Leadership, AND

Lighthouse Media
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Self-Improvement

Leadership, AND… is a podcast for leaders who are ready to stop choosing between extremes AND start embracing the full picture. Leadership can feel heavy. The pressure to perform. The expectation to have answers. The tension between who you are AND who you’re becoming. This podcast explores the real, human side of leadership. The doubts, the growth, the relationships, AND the responsibility that comes with it. Hosted by Josh Donovan, CEO of Lighthouse Institute, AND Patrick Ibarra, each episode brings honest conversations AND human-centered leadership tools that go beyond theory. Because leadership isn’t just what you do at work. It’s how you show up everywhere. Leadership, AND… creates space for conversations that go beyond the workplace. Into your relationships. With your parents AND your kids. With your co-workers, your friends, AND your community. At Lighthouse, we believe better humans make better leaders. And that leadership is not a role you play, it’s a way of being. This is an invitation to see the whole person. To lead with light. To live with love. To hold both strength AND vulnerability, clarity AND curiosity, ambition AND presence. If you’re ready to grow as a leader AND as a human, you’re in the right place. Let’s Go Shine Bright ✨

Episodes

  1. Oct 1

    Episode 11: Leadership, AND...Living Your Purpose with Jim Ferree

    What changes when you stop seeing someone as an obstacle and start seeing the human in front of you? In this episode, Josh and Patrick sit down with Lighthouse facilitator Jim Ferree for a conversation about the experiences that shaped his life, the relationships that changed him, and the daily practice of becoming the person he wants to be. Jim shares his journey from ministry, to a 26-year career in law enforcement in Phoenix, and eventually to Lighthouse. Through stories from interview rooms, family life, and his own growth, he explores how listening, curiosity, and genuine care can reach people who are used to being judged. The conversation moves into the space between stimulus and response, the patterns that keep us in conflict, and Jim’s ongoing effort to respond with grace when he feels hurt. They also discuss parenting with freedom and discipline, helping children make their own choices, and discovering a purpose that can remain consistent through very different chapters of life. At the heart of it all is Jim’s desire to step in so that no one has to struggle or suffer alone. His story about Pablo, an informant who became much more than that, brings that purpose into focus. In This Episode * Jim’s early years, faith journey, and unexpected move from ministry into law enforcement. * The support his wife, Nicole, offered throughout a demanding and unpredictable career. * What interviewing repeat offenders taught him about listening and seeing people beyond their records. * Using the space between stimulus and response to choose how you show up. * Lighthouse’s “.B” reminder and the practice of stopping and breathing. * How inward and outward mindsets shape the way we see and treat others. * Breaking recurring conflict patterns without waiting for someone else to change first. * Parenting with freedom, discipline, and growing responsibility. * The promise Jim asked his daughter’s boyfriend to make... and how he kept it. * Discovering a personal why through the stories of your life. * Pablo’s story and the unexpected significance of consistently showing up. Resources Mentioned - Lighthouse Institute Blog - Confidence Is the Mindset Multiplier - https://lighthouseinstitute.com/2026/03/ - Man’s Search For Meaning - Viktor E. Frankl - https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning - Leadership & Self-Deception - Arbinger Institute - https://arbinger.com/bookstore/leadership-and-self-deception - The Anatomy of Peace - Arbinger Institute - https://arbinger.com/anatomy-of-peace - The Outward Mindset - https://arbinger.com/bookstore/the-outward-mindset - He’s One Of Us by Jim Ferree - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737780402?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_6TWT3W5TZ0HZ9Y4MSY71&bestFormat=true - Feeding The Mouth That Bites You - https://www.feedingthemouth.com/ - Conflict Dynamics Profile - https://www.conflictdynamics.org/about-the-cdp/ - Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) - https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/myers-briggs-overview/ Timestamps 00:51 — Introducing Jim Ferree, one of Lighthouse Institute's newest facilitators 03:48 — Family, childhood, and moving to Atascadero 08:04 — Faith, Bible college, and meeting Nicole 15:46 — From ministry to law enforcement 18:24 — An unforgettable phone call to his wife 22:06 — A difficult loss and the importance of peer support 27:43 — Listening to repeat offenders and seeing the human behind the crime 32:38 — Covert surveillance and the demands of police work 35:23 — Why being seen and heard matters 43:21 — A master’s degree, a new vision, and joining Lighthouse 59:33 — Celebrating growth without demanding perfection 1:10:23 — Creating space between stimulus and response 1:20:22 — The “.B” reminder: stop and breathe 1:25:29 — Leadership and Self-Deception, The Anatomy of Peace, and mindset 1:34:35 — Understanding the cycle that keeps conflict going 1:41:35 — Why waiting for the other person to change keeps us stuck 1:52:48 — What living “unoffendable” means to Jim 1:57:58 — Feeling hurt, expressing offense, and practicing discernment 2:08:36 — Building influence through relationships and a heart at peace 2:14:20 — Practicing the pause in marriage and parenting 2:18:20 — Building the habit with a mindful minute 2:23:23 — Trusting the process and walking alongside participants 2:30:19 — Parenting with freedom and discipline 2:36:31 — Advice for his daughter and a promise her boyfriend kept 2:46:12 — Discovering Jim’s why: stepping in so no one suffers alone 2:53:18 — Pablo’s story: Thanksgiving, a hospital call, and “He’s one of us” 2:59:07 — Living the same purpose in a different chapter About Lighthouse Institute At Lighthouse Institute, we believe better leadership starts with becoming a better human. Through leadership development, executive coaching, and transformational experiences, we help individuals and organizations build the self-awareness, skills, and relationships that create meaningful, lasting change. The Leadership, AND... podcast explores leadership through the lens of real life: work, parenting, marriage, conflict, purpose, growth, and everything in between. 👉 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations about leadership, parenting, relationships, conflict, growth, and the human side of leadership. 👉 SHARE this episode with someone who's doing the work of becoming a better human and a better leader. Let's Go Shine Bright ✨

