Christian Woman Leadership Podcast with Esther Littlefield & Holly Cain

Latest Episodes:

132: Celebrating Wins & Learning From Failures: Processing Your Goals, Dreams & Plans [Reflection Series] Dec 29, 2020

Show notes

What do we do with the goals and plans that did not come to fruition as we had hoped? And how can we learn from this year as we prepare for the coming year?

In a year when it feels like we had more unfulfilled plans than ever, it can be easy to skip over celebrating the wins and finding the good. But it's vital that we do this, just as we also spend time reflecting on the losses or failures and what God might want us to learn from these.

In this episode, Holly and I wrap up our Reflection Series by diving into reflecting on our goals, dreams, and plans. We will share about what we had hoped would happen in 2020, some of the surprises we experienced and the lessons we've learned along the way.

We invite you to slow down and take time to reflect right alongside us. To make this easy for you, we've created a Processing & Reflection Guide which will provide you with all the questions we are using during this series! So you don't have to try and write anything down while listening - you can grab the guide and just follow along with us.

Click here for the guide

Questions to help us process our goals, dreams, and plans:

What goals, dreams, or plans did you have that you did accomplish?
What goals, dreams, or plans did you have that did not come to fruition?
What wins did you experience that were unexpected?
What lessons did you learn in the failures or the things you did not accomplish?
What lessons did you learn from the wins (whether planned or unexpected)?
How can you give yourself grace for goals that did not transpire?
Where might you need added accountability or support to reach your goals in the coming year?

Resources & Links:

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode132.

131: Dealing with Loss, Division, and Criticism as Leaders: Processing Your Relationships [Reflection Series] Dec 22, 2020

Show notes

This year has brought a great deal of grief and loss, both individually and collectively as a nation and world. In addition, leaders have seen more division and criticism in their organizations and churches than they may have in decades or even their lifetime. And this impacts one of the most important aspects of our lives as leaders: our relationships.

In this episode, Holly and I continue our Reflection Series to wrap up the year by dividing into the important topic of relationships. Specifically, we reflect on how this year has impacted the relationships in our own lives, how we've dealt with the losses and criticism, and how important we have found our support systems to be.

Click here for the guide

Questions we consider as we process loss, division, criticism as leaders:

Name the losses you've experienced this year
How have you grieved? What do you need to allow yourself to do to grieve these losses?
What are some practical ways you can show grace to others who are grieving?
How can we work toward healing in such a hostile time?
Who has been part of your support system this year?
Who do you want/need to reach out to to offer support or to reconnect with?
Have you experienced criticism of your leadership this year?
If so, how have you handled it?
What do you want to change about how you respond to criticism?

For these questions plus the ones we cover in the other episodes in this series, grab the free Processing & Reflection Guide we made for you:

Click here for the guide

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode131.

130: What To Do When Things Don't Go as Planned: Processing Your Circumstances [Reflection Series] Dec 15, 2020

Show notes

How do you handle it when things don't go as planned? What about when a whole year doesn't go as planned?

As we wrap up 2020 here on the podcast, Holly and I decided to do a 3-part Reflection Series with you. During this series, we'll walk through some of the questions that Sandy shared with us on Episode 128, plus throw in some of our own questions.

In this conversation, we're focusing on processing our circumstances. Holly and I are sharing openly about how the circumstances of 2020 impacted us personally. We're also discussing what you can do when circumstances don't go as planned, or when things feel hopeless or devastating.

We hope that this series will help you slow down and take time to reflect right alongside us. To make this easy for you, we've created a Processing & Reflection Guide which will provide you with all the questions we are using during this series! So you don't have to try and write anything down while listening - you can grab the guide and just follow along with us.

Click here for the guide

Questions we consider as we process the challenging year we've had and begin to look towards the future:

How are your circumstances different at the end of 2020 than you anticipated they would be back when you set goals and planned for the year?
Ask God the following:
- Who would you like to be for me in my circumstances?
- What would you like to do in me through it?
- How would you like me to respond?
What truths can you cling to when your circumstances feel hopeless or devastating? (scriptures, truths, practices)
What's something good that has come as a result of the different circumstances this year?

