Women of Faith in Leadership | Leading with integrity, Leadership Self-doubt, Christian Leadership, Leading with confidence,

Rika Whelan | Christian Leadership Coach
  • 5.0 (48)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ranked Top 2% Globally Do you wish that you could lead your team in a way that honours and glorifies God? Are you struggling to overcome self-doubt as a leader and have a desire to be more confident in your role? Do you want the courage to deal with difficult people but don’t want to upset anyone? Well, you’re in the right place! On this podcast, I’ll teach you how to lead like Jesus, even if you’re not allowed to speak of your faith in your workplace. You’ll learn to become bold and confident as a leader, to speak up and say what God wants you to say and to finally know that you are worthy to be in your current role. Because God chose you, not because you are already a perfect leader, but because HE wants to mold you and use you to be an instrument in the kingdom of God. Hey, I’m Rika, and for the past 10 years, I’ve been in middle-management leadership roles, where I have led various teams, from big to small, and experienced my fair share of working with difficult people, having tough conversations, hiring and firing people and managing team dynamics. I thought that I could rely on worldly knowledge of leadership to get me through. I attended various leadership courses and listened to many leadership podcasts, but I was still struggling as a leader. I was feeling frustrated and to be honest, I was not enjoying my leadership role and felt like quitting more often than I probably should have! I finally realised that if I wanted to be the leader that I truly desired to be (which was a leader who wasn’t shy to speak up, a leader who honoured God with her actions and a leader who could build a cohesive team without the drama), I needed to partner with God and find a Christian leadership mentor to guide me and keep me accountable. I committed my leadership journey to God and partnered with HIM. I started working with a mentor and stepped out in faith as I did hard things every single day. And I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with you! If you’re ready to lead your team in a way that honours God, I’m excited to be your mentor! So, grab your notebook and pen (and don’t forget that Chai Latte), and let’s unlock your God-given leadership potential! Next steps: Head to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can: 1. Sign up for our weekly newsletter and 2. Find free resources Head to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com/quiz where you can take a free quiz to find out what's holding you back from leading with confidence. Need to contact me? Email me at support@rikawhelan.com

  1. 1D AGO

    152 | Staying Spirit-Led When People Push Your Buttons

    There are moments in leadership when your patience disappears before your wisdom shows up. In this episode, we talk about what it really means to stay Spirit-led when someone triggers you — through their tone, behaviour, questions, or resistance. Because leadership isn’t just about managing others well; it’s about learning how to manage yourself with discernment, clarity, and Christlike self-control. In this episode, you’ll learn: why being Spirit-led doesn’t mean you never feel triggered how emotional reactions often point to deeper leadership pressure or insecurity the difference between reacting emotionally and responding with discernment how to stay grounded in your identity in Christ when tensions rise how to lead with calm authority instead of matching someone else’s energy If certain people or situations leave you feeling unsettled, reactive, or doubting yourself, this episode will help you respond with wisdom, maturity, and spiritual steadiness — even in difficult moments. Your Next Step If emotional triggers or pressure situations are shaking your confidence, The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint will help you understand your patterns, rebuild confidence, and lead with calm, Christ-centred clarity. Navigate to: womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint

    13 min
  2. 151 | [Guest] Why Joy Matters More Than Hustle in Leadership with Nicole Van Valen

    FEB 9

    151 | [Guest] Why Joy Matters More Than Hustle in Leadership with Nicole Van Valen

