Lead Together

Most Christian professionals have put significant effort into plans but lack compelling vision—and it's costing them clarity, unity, and resilience when circumstances change (and they inevitably do).Key takeaway: The quality of your life and leadership depends on the quality of your relationships—and the quality of your relationships depends on having shared vision for where you're going together.You'll discover:Why confusing goals with vision is a trap that keeps leaders stuckThe 3 characteristics every effective vision must haveWhy most leaders skip vision development (and pay the price)How to identify and overcome the 3 biggest "vision killers"Real examples of vision statements that actually work for families and teamsThe integration challenge that separates great leaders from good onesWhy vision development requires intentional process, not weekend retreatsResources mentioned:Complete vision development framework: relationalleadership.co/visionBook a strategy call: relationalleadership.co/callTake the Relational Enneagram: relationalenneagram.comPerfect for Christian professionals who want to lead effectively without compartmentalizing their faith, work, and family life.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

Feedback doesn't have to be painful—when done right, it's one of the most powerful tools for building trust and driving growth. In this episode, Nick and Kim reveal the QBIQ method, a simple framework that makes feedback conversations productive whether you're leading a team or raising confident kids.You'll discover:Why most feedback fails (and the four fatal mistakes to avoid)The QBIQ method for giving feedback that actually worksHow to receive feedback without getting defensiveReal examples from workplace meetings to bedtime routinesStrategies for building a feedback culture at work and homePlus, Kim shares a real-time example of using the QBIQ method with a car dealership service manager—and why asking permission first changes everything.If you've been avoiding difficult conversations or your feedback isn't creating the change you want, this episode gives you the exact tools to turn feedback from dreaded confrontation into relationship-building opportunity.Resources mentioned:The Leader Lab bookRelational Leadership coaching servicesTake the Relational Enneagram assessmentSubmit your questions for upcoming Q&A episodes at relationalleadership.co/togetherHow you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

Do you find yourself quickly offering solutions when team members or family members come to you with problems? While this approach may feel helpful, it often robs others of the opportunity to develop their own problem-solving abilities.In the latest episode of Lead Together, Nick and Kim Bogardus explore how coaching skills—typically associated with professional development—can transform your effectiveness in all relationships, from the boardroom to the living room.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

In this special episode, Nick and Kim Bogardus break from their usual leadership series to share insights from recent talks they delivered. Nick explores Luke 22, examining how individual responsibility, systemic issues, and spiritual warfare all contribute to organizational failure. Kim unpacks the powerful story of the demon-possessed man in Mark 5, revealing how encounters with Jesus transform us mentally, physically, and within community. Together, they demonstrate that true transformation happens from the inside out, requiring both personal responsibility and systemic change. Whether you're facing challenges at work, struggling with negative thought patterns, or feeling isolated, these biblical insights offer practical wisdom for experiencing Christ's transformative power.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

In this episode, Nick and Kim Bogardus dive into the leadership skill of "extraction" - the art of drawing out deeper insights through reflection and thoughtful questioning. Whether you're leading a team at work or guiding your family at home, the ability to move beyond surface-level conversations is crucial for growth and alignment. Learn practical ways to create rhythms of reflection, ask better questions, and build feedback loops that transform both your professional and personal life. Discover why the pause between experiences might be your most powerful leadership tool.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

In this "Situational Awareness" episode of Lead Together, hosts Nick and Kim Bogardus tackle three timely topics that impact how we live and lead:The problem with lumping marriage and cohabitation together in research - and why the distinction matters for societal wellbeingWhy "place" matters - exploring how physical locations, communities, and shared experiences shape us through the lens of recent California firesEight essential readiness checks before giving kids phones - practical guidance for parents navigating technology boundariesThrough personal stories and current research, Nick and Kim offer insights to help listeners build stronger families and communities while navigating modern challenges. Part of Season 3: "Lead Where You Are," focused on practical skills for everyday leaders.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

Struggling with miscommunications at work or home? Feeling like your team or family members don't feel heard? In this episode of Lead Together, hosts Nick and Kim Bogardus tackle two game-changing communication skills that can transform your relationships and leadership effectiveness:"Deblurring" - Learn how to eliminate costly misunderstandings by turning vague statements into clear expectationsValidation - Master the art of making others feel truly heard while maintaining progress toward goalsThrough real-world examples from both workplace and family settings, Nick and Kim demonstrate how these practical skills can reduce stress, prevent conflicts, and build deeper trust. Whether you're managing a team or building stronger family relationships, you'll learn specific strategies for clearer communication and meaningful connection. This episode is part of Season 3: "Lead Where You Are," focused on practical skills for everyday leaders.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

