Leading from Wholeness | Boundaries, Faith, Identity, Coach

Audrey Shelby - Leadership Coach, Christian

Does a lack of validation make you question your call to leadership? Is fear of rejection preventing you from being your authentic self? Does imposture syndrome hold you back from leading with power versus fear? Do you want to serve in a meaningful way? I am so glad you're here, friend. I’m Audrey Shelby, and I’ve been leading in the public sector for 20 years. I struggled with anxiety and thinking I wasn’t worthy to be in the roles I occupied. But through intentionally seeking God in prayer and His affirmation of who I was created to be, I now lead with confidence, joy, and purpose. This podcast will help you identify the barriers that keep you from leading well. God has chosen you to shepherd over the job you’re in, the people you supervise, those children you’re raising, and the partner you have. Through the spiritual strategy of prayer and evidence-informed practices, together, we will tear down the lies that are keeping you from being free and successful as a leader. Grab your hot chocolate, your journal, and let’s go!

  1. 2d ago

    Ep 44 | I Don't Care What it Looks Like - Keep Going

    SHOW NOTES Feeling weary, burned out, and pulled in every direction? Work, business, marriage, parenting, and maybe caring for aging parents too? On this episode of the Leading from Wholeness podcast, we speak to the weariness so many Christian women and leaders are carrying right now. Audrey walks through a devotional on how to pursue God’s peace, built on Hebrews 12:14. She gives you permission to be tired. But we’re not getting stuck there. “It’s okay to have a tough day. But don’t let the tough day become a tough week, and the tough week become a tough season.” What you’ll learn in this episode How to recognize weariness before it turns into burnout Encouragement for women in the sandwich generation who are raising kids and caring for aging parents Six faith-based ways to pursue God’s peace every day Why asking for prayer isn’t being a burden How to keep going when life feels heavy 6 ways to pursue God’s peace when you’re weary Spend time with an encouraging friend. FaceTime someone, call them, or roll by with some Starbucks. (Galatians 6:2) Enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal. Nourishing your body can shift your attitude. (3 John 1:2) Write down your worries, then throw them away. Do a brain dump, pray over it, give it to God, and toss it. (1 Peter 5:7) Make a list of things you’re thankful for. A thankful heart brings joy and shifts your perspective. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Go outside. Fresh air refreshes you mentally and physically. (Psalm 19:1) Be playful and laugh. God wants you to enjoy your life. (John 10:10) Bible verses for when you’re weary Hebrews 12:14: “Continually pursue peace with everyone…” Galatians 6:2: Carry each other’s burdens. 3 John 1:2: Prosper and be in health. 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18: Give thanks in all circumstances. Psalm 19:1: The heavens declare the glory of God. John 10:10: “I came that they may have life, and have it to the full.” This week’s challenge Declare peace over your life  Get outside and take a walk. Do a brain dump, pray over it, and throw it away. Reach out to a friend and make time to connect with them - FaceTime, grab a coffee “Keep seeking after God’s peace when it feels scary. Keep seeking after God’s peace when it feels heavy. If we seek after His peace, He lightens that load for us.” Keep going.  Resources mentioned Beginning Your Day God’s Way devotional by Joyce Meyer Coaching with Audrey: thestrategicvision.com If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to Leading from Wholeness, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear “keep going” today.

  2. Oct 21

    Ep 43 | God Will Wait for You — Transformation Is Possible

    SHOW NOTES Have you ever looked at the leader you are today and wondered if real change is possible? In Episode 43 of Leading from Wholeness, I get personal about the leader I used to be: insecure, fearful, and people-pleasing. I also share how God patiently transformed me into someone who leads with strength, compassion, and empathy. The good news is that God doesn’t rush you, and He doesn’t give up on you. He waits for you. Transformation isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being willing. Key Scriptures “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) Read on Bible.com “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” — Romans 12:2 (NLT) Read on Bible.com   4 Keys to Embracing Transformation 1. A Willing Heart God doesn’t force change on us. He invites us into it. Transformation begins the moment we say, “Lord, I need you.” 2. Honesty Before God, Not Perfection God isn’t waiting for you to have it all together. He’s waiting for you to be honest about where you are so He can meet you there. 3. Give Yourself Grace Change is a process, not an event. Old patterns may resurface, but that doesn’t erase your progress. Extend to yourself the same grace God extends to you. 4. Enjoy the Journey Transformation isn’t just about the destination. Notice the growth, celebrate the small wins, and enjoy discovering who God created you to be. Reflection Questions What traits from “the old you” still show up in your leadership today? Where is fear, insecurity, or the need for approval influencing your decisions? What would it look like to be honest with God about where you are right now? In what area do you need to give yourself more grace this week? How can you anchor difficult conversations in your organization’s mission and values? Key Takeaways Transformation is possible, no matter where you are starting from. God renews us by changing the way we think (Romans 12:2). Insecure leadership seeks approval. Secure leadership seeks alignment with purpose. God is patient. He will wait for you. Connect & Share If this episode encouraged you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a leader who needs a reminder that change is possible. Your story isn’t finished. God is still writing it. 📧 Email: coach@leadingfromwholenesspodcast.com 📱 Instagram:@AudreyTShelby 🌐 Website: www.praywithoutceasingministries.com 🎙️ Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts

