Global Leadership Collaborative

Seed Company
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Management

The Global Leadership Collaborative (GLC) is a community of Christian leaders from around the world. Bible translation is the tie that binds us together—ensuring that all people have access to the Bible in a language and form that best speak to their hearts, lives, families and communities. The GLC Podcast seeks to serve current and aspiring leaders in Bible translation with stories from the lives and ministries of other leaders. We believe that leaders learn best from other leaders. Come join us in the journey! Sponsored by Seed Company

Episodes

  1. Oct 21

    #09: Don't Quit: Swapna Alexander & Alex Mathew, Faith Comes By Hearing

    At a critical point in their Bible translation ministry in India, a crisis in their region forced Swapna Alexander and Alex Mathew to leave the village and the community where they served, and upended their ministry. They wanted to quit but a wise ministry leader challenged them to continue. In this episode, Woody McLendon talks with the husband-and-wife team from Faith Comes By Hearing, where Alex is Vice President of Oral Bible Translation and Swapna is Global Translation Quality Manager. They share how God called each of them to Bible translation, how that season of waiting taught them to train and equip mother-tongue translators, and how God provided in ways they didn't expect. Swapna also shares the question she asked Alex on one hard day, "Who will read this Bible we are translating?", and how a recording of the Gospel of Mark changed their ministry. Alex shares how oral Bible translation is lowering the ladder for mother-tongue speakers, with more than 600 translation projects now using Faith Comes By Hearing's Render software. "We really wanted to quit. But the person who was supervising over us at that time said, even if you don't do anything, just stay in the field, don't quit." — Alex Mathew Guests: Alex Mathew, Vice President of Oral Bible Translation, and Swapna Alexander, Global Translation Quality Manager, Faith Comes By Hearing — https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalLeadershipCollaborative If this episode encouraged you, share it with one leader who needs it. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 01:06 Forced Out of the Village 03:45 What God Did While They Waited 05:53 Growing Up With Her Mother's Bible 09:40 Two Calls to Bible Translation 13:31 How Did You Two Meet? 16:06 Mobilizing India for Bible Translation 18:39 Called to the Juang People 22:40 "Who Will Read This Bible?" 26:54 A Call to Leadership and a Lesson From Noah 30:43 Building a Holistic National Organization 34:02 Raising a Family Through It All 36:39 Stepping Down and Moving to Faith Comes By Hearing 41:00 What Is Oral Bible Translation? 43:47 Fun Questions 49:41 Lowering the Ladder 50:47 The Greatest Joys of Leadership 52:03 Challenges and Counsel for Leaders 54:47 Closing Thoughts & Challenge Subscribe: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalLeadershipCollaborative?sub_confirmation=1 Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-leadership-collaborative/id1896597218 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4klUSjZ1cuWmzEjVrVCOV0 Credits: The Global Leadership Collaborative is sponsored by Seed Company and is intended to serve current and aspiring leaders in Bible translation around the world. The podcast host, Woody McLendon, serves as GLC Director at Seed Company and brings over 30 years of ministry experience in Bible translation, including 10 years as President of JAARS, Inc. https://seedcompany.com

