Leaders in the Arena

The Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership

Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Each episode features conversations with leaders doing the real work of leadership—where decisions matter, values are tested, and faith is lived out in practice. Guests share practical wisdom shaped by Christian conviction, offering insight into leading with integrity, stewardship, humility, and care for others. Join us for thoughtful conversations that explore what faithful leadership looks like in a changing world.

  1. 2d ago

    Forming Leaders of Character | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

    What does it mean to lead with humility, integrity, courage, and stewardship in a world that often rewards self-promotion and short-term results? For young leaders, the answer often starts not with a title, but with the mentors who show them the way. In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, hear a conversation with Covenant College graduate Payton Prys and current student Jonathan Marshall. Together, we explore how some of the core characteristics of servant leadership shape the next generation of leaders to act with character, make bold decisions, and manage responsibility well. Rather than viewing leadership as a one-size-fits-all formula, Payton and Jonathan share personal stories of the influential mentors who poured into them, demonstrating how different people can uniquely encompass these traits. You’ll hear how a young leader can balance deep curiosity with making a tangible impact, choosing collaboration over dominance. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Forming Leaders of Character | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

  2. Jul 13

    Servant Leadership in Law: Faith, Integrity, and Influence in the Arena | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

    Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Craig Wood, distinguished attorney and longtime Covenant College trustee, as he reflects on servant leadership in the legal profession and institutional life. Drawing from decades of experience, Craig shares how Christian conviction shapes ethical decision-making, steady influence, and leadership marked by integrity under pressure. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Books referenced in this episode:  On Being a Christian and a Lawyer, Thomas L. Shaffer, 1981 The Servant Lawyer, Robert F. Cochran, interVarsity Press, 2024

    Servant Leadership in Law: Faith, Integrity, and Influence in the Arena | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

  3. Jun 22

    Leadership Where It's Needed Most | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

    Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Jedd Medefind, President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), a global movement uniting over 300 organizations, churches, and leaders to care for vulnerable children and families. Drawing on decades of leadership across government, nonprofit, and global networks, Jedd will explore how leaders engage complex challenges—like foster care, adoption, and family vulnerability—not through simple solutions, but through collaboration, formation, and faithful, well-informed action. Together, we’ll consider how leadership rooted in practice, community, and spiritual formation can sustain long-term impact—and how leaders today can help build systems and communities where every child is known, loved, and able to flourish. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Leadership Where It's Needed Most | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

  4. Jun 16

    Stewarding Transformational Change | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

    Institutions matter. The way they are built, renewed, and led shapes communities for generations. Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Corey B. Holstege, a transformation leader who has guided major enterprises such as Shaw Industries and The Home Depot through complex operational and digital change. Drawing on his experience leading large-scale transformation initiatives, Corey will reflect on what it takes to renew institutions responsibly—balancing data, design, and operational rigor with the deeper calling to steward people, culture, and long-term impact. This session explores how enterprise transformation can align with our broader calling as servant leaders: to faithfully build organizations and communities that participate in Christ’s work of making all things new. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Stewarding Transformational Change | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

  5. Jun 9

    Values-Driven Leadership | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

    Values-based leadership begins with integrity and is sustained through faithful stewardship of people, culture, and responsibility. At its best, leadership is not just about results, but about how leaders care for what has been entrusted to them and create environments where others can grow. Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Carter Helm, an experienced leader known for his focus on team development, customer experience, and operational innovation. Drawing on his leadership within a high-performance service environment, Carter will explore how values-driven leadership shapes culture, strengthens teams, and drives sustainable results. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Values-Driven Leadership | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

  6. Jun 1

    Forming Servant Leaders: Humility & Integrity with Ian Fanning | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

    What does it mean to lead with humility and integrity in a world that often rewards self-promotion and short-term results? Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Covenant College student Ian Fanning ’26 as we explore how humility and integrity shape servant leaders who act with character while building trust and stewarding responsibility well. Leaders who embrace humility and integrity lead with authenticity, earn credibility, and shape cultures where people and organizations thrive. You’ll also learn how intentional servant leadership formation comes to life through our new Leadership Fellows program—preparing Covenant students to lead with humility, integrity, courage, and stewardship as part of Christ’s work of making all things new. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Forming Servant Leaders: Humility & Integrity with Ian Fanning | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

  7. May 25

    Forming Servant Leaders: Courage & Stewardship with Eric Sonnenschein | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

    ​​What does it take to lead with courage and steward responsibility well when the stakes are real? Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Covenant College student Eric Sonnenschein ’27 as we explore how courage and stewardship shape leaders who act with conviction while faithfully caring for what has been entrusted to them. This episode explores key characteristics of servant leadership and the responsibility leaders carry in navigating uncertainty, making difficult decisions, and building organizations that endure. We’ll reflect on how courage and stewardship work together to guide thoughtful action, wise judgment, and long-term impact. You’ll also learn how intentional servant leadership formation comes to life through our new Leadership Fellows program—preparing Covenant students to lead with humility, integrity, courage, and stewardship as part of Christ’s work of making all things new. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Forming Servant Leaders: Courage & Stewardship with Eric Sonnenschein | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

  8. May 11

    Leadership Evolved: Decisions, Responsibility, and Calling with John Plating | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

    Leadership is not static—it evolves as responsibility deepens and people depend on you. Listen to this episode of Leaders in the Arena for a thoughtful conversation with John Plating, Director of the Center for Calling & Career at Covenant College and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel. Drawing on decades of leading complex organizations, educating others, and serving in high-stakes environments, Dr. Plating explores how leadership changes over time, the role of responsibility in shaping leaders, and how leaders can steward their influence with integrity and purpose. This session offers practical insight for students, professionals, and community leaders alike. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Leadership Evolved: Decisions, Responsibility, and Calling with John Plating | Leaders in the Arena Podcast
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About

Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Each episode features conversations with leaders doing the real work of leadership—where decisions matter, values are tested, and faith is lived out in practice. Guests share practical wisdom shaped by Christian conviction, offering insight into leading with integrity, stewardship, humility, and care for others. Join us for thoughtful conversations that explore what faithful leadership looks like in a changing world.

Information

  • Creator
    The Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership
  • Show Website
    Leaders in the Arena