Christian Woman Leadership Podcast with Esther Littlefield & Holly Cain

Latest Episodes:

122: Flipping the Leadership Script by Serving [Leadership Traits Series] Oct 20, 2020

Show notes

What does it look like to be an effective leader? As Christians, we want to follow the example of our leader Jesus Christ. So what did his leadership look like, and how can we emulate this?

In this episode, Holly and I continue our leadership trait series as we dive into an aspect of leadership that is firmly grounded in our faith. While some of the traits we discuss are widely accepted by the world, this one originates from our ultimate leader.

Jesus, the most impactful leader of all time, flipped the script by demonstrating servant leadership. He did things differently than what people were expecting, and his life and leadership changed the world forever.

We'll look at 2 specific ways that Jesus demonstrated servant leadership as well as discuss some practical ways that we can develop an attitude of service in our lives.

Note: this conversation is derived in part from Holly's reading of the book "Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence For Every Believer" by J. Oswald Sanders.

For the full show notes for this episode, go to estherlittlefield.com/episode122.

Key Points Discussed:

Flipping the Script on Leadership
Servant Leadership is Marked by Self-Sacrifice
Servant Leadership is Fueled by Love
How can we develop an attitude of servant leadership?

Resources & Links:

Connect with Esther and Holly:

*Affiliate link. This goes to support the costs of running the podcast. Thanks for your support!

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode122 on Oct. 20, 2020.

121: Shrinking Integrity Gaps, Finding Your Safe People, & Speaking Up When It's Risky Oct 13, 2020

Show notes

The difference between who we say we are and how we actually live impacts not just us personally, but also everyone we lead. But how can we learn to identify this gap and begin shrinking it?

In this episode, Holly and I talk with our guest Terra Mattson, about this issue, which she calls an integrity gap. We dive into what this means, common symptoms of an integrity gap, and how to start closing this gap. In addition, Terra sheds light on why unresolved trauma is common in leaders and what leaders need to do about it.

We also discuss with Terra whether we should address integrity gaps when we see them in other people. Finally, we explore why speaking up is so important, even when it's risky and what it means to become a wholehearted leader.

This is an important conversation for every leader, whether you are just getting started or whether you've been in leadership for years. As Terra reminds us in the conversation, this is an ongoing process and none of us are immune to integrity gaps.

For the full show notes for this episode, go to estherlittlefield.com/episode121.

Key Points Discussed:

Terra's life and leadership [4:38]
Terra's leadership journey [6:40]
Why integrity matters for leaders [10:00]
Integrity gaps [15:10]
Most common symptoms of integrity gaps [21:00]
Unresolved trauma [28:00]
How to begin shrinking an integrity gap [32:00]
Why is it hard for leaders to be honest about their struggles [35:00]
Identifying safe relationships and red flags for unhealthy counseling situations [39:00]
Being a safe person for others and when to refer out [45:00]
When you see an integrity gap in someone else [47:12]
Speaking up when it's risky [53:58]
Becoming wholehearted leaders [1:01:41]
Leaders are learners [1:04:14]

Resources & Links:

Connect with Terra Mattson

Living Wholehearted Website
Terra's Website
Free Audiobook before Oct. 31, 2020 with purchase of "Shrinking the Integrity Gap" book
Terra on Instagram

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode121 on Oct. 13, 2020.

120: Vulnerability in Leadership - Why It Matters, What it Looks Like, and How to Practice It [Leadership Traits Series] Oct 06, 2020

Show notes

Vulnerability isn't just a "nice to have" trait for leaders; it is essential to being an effective Christian leader. But why does it matter and how can we practice it in our everyday lives?

In this episode, Holly and I are kicking off a new series about traits we need to develop as Christian leaders. We originally shared a list of things we felt leaders needed back in episode 2 of the podcast, but now we're going to do a deeper dive into some specific character traits for leaders.

Today we're starting with the trait of vulnerability. We believe vulnerability will help you be a more effective leader, so we're sharing 4 reasons why it matters, as well as what it looks like and how to practice it as a Christian woman.

