The Faithful Leader™: Unfiltered Stories of Courage and Impact

Dr. Megan Weinkauf

Welcome to The Faithful Leader™, your trusted guide when leadership gets tough and the path forward seems unclear. Through real, unfiltered conversations with leaders who have walked through adversity, we uncover powerful lessons in resilience, emotional health, and faith-filled courage.  This podcast reminds you that you are not alone and gives you the wisdom and tools to lead well through life's toughest moments. Together, we can build something that lasts—leadership that heals, inspires, and transforms generations. 

  1. Leadership That Lifts: Encouragement, Trust, and Getting Things Done with Dr. Tena Wooldridge

    FEB 16

    Leadership That Lifts: Encouragement, Trust, and Getting Things Done with Dr. Tena Wooldridge

    Send us Fan Mail Some leaders motivate through pressure. Others lead by lifting people. Dr. Tena Wooldridge does both—faithfully, effectively, and with deep commitment to her people. In this episode of The Faithful Leader, Dr. Megan Weinkauf sits down with a leader she greatly admires: Dr. Tena Wooldridge, Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Marketing at Northeastern State University. This conversation is filled with encouragement, trust-building, and real-world leadership insight that helps leaders move forward and get meaningful work done. Dr. Wooldridge brings more than two decades of leadership experience across industry and higher education. She spent 10 years in the private sector working with multinational manufacturers and international nonprofit organizations, focusing on marketing strategy, profitability, and product development. Over the past decade, she has led within national retail and restaurant organizations, with responsibilities spanning consumer research, product development, procurement and supply chain, training, strategy, and financial performance.  Now serving in higher education leadership, Dr. Wooldridge bridges real-world business experience with academic development, leading with clarity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the people she serves. In this episode, she shares what it truly looks like to be there for your people—especially in complex, high-pressure environments—while still moving work forward. She also reflects on what it means to hire people smarter than yourself, lead without panic, empower others to step forward, and remain faithful to people—not just outcomes or titles.  This conversation is for leaders who want to encourage rather than control, build trust without losing momentum, and lead in ways that energize teams rather than burn them out. If you’re looking for leadership that lifts, motivates, and helps you navigate real-life pressure with purpose, this episode will leave you encouraged and ready to keep going. The Faithful Leader Podcast™ Unfiltered Stories of Courage & Impact Connect With Us WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInCopyright © 2023, Faithful Leader Podcast. All Rights Reserved.

    31 min
  2. Building the Future Together: Agile Innovation Centered on People with Dr. Janet Buzzard, Dean, NSU College of Business & Technology

    JAN 26

    Building the Future Together: Agile Innovation Centered on People with Dr. Janet Buzzard, Dean, NSU College of Business & Technology

    Send us Fan Mail Leadership in higher education isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires vision, resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to people—especially in seasons of constant change. In this episode of The Faithful Leader, Dr. Megan Weinkauf sits down with Dr. Janet Buzzard, Dean of the College of Business and Technology at Northeastern State University, for a powerful conversation about leading through complexity with courage, calm, and conviction. A true entrepreneur at heart, Dr. Buzzard shares how she empowers her people, keeps innovation moving forward, and builds momentum even in high-pressure environments. With more than four decades in higher education, Dr. Buzzard reflects on the defining leadership moments that shaped her—from stepping into one of the most challenging dean roles imaginable, to navigating global transitions, accreditation demands, and rapid shifts in technology and workforce needs. She speaks candidly about faith as an anchor, why hiring and trusting great people is everything, and how leaders must recognize and seize opportunities when they open. As a faculty member at NSU, Dr. Weinkauf can personally attest to the agility of this team under Dean Buzzard’s leadership. From navigating accreditation and curriculum innovation to adapting quickly to emerging demands, the College of Business and Technology consistently responds with clarity, collaboration, and forward momentum. This episode explores what it means to keep your foot on the gas without leaving people behind, how entrepreneurial thinking fuels innovation inside complex institutions, and why empowering faculty, staff, and students is the only sustainable path forward. Dr. Buzzard also shares her heart for students, inclusive leadership, and the legacy she hopes to leave—one rooted in acceptance, relevance, and preparing the next generation to lead with confidence. If you are a leader navigating change, carrying responsibility for others, or trying to build something meaningful in uncertain times, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and guidance for leading under real-life pressure. The Faithful Leader Podcast™ Unfiltered Stories of Courage & Impact Connect With Us WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInCopyright © 2023, Faithful Leader Podcast. All Rights Reserved.