In this kickoff to Season 3 of Lead Together, Nick and Kim explore why the most impactful leadership skills aren't grand strategies or secret formulas, but rather small, fundamental behaviors that can be learned and applied both at work and at home. Drawing from the Leader Lab book and their 17 years of marriage and leadership experience, they unpack two essential skills: curious questioning and playback. These foundational practices help leaders build trust, gain clarity faster, and develop stronger relationships in all spheres of life. Whether you're leading a team at work or guiding your family at home, this episode provides practical tools for becoming a more effective leader through intentional communication. Nick and Kim share personal examples, common mistakes to avoid, and actionable tips for implementing these skills in your daily interactions.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

As the year winds down, how can Christian couples leading at home and work take stock of their year and set a purposeful course for the next? In this episode, we:Discuss real-life challenges and growth moments from our own experiences this year.Share our top end-of-year reflection questions to strengthen your marriage, faith, and leadership.Give you a sneak peek of whats coming in Season 3Offer practical insights on setting goals for the future.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

Are you applying the right solutions to your leadership challenges? In this episode, Nick and Kim Bogardus break down the crucial difference between technical and adaptive change. Learn how to identify which approach you need in various situations, from streamlining work processes to navigating family dynamics. Discover practical tips for implementing effective change and fostering growth in all areas of your life. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent, or both, this episode will equip you with valuable insights to lead more effectively at work and home.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

In this special episode of the Lead Together Podcast, Nick and Kim Bogardus are interviewed by Joe Crabb, outreach pastor at Woodside, for a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of place and transitions in life. Drawing from their personal experiences of moving from Mongolia to Seattle to California to Michigan, they explore how geography, culture, and community shape us and our families. The conversation delves into the theology of place, the challenges of navigating change, and practical ways to engage meaningfully with our surroundings. Whether you're facing a big move or simply seeking to be more present where you are, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement for making the most of your current place and season.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

In this episode of Lead Together, Nick and Kim discuss seven crucial aspects of effective church leadership often overlooked. From the importance of leadership development and accountability to avoiding burnout and valuing women in ministry, they offer practical wisdom for pastors and church leaders. Whether you're in ministry or simply interested in church dynamics, this episode provides valuable insights on creating healthier, more impactful churches. How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

Discover why setting goals isn't enough and learn how to create lasting change through powerful systems and habits. Nick and Kim Bogardus draw on James Clear's work in Atomic Habits to talk about the secrets of habit stacking, breaking bad behaviors, and leveraging accountability for growth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to grow in their leadership and life.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

Why have crucial (hard) conversations?• Because your own growth likely involved them.• Because your own failures likely involved not having them.The bottom line is that having crucial conversations builds trust and drives growth. This episode provides a practical framework for approaching impactful conversations with empathy and solutions. Learn steps like stating issues clearly, active listening, proposing ways forward, and following up - skills for transforming challenging talks into catalysts for positive change.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

In this podcast episode, we delve into the Harvard Business Review article titled "The Role of a Manager Has to Change in 5 Key Ways" . These five key shifts include going from Directive to Instructive, Restrictive to Expansive, Exclusive to Inclusive, Repetitive to Innovative, Problem Solver to Challenger, Employer to Entrepreneur. We apply these lessons to leading teams, strengthen marriages, and parenting. Check out the article here for more insights, and tune in to learn how these shifts can empower your relationships and leadership skills across all areas of life.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

In this "Leader's Corner" episode, we talk to David Bahnsen about his new book Full Time: work and the meaning of life. David oversees the management of over $5.3 billion in client assets, and prior to launching the Bahnsen Group, he spent eight years as a managing director at Morgan Stanley and six years as a vice president at UBS.He is consistently named one of the top financial advisors in America by Barron's, Forbes, and the Financial Times. He is a frequent guest on CNBC. Bloomberg, Fox News, and Fox Business, and as a regular contributor to National Review. David's true passions include anything related to USC football, another thing we have in common, the financial markets, politics, and Chinese food.His ultimate passions are his wife of 22 years, Jolene, their children, Mitchell, Sadie, and Graham, and the life that they've created together on both coasts.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

