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!

In this special Christmas edition of the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast, hosts Alan Briggs and Jonathan Collier invite you to take a deep breath, step back, and embrace the power of gratitude. As the year winds down, they share practical insights for leaders to close out the year with intentionality and step into the next chapter with clarity and focus.
This episode is packed with reflections on:
How gratitude rewires your brain and transforms your leadership approach.
Two powerful year-end exercises: creating a gratitude list and embracing "necessary endings."
Heartfelt shoutouts to the Stay Forth team, coaching clients, and loyal listeners.
Alan and Jonathan also revisit some of the year's standout podcast episodes. Get ready to be inspired by their conversation with Patrick Lencioni on organizational health and leadership and an energizing chat with Tabitha Scott on aligning productivity with purpose.
Whether you're cozying up with family this holiday season or finding solitude in nature, Alan and Jonathan encourage you to rest deeply, reflect intentionally, and set the tone for a healthier, impactful year ahead.
Key Takeaways:
Gratitude is more than a feeling—it's a leadership discipline.
The value of pruning and making space for what's truly important.
Highlights from memorable episodes featuring Patrick Lencioni and Tabitha Scott.
Resources & Links:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive video clips from this episode.
Listen to the full episodes with Patrick Lencioni and Tabitha Scott.
Call to Action:As you wind down your year, don't miss the chance to reflect, refocus, and recharge. Subscribe, share, and join the Stay Forth community as we walk this leadership journey together. 🌟

After a transformative six-week sabbatical, Alan Briggs returns to the Stay Forth and the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast to unpack his experience. Join co-host Jonathan Collier as he dives deep with Alan into the why, how, and unexpected joys of stepping back to recharge and recalibrate.
In this episode, Alan reveals:
The pivotal reasons behind his sabbatical decision after seven years.
How "place, pace, and perspective" reshaped his vision for work and life.
The unexpected clarity and creativity that emerged from intentional rest.
Practical tips for leaders contemplating a sabbatical of their own.
Discover how intentional rest isn't just a luxury but a necessity for sustainable impact. Whether you're a visionary leader, coach, or someone feeling the weight of burnout, this episode will inspire you to explore your own rhythms of rest and renewal.
Highlights:
🌄 Mountaintop Moments: The breathtaking adventures that helped Alan reconnect with nature, purpose, and God.
🔧 Sparks of Creation: How welding became a metaphor for leadership restoration.
📖 Margin = Imagination: Why space for rest fuels creativity and clarity.
🎯 Practical Sabbatical Tips: From planning to executing a rest-filled, budget-friendly sabbatical.
🔥 Clarity After the Pause: Alan’s renewed perspective on leading his team, family, and life post-sabbatical.
🎙️ Quotes to Remember:
“Without margin, there’s no imagination.”
“The question isn’t just, ‘What do I need to do?’ but, ‘Who do I need to be?’”
“Your team can’t be more clear than you are as a leader.”
👉 Connect with us:
Visit our website: Stay Forth
Learn more about sabbatical coaching: Sabbatical Coaching Group

Alan dives deep into the world of creativity and team dynamics with author, international speaker, and consultant, Todd Henry. His seven books have been translated into more than a dozen languages.
🌟 Todd Todd Henry has been a guiding force in the realm of creativity, coaching teams towards excellence and teaching them how to thrive together. His insights and strategies have reshaped the way creative teams operate and collaborate.
🔥 What You'll Discover The Essence of Team Creativity: Explore how Todd Henry has empowered creative teams to "live well" together, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. Journey of Change: Todd opens up about his personal decision to move beyond good opportunities in pursuit of great ones, and the bravery it took to embrace change. Practical Wisdom: Gain valuable insights from Todd's experiences and learn how you can apply these lessons to your own creative endeavors and team dynamics.
📚 Todd's Work For more about Todd Henry and his work, check out his website https://www.toddhenry.com/
👉 Stay Connected Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how you're applying these insights in your life!
✅ Subscribe for More If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe for more insightful conversations with industry leaders.

