Month: June 2022

Accountability in Love & Leadership—GLS22 Faculty Spotlight

Posted on June 30, 2022 by Abby Jungles - Articles, Conflict Management, Culture, Emotional Intelligence, Leading Others, Relational Intelligence, Team Building, Women Leaders

We’re excited to welcome Judah Smith to The Global Leadership Summit stage in August 2022! Judah is the Lead Pastor of Churchome, formerly called The City Church. Recognized for its cultural relevance, commitment to biblical integrity, and love for Jesus, Churchome is a thriving community with multiple locations and a global app. Judah is a seventh-generation pastor, known around the world for his fresh, anointed, humorous messages that demystify the Bible and make Christianity real. Leading in many spheres of influence, Judah is also the Chaplain for the Seattle Seahawks, a founder of the new Faithful app, and he recently catalyzed 1DayLA, a multichurch event mobilizing over 25 thousand volunteers to serve the greater Los Angeles, California community.

Get your tickets to hear from Judah Smith and others on August 4-5, 2022! Get Tickets >>

Until then, get a small taste of Judah’s insight in this excerpt from an interview with Impact Theory, where he talks about the role of accountability in love and leadership.

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Throughout this interview, common themes around accountability, conflict, trust, and love showcase the kind of leader Judah strives to be. As someone who believes you can’t have love without accountability, Judah shares how to strengthen your personal and professional relationships.

Enjoy these key quotes from this conversation!

“Keeping each other accountable breeds intimacy—it breeds camaraderie.” @judahsmith

“There’s a beauty to accountability that breeds security.” @judahsmith

Avoiding conflict minimizes the depth of relationship you can experience.

“Avoiding conflict minimizes the depth of relationship you can experience, and of course, the excellence in which you can experience progress and fulfillment and live your dreams.” @judahsmith

“I’m a big proponent of community. I don’t think people can be who they’re supposed to be without community.” @judahsmith

“It’s been said, show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future. It’s real—I can tell you where you’re going right now by the people you’re hanging out with on a consistent basis.” @judahsmith

“I think we’re suffering from a lack of love on a grand scale, on an epic scale. It might be the greatest epidemic in the world. Maybe it always has been. I think horrific things like racism are symptomatic of the fact we don’t feel loved, we don’t feel like we matter, we don’t feel like we’re valued. So, we devalue each other, and we fight. My whole passion is to love people and to express that love.” @judahsmith

Learn more from Judah Smith at The Global Leadership Summit on August 4-5, 2022!

Get Tickets >>

Earn Continuing Education Credit at #GLS22

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Rosey LaVine - Leadership Development, Leading Yourself, Learning Agility, News & Updates

Voice your Vision at The Global Leadership Summit 2022

The Global Leadership Network’s premier two-day leadership event of the year has been held annually in August for the last 25+ years. Gathering hundreds of thousands of people from various industries and backgrounds, one of the things that makes The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) unique are the leaders in our audience who are intentional about investing in their leadership for the purpose of creating a better world around them.

On August 4-5, 2022, take advantage of the opportunity to expand your personal and professional career development with continuing education through the Summit!

Continuing Education Opportunities

- HR Professionals can receive 11.25 Personal Development Credits through SHRM.
- ACSI Teachers can receive 1.80 Continuing Education Units through ACSI.
- Nurses can receive 11.25 Contact Hours.
- Aspiring leaders can deepen their GLS22 experience with a Wheaton College Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership Communication.
- Any attendee can receive proof of personal development hours to present to their employer after attending GLS22.

Learn how to receive continuing education credit through The Global Leadership Summit this year! Learn More >>

“Golden Buzzer” Singer-Songwriter, Mandy Harvey to Perform at GLS22

Posted on June 27, 2022 by Rosey LaVine - Calling, Confidence, Influence, News & Updates, Resilience, Servant Leadership

One of the things that makes The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) unique is the elevation and value of the arts which is creatively woven into the fabric of your experience. Each artistic expression is thoughtfully created to spark your imagination for what is possible through your leadership. Through intentionally curated moments and times of reflection, it is our hope that God will stir grander visions in your heart.

One of our featured guest artists at GLS22 on August 4-5, 2022, is singer-songwriter, author, and speaker Mandy Harvey. And she also just so happens to be deaf!

