Alan Briggs is joined by Brad Lomenick, leadership consultant, author, and connector of world-changing leaders, to discuss the art of building meaningful relationships, creating transformational gatherings, and leading with curiosity.
Brad unpacks the difference between networkers vs. connectors, the importance of relational intelligence, and how leaders can curate experiences that foster true connection. They also dive into:
Why curiosity is the bridge between knowledge and action
How to read the room and pivot your leadership approach in real-time
The power of invite-only, high-impact gatherings
How faith, influence, and leadership intersect in today’s world
Practical strategies to become a better connector and steward relationships wisely
If you're a leader, entrepreneur, pastor, or someone who wants to level up their ability to connect and influence, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical takeaways.
Coaching questions for you:
What am I wired to do? – What are my natural strengths, skills, and abilities?
What do I love to do? – What work excites and energizes me?
What is God calling me to do in this season? – What is my purpose or divine assignment right now?
What can I do that creates income and sustainability? – How can I make this a viable, long-term pursuit?
Connect with Brad:
https://www.bradlomenick.com/
Attend our next demystifying sabbaticals webinar: https://www.sabbaticalcoachinggroup.com/webinars-and-trainings#registration

In this deeply moving and insightful conversation, Alan Briggs sits down with bestselling author and pastor John Ortberg to explore the profound relationship between pain, spiritual growth, and authentic community. Drawing from his own personal journey, the teachings of Jesus, and the wisdom of the AA movement, John shares how embracing our brokenness can lead to deep transformation.
About John
John Ortberg was born in Rockford, Illinois. He earned his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College, and his M.Div. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He has also studied at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. From 1985 to 1990 he served as senior pastor at Simi Valley Community Church, and then from 1990 to 1994 at Horizons Community Church (now Baseline Community Church) in Claremont, California. He then moved from California to Illinois to serve as a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois until 2003, when he became the senior pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, a multi-campus church in Northern California. Now, John leads the ministry Become New focused on helping people grow spiritually one day at a time through daily teaching and community. 
John's wife, Nancy, is also a pastor and published author. She currently leads Transforming the Bay with Christ in San Jose, California. John and Nancy have three children: Laura, Daniel, and John III. 
A central theme of John’s teaching is spiritual formation, the transforming of human character through authentic experiences with God. John was a friend and mentee of the late Dallas Willard, a Christian teacher and author who wrote works such as The Divine Conspiracy and Renovation of the Heart. John draws much of his inspiration from Dallas. Today John continues to work alongside authors and teachers such as John Mark Comer, the founder and leader of Practicing the Way.
John has been a speaker at many events including: Promise Keepers, Global Leadership Summit, Catalyst, and Practicing the Way.
John is currently working on a new book based on the Become New teaching series “Ashes to Beauty” in which he explores the importance of embracing personal inadequacy as a means to experience spiritual renewal.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why pain is often the greatest catalyst for spiritual growth✅ The lessons John has learned from suffering and how they changed him✅ How true connection and healing come through vulnerability✅ What the church can learn from AA and the 12-step journey✅ The power of confession, community, and finding a fully disclosing friend✅ Why hitting rock bottom may actually be the beginning of real hope
Key Quotes:
💬 "There is no barrier to my joyfully serving God today."💬 "We can only be fully loved when we are fully known."💬 "The worse your story, the warmer your welcome—who does that sound like? That’s Jesus."💬 "God’s address is at the end of your rope."
Resources & Links:
📖 John Ortberg’s latest book: Steps – Get Your Copy Here🎧 John Ortberg’s Daily Podcast: Listen Here📚 Recommended Reading: Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
 

 Alan and Jonathan explore the intersection of leadership and culture using the NFL as a case study, discussing how organizational culture impacts performance. They delve into the definitions of culture, the importance of health and impact in leadership, and share examples of NFL teams, particularly focusing on the Washington Commanders' recent turnaround. The discussion emphasizes the need for leaders to identify cultural issues, make necessary changes, and foster an environment where team members feel valued and respected.
 