For these questions plus the ones we'll cover in the remaining episodes in this series, grab the free Processing & Reflection Guide we made for you:

Click here for the guide

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode130.

129: How to Experience Peace this Christmas Season Dec 08, 2020

Show notes

It's the Christmas season, which means you should be celebrating and experiencing love, joy, and peace, right? But what if you don't feel peaceful? How can you experience the peace of God during this time (and always)?

In this special episode for the Christmas season, you will hear from Holly Cain. She is sharing a message to encourage you and remind you of how you can experience God's peace during this season (and all year round).

Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:

Luke 2:11-14
Matthew 10:34-36
John 18:37
Luke 10:5-6
Isaiah 9:7
Ephesians 2:14
Philippians 4:4-7

Get the free phone wallpaper on the show notes on Esther's website.

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode129.

128: Processing 2020 - Radical Acceptance, Dealing with Grief & Criticism, and Finding the Joy with Sandy Flewelling Dec 01, 2020

Show notes

Is your heart tired and worn out from all that 2020 has brought us? Perhaps you're not interested in processing or reflecting on the year, and you can't wait for 2021 to show up.

Although 2020 has felt challenging on many levels, Holly and I did not want to skip over reflecting, and we also didn't want to count it out as a horrible year. We know that God still worked during this year, and He can help us find the joy and the positive even amidst the struggles.

We invited our friend Sandy Flewelling on to this episode to walk us through processing the year. Sandy does a form of counseling called Soul Care, and she provides us guidance and suggestions for how to deal with the difficulties of 2020.

Sandy shares valuable wisdom on how to accept what is, deal with the divisions in our families, churches, and communities, and how to recognize and process the grief we may be experiencing.

Topics Discussed:

Why we invited Sandy on this reflection episode [1:45]
What is Soul Care? [4:00]
Why we need to reflect on 2020 instead of just moving on [6:20]
- How to begin processing what we've been through this year
- Ask 3 questions:
- - Who would you like to be for me in 2020?
  - What would you like to do in me through it?
  - How would you like me to respond?
Dealing with the divisiveness in our relationships, churches, and communities [13:20]
Processing our grief [22:00]
Unfulfilled goals & dreams in 2020 [25:22]
How leaders can process the intense criticism of this year [38:00]
How to know if you need to reach out and talk to someone for support [42:00]
How to look back and find the joy [47:55]
Fun question of the day [51:00]

Key Quotes:

"Try practicing radical acceptance… simply accepting that this year has been what it was, and there's nothing we can do to go back and change it."
"We've always disagreed with each other; but people are filtering themselves less and less."
"Anger is a really convenient way to push aside grief."
"2020 did not rock the Kingdom of God."
"There is no benefit in beating ourselves up for something that has already happened that we cannot go back and change… so let's just not do it."
"Life is not a sprint." - Esther
"People can be fierce… and it's so important to know who you are in Christ, to know the authority He has given to you, and to take yourself regularly to that place of 'this is who I am.'"

Resources & Links:

Connect with Sandy:

Website

Sandy Flewelling is passionate about helping you find freedom in your relationships with God, others, and yourself. Whether speaking before a group or sharing a conversation with one in her cozy office, her deep desire is to share the good news that God loves us with a life-changing love.

She attended The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology where she earned a Master's in Counseling and now owns and operates Soul Care of Maine.

In her spare time, Sandy is a Women's Pastor at Discover Church in Hampden, Maine. She is an unashamed lover of two long-haired felines, Buddy and Bear. Her home is in Maine, where the tender beauty of summer makes the long winters worth enduring.

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode128 on Dec. 1, 2020.

127: Sharing Your Message with a Podcast - 9 Benefits I've Experienced Nov 24, 2020

Show notes

Have you ever considered starting a podcast, but you're not sure if it would be worth it? There are 9 key benefits that I've experienced from starting this podcast, and I'm sharing them here.

Podcasting can be a powerful way to share a message with the world, but it can also feel overwhelming and scary. However, it has been one of the best decisions I've made in my business and leadership.

