Relationship with God
Character
Calling
Confidence
Learning Agility
Emotional Intelligence
Influence
Resilience
Communication
Servant Leadership
Relational Intelligence
Leadership Development
Diversity
January 20, 2026

Ep 196: A Lifetime of Leadership (with John C. Maxwell)

Contributor
David Ashcraft
David Ashcraft
President and CEO
|
Global Leadership Network
Whitney Putnam
Whitney Putnam
Vice President of Marketing
|
Global Leadership Network
John C. Maxwell
John C. Maxwell
Leadership Expert, Best-Selling Author, Coach
|
John Maxwell Company

Have you ever wished you could sit down with someone who has truly mastered their craft? Michael Jordan on winning; Mozart on music; Leonardo da Vinci on creativity. Not just to review their highlight reels but to unpack all the lessons they learned across their lives? Well, that’s what today’s conversation feels like because today we get to listen to John C Maxwell talk about leadership.

IN THIS EPISODE

0:00     Intro

02:45   Dealing with the emotions of being honored for a lifetime of leadership.

04:30   What are some favorite stories from John’s life?

09:45   Who are some of John’s mentors?

12:00   How John dealt with criticism regarding some of his decisions.

14:00   What kept him going in the face of all the criticism?

20:40   Is there a stage of John’s life that he’s enjoyed more than any other?

 

LISTEN

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

 

STANDOUTS AND TAKEAWAYS

  • Principles matter but stories stick.
  • The church may be a family, but if someone new comes in, they may not understand or have context for what is going on.
  • Leadership is influence. Nothing more, nothing less.
  • You can never replace a good mentor. If you have one, treasure the time you get with them.
  • Many people don’t want explanations from you; they just want you to do what they want you to do.
  • Don’t try to share your faith with someone before you have added value to their life.

 

Special thanks to Best Christian Workplaces for sponsoring today’s episode.

 

LINKS MENTIONED

Communication
,
Conflict Management
,
Culture
,
June 3, 2026

Ep 209: Communication, Candor and Trust

In this episode, Whitney Putnam and GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft talk about one of the most common leadership challenges: how to communicate with clarity, candor and care when the stakes are high. They unpack a real moment from a recent GLN all-staff meeting, where a public challenge created tension, required follow-up and ultimately helped sharpen strategy. Whitney and David explore why leaders often think they are being clear when others are hearing something different, how trust makes hard conversations possible, and why “keeping short accounts” can prevent tension from becoming toxic.

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
Calling
,
Relationship with God
,
Resilience
,
May 13, 2026

Ep 207: Leading Through Leadership Hijacks with Edgar Sandoval

In this episode, GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft talks with Edgar Sandoval, President and CEO of World Vision, about navigating what David calls “leadership hijacks”: unexpected events that reshape both leadership and life.

Leading Yourself
Leading Organizations

Leadership That Lasts

Team365 isn’t just a platform. It’s a commitment to grow, lead and live with purpose — every single day. Whether you’re here for content, community or clarity, you’re in the right place. Your leadership matters. Let’s keep going.

Join Team365