Month: July 2022

Thrivent Partnership with the Summit Builds Stronger Communities

Thrivent Image

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 people gain something far more than leadership insights—they find encouragement to bring positive change to their homes, work, and communities.

Helping to make the GLS possible are our faithful partners and sponsors, including Thrivent, who has been partnering with the Global Leadership Network for more than 10 years!

Excited about investing in their local communities, Thrivent shares similar values with the Global Leadership Network in that they want to help people find a life full of meaning and gratitude. “At Thrivent, we believe money is a tool, not a goal,” said Sarah Greene Engelman, Engagement Specialist for Church Engagement at Thrivent. “Driven by a higher purpose at our core, we’re committed to providing financial advice that helps people make the most of all they’ve been given. A financial services organization that has generosity at its core sounds unusual. But it’s true. We invest in more than just portfolios—we invest in our communities.”

We invest in more than just portfolios—we invest in our communities.

Sue Furry, an Engagement Leader at Thrivent, is a longtime fan of the GLS who is excited to benefit from the positive outcomes the fresh leadership insight has on their company culture. “I use the phrase, ‘What’s the BEST thing that can happen?’ now when I am speaking to someone who is hesitant to try a new idea,” said Sue. “My old viewpoint was, ‘What’s the worst thing that could happen?’ But this put a negative spin on the situation and provided more fear. This mindset change has been a game changer with our team.

“The GLS has helped to equip me to dream,” Sue Furry continues. “The stories I hear of ‘struggle to success’ inspire me to dream, create a vision, and let nothing stand in my way. The GLS has also given me perspective to help others reach their goals and dreams…Now I view myself as someone who helps people grow their dreams instead of being a dream stealer who points out all the reasons why their idea won’t work.”

Thrivent represents one of many organizations who are benefiting from the rich learning they receive at The Global Leadership Summit—insight and fresh perspective that helps leaders maximize their impact and serve others well. Sue Furry encourages others to attend saying, “Come to hear success stories and very practical ways of blending your faith with your work. You’ll be inspired to dream, set goals, and make an impact at your work and in your home.”

You’ll be inspired to dream, set goals, and make an impact at your work and in your home.

We welcome our audience to learn more about Thrivent and their holistic financial services that connect finances with faith to help you achieve financial clarity. As a not-for-profit organization and Fortune 500 company, we offer access to a full suite of charitable giving options, volunteer programs, and partnerships,” said Sarah Green Engelman. “When we team up together, we go further. At Thrivent we want to understand our clients’ values and help them ask big questions like: ‘What are my goals? What do I use money for? How do I line up my values with my money?’ We also offer a variety of educational, financial, and generosity resources to guide churches and non-profits, Christian leaders, and the people they serve to make the most of all God has given them.”

Learn more about Thrivent and how they can help you find financial clarity at thrivent.com/offers/gls.

Three Levels of Vision Buy-In

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For years, pastors and leaders have asked me how their organizations can get and keep “it.” That intangible buzz, passion, or momentum that can be felt when you’re a part of something special. When teams have it, everyone knows it—even though they have trouble defining precisely what it is.

Fascinated by this topic, I decided to study it more. I looked at our church and other ministries to find out why some teams have it and others don’t. While there’s not a plug-and-play formula, I was able to identify seven principles that contribute to it:

      1. Vision
      2. Divine focus
      3. Unmistakable camaraderie
      4. Innovative minds
      5. Willingness to fall short
      6. Heart focused outward
      7. Kingdom-mindedness

The first thing I noticed about successful organizations is that they always have a clear vision. Ministries that have it are filled with people who understand and believe in the vision. Without that, you will have people who might like the ministry but don’t understand where it is going.

In my experience, I’ve discovered three levels of vision buy-in. Ministries without it have people at levels one and two. Ministries with it tend to have more and more people moving to level three.

Level 1: The people believe in the vision enough to benefit from it.

Like the person who benefits from the service at their favorite restaurant or exercises at the conveniently located gym, these church attenders are people with a constant consumer mindset. They come to church because they like it. It’s easy. It feels good. It’s convenient. They receive something from the ministry. To them, that’s what is most important.

