Christian Woman Leadership Podcast with Esther Littlefield & Holly Cain

Have you ever heard a word or phrase that made an impact and stuck with you for days or weeks to come? Perhaps someone said something directly to you or maybe you heard it in a podcast, read it in Scripture, or it came up in a conversation with a friend. Words have power, and over the past year, I've been collecting phrases and words that have helped me immensely. Today, I'm sharing some of those with you. Plus, I'm sharing 3 things you can do with your words, regardless of your leadership role or title. Connect with me: Website: https://estherlittlefield.com/ Instagram: @estherdlittlefield

What does it look like to disagree in a healthy way as Christians? Can we consume content from people who hold different views from us, or should we try to limit our exposure to varying beliefs? What exactly is deconstruction, and is there such a thing as a healthy or good version of it? In this replay of episode 194 of the podcast, our guest Joel Muddamalle, Director of Theology and research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, shares about the importance of humble theology and much more. For the full show notes, visit https://estherlittlefield.com/episode194 Connect with Esther: WebsiteInstagram

Do you ever feel like you need to stuff your emotions down in order to be an effective leader? Or maybe you prefer not to talk about emotions and you'd rather just get stuff done. What if there was a way to deal with your emotions in a healthy way, rather than stuffing them, letting them take over, or ignoring them? In this replay of episode 180, Jessica Hottle shares about a 5-step process to manage your emotions as a leader. This will help you no matter where you find yourself on the spectrum of emotions! For the full show notes, visit the original post for episode 180 here. Connect with me: WebsiteInstagram

The difference between who we say we are and how we actually live impacts not just us personally, but also everyone we lead. But how can we learn to identify this gap and begin shrinking it? In this replay of episode 121 of the CWLP, Holly and I talk with our guest Terra Mattson, about this issue, which she calls an integrity gap. We dive into what this means, common symptoms of an integrity gap, and how to start closing this gap. In addition, Terra sheds light on why unresolved trauma is common in leaders and what leaders need to do about it. We also discuss with Terra whether we should address integrity gaps when we see them in other people. Finally, we explore why speaking up is so important, even when it’s risky and what it means to become a wholehearted leader. This is an important conversation for every leader, whether you are just getting started or whether you’ve been in leadership for years. As Terra reminds us in the conversation, this is an ongoing process and none of us are immune to integrity gaps. For the full show notes for this episode head to estherlittlefield.com/episode121

In the past few weeks, our country has been reminded of the reality of racism. As Christian leaders, how should we as the church respond? And what can we do on an individual basis? While some of us may not be affected by or see racism on a regular basis, the issue was brought to light in a significant way in recent weeks due to the death of George Floyd (among other incidents). As I considered this issue, I knew this was something I wanted to address on this podcast. Yet I knew that I needed to invite someone who has the expertise to speak to this topic. In this episode, I’m talking with my friend Dr. Shannon Polk. Shannon shares her leadership journey and how she ended up as a lawyer, associate pastor, wife, and mother. Despite being encouraged in her leadership gifts for most of her childhood and young adult years, she still faced doubts about her gifts and leadership ability later in adulthood. For the full show notes for this episode, head to estherlittlefield.com/episode103 STAY CONNECTED: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Click here to find all the options where you can find the podcast. Join our Purposeful Leadership Facebook group! In the Facebook group, we can chat about what you need as a leader, what your challenges are, as well as celebrate the wins. This is a great community to learn and grow together. We want to get to know YOU. Other Ways to Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Esther’s InstagramHolly’s InstagramHolly’s WebsiteFacebook Page