    What if joy wasn’t something you squeezed in after the work was done — but the very thing that sustained you through it? In this episode of Women of Faith in Leadership, I’m joined by Nicole Van Valen — internationally recognised speaker, leadership consultant, therapist, and author of The Joyful Leader®. With more than 25 years of experience across healthcare, behavioural health, and corporate leadership, Nicole brings a refreshing and deeply practical perspective on resilience, burnout, and emotionally healthy leadership. Together, we unpack a powerful truth many leaders overlook: joy is not fluffy, naive, or optional — it’s strategic. Nicole shares why hustle and grit alone are not sustainable, how joy fuels clarity and confidence under pressure, and what emotionally healthy leadership actually looks like in demanding, high-responsibility roles. We also talk honestly about burnout, stress, spiritual resilience, and how leaders can create cultures that perform well and feel healthy. This conversation will challenge what you’ve been taught about leadership strength — and invite you to reimagine joy as a God-given leadership resource, not a reward for surviving another hard season. In this episode, we explore: Why joy is a leadership strategy, not a personality trait The difference between happiness and sustainable, soul-deep joy How leaders can prevent burnout without lowering standards What emotionally healthy, resilient leadership looks like in practice Simple, practical ways to bring joy into high-pressure workplaces Why Christian leaders need joy to lead with clarity, confidence, and peace If you’re leading under pressure, feeling stretched thin, or wondering how to stay grounded without burning out — this episode will encourage you, stretch you, and remind you that joy is not a luxury for leaders… it’s a necessity. 🎧 Listen now and rediscover a leadership posture that sustains you — not drains you. Connect with Nicole LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolevanvalen/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keane-insights Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keaneinsights/?igsh=aTF0ZW16ajJsMWdl&utm_-source=qr TikTok Personal: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolevanvalen?_t=8nMxAINC4YE&_r=1 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/keaneinsights WhatsApp: +1-954-461-8045 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NicoleVanValen Twitter: https://twitter.com/Keane_Insights _ Website: https://keaneinsights.com/ Book – The Joyful Leader®: https://keaneinsights.com/book/

    49 min

  3. FEB 2

    150 | When Confidence Isn’t Enough: Rooting Your Leadership Identity in Christ

    There are seasons in leadership when confidence alone is simply not enough. In this episode, we explore what happens when self-belief wavers, pressure increases, or old insecurities resurface — and why Christian leaders need something deeper than confidence to carry them through. This conversation reframes leadership strength through the lens of identity rooted in Christ, not performance, feelings, or external validation. In this episode, we talk about: why confidence rises and falls — but identity in Christ remains steady the difference between leading from self-belief and leading from calling how comparison quietly erodes leadership confidence what it looks like to lead from spiritual grounding instead of emotional swings why identity, not confidence, is the foundation of unshakeable leadership If you’ve been doing “all the right things” but still feel unsure, overwhelmed, or exposed in leadership, this episode will help you anchor yourself in who God says you are — especially on the days confidence doesn’t show up. Your Next Step If self-doubt or insecurity has been shaping how you lead, The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint will help you rebuild confidence from a biblical foundation and lead with clarity, courage, and Christ-anchored strength. Navigate to: womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint

    8 min

  4. JAN 26

    149 | What I Learned Leading in a Toxic Workplace

    Toxic workplaces don’t usually start loud — they grow quietly through what’s ignored, excused, or left unaddressed. In this episode, I unpack the hard but important lessons learned from leading in a toxic environment — and how those experiences reshape your confidence, clarity, and leadership identity if you’re not careful. We talk about: the subtle patterns that define toxic workplace cultures why toxic environments damage confidence — especially for Christian women how to tell the difference between healthy leadership challenges and unhealthy culture the role of boundaries, accountability, and clarity in protecting both people and purpose why toxicity doesn’t get the final word in your leadership story If you’ve ever questioned yourself because of a difficult environment — or wondered whether what you experienced was “normal” leadership — this episode will give you language, validation, and wisdom for moving forward with strength and discernment. Your Next Step If a toxic workplace has shaken your confidence or made you second-guess your leadership, The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint will help you rebuild clarity, confidence, and Christ-anchored strength. Navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint

    10 min

  5. JAN 19

    148 | The Legacy Leader: What Your Leadership Leaves Behind

    One day, long after you’ve moved on from your role, your team, or your title, people will still feel the impact of how you led. In this episode, we pause to ask a powerful question every Christian leader must eventually face: When my leadership is no longer in the room… what remains? This conversation explores what legacy really means — not influence, visibility, or achievements, but the lasting imprint your leadership leaves on people’s confidence, character, and growth. In this episode, you’ll reflect on: how everyday leadership decisions quietly shape a lasting legacy why legacy has more to do with consistency than visibility the role of culture, character, and courage in Christlike leadership how to invest in people in a way that outlives your position what it looks like to lead intentionally without striving or burnout If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “doing enough” as a leader — or hoped your leadership would matter beyond today — this episode will reframe legacy through a biblical, grace-filled lens. ✨ Your Next Step If thinking about legacy stirs self-doubt or insecurity, The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint will help you lead with clarity, confidence, and Christ-anchored authority — today and for the long run. Find out more at womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint

    8 min
  6. 147 | [Guest] The Lies We Trade: What Women Need to Stop Believing with Kristine Delano

    JAN 12

    147 | [Guest] The Lies We Trade: What Women Need to Stop Believing with Kristine Delano

    What if some of the biggest barriers to your confidence and calling aren’t external — but the quiet lies you’ve learned to live with? In this rich and honest conversation, I’m joined by Kristine Delano, a former Wall Street executive turned suspense novelist and podcast host, who brings a powerful perspective on leadership, ambition, faith, and identity. After more than twenty years in high-pressure financial environments, Kristine understands firsthand the cost of striving, silence, and self-doubt — especially for women navigating demanding careers alongside family and faith. We talk about: the hidden lies women in leadership often believe about confidence, worth, and ambition why asking questions is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) leadership skills navigating leadership and calling when life feels full and competing priorities pull at you the role of community, accountability, and networks in sustainable leadership how faith reshapes the way we view success, resilience, and purpose Kristine also shares insights from her debut novel The Lies We Trade, which explores the emotional tension women face in high-stakes environments — and why stories can be such a powerful mirror for leadership growth and self-reflection. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “have it all,” questioned your voice, or wondered whether you’re leading the right way, this episode will challenge, encourage, and deeply resonate. More about Kristina Delano Kristine Delano spent over twenty years navigating a career on Wall Street before trading her panoramic city view for a standing writer’s desk. She is the author of The Lies We Trade (releasing with Tyndale), host of the podcast We Talk Careers, and a speaker and strategic advisor passionate about helping women navigate leadership and calling with faith and integrity. Connect with Kristine Website: kristinedelano.com Instagram: @kristine.delano.writer Facebook: @KristineDelano.Writer LinkedIn: @kristinedelano Podcast: We Talk Careers Substack: Wall Street Suspense Your Next Steps Take the Free Confidence Quiz Find out what the #1 thing is that’s holding you back from leading confidently with this short and free quiz! Take the free quiz here: https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/quiz/ Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for faith-based leadership tips, inspiring stories, early bird event invites, and exclusive updates. Get the tools you need to lead with confidence and grace! Subscribe here: https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/newsletter Have a listener question? Submit it at https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/podcast

    52 min

  7. JAN 7

    146 | A New Year, A New Season: An update on Women of Faith in Leadership

    As we step into 2026, this episode is a heartfelt pause — and an invitation. In this personal update, I share the vision God has placed on my heart for Women of Faith in Leadership in the year ahead, along with some significant shifts happening behind the scenes. From confidence and calling, to community, obedience, and new seasons, this episode reflects where we’ve been — and where God is leading next. In this episode, you’ll hear about: the renewed focus of the podcast and business for 2026 why confidence rooted in identity (not performance) matters more than ever a new vision for community and supporting women struggling with imposter syndrome how I’m leaning into obedience and deeper dependence on God this year personal family news and what a new season looks like for us changes to the Facebook group and what connection might look like going forward. Please CLICK HERE to fill out the 1 question survey.  This episode is part reflection, part transparency, and part stepping forward in faith — and if you’ve been walking this journey with me, I wanted you to hear it directly. Stay Connected If you want to be part of what’s coming in 2026 — including special opportunities, programs, surveys, and behind-the-scenes updates — the newsletter is the best place to be. Subscribe at womenoffaithinleadership.com/newsletter