    Episode 11: Leadership, AND...Living Your Purpose with Jim Ferree

  2. Sep 15

    Episode 10: Leadership, AND...Soulcraft & Stewardship with Tim Rhoades

    In this special tenth episode, Josh and Patrick sit down with Tim Rhoades--the original founder of Lighthouse Institute, Josh’s mentor, and the man whose pursuit of becoming a better human helped shape everything Lighthouse is today. Tim takes us back to his earliest lessons in leadership: working alongside his father on construction sites, experiencing the power of a high-performing team through sports, and being deeply influenced by mentors who saw him, accepted him, and modeled selflessness. He also shares the unlikely path that led him from plastering to teaching mathematics, working in technology, and eventually building a leadership-development company from the ground up. What began as a personal desire to understand people and live a meaningful life grew into decades of helping others experience lasting transformation. This conversation explores what separates coaching from mentoring, why the best leaders make people feel seen, and why nothing truly great happens when leadership becomes about the leader. Tim reflects candidly on insecurity, humility, faith, marriage, purpose, and the gut-wrenching process of handing Lighthouse to Josh... only to realize that it had never truly belonged to him in the first place. It’s a conversation about building an organization, but even more, it’s about building a life: crafting your soul, surrounding yourself with great humans, doing the hard work, and learning to find joy in giving something meaningful away. In This Episode (There are a lot because it's SO GOOD!) * How working alongside his father shaped Tim’s understanding of hard work, craftsmanship, character, and leadership * The difference between a coach seeking results and a mentor investing in a person * “Soulcraft” and the lifelong work of becoming a better human * Tim’s unlikely journey from plasterer to math teacher, technology director, and founder of Lighthouse Institute * The grit, relationships, and defining opportunity that helped Lighthouse survive and grow * Why investing in people during difficult seasons prepares an organization to thrive * The importance of seeing people, accepting them, and letting them “come to the party” when they’re ready * Selflessness, service-mindedness, and the difference between humility and minimizing yourself * Tim’s emotional journey of handing Lighthouse to Josh * How leaders earn discretionary effort by genuinely caring for the people they lead * Rewiring instead of retiring, 45 years of marriage, and finding new ways to live your purpose * The five questions that shape your worldview * Imperfection makes you human, not a hypocrite * Swimming upstream, finding great people, and replacing judgment with curiosity Resources Mentioned * The Good Life by Robert Waldinger - https://a.co/d/004FBqbJ * The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer - https://a.co/d/0ak81xpr * Good to Great by Jim Collins - https://a.co/d/07BR1BOm * Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability, courage, and connection - https://brenebrown.com/ * The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher - https://a.co/d/0hoY8FZK * The Second Mountain by David Brooks - https://a.co/d/0gfOrRcl * The Lighthouse Model of Leadership - https://lighthouseinstitute.com/services/#modelofleadership Timestamps 00:00 — Introducing Tim Rhoades, founder of Lighthouse Institute 01:57 — Tim’s Central Coast roots and learning a trade from his father 05:53 — Experiencing the power of teams through sports 06:55 — The difference between a coach and a mentor 10:45 — “Soulcraft” and the pursuit of a good life 17:45 — The transformation Tim witnessed through the Leadership Series 29:12 — Experiencing another high-performing team as a teacher 34:50 — The gritty early years of building Lighthouse 37:22 — The opportunity that transformed the business 51:27 — What “the right stuff” looks like in a leader 5:25 — The participant who remained silent for 50 hours... and then transformed 1:00:28 — The art and science of facilitation 1:07:49 — The ugliness of leadership driven by insecurity and ego 1:14:27 — Tim’s experience handing Lighthouse over to Josh 1:20:27 — How sharing our stories accelerates connection 1:33:47 — Rewiring instead of retiring 1:36:53 — Love, commitment, and 45 years of marriage 1:39:41 — The five questions that shape your worldview 1:54:31 — How Josh has changed during his years with Lighthouse 1:56:04 — Imperfection, hypocrisy, and being human 1:59:48 — The salmon metaphor: growth requires swimming upstream 2:01:24 — Finding joy in the simplest parts of life 2:13:03 — Carrying the Lighthouse legacy forward About Lighthouse Institute At Lighthouse Institute, we believe better leadership starts with becoming a better human. Through leadership development, executive coaching, and transformational experiences, we help individuals and organizations build the self-awareness, skills, and relationships that create meaningful, lasting change. The Leadership, And... podcast explores leadership through the lens of real life: work, parenting, marriage, conflict, purpose, growth, and everything in between. 👉 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations about leadership, parenting, relationships, conflict, growth, and the human side of leadership. 👉 SHARE this episode with someone who's doing the work of becoming a better human and a better leader. Let's Go Shine Bright ✨