In this episode, I'm sharing with you the 9 benefits I've experienced since starting my podcast. This content originally aired on the Christian Woman Business Podcast episode 20, but I thought it would be helpful to share here in case you're considering starting a show.

If you are, be sure to check out my mini-course launching Friday, Nov. 27th: Podcast in a Weekend. This resource will provide you with a step-by-step path to launch a podcast that attracts your ideal listeners and grows your business or ministry!

If you're not interested in starting a podcast or if you just want to consider other ways to share your message, be sure to check out episode 125: How to Start Sharing Your Message.

For the full show notes for this episode, go to estherlittlefield.com/episode127

The 9 Benefits I've Experienced from Podcasting:

Improved Speaking Skills
Increased Confidence
New Opportunities
Business Growth
Refined Message
Audience Growth
Connections with Industry Leaders
Relationship Growth with my Co-host
Ability to Make a Bigger Impact

Links Mentioned:

126: Thriving in Work and Life and How to Transition From Employee to Entrepreneurship with Dr. Ronke Dosunmu Nov 17, 2020

Show notes

How can you thrive in your work and your personal life when you have a demanding career? And how can you transition from employee to entrepreneurship if you have a dream you want to pursue?

If you work full-time, have your own business, or have a maxed out schedule as a female Christian leader, you know staying healthy and making time for what matters to you can be a challenge. But it doesn't have to be impossible.

In this conversation, Dr. Ronke Dosunmu is sharing with us about how to thrive and stay healthy even when you have a demanding career. As a physician who owned her own private practice for 25 years, she certainly has experience and wisdom to share.

In addition, Dr. Ronke shares with us about how to transition from an employee role into entrepreneurship. She provides tips for determining your first steps as well as identifying who you need around you in order to be successful. We also learn about the habits that Dr. Ronke has used to manage her work and personal life.

No matter your current leadership role or work situation, you're sure to gain insights and wisdom you can apply from this conversation.

For the full show notes for this episode, go to estherlittlefield.com/episode126.

Key Points Discussed:

Ronke's Leadership Journey [3:02]
Leadership lessons that Ronke has learned [5:51]
Healthy work/life balance [8:15]
- Articulating your value as a team member
- How to identify where you want to go
- Staying healthy when work/life is demanding
Moving from employee to entrepreneurship [17:00]
- Is entrepreneurship for everyone?
- What are the first steps toward entrepreneurship?
- Who do you need around you to be successful?
- - Business coach or mentor
  - Personal board of directors
- Tips to maintain work/life balance when you're an entrepreneur
- Habits to be successful in business
How faith has impacted Ronke's journey [36:00]
Leaders are Learners [37:30]

Resources & Links:

Podcast episodes about confidence

Connect with Ronke:

Email: info@mavenceo.com
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode126 on Nov. 17, 2020.

125: How to Start Sharing Your Message Nov 10, 2020

Show notes

Most leaders have some kind of message they want to share with the world…. Something God had put on your heart, taught you, or just something you have learned and want to pass on.

The problem is, many of us don't know where to start when it comes to sharing a message. We often are waiting to be asked, but the reality is many people won't know you have a message to share until you start sharing it.

As Christian women leaders, we all have a duty to share the message of the gospel in all that we do. We can do this in the small, everyday choices we make. We can do this in the way that we treat someone at the grocery store, the way we speak to our co-workers, and the times we sit down and share directly from God's word.

But sometimes God gives us a specific message based on our life experiences, our study of His word, or the needs we see around us.

In this episode, I want to chat with you about the ways you can begin sharing your message, as well as what to do if you don't know what your message is AND what to do if you're hesitant to share a message because it's similar to other people's messages.

For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode125.

Key Points Discussed:

How to Begin Sharing Your Message
- One-on-one
- Small group settings
- Through writing
- Through speaking
What if you don't know what your message is?
What if someone else is already saying what you want to say?

Resources & Links:

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode125.

