a church setting, you'll find valuable insights into leadership and the value of caring for the needs of others as Christians. To hear more about burnout, compassion fatigue, and mental health in ministry, check out episode 81 when Laura was on the podcast the first time.

For the full show notes, visit https://estherlittlefield.com/episode149

Key Points Discussed:

What is a care ministry? [2:34]
Building an effective care ministry in a church [5:31]
How care ministry differs from discipleship or small groups [12:29]
The people you need for a care ministry [15:15]
- Professionals
- Pastors
- Peers
How to determine if a care ministry is not working [23:48]
The first steps for a church if they want to establish (or refine) their care ministry [27:27]
Leaders are learners [36:50]
Fun question

Connect with Laura Howe:

Website
Laura's guide: 3 Steps to Building a Sustainable Care Ministry
Church Mental Health Refresh
Email: laura@hopemadestrong.org
Facebook
Instagram

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode149.

148: How to Thrive Rather than Survive in Motherhood, Life, & Leadership with Andra Erickson Apr 20, 2021

Show notes

What does it look like to thrive instead of just survive as a mom of multiples, wife, and leader? And how can we discern the difference between shame and guilt?

In this episode, our guest Andra Erickson shares her insights into how she has learned to thrive rather than just survive as a mom of multiples. She shares practical tips on how we can take control of our thoughts and the way we respond to our kids or situations.

In addition, Andra shares the difference between shame and guilt and how she sees self-care differently than many others. Even if you are not a mother, you will find incredible wisdom in this episode that you can apply to all areas of your life and leadership.

For the full show notes, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode148

Connect with Esther and Holly:

147: Behind the Scenes with Esther & Holly Apr 13, 2021

Show notes

Come behind the scenes with Holly and I as we go off-script and share a bit about how we met, what our lives look like, and answer some fun and random questions.

On today's episode, Holly and I are not covering any serious leadership content. Instead, we're having fun and sharing some parts of our lives that we don't usually chat about on the podcast. We hope you enjoy this fun, laid-back episode and hearing a bit more of an unfiltered conversation.

Key Points Discussed:

How Holly & I met
Leading together
What does a typical week look like for each of you?
What exactly do we each do in our businesses?
What is one fun and exciting thing happening in our lives right now?
Trends poll
Fun questions

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode147.

146: Learning to Slow Down & Set Boundaries with Jenn Clauser Apr 06, 2021

Show notes

Have you ever felt like it's impossible to slow down as a leader? Do you feel constantly pulled in a thousand directions because of everyone who needs you?

In this episode, Holly and I talk with our guest Jenn Clauser as she shares her journey of learning the importance of slowing down and finding true rest.

As the director of communications for her church, she experienced a big shift when COVID hit in March 2020. This shift forced her to come face to face with the pace of her life and the need for intentionally setting boundaries and establishing healthy rhythms of rest.

Whether you are a leader in ministry or in the marketplace, or you just want to figure out how to stay connected to Jesus when it seems people need you all the time, you're sure to find practical wisdom and insights in this conversation.

For full show notes, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode146.

Key Points Discussed:

Jenn's life & leadership
How COVID-19 disrupted life, leadership & ministry
Recognizing the need for change
Why leaders have trouble eliminating hurry & busyness
Learning to develop healthy boundaries and patterns of rest
Leaders are learners

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode146.

145: Learning to See Other Perspectives & Why It Matters as Leaders Mar 30, 2021

Show notes

Do you ever feel like listening to another perspective means you have to agree with that perspective? Or do you sense you might be unfollowed or criticized if you share a differing perspective to the one that is the 'norm' in your current context?

Hearing or seeing other perspectives does not come naturally to me, and I love being right. But over the years, God has shown me the value and importance of recognizing other perspectives. In this episode, I'm sharing with you a bit of my journey and how I've learned to see other perspectives, and how this doesn't mean we have to agree with those perspectives.

Key Points Discussed:

How my hike in Arizona helped me think about perspectives
My own journey of learning to see different perspectives
The key apologetics principle we should apply as Christians
The one thing you need to consider moving forward: are you willing to hear and listen to other perspectives, even if you don't agree?

Key Quotes from the Episode:

"We need to be exposed to different ideas and thoughts in order to be able to have conversations, to reach people, to understand their views and to force ourselves to get clear on what we believe."

"If we are going to argue or defend our points, we must also be willing to accurately understand the other person's perspective."

"Consider: are you willing to hear and listen to other perspectives?"

"There are always going to be people who disagree with us; how we respond to that disagreement is of utmost importance."

"Looking at different viewpoints is going to help you get clearer on what you believe and help you dig deeper into your own faith and leadership."