On this episode of Lead Together we reflect on work and lessons from the first quarter of the year.Some of the key takeaways from the conversation:Leading by Example: Embrace a leadership style that mirrors Christian values, inspiring excellence and integrity in the workplace.Mentorship and Learning: The importance of seeking guidance and continuous improvement to navigate workplace dynamics effectively.Community Support: Leveraging the strength of community for support and encouragement in both career and family life.Reflect on Personal and Professional Goals: Encouragement to consider how faith influences leadership style and decision-making.Incorporating Faith into Daily Routines: Practical tips for integrating spiritual practices into your daily work and family life for a balanced and fulfilling approach.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

In an age where the intersection of faith and politics seems more like a battleground than a meeting ground, Joshua Ryan Butler offers a beacon of hope and clarity. As a pastor, author, and speaker based in Portland, Oregon, Butler is no stranger to the complexities of living out one's faith in a politically charged environment for leaders.His latest book, "The Party Crasher," explores the divisive nature of politics and presents a novel framework for understanding and engaging in the political landscape without compromising our Christian convictions or unity.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

In this episode we talk about setting clear goals as a vital part of leadership both at home and work. Here is the roadmap:The problems of not setting goalsHow to write SMARTER goalsWhat are OKRsThank you for listening!How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

Welcome to Lead Together podcast's “Office Hours”. This is the part of the show where we answer your questions about Nurturing a Strong Marriage, Faith and Leadership, Parenting in the Modern World, leading with strategic vision, and anything else on your mind. You can submit a question for a future episode at relationalleadership.co/leadtogetherQuestion 1: As you were growing your church plant, how did you go about identifying potential leaders, helping them catch your vision, and training them to lead others to accomplish that vision?Question 2: How can I lead and assist well when my boss is stuck in his ways, not as aware of his impact on others or great leadership development? Question 3: How can couples support each other in pursuing personal and professional growth while maintaining a strong connection?Question 4: How can Christian couples navigate transitions and major life changes while remaining grounded in their faith and leadership principles?How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

In this episode of Lead Together we close out 2023 by looking at the best advice we received, our favorite books of the year, what we're dreaming toward in '24, and what we see coming for leadership at work and home.We want to say "Thank you!" for your support by subscribing, listening, sharing, and supporting on Patreon. In our first year we landed in the top 50% of all podcasts on Buzzsprout (our hosting platform), had listeners from 13 countries, our top cities were Los Angeles, Dallas, and St. Louis, and the top episodes were interviews with guests and topical commentary. Thank you for your support and we're excited for 2024 with you!How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

After giving a personal update, in this episode we talk about Vision as a vital part of leadership both at home and work. Using examples from Amazon, Southwest, Charity Water, and our own family, we look at:What Vision is (and is not)Examples of vision statementsTips on how to find yoursPS. You can download our free New Years Workbook to help couple get aligned moving into the new year over at relationalleadership.coHow you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

In this episode we share some big news: we're moving!We thought it would be helpful to be transparent about our process because everyone listening will experience challenge and change at some point. We also wanted to share how we incorporated our family values, purpose, and vision into the decision and have been walking through it as a family.Here's the roadmap:How'd we get here?How are we navigating it?What is ahead?How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

On this Leader's Corner episode, we talked to author and speaker Natalie Runion about her ministry and book, Raised to Stay. In this interview we get to dig into her story, the beauty and struggle of following Jesus, in the church, leadership and marriage.Natalie Runion is a pastor's Kid turned Pastor. She just released her first book where she shares more of her story of the brutal beauty of being raised in the church and 42 years later still here, holding on to Jesus.Natalie has been a worship leader, songwriter, teacher, mentor and lover of all things family, friends and Jesus.Her ministry, Raised to Stay, is for anyone weary of God's people but longing to keep their faith in God.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

On this Leader's Corner episode we talk to Harrison Scott Key about his book How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever ToldHarrison Scott Key is the author of How to Stay Married, Congratulations, Who Are You Again?, and The World's Largest Man, winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor. His first TEDx talk went viral among a certain demographic. He holds an M.F.A. in creative nonfiction and a Ph.D. in playwriting and has worked at SCAD for quite literally thousands of years, where he's held appointments as chair of liberal arts, professor of English, professor of writing, and executive dean. He lives in Savannah, Georgia, with three children and one wife. Harrison's humor and nonfiction have appeared in The Best American Travel Writing, Oxford American, Outside, The New York Times, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, Town & Country, The Mockingbird, Salon, Southern Living,, as well as a number of magazines that don't pay you anything at all, not even a little, but it was cool, because people who work at magazines are mostly poor, and helping the poor is a priority for Harrison, should he come under scrutiny.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