  3. Oct 14

    Ep 42 | Don’t Let Trauma Cost You Your Calling

    Show Notes Your pain is real, but it doesn’t get the final word on your purpose. In this episode, we explore how unhealed trauma can quietly hijack the calling God placed on your life, and how to move forward in healing so you can walk fully in what He created you to do. Rooted in Psalm 139, Isaiah 61, and the story of Job, this conversation is a reminder that God sees every wound, hates what was done to you, and is faithful to restore what was lost. If you’ve ever felt damaged, disqualified, or stuck in a hard season, this episode is for you. In This Episode 1. Everyone Has a Calling You were knit together with intention (Psalm 139:13–18). God is mindful of you, and there is no pain you’ve experienced that He isn’t aware of. Your experience didn’t surprise Him, and it didn’t cancel His plan for you. 2. Don’t Let Your Trauma Become a Stumbling Block God is a restorer. Scripture calls it recompense: reward and repayment for what was lost (Joel 2:25; Isaiah 61:7–8; Isaiah 59:18). Instead of shame, God promises a double portion of honor and everlasting joy (Isaiah 61:7). Job lost his children, wealth, land, and health, and in the end, God gave him double. God hates robbery and wrongdoing. He hates what was done to you. But we can’t get stuck there. Like David, speak to your soul: “Why are you cast down? Hope in God” (Psalm 42:11). The enemy came to steal, but Jesus came to give life (John 10:10). God created you for good works now. The question to ask yourself: Is what God has for me more important than my pain? You have to make a decision. Come out of agreement with the lie that you are damaged. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. 3. Leaders Have a Responsibility to Heal When we don’t intentionally focus on healing, we start looking to our calling to fulfill us. Then the call is no longer about God, it’s about us, and we won’t succeed in that pursuit. Three Steps Toward Healing: Step 1: Check your blind spots. Where are you most likely to get it wrong? Give trusted people permission to check you. If you’re surrounded by yes-men and yes-women, you won’t grow or confront your weaknesses. Step 2: Identify your triggers. Pray. Ask God to reveal them and give you understanding of how they impact you.  Step 3: Seek professional help. A therapist, counselor, or coach can help you process what you’ve carried. Online education is another great starting point. Scripture References Psalm 139:13–18 ; Joel 2:25 ; Isaiah 61:7–8 ; Isaiah 59:18 ; Job 42:10 ; Psalm 42:11 ; John 10:10 ; 2 Corinthians 12:9 Resources Mentioned Tome app: free, Christian-based courses on a variety of topics Tim Ross’s teaching on trauma and seeking God’s peace: The Missing Peace Reflection Questions What lie about yourself have you been agreeing with because of past pain? Where might you be looking to your calling to fill a wound only God can heal? Who in your life has permission to check your blind spots? Connect If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that her story isn’t over. Subscribe to Leading from Wholeness so you never miss an episode, and visit thestrategicvision.com to learn about coaching.   📧 Email: coach@leadingfromwholenesspodcast.com 📱 Instagram:@AudreyTShelby 🌐 Website: www.praywithoutceasingministries.com 🎙️ Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts

  4. Oct 7

    Ep 41 | Weariness — When Spiritual and Physical Depletion Catch Up With You

    Show Notes Are you worn out from trying to do it all on your own? In this episode of Leading from Wholeness, I share an honest part of my story: I had a vision for my life, and I kept asking God to bless my plans instead of partnering with Him on His. Some of that was pride. Some of it was simply not knowing that God had a plan for me at all. I only knew what I wanted, and I pushed until my body made me stop. But what the enemy meant for evil, God turned for good. If you're running on empty spiritually and physically, this conversation is for you. We'll talk about where weariness comes from and what it looks like to rest on purpose. We'll also cover how to pursue the peace God promises. And if you need to hear this today: God is good, His plans for you are good, and He loves you.    Key Takeaways: 4 Ways to Overcome Weariness Pray and ask God what is causing your weariness. Before you fix it, find it. Invite God to show you the root of your exhaustion, whether it's overcommitment, striving, fear, or trying to carry what was never yours. Build in a rhythm of rest. Rest doesn't just happen. It requires intentionality, and it looks different for each of us. What does rest look like for you? Where are you intentional about pouring into yourself? Trust that God will take care of you. (Exodus 16:29–30) When God gave Israel manna in the wilderness, He gave a double portion on the sixth day so they could rest on the Sabbath. Rest was an act of trust. God calls us to work (Genesis 2:15; 3:19). But our job is not our provider. God is. Don't elevate a job or a salary above God. It can quietly become an idol that costs you your family, your health, and your dreams. Your identity is rooted in Christ, not in your title or the company you work for. Pursue peace by seeking Him first. (Matthew 6:33; 1 Peter 3:11) No matter how busy life gets, keep your priorities straight. Make time for God. Don't get lost in the things, the relationships, or even the promises God has given you: your children, your spouse, your job, your retirement. Shift your focus back to Him. Seek Him first, and the rest will follow. Focus on gratitude: Celebrate the little things Scriptures Referenced Galatians 6:9 — "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (ESV) Exodus 16:29–30 — God provides a double portion so His people can rest on the Sabbath Matthew 6:33 — "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (ESV) 1 Peter 3:11 — Turn from evil, do good, and seek peace and pursue it Reflection Questions What might God be revealing as the true source of your weariness? Are you asking God to bless your plans, or seeking to partner with Him on His? What would a realistic rhythm of rest look like in your current season? Has your job, title, or paycheck become a source of identity or security that belongs to God alone? What is one thing you can shift this week to seek Him first? Connect With Us If this episode spoke to you, share it with a woman who's running on empty. Subscribe to Leading from Wholeness so you never miss an episode, and leave a review to help others find the show. 📧 Email: hello@praywithoutceasingministries.com 📱 Instagram:@AudreyTShelby 🌐 Website: www.praywithoutceasingministries.com 🎙️ Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts

  5. Sep 30

    Ep 40 | Ready for the Fight: How to Prepare for Spiritual Battles Before They Come

    Show Notes The battle is coming. It could be a hard diagnosis, a betrayal, a business setback, or a season when everything seems to fall apart at once. The question isn't if the fight will come. It's whether you'll be ready when it does. In this episode, we walk through Ephesians 6:10–18 and the armor of God. Audrey shows why you should prepare for battle before it arrives. You don't train for the fight in the middle of the fight. Get ready now through daily prayer and time in God's Word, so when the hard day comes, you can stand your ground. For women who lead in business, ministry, and at home, this episode is a call to stop waiting for a crisis and prioritize your spiritual life. Your strength for tomorrow's battle is built in today's quiet time. In This Episode, You'll Learn Why spiritual preparation has to happen before the battle, not during it What each piece of the armor of God means for your life and leadership How prayer and Bible reading work together as your daily training Why Paul ends the armor passage with a call to pray at all times How to tell whether you're spiritually ready for the fight ahead Key Scripture: Ephesians 6:10–18 Paul calls believers to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, and to put on the full armor of God so they can stand firm when the day of evil comes. The Armor of God: Armor What It Means for You Belt of Truth Anchor yourself in what God says, not the lies of fear, shame, or comparison. Breastplate of Righteousness Guard your heart by living with integrity. Feet Fitted with the Gospel of Peace Stand steady and ready to move, grounded in God's peace. Shield of Faith Block the fiery arrows of doubt, discouragement, and attack. Helmet of Salvation Protect your mind with the security of who you are in Christ. Sword of the Spirit Fight back with the Word of God, your only offensive weapon. Prayer (v. 18) Stay alert and pray on every occasion.  Key Takeaways 1. The battle will come. Scripture doesn't say if the day of evil comes. It says when. Hard seasons are part of life and leadership, and being a believer doesn't exempt you. 2. Preparation happens before the fight. A soldier doesn't learn to use her weapons on the battlefield. If you wait for the crisis to start praying and reading your Bible, you'll be scrambling for armor you never put on. 3. The Word is your weapon. The sword of the Spirit is the only offensive piece of armor. You can't fight back with Scripture you don't know. Reading your Bible daily is how you sharpen your sword. 4. Prayer holds it all together. Paul ends the passage with prayer: in the Spirit, on every occasion, staying alert. Praying without ceasing isn't extra. It's how you stay battle-ready. 5. Stand. The goal isn't to avoid the fight. It's to still be standing when it's over. Reflection Questions If a battle hit your life tomorrow, how ready would you be, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally? Which piece of the armor of God have you been leaving off? What does your daily prayer and Bible reading look like right now? Is it enough to sustain you in a hard season? What Scripture could you use as your sword right now? If none comes to mind, where can you start? Who in your life is praying for you, and who are you praying for? This Week's Challenge: Suit Up Daily For the next seven days, put on your armor before you pick up your phone: Pray first. Spend at least ten minutes in prayer before starting your day. Read the Word. Read Ephesians 6:10–18 this week. Memorize one verse. Choose one Scripture as your sword for the week and commit it to memory. Stay alert. When stress or attack shows up during the day, pause and pray right then. Connect with Audrey Podcast: Leading from Wholeness Instagram: @AudreyTShelby Website: praywithoutceasingministries.com Email: coach@leadingfromwholenesspodcast.com If this episode encouraged you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a woman who needs to get ready for her fight.