For the full show notes for this episode, go to estherlittlefield.com/episode120.

Key Points Discussed:

What is Vulnerability?
Why is Vulnerability Important for Christian Leaders?
What Vulnerability Looks Like
How to Practice Vulnerability as a Christian Woman
Action Step

Resources & Links:

Connect with Esther and Holly:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode120 on Oct. 6, 2020.

119: How to Thrive While Leading and Parenting Teens with Connie Albers Sep 29, 2020

Show notes

Are you a parent, grandparent, mentor, or leader of teens? Or do you want to gain leadership insights from parenting teenagers?

In this conversation, Holly and I talk with Connie Albers about thriving while leading and parenting teens. She shares many insights from her experience raising 5 teenagers as well as other lessons she has learned on her leadership journey.

Connie shares wisdom and insight on how to keep the heart of your teen, what's more important than fixing their problems, and how to repair and rebuild a relationship that has been broken.

Even if you are not currently parenting teens, this episode is packed full of valuable lessons that every Christian leader can benefit from.

Key Points about Leading and Parenting Teens:

Connie's life & leadership [3:27]
What led Connie to write her book about parenting teens [12:00]
Keeping the heart of your teen [16:42]
Listening to teens rather than fixing their problems [28:47]
What to do when your teen shares something difficult or surprising [38:00]
Repairing and rebuilding relationship with your child [47:40]
Leaders are learners [56:00]
Connect with Connie

Key Quotes about Leading and Parenting Teens:

"In leadership, you have to be a great listener and you have to be perceptive."
"You don't have to survive the teen years; they can be the most profound years of your parenting."
"Families are destroyed at the hand of unbending rules."
"When we want to keep the heart of our child we first have to maintain the relationship."
"Control is an elusive feeling."
"Surrendering has to do with letting go and trusting that what you have taught them is in their mind and in their thoughts."
"Our children aren't problems to be fixed. They want a relationship."
"Two things your teens need: they need to be heard and affirmed."
"Tell your kids: I am a safe person. I am not going to judge you. I am not going to think poorly of you. I will be your greatest cheerleader. And then live it out."
"We can teach our children everything about God but we can't force a relationship with God."
"God is not finished with your child's story and he is not finished with your family's legacy."
"It's never too late; it's always too soon to quit."
"It's not what you say but how you say it."

Resources & Links:

Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy

Connect with Connie Albers:

Connie is a marketing and public relations professional with over thirty-five years of experience working in the nonprofit and for-profit markets. Connie equips families to navigate the seasons of life and parenting with her #1 ranked Amazon Hot Release book Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy and through her blog ConnieAlbers.com. Connie also took a post at Social Media Examiner as the director of first impressions and managed volunteers for Social Media Marketing World.

She and her husband, Tom, have been married 35 years and have successfully homeschooled their five children, all of whom continued their education and graduated from the University of Central Florida on scholarship.

Connect with Esther:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode119 on September 29, 2020.

118: Real Life Stories of Stepping into Confident Leadership Sep 22, 2020

Show notes

Have you heard podcast guests who are living out leadership and thought, "Yeah, but I couldn't do that"? Or perhaps you've thought about joining the Confident Leader Catalyst but you're not sure if it's right for you.

In this episode, you're going to hear from 3 women who were members of the very first round of the Confident Leader Catalyst program. They share their real life stories of why they joined, how it has impacted them, and what has changed since participating.

If you're interested in joining the Confident Leader Catalyst or just want to know more, head over to confidentleadercatalyst.com. It's open until Friday, Sept. 25th for the fall round. After that you're welcome to join the waitlist so you are the first to know when it's open again.

Even if the Confident Leader Catalyst isn't for you, I know you'll enjoy hearing these gals' perspective on becoming confident leaders!