Level 2: The people believe in the vision enough to contribute comfortably.

Like the person who drops some change into a donation jar or participates in a neighborhood watch program, these are people who were consumers but are ready to contribute as long as it’s easy. They’re happy to help if it doesn’t cost much, doesn’t take much, and doesn’t interfere with their other priorities.

Level 3: The people believe in the vision enough to give their lives to it.

These are the people who understand the vision and get it. They recognize their lives are not their own. They belong to Jesus. They exist to serve a cause greater than themselves. They find joy in sacrificial giving and fulfillment in selfless serving. They become part of the lunatic fringe, radically committed to seeking and saving the lost and making disciples of all people. They’re willing to do whatever it takes to do what Jesus has asked them to do. They’re all in, holding nothing back, bringing their all. They don’t go to church; they are the church.

Everyone craves a cause worth fighting for.

Though people may drift toward comfort and complacency, they don’t really like it. Deep down they desire more. Way more. Everyone craves a cause worth fighting for. We want to feel like our lives are significant and have purpose. We love to be part of something bigger than ourselves, something making a real, even an eternal, difference. As leaders, it’s our role to seek God, see the vision, communicate it in a compelling way, and invite people to give their lives for the greatest cause on Earth – the cause of Christ.

Taken from LEAD LIKE IT MATTERS by CRAIG GROESCHEL Copyright © AUG 2, 2022, by CRAIG GROESCHEL. Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com.

So, consider your organization and what level best describes where your team falls. If a large portion of your team is bought-in at level three, your organization probably has it. What do you need to put in place to keep it? If the majority of your team is bought-in at levels one or two, what can you do to lead your people toward level three buy-in?

Where there is no vision, people struggle, drift, and wander. Where there is a vision, the people have focus, power, and energy, and they’re able to make a larger impact.

If you’d like to learn more about building an organization that has it, read my latest book Lead Like It Matters: 7 Leadership Principles for a Church That Lasts.

9 Ways to Set Your Mind for GLS22

Voice your Vision at The Global Leadership Summit 2022

The Global Leadership Summit on August 4-5, 2022, is only seven days away! If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, you’ll want to do that now. Then set your mind for what’s in store and two days of rich learning and inspiration!

Review the Faculty lineup and make note of what you’re looking forward to learning from each of them. Review Lineup >>

 

Take the Leadership Generations quiz and discover which generation your leadership style resonates with most. Take Quiz >>

 

Reflect on the last year and the ups and downs you faced—consider what your next steps are and where you want to grow.

 

Reflect on your team, your family, and your organization—note the areas of where you want to make deeper connection or build bridges.

 

Make note of the things you’re dreaming about, where you’d like to make an impact—What is holding you back? Where would you like more confidence?

 

Engage with us on social media @glnsummit on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and follow #GLS22

 

Pray for the event—pray for your own experience, those who are joining you, the greater audience, the faculty, and that overall, people will leave with a sense of hope for the future.

 

After mentally preparing for GLS22, bring your notes, ideas, dreams, challenges, and hopes to the event, and discover fresh insight and encouragement for right where you’re at.

 

And of course, get tickets! If you have not yet gotten your tickets to join us at The Global Leadership Summit, don’t miss out. Get your tickets today and get ready for a potentially life-changing opportunity. If you already have your tickets, and you’re thinking of someone in your life who could use a boost of encouragement, go ahead and send them an invite. GlobalLeadership.org/Summit

What Generation Does Your Leadership Style Resonate With Most?

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Have you ever wondered how your leadership style is perceived by those around you? Are you having the same impact with Gen Z as you are with Baby Boomers? In this new leadership quiz, rank your reaction to various statements, and discover which generation your leadership style resonates with most and where you can improve your skills to bring out the best in those around you. Take the Quiz >>

Which of the five different generations does your leadership style resonate with?