Takeaways
Culture is the atmosphere of an organization.
Healthy cultures can still underperform, and unhealthy cultures can perform well temporarily.
Identifying cultural issues requires honesty and clarity.
Effective leadership involves creating a culture where people want to be involved.
Total overhauls in culture often require hard decisions and new leadership.
The Washington Commanders' turnaround showcases the impact of healthy leadership.
Different leadership styles can lead to successful cultures in sports teams.
Respect is crucial for leaders to maintain a healthy culture.
Cultural health cascades down from leadership to all levels of an organization.
Evaluating and addressing cultural health is essential for long-term success.
Reclaim your brain.
visit www.magicmind.com today and use code BRIGGS at checkout for an exclusive discount. 
 

We often hear about "awareness" and "seasons" in leadership, but what if the key to making better decisions isn't about setting the right goals—but recognizing the season you're actually in? 
In this episode, Jonathan and Alan dive deep into the overlooked yet powerful concept of leadership seasons. They discuss how understanding the phase you're in—whether it's one of pruning, growth, acceleration, or transition—can bring clarity, reduce overwhelm, and lead to more effective actions.
Key Takeaways
Your goals aren’t the problem—your season might be. Are you in a time of expansion or a period where slowing down is wiser?Seasons change, and so should your leadership strategy. You can’t hustle the same way at 40 as you did at 25.Naming your season brings clarity. Learn two powerful methods for identifying where you are.Leadership isn’t always about acceleration. Organizations, teams, and individuals go through rhythms of pruning and growth.Action follows awareness. Once you know your season, what courageous steps will you take?
Reflection Questions
Hit pause, grab a journal, and reflect on these:What season have you just come from?When did (or will) that season end?What season are you currently in?What should you say yes to in this season?What should you say no to?What’s scary about this season change?
 

In this episode, Alan sits down with author, pastor, and speaker Zach Meerkreebs to explore the journey of humility, pain, and redemption that led to his powerful new book, Lower. Zach shares how God shaped his life through challenges, failures, and moments of transformation. The conversation dives deep into themes like radical humility, the crushing seasons of life, and finding God's presence in unexpected places—whether it’s cleaning windows or working at a donut shop. Zach offers raw, heartfelt reflections on grief, leadership, and the power of embracing the low places to let God work in profound ways.
Key Moments:
Childhood & Faith Journey: Zach's unique story of growing up in a Jewish household and finding Jesus through authentic relationships with mentors like Alan.
Lessons in Leadership: Insights from Zach's experiences at the Asbury revival and how 16 days transformed his understanding of humility and spiritual leadership.
The Crushing & Formation: Zach shares candidly about personal failures, the painful process of restoration, and how God uses "compost moments" to cultivate growth.
Radical Humility Defined: A deep dive into the biblical concept of humility as "agreeing with God's assessment of who we are and who He is."
Living in Tension: Zach talks about the paradox of writing a book on humility and navigating the challenges of staying grounded while sharing his story widely.
Quotes to Remember:
"Humility isn’t about thinking less of yourself; it’s agreeing with who God says you are and trusting Him to lead."
"You can choose to let suffering deform you—or let it form you into the image of Christ."
"Radical humility is one of the most countercultural and compelling traits Christians can live out today."
A Message for the Weary:If you're in a season of crushing, Zach offers encouragement rooted in Ephesians 2:10: "You are God’s workmanship, created for good works." He shares a powerful reminder to trust the process and let God’s Spirit testify to your adoption, even in the midst of hardship.
Resources Mentioned:
Zach Meerkreebs’ book, Lower: The Journey of Radical Humility
Philippians 2:1-11 – A passage that anchored Zach during the Asbury revival
Call to Action:Be sure to grab your copy of Lower to dive deeper into the principles of radical humility and the stories that shaped Zach’s faith. Available on Amazon and other major retailers now! https://bit.ly/lowerzm