    28 min
  3. Launching STORM: The New Counter-Trafficking Model Transforming Multidisciplinary Response

    11/10/2025

    Launching STORM: The New Counter-Trafficking Model Transforming Multidisciplinary Response

    Send us Fan Mail In the fight against human trafficking, real change doesn’t start in conference rooms. It starts in the trenches, shoulder to shoulder, with leaders willing to break old patterns and build something better. In this episode of The Faithful Leader, Dr. Megan Weinkauf sits down with Sergeant Nick Wheeler (Tulsa Police Department) and Leslie Klingenpeel (CEO, The Spring), the leaders behind STORM—the Standardized Trafficking Operations Response Model. Born out of conflict, refined through collaboration, and tested in the field, STORM is reshaping how agencies respond to counter-trafficking operations. The conversation traces how a tense first encounter between law enforcement and survivor services sparked statewide policy changes, the development of Oklahoma’s human trafficking screening tool, and the birth of a model that has dramatically improved victim engagement. A quick note for listeners: For decades, many jurisdictions used what’s known as the call-out model. In this traditional approach, officers encounter a potential trafficking victim during an operation and then “call out” to a separate advocacy agency—often at 2 or 3 AM—hoping someone can come to the scene. Advocates arrive late, without context, and victims often decline help. It’s reactive, inconsistent, and rarely results in trust or long-term engagement. STORM replaces this entirely. Advocates and law enforcement respond together as a single, multidisciplinary team (MDT) from the very first point of contact. This simple shift has produced extraordinary outcomes: on-scene acceptance of services has increased from under 10 percent in the call-out model to nearly 85 percent under STORM, with more than 55 percent of survivors continuing in long-term support. You’ll hear powerful insights on:  • Why embedded MDT response outperforms call-outs  • How servant leadership and humility heal historic divides  • The training architecture (13 TLOs / 45 ELOs) that makes collaboration scalable  • Managing burnout, vicarious trauma, and crisis work with integrity  • Why trust—not tactics—is the real force multiplier in counter-trafficking operations  • How to build systems that survive leadership turnover and personality changes And now, for the first time, STORM is launching through Northeastern State University (NSU). NSU will host the STORM learning platform, making the curriculum accessible for agencies around the globe that want to implement this proven, trauma-informed, multidisciplinary response model in their own communities. If your agency, task force, or MDT wants to explore implementing STORM or joining a future training cohort, connect with the leaders driving the movement: Sgt. Nick Wheeler nwheeler@cityoftulsa.org | LinkedIn Leslie Klingenpeel leslie.c@thespringok.org | LinkedIn Website: https://www.thespringok.org/  This episode is a testament to what’s possible when courage meets collaboration. Whether you’re in law enforcement, community response, survivor services, policy, or leadership at any level, STORM offers a blueprint for building teams that save lives and transform systems. Listen in and imagine what could happ The Faithful Leader Podcast™ Unfiltered Stories of Courage & Impact Connect With Us WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInCopyright © 2023, Faithful Leader Podcast. All Rights Reserved.

    42 min
  4. Embracing Leadership: Dr. Curtis Ellis on Mentorship, Faith, and Personal Growth

    02/17/2025

    Embracing Leadership: Dr. Curtis Ellis on Mentorship, Faith, and Personal Growth

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Faithful Leader Podcast, Dr. Megan Weinkauf welcomes her friend and former boss, Dr. William Curtis Ellis, to discuss the realities of leadership, resilience, and faith. Dr. Ellis shares his unexpected journey into higher education, the lessons he’s learned from navigating leadership challenges, and how he maintains joy and gratitude amid adversity. With wisdom rooted in experience, Dr. Ellis unpacks the importance of managing tensions versus solving problems, prioritizing people over institutions, and cultivating resilience in both students and leaders. He also offers practical insights into balancing work and family, maintaining self-care, and embracing mentorship. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, this conversation will inspire you to lead with integrity, stay grounded in your values, and remember that leadership is ultimately about serving and empowering others. Tune in and be encouraged to love God, love people, do your best, and have fun! 🔗 Connect with Dr. William Curtis Ellis on LinkedIn The Faithful Leader Podcast™ Unfiltered Stories of Courage & Impact Connect With Us WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInCopyright © 2023, Faithful Leader Podcast. All Rights Reserved.