    11 min

  8. JAN 5

    145 | How to create your vision for the new year

    As leaders, we don’t drift into clarity — we choose it. In this episode, I walk you through a simple, practical process to create a clear leadership vision for the year ahead — one that’s realistic, grounded, and actually achievable. Instead of setting vague goals that fade by February, you’ll learn how to reflect honestly on last year and turn those insights into a focused vision you can lead from all year long. Inside this episode, we explore: why every leader needs one clear, overarching vision for the year how to identify what didn’t work last year — without shame or overwhelm how to turn patterns (like burnout, confidence struggles, or boundary issues) into a meaningful focus for growth how to write a vision statement that’s specific, motivating, and measurable how to move from vision to action — without unrealistic pressure This episode is perfect if you’re craving direction, focus, and confidence as you step into a new year of leadership. 🎧 And if you want to go even deeper, listen to episode 34: Go Beyond Boring Goals with Your Team Start the New Year Without Imposter Syndrome Leading You As you create a vision for the year ahead, it’s important to ask this honestly: Who is leading your decisions — clarity or self-doubt? If imposter syndrome has been shaping how you set goals, second-guessing your vision, or holding you back from leading confidently, the new year is the perfect time to address it. The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint is my private, faith-filled podcast designed to help Christian women leaders: break free from the fear of “not being enough” stop shrinking back in leadership lead with confidence rooted in truth — not insecurity and start the year anchored in who God says you are Instead of carrying old doubts into a new year, you can choose to lead with clarity, confidence, and conviction. 👉 Start the year by overcoming imposter syndrome at womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint

    19 min
See All (156)

Trailer

5
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

Ranked Top 2% Globally Do you wish that you could lead your team in a way that honours and glorifies God? Are you struggling to overcome self-doubt as a leader and have a desire to be more confident in your role? Do you want the courage to deal with difficult people but don’t want to upset anyone? Well, you’re in the right place! On this podcast, I’ll teach you how to lead like Jesus, even if you’re not allowed to speak of your faith in your workplace. You’ll learn to become bold and confident as a leader, to speak up and say what God wants you to say and to finally know that you are worthy to be in your current role. Because God chose you, not because you are already a perfect leader, but because HE wants to mold you and use you to be an instrument in the kingdom of God. Hey, I’m Rika, and for the past 10 years, I’ve been in middle-management leadership roles, where I have led various teams, from big to small, and experienced my fair share of working with difficult people, having tough conversations, hiring and firing people and managing team dynamics. I thought that I could rely on worldly knowledge of leadership to get me through. I attended various leadership courses and listened to many leadership podcasts, but I was still struggling as a leader. I was feeling frustrated and to be honest, I was not enjoying my leadership role and felt like quitting more often than I probably should have! I finally realised that if I wanted to be the leader that I truly desired to be (which was a leader who wasn’t shy to speak up, a leader who honoured God with her actions and a leader who could build a cohesive team without the drama), I needed to partner with God and find a Christian leadership mentor to guide me and keep me accountable. I committed my leadership journey to God and partnered with HIM. I started working with a mentor and stepped out in faith as I did hard things every single day. And I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with you! If you’re ready to lead your team in a way that honours God, I’m excited to be your mentor! So, grab your notebook and pen (and don’t forget that Chai Latte), and let’s unlock your God-given leadership potential! Next steps: Head to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can: 1. Sign up for our weekly newsletter and 2. Find free resources Head to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com/quiz where you can take a free quiz to find out what's holding you back from leading with confidence. Need to contact me? Email me at support@rikawhelan.com

Information

You Might Also Like