1. Gen Z (1997-2012)

If you score high in this category, you are young at heart! Gen Z loves working with you because you believe work should be a place to find meaning and purpose and prefer an emphasis on what people bring to the table regardless of their age or experience. You value mentorship, whether you are a mentor yourself, or someone who enjoys being mentored, and can pull out the best in others. You know establishing trust is critical and creates an environment where people do their best work with the flexibility they love. You enjoy utilizing the latest technology to stay relevant and tend to prefer text and email to communicate before you pick up the phone. (When working with Gen Z you also know that they likely will never get that voicemail!) Though you don’t dislike success, the impact of your work matters more to you than building wealth, and you are not likely to work at a job you think is negatively impacting the environment or society. You care about important causes and might also be a public advocate for a few (most likely on TikTok).

If you score low in this category, consider these helpful ideas! 1) Ask Gen Z what they value, what causes they care about, and about where they want to grow. 2) Become a mentor. 3) Next time you want to connect, send an email or text first. 4) Entrust Gen Z with a meaningful project with tangible impact. 5) Show you care by advocating for a cause that matters to them. 6) Bonus: Get on TikTok.

2. Millennials (1981-1996)

If you score high in this category, you resonate well with the largest population in the workforce today! Millennials love working with you because you foster an environment that builds connection and relationship. They may see you as a coach rather than a supervisor as you empower and encourage the strengths you see in their work. You make them feel entrusted to do their best by providing them with a flexible work environment. You regularly check-in and show appreciation, and don’t wait for an annual review to provide feedback. You value the “why” behind the work as much as the work itself, and make sure to make the “why” clear. You know Millennials tend to find greater success and fulfillment in a relationship-based, collaborative environment, and you enjoy seeking out their advice. You also know providing development and learning opportunities are a great way to make them feel valued. You’re likely a good listener, open to embrace new ways of doing things, including new technology and the many causes they care deeply about.

If you score low in this category, consider these helpful ideas! 1) Ask Millennials where they want to grow in their career, then offer them development opportunities. 2) Find out how and where they do their best work and trust them with the flexibility. 3) Give them ownership or ask for their advice on the next big project. 4) Check in weekly to show appreciation. 5) Put them in charge of a meaningful project that explores a new way of doing something.

3. Gen X (1965-1980)

If you score high in this category, you value the strength of one of the most adaptable generations in the workforce! Gen X loves working with you because you foster an environment that encourages autonomy and flexibility and know that work-life balance must accommodate families and other interests. You respect their time by starting meetings on time and ensuring they are productive and valuable. You seek Gen X out for advice from their experience and expertise and appreciate their skepticism when they foresee potential issues on the horizon. In fact, you value their ability to have open, honest conversations and know helpful feedback will go both ways and make you both better leaders as a result. You appreciate their skill for collaboration, especially when times get tough. And in those tough times, you lean into their adaptability and to-the-point communication style to stay on target. To add value to their work, you provide continuing education to move them toward advancement opportunities in their careers.

If you score low in this category, consider these helpful ideas! 1) Ask them for their candid advice and feedback on important projects and strategies. 2) Show how much you value their family and other interest by allowing for flexible schedules. 4) When times get tough, lean into their adaptability and wisdom. 5) Value their contribution by giving them opportunities for continuing education and advancement.

4. Baby Boomers (1946-1964)

If you score high in this category, you’re a big proponent for great work ethic and ambition! Boomers love working with you because you help create an environment where hard work and commitment are a high priority. You value this hard work by making a point to recognize them with promotions, bonuses, great benefits, and consistency because you know this helps provide security and fulfillment in their work. When you want to connect with them, you don’t simply send them an email or text, you make a point to reach out over the phone or face-to-face. And when you’re with them, you put your phone down and make sure to be present. You tend to seek them out as mentors or consultants because you respect, admire, and want to gain their expertise and perspective. You know that one form of respect and building trust is showing up to meetings on time and paying attention to details. You find their ambition and work-ethic inspirational and honor what they’ve built in their lives. While you know they may not be as tech-savvy as later generations, you know that not every solution requires technology, and seek them out for tried-and-true relationship-based solutions.

If you score low in this category, try some of these ideas! 1) Reward Boomers for their hard work with bonuses, benefits, recognition, etc. 2) Before you send that text, call them on the phone. 3) Ask them to mentor or consult you on something they’re an expert in. 4) Earn their respect by being on time and paying attention (without looking at your phone). 5) Don’t shame them for lack of tech-savvy—learn from their relationship-based solutions.