    Episode 10: Leadership, AND...Soulcraft & Stewardship with Tim Rhoades

  3. Sep 1

    Episode 09: Leadership AND…Origin Stories

    In this deeply personal episode, Josh and Patrick step outside their comfort zones and begin sharing their origin stories: the experiences, relationships, hardships, and unexpected opportunities that shaped who they are today. Patrick opens up about being born in California, raised in Mexico City, and growing up without knowing his father. He reflects on being raised by his grandmother and uncles, moving between two countries, struggling to understand where he belonged, navigating co-parenting, and eventually building a career that took him behind the scenes with some of the world’s biggest artists. Josh shares how his parents’ divorce shaped his childhood, what it was like constantly moving between two homes, and how an early desire to make his own money unexpectedly led to a long career in the fitness industry... and eventually to the work he does today. Along the way, they discover parallels in their stories that even they hadn’t recognized before. Their conversation offers a real-time example of what can happen when we replace judgment with curiosity, ask one more question, and give another person the space to be known. Because vulnerability fuels connection. And when we understand what someone has experienced, we begin to understand why they are the way they are. In This Episode * Why sharing our stories can feel uncomfortable and why it matters to do it anyway * The Lighthouse Origin Story framework * How vulnerability creates connection and builds trust * The difference between asking “What’s wrong with you?” and “What happened to you?” * How childhood experiences continue shaping the way we lead, parent, and relate to others * Patrick’s experience growing up between Mexico and the United States * The hidden challenges children navigate when moving between two homes * What healthy co-parenting can look like after a relationship ends * Josh’s experience growing up with divorced parents * The people and opportunities that helped shape their professional paths * How Patrick went from working in a photo lab to photographing tours for Taylor Swift, the Jonas Brothers, Shakira, and others * The simple “FORM” framework for getting to know someone * How to show common ground without becoming the “Me Monster” * Why genuine curiosity may be one of the most powerful relationship-building tools we have Resources Mentioned * Brianna Donovan - Lighthouse Blog Post - https://lighthouseinstitute.com/2026/07/20/mindset-rewriting-the-stories-that-shape-us/ * What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey - https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/53238858-what-happened-to-you * Brené Brown’s invitation to turn judgment into curiosity - https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-jim-collins-on-curiosity-generosity-and-the-hedgehog/ * Jefferson Fisher’s reminder that “maybe” can create space for empathy - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jeffersonfisher_the-word-maybe-has-the-power-to-change-activity-7467266233583796224-iwxt * Brian Regan - “Me” Monster - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vymaDgJ7KLg * Enemy Pie by Derek Munson - https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/103814.Enemy_Pie Timestamps 05:30 — Fidget toys, cell phones, and permission to be fully present 09:42 — Why Josh and Patrick are sharing their personal stories 10:32 — Vulnerability, trust, and the depth of our relationships 14:32 — Why telling your story matters 18:23 — Shifting from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” 22:56 — The Lighthouse Origin Story framework 26:49 — Patrick’s origin story: Born in California and raised in Mexico City 34:01 — Josh’s childhood and his parents’ divorce 40:12 — Protecting children during divorce and separation 43:21 — Patrick’s experiences with separation and co-parenting 51:01 — Building a blended family with four boys 54:55 — Patrick’s childhood education and the uncle who invested in him 59:23 — Moving from Montessori to a dramatically different school environment 1:01:40 — Growing up between two countries and searching for belonging 1:14:38 — Josh’s childhood, school years, and family dynamics 1:23:55 — The experiences that led Josh toward the Marine Corps 1:37:21 — Patrick returns to California and begins pursuing photography 1:43:56 — Passion, practicality, and the willingness to “do anything” 1:46:48 — How Josh’s first job became a career in fitness 1:49:34 — The mentors and father figures who shaped Patrick 1:54:29 — From a photo lab to photographing major concert tours 2:03:38 — What a tour photographer actually does 2:08:36 — Why telling human stories became more fulfilling than photographing celebrities 2:09:58 — Turning judgment into curiosity 2:12:33 — The simplest way to build a meaningful connection 2:13:11 — Staying in awe and using the FORM conversation framework 2:15:26 — Ask the question... and then let the other person talk 2:16:41 — How to avoid becoming the “Me Monster” 2:19:20 — What Enemy Pie teaches us about getting to know people 2:20:39 — The challenge: Sit beside someone and get curious About Lighthouse Institute At Lighthouse Institute, we believe better leadership starts with becoming a better human. Through leadership development, executive coaching, and transformational experiences, we help individuals and organizations build the self-awareness, skills, and relationships that create meaningful, lasting change. The Leadership, And... podcast explores leadership through the lens of real life: work, parenting, marriage, conflict, purpose, growth, and everything in between. 👉 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations about leadership, parenting, relationships, conflict, growth, and the human side of leadership. 👉 SHARE this episode with someone who's doing the work of becoming a better human and a better leader. Let's Go Shine Bright ✨

