Faith Driven Leadership

Jonathan Hankin

Faith Driven Leadership Podcast | Practical Coaching for Leaders Who Drive Change Leadership is more than a title—it’s a responsibility. The Faith Driven Leadership Podcast helps leaders grow with clarity, courage, and character so they can lead people well, navigate change effectively, and make a lasting impact. Hosted by Jonathan Hankin, Executive Coach, leadership consultant, and Chief Operations Officer, each episode provides practical coaching, leadership insights, proven frameworks, and real-world strategies drawn from years of executive leadership, coaching, and organizational experience. Whether you lead in business, nonprofit organizations, churches, education, or the marketplace, you’ll discover actionable tools to help you grow as a leader and thrive as a person. Our content is built around six leadership fundamentals: • Communicate with Clarity• Build Strong Relationships• Lead Yourself First• Empower and Develop Others• Sustain Your Energy• Drive Change and Deliver Results You’ll find conversations with experienced leaders, coaching insights, leadership book discussions, emotional intelligence strategies, communication tools, and practical guidance for navigating the real challenges leaders face every day. At Faith Driven Leadership, we believe that who you are is how you lead. Our mission is to help leaders develop the clarity, character, and capacity needed to lead well in every area of life. If you’re ready to lead with clarity, grow with courage, and change what matters, you’re in the right place. Learn more at FaithDrivenLeadership.co If you find value in the show, hit the follow button. Thanks for listening! 📺 Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo8w84p3wprNuV2sXE7AOt6-uMsRRZrjw

  1. Sep 9

    Keep On Keeping On: Courageous Leadership for the Long Haul | Gary Damore

    How do you remain faithful, courageous, and useful throughout a lifetime of leadership? In this episode of Faith Driven Leadership, Jonathan Hankin sits down with Gary Damore, whose leadership journey has included public and Christian education, higher education, consulting, mentoring, and nonprofit board service. Gary shares lessons learned from decades of developing leaders and guiding organizations. Their conversation explores how Christians can live out their faith at work, why success is measured by the people we invest in, and how spiritual disciplines prepare leaders to make wise decisions. They also discuss: • Creating your own opportunities to grow • Building meaningful mentoring relationships • Redefining leadership success through faith • Developing spiritual habits that sustain leadership • Pairing courageous candor with genuine kindness • Helping nonprofit boards protect their mission • Resisting ego, entitlement, and mission drift • Caring for executives before they burn out • Knowing when it may be time to step back • Navigating technology and AI with wisdom • Remaining useful through every season of life • Why no leader should lead alone Gary’s closing encouragement is simple but powerful: Keep on keeping on. Fix your eyes on Jesus, run your race with perseverance, and continue serving for as long as God gives you the opportunity. What helps you remain faithful and healthy for the long haul? Share your thoughts in the comments. Learn more about Faith Driven Leadership: https://faithdrivenleadership.co RESOURCES MENTIONED • Atomic Habits — James Clear • Make Your Bed — Admiral William H. McRaven • Radical Candor — Kim Scott • Mission Drift — Peter Greer and Chris Horst • Both/And Ministry — Gary Millar • The Policy Governance model — John and Miriam Carver Please like this episode, subscribe to the channel, and share it with another leader who needs encouragement to keep going. CHAPTERS 00:00 Meet Gary Damore 00:41 Gary’s Leadership Journey 02:25 Early Leadership Roots 03:22 Take Initiative to Grow 05:28 Mentors and Investing in Others 09:00 Living Out Faith at Work 11:59 Redefining Success 15:59 Spiritual Habits for Leaders 21:28 Hard Lessons and Radical Candor 23:53 Fixing Board Leadership 27:13 Mission Drift and Board Roles 29:39 Ego and Entitlement Traps 32:19 Why Am I Here? 32:35 Reclaiming Your Calling 33:22 Board Care and Leader Renewal 35:32 Stepping Back from Leadership 37:27 Exercise Snacks and Healthy Breaks 39:57 Wisdom for Hard Decisions 42:42 Both/And Leadership 47:28 Aging and Staying Useful 51:10 Advice to His Younger Self 52:55 Leading Through Technology and AI 56:03 Don’t Lead Alone 58:22 Rapid-Fire Leadership Picks 1:04:05 Keep On Keeping On Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership Follow me here: Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin

  2. Aug 27

    Leading with Clarity, Humility, and Consistency. | Nathan Thompson

    In this episode of Faith Driven Leadership, I sit down with Nathan Thompson —HR Director, leadership coach, and fellow Faith Driven Leadership coach — to talk about communication, conflict resolution, faith, service, and what leaders often get wrong when working with people. Nathan shares how his career journey through retail, HR, and ministry shaped the way he leads today. From learning customer service at JCPenney to helping leaders navigate hard conversations, Nathan brings a practical and faith-rooted perspective on what it means to treat people with respect, clarity, and humility. In this conversation, we discuss: * Why clear expectations matter so much in leadership * How faith should shape the way we treat people at work * Why avoiding hard conversations is not loving leadership * The importance of consistency in leadership * How to approach conflict resolution with wisdom and humility * Why leaders need to keep growing and learning * How networking and relationships open unexpected doors If you are a leader, HR professional, pastor, ministry leader, or someone who wants to grow in communication and conflict resolution, this episode will give you practical tools and encouragement. Learn more about Faith Driven Leadership: https://faithdrivenleadership.co Connect with Nathan Thompson: https://faithdrivenleadership.co/nathan-thompson Subscribe for more conversations on faith, leadership, coaching, and practical tools to help you lead with clarity, grow with purpose, and change what really matters. ▶️ Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:29 Nathan Career Journey 03:28 Retail Roots and Service Mindset 07:00 Golden Rule and Employee Advocacy 09:08 Mentors and Dad Influence 11:04 Faith Shaping Leadership 13:32 Youth Ministry and Communication Skills 15:41 Tough Love and Hard Conversations 21:09 Hard Lesson Communication Clarity 23:53 Clear Expectations and Recap Habits 29:00 Teaching Back to Confirm Understanding 30:25 Toolkits That Teach 31:12 The Growth Question 32:48 Staying Sharp In HR 34:00 Networking That Matters 37:21 Passing On Practical Tools 40:36 Rapid Fire Leadership Picks 47:08 Conflict Resolution Basics 52:14 Final Takeaway And Sendoff Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership Follow me here: Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin

  3. Aug 12

    Leading with Authenticity Through Change | Hayley Huls

    How can you lead with clarity when you don’t have all the answers? In this episode of Faith Driven Leadership, Jonathan Hankin sits down with Hayley Huls to discuss her journey from an entry-level position to managing a team. Hayley shares how mentorship, a culture of professional development, and her faith shaped her growth as a leader. Their conversation explores the tension between pursuing excellence and avoiding pride, remaining spiritually grounded under pressure, and guiding a team through organizational change. Hayley also explains how leaders can communicate honestly without oversharing—and why authenticity may be one of the healthiest ways to lead. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why professional growth cannot be forced • How faith transforms our understanding of work and success • Practical ways to remain spiritually healthy under stress • How to communicate clearly during uncertainty and change • The difference between honesty and complete transparency • How to make decisions when no answer is completely clear • Why authentic leadership begins with embracing how God has gifted you Hayley’s final reminder is simple: If God has called you into leadership, ask Him to show you, day by day and moment by moment, how to honor Him through it. What leadership lesson stood out to you? Share it in the comments. Please like this episode, subscribe to the channel, and share it with another leader who would benefit from the conversation. ▶️ Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:41 Hayley’s Leadership Journey 01:37 Mentorship and Growth Culture 04:01 Motivation to Develop 07:18 Faith and Work Disconnect 10:15 Excellence vs. Pride 12:50 Spiritual Health Under Stress 14:59 Leading Through Change 21:00 Communication as a Leader 22:41 Leadership Communication Gaps 22:52 Transparency Without Oversharing 26:37 Setting Sharing Boundaries 27:25 Daily Habits That Ground 28:28 Questions for Self-Reflection 29:50 Decisions Without Clear Answers 32:08 Growing in Authentic Leadership 34:08 Adapting to Constant Change 36:28 Advice for Emerging Leaders 39:11 Rapid-Fire Favorites 41:51 Final Takeaway and Sendoff Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership Follow me here: Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin

  4. Jul 29

    Leadership Doesn't Have to Be Lonely | Heather Hankin

    Are you feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure how to move forward in your leadership journey? In this episode, Heather Hankin shares how faith, self-awareness, transition, coaching, and assessments have shaped her understanding of leadership and personal growth. Heather talks about growing up in Brazil, serving overseas, walking through burnout, discovering the power of the Highlands Ability Battery, and learning how leadership begins with knowing who you are and how God has uniquely created you. We discuss servant leadership, the importance of reflection, why leaders need self-awareness, how to navigate transition well, and why asking for help is not a weakness but wisdom. Whether you are leading a team, navigating a major transition, feeling stuck, or trying to grow personally and spiritually, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, reflect, and take the next step toward growth. ▶️ Learn more about Faith Driven Leadership: https://faithdrivenleadership.co ▶️ Connect with Heather Hankin: https://faithdrivenleadership.co/heather-hankin ▶️ Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership Question: Where do you feel stuck right now, and what kind of help would move you forward? In This Episode, We Discuss • Heather’s story and leadership journey • Growing up in Brazil and serving overseas • How burnout became a turning point • Why self-awareness matters for every leader • The value of the Highlands Ability Battery • Helping students and adults discover their strengths • Why transition requires healthy closure • How leaders can become more reflective • The danger of leading without self-awareness • Asking for help without shame • Servant leadership and Mark 10 • Coaching, assessments, and personal growth • Why leadership does not need to be lonely ▶️ Chapters 00:00 Meet Heather Hankin 00:28 Her Leadership Journey 03:19 Mentors and Milestones 04:56 Burnout Turning Point 06:57 Highlands Ability Explained 11:41 Burnout Warning Signs 15:19 Faith Redefines Success 16:37 Hard Leadership Lesson 21:05 Coaching Through Transition 23:01 Self Awareness for Leaders 25:44 Tools to Grow Awareness 27:02 Reflective Growth Habits 28:38 Prayerful Decision Making 29:45 Contentment in Transition 30:45 Coaching as Support 32:30 Investing in Yourself 36:22 Go Fast or Far 36:54 Advice to Younger Self 39:21 Rapid Fire Favorites 43:42 Assessments and Openness 44:39 Final Takeaway and Wrap Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership Follow me here: Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin

  5. Jul 15

    Trust Over Dominance: How Real Leaders Build Their Teams | Shane Forbes

    What does it take to lead with courage, humility, and faith in a high-pressure environment? In this episode of Faith Driven Leadership, Jonathan Hankin talks with Shane Forbes, a law enforcement leader with more than 29 years of experience. Shane shares how his career shaped his understanding of leadership, trust, accountability, courage, and servant leadership. Shane reflects on the influential sergeant who taught him how to recognize people’s strengths, give capable officers room to lead, and distinguish between honest mistakes and failures of character. He also explains how his Christian faith challenged him to move beyond dominance, ego, and fear-based leadership toward greater humility, grace, empathy, and sacrifice. In this conversation, we discuss: • How to know when someone is ready to be trusted • Why leaders should develop people instead of micromanaging them • The difference between mistakes in judgment and failures of character • Why fear and punishment often produce minimum effort • How leaders can make difficult decisions and communicate them well • What servant leadership looks like in demanding environments • Why “fake it till you make it” is dangerous leadership advice • How faith changes our understanding of courage and success • Why leaders must continually grow rather than remain stagnant • The importance of putting the needs of others ahead of personal ambition Shane also shares a difficult professional transition that ultimately brought his leadership journey full circle. He is now developing field training officers in a role similar to the one held by the leader who influenced him early in his career. Whether you lead in law enforcement, business, ministry, a nonprofit, or your own community, this conversation will challenge you to lead with greater courage, competence, humility, and genuine care for others. KEY TAKEAWAY Healthy leadership is not built on fear, position, or pretending to have every answer. It is built through trust, humility, sacrifice, clear communication, and a commitment to helping others become better. LEADERSHIP FUNDAMENTALS Lead Yourself First Communicate with Clarity Build Strong Relationships Empower and Develop Others Lead Change and Deliver Results ▶️ Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 00:47 From Law School to Patrol 03:21 The Sergeant Who Shaped Shane’s Leadership 06:01 How to Give People Freedom to Lead 07:23 Building Trust and Recognizing Team Strengths 14:36 How Faith Influences Leadership 19:43 Balancing Empathy, Justice, and Accountability 25:11 Why Fear-Based Leadership Does Not Work 26:49 A Difficult Leadership Lesson in the Traffic Bureau 31:47 Recognizing When a Role Is Not the Right Fit 33:07 Mission Trips, Brotherhood, and Trust 35:06 Bringing His Leadership Journey Full Circle 37:45 Brotherhood and Bible Study in Law Enforcement 39:07 What Leaders Are Getting Wrong Today 41:17 Making Difficult Decisions Through Communication 43:15 Adapting from Operator to Supervisor 46:41 Advice to His Younger Self 48:36 What Emerging Leaders Need Most 51:23 Rapid-Fire Leadership Favorites 52:59 Romans 8, Faith, and Courage 56:23 Leadership Myths and Final Advice LEARN MORE Visit FaithDrivenLeadership.co for leadership coaching, assessments, workshops, podcast episodes, and practical resources designed to help you grow as a leader. Subscribe to Faith Driven Leadership for more practical conversations about integrating faith, leadership, character, and everyday work. What is one leadership lesson from Shane’s story that you can apply this week? Share it in the comments. Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership Follow me here: Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin

  6. Jun 26

    Culture Drives Results | But What Drives Your Culture? | Evan Nickols

    Are you struggling to integrate your faith into your leadership or wondering how to lead with greater purpose and authenticity? In this episode, Evan Nichols shares how shifting from self-centered success to kingdom-minded leadership transformed his career, relationships, and approach to leading others. In this conversation, Evan shares how his leadership journey moved from achievement, advancement, and personal success toward stewardship, service, and a kingdom mindset. From Toyota and Snap-on Tools to Hollywood and nonprofit operations, Evan’s story shows how faith can reshape the way we lead, work, make decisions, and build culture. We talk about identity in Christ, rejecting “fake it till you make it,” work-life intentionality, leading with prayer, and why healthy culture starts with humble, disciplined leadership. Whether you lead a team, organization, ministry, or business, this episode will help you think more intentionally about how your faith, values, and leadership come together in everyday life. Subscribe for more conversations on faith, leadership, coaching, and personal growth. https://faithdrivenleadership.co/ Question: What is the biggest challenge you face in balancing your work and your faith? In this episode, we discuss: • What faith-driven leadership means to Evan • How Toyota, Snap-on, and Hollywood shaped his leadership • The difference between achievement and stewardship • Why “fake it till you make it” can damage identity • How identity in Christ changes the way we lead • Work-life intentionality and the danger of misplaced priorities • Why culture drives results • How leaders can stay humble, disciplined, and open to learning • The importance of prayer, daily rhythms, and big rocks Learn more about Faith Driven Leadership: https://faithdrivenleadership.co Connect with Evan Nickols: https://faithdrivenleadership.co/evan-nickols Subscribe for more conversations on faith, leadership, coaching, and practical tools to help you lead with clarity, grow with purpose, and change what really matters. ▶️ Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Meaning 01:31 Early Life and Toyota 02:42 Snap-on Franchise Success 03:42 Hollywood Career Shift 04:57 Faith and Leaving California 07:59 Leadership Style and Process 10:42 Creativity and Adaptation 13:04 Faith Changes Leadership 15:18 Rejecting Fake It 17:00 Identity and Imposter Syndrome 18:55 Work-Life Balance 23:39 Discipline and Rhythms 25:21 Heart Posture Shift 26:22 Culture Drives Results 28:22 Turning Culture Around 31:47 Lead With Prayer 34:03 Imposter Syndrome Tools 36:59 No Shortcuts Process 38:53 Coaching and Promotion 42:46 Routines and Big Rocks 45:37 Advice and Wrap-Up Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership Follow me here: Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin

  7. Apr 8

    The Confidence Gap with Guest Dr. Lisa Hale

    Are you doing great work, but not getting recognized, promoted, or compensated the way you should? In this episode of Change Agent Leadership, I sit down with Dr. Lisa Hale to unpack the real reason behind the “confidence gap.” Here’s the truth: It’s not just about confidence. It’s about how clearly your value is understood inside your organization. Together, we explore: Why high-performing leaders (especially women) undersell their impactThe difference between confidence and strategyHow unclear roles and expectations create hidden leadership gapsA powerful tool called the Evidence Ladder to make your value visiblePractical ways to connect your work to real business outcomesHow leaders (men and women) can better advocate for themselves and othersThis episode is packed with practical leadership coaching you can apply immediately—whether you’re preparing for a performance review, seeking a promotion, or simply trying to lead more effectively. If you’ve ever thought: “I’m doing everything right—why isn’t it translating into results?” This episode is for you. KEY TAKEAWAYS The confidence gap is often a visibility gap, not a capability gapIf your value isn’t legible at the decision level, it won’t scaleLeaders often communicate effort instead of impactClear, measurable outcomes build credibility faster than charismaJournaling your impact creates long-term leverage in reviews and promotionsLeaders must actively define and communicate their role’s value—not wait for clarity▶️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:29 What Is the Confidence Gap? 04:18 Reframing Confidence as Strategy 06:59 Case Study: Making Value Visible 20:25 How Men Can Help Bridge the Gap 21:10 The Evidence Ladder Tool 48:11 Practical Next Steps 54:11 Closing Thoughts Reach out to Dr. Lisa Hale: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaehale/ Catch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership Follow me here: Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin

  8. Jan 1

    The Power of (Re)Dreaming in Leadership: Recognizing and Overcoming Stagnation

    In this episode of Change Agent Leadership, I address a critical moment all leaders face: recognizing when growth slows down or habits become stale, signaling the need for transformation. Drawing inspiration from Nancy Duarte and Patti Sanchez’s book 'Illuminate,' I introduce the concept of the '(re) Dream' stage, a crucial phase where leaders can rejuvenate their vision and energy.    The episode covers how to identify signs of stagnation, the importance of 're' dreaming for personal and organizational growth, and practical steps to implement this strategy. I encourage you to reflect on your current positions, recognize areas needing revitalization, and take proactive steps to enter a new era of leadership.   ▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d9vG4-dDyXM   ▶️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Change Agent Leadership 00:50 Recognizing the Need to (Re) Dream 02:16 Understanding the Bell Curve of Growth 04:57 Signs of Maturity and Approaching Decline 10:01 Practical Steps to (Re) Dream 16:27 The Role of a Torch Bearer 19:01 Weekly Challenge and Final Thoughts   You’ll learn: Why maturity isn’t the finish line—and what to do when momentum plateausHow to spot the signs that you’re drifting instead of growingHow to apply the (re)Dream framework to your spiritual life, health, relationships, and leadershipFour practical questions to help you re-dream your next eraCatch full episodes of video versions and other leadership videos on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathan-Hankin Sign up for our monthly leadership newsletter: https://faithdrivenleadership.kit.com/d90f2561ea Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/faithdrivenleadership Follow me here: Website: www.faithdrivenleadership.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hankin

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Faith Driven Leadership Podcast | Practical Coaching for Leaders Who Drive Change Leadership is more than a title—it’s a responsibility. The Faith Driven Leadership Podcast helps leaders grow with clarity, courage, and character so they can lead people well, navigate change effectively, and make a lasting impact. Hosted by Jonathan Hankin, Executive Coach, leadership consultant, and Chief Operations Officer, each episode provides practical coaching, leadership insights, proven frameworks, and real-world strategies drawn from years of executive leadership, coaching, and organizational experience. Whether you lead in business, nonprofit organizations, churches, education, or the marketplace, you’ll discover actionable tools to help you grow as a leader and thrive as a person. Our content is built around six leadership fundamentals: • Communicate with Clarity• Build Strong Relationships• Lead Yourself First• Empower and Develop Others• Sustain Your Energy• Drive Change and Deliver Results You’ll find conversations with experienced leaders, coaching insights, leadership book discussions, emotional intelligence strategies, communication tools, and practical guidance for navigating the real challenges leaders face every day. At Faith Driven Leadership, we believe that who you are is how you lead. Our mission is to help leaders develop the clarity, character, and capacity needed to lead well in every area of life. If you’re ready to lead with clarity, grow with courage, and change what matters, you’re in the right place. Learn more at FaithDrivenLeadership.co If you find value in the show, hit the follow button. Thanks for listening! 📺 Watch the video podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo8w84p3wprNuV2sXE7AOt6-uMsRRZrjw

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