5. The Greatest (or Silent) Generation (1925-1945)

If you score high in this category, you are an old soul! The Greatest (Silent) Generational loves working with you because you create a work environment based on fairness and easy-to-follow codes of conduct and rules. This code may include clear measures of advancement where position can be earned with hard work and loyalty. These are codes and rules you follow and uphold, holding others accountable to them as well. Your goals, vision, and mission are so clear that people who follow you know how to succeed. You honor a job well done with fair pay and generous healthcare and retirement benefits, recognizing patience and loyalty as keys to success, thus deserving a fair return on investment. You honor and respect the sacrifices this generation has made for their families over their lifetime and enjoy asking them about their past while learning from their wealth of experiences. When you connect with them, you know that face-to-face is the most respectful way to build relationship and trust and are sure to put the phone down unless they are showing you pictures of their grandchildren.

If you score low in this category, try some of these ideas! 1) Create a code of conduct and rules plan. 2) Revamp your healthcare and retirement benefits. 3) Make your goals clear, then work backwards from your goals to establish a clear path to success. 4) Create an org chart and clarify positions and authority. 5) Invite them to lunch and ask about their families and their past.

 

How does your leadership style resonate with Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers, and the Greatest (Silent) Generation? Take the quiz to find out!

Leadership Themes & Topics to Expect at GLS22

Voice your Vision at The Global Leadership Summit 2022

The Global Leadership Summit coming up on August 4-5, 2022, will bring you a two-day catalytic experience of rich learning, new ideas, fresh perspective, and inspiring stories from leading experts spanning a wide range of fields and backgrounds. As we approach this event, get a sneak peek into some of the themes and topics you can expect to hear this year!

GLS22 will draw out the expertise from our faculty on three big themes including Building Culture, Building Connection, and Building Resilience. Check out what to expect!

Building Culture

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As our audience has shared their feedback, we’ve learned that building culture is one of the biggest areas of need for leaders today. Which is why one theme you can expect to see from some of our faculty focuses on building culture, including conversations about trust, relationship, servant leadership, navigating disruption, and building bridges.

Ron Howard—The Leadership Genius Behind a Hollywood Legend 

Ron HowardAnyone who has succeeded in the business of Hollywood for as long as Ron Howard would have to be called a legend. Transitioning from a child actor to an Academy Awarding-winning filmmaker, all the while creating a thriving personal and family life, is something to emulate. Hear about his new film, Thirteen Lives, and listen in as Erwin Raphael McManus draws out the secrets behind Ron Howard’s success. In this interview, explore the process of telling a great story, building trust that produces long and rewarding partnerships, navigating imposter syndrome, and creating a culture where everyone thrives.

Lynsi Snyder—The Heart Behind In-N-Out Burger 

Get behind the scenes of one of the most popular restaurants and discover why Glassdoor has rated it as one of the best places to work. Hear from Owner and President, Lynsi Snyder as Paula Faris pursues a raw and honest conversation unpacking Lynsi’s journey to create her own stamp of leadership while mindful of the trail that was blazed by family members before her. Enhance your self-leadership toolbox by exploring how to lead strong amidst challenges, maintain your team’s focus in an ever-changing environment, and create a culture of servant leadership.

 

Bob Iger—The Ride of a Lifetime 

Whether you lead in a corporate or ministry environment, every leader must grapple with being relevant to reach a changing culture while being faithful to your organization’s history. Drawing from his book, The Ride of a Lifetime, Bob Iger joins Paula Faris for a fireside chat sharing how he has navigated this delicate balance and what lessons he has learned after writing his book and leading through the pandemic. Walk away with how you can lean into the power of optimism, assess risk, navigate industry disruption, and build bridges with those whose values might be different than your own.

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.–The Critical Role of Empathy in Leadership

The divisiveness in our world has left us isolated. We have lost much of our ability to work together which we know achieves far more than working alone. Empathy is the pivot point in building our connections, in building our trust in each other, in building a better world. As a leader in the world of work, Johnny has seen first-hand how empathetic workplaces are better workplaces. Whether you lead in an office or volunteer in a homeless shelter, in this talk, explore the powerful role empathy plays in every human relationship and every collective endeavor.