    Episode 09: Leadership AND…Origin Stories

  4. Aug 15

    Episode 08: Leadership, AND…Pursuing Greatness

    Most of us have things we want “one day.” A healthier life. A stronger marriage. A different career. More freedom. Better relationships with our kids. A project we’ve been talking about starting for years. The problem is usually that “one day” never becomes day one. In this episode of Leadership, AND…, Josh Donovan and Patrick Ibarra get back to the heart of the Lighthouse Leadership Series to explore the pursuit of greatness, not as comparison or competition, but as becoming the greatest version of yourself so you can better show up for the people around you. They unpack the process Lighthouse uses to move from core purpose and values to BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals), then all the way down to the tiny, 1% behaviors that actually move your life in that direction. This conversation gets personal as Josh and Patrick share the long-term trajectories they’re setting for their own lives, from Josh’s goal of celebrating 70 years of marriage and maintaining connected relationships with his adult daughters, to Patrick’s goal of still thriving at 91. They also get practical about what those goals look like today: burpees, date nights, journals, books, morning workouts, removing distractions, quitting coffee, building accountability, and sometimes simply deciding what to stop doing. Because a meaningful life usually isn’t built in one giant leap. It’s built 1% at a time. In This Episode * Why greatness isn’t about being better than someone else * The two questions Josh comes back to: Who are you? And what do you want? * Why imagining your own eulogy can bring surprising clarity to how you want to live * Turning “one day” into day one * What BHAGs are and why they should feel a little intimidating * Why SMART goals can sometimes unintentionally limit our outcomes * The difference between setting a goal and creating a trajectory * The WOOP framework: Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan * Why identifying the obstacle before it appears matters * How 1% improvements compound over time * Why you should standardize before you optimize * The role identity plays in lasting behavior change * Why “never miss twice” may be more useful than expecting perfection * How Josh’s daily burpees became a six-year habit * The personal systems Josh uses to invest in his marriage and relationships with his daughters * Patrick’s decision to rethink technology, caffeine, and other everyday habits * Why sometimes the most effective habit is something you stop doing * Discipline as prioritizing what you want most over what you want now * How community and accountability make change easier * The four resources worth evaluating: time, money, energy, and attention * Why “I don’t have time” often means “this isn’t currently a priority” * The difference between playing offense and defense with your life * Why putting your own oxygen mask on first isn’t necessarily selfish * The habits that refill your cup so you can continue pouring into others Resources Mentioned * Atomic Habits by James Clear https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits * Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg https://tinyhabits.com/book/ * Good to Great by Jim Collins https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/76865.Good_to_Great * The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey https://www.franklincovey.com/books/the-7-habits-of-highly-effective-people/ * TB12 Method by Tom Brady https://www.amazon.com/TB12-Method-Lifetime-Sustained-Performance/dp/1501180738 * Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy https://www.briantracy.com/catalog/eat-that-frog?srsltid=AfmBOoqyOkq081C9SK5fmRss1nI3ZUZWoifT5AGwloClAaK-Y_OHcEUl * Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle / Start With Why https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why * The WOOP framework: Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan https://woopmylife.org/ * James Clear’s 3-2-1 Newsletter https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1 * Re:Stress by Chris Failla https://lighthouseinstitute.com/publishing/ Timestamps 02:35 — The pursuit of greatness and how the podcast became a real-world example 04:47 — What do you want to be great at? 06:22 — Practicing what you preach and Patrick’s recent lifestyle changes 09:55 — Starting with why: purpose, values, and goals 12:09 — Beginning with the end in mind: the eulogy exercise 19:17 — Writing down your goals and Josh’s original BHAG to own Lighthouse 25:39 — Why people have such different relationships with goal setting 27:44 — The advantages (and potential disadvantages) of SMART goals 30:04 — Trajectory: how tiny changes create dramatically different outcomes 41:53 — Introducing the WOOP framework: Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan 47:22 — Looking beyond the material goal to the feeling or outcome underneath it 52:28 — Standardize before you optimize 57:30 — Becoming aware of the everyday decisions shaping your life 1:02:03 — Identity-based habits: become the person who does the thing 1:04:13 — Lowering the bar so a new habit can actually stick 1:16:15 — What happens when your goals and values fall out of alignment 1:29:33 — Stop focusing on the gap; find the next 1% 1:31:52 — Sometimes progress starts with a “stop doing” list 1:49:17 — What is discipline, really? 1:52:18 — Identity, community, and becoming the person you want to be 1:55:00 — Better together: the power of accountability 1:58:00 — Are your time, money, energy, and attention aligned with what you say matters? About Lighthouse Institute At Lighthouse Institute, we believe better leadership starts with becoming a better human. Through leadership development, executive coaching, and transformational experiences, we help individuals and organizations build the self-awareness, skills, and relationships that create meaningful, lasting change. The Leadership, And... podcast explores leadership through the lens of real life: work, parenting, marriage, conflict, purpose, growth, and everything in between. 👉 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations about leadership, parenting, relationships, conflict, growth, and the human side of leadership. 👉 SHARE this episode with someone who's doing the work of becoming a better human and a better leader. Let's Go Shine Bright ✨