How can the church develop women in leadership? How can male pastors support women in ministry? What are the main challenges female leaders face in ministry? And how should you handle an insecure leader? In this episode Holly and I speak with female leader, consultant, entrepreneur, and author Kadi Cole about women in leadership. Regardless of where you stand theologically on the idea of women in leadership within the church, this is a must-listen episode for those curious about how women can grow God’s kingdom in a biblical way. We talk through how to understand where your church stands on the issue of female leadership, what to do when you don’t agree with its stance, and why this issue is coming to the forefront now. This episode is a replay of episode 60, and is one of my favorite conversations we’ve had on the show over the past 5 years. In choosing this episode, I was sure to choose something that I felt personally challenged by, as well as a conversation that I believe will inspire and encourage you in your leadership journey. For the full show notes to this episode, please head to estherlittlefield.com/episode220 Connect with Kadi: Website Free Download: Theological Cheat Sheet Facebook Instagram Ministry Chick Facebook Group Other Ways to Connect with Esther & Holly and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Esther’s Instagram Holly’s Instagram Podcast Instagram Facebook Page

In this episode, I talk with Jenny Randle, wife, mom, business owner, entrepreneur, and author about how God created each of us to create, how to fight for our creative nature, and how she handles being multi-passionate. Whether or not you believe you’re creative, this is an episode you will not want to miss. This episode is a replay of episode 43, and is one of my favorite conversations we’ve had on the show over the past 5 years. In choosing this episode, I was sure to choose something that I felt personally challenged by, as well as a conversation that I believe will inspire and encourage you in your leadership journey. For the full show notes to this episode, please head to estherlittlefield.com/episode219 Connect with Jenny: Website Instagram Facebook Other Ways to Connect with Esther & Holly and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Esther’s Instagram Holly’s Instagram Podcast Instagram Facebook Page

Have you ever wondered what the people you lead need from you? We often talk about what we as leaders need to be doing and how we can be developing, but today I want to talk with you about what your followers or team members need from you. And it starts with a teenager. I didn't expect to get a powerful leadership insight from listening to a teenager give a speech. But that's what happened this past weekend. Take a listen to this short solo episode where I share what I believe to be the most importnat thing you can give to those you lead. Related listening: Communication Series Podcast update: For the next few months, I'll be re-sharing some older episodes here on the podcast. This is a great chance to catch up on episodes you may have missed, or re-listen to ones that could bring new insights the 2nd time around. Stay Connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Click here to find all the options where you can find the podcast. Join our Purposeful Leadership Facebook group! In the Facebook group, we can chat about what you need as a leader, what your challenges are, as well as celebrate the wins. This is a great community to learn and grow together. We want to get to know YOU. Other Ways to Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Esther’s Instagram Holly’s Instagram Holly’s Website Facebook Page

Five years ago, we had a mission: we wanted to create a resource for Christian women leaders who are looking to grow in their leadership and hear from other women just like them. We never imagined this podcast would last this long or reach as many women as it has. Holly and I are grateful to each and every listener, and in this episode, we are celebrating our five year milestone! In this conversation, we are sharing the top episodes from the past year, our favorite conversations, and we’re getting personal with some lessons God is teaching us through our lives right now. Past Anniversary Episodes: 1 year Anniversary: Episode 57: One Year Anniversary - Top 5 Episodes & Our Favorite Conversations 2 year Anniversary: Episode 109: Lessons Learned from 2 Years Podcasting & Answering Your Questions 3 year Anniversary: Episode 162: All Things Podcasting with Holly and Esther [3 Year Podcast Celebration] 4 Year Anniversary: Episode 197: Celebrating 4 Years - Top Episodes & Fave Conversations of the Past Year Top 5 Episodes from the past year: These are the top 5 most downloaded episodes from the past year. If you haven’t taken a listen, be sure to check them out. Number 5: 199: How to Increase Focus & Decrease Stress as a Leader with Sonita Reese Number 4: 197: Celebrating 4 Years - Top Episodes & Fave Conversations of the Past Year Number 3: 198: When Your Voice Isn’t Heard, Dealing with Toxic Leadership, and Stepping Out Without a Plan with Rachael Groll Number 2: 195: What Confident Leaders Look Like [Revisiting Leading with Confidence] Number 1: 196: Fulfilling Your God-Given Purpose: What's Money Got to Do With It? with Portia Jackson Esther’s Favorite Conversations from the Past Year: Episode 205: Sharing the Truth in a Post-Christian Culture with Phylicia Masonheimer Episode 203: Leading in Higher Education & Why We Must Prioritize Relationships with Heather Thompson Day Holly’s Favorite Conversations from the Past Year: Episode 216: Owning Your Voice and Using Your Gifts as a Female Leader with Jo Saxton How To Series How to Effectively Network & Build Relationships How to Get the Most Out of Live Events How Leaders Can Support Someone Through Crisis How to Deal with the Pressures of Leading as a Female Share with us in our Facebook Group what your favorite episodes from the last year have been! Leaders are Learners: What have you been learning lately? Podcasts Esther has been listening to: A Little Bit Culty Get Your Hopes Up - Christy Wright EntreLeadership Raw, Real, Redeemed Books Esther has read recently: All My Knotted-Up Life by Beth Moore Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa Terkeurst Podcasts Holly has been listening to: Scamanda Counterclock Crime Junkie Books Holly has read recently: Anne of Green Gables Becoming Free Indeed by Jinger Vuolo Still Here and Still Struggling to Serve by Gena McCown Life Updates, Lessons, and What’s Working Well Right Now: Holly: Family and friends visiting; challenges with parenting; big changes for her son in recent weeks. God is teaching her patience through gardening. Esther: Husband transitioned out of ministry; recent move to Tennessee; taking a full-time job at Ramsey Solutions. God is teaching her about letting go through her move. Connect with us: Esther's websiteEsther’s Instagram