 

Building Connection

People sitting at a table online with their laptopsAs a leader, you’re never going to get away from the need to connect with others to create meaningful work. This is why we brought in some of the best minds in building connection, with a focus on strategies that build trust, bring people together, and inspire teams to work better together.

Vanessa Van Edwards—The Science of Connection 

As a leader navigating the daily whirlwind of conversations, agendas, and goals, how can we deeply and authentically connect with those around us? Join researcher, Vanessa Van Edwards as she explores the three levels of connection and how you can use masterful conversation strategies to unlock deeper levels of trust with the people around you. Building connections utilizes the relational strength of your team (or your family) to accomplish the great mission you have before you.

 

Andy Stanley—Not in It to Win It 

Andy Stanley

When life is predictable, it’s natural to lose sight of what we value most, what we fear most. But when a tsunami of uncertainty rolls in, things get real, quick. Uncertainty doesn’t alter our value system. It exposes it. The recent political, social, economic, and health crises didn’t cause Christians to mis prioritize our values. These events simply exposed what’s been true for a long time. While our actions don’t always tell the whole story, our reactions most certainly do. We have argued with our brothers and sisters and treated our neighbors with suspicion. But it does not have to be this way. In this talk, Andy Stanley will provide a blueprint for fostering unity in a divided world.

Craig Groeschel—Lead Like It Matters

Have you ever been around a leader where it matters? They do something that draws you in, something that makes a difference in the whole team and in the whole culture. In this talk, join Craig as he explores four sometimes elusive and intangible qualities that can make all the difference in your leadership. Walk away with how you can be the kind of leader that is passionate, strategic, and obsessed with leading like it matters.

 

Building Resilience

3 Ways to Build ResilienceIf we’ve learned anything over the last two years, it is that great leadership requires resilience. This is why our team brought together experts on topics like growth mindset, entrepreneurialism, adapting to change, and leading with pain.

Dr. Heidi Grant—The Science of Leveraging a Growth Mindset 

Decades of motivation science tells us that the single most powerful thing we can do to thrive through uncertainty and challenge is to shift our thinking by adopting a growth mindset. In this talk, Dr. Heidi Grant will help you identify your own mindset in the moment; and build new everyday habits in your professional and personal life that can enhance your creativity, resilience, and wellbeing. In addition, explore ways to lead with a growth mindset to bring out the best in others and support them through big changes.

 

Sahar Hashemi—Unlocking the Startup Mentality in Your Organization 

Sahar Hashemi

Especially after the past few years, leaders everywhere are asking questions like: How can I become more agile? More open to change? How can we grow but keep that start up spirit? Can stable, established organizations truly harness the same creativity and innovative spirit that marks startups? Join Sahar Hashemi as she uses her experience as both an entrepreneur and someone working with large organizations, to dismantle the excuses that have previously stifled entrepreneurial behavior in big companies. She believes acting like a startup is not complicated and doesn’t require any new skills. It’s simple, intuitive, and in fact, very human. Come away with tangible ways to bring a startup mindset to your organization.

Jon Acuff—Building a Winning Mindset 

Most leaders are aware of the importance of mindset, that our thoughts turn into our actions, which turn into our results. At the same time, self-defeating, repetitive thoughts—which New York Times best-selling author Jon Acuff calls “Soundtracks”—can undermine our efforts to develop and maintain a positive and effective mindset. In this talk, Jon will help you and your team learn how to start developing a winning mindset by retiring the broken soundtracks that have been holding you back and replacing them with new ones that propel you forward.

 

Judah Smith—Leading with Pain 

Often as leaders we think about leading through pain. But what if we must lead with it? What if it never goes away? What do we do with the pain that never leaves? Join us as Judah takes an honest look at how we handle the problems and the challenges that seem to perpetuate as our leadership grows. In this talk, explore new ways to lead with pain.