    57 min
  5. Navigating Difficult Personalities and Cultivating Resilient Leadership: A Conversation with Dr. Jeff Riggenbach

    01/04/2025

    Navigating Difficult Personalities and Cultivating Resilient Leadership: A Conversation with Dr. Jeff Riggenbach

    Send us Fan Mail In this insightful episode of The Faithful Leader podcast, Dr. Megan Weinkauf interviews Dr. Jeff Riggenbach, a clinical psychologist turned leadership coach, speaker, and author. Together, they explore the intersections of psychology and leadership development, focusing on how understanding personality traits can transform organizational dynamics and enhance resilience. Dr. Riggenbach shares his unique journey from clinical psychology, where he specialized in personality disorders, to becoming a certified John Maxwell coach and DISC trainer in the corporate and educational worlds. He delves into the challenges of navigating difficult personalities, the five traits that define them, and practical strategies for leaders to foster better relationships and communication within their teams. This conversation also covers the importance of perspective-shifting, self-leadership, and resilience, with actionable advice for leaders seeking to thrive in complex and volatile environments. Dr. Riggenbach’s relatable anecdotes, including his personal challenges and leadership lessons, make this episode a must-listen for leaders at all stages of their journey. Tune in for a mix of humor, authenticity, and wisdom that will inspire you to lead with compassion and courage. Here are a couple of standout quotes from Dr. Jeff Riggenbach in the interview: On Navigating Difficult Personalities: "Difficult people often get labeled because of how they make us feel, but real growth happens when we stop pointing fingers and start asking ourselves how we can adapt to better connect and communicate."On Leadership and Perspective: "A curve in the road isn’t the end of the road—unless you fail to make the turn. Leadership is about flexibility, perspective, and staying focused on the mission, no matter the challenges."Key Takeaways from the Episode: ✔️ Five traits that define high-conflict personalities—and how to address them. ✔️ The importance of adapting communication styles to improve relationships. ✔️ How leaders can cultivate resilience through perspective and flexibility. ✔️ Why knowing your people is the foundation of effective leadership. Navigating Difficult Personalities: Start 2025 Resilient! 🌟 Kick-off 2025 with confidence by joining Dr. Jeff Riggenbach's 21-Day Resilience Challenge! Discover tools to handle difficult interactions, build emotional strength, and create healthier relationships. 💡 New Year Special: Use code FAITHFUL at checkout for 75% off! 👉 Sign Up Here Looking for more ways to connect with Dr. Jeff? Explore his insights and resources: 🌐 Website: jeffriggenbach.com 📘 Facebook: Jeff Riggenbach 💼 LinkedIn: Jeff Riggenbach Make 2025 your year of growth and resilience—start today! 🎯 The Faithful Leader Podcast™ Unfiltered Stories of Courage & Impact Connect With Us WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInCopyright © 2023, Faithful Leader Podcast. All Rights Reserved.

    34 min
  6. Transformational Leadership Redefined: Embracing Challenges with Executive Advisor Chris Dingess

    11/19/2024

    Transformational Leadership Redefined: Embracing Challenges with Executive Advisor Chris Dingess