In this episode we talk about Purpose as a vital part of leadership both at home and work. Using examples from Bosch, Nike,  Zappos, and our own family, we look at:What purpose is (and is not)Examples of purpose statementsTips on how to find yoursHow you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

This is our very first Situational Awareness episode. This is where we comment on current events, trends, and articles that we find interesting based around leadership and strategy and relationships. We have three articles to discuss with you on the topics of relationship, motherhood, and marriage.Harvard study on what makes a happy, healthy life.Barna's insights on the state of Motherhood.One leader's take on a new approach to weddings and marriage.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

On this Leader's Corner episode we talk to our friend David Zahl about leadership lessons he's learned in marriage and in building Mockingbird.A few quotable moments from David: (Read all of his points over at the blog)"Just because something doesn't happen immediately doesn't mean it's not going to happen. Stick with it a little longer than you think you should." "You can get through almost anything if you feel like you've got a partner, someone who's got your back." "The demand is to be everything to everyone, which is just not feasible.""It's not about changing your spouse's process but learning to adapt and support it."David Zahl is the director of Mockingbird Ministries and editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird website. Born in New York City and brought up elsewhere, David graduated from Georgetown University in 2001, and then worked for several years as a youth minister in New England. In 2007 he founded Mockingbird in NYC. Today David and his wife Cate reside in Charlottesville, VA with their three boys, where David also serves on the staff of Christ Episcopal Church. He is the author of Low Anthropology: The Unlikely Key to a Gracious View of Others (and Yourself), Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What To Do About It, and Law and Gospel: A Theology for Sinners (and Saints). How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

In this episode we talk about Values as a vital part of leadership both at home and work. Using examples from Charity:Water, Southwest Airlines, Redeemer City to City, and our own family, we look at:What values areExamplesHow to find yoursHow you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

Welcome to Lead Together podcast's “Office Hours”. This is the part of the show where we answer your questions about Nurturing a Strong Marriage, Faith and Leadership, Parenting in the Modern World, leading with strategic vision, and anything else on your mind. You can submit a question for a future episode at relationalleadership.co/leadtogetherQuestion 1: what does it mean to be a dad in the times that we are living in?  How much do we protect our kids from the craziness of gender identity and wokeness?  What battles should we choose to fight and what battles do we steer clear of? How do we introduce our kids to the crazy un-truths they will be introduced to in a controlled environment?  How do we create a foundation of truth so that when they encounter the lies in the wild, they have a baseline of truth to defend against them?Question 2: My current workplace is a startup environment that feels volatile - on one hand I see people get laid off for a minimal amount of underperformance and on the other hand I see real character issues get overlooked. How do I navigate an environment like this?Question 3: How do you raise sons and daughters individually, and as whole while balancing the nuances that the two genders bring? Speaking mostly in terms of discipline, guidance, boundaries, etc.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

Chris Williams, MFT and founder of Renovari Counseling, joins Nick and Kim to discuss his Empowered Life model, the two things that keep leaders stuck in a victim mindset, the impact of fear and shame on leadership, and the roles of vulnerability and ownership at work and home.Learn more about Chris' work at Renovari Counseling and True Increase.How you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

Today we're talking about something with significant consequences for your leadership at work and home; something that if you do not have it can lead to things like strained relationships, ineffective leadership, less authenticity, and less resilience. What are we talking about? Self-awareness. The key to meaningful, impactful leadership at work and home is more than competency, you also need self-awareness.In this episode we'll talk about:What self-awareness isFive Ways a Lack of Self-Awareness Holds You BackTools to grow in self-awarenessMentioned in this episode:• Feelings Wheel• Lencioni's Five Behaviors of Team• the Relational Enneagram assessmentHow you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.

Our first episode is a bit like a first date - you'll hear why we are doing Lead Together, the kinds of episodes we want to create, our stories, and some lessons learned. At the end we'll share some books, articles, and things we're learning right now.Mentioned in the Episode:The Collected Regrets of CloverModern TimesJocko Podcast 391: From Political Prisoner to U.S. Navy SealKids Who Get Smartphones Earlier Become Adults With Worse Mental HealthHow you can support us:• Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify• Become a patron on Patreon• Share this episode with a friend• Send a question for a future Office Hours episodeYou can work with us at Relational Leadership.