 

 

Stephanie Chung—Adapting Your Leadership for Today’s Challenges 

Based on the most recent survey from Edelman Trust Barometer, distrust is at an all-time high. Employees now trust you—their workplace leader—more than they trust government officials or media professionals! This makes the relationship with you incredibly important. With leaders now being thrust into this new role, the question remains, “do you have the capabilities to fulfill it?” Whether or not you are in an official leadership role, you have influence to help address today’s challenges. If you have ever questioned your ability to lead and respond during these unprecedented times, join Stephanie Chung as she helps us explore the three core competencies it will take to navigate this new leadership space with confidence.

Deb Liu–Take Back Your Power

When you hear the word POWER, what comes to mind?  Most leaders have an uncomfortable relationship with the word. Should they want it? And, how to handle it if they have it?  Join Deb Liu to unpack the myths, misuse, and place of power in your leadership. Discover how to turn stumbling blocks into stepping-stones, seek out support allies, and make your unique mark in this world.

 

In addition to the faculty talks and interviews, you’ll experience arts, entertainment, and storytelling interwoven into fabric of your experience to deepen your learning and inspire you to action. Do you have your tickets yet?! Get your tickets today at GlobalLeadership.org/Summit!

Ron Howard’s Rule of Collaboration—GLS22 Faculty Spotlight

Ron Howard

As a leader, you set the vision or the tone for your team or organization. However, you also know that the vision and the end goal does not necessarily belong to you alone. Great leaders hire people they trust, who can speak into the vision and enhance the organization’s objectives. Welcoming people in to collaborate on the end goal in a meaningful way ultimately makes talented people feel valued, builds trust, and creates greatness.

With a wealth of leadership insight to share, we’re excited to welcome Academy Award-winning filmmaker, Ron Howard to our Summit stage in 2022.

Ron understands the art of collaboration and how to bring people into the creative process to create beautiful moments through film. During this interview at GLS22 with Erwin McManus, Ron will share leadership insights from his vast career in the entertainment industry, including topics like betting on your own curiosity, the art of communication, creating a culture where people thrive, building relationships that last, and telling stories that connect people to the human experience and inspire community impact.

Get your tickets to join us at The Global Leadership Summit on August 4-5, 2022, and until then enjoy a taste of his leadership insight on collaboration from this excerpt of his MasterClass.

Directors are meant to dream the movie, the episode, or the short film, or whatever it is, and visualize it and hear it. It’s all valuable; that’s a level of preparation that’s important. It’s also a great foundation. But I have discovered if you try to enforce that too rigidly, you lose all the spontaneity and organic creativity the people around you have to offer.

Six of One Rule

Coming to that understanding was the beginning of a rule I call the six of one rule—six of one, half a dozen of another. I believe when you’re working with a cinematographer, an actor, a writer, a composer, production designer—any of the key creative collaborators on a project—your job as the storyteller and as the director is the keeper of the story. Your taste is ultimately what’s going to guide the production, the editing, and the outcome.

When talented people know you’re more than willing to say “yes” to their suggestions, they are also more sanguine about accepting a “no.” In fact, they like it.

But what do you do if someone comes up with a suggestion—some talented person you’ve come to respect, who you respected enough to hire—and they come to you with a suggestion that they understand on an intuitive level, on an organic level? If that choice still achieves the super objective of the scene or the moment in the story, then it’s much better to let that person use their choice.

It accomplishes two important things, and my work really improved when I began to understand this.

  • First, it invests those talented people in the project in a very important way.
  • The other thing is it develops trust.

It’s much easier to edit people’s ideas and say no, and not have them be frustrated, angry, and close down on you, but instead respect your thinking when they know you’re more than willing to say yes. When talented people know you’re more than willing to say “yes” to their suggestions, they are also more sanguine about accepting a “no.” In fact, they like it. It’s liberating because then they don’t have to edit their ideas with a “God forbid he uses it, and it doesn’t work.” That’s gone. That’s no longer in the mix.

Instead, they’re free to have this dialogue going with you—the director—and they’re excited about the fact that you can edit, that you can exercise that responsibility you have to make those choices for them. My work improved.

Now, there are great directors that don’t operate that way. Charlie Chaplin didn’t listen to anyone. Kubrick was not much of a listener. There are others who have a vision, and they follow it. That’s completely valid. It just doesn’t happen to be the way I work. I revel in the excitement of the collaboration. I think it provides all of us—not just me—with a kind of creative safety net, but more than that it just energizes a set in a great way.