    Episode 08: Leadership, AND…Pursuing Greatness

  5. Aug 1

    Episode 07: Leadership AND...Sarah Failla

    Leadership isn't just about the version of you that shows up in the boardroom. It's also about the five-year-old who learned to stay quiet. The teenager who decided vulnerability wasn't safe. The part of you that craves connection. The part that's terrified of rejection. Whether we realize it or not, every version of ourselves comes into every conversation, every conflict, every decision, and every relationship. In this deeply personal conversation, executive coach Sarah Failla joins Josh and Patrick to explore Internal Family Systems (IFS), paradox, trauma, coaching, nervous systems, and why becoming a better leader starts with understanding yourself. Along the way, the conversation moves far beyond leadership into marriage, parenting, personal growth, healing, purpose, and even Sarah's remarkable kidney transplant story. If you've ever wondered why you react the way you do (or why growth can feel so difficult), this episode offers language, compassion, and practical ways to move forward. In This Episode * How childhood experiences quietly shape your leadership today * The surprising difference between therapy, coaching, and consulting * How your nervous system affects every difficult conversation * Tips for recognizing when you're operating from an old wound instead of your present self * The power of saying "part of me feels..." instead of "I am..." * Paradox can create freedom instead of confusion ("both can be true") * How emotional regulation transforms marriages, parenting, and teams * The hidden cost of ignoring your body * Sarah's powerful kidney transplant journey and what it taught her about surrender, healing, and receiving help * Why joy is often harder to experience than grief * How identity, not goals, is what creates lasting change Resources Mentioned: * No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz - https://ifs-institute.com/nobadparts * Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine - https://positiveintelligence.com/ * CliftonStrengths - https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/403127/cliftonstrengths-34-report.aspx * Myers-Briggs Assessments - https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/ * Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits Timestamps 00:00 — Why "AND" changes the way we think about leadership 02:00 — Understanding paradox and how two things can be true at once 05:20 — Internal Family Systems explained: the "parts" inside all of us 13:40 — Trauma, younger selves, and why our reactions make sense 24:30 — Executive coaching that focuses on the whole person 29:00 — What somatic coaching is and why your body "remembers" 34:00 — Creating healthier conversations in teams and families 39:00 — Expanding your "window of tolerance" 43:30 — Therapy vs. coaching: what's the difference? 52:00 — Celebrating the men who are quietly doing the work 01:24:00 — Sarah's kidney transplant story and what healing really looked like 01:40:00 — Surrendering outcomes while still pursuing growth 01:57:00 — Joy, identity, and becoming who you want to be 02:16:00 — Why Lighthouse coaching works differently About Lighthouse Institute Lighthouse Institute exists to shine light that ignites connection, inspires hope, and transforms generations. Through leadership development, coaching, facilitation, and organizational training, Lighthouse helps individuals and teams grow in self-awareness, communication, trust, ownership, and leadership effectiveness. The Leadership, And... podcast explores leadership through the lens of real life: work, parenting, marriage, conflict, purpose, growth, and everything in between. 👉 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations about leadership, parenting, relationships, conflict, growth, and the human side of leadership. 👉 SHARE this episode with someone who's doing the work of becoming a better human and a better leader. Let's Go Shine Bright ✨

    Episode 07: Leadership AND...Sarah Failla

  6. Jul 15

    Episode 06: Leadership AND...Brianna Donovan

    Leadership at Home: Marriage, Parenting, Grief, and the People Who Shape Us (with Brianna Donovan) Leadership isn't just for the workplace. Some of the most important leadership happens around the dinner table, in difficult conversations, during seasons of grief, and in the quiet moments that no one else ever sees. In Part 2 of their conversation with Brianna Donovan, Josh Donovan and Patrick Ibarra explore the deeply personal side of leadership. Together, they discuss navigating different parenting styles, protecting family culture in a digital world, processing loss, making life-changing decisions as a couple, and why the people closest to us often become our greatest leadership coaches. From raising daughters with intentionality to pursuing a 70-year marriage, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom, honest stories, and reminders that leadership begins at home. Whether you're a spouse, parent, leader, or simply someone trying to become a better human, this episode will encourage you to think differently about the relationships that matter most. In This Episode: * Why healthy marriages require grace, forgiveness, and shared leadership * Navigating different parenting styles without becoming divided * How involving children in creating accountability builds ownership * The importance of repairing relationships by apologizing to your kids * Why Josh and Brianna intentionally delayed smartphones and social media for their daughters * How technology can quietly replace the human connection we're all longing for * Processing grief by remembering someone's whole story, not just their final chapter * The pivotal conversation that led Josh to pursue Lighthouse instead of moving to Hawaii * Why spouses should be "powerful equals" who speak truth with courage and humility * The daily habits inspired by Josh's BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) of celebrating 70 years of marriage Resources Mentioned: - The Let Them Theory - Mel Robbins https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-let-them-theory/   - What Happened To You  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8884434/  - Feeding The Mouth That Bites You - Kenneth Wilgus https://www.feedingthemouth.com/  - The Social Dilemma https://thesocialdilemma.com/  - The Anxious Generation - Jonathan Haidt  https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book  Timestamps: 00:00 — Picking up the conversation with Brianna Donovan 04:30 — Parenting as a team: hard on the process, soft on the people 17:45 — Creating accountability with your kids instead of for them 29:00 — Grief, Mother's Day, and remembering someone's whole story 34:15 — The conversation that changed Josh's career forever 44:00 — Marriage as a partnership of "powerful equals" 55:00 — Different parenting styles and finding common ground 1:18:30 — Why the Donovan family delayed phones and social media 1:32:00 — Giving birth without announcing labor, and why they'd do it again 1:46:30 — Repairing relationships by apologizing to your children 2:09:45 — Technology, presence, and reclaiming human connection 2:21:00 — Celebrating 21 years of marriage and pursuing a 70-year vision 2:35:30 — Building habits that support your biggest goals About Lighthouse Institute Lighthouse Institute exists to shine light that ignites connection, inspires hope, and transforms generations. Through leadership development, coaching, facilitation, and organizational training, Lighthouse helps individuals and teams grow in self-awareness, communication, trust, ownership, and leadership effectiveness. The Leadership, And... podcast explores leadership through the lens of real life: work, parenting, marriage, conflict, purpose, growth, and everything in between. Follow along for more conversations about leadership, parenting, relationships, conflict, growth, and the human side of leadership. Let's Go Shine Bright ✨