Do you ever struggle to own your gifts and voice and feel like you have to hide them in the name of humility? Do you wish you could really put your expertise and knowledge forward in order to make the jump into that next big dream? In episode 216, our guest Jo Saxton shares her views on women in leadership, the unique gifts women bring to those roles, and the ways their gifts enhance any space. Jo goes on to teach the truths of our identity as women as the Bible teaches and encourages us to live in the light of the truth of that identity. Jo’s message is one of empowerment and confidence. She speaks on how to know when and how to really put our voice out there, and how to own your expertise rather than hiding it in the name of humility. She also speaks into what female leaders are struggling with right now in her opinion, and offers wisdom and hope for how to combat it. For the full show notes for this episode, head to estherlittlefield.com/episode216 Connect with Jo: Jo Saxton is a speaker, podcaster, author, and leadership coach. She hosts a digital coaching community and is the founder of Ezer Collective – an initiative dedicated to investing in women leaders around the world, equipping them to own their voice and boldly step into their calling. Born to Nigerian parents and raised in London, England, Jo now lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two daughters. She loves the every-day stuff like good music, good food, and good friends. And Target. She really, really loves Target. Website Instagram Lead Stories Podcast Stay Connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Click here to find all the options where you can find the podcast. Join our Purposeful Leadership Facebook group! In the Facebook group, we can chat about what you need as a leader, what your challenges are, as well as celebrate the wins. This is a great community to learn and grow together. We want to get to know YOU. Other Ways to Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Esther’s Instagram Holly’s Instagram Holly’s Website Facebook Page

When was the last time you found yourself in some sort of networking event? Do you find it easy to engage with others and build relationships at either in-person or virtual events, or does it feel like your worst nightmare? No matter what kind of leadership role you have, you will likely find yourself in situations where networking is essential. The good news is that networking is truly just about building relationships, which is a huge part of being a leader. In this episode, you’ll hear Holly and I break down networking into categories. We’re going to start by shifting our perspective about networking and move into what to do at an event (or virtual room)! We’ll also coach you on what to say when someone asks you about yourself because that can be such a hard question to answer. Stay Connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Click here to find all the options where you can find the podcast. Join our Purposeful Leadership Facebook group! In the Facebook group, we can chat about what you need as a leader, what your challenges are, as well as celebrate the wins. This is a great community to learn and grow together. We want to get to know YOU. Other Ways to Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Esther’s Instagram Holly’s Instagram Holly’s Website Facebook Page