This transcript excerpt is credited to Ron Howard’s MasterClass preview.

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

Get Tickets Now >>

Leaving Leaders in Your Wake

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Watch Nona Jones share a personal story about the leader who had the most impact on her life.

Ron Howard, Academy Award-Winning Filmmaker, to Speak at GLS22

Voice your Vision at The Global Leadership Summit 2022

You’re not going to want to miss The Global Leadership Summit on August 4-5, 2022! 

Academy Award-winning filmmaker, Ron Howard has just been added to the GLS22 faculty lineup!

At the Summit, Ron will be interviewed by GLS fan-favorite, Erwin McManus, and will share leadership insights from his vast career in the entertainment industry, including topics like betting on your own curiosity, the art of communication, creating a culture where people thrive, building relationships that last, and telling stories that connect people to the human experience and inspire community impact.

During his interview, you’ll also get a behind the scenes understanding of the inspiration behind his upcoming film about the Thai cave rescue, Thirteen Lives.

Get Tickets >> 

Mother Finds Hope & Direction Through the Summit After Daughter’s Suicide

Mother Finds Hope & Direction Through the Summit After Daughter’s Suicide

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 find encouragement amid a difficult season and confidence to set out and bring healing to the world.

I was hopeful to attend the Summit and learn from Christian leaders who would help me understand what is possible.

This is what happened when Gina Casner attended the GLS for the first time in 2019 after she lost her daughter to suicide. “My daughter died in April of 2019, around the same time I was just starting to build a real estate business,” Gina shared. “I didn’t know what else to do. So, for the next several months I just worked. I would go to work, and in between clients I’d go home and shut all the windows and live in darkness. I fell into a deep depression. I was drained. That’s when I got invited to attend my first Summit.

“I was burnt out by the time the Summit arrived. At the time, I was searching for a purpose I knew God was calling me to, but didn’t understand the where or the how. I knew I had reached a level of burnout and lack of confidence in myself as a human being, much less as a leader or as God’s child. As a leader it is easy to get burned out because you pour all your time, love, and effort into a project or into others, but there really isn’t someone pouring into you. I was hopeful to attend the Summit and learn from Christian leaders who would help me understand what is possible.”

What happened after Gina attended her first Summit turned her world upside down.

GLS19 offers fresh, actionable and inspiring leadership content from a world-class faculty.

At her first Summit, Gina heard founder and CEO of Sseko, Liz Bohannon speak on her new book Beginners Pluck. She was taken by Liz’s bravery, belief in her cause, and how she put everything on the line to support women. “Hearing Liz talk about her own doubts as well as the faithful steps she took to be obedient in spite of them made me realize I could do the same.

“I remember the night in the hospital with Katie laying there, I made a promise to her that her life wasn’t going to end that way and that I was going to make sure that her life counted for others. It wasn’t until the GLS that I began to see a path as to how I would keep that promise.”

After Liz Bohannon’s talk, Gina made a big decision to do something to honor her daughter and keep a promise she made to her not to let her story end the way it did by supporting others struggling with mental illness. In February 2020, two months away from the one-year anniversary of her daughter’s death, Gina considered giving up.

“Don’t Give Up” Sign Movement Raises Awareness

As a global pandemic began to wreak havoc on the mental health of so many people, Gina realized she had to push through her doubt. “People needed help,” said Gina. So, she got to work. “I ordered 40 signs from the “Don’t Give Up” Signs Movement in hopes I could beg people to put them up to raise awareness.”

Dont Give Up Signs

But instead of just 40, Gina put up over 350 signs in six different counties in central Pennsylvania. “I just wanted to remind people that they mattered,” said Gina. By June 2020, she knew she wanted to do more. “I felt my daughter’s story could have more impact,” Gina continued. “So, I began to form a nonprofit called Chronically Strong named after part of my daughter’s Instagram handle.”