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of The Faithful Leader Podcast, Chris Dingess, Executive Advisor and Co-Founder of Solomon Strategic Advisors, shares his remarkable journey of overcoming challenges, cultivating resilience, and leading with faith and purpose. From navigating the 2008 financial crisis to building a thriving leadership consultancy, Chris provides actionable insights and encouragement for leaders facing adversity. This episode is packed with wisdom on self-leadership, fostering resilience in teams, and embracing transformational leadership.  Key Topics Discussed: Chris’s Background:Growing up in rural Kentucky and moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for college.Career journey in the tech industry and transition to founding Solomon Strategic Advisors.Facing Adversity in Leadership:A pivotal story of starting a new office during the 2008 financial crisis.Lessons learned about perseverance, creativity, and faith in challenging times.Cultivating Resilience:The importance of hiring for grit and identifying resilient team members.Activating resilience in yourself and others by reflecting on past challenges.The Role of Self-Leadership:Why self-awareness is critical for effective leadership.Understanding your tendencies, blind spots, and emotional responses to lead others better.The Influence of Transformational Leaders:Chris shares the profound impact of a former leader, Jeff York, who combined high expectations with genuine care for his team.How transformational leadership inspires Chris’s current work in coaching and consulting.Practical Advice for Leaders:Balancing empathy with healthy challenges to foster growth in teams.Why experiential learning and embracing difficulty are vital for personal and professional maturity.Faith and Leadership:How faith shapes Chris’s leadership philosophy and his belief in God’s timing and purpose through trials.Key Quotes: "Resilience starts with self-awareness and the belief that you can overcome difficult circumstances.""You can’t give away what you don’t possess—becoming a person of peace is essential for leading others well.""God wants to upgrade you in ways that only come when you reach the end of yourself."Connect with Chris Dingess: LinkedIn: Christopher DingessWebsite: Solomon Strategic AdvisorsListen Now: Don’t miss this powerful conversation packed with wisdom and encouragement to help you lead through adversity with purpose. 🎧 The Faithful Leader Podcast™ Unfiltered Stories of Courage & Impact Connect With Us WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInCopyright © 2023, Faithful Leader Podcast. All Rights Reserved.

    33 min
  7. Resilient Leadership: Kyna Leyva, CPA and Partner at CCK Strategies on Leading with Purpose

    05/23/2024

    Resilient Leadership: Kyna Leyva, CPA and Partner at CCK Strategies on Leading with Purpose

    Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of the Faithful Leader podcast, Dr. Megan Weinkauf sits down with Kyna Leyva, CPA and Partner at CCK Strategies, to explore the essence of resilient leadership. Join us as Kyna shares her journey from leading a sports team in her youth to becoming a partner at a leading accounting firm, all while maintaining her faith and purpose. Throughout the interview, Kyna delves into the challenges she has faced in her career, from navigating corporate hierarchies to balancing the demands of professional and personal life. She highlights the importance of understanding and leveraging individual strengths, the role of faith in leadership, and the significance of staying true to one's purpose amidst adversity. Listeners will gain valuable insights into: Leadership styles and the importance of adapting in different seasons of life.Practical strategies for managing stress and maintaining balance in busy seasons.The power of clear communication and setting expectations within both personal and professional spheres.How faith and purpose drive effective leadership and inspire others.The role of mentorship and peer support in fostering resilient leadership.Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom and practical advice to help you lead with resilience, integrity, and purpose. Tune in to be inspired and empowered by Kyna Leyva's remarkable story and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those around her. Connection with Kyna on LinkedIn  Check out CCK Strategies at https://www.cckcpa.com/  The Faithful Leader Podcast™ Unfiltered Stories of Courage & Impact Connect With Us WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInCopyright © 2023, Faithful Leader Podcast. All Rights Reserved.

    41 min
  8. Behind the Mic: Unveiling the Leadership Genius of Podcast Producer Matthew Skar

    04/04/2024

    Behind the Mic: Unveiling the Leadership Genius of Podcast Producer Matthew Skar

    Send us Fan Mail Whether you're a seasoned leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone fascinated by the power of effective communication, "Behind the Mic: Unveiling the Leadership Genius of Podcast Producer Matthew Skar" promises insights, inspiration, and a few revolutionary ideas on leading with heart and creativity in the trenches of real life. Join us as we explore the intersections of leadership, entrepreneurship, and the art of staying joyful and grateful amidst challenges. Matthew's story is a testament to the transformative power of leading by example, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their world. The Faithful Leader Podcast™ Unfiltered Stories of Courage & Impact Connect With Us WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInCopyright © 2023, Faithful Leader Podcast. All Rights Reserved.

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Faithful Leader™, your trusted guide when leadership gets tough and the path forward seems unclear. Through real, unfiltered conversations with leaders who have walked through adversity, we uncover powerful lessons in resilience, emotional health, and faith-filled courage.  This podcast reminds you that you are not alone and gives you the wisdom and tools to lead well through life's toughest moments. Together, we can build something that lasts—leadership that heals, inspires, and transforms generations. 

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