You may remember seeing her on America’s Got Talent in 2017, when Mandy was Simon Cowell‘s “Golden Buzzer” pick. If you missed it, check it out here!

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In addition to America’s Got Talent, Mandy has also been featured in NBC Nightly News, Great Big Story, Vacations of the Brave, Music: Not Impossible (Not Impossible Labs), The LA Times, Dr. Oz, Pickler & Ben, TODAY, Access Hollywood, Steve Harvey, and more.

Mandy uses her talents and artistry to encourage others which can be seen by her many acts as part of nonprofit organizations such as No Barriers USA and work for “Music: Not Impossible” with Not Impossible Labs. Her heart is to help others achieve their dreams by encouraging them to “Try” and move forward as a community.

We’re excited to welcome Mandy to the GLS22 stage so you too can experience her encouragement and inspiration! Get your tickets to join us on August 4-5, 2022, at GlobalLeadership.org/Summit.

From Workaholism to Freedom

Posted on June 27, 2022 by Rosey LaVine - Because of the GLS, Business, Calling, Decision-Making, Leading Organizations, Leading Yourself, North America, Relationship with God, Replenishment, Stories, Wellness

The Global Leadership Network’s premier two-day leadership event of the year has been held annually in August for the last 25+ years. Recognized as one of the largest leadership events of its kind, The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) brings leaders and aspiring leaders together from around the world. Through the GLS, many of these leaders gain something far more than leadership insights—they gain a new understanding for what God is inviting them to do (or not do) through their lives. This is what happened when Allen Ersch attended the GLS for the first time in 2016.

When he wrote ‘workaholics’ on the board, I melted to the floor.

Little did Allen realize the impact speakers like Dr. Henry Cloud and John Maxwell would have on his life and the life his family. His world was turned upside down.

When Dr. Cloud got on stage and started talking about different kinds of poor leaders, he called out workaholics, and noted that workaholics are not good leaders. “When he wrote ‘workaholics’ on the board, I melted to the floor,” said Allen. “I had always believed a workaholic was a good trait and I was proud to be one.”

Many leaders like Allen can relate. Growing up, Allen started working at the age of six, helping his dad and grandfather on a farm and various carpentry projects. Working hard became part of his life, and a way to compensate for what he felt were his shortcomings. “Working all the time was rewarding to me,” said Allen. “I felt it gave me value. Secondly, and maybe more importantly, it was a way to hide and run from my shortcomings. As a kid, I was shamed for my weight. So, I worked hard to over-accomplish to cover the embarrassment I felt.”

Working all the time was a way to hide and run from my shortcomings.

After going to business school, Allen joined the National Guard, and returned home to work for his dad again while also starting his own hay hauling business, rarely stopping to rest. The workaholism had gotten so bad, that he even shortened his honeymoon by a day to take a job. “Due to my working literally seven days a week, early morning to late night, I missed out on things with my two boys, didn’t go to parties, weddings, etc.,” said Allen. “Over time, I found we were not invited to many of those anymore. We had no social life. My wife complained about me not being around.”

At a Crossroads

Allen’s expectations were high, and the demands he made on himself and others were off the chart. When Allen was hit hard by Dr. Henry Cloud’s words about being a workaholic, he knew something needed to change. What happened next after the GLS changed his life forever. “When I left GLS the last day at about 5 pm, as I was exiting the parking lot, I had my first decision to make,” Allen explained. “If I took a left, I could go home. If I took a right, I could drive through town to my office.”

Allen turned right toward his office, but as he drove, he felt a nudging in his conscience to turn around and head to his family ranch, about thirty miles away. “I felt God talking to me saying, ‘Take a left and go to the ranch, we need to talk.’” said Allen. “I mentally responded, ‘We can talk at the office.’ So, I kept driving. But there was the nudge again. I ignored it.

What’s exciting now is the freedom I allow myself to do other things.

“At this point, my head was spinning with emotion. At the next intersection, I felt the nudge again, ‘Allen, turn left and go to the ranch. You and I need to talk.’ At that point, I turned left, and my eyes teared up.”

When Allen arrived at the ranch, he drove into the pasture, parked his truck, and left his phone inside. He then headed to a waterhole and started to pray. “I asked God to forgive me,” said Allen. “Then I went walking. I prayed, listened, and asked for God’s help to change.