Have you ever wondered when it was time to really buckle down on a project, or when it was time to lay it down? Do you struggle to know how to discern between the two, or feel the freedom to move on from something you once felt passionate about? In episode 214 of the podcast, you’ll hear from Rebecca George. Rebecca is an author, speaker and host of the podcast, Radical Radiance. She also recently wrote a book called Do the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl. In this episode, Rebecca is going to dive deep into the topics of going after our goals, knowing when to pick up projects, and discerning when it’s time to lay those same projects down. She’ll also share with us a very practical way to silence our inner critic by walking through Philippians 4 step by step. Rebecca offers such wisdom and truth as we all learn how to be leaders in our own ways, and as we navigate the ins and outs of our daily walk with The Lord. For the full show notes for this episode, head to estherlittlefield.com/episode214 Connect with Rebecca: Rebecca George is an author, speaker, and host of the popular podcast Radical Radiance. Her greatest joy is helping women pursue their passions in a way that builds God’s kingdom. In her free time, she loves running outside or trying a new recipe with Garth Brooks playing in the background. Website Instagram Tiktok Radical Radiance Podcast Episode 261. The Freedom of a Blank Canvas with Esther Littlefield Free: Shine Bright Journal Do the Thing: Gospel Centered Goals, Gumption and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl Book Stay Connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Click here to find all the options where you can find the podcast. Join our Purposeful Leadership Facebook group! In the Facebook group, we can chat about what you need as a leader, what your challenges are, as well as celebrate the wins. This is a great community to learn and grow together. We want to get to know YOU. Other Ways to Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Esther’s Instagram Holly’s Instagram Holly’s Website Facebook Page

Have you ever attended a live event and not known the best ways to prepare for the event, how best to engage while you were there, or debrief afterward? There’s so much time and planning that goes into getting to a live event that sometimes we don’t take the time to think through what we need to do before, during, and after the actual event takes place. If you’re a listener of this podcast, you’re likely a leader of some sort in some capacity. You likely like to attend events, learn new things, and grow and build new relationships. But sometimes we get back from those events and we just feel overwhelmed. We feel like there's so much that we took away from it, but we have no idea what to do with that information. So, in episode 213 of the podcast, we break that tension down and talk about how to get the most out of these kinds of events. These tips and tricks cover all sorts of live events, from attending a women's conference at your church, a bigger event or conference, to a business event, or even a smaller one, like a networking event. Take what you need from this conversation and apply it to whatever type of event you’re headed to next! For the full show notes for this episode, head to estherlittlefield.com/episode213 Stay Connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Click here to find all the options where you can find the podcast. Join our Purposeful Leadership Facebook group! In the Facebook group, we can chat about what you need as a leader, what your challenges are, as well as celebrate the wins. This is a great community to learn and grow together. We want to get to know YOU. Other Ways to Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Esther’s Instagram Esther's WebsiteHolly’s Instagram Holly’s Website Facebook Page

Have you ever struggled with how to have integrity in a situation with a friend, family member, spouse, or coworker? Even as Christians, we can allow our pride to get the better of us, and it can be hard to approach every interaction with humility and integrity. In episode 212 of the podcast, you’re going to hear from Liv Dooley. Liv is a Bible Teacher who has a huge passion and heart for others to know Scripture. In this conversation you’ll hear all about Liv’s past and current leadership roles, her own battles with integrity, and how she has shown time and time again how beautiful and important it is to approach others with humility, even if it’s way after the fact. You’ll hear about the ways the Church is speaking to integrity and the importance of serving in any capacity with a humble spirit. If you’re a leader of any kind, this podcast episode will surely speak to you as you continue to pursue the people in your circle and lead them with purity and integrity. For the full show notes for this episode, head to estherlittlefield.com/episode212 Listen to Esther's other podcast, The Christian Woman Business Podcast Connect with Liv There is nothing Liv Dooley loves to talk about more than the Word of God. She is a Bible teacher, author, and podcast host of The Best Kept Secret with Liv Dooley, which has featured some of the leading teachers and best-selling authors of our day. Liv is passionate about helping people enjoy greater intimacy and confidence in Christ Jesus in prayer, and you can now find her writing on the YouVersion Bible app. Liv writes and speaks to help others enjoy greater intimacy and authority in Christ Jesus. When she’s not writing or podcasting, you can find Liv hiking a mountain, taking a road trip with her husband, or curled up in the corner with a good book. You can connect with her blog at livdooley.com or follow her on Instagram @candidliv to connect with her. Website Instagram The Best Kept Secret Podcast Youtube Confidence Quiz Stay Connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Click here to find all the options where you can find the podcast. Join our Purposeful Leadership Facebook group! In the Facebook group, we can chat about what you need as a leader, what your challenges are, as well as celebrate the wins. This is a great community to learn and grow together. We want to get to know YOU. Other Ways to Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Esther’s Instagram Holly’s Instagram Holly’s Website Facebook Page

