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Every leader eventually encounters disruption—moments that challenge assumptions, redirect plans, and test resilience. 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. Edgar shares his journey from immigrating to the United States as a teenager with little money and no English skills, to leading one of the world’s largest Christian humanitarian organizations. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned through personal hardship, raising children with special needs, leaving a successful corporate career at Procter & Gamble, and leading World Vision through COVID and global uncertainty. This conversation explores how leaders can remain grounded during disruption, communicate hope without ignoring reality, and create healthy organizational cultures that help people thrive even in difficult seasons.
IN THIS EPISODE:
03:20 Edgar’s early life and immigrating to the U.S.
06:15 What drove Edgar in his early life
09:20 Family, special needs parenting, and perspective shifts
12:10 How hardship deepened Edgar’s faith
13:10 Leaving corporate success to join World Vision
19:01 Leading World Vision through COVID uncertainty
23:40 “Absorb fear and exude hope” as a leadership principle
28:10 Building culture through “Believe, Belong, Become”
30:00 Investing in leadership development and shepherd circles
36:50 Basic principles that help people navigate storms
41:30 How Edgar’s leadership philosophy has changed over time
43:00 Lessons learned from caring for vulnerable people
WHY THIS CONVERSATION MATTERS:
Leadership challenges rarely arrive on schedule. Disruption, uncertainty, and unexpected change often reveal the strength—and limitations—of a leader’s foundation. Edgar Sandoval offers a practical and deeply personal perspective on leading through crisis without losing clarity, hope, or compassion. This conversation provides leaders with both mindset shifts and practical principles for navigating uncertainty while continuing to care well for people.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Strong leaders acknowledge fear without spreading panic
- Hope becomes more credible when leaders stay grounded in reality
- For anyone contemplating a transition, a great question is always, “How much is enough?”
- Crisis leadership requires clear, consistent communication
- Small wins matter during long seasons of uncertainty
- Healthy organizational culture starts with leadership example
- Calling often requires surrendering comfort and control
- Leadership development should happen inside organizations, not only outside them
- Vulnerability and personal hardship can shape stronger leadership
- Leaders need grace for themselves and others during difficult seasons
- Spiritual health and organizational health are deeply connected
WHO THIS EPISODE WILL HELP:
- Leaders navigating organizational uncertainty or disruption
- Executives leading through crisis or major transition
- Pastors and ministry leaders building healthy team cultures
- Parents and caregivers balancing leadership with personal challenges
- Emerging leaders wrestling with calling and career decisions
- Teams focused on leadership development and organizational culture
STANDOUT IDEAS:
- “Strong leaders have the ability to absorb fear and exude hope.”
- “One of the ways we recognize calling is that it has come in a way that could not have been humanly orchestrated.”
- “The definition of success… is obedience to God’s plan.”
- “What if your posture with everyone who needs you to be at your best was the same as your posture with your daughter?”
LINKS MENTIONED:
- Website: 2026Global Leadership Summit
LISTEN:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
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