  2. Oct 7

    #08: Be Rooted: Karen Floor, Organizational Development Team Lead, SIL Global

    Karen Floor keeps a finger painting of a tree in her office. Its roots are as long as the tree itself, a daily reminder that there is no fruit unless our roots go deep into the Scriptures and God's ways. In this episode, Woody McLendon talks with Karen, Organizational Development Team Lead for SIL Global and former Executive Director of Wycliffe South Africa, about a life and leadership rooted in listening to God. After 20 years serving in Bible translation in Mozambique, Karen and her husband Sebastian spent two weeks praying separately about whether to return home to South Africa, and both heard the same answer. Back home, she was asked to "hold the fort" at Wycliffe South Africa and ended up leading it through a transformational redesign after the apartheid regime fell. She also shares how language communities knocking at Wycliffe's door led to a profound new approach to ministry for Wycliffe South Africa, how one awkward radio question led six translation ministries to commit to collaboration rather than competition, and why she urges young leaders to be worshippers first, then workers. "I call it my roots and fruits tree, and it always reminds me to remain rooted in God's Word and His ways because there will never be any fruit unless the roots go deep in the right way." — Karen Floor Guest: Karen Floor, Organizational Development Team Lead, SIL Global — https://www.sil.org Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalLeadershipCollaborative If this episode encouraged you, share it with one leader who needs it. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 00:36 Two Weeks of Listening Prayer 06:00 Lean Not on Your Own Understanding 07:09 Growing Up in South Africa 10:26 A Student Awakening 11:43 Yes to Bible Translation, Then to Sebastian 13:19 From Côte d'Ivoire to Mozambique 15:59 Learning Dependence in Mozambique 17:27 Raising Four Sons on the Field 20:55 Holding the Fort at Wycliffe South Africa 24:15 Another Gap to Step Into 25:30 A New Wineskin After Apartheid 29:34 A 40th Anniversary and a New Season 32:44 Communities Knocking at the Door 37:03 A Board That Said Yes 39:40 "Do You Actually Talk to Each Other?" 42:03 Collaboration Rather Than Competition 44:48 Fun Questions 47:10 My Roots and Fruits Tree 50:38 Encouragements and Challenges in the Movement 55:38 Be a Worshipper First 58:16 Closing Thoughts & Challenge Subscribe: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalLeadershipCollaborative?sub_confirmation=1 Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-leadership-collaborative/id1896597218 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4klUSjZ1cuWmzEjVrVCOV0 Credits: The Global Leadership Collaborative is sponsored by Seed Company and is intended to serve current and aspiring leaders in Bible translation around the world. The podcast host, Woody McLendon, serves as GLC Director at Seed Company and brings over 30 years of ministry experience in Bible translation, including 10 years as President of JAARS, Inc. https://seedcompany.com

  3. Sep 23

    #07: Build Third Spaces: David Cárdenas, Americas Area Director, Wycliffe Global Alliance

    David Cárdenas describes a third space as a place where different voices are welcome, no one competes, and ministry reflects the values of the Kingdom of God. He has spent his ministry building them, from a boardroom in crisis to round tables across Latin America to his own kitchen table. In this episode, Woody McLendon talks with David, Americas Area Director for the Wycliffe Global Alliance, about where that conviction began. Just weeks before an International Missions Congress in Bogotá, the convention center caught fire, and David's board chose to stop, pray, and listen together. He shares how 25 years as a mission pastor and six years as President of COMIBAM prepared him for his current ministry in Bible translation. He shares the words from his pastor that released him to lead: "I don't want to cut your wings. I want that you fly." He also shares the story of the mesas, national round tables where church and Bible translation organization leaders sit at the same table to listen, discern, and build together. And he offers counsel for every leader: lead out of your identity in Christ. "Don't lead over Jesus' sandals. Jesus' sandals is the place to lead, but don't lead higher than that." — David Cárdenas Guest: David Cárdenas, Americas Area Director, Wycliffe Global Alliance — https://www.wycliffe.net Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalLeadershipCollaborative If this episode encouraged you, share it with one leader who needs it. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 00:42 A Fire Weeks Before the Congress 05:03 Building a Third Space 07:16 Growing Up in Bogotá 10:10 Africa Was the First Calling 14:34 I Don't Want to Cut Your Wings 16:51 From COMIBAM Colombia to COMIBAM President 20:12 Discovering Bible Translation 23:12 How Mission Leadership Has Changed 25:46 A Doctorate in Collaboration 29:08 Singleness, Marriage, and a Shared Culture 35:13 Third Spaces and the Mesas 37:49 Building the Peripheral Team 40:30 The Fruit of the Round Tables 43:33 Fun Questions 46:28 The Table That Travels With Me 48:58 A Box of Boarding Passes 51:04 Don't Lead Above Jesus' Sandals 54:29 Hope and Challenges for the Movement 56:54 Closing Thoughts & Challenge Subscribe: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalLeadershipCollaborative?sub_confirmation=1 Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-leadership-collaborative/id1896597218 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4klUSjZ1cuWmzEjVrVCOV0 Credits: The Global Leadership Collaborative is sponsored by Seed Company and is intended to serve current and aspiring leaders in Bible translation around the world. The podcast host, Woody McLendon, serves as GLC Director at Seed Company and brings over 30 years of ministry experience in Bible translation, including 10 years as President of JAARS, Inc. https://seedcompany.com

  4. Sep 9

    #06: Listen and Follow: Maria Vega, Indonesia Growth Strategy Leader, Seed Company

