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The LeadingSmart Podcast
Honest conversations. Practical insights. Smarter leadership.
Hosted by Tim Stevens and Holly Tate, The LeadingSmart Podcast exists to equip church leaders who care deeply about leading with integrity, clarity, and wisdom—even when it’s hard.
We are officially on Season 3! This season is about staying sharp in today’s rapidly changing environment. We’ll dive into the practical issues leaders are facing right now—from running effective executive team meetings to navigating crucial conversations to leading in moments when the playbook doesn’t exist yet.
Holly and Tim are moving out of the studio into our offices, and they will be recording and posting in real time, responding to current events as they happen, sharing fresh insights from our work with leaders across North America.
Be sure to email us at tim@leadingsmart.com if there are specific topics you want us to cover!
Enjoy!
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The LeadingSmart Podcast
[S2EP8] Why Most Leaders Fade…And How Not To │ 40 Lessons In 40 Years
What causes great leaders to fade—and how can you avoid it? In this episode of the LeadingSmart Podcast, Tim Stevens unpacks 40 Lessons in 40 Years of ministry and leadership, focusing on why leaders lose influence and how to stay strong by investing in the next generation.
7 practical ways to invest in younger leaders:
- Give them a voice at the table
- Give them room to try (and fail)
- Speak words of belief into them
- Lend them your credibility
- Invest in their development
- Mentor them intentionally
- Learn from them
From passing the mic to mentoring with purpose, this episode is packed with real stories and wisdom for pastors, church leaders, and anyone passionate about leadership development.
Our Episode Highlights
- Why clinging to past achievements can make leaders fade
- How to pour into younger leaders while learning from them
- Practical steps to ensure your leadership legacy outlasts you
- Fun segment: Unpopular Opinions (Southwest Airlines, avocados, and more!)
👥 Whether you’re a senior pastor, executive leader, or emerging leader, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to think differently about legacy, influence, and the future of the church.
00:00 Investing in the Next Generation
00:09 Introduction to Episode Eight
00:34 Why Leaders Fade and How to Avoid It
01:23 The Importance of Giving Young Leaders a Voice
02:12 Embracing New Kinds of Success
04:30 The Role of Mentorship in Leadership
06:30 Practical Steps to Invest in Young Leaders
09:49 Lending Credibility to Open Doors
14:15 Generation Distinct and Mentoring Young Leaders
15:00 Coaching Young Pastors
15:33 Learning from Young Leaders
16:11 Curiosity and Technology
18:11 Unpopular Opinions: Introduction
18:38 Unpopular Opinions: Travel and Habits
20:54 Unpopular Opinions: Food and Drinks
23:38 Conclusion and Partner Highlight
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🎧 Listen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years series
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