WiLD Conversation

WiLD Leaders
WiLD Conversation

Whole + intentional leader development topics every week. Get to know the WiLD team, experts in whole leader development, and creators of the WiLD Toolkit.

  1. FEB 18

    Conflict, Trust, and the Energy Between: How Leaders Steward the Tension with Dr. Nate Regier

    Many leaders see conflict as a problem to avoid rather than a resource to steward. But what if conflict isn’t inherently bad? What if it’s simply the energy in the gap between differences—a natural outcome of diversity? In this episode of the WiLD Conversation Podcast, Dr. Rob McKenna sits down with Nate Regier from Next Element to explore: Why conflict and trust are deeply interconnected. How the most effective leaders manage the energy of conflict rather than suppress it. Why composure in leadership is more than self-control—it’s a form of compassionate accountability. The critical intersection between people and process—and why separating them is a mistake. The power of research-backed leadership development that balances qualitative insights with objective data. Leaders today are running low on energy. But what if the key to energized, resilient leadership isn’t about avoiding conflict—but learning how to harness it? Join Rob and Nate for a deep dive into the art and science of leading with trust, navigating conflict with wisdom, and transforming organizational dynamics for the better. Leadership Takeaways: Conflict is Inevitable—How You Steward It Matters. It’s not about whether conflict is good or bad, but how you manage the energy in the gap between differences. Trust and Conflict Are Two Sides of the Same Coin. Healthy teams don’t avoid conflict—they build trust through compassionate accountability and honest dialogue. Composure is Leadership Currency. Leaders who remain steady in high-conflict situations create stability and psychological safety for their teams. People and Process Must Work Together. The best organizations don’t separate operational excellence from human connection—they embrace the paradox. Measurement Brings Clarity. Balancing qualitative and quantitative insights helps leaders see the truth, make intelligent mistakes, and ask better questions. #Leadership #ConflictResolution #WiLDConversations #CompassionateAccountability #EnergyManagement #OrganizationalHealth

    43 min
  2. FEB 11

    The Courage to Connect: Breaking Barriers & Building Whole Community

    In this weeks WiLD Conversation podcast episode, we explore the deep need for community—why we seek it, how we build it, and what it means for leadership. From childhood experiences with unconventional communities to forging lifelong bonds through intentional gatherings, we uncover the undeniable influence of being surrounded by people who challenge, support, and sustain us. Whether leading an organization, raising a family, or navigating life’s transitions, true community brings us closer to wholeness. Leaders thrive not in isolation but within intentional relationships that encourage growth, vulnerability, and trust.   Key Takeaways:✅ Community is about commonality, purpose, and shared experiences—leaders must foster environments where people feel a sense of belonging.✅ The best communities allow people to be as close to their whole selves as possible, cultivating trust, vulnerability, and deep connection.✅ Great leadership is built within strong communities—without them, leaders risk isolation and stagnation.✅ Building community requires courage, intention, and the willingness to invite others in, even when it’s difficult. Our Strategic Support Assessment (SSA) in our WiLD Toolkit builds your strategic network of support in real time. This includes mentors, role models, those who provide you with feedback, emotional support, and even those who may open a door when you are looking for a new opportunity. In addition, the SSA allows you to build a core group of individuals who will serve as your personal advisory board.   Want to learn more? Connect with a WiLD Team member today to explore how the SSA can help you strengthen your support system and navigate your leadership journey with greater confidence. #Leadership #CommunityMatters #WholeLeaders #IntentionalLiving #Trust #ResilientLeadership #Belonging #WiLDConversation #Strategic #Support

    23 min
  3. JAN 28

    The Sacred Trade-Off: 10 Keys to Sacrifice, Self-Preservation, and Leadership Wholeness

    Sacrificial leadership isn’t about giving up everything—it’s about thoughtfully considering the personal costs necessary to live in alignment with your values and serve those around you. In this episode, we unpack what it means to lead sacrificially without losing yourself, explore the tension between self-preservation and selflessness, and discuss how true sacrifice often involves letting go of what we hold most tightly. Through practical insights and relatable examples, we’ll challenge you to identify your "sacrificial line" and embrace the uncomfortable yet transformational moments that build trust, deepen relationships, and foster authentic leadership. Leadership Takeaways Sacrifice Isn’t All or NothingTrue leadership recognizes the balance between self-preservation and sacrificial moments—it’s not about giving everything up, but about making thoughtful, meaningful choices for the benefit of others. Awareness is KeyTo lead sacrificially, you must first identify what you hold most tightly—be it pride, comfort, control, or something deeply personal—and consider the cost of letting it go. Sacrifice is RelationalTrue sacrifice happens in the context of relationships. Whether in the workplace, with family, or friends, leadership often requires putting someone else’s needs above your own. Sacrifice Requires CourageSacrificial leadership invites vulnerability, humility, and the courage to act on the quiet nudges we often ignore—like putting down your phone or truly listening to someone else’s story. For more on WiLD Leaders visit: https://www.wildleaders.org/ Let's connect to explore how you can use the WiLD Trust Index to measure and build trust in your own organization. Click here for more on the WiLD Trust Index: https://www.wildleaders.org/wild-trust-index #Leadership #Sacrifice #PersonalGrowth #AuthenticLeadership #RelationalLeadership #GrowthMindset #SelfAwareness #WiLD #Podcast #BuildingTrust #WiLDTrustPlatform

    25 min
  4. JAN 14

    Trust in Crisis: Lessons in Leadership with Tami Heim

    In this inspiring episode of the WiLD Leaders podcast, Dr. Rob McKenna sits down with Tami Heim, CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance and former President of Borders Inc., to explore the unshakable importance of trust in leadership—especially during moments of crisis. Tami reflects on her leadership journey through disruptive times, offering insights into building trust, embracing collaboration, and navigating the highs and lows of achievement. Listeners will hear how she turned challenges into opportunities, including managing through the rise of e-commerce giants, leading under pressure, and creating systems that drove lasting change. Tami shares her commitment to lifelong learning, the value of mentoring relationships, and why pausing to reflect on the "why" behind decisions often leads to the best outcomes. Key Leadership Takeaways Trust is Tested in Crisis: Trust is cultivated over time but is truly revealed and refined when challenges arise. Fail Forward: Embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow, and reflect on both successes and failures for continued improvement. Collaborative Leadership: Empowering others to contribute, innovate, and adapt often leads to greater outcomes than working alone. Focus and Flexibility: Knowing when to pivot and prioritize can be the difference between surviving and thriving in turbulent times. The Power of Reflection: Leaders must take time to think critically and deeply about their decisions to ensure they align with long-term goals.

    59 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

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Whole + intentional leader development topics every week. Get to know the WiLD team, experts in whole leader development, and creators of the WiLD Toolkit.

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