Calling
Vision
Church & Faith-Based
January 6, 2026

Ep 195: On Purpose and Calling (with David Ashcraft)

Contributor
David Ashcraft
David Ashcraft
President and CEO
|
Global Leadership Network
Whitney Putnam
Whitney Putnam
Vice President of Marketing
|
Global Leadership Network

Today’s episode is all about purpose and calling. As a leader who is rolling into a new year, you might be thinking about what’s next. This conversation with GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft will encourage you with the unique ways you’ve been called to lead and center you by reminding you what it’s all about.

INTHIS EPISODE

0:00     Intro

02:50   Why is it important to reflect on calling andpurpose, and why do people tend to do it in January?

03:40   Why is it important for people to have apurpose and to regularly reflect on it?

05:00   How David came to define his calling, and howit has changed over the years.

10:00   How being consistent in our efforts connectswith living out our purpose.

12:00   How does an organization’s purpose help aleader get clarity around their team’s goals?

15:00   What is the GLN’s stated purpose, and how willit impact the Global Leadership Summit?

18:10   What would David say to another leader toencourage them as they were moving into a new year?

21:10   Outro

 

LISTEN

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

 

STANDOUTSAND TAKEAWAYS

  • Having natural “reset” moments (weekly, monthly or annually) is important to ongoing work.
  • Everyone wants to feel like their life matters.
  • One of the mistakes we can make with our “calling” is to equate with a specific job. Two people can have the same purpose yet work in very different jobs.
  • Our calling comes down to people. Regardless of our specific vocation, how are we called to interact with and be a benefit to the people in our lives?
  • It’s a great thing when your individual purpose aligns with the purpose of the organization you are a part of, but it doesn’t always necessarily happen that way.
  • Drifting never takes you any place good or pleasant. One of the jobs of a leader is to prevent drift by reminding people where the organization is trying to go.
  • The end-goal of the GLN is to point people towards Jesus. Leadership is the tool whitthat we use to try and accomplish that goal.
  • By definition, a leader is someone who has followers. If you’re a leader, hopefully you know where you’re taking your followers and how you’ll help them get there.

 

LINKSMENTIONED

Character
,
Calling
,
Confidence
,
June 17, 2026

Ep 211: On Calling, Counsel and Courageous No's

In this episode of the Global Leadership Podcast, GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft talks with Priscilla Shirer about how leaders discern what is truly theirs to carry. Priscilla shares practical wisdom on calling, wise counsel, humility, accountability, and learning to say yes or no from a place of clarity rather than fear or guilt.

Leading Yourself
Supervising People
,
Performance Management
,
Culture
,
June 10, 2026

Ep 210: What Leaders Miss About Motivation, Purpose and Progress

In this episode, GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft talks with Chris McChesney, author of The 4 Disciplines of Execution, about the difference between employee satisfaction and true engagement. Chris explains why people can have what looks like an ideal job and still feel disconnected from the work, while others can serve in demanding environments and remain deeply motivated. The difference often comes down to progress and purpose.

Leading Organizations
Leading Others
Team Building
,
Conflict Management
,
Leadership Development
,
May 20, 2026

Ep 208: Leading When the Plan Falls Apart with Craig Groeschel

In this episode, David Ashcraft talks with Craig Groeschel, founder and senior pastor of Life.Church, about how leaders can respond when leadership does not go as planned. Craig reflects on failed ideas, organizational pivots, team conflict, and the ongoing discipline of letting go as leadership expands. He also shares how humility, preparation, prayerfulness, candor and trust have shaped the way he leads through uncertainty.

Leading Organizations
Leading Others

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