Allen Ersch sitting at the watering hole on his ranch

“On my way home, I stopped to buy a dozen roses and went to apologize to my wife. And the following week, I sought out a Christian counselor to walk through this with me.”

This experience changed the trajectory of Allen’s life and the life of his family. “I do not spend as much time at the office,” said Allen. “I stay away on most weekends, and people tell me that I seem happier. Someone I work with even said, ‘it is now fun to come to work.’ What’s exciting now is the freedom I allow myself to do other things. I still ranch, but mostly for fun. I still manage the business, but I have released the urge to be a step ahead of my employees. It is a release I needed.”

After the GLS, Allen also decided to pick up John Maxwell’s book, Intentional Living: Living a Life of Significance, which helped him discover his calling. “After feeling my release from having to drive so hard at work, I took John’s book to heart, but I still wasn’t sure what my calling was.”

Finding His Calling

Then Allen got a phone call. “I got a phone call from a Child Protective Service agent,” said Allen. “The agent told me they were going to court the next morning to take two young boys, ages seven months and 23 months old, from their parents and needed a placement for them for a period of one year while the parents try to get their act together. CPS wanted an answer in the next couple hours.

Too often we let our negative experiences in life dictate where we go in the future.

“We knew these two boys but not well. We had tried to help the family handle finances and other affairs, but they were not willing to commit. This call was followed by a call to my wife to see what she thought. I was on board and after a short talk, she was onboard too. Oh, my gosh! We did not know what we were in for. This was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. But here was my calling.

“I want to see those boys grow up to be successful. We still get to see them and I am known as ‘Daddy’ to them. We feel we have an obligation to help guide them to be Christian, responsible adults. I have been undeservingly blessed in my career and have prospered from that. I do not know what God has planned for me, but I am listening for His guidance. We plan to leave a legacy with our finances to help others. In fact, I was so moved when one of my sons told me to give it all away. Other than that, I try to be an encourager, to lift people up and add value to others and I want our legacy to exemplify that. My experience and this story are not about me but too often we let our negative experiences in life dictate where we go in the future.”

The Global Leadership Summit has the opportunity to change your life too. “There is so much you can glean from the many speakers,” says Allen. “Ideas to use at home, work, church, or in your community.”

What might you hear that changes the trajectory of your life? Find out! Get your tickets at GlobalLeadership.org/Summit.

Curiosity & Fearlessness

Posted on June 23, 2022 by Abby Jungles - Communication, Confidence, Leading Yourself, Relational Intelligence, Videos

A.R. Bernard will be speaking at Global Leadership Summit 2021.

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A.R. Bernard talks about being fearless and curious, and how these values help leaders persevere.

Fear is a Dragon: Here’s How to Fight It—GLS22 Faculty Spotlight

Posted on June 23, 2022 by Abby Jungles - Articles, Confidence, Decision-Making, Leading Yourself, Learning Agility, Resilience

To be human is to face fear. Yet, while fear might keep danger out, it can also keep life out. Balancing between potential risk and an illusion of security, leaders can miss out on beautiful opportunities. As someone who is known for his humor, honesty, and hope-filled leadership insight and encouragement, New York Times best-selling author, Jon Acuff helps leaders face various challenges just like this.

We’re excited to welcome Jon Acuff to The Global Leadership Summit stage in August 2022!

For over 20 years he’s helped some of the biggest brands in the world tell their story, including The Home Depot, Bose, and Staples. He’s an Inc. magazine Top 100 Leadership speaker and has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences and companies around the world including: FedEx, Nissan, Microsoft, Chick-fil-A, Nokia, and Comedy Central. He’s also written for Time, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Reader’s Digest, and MSNBC.

Get your tickets to join us at GLS22, and until then, enjoy a taste of Jon’s witty insights and storytelling in this video from his YouTube channel where he talks about how to face your fears.

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How to Face Your Fears

In the 1800s, sailors and mapmakers would stamp unexplored, dangerous territories with the phrase, “Here be dragons.” It was meant to serve as a warning—if you ventured this far, you ran the risk of great peril, danger galore, or unknown tragedy. If you sailed off into the distance, a fire-breathing, sea-dwelling monster was sure to swallow you up. “Here be dragons.”