    Episode 06: Leadership AND...Brianna Donovan

  7. Jul 1

    Episode 05 | Leadership AND…Personality with Brianna Donovan

    What Personality Teaches Us About Leadership, Marriage, and Parenting What happens when two people who see the world completely differently choose to build a life together? In this episode of Leadership, And..., Josh Donovan and Patrick Ibarra welcome a very special guest: Josh's wife of nearly 21 years, Brianna Donovan. Together, they pull back the curtain on their marriage, their family, and the surprising ways personality differences have become one of their greatest strengths. Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) as a framework, they explore how personality influences communication, conflict, decision-making, leadership, parenting, and relationships of every kind. More importantly, they challenge a common assumption: Different isn't something to overcome. It's something to understand. Whether you're leading a team, raising children, strengthening your marriage, or simply trying to communicate better with the people around you, this conversation offers practical tools that can transform the way you see yourself and everyone around you. In This Episode: * The unexpected story of Josh and Brianna's marriage before their wedding * Why opposite personalities often create stronger teams * The biggest misconceptions about personality assessments * The difference between personality and behavior * How introverts and extroverts experience the same conversation differently * Why "How?" and "Wow!" are two completely different conversations * What personality reveals about conflict, communication, and decision-making * Practical ways to honor people who think differently than you * How understanding personality can strengthen marriages, families, friendships, and workplaces * The simple habits that have helped sustain more than two decades of marriage Resources Mentioned: * Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) * 16Personalities (free personality assessment) * Lighthouse Institute Leadership Series Timestamps: 00:00 — Introducing a very special guest 07:00 — The story behind Josh & Brianna's marriage 17:00 — Parenting three very different daughters 19:00 — What personality actually is (and isn't) 25:45 — Understanding the four MBTI dimensions 39:00 — Introverts vs. extroverts: more than being "outgoing" 49:30 — Personality, communication, and conflict 1:00:30 — Why "I'm processing" changes conversations 1:10:30 — Big picture vs. details: "Wow" or "How?" 1:23:30 — Thinking vs. feeling in leadership decisions 1:31:00 — Deadlines, planning, and personality 1:39:00 — Using MBTI to improve communication 1:45:45 — The feedback conversation every leader should have 1:57:30 — Navigating conflict with different personalities 2:03:15 — Twenty-one years of marriage: what really matters About Lighthouse Institute Lighthouse Institute exists to shine light that ignites connection, inspires hope, and transforms generations. Through leadership development, coaching, facilitation, and organizational training, Lighthouse helps individuals and teams grow in self-awareness, communication, trust, ownership, and leadership effectiveness. The Leadership, And… podcast explores leadership through the lens of real life: work, parenting, marriage, conflict, purpose, growth, and everything in between. Follow along for more conversations about leadership, parenting, relationships, conflict, growth, and the human side of leadership. Let's Go Shine Bright ✨

    Episode 05 | Leadership AND…Personality with Brianna Donovan

  8. Jun 15

    Episode 04: Leadership AND…Chris Ferree

    Grace and Accountability, Connection before Correction The world loves either/or thinking. You're right or you're wrong. Strong or vulnerable. Optimistic or realistic. Leadership asks something different. In Episode 4 of the Leadership, And… Podcast, Josh Donovan and Patrick Ibarra sit down with leadership coach, educator, and Lighthouse managing partner Chris Ferree for a conversation about paradox, mentorship, parenting, personal growth, and the power of seeing people as people. The episode begins with a simple idea that ultimately inspired the name of this podcast: the difference between "or" and "and". Drawing from Jim Collins, Brené Brown, Adam Grant, and the Stockdale Paradox, the conversation explores why great leaders learn to hold competing truths at the same time rather than forcing false choices. From there, the discussion moves through Chris's journey from Atascadero High School wrestler and teacher to leadership coach and business owner, while weaving together stories about mentorship, coaching, parenting, education, accountability, and the relationships that shape who we become. This episode is full of practical wisdom and deeply human moments, including a powerful story about a teenage mistake that became the foundation for a decades-long mentoring relationship. At its heart, this conversation asks an important question: Can we hold both truth and grace at the same time? Because leadership often lives in the tension between them. In This Episode: * Why "and" is more powerful than "but" * The Stockdale Paradox and navigating uncertainty * Chris's journey from teacher and coach to Lighthouse partner * A powerful story about accountability, integrity, and second chances * The role coaches and mentors play in shaping identity * Parenting, education, and who is responsible for teaching values * Why organizations often inherit problems society didn't solve * The importance of surrounding yourself with people who share your values * How leaders can stop fixing problems and start building connection * Why curiosity is more effective than judgment * The difference between seeing people as humans versus problems Timestamps: 03:00 — The Stockdale Paradox and paradoxical thinking 06:00 — Chris's journey from educator to leadership coach 14:00 — Wrestling, mentorship, and finding purpose 22:00 — The mentors who shaped Chris's life 26:00 — Josh's high school story and a lesson in integrity 34:00 — Parenting, schools, and teaching values 44:00 — The responsibility of leaders and organizations 58:00 — Building community around shared values 1:12:00 — Doing the best we can and giving ourselves grace 1:25:00 — Conflict, connection, and The Anatomy of Peace 1:40:00 — Seeing people as people instead of problems 1:55:00 — Curiosity, listening, and relational leadership 2:10:00 — Butterflies, growth, and embracing discomfort 2:22:00 — Final reflections on paradox and leadership About Lighthouse Institute Lighthouse Institute exists to shine light that ignites connection, inspires hope, and transforms generations. Through leadership development, coaching, facilitation, and organizational training, Lighthouse helps individuals and teams grow in self-awareness, communication, trust, ownership, and leadership effectiveness. The Leadership, And… podcast explores leadership through the lens of real life: work, parenting, marriage, conflict, purpose, growth, and everything in between. Follow along for more conversations about leadership, parenting, relationships, conflict, growth, and the human side of leadership. Let's Go Shine Bright ✨ Notes: - The Curiosity Shop, Brene Brown & Adam Grant 5/28 episode: Exploring the Paradoxes of Human Nature.  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tVqjcbs3io) - Jim Collins Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0, The Genius of And: (https://www.jimcollins.com/books/BE2.html) (https://www.amazon.com/BE-2-0-Beyond-Entrepreneurship-Business/dp/0399564233) - Can’t Poem by Edgar Albert Guest  ( https://allpoetry.com/poem/8471321-Can-t-by-Edgar-Albert-Guest )