Have you ever been either on the giving or receiving end of support in the midst of a crisis? Perhaps you’ve been the one in the middle of the crisis, and a friend showed up and loved you really well, or maybe you’ve been the friend to show up for someone else. What does it look like to show up and support our people well in the midst of tragedy? If you are a leader, one skill you will inevitably need at some point is how to support someone through crisis. You may need to support your teen through a friendship crisis, a friend through a marriage crisis, or a team member through a health crisis. Helping someone through a crisis is not necessarily something that comes naturally to all of us, and it’s definitely not something that we are good at teaching in our culture.The good news is that even if it’s not a natural gift that you have, it is a skill that can be developed. There are some guidelines and principles that can help you when you encounter a situation where you need to support someone else who is facing a crisis. Recently, when I was going through my own crisis, my amazing friend and co-host, Holly supported me in ways that I didn’t even realize I needed, so episode 211 is an interview-style conversation we shared all about how to best support someone going through a crisis. For the full show notes for this episode, check out estherlittlefield.com/episode211 Stay Connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Click here to find all the options where you can find the podcast. Join our Purposeful Leadership Facebook group! In the Facebook group, we can chat about what you need as a leader, what your challenges are, as well as celebrate the wins. This is a great community to learn and grow together. We want to get to know YOU. Other Ways to Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Esther’s Instagram Holly’s Instagram Holly’s Website Facebook Page

Do you ever find yourself wondering how you can keep going at this pace? Have you struggled with feeling tired all the time even though you’re getting enough rest? It might be that you’re on the verge of burning out. Or, you simply might not be getting the right type of rest. In episode 210, I will be re-sharing an episode that originally aired in 2020 with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith. We know not all of our listeners have listened to our backlog of episodes, and this one felt incredibly timely as it was such a great conversation about burnout, rest, and getting out of an urgency mindset. Make sure to check out Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s book, Sacred Rest, if you enjoy today’s conversation! For the show notes for this episode, head here! Stay Connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Click here to find all the options where you can find the podcast. Join our Purposeful Leadership Facebook group! In the Facebook group, we can chat about what you need as a leader, what your challenges are, as well as celebrate the wins. This is a great community to learn and grow together. We want to get to know YOU. Other Ways to Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Esther’s Instagram Holly’s Instagram Holly’s Website Facebook Page

Do you ever feel like you don’t measure up to the other women around you? Perhaps you’ve decided to wait on pursuing a particular goal or dream until you reach a particular weight loss goal? Or maybe you’ve been struggling with shame about something that happened in the past, and you feel like that has disqualified you from leadership or ministry. If you resonate with any of this, or work with women in any capacity, this episode is for you. Today we’re chatting with our guest Rachael Gilbert. Rachael was a guest on episode 14 way back in the beginning of the podcast, and she’s back with us again today. I know you’re going to benefit from this conversation, and we cover a lot of ground, including how your core beliefs are connected to your confidence, what body image and the Fruit of the Spirit have to do with each other, and “big T” vs. “little t” trauma. We also discuss whether trauma can or should disqualify us from leadership, and why it’s so important to address the hurt in our hearts when it happens. For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode209 Connect with Rachael: Website Image Restored Book Instagram Stay Connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Click here to find all the options where you can find the podcast. Join our Purposeful Leadership Facebook group! In the Facebook group, we can chat about what you need as a leader, what your challenges are, as well as celebrate the wins. This is a great community to learn and grow together. We want to get to know YOU. Other Ways to Connect with Esther and the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast: Esther’s Instagram Holly’s Instagram Holly’s Website Facebook Page