  6. Sep 23

    Ep 39 | Leaders and Mental Health: Why Surrender, Not Striving, Is the Path to Wholeness

    Show Notes 42.5 million U.S. adults lived with an anxiety disorder in 2025 — and leaders are far from exempt. In this episode of Leading from Wholeness, we explore what it really means to lead from a place of health rather than hustle. Jesus died so we could enjoy the abundant life He promised in John 10:10. So the question is: are you enjoying yours? Drawing from Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 and Philippians 2:12-13, this episode unpacks why healing and wholeness are a process, not a one-time event — and offers four practical, faith-rooted steps every leader can start applying today. What You'll Learn in This Episode Surrender — Why naming your real feelings to God ("this isn't fair," "I don't deserve this") is the first honest step toward healing. Acceptance vs. Complacency — The critical difference between being content with your lot in life and becoming complacent about growth. Seeking Support — Why counseling, coaching, and community aren't a sign of weakness but a strategy for sustainable leadership. Renewing Your Mind — How to identify and replace the lies you've believed (not good enough, behind schedule, not doing enough) with the truth of God's Word. Key Scriptures Referenced John 10:10 — Jesus came to give life, and life abundantly Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 (NLT) — Enjoying your work and your lot in life as a gift from God Philippians 2:12-13 (AMP) — Working out your salvation with awe-inspired fear and trembling Romans 12:2 (NLT) — Be transformed by the renewing of your mind Psalm 23:1 (AMP) — The Lord is my Shepherd who supplies every need Philippians 4:19 (KJV) — God shall supply all your need Proverbs 16:33 — The lot is cast, but its outcome is from the Lord "When we can truly be content with where we are in life, we can begin to be happy." Reflection Questions What do you need to release to God today? Where in your life have you confused contentment with complacency? What lie have you believed about yourself that God's Word contradicts? Who is in your support system — and when did you last actually use it? Resources & Further Reading Forbes: "Mental Health Crisis: Why Leaders Must Listen First Before Assuming" — Julie Kratz (2026) Connect With Leading from Wholeness Pray Without Ceasing Ministries |  Whole-person wellness for women — Spiritual, Emotional, Mental, Physical, and Financial Health Seeking individual coaching? Email me at: coach@leadingfromwholenesspodcast.com 📱 Instagram:@AudreyTShelby 🌐 Website: www.praywithoutceasingministries.com 🎙️ Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts

  7. Sep 16

    Ep 38 | Leaving Margin for Error: Break the Busyness Cycle

    Show Notes  We tell ourselves we've dealt with something — that the therapy session, the training, the self-help book finally closed the loop. Then it shows up again, wearing a different outfit. In this episode, I get honest about a moment when I was running late (again) and realized the real issue wasn't my calendar — it was a pattern of tying my worth to performance and running from what that pressure actually costs me. If you've ever kept yourself so busy there's no margin left for life, this one's for you. Here's what I uncovered underneath it: I've tied performance to perfection, and perfection to acceptance. And somewhere along the way, "running" became my normal — staying so busy that there's no margin left for actual life. So come here, my fellow workaholic. We're starting a support group. First question: what are you running from? Sometimes we think we've dealt with an issue, and then it resurfaces — in a new job, a new relationship, a new season — wearing a slightly different face. Sound familiar? You leave one company because of a conflict, only to find the same conflict waiting for you at the next one. At some point, wisdom stops looking outward for the cause and starts looking within. There's no shortage of self-help resources promising to fix our habits — time management systems, organizational hacks, certifications, trainings. And those tools have real value. But if we never shift the mindset underneath the behavior, we won't see lasting change. We'll just get better at managing the symptom. Shifting a mindset requires awareness and introspection — and Scripture already named this tension long before modern psychology gave it a vocabulary. "For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled and bewildered by them]. I do not practice what I want to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate [and yielding to my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity]." — Romans 7:15 (AMP) Read it here Paul is describing exactly this experience: doing the thing you don't want to do, even after you know better. Awareness alone doesn't change us — but it's the necessary first step toward the introspection that does. Your Action Steps Start by identifying the real issue. For me, the busyness was tied to performance and excellence — but from a place of needing to be perfect and acceptable, not from a healthy drive. Ask yourself why you're running. What's the underlying issue beneath the behavior? What would it look like if I stopped running? What void is this filling? What do I really need that I'm not getting? (For many of us — it's validation.) Do the analysis. If you notice you keep repeating a behavior you genuinely don't want anymore, start here: really examine what is getting in the way of the change you want. Is it avoidance? Are your decisions being run by fear?      4. Pray ask God to heal you in this area Reflection Questions What's an issue you thought you'd already resolved that's shown up again in a new season of your life? If you stopped "running" today, what would you have to sit with? What are you really chasing when you chase perfection — and what would it feel like to have it without earning it? "At some point, wisdom starts to look within." Connect With Us We'd love to hear from you!   Pray Without Ceasing Ministries |  Whole-person wellness for women — Spiritual, Emotional, Mental, Physical, and Financial Health Seeking individual coaching? Email me at: coach@leadingfromwholenesspodcast.com 📱 Instagram:@AudreyTShelby 🌐 Website: www.praywithoutceasingministries.com 🎙️ Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts

  8. Sep 9

    Ep 37 | Being a “Strong Independent Woman” Might Be Ruining Your Prayer Life

    Show Notes What happens when the very trait people praise you for — your independence, your resourcefulness, your ability to "figure it out" — is quietly keeping you from a deeper relationship with God? In this episode, Audrey gets honest about a lifelong "I'll figure it out" mindset, and the moment she realized it wasn't strength — it was self-sufficiency standing in for faith. If you've ever prayed about something for years while also trying to fix it yourself, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn Why self-reliance can quietly crowd God out of situations you're technically "praying about" The difference between healthy responsibility and a self-sufficiency that operates without God Why hitting your human "ceiling" isn't failure — it's an invitation What it really means to "tarry" (and why the mothers of the church knew something we've forgotten) Three practical steps to shift from performing your way through life to trusting God with it. Key Scriptures Referenced Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) — seek first the kingdom of God Matthew 6:25–34 — Jesus's teaching on worry Proverbs 1:7 — the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge Proverbs 16:3 — commit your works to the Lord Proverbs 3:5 — trust in the Lord, lean not on your own understanding Numbers 23:19 — God is not a man that He should lie Jeremiah 29:11-14 — God's plans for you are for good, not evil The 3 Steps  Pray First — Go to God first. Ask Him what you should do. Bring your worries, your cares, and your concerns to Him first before you call anyone else. Surrender — Surrender your way and your wants before you strategize. Let go of your plans and trust God's plans over your own (Jeremiah 29:11). Learn to Tarry — Learn to wait patiently on the Lord. Longer than planned doesn't mean forgotten. Fix your eyes on who God is while you wait. "It was totally reliant on me. And when you rely on yourself to make things happen... you eventually get to the point when you hit a ceiling." Reflect this Week Where in your life have you been praying and quietly running the backup plan at the same time? What would it look like to actually tarry instead?   Subscribe & Share: If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it — and leave a review to help more women find this show. Connect With Us Website: www.praywithoutceasingministries.com  Email: hello@praywithoutceasingministries.com Instagram: @AudreyTShelby

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Does a lack of validation make you question your call to leadership? Is fear of rejection preventing you from being your authentic self? Does imposture syndrome hold you back from leading with power versus fear? Do you want to serve in a meaningful way? I am so glad you're here, friend. I’m Audrey Shelby, and I’ve been leading in the public sector for 20 years. I struggled with anxiety and thinking I wasn’t worthy to be in the roles I occupied. But through intentionally seeking God in prayer and His affirmation of who I was created to be, I now lead with confidence, joy, and purpose. This podcast will help you identify the barriers that keep you from leading well. God has chosen you to shepherd over the job you’re in, the people you supervise, those children you’re raising, and the partner you have. Through the spiritual strategy of prayer and evidence-informed practices, together, we will tear down the lies that are keeping you from being free and successful as a leader. Grab your hot chocolate, your journal, and let’s go!

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