    Episode 04: Leadership AND…Chris Ferree

  9. Jun 1

    Episode 03: Leadership AND... Chris Failla

    Finding Your Why: The Conversation That Changes Everything What if one of the most important questions you'll ever answer isn't "what do I do" or "where am I going"? What if it's simply: Why? In Episode 3 of the Leadership, And… Podcast, Josh Donovan and Patrick Ibarra sit down with leadership coach and author Chris Failla to unpack the story behind one of the most transformational tools in the Lighthouse ecosystem: the Why Process. What begins as the story of how Josh and Chris first met quickly becomes a deep conversation about purpose, identity, vulnerability, trust, belonging, and the hidden wounds that often shape our greatest gifts. Together, they explore why so many people spend their lives chasing "what" and "how" questions while never slowing down long enough to ask the question underneath them all: Who am I? This episode is part origin story, part masterclass, and part invitation to do the deeper work of understanding yourself. Because when you find your why, you don't just discover what you're here to do. You discover who you are. In This Episode: The meet-cute story of how Josh and Chris first metWhy the Why Process became foundational to LighthouseThe difference between purpose, vision, and goalsWhy most people ask the wrong questions about their futureHow wounds often reveal our deepest giftsThe role vulnerability plays in connection and trustWhy organizational culture starts with individual clarityHow core purpose and core values work togetherThe relationship between strengths, identity, and self-leadershipWhy asking for help is often a gift to the people around youChris's upcoming book, RE:Stress, and a new way of thinking about stress Timestamps: 00:00 — How Josh and Chris first met 05:00 — The unexpected experience that changed everything 09:00 — Josh's search for a coach 12:00 — Patrick hears about "this guy you need to meet" 14:00 — What the Why Process actually is 18:00 — Chris discovers Simon Sinek's Find Your Why framework 21:00 — Why purpose is a place to come from, not a place to get to 26:00 — Lighthouse, organizational clarity, and core ideology 33:00 — The structure of a Why Statement 35:00 — Who should do a Why Process and when? 38:00 — Family Why sessions and leadership at home 41:00 — Origin stories, vulnerability, and connection 48:00 — Why vulnerability literally means "the ability to be wounded" 52:00 — Josh shares his Why Statement 58:00 — Patrick shares his Why Statement 1:06:00 — Chris shares his Why Statement 1:10:00 — Why finding your why requires other people 1:17:00 — Core values, strengths, and self-leadership 1:33:00 — Introducing RE:Stress 1:39:00 — The connection between stress, purpose, and belonging 1:50:00 — Why asking for help is actually a gift 2:05:00 — Chris's brother, grief, and the message behind the book Notes: Brené brown Anatomy of Trust video  (https://brenebrown.com/videos/anatomy-trust-video/) Family Guy roadrunner episode  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPqkHlBcpzs) Nike Trained Simon Sinek episode  (https://open.spotify.com/episode/4NzraIzotFdP9Z5FpbE8qM) Re: Stress by Chris Failla (Lighthouse Publishing) https://lighthouseinstitute.com/publishing/ About Lighthouse Institute Lighthouse Institute exists to shine light that ignites connection, inspires hope, and transforms generations. Through leadership development, coaching, facilation, and organizational training, Lighthouse helps individuals and teams grow in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, trust, ownership, and leadership effectiveness. The Leadership, And… podcast explores leadership through the lens of real life: work, relationships, parenting, purpose, conflict, growth, and the human experience. Follow along for more conversations about leadership, parenting, relationships, conflict, growth, and the human side of leadership.