In this heartfelt episode, Alan Briggs sits down with Lantz Howard, a coach, mentor, and advocate for wholehearted living. Together, they unpack the journey from burnout to living with purpose and intention. Lantz shares his story of leaving the corporate grind of ministry, embracing an 18-month wilderness season, and rediscovering his identity as a husband, father, and leader.
Key topics include:
The danger of "quiet resignation" and living half-heartedly.
The transformative power of risk, adventure, and community.
Practical ways men can reconnect with their purpose, strengthen their marriages, and cultivate meaningful friendships.
The importance of mentorship—both giving and receiving—and how it can change your life.
Lantz also shares his passion for guiding men through spiritual leadership expeditions and marriage adventures, offering insights into how taking intentional time away can lead to breakthroughs in every area of life.
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Right now, through December 6th, take advantage of Magic Mind’s Black Friday deal: 50% off your first subscription. Visit magicmind.com/stayforthleadershipBF and discover how you can boost your efficiency and lead from a healthier place.
Connect with Lantz Howard:
Website: LantzHoward.com
Daily insights on LinkedIn: Lantz Howard

Happy Thanksgiving from the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast! 🦃 In this special episode, we dive into seven habits that can transform your life and leadership. Alan Briggs shares practical, life-giving practices that are keeping him grounded, energized, and effective. From rethinking how you rest to prioritizing deep work, these actionable insights are designed to help you lead with purpose and intention.
Inside This Episode:
Why consistent exercise fuels energy and clarity.
The game-changing power of consistent sleep and rise times.
How scheduling family time proactively strengthens relationships.
The underrated art of taking intentional time off.
Mastering deep work with tips inspired by Cal Newport.
How the Right Side Up Journal can simplify your priorities and boost productivity.
Why surrounding yourself with life-giving people is essential for thriving leadership.
This episode isn’t just about habits—it’s about shaping a life that aligns with your values. Whether you’re relaxing post-Thanksgiving feast or planning for the new year, this conversation is your guide to stepping into 2025 with clarity and confidence.
📖 Mentioned in this episode:
The Right Side Up Journal – A tool for leaders to plan their days with purpose. Available on Amazon.
Cal Newport’s book, Deep Work.
🔔 Don’t Forget:
Subscribe on YouTube
Grab the Right Side Up Journal here to simplify your life and leadership.
Connect With Us:
Website: Stay Forth
Follow us on social: @stayforth
Take a moment today to rest, reflect, and embrace the habits that shape the life you’re striving to live. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Thanksgiving!

Business futurist Tabitha Scott shares her expertise on the fascinating concept of organizations as living organisms and the importance of energy dynamics in effective leadership. Tabitha challenges traditional models of change management, advocating for a more adaptive and fluid approach. She also highlights the profound value of sabbaticals for re-centering leaders, the essential link between productivity and purpose, and her predictions for the evolving future of leadership and organizations.
Listeners will gain actionable insights on how to align personal energy with organizational goals, unlock the potential of their teams, and embrace a mindset of empowerment in the face of constant change.
Key Takeaways:
Organizations, like living organisms, must innovate to thrive.
Change management is outdated; leaders need to learn how to flow with change.
Energy management is critical for avoiding burnout and sustaining leadership impact.
Sabbaticals are an essential tool for leaders to gain perspective and re-energize.
Productivity stems from being energized and driven by a clear purpose.
The future of leadership demands a shift towards empowerment and authenticity.
Listening to energy levels, both personal and organizational, is key for effective decision-making.
Sound Bites:
"What the heck is a business futurist?"
"Stop trying to chase change."
"Listen to what's in the current."
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
00:21 – Understanding the Growth Cycle
01:08 – Organization as a Living Organism
03:21 – Assess, Align, and Adapt
04:26 – The Currency of Leadership: Energy
05:43 – Markers of Organizational Decline
07:11 – Markers of Personal Overwhelm
08:38 – The Power of Sabbaticals
09:08 – Knowing When to Push or Rest
10:20 – The Transformational Power of Nature
13:08 – Productivity and Purpose
15:22 – Finding Purpose in Serving Others
20:38 – Focusing on the Present
22:08 – Conclusion
About Tabitha Scott:Tabitha Scott is a renowned business futurist and energy management expert. She has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives, including the creation of the world’s largest solar-powered community, and her innovative work has been recognized by the White House. A prolific writer, Tabitha has been featured in publications like Forbes and CEO Magazine and is certified in diverse fields, from energy management to blockchain technology.
With advanced degrees in Finance and Business Management and certifications in holistic and organizational practices, Tabitha is uniquely equipped to guide leaders and organizations toward innovation and resilience.
Connect with Tabitha:
Website: www.tabithascott.com
Books: Tabitha’s WorksRegister for Demystifying Sabbaticals: https://www.sabbaticalcoachinggroup.com/webinars-and-trainings/event-one-b58ml-2can2-afchj