    Maria Vega reached a critical point in her very successful life. Each time she walked into church, she felt God ask her the same question: "Maria, what are you doing for my kingdom?" It took her three years to answer it. When she finally did, every mission organization she approached said no thanks. Her global business background, they told her kindly, was not what they needed. She gave up, went back to a regular job, and cried. Six months later the phone rang. In this episode, Woody McLendon talks with Maria about the long road from a successful business career across ten countries in Latin America into Bible translation ministry. She shares how God prepared her and used her experience, after many false starts, to encourage the development of Bible translation organizations and leaders around the world. She also shares powerful insights for Christian leaders serving in Bible translation and beyond. "Do not think the first closed door is the final answer." — Maria Vega Guest: Maria Vega, Indonesia Growth Strategy Leader, Seed Company — https://seedcompany.com Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalLeadershipCollaborative If this episode encouraged you, share it with one leader who needs it. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 00:47 When God Calls and You Are Not Ready 03:54 A Successful Career, and a Question at Church 06:27 Growing Up Between Two Worlds 08:36 The Night That Changed Everything 12:37 A Complete Transformation 15:40 Halftime: From Success to Significance 19:17 What Finally Brought Clarity 20:56 The Hardest Part of Saying Yes 23:05 Entering the World of Bible Translation 26:19 The Door That Stayed Closed 28:48 A Model That Went Global 33:06 What Encourages Me After 17 Years 34:35 Fun Questions 39:31 What Gives You Hope for the Movement? 41:11 Your Goal Is to Become Unnecessary 43:31 Counsel for a Younger Leader 45:27 Closing Thoughts & Challenge Subscribe: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalLeadershipCollaborative?sub_confirmation=1 Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-leadership-collaborative/id1896597218 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4klUSjZ1cuWmzEjVrVCOV0 #BibleTranslation #ChristianLeadership #Missions #WomenInLeadership #SeedCompany Credits: The Global Leadership Collaborative is sponsored by Seed Company and is intended to serve current and aspiring leaders in Bible translation around the world. The podcast host, Woody McLendon, serves as GLC Director at Seed Company and brings over 30 years of ministry experience in Bible translation, including 10 years as President of JAARS, Inc. https://seedcompany.com

  5. Jul 22

    #05: It is His Mission: Ibu Ayu Soewandi, Executive Director, PPA/GMIM

    After a cancer diagnosis forced her to step away, Ibu Ayu prayed one bold prayer for the ministry she hoped to return to. In this episode, Woody McLendon talks with Ibu Ayu Soewandi, Executive Director of PPA/GMIM, the Bible translation ministry of the GMIM Church in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Ayu shares her personal journey to faith in Christ and into the ministry of Bible translation. She also offers hard-won wisdom on leadership, God's provision and favor, and the blessing of women using their gifts to lead. "Bible translation is more than just a project. It is a call." — Ibu Ayu Soewandi Guest: Ibu Ayu Soewandi, Executive Director, PPA/GMIM (North Sulawesi, Indonesia) If this episode encouraged you, share it with one leader who needs it. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 00:35 Facing a Health & Leadership Crisis 03:47 Inside the Ministry of PPA & GMIM 05:56 Early Life & Family Background 07:16 Embracing the Gospel Personally 08:27 God's Call into Bible Translation 11:52 Balancing Family Life & Ministry 13:58 Experiencing God's Provision & Favor 16:44 Stepping into Leadership at PPA 19:17 Encouragement Toward Leadership 20:16 Joy in Team Growth & Impact 24:12 Cultivating Core Values in Leadership 25:16 Challenges of Bible Translation in Indonesia 26:26 Opportunities Amid the Challenges 27:29 Fun Questions 31:27 Women in Leadership in Bible Translation 35:21 Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders 37:47 Hope for the Future of Bible Translation 39:32 Closing Thoughts & Challenge Subscribe: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalLeadershipCollaborative?sub_confirmation=1 Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-leadership-collaborative/id1896597218 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4klUSjZ1cuWmzEjVrVCOV0 #BibleTranslation #ChristianLeadership #WomenInLeadership #Missions Credits: The Global Leadership Collaborative is sponsored by Seed Company and is intended to serve current and aspiring leaders in Bible translation around the world. The podcast host, Woody McLendon, serves as GLC Director at Seed Company and brings over 30 years of ministry experience in Bible translation, including 10 years as President of JAARS, Inc. https://seedcompany.com

  6. Jul 8

    #04: The Power of a Big Vision: Dr. Michel Kenmogne (Part 2)

