I was surrounded by an amazing wife and four young daughters—yet I felt alone.My soul was fragmented. I had outward success, but inwardly, I was far from experiencing joy, peace, and connection. I believed I had arrived. But the truth? I was still striving—proving my worth, earning applause, and ignoring the ache in my heart.For…
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In a recent episode of Whole Hearted Leadership with Lantz Howard, Jonathan Duarte shared a deeply personal journey of faith, leadership, and transformation. The Dance of Leadership and Marriage For Jonathan, leadership lessons began on the dance floor. While learning to dance with his wife, Isela, he realized that leading well is not about control,…
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Do you struggle to name your emotions? If you are like me this will be a lifelong pursuit worth uncovering. Read the summary below of this recent podcast on the Whole Hearted Leader. In this episode, Lantz and Phil explore the often-overlooked role of emotions in leadership, faith, and personal growth. They discuss the need…
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Leading change often means disappointing people at a pace they can handle.* Disappointment typically stems from recognizing what needs to be left behind. In today’s quick-fix leadership culture, we rarely allow people the time and space they need to identify, experience, and grieve these losses properly. A leader determined to move forward at any cost…
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Earlier this year I was asked on a podcast, “How do you deal with failure?” Here’s my answer: failure is not who you are. It’s not your identity. Instead, it’s a data point—feedback that offers you a chance to grow. This past week, I had to learn this lesson again, and I want to share…
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I was fired from my second official job role after five years and was told to go to a different church with a different theological belief framework. Even last year, I was let go because I was simply “not a good fit” —no other reason given. These experiences were not just professional setbacks; they were…
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At 36, I hit a crisis. I got a job that seemed to solve my problems and meet my growing needs. I had been in an executive role with a church for about two years, and our fourth daughter had just been born. I had the woman of my dreams and a wonderful family, but…
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The intimate breakthrough you want with your wife is on the other side of the emotional glass ceiling. One of the emotional glass ceilings you may be facing is trying to care for and fix your spouse. You are not required to fix the problems of anyone. Including your spouse. The greatest gift you can…
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We all desire transformation, but few rarely experience a deep level of leadership transformation. It’s the primary reason Jesus expressed that it is easy to clean the outside of the cup than to face deep internal changes (Matthew 23:24-26). No matter what you are leading the future belongs to those willing to choose to be…
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I have been considering this week how words and conversations can be unhelpful to others. I am a steward of the language that I use and the conversations I join. How can I steward my conversations this year? Our tongue is like the rudder of a ship and holds tremendous power to move people closer…
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One question every man must ask and answer with ruthless honesty. Who is in your corner and has access to your life? Every man stewarding his life well has men who know him and are known by him. Can you name five men right now by name who are holding you to higher standards in…
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