Key Points Discussed:

Introducing the 3 women featured on this episode [3:07]
What life was like before participating in the Catalyst [5:17]
Why they wanted to jump into the Confident Leader Catalyst [8:03]
What made the biggest impact for them [10:50]
What has changed since participating [15:44]
If you're considering joining the program [18:46]

Key Quotes:

"I always thought I was confident… but I realized in taking this class that there was a lack of confidence in going forward with some of the things I wanted to do." - Marie Weber

"I have taken action since I took this class; it has built my confidence up." - Marie Weber

"Part of what the program did was present leadership from a Biblical worldview and some takeaways from that are leadership as a servant leader, which looks different from worldly leadership… sitting in Scriptures that focus on that was very helpful for me." - Jennifer Tjepkes

"It's not all about me; it's about gifts that God gives us, and how are we stewarding that? Which feels different than me trying to shine up and be a good leader and have it come from something that I'm doing." - Jennifer Tjepkes

"Being in the community of women was critical… it's easy to not do it on our own; it's harder when we're more accountable to a group." - Jennifer Tjepkes

"Just taking purpose and calling out of this very specific place and really understanding how general it is…who we are called to be first and foremost as Christians... that really helped me." - Brandi Davis

"It's in the day to day that leadership is implemented." - Jennifer Tjepkes

"It gave me a whole different attitude of: this is where God has called me, go forward with it." - Marie Weber

"There's a sense of permission... to still be learning and growing and discovering parts of myself… having that permission has been freeing." - Brandi Davis

"Don't come in with any expectations of what the process will look like… you'll come out on the other side and really be able to see how the Lord moved, and be able to tap into all the goodness that came from the experience." - Brandi Davis

Are you ready to become a confident leader?

My program, the Confident Leader Catalyst, is open Sept. 21st through 25th for the Fall round. It's a step-by-step program that takes you from hesitant, confused, and stuck to confident, clear, and ready to take action. We will dive deep into helping you become a leader who has confidence, clarity, and courage so that you can step out of your comfort zone and into your calling.

Head over to confidentleadercatlyst.com to get all the details and join us now!

Connect with Esther:

117: Discerning the Voice of God and Making Spirit-Led Decisions with Jenny Randle Sep 15, 2020

Show notes

Have you ever struggled to discern the voice of God amidst all the other voices, including your own? Do you have trouble making decisions and feeling confident that they are in line with God's will?

As leaders, hearing the voice of God is of utmost importance, not just for our own lives, but also as we lead others. But sometimes it can be difficult to discern God's voice and determine where He is leading us.

In this episode, my guest Jenny Randle shares with us about some of the things that hold us back from hearing God's voice, why it's so vital for us to listen to God as Christian women leaders, and what a healthy theology of the Holy Spirit looks like.

In addition, Jenny shares her 7 question checklist for making decisions which is SO helpful in making some of the big decisions in life. Jenny and I also discuss the importance that church and spiritual leadership has in our lives plus what to do when what your leadership says is different from what you sense God telling you.

Join my free webinar: 3 Keys to Becoming a Confident Leader by texting the word "CONFIDENT" to 55444. If you're hearing after the webinar is no longer available, I'll be sure to send you some other free gift to help you become a confident leader.

For the full show notes for this episode, go to estherlittlefield.com/episode117.

Key Points Discussed:

Why we have a hard time hearing God's voice [6:27]
Why Jenny wrote her book [8:00]
How distraction, isolation, and timidity keep us from hearing from God [10:24]
What a healthy theology of the Holy Spirit looks like [26:13]
Why Christian women leaders need to discern God's voice [31:55]
Jenny's "check yourself before you wreck yourself" checklist [33:57]
The importance of spiritual leaders in our lives [35:34]
Red flags for identifying unhealthy leadership [44:51]
How hearing God's voice allows us to lead with confidence [50:00]
Jenny's bonus workshop within the Confident Leader Catalyst [52:00]
Connect with Jenny [53:48]

Resources & Links:

Are you ready to become a confident leader?

Join my free webinar on Sept. 21, 2020: 3 Keys to Becoming a Confident Leader by texting the word "CONFIDENT" to 55444. If you're hearing after the webinar is no longer available, I'll be sure to send you some other free gift to help you become a confident leader.

My program, the Confident Leader Catalyst, will be open soon for the Fall round. It's a step-by-step program that takes you from hesitant, confused, and stuck to confident, clear, and ready to take action. We will dive deep into helping you become a leader who has confidence, clarity, and courage so that you can step out of your comfort zone and into your calling.