Katie’s Legacy Impacts Lives

Gina wanted Katie to be remembered for the gentle person she was. “Even during her greatest troubles, Katie always made an effort to help those around her,” said Gina. “Katie was the type of person that was gentle and put others before herself. When she was in 6th grade, Katie asked for a medical dictionary for Christmas and read it cover to cover over the years in her dream to one day be a doctor. God can surprise us in how He can help us achieve our most sincere aspirations; Katie helped dozens of people through organ and tissue donations in her death. She literally gave everything she had to help others and her story continues to help inspire other families walking a similar path.”

Gina Casner with daughter Katie and son

Gina Casner with her daughter Katie and son

 

Gina prayed for months for direction on how to move forward, and by December 2020, she created two journals out of her daughter’s notes and quotes she wrote to inspire herself to keep going while she was in mental hospital placements. But soon facing another impending anniversary, Gina found herself discouraged again. “I had talked myself out of following the calling I believe God had for me,” Gina shared. “But in an attempt to be partially obedient, I gathered a few people to have a meeting to see if Chronically Strong was worth moving forward.”

By May 2021, they had a full-fledged board of directors.

Jamie Kern LimaIn August 2021, Gina attended the Summit again for another boost of encouragement. “When I heard founder of IT Cosmetics, Jamie Kern Lima speak on how she was discounted and underestimated in the cosmetic industry, I could relate,” said Gina. “People doubted my ability to stick with it and pull it off. I either needed to jump in with both feet and be fully obedient, or I needed to admit defeat and walk away. But Jamie’s talk encouraged me, and in the fall of 2021, I enrolled in graduate school to work towards my master’s in clinical mental health counseling so that I can work with a team to offer low-cost counseling to those in need.”

Today, Chronically Strong is a an official 501(c)3 nonprofit!

“It is my passion to help everyone see the value they have as God’s children in a way that the secular world can understand,” Gina shared. “I want each and every person struggling in this world to know they matter, and that God has not forgotten them no matter how deep their pain or how bad their circumstance.”

I want each and every person struggling in this world to know they matter.

At Chronically Strong, Gina and her team believe people grow stronger and become more resilient when the community comes alongside them in love and without judgment. “People who die by suicide do not want to die, they simply want their pain and struggle to end,” said Gina. “They can no longer see hope. So, it is our job as the community to show them the light, and give them a reason to hope again, knowing that we can, and will, stand by them.

“We are on a mission to bring awareness to mental wellness. Unconventionally, we are targeting to create programs that support the families of those with a loved one experiencing a mental health crisis or chronic mental illness. This is a gap I personally experienced for years while my daughter was in and out of treatment.

“For parents with children who are struggling with their mental health, I want them to know it is okay to ask hard questions. If our kids aren’t willing to talk with us, we want to make sure we surround them with a community that will and be persistent. I believe it is important to show our children that we all feel broken sometimes and we need to model healthy ways in which to cope. If we haven’t learned ways to cope, we need to find someone to help the family learn healthy strategies together.“

Vision for the Future of Chronically Strong

Gina Casner's daughter Katie CasnerWith a vision to build a safe place for people of all walks of life, all levels of mental wellness, Gina wants to bring people together to find the gift of loving presence. “I envision that this will be similar to a coffee shop ministry model often used by overseas missionaries,” Gina explained. “This will also be a building that holds all our programs.”

Some of the Chronically Strong programs Gina and her team are dreaming up include a café for the community to come together to discuss their thoughts and feelings around suicide and mental health stigmas. They also plan to start book studies, support groups, community training, suicide prevention programs, and more.

All of this would not have been possible without the encouragement Gina received from attending the GLS. “As I sat through the GLS again in 2021, I knew I needed a fresh perspective to keep going,” Gina shared. “I found greater clarity about the expansive nature of the vision I believe God has given me. The GLS has given me the restart and refresh I needed. Now I have a much clearer picture of what God was birthing through me–unwavering courageous commitment to keep a promise to my daughter to tell her story, be her voice, and to help others who needed a voice too.

Join Gina and others at The Global Leadership Summit and find out how God might want to encourage you this year. Get Tickets >>

In the press: 

Suicide Cafe by Chronically Strong-ABC27-May 2022 

CBS 2021 

CBS 2020 

ABC27 2020 

PennLive  

Susquehanna Style Magazine 

Balance of Influence

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