In the second half of this two-part series, Alan Briggs continues his conversation with Steve Cuss, diving deeper into the challenges leaders face in managing their inner critic, breaking predictable patterns, and finding freedom in their faith.
Steve shares powerful tools to notice and navigate reactivity, align your beliefs with God’s truth, and relax into His presence. This episode is packed with practical strategies and wisdom to help leaders thrive emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.
Highlights from Part 2:
How reactivity blocks our awareness of God’s presence—and ways to overcome it.
Strategies for quieting the inner critic and embracing God’s truth over self-condemnation.
Why predictable patterns in leadership and faith keep us stuck—and how to break free.
The importance of staying "human-sized" in leadership and relationships.
Practical ways to trip over God’s love throughout your day.
Resources Mentioned:
Steve Cuss’s book: The Expectation Gap
Steve Cuss’s Website
Listen to Steve’s Podcast, Being Human
Register for the Demystifying Sabbaticals Webinar on January 29th: Learn More Here
Stay Connected:
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We’ll see you next week with more content to help you live and lead with clarity, purpose, and impact!

In the first part of this two-part conversation, Alan Briggs sits down with Steve Cuss, author of The Expectation Gap, to explore the challenges of managing expectations, staying human-sized in overwhelming spaces, and starting the year with curiosity instead of pressure.
Steve shares personal stories about imposter syndrome, the power of micro-habits, and practical tools to help you "stub your toe" on God's love throughout your day. This episode is packed with insight for leaders, parents, and anyone feeling the weight of expectations as the year begins.
Highlights from Part 1:
Why New Year’s resolutions often miss the mark and how to set achievable goals.
The concept of staying “human-sized” in rooms that feel too big.
Practical ways to manage the inner critic and reconnect with God’s love.
Steve’s reflections on his own predictable patterns and how to break free.
Resources Mentioned:
Steve Cuss’s book: The Expectation Gap
Demystifying Sabbaticals Webinar - January 29th (Register now!)
Follow us on YouTube for more practical content every single week.
Be sure to tune in next week for Part 2, where Steve dives deeper into recognizing reactivity, breaking predictable patterns, and sharing his favorite tools for lasting change.

It’s a new year, and we’re diving headfirst into 2025 with fresh perspectives, inspiring reflections, and a whole lot of excitement! 🎉 Alan and Jonathan kick off the year by exploring the complexities of goal setting, sharing their personal journeys from skepticism to finding a rhythm that works. Whether you’re someone who loves mapping out goals or feels overwhelmed by them, this episode will offer a fresh take.
In this special highlights episode, we revisit two standout conversations from 2024:
Todd Henry on Creativity and ConsistencyCreativity isn’t just for artists—it’s for everyone. Todd Henry, a creative powerhouse and leadership expert, challenges the notion that creativity is reserved for a select few. He breaks down what it means to show up every day and bring your best work to the world. If you’ve ever doubted your creative potential, this conversation will ignite your imagination and give you practical tools to unleash your brilliance in 2025.
John Tyson on Reclaiming ManhoodAddressing the cultural crisis in manhood, John Tyson shares profound insights from his book Chasing Shadows. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of identity, purpose, and legacy. While the message is aimed at men, it resonates deeply with listeners of all backgrounds, offering hope and practical wisdom for building a life of consequence.
What We’re Excited About for 2025:Alan and Jonathan get candid about their goals, dreams, and projects for the year ahead. From upcoming books and sabbatical guides to hosting leadership retreats in Colorado, this segment is full of inspiration for leaders looking to make an impact while maintaining balance.
Upcoming Webinar:Join us on January 29th for our next webinar in the series that’s empowering leaders to thrive. Whether you’re dreaming of a sabbatical or want to learn how to implement meaningful pauses in your life, this event is for you. head to sabbaticalcoachinggroup.com to register—don’t miss it!
Connect with Us:
Dive deeper into these conversations with the full episodes linked below.
Explore resources like the Growth Game Plan to help align your identity, dreams, and impact.
Follow us on social media for daily leadership insights.
Closing Thought:As Alan says, “The year only gets as crazy as you let it.” Let’s commit to a 2025 that’s full of intentionality, creativity, and lasting impact. See you next week!