Do you ever feel pressure from yourself or others to get it all done? We all have a laundry list of tasks we’re responsible for making sure happen, and it can all feel like way too much some days. In this episode, we will discuss a topic that we know you all can relate to. Based on feedback in our Christian Woman Leadership Facebook group as well as feedback from some of our past episodes that have hit on this, we know that this is something that you all feel…. Pressure. Specifically as a female leader. There are sometimes pressures we experience that our male counterparts might not. This is by no means a male-bashing discussion but simply will share some insight, tips, and tools for how to navigate and deal with the pressures of leading as a female. For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode208 Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page

What do you do if your company asks you to participate in activities that conflict with your values? How can you live out your faith in a secular workplace even if others hold different views? In today’s conversation, you’ll hear as Holly and I chat with our guest, Dr. Debra Dean. Debra shares her experience of how God called her to leave corporate after 25 years to start a ministry geared towards helping Christians authentically live out their faith. We discuss respectful pluralism and why it’s important in the workplace, what to do when you experience conflicting values in your employment, and why it can be challenging for Christians to live out and discuss their faith. In addition, we dive into the need for civil discourse, discussing ‘hot topics’ with friends, and how to discern if you’re being called out of your corporate role into something different. I know you’re going to love this conversation and it is sure to bring insights even if you don’t find yourself working in a secular organization at this time! For the full show notes for this episode, visit estherlittlefield.com/episode207 Connect with Dr. Debra Dean: Website Facebook LinkedIn Dr. Debra Dean has decades of experience in Corporate America, as well as years of teaching experience at the university level. She was listed among the 2020 Women of Influence by The Colorado Springs Business Journal, as well as the 2020 Winner of Most Influential Business Consultancy CEO (USA) by the Global CEO Excellence Awards. She has been included in Biltmore’s Who’s Who of Women Business Leaders, Continental Who’s Who of National Business Leaders, and Who’s Who Among University Students. She was nominated as one of three top operational excellence leaders with OPEX Week Business Transformation World Summit 2019, and received the 2018 Outstanding Reviewer award for the Management, Spirituality, and Religion (MSR) community. She was nominated as a top female leader with her previous global workplace, where her research efforts elevated employee engagement to some of the highest levels in the multinational organization. Dr. Dean was born and raised in Kentucky, spent nine years in Iowa, and currently resides in Colorado with her husband, Steve, and their youngest son, Gavin. In total, they have six amazing children and four wonderful grandchildren. Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s Website Holly’s Website Instagram Facebook Group Facebook Page

How often have you started out your year strong, with lots of excitement and a vision for the future, only to have completely forgotten about those ideas just a few months later? It doesn't matter whether you are a CEO of a large company, or you're a mom who homeschools and volunteers at your church, it can be tough to stay focused on what is truly important to you and to the things that God has called you to do. In episode 206, I walk through 6 strategies to stay focused on your visions as a Christian leader. No matter what time of year you’re seeing this, think about how often you fizzle out of good habits you may have set when the New Year rolled around. There are so many distractions that life throws our way, in addition to the major crises that may come along throughout our year. So I’m sharing with you some of the strategies that I have used in my own life and leadership to stay focused, regardless of what my title, role, or responsibility may be. For the full show notes for this episode, please visit estherlittlefield.com/episode206 Connect with Esther and Holly: Esther’s WebsiteHolly’s WebsiteInstagramFacebook GroupFacebook Page