    What happens when an entire movement rallies behind a single, audacious vision? In Part 2, Woody McLendon and Dr. Michel Kenmogne explore how Vision 2025 shaped him, personally and as a leader, from CABTAL in Cameroon, to the Wycliffe Global Alliance, to SIL Global and beyond. (New here? Start with Part 1: From a Village in Cameroon to Serve the World.) Michel shares the lessons he learned about strong relationships, discernment, and God's mission across more than a decade of executive leadership. He also makes the case for why healthy governance and strong boards matter so much for ministries that want to endure. "Vision 2025 gave us all something bigger than ourselves to give our lives to." — Dr. Michel Kenmogne Guest: Dr. Michel Kenmogne, former Executive Director, SIL Global — https://www.sil.org/biography/michel-kenmogne-phd If this episode encouraged you, share it with one leader who needs it. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 00:46 Vision 2025: The Power of a Big Vision 08:06 Finishing at CABTAL, Moving to the Alliance 13:24 Lessons Learned at CABTAL 17:31 Understanding SIL & the Wycliffe Global Alliance 20:41 Why Strong Relationships Matter 22:43 The Journey to SIL Executive Director 29:08 The Challenges SIL Faced 32:59 Leading at the Midpoint of Vision 2025 36:06 SIL's Unique Role, Explained 39:30 Reflections on a Decade of Leadership 42:29 Fun Questions 48:46 The Critical Role of a Healthy Board 55:29 Building Healthy Board Relationships 58:54 Closing Thoughts & Challenge Subscribe: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalLeadershipCollaborative?sub_confirmation=1 Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-leadership-collaborative/id1896597218 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4klUSjZ1cuWmzEjVrVCOV0 #BibleTranslation #ChristianLeadership #Vision2025 #SIL Credits: The Global Leadership Collaborative is sponsored by Seed Company and is intended to serve current and aspiring leaders in Bible translation around the world. The podcast host, Woody McLendon, serves as GLC Director at Seed Company and brings over 30 years of ministry experience in Bible translation, including 10 years as President of JAARS, Inc. https://seedcompany.com

  7. Jun 24

    #03: From a Village in Cameroon to Serve the World: Dr. Michel Kenmogne (Part 1)

    From a small village in Western Cameroon, God called Michel Kenmogne into leadership in Bible translation that would go on to bless people around the world. In Part 1 of a two-part conversation, Woody McLendon sits down with Dr. Kenmogne to trace that remarkable journey. Michel shares how he first understood the Gospel and the biblical principles for decision-making that have guided his leadership ever since. He also reflects on his early years with CABTAL in Cameroon, the real challenges of leadership, and what it means to keep your family's walk with the Lord at the center. "We are remembered for the decisions we made or the decisions we failed to make." — Dr. Michel Kenmogne Guest: Dr. Michel Kenmogne, former Executive Director, SIL Global — https://www.sil.org/biography/michel-kenmogne-phd If this episode encouraged you, share it with one leader who needs it. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 00:29 Principles for God-Honoring Decisions 07:28 A Childhood in Western Cameroon 09:19 Language & Spiritual Context 12:30 Understanding and Responding to the Gospel 22:56 The Call into Bible Translation 26:28 When the Gospel Came to Ghomala' 30:31 Serving with CABTAL in Cameroon 37:43 Stepping into Leadership at CABTAL 44:48 Nurturing Your Family's Walk with the Lord 46:33 Facing the Challenges of Leadership 51:11 Serving Across Many Cultures 54:33 Fun Questions 57:55 Advice for Future Leaders 59:41 Closing Thoughts & Challenge Subscribe: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalLeadershipCollaborative?sub_confirmation=1 Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-leadership-collaborative/id1896597218 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4klUSjZ1cuWmzEjVrVCOV0 #BibleTranslation #ChristianLeadership #Missions #SIL Credits: The Global Leadership Collaborative is sponsored by Seed Company and is intended to serve current and aspiring leaders in Bible translation around the world. The podcast host, Woody McLendon, serves as GLC Director at Seed Company and brings over 30 years of ministry experience in Bible translation, including 10 years as President of JAARS, Inc. https://seedcompany.com

  8. May 20

    #02: First and Faithful: Wairimu Irungu, Africa Area Director, Wycliffe Global Alliance