Link to my What I Believe page on my website.

Episode Sponsor: Confident Conversations

Confident Conversations is my mini-course that will help you initiate and lead hard conversations, which will lead to more connection and conflict resolution. I developed this course based on biblical principles and my own experiences of having lots of hard conversations. I've learned the value of not avoiding these convos and instead dealing with issues as they arise, and this course will help you do the same.

http://confidentconversations.co/

Connect with Esther:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode145.

144: Christy Wright on Discerning Whether Your Dream is From God & Trusting God's Faithfulness in All Seasons of Your Life [Part 2] Mar 23, 2021

Show notes

How do you know if your dream is from God or just your own idea? And what if your dreams and ambitions for the future don't line up with the season God has placed you in?

In this episode (part 2 of 2), Holly and I continue our conversation with Christy Wright. We dive deeper into the topics of Christy's devotional, "Living True: 40 Days to Get Back to You", including discovering which of God's traits has meant the most to Christy in her life.

Christy shares her wisdom on how to discern whether a dream is from God or just your own idea as well as what to do when your season doesn't line up with your dreams or ambitions. We also discuss how to trust God even when it seems like things are not going according to the plan we thought He gave us.

This is part 2 of our conversation with Christy, so make sure you check out part 1 if you missed it.

Key Points Discussed:

What truth about God means the most to Christy?
Is my dream from God or from myself?
- Character of God
- Can you name the fear ?
- Journal it & share it
- The cry test
When your season doesn't line up with your dreams or ambitions
- Doing the right thing at the time
- Ask yourself: "What is right right now?"
How do we trust God for our future when things have fallen through in the past?
Leaders are Learners
- The Drama of Scripture by Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen
- Fall in Love with God's Word by Brittany Ann
- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
- Life: An Obsessively Grateful, Undone by Jesus, Genuinely Happy, and Not Faking it Through the Hard Stuff Kind of 100-Day Devotional by Lisa Harper

Key Quotes from the Episode:

"When we recognize God in our past, we are more likely to recognize him in our present and in our future."
"If you can name your fear, it might be wisdom that is holding you back."
"God is okay with you wrestling with Him."
"We want to put things in buckets--it's either us or God. It can be both!"
"God sees you right now. He sees you right now, right where you are. He sees you and He is with you."

Connect with Christy Wright:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Christy Wright is a #1 national best-selling author, personal development expert, and host of The Christy Wright Show. She's been featured on Today Show and Fox News, and in Entrepreneur and Woman's Day Magazines. Since 2009, Christy has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches on personal development, business, and faith. You can follow Christy on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube or online at www.christywright.com.

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode144.

143: Christy Wright on Developing Your Message, Self-Awareness vs. Selfishness, & Responding to Cancel Culture [Part 1] Mar 16, 2021

Show notes

What is the most important aspect of developing your message as a leader? Is it possible to grow in self-awareness without becoming focused on self? And is it okay to follow people if you don't agree with them?

Christy Wright has developed an influential message and platform as a business leader, and she has recently expanded into focusing more on faith and personal development. But she didn't start out with a large following or a clear message.

In this episode (part 1 of 2), Holly and I chat with Christy about her leadership journey and get a behind-the-scenes look into how she was able to grow and develop her message. We also dive into her new devotional, "Living True: 40 Days to Get Back to You", and we hit on the touchy topic of whether it's wrong to focus on self-awareness as a Christ follower.

In addition, you'll hear Christy's thoughts on why it's harder to stand in the middle on certain topics and what her thoughts are on following people with whom she disagrees. She also shares what to do when people criticize you or cancel you because they don't like something you said.

This is part 1 of our conversation with Christy, so make sure you're subscribed to the show so that you don't miss part 2!

Key Points Discussed:

Christy's life & leadership
The value of mentoring
Christy's transition from focusing on business to expanding her message
How women can discover what their message is
What do you want to say?
Your message will evolve
Christy's Book "Living True: 40 Days to Get Back to You"
Is it wrong to focus on ourselves as Christians?
Can we learn from people with whom we disagree?
Dealing with criticism and cancel culture

Key Quotes from the Episode:

"Your message will evolve as you experiment in different things to different people in different ways."
"If the Lord fires you up about something, it's because he wants to use you there."
"What we are called to do as leaders is solve problems and add value."
"It's very easy to let your season of life define you."
"There's nothing practical about our faith."
"It's not popular to be level-headed, to have some common sense, to see both sides of things--that is not popular. If you want to make everyone mad, just go to the middle."
"It is our responsibility to look for the good."
"Your circumstances don't determine your attitude; you determine your attitude."

Connect with Christy Wright:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode143.