124: Learning to Trust and Finding Your Gifts in Different Seasons of Leadership with Misty Phillip Nov 03, 2020

Show notes

How do you trust God during devastating losses and seasons of challenge and uncertainty? And how do you uncover and begin using the experiences and gifts God has given you?

Almost no one's leadership journey is a straight and easy path, and Misty Phillip's experience is no exception. In this episode, Misty shares some of the challenges she faced when trusting God to transition from working a comfortable corporate job to staying home to homeschool her children. In addition, she tells us how God led her into speaking and podcasting and eventually founding the first Christian podcast conference. If you've ever had a dream or idea to potentially speak or start a podcast, you're sure to find encouragement in this episode.

Through our conversation, you'll hear how Misty had to trust God through these different seasons of leadership. And you'll learn how she started to uncover and use the gifts God had placed in her. Misty shares insights on why we need to surround ourselves with people we admire and how to find others you can trust.

For the full show notes for this episode, go to estherlittlefield.com/episode124.

Key Points Discussed:

Misty's life and leadership journey [3:36]
Challenges Misty has faced [6:50]
How Misty transitioned into a new phase of leadership [9:00]
Leadership lessons [12:30]
Misty's podcasting journey [14:13]
The journey of starting the Spark Christian Podcast Conference [20:30]
Misty's business experience [27:00]
Advice for potential or new podcasters [32:10]
How Misty has learned to understand her gifts [35:00]
Encouragement for a new leader [39:40]
Leaders are learners [41:29]
How to find your safe people [45:00]

Resources & Links:

Episode 93: Five Obstacles to Pursuing Your Purpose
She Speaks Conference
Misty's Bible Study: The Struggle is Real But So Is God
Dream Big by Bob Goff
Episode 120: Vulnerability in Leadership
Episode 122: Flipping the Leadership Script by Serving
Spark Now Summit happening Nov. 6, 2020 - use code ESTHERNOW20 for a discount on your ticket!
Christian Woman Business Podcast - episodes about podcasting (episodes 17-20)
Podcast Launch Resource Wait List

Connect with Misty:

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode124 on Nov. 3, 2020.

123: Breaking Free from Lies and Finding Freedom from an Eating Disorder with Britney Thompson Oct 27, 2020

Show notes

Have you ever found yourself trapped in an unhealthy pattern or addiction, but you're not sure how to break free? The answer often involves breaking free from lies and replacing those lies with the truth of God.

In this episode, Holly and I speak with our guest Britney Thompson who vulnerably shares her story of breaking free from an eating disorder. We dive into her leadership journey, the steps she took to get free, and practical ways we can get rid of the lies that may be holding us back. You'll hear why we need to bring our struggles into the light and one of the most important things Britney believes we need to do in our healing.

Key Points Discussed:

Britney's life and leadership [3:30]
How Britney found freedom from an eating disorder [6:40]
How this journey has transformed her leadership [14:00]
The lies that kept Britney stuck [16:40]
4 step process to discern truth from lies [20:00]
- See your thoughts
- Say your thoughts
- Speak truth
- Set your mind
Less obvious comforts or addictions we struggle with [27:00]
Dealing with perfectionism [30:23]
Why we need vulnerability and safe people [35:22]
Creating a culture of healthy confession [39:45]
Leaders are learners [47:57]

Quotes:

"My leadership needed to be from a place of total honesty."
"I'm a better leader because of my willingness to share my brokenness and my hurts."
"One of the biggest lies is the lie of success."
"Choose to believe what God's truth is over what you believe your truth is."
"As long as we stay hidden, it's never going to get fixed."

Resources & Links:

Connect with Britney:

Special offer from Britney: Sign-Up for my newsletter between now and the end of November 2020, and be entered to win a free signed copy of my book, "God-Minded: Living God-Focused in a Me-Focused World." To be entered to win visit www.britneythompson.com and enter your information. Winner will be notified via email.

Britney Renae Thompson is a dynamic speaker, author and Christian life-coach who shares lessons learned while overcoming her 15-year eating disorder. She helps Christian women move past every type of fear, doubt, and insecurity to live out God's freedom and purpose for their lives.

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode123 on Oct. 27, 2020.

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