    As a young child, Wairimu's father wrote prayers and observations in a small book for her. He said of her, "You will be a great woman." In this episode, Woody McLendon talks with Pauline Wairimu Irungu, the first woman to serve as Africa Area Director for the Wycliffe Global Alliance, connecting from Nairobi, Kenya. Wairimu shares her leadership journey and the principles of spiritual leadership that have shaped her. She also reflects candidly on serving as a woman in ministry leadership, sustaining herself for the long haul, and mentoring the next generation, with a few fun surprises along the way. "I started to see that every leadership is spiritual leadership." — Wairimu Irungu Guest: Pauline Wairimu Irungu, Africa Area Director, Wycliffe Global Alliance • https://www.wycliffe.net If this episode encouraged you, share it with one leader who needs it. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 03:38 Inside the Wycliffe Global Alliance 05:38 Early Life & Influences 08:18 The Call to Ministry and Bible Translation 12:43 Family & Ministry 15:43 The Call to Leadership 19:14 Principles of Spiritual Leadership 22:48 What Does the Africa Area Director Do? 27:33 The Greatest Joys of Leadership 29:03 Facing a Crisis, Seeing God Move 35:16 Sustaining Yourself as a Leader 39:44 Fun Questions 47:13 Marks of an Effective Leader 50:20 Difficult Behaviors in Leaders 53:06 Mentoring the Next Generation 57:29 Closing Thoughts & Challenge Subscribe: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalLeadershipCollaborative?sub_confirmation=1 Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-leadership-collaborative/id1896597218 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4klUSjZ1cuWmzEjVrVCOV0 #BibleTranslation #ChristianLeadership #WomenInLeadership #Wycliffe Credits: The Global Leadership Collaborative is sponsored by Seed Company and is intended to serve current and aspiring leaders in Bible translation around the world. The podcast host, Woody McLendon, serves as GLC Director at Seed Company and brings over 30 years of ministry experience in Bible translation, including 10 years as President of JAARS, Inc. https://seedcompany.com

  9. May 6

    #01: Sowing the Seed of God's Word: Davis Powell, CEO of Seed Company

    Fewer than 800 of the world's 7,000+ languages have a full Bible — and roughly 500 still await their very first verse. In this launch episode, Woody McLendon sits down with Davis Powell, President and CEO of Seed Company, to introduce the Global Leadership Collaborative and explore what Bible translation looks like today. Davis shares why encouraging and supporting leaders in Bible translation is so important. He also shares his own journey from medical missions to leading one of the movement's largest ministries, and the heart for God, people, and leaders that drives it all. "We are all about sowing the seed of God's Word around the world." — Davis Powell Guest: Davis Powell, President & CEO, Seed Company — https://seedcompany.com If this episode encouraged you, share it with one leader who needs it. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 00:44 What Is Bible Translation — and Who Is Seed Company? 05:51 The Journey of Leadership Together 07:35 Challenges of Leadership in Bible Translation 11:40 Davis's Leadership Journey Begins 19:24 From Medical Missions to Bible Translation 24:22 Family & Ministry Together 29:01 Becoming CEO of Seed Company 41:01 The Greatest Joys of Leadership 44:12 What Burdens Weigh on Your Heart? 46:14 Urgency vs. Speed 48:37 How Being CEO Reshaped My Prayer Life 51:02 Fun Questions 57:00 Counsel for Other Leaders 1:03:13 Closing Thoughts & Challenge Subscribe: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalLeadershipCollaborative?sub_confirmation=1 Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-leadership-collaborative/id1896597218 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4klUSjZ1cuWmzEjVrVCOV0 #BibleTranslation #ChristianLeadership #Missions #SeedCompany Credits: The Global Leadership Collaborative is sponsored by Seed Company and is intended to serve current and aspiring leaders in Bible translation around the world. The podcast host, Woody McLendon, serves as GLC Director at Seed Company and brings over 30 years of ministry experience in Bible translation, including 10 years as President of JAARS, Inc. https://seedcompany.com

  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Global Leadership Collaborative (GLC) is a community of Christian leaders from around the world. Bible translation is the tie that binds us together—ensuring that all people have access to the Bible in a language and form that best speak to their hearts, lives, families and communities. The GLC Podcast seeks to serve current and aspiring leaders in Bible translation with stories from the lives and ministries of other leaders. We believe that leaders learn best from other leaders. Come join us in the journey! Sponsored by Seed Company

Information

  • Creator
    Seed Company
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Seed Company