Head over to confidentleadercatlyst.com to get on the waitlist now (or if you're listening when the program is open, you can get all the details there). When you join the waitlist, I'll also send you my free "Renew Your Mind" guide which has 12 mindset shifts to help you become a confident leader!

Connect with Jenny Randle:

Jenny Randle is an Emmy®-award winning editor who went on a journey to discover what it really means to live on purpose. From a career in the heart of Hollywood editing for billion-dollar franchises to a faith-based author, national speaker, and chart-topping podcaster, Jenny's voice, and work has been featured in hundreds of notable films, print and media outlets. Her search for meaning in the everyday moments of life has led her to write Courageous Creative and her newest book, Getting to Know God's Voice. Jenny encourages leaders, creatives, and procrastinating dreamers to get comfortably uncomfortable as they discover how God designed them on purpose too.

In early 2018, Jenny and her husband Matt formed Freedom Creatives Inc., an organization dedicated to developing resources that merge profound Gospel-centered truths with practical application. They reside in Northern Florida with their two young kids.

Connect with Esther:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode117 on September 15, 2020.

116: Three Traits Every Christian Leader Needs Sep 08, 2020

Show notes

What do you need to be an effective and confident leader? What traits will set you apart and help you lead well?

In this solo episode, I want to share with you 3 traits that every leader needs. These 3 traits are not an exhaustive list by any means, but they are characteristics that will help you lead more effectively.

Before we dive into the 3 traits, though, I want to share with you why I talk about confident leadership so much, and why it matters.

For the full show notes for this episode, go to estherlittlefield.com/episode116.

Key Points Discussed:

Why I'm passionate about confident leadership
3 Traits Every Christian Leader Needs
Are you ready to become a confident leader?

Resources & Links:

Celebrate my birthday with me!

This Friday, I'm turning 40. I'd love to invite you to celebrate with me by sharing this episode (or any other episode) on social media, mentioning how it impacted you, and be sure to tag me.

My Facebook page (@estherlittlefield)

My Instagram account (@estherdlittlefield)

Connect with Esther:

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode116 on September 8, 2020.

115: Overcoming Guilt & Shame and Becoming a Confident Leader with Chelsey DeMatteis Sep 01, 2020

Show notes

Have you ever felt like your past disqualifies you from stepping into a leadership role? Do you ever appear confident to others but truly struggle with feeling that way?

In this episode, Holly and I talk with our guest Chelsey DeMatteis about her leadership journey and how she has overcome guilt and shame about her past and stepped into leadership. She shares some of the ways God used others to help her heal and how she's gradually grown in her leadership roles. Chelsey also provides insights into why different generations of women need one another and how we can effectively reach out to other women.

In addition, Chelsey shares that while she previously appeared as though she was very confident, she actually struggled on the inside. We discuss how God has shifted the way she perceives confidence and helped her to grow into this new perspective.

This episode is brought to you by the Confident Leader Catalyst. Click here to get on the waitlist or learn more. When you get on the waitlist, I'll also send you my free "Renew Your Mind" guide with 12 Biblical mindset shifts you need to make to become a confident leader.

For the full show notes for this episode, go to estherlittlefield.com/episode115.

Key Points Discussed:

Chelsey's life & leadership [4:00]
The shame and guilt Chelsey experienced and how she healed [8:41]
Learning to use her gifts [15:36]
Why different generations need one another [19:15]
Impact of mentors in Chelsey's leadership [24:31]
Chelsey's struggle with confidence [29:43]
Refining her personality and gifts [33:12]
Transitioning from working to staying at home [39:10]
How Chelsey's podcast came to be [42:26]
Dealing with comparison [48:18]
Leaders are learners [55:25]

Connect with Chelsey:

Take the next Step:

This episode is brought to you by the Confident Leader Catalyst. Click here to get on the waitlist or learn more. You can also find the free Confident Leader Stages Quiz here.