It was a phrase used to warn people about the dangers of the unknown, but it was only used for the farthest reaching, most deadly spots. It was a stamp used sparingly, kept in a drawer for only the rarest of occasions. Today it’s a stamp we all still own. We might not sale in a ship. We might not stare out over the horizon at an unforgiving sea. But it’s in our pocket or junk drawers in our homes. The bravest of us don’t use it. Maybe we’ve even forgotten where it is. But for most of us, we have worn this stamp out. We know exactly where it is because it never leaves our hands when confronted with new possibilities or things that feel the slightest bit awkward or scary.

We are protected so dragons can’t get in, but nor can the life get out.

We are quick to stamp, “Here be dragons” and hide.

What if our new mission doesn’t work? “Here be dragons.”

What if it works but not exactly how we planned? “Here be dragons.”

What if it works so well that we feel the pressure to maintain that level of success? “Here be dragons.”

What if you try and devote your life to this new mission only to find out it was a waste of time, and you will never get that time back? “Here be dragons.”

What if it’s far harder than you anticipated and all your deepest flaws float to the surface in the most public of way? “Here be dragons.”

What if they find out that you were a fraud? “Here be dragons.”

What if everyone else has some special rule book that tells them the exact right next step to take, and we can’t find ours? “Here be dragons.”

“Here be dragons.” Stamp. Stamp. Stamp.

We might not realize it, but over the years, we’ve stamped so many areas of our map that there’s very little room left to do something in our lives without the words “here be dragons” getting in the way. One day you wake up and realize your map is a mess. What was expansive, what was vast, what was endless opportunity of exploration is now the size of Rhode Island. Our world is reduced to a tiny, safe, little cul-de-sac. We control it, or at least we maintain the illusion of control, save for the random pandemic or two. But for the most part, we are protected so dragons can’t get in, but nor can the life get out.

But then something happens. A friend expands their land. They step out into an area we believed was rife with dragons, and suddenly, we are confused. They were not consumed. They are not on fire. They have not even been singed by the much-feared dragons. They seem fine. Better than fine. They are smiling. They are waving back from a land that suddenly seems a lot less dangerous. Then it stirs that feeling inside us, the question, if they can do it, why can’t I? Perhaps they have something I don’t possess. Maybe that’s it. Perhaps they are brave beyond measure. Perhaps they are networked to the hilt. Perhaps they came to the planet with skills and talents that you could never hope to acquire. So, you wait one more day, one more month, one more year, one more spin around the cul-de-sac.

Dragon gossip is perhaps more powerful than the actual dragons themselves.

But then something else happens. You hear a song. You see a film. You watch a bird that weighs an ounce climb 100 feet into the air in your backyard. You visit the ocean. You listen to a Porsche go past you like angry art, and something stirs inside you once again. You take your map back out and you wonder, are there really that many dragons? Have you ever even seen one? That question is a punch to the gut because you know the answer before it even leaves your lips. You haven’t.

In all your years refusing to climb into the boat—you’ve never once even glimpsed at the tiniest portion of a real dragon. You’ve heard about them. In your cul-de-sac they’re a popular topic of conversation. People who use stamps, are quick to tell other people how many dragons there are. Fear is contagious: a well-placed dragon story in your childhood, a seemingly friendly word of caution as a young adult, a question that really isn’t a question at a dinner party from a neighbor. It all adds up overtime. Dragon gossip is perhaps more powerful than the actual dragons themselves.

Now that you think about it, haven’t you seen some people who are destroyed by dragons? Isn’t that all the proof you need? Maybe a family tried, just once, but they tried. They embarked on an adventure, and they returned bloody. That’ll happen to me, you think, that same thing, only it will be much, much worse. But those stupid birds, that sunset, that song, that friend who dares believe that they and you are meant for more, that tiny little sparked inside—it won’t leave you alone.

Put the stamp away. Trade it for a passport. Here be dragons? No. There be you.

You decide to make a start of it. It’s time to have a go, as it were. You will now jump into the middle—the middle of the world, the middle of the storm, the middle of the dragons. Maybe not jump. Let’s not get carried away. Some days you will inch out, but you will leave. You will step out of the cul-de-sac and into the great unknown, which is probably a line from Frozen 2, but it is also a thing you are going to do. Put the stamp away. Trade it for a passport. Here be dragons? No. There be you.

_{This article was transcribed from Jon Acuff’s YouTube video entitled Fear is a Dragon. Here’s How to Fight It!}

Learn more from Jon Acuff at The Global Leadership Summit on August 4-5, 2022!