    Episode 03: Leadership AND... Chris Failla

  10. May 15

    Episode 02: Leadership AND…Management & Followership

    Why Most People Confuse Them What’s the difference between leadership and management? And why does that distinction matter so much at work, at home, and in the way we lead ourselves? In Episode 2 of the Leadership, And… Podcast, Josh Donovan and Patrick Ibarra unpack one of the most foundational ideas behind the Lighthouse Institute approach to leadership: you lead people, and you manage systems and processes. From construction companies building massive AI data centers to conversations with spouses, kids, and coworkers, this episode explores what it actually looks like to create psychologically safe environments, empower feedback, and lead with emotional intelligence. Josh and Patrick also dive into the dangers of perfectionism, why organizations often unintentionally silence honest communication, and how tools like Plus/Delta can radically transform relationships when used with humility and consistency. This conversation is practical, deeply human, and full of tangible leadership wisdom that applies far beyond the workplace. Because leadership isn’t just about titles. It’s about how we show up everywhere we go. In This Episode: The difference between leadership, management, and followershipWhy “you lead people and manage systems” changes everythingHow psychological safety impacts communicationWhy people stop speaking upThe role emotional intelligence plays in leadershipWhy many organizations over-manage and under-leadHow Plus/Delta creates healthier feedback loopsParenting, blind spots, and creating environments where people feel heardTimestamps: 00:00 — Why Lighthouse gives ideas away for free 04:00 — The purpose behind the podcast 06:00 — Lighthouse clients and the construction industry 10:00 — AI, data centers, and interpersonal leadership 15:00 — Lighthouse offerings: Leadership Series, Lift, Coaching, and Team Facilitation 20:00 — Why Lighthouse wants people talking about leadership 26:00 — Leadership vs. management explained 30:00 — “You lead people and manage systems” 33:00 — Followership and speaking truth to power 35:00 — Parenting, psychological safety, and communication 42:00 — Hard on process, soft on people 48:00 — The Plus/Delta feedback tool 56:00 — Leadership roles at work, at home, and within yourself 1:03:00 — Bedtime journaling, emotional awareness, and growth 1:08:00 — Why the “compliment sandwich” often backfires 1:13:00 — Psychological safety and honest conversations 1:18:00 — Blind spots, humility, and feedback About Lighthouse Institute Lighthouse Institute exists to shine light that ignites connection, inspires hope, and transforms generations. Through leadership development, coaching, facilitation, and organizational training, Lighthouse helps individuals and teams grow in emotional intelligence, ownership, communication, self-awareness, and leadership effectiveness. The Leadership, And… podcast explores leadership through real conversations about work, relationships, parenting, conflict, growth, and the human side of leading well. Follow along for future conversations about leadership, parenting, relationships, conflict, growth, and the human side of leadership.

    Episode 02: Leadership AND…Management & Followership

  11. May 1

    Leadership AND…Intro

    Leadership, AND

  12. May 1

    Episode 01 -Leadership, AND...The Beginning

    Why Leadership Is About More Than Work What if leadership isn’t just about managing teams, improving performance, or climbing higher professionally? What if leadership touches everything? In the very first episode of the Leadership, And… podcast, Josh Donovan and Patrick Ibarra introduce both the heart behind the podcast and the deeper mission of Lighthouse Institute, a leadership development company built around the belief that better humans make better leaders. This conversation explores the stories that shaped Lighthouse, the personal journeys that led Josh and Patrick into leadership work, and why emotional intelligence, self-awareness, parenting, relationships, and personal growth all belong in the leadership conversation. They also unpack the tension between progress and perfection, discuss why leadership cannot be separated from who we are at home, and explain the meaning behind the phrase: “Wherever you go, there you are.” Whether you're leading a company, a family, a team, or simply trying to lead yourself well, this episode is an invitation into a more honest, integrated approach to leadership. In This Episode: The story behind Lighthouse InstituteWhy leadership is deeply relational and humanHow emotional intelligence impacts every area of lifeWhy “progress over perfection” mattersThe risks of compartmentalizing work and home lifeThe role mindset plays in personal growthWhy personal development affects leadership effectivenessThe vision behind Lighthouse Media and this podcastTimestamps: 00:00 — Why leadership needs the word “and” 02:00 — The origin story of Lighthouse Institute 10:00 — Fitness, coaching, and whole-person leadership 17:00 — How Josh and Patrick met 24:00 — The Lighthouse leadership model explained 33:00 — Why the leadership series changes lives 41:00 — Progress over perfection 51:00 — The evolution of Lighthouse Institute 56:00 — Patrick joins the Lighthouse team 1:07:00 — The “why” behind Lighthouse 1:14:00 — Emotional intelligence and naming emotions 1:20:00 — Leadership, relationships, and emotional awareness About Lighthouse Institute Lighthouse Institute exists to shine light that ignites connection, inspires hope, and transforms generations. Through leadership development, coaching, facilitation, and organizational training, Lighthouse helps individuals and teams lead with greater self-awareness, ownership, emotional intelligence, and purpose. Follow along for future conversations about leadership, parenting, relationships, conflict, growth, and the human side of leadership.

    Episode 01 -Leadership, AND...The Beginning
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Leadership, AND… is a podcast for leaders who are ready to stop choosing between extremes AND start embracing the full picture. Leadership can feel heavy. The pressure to perform. The expectation to have answers. The tension between who you are AND who you’re becoming. This podcast explores the real, human side of leadership. The doubts, the growth, the relationships, AND the responsibility that comes with it. Hosted by Josh Donovan, CEO of Lighthouse Institute, AND Patrick Ibarra, each episode brings honest conversations AND human-centered leadership tools that go beyond theory. Because leadership isn’t just what you do at work. It’s how you show up everywhere. Leadership, AND… creates space for conversations that go beyond the workplace. Into your relationships. With your parents AND your kids. With your co-workers, your friends, AND your community. At Lighthouse, we believe better humans make better leaders. And that leadership is not a role you play, it’s a way of being. This is an invitation to see the whole person. To lead with light. To live with love. To hold both strength AND vulnerability, clarity AND curiosity, ambition AND presence. If you’re ready to grow as a leader AND as a human, you’re in the right place. Let’s Go Shine Bright ✨

Information

  • Creator
    Lighthouse Media
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Leadership, AND
  • Show Website
    Leadership, AND

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