Become a Podcast Partner & Receive Bonus Content

We have a fun way for you to partner with the podcast and get access to exclusive content. Every month, we add at least 1 bonus clip from an interview or from Holly and I to a special podcast for our partners. You can become a podcast partner for as little as $5/month by clicking here.

Connect with Esther and Holly:

114: Finding the Right Ministry Role as a Strong Female Leader with Gena McCown Aug 25, 2020

Show notes

Have you ever struggled to find the right ministry role for yourself--a place where you can use your gifts and skills to benefit God's kingdom?

In this episode, Holly and I chat with Gena McCown about her leadership journey which includes transitioning from the marketplace to the church world. She shares insights on the differences between the two worlds and how she has handled this. We also discuss what to do when your gifts are not recognized or valued in your church or ministry, navigating volunteer leadership, and leading with a chronic illness.

If you want encouragement in finding the right ministry role for yourself or as you lead with a chronic illness, this episode is for you.

This episode is brought to you by the Confident Leader Catalyst. Click here to get on the waitlist or learn more. You can also find the free Confident Leader Stages Quiz here.

For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode114.

Key Points Discussed:

Gena's life & leadership [4:34]
Marketplace to church world [12:28]
- Differences between the two settings
- Chain of command issue
When your gifts are not recognized or used within the church [19:33]
Gena's ministry roles [28:15]
Best practices for volunteer leadership [32:50]
Leading with chronic illness [43:20]
Leaders are learners [53:58]

Resources & Links*:

Key Quotes:

"We lead better from within than ahead or above."

"I always want the people I am pouring into to surpass me one day."

"We are losing our best and our brightest because they have these gifts and talents, and they are feeling stifled in the church and unable to use them."

"There are spaces that you are not going to be able to change; only the Lord can change their hearts. You can pray for them and not be among them."

"Am I in a stage of stay and pray, or am I in a stage of go to grow?"

"Every leader needs to be looking for and identifying future leaders and building them up."

"Bring them into the vision that the Lord has cast; don't just tell them what the vision is… help them see it."

"A lot of people with chronic illness feel forgotten about… we have to still make those people feel valued and wanted and that they have a place in the church."

"We have to have compassion. We have to acknowledge that these illnesses are real, that they exist, and this person still has value."

"It is really easy to let a treading water moment turn into a quicksand moment."

Connect with Gena:

Gena McCown is a native S. Floridian, married for 22 years with 3 daughters. She serves in her church as a Women's Ministry Leader, and has written the book Women's Ministry with Purpose: A Gospel Centered Approach. In addition to serving in her local church, Gena teaches a college course on Women's Ministry through Christian Leaders Institute and founded the Women's Ministry Council to provide practical ministry training to women called to leadership.

Connect with Esther and Holly:

*Affiliate links are present. If you purchase through one of these links, it supports the podcast, so thank you!

This episode was originally published on estherlittlefield.com/episode114.

113: Why "Leading Small" Matters & How to Do it Well Aug 18, 2020

Show notes

Our culture and our world sets us up to believe that the value of what you do in life is related to the size of what you do. Therefore, leadership can often be seen as 'unimportant' if it's on a smaller scale or with small numbers. But we believe that "leading small" is an important opportunity and can have a big impact.

In this episode, Holly and I are talking about leading small--what this means, why it's important, and how to navigate it well. If you've ever felt like what you are doing or how you are currently leading is less valuable because it's "small", be sure to take a listen.

Key Points Discussed:

What "Leading Small" Means
Why Leading Small Matters
How to navigate leading small well
Ways to invest in your leadership while you lead small
- Learn to develop your discernment in decision making
- Figure out your motives
- Create healthy habits and figure out your baseline
- Find those who supplement your weakness and create a "cabinet" of trusted friends for the long haul
- Grow in integrity
- Learn to love those you lead when they are unloveable, difficult, or "unleadable"
- Develop courage and perseverance
- Learn to learn (i.e. become coachable)
- Develop your confidence
- - Listen to past episodes about confidence to understand the role it plays in your leadership (see list below)
  - Take the stages of confident leadership quiz to determine your next steps