Leaders in the Arena

Hosted by The Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Each episode features conversations with leaders doing the real work of leadership—where decisions matter, values are tested, and faith is lived out in practice. Guests share practical wisdom shaped by Christian conviction, offering insight into leading with integrity, stewardship, humility, and care for others. Join us for thoughtful conversations that explore what faithful leadership looks like in a changing world.

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60 recent

August 31, 202628 min

Artificial Intelligence and Faithful Leadership | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

How should Christian leaders faithfully engage emerging technologies in ways that honor God, serve others, and promote human flourishing? Join Leaders in the Arena for a special AI edition featuring Dr. Lance Wescher as guest host. Drawing on his expertise in artificial intelligence, economics, technology, and higher education, Lance will help establish a thoughtful framework for engaging one of the most significant technological developments of our time. Rather than beginning with what artificial intelligence can do, this conversation begins with a more fundamental question: How should Christian leaders think about technology? Together, we'll explore how biblical principles of stewardship, wisdom, and human dignity provide a foundation for faithfully evaluating, adopting, and leading through technological change. Discussion Points 1. A Christian Introduction to Artificial Intelligence What is artificial intelligence, and why is it reshaping nearly every sector of society? Before discussing applications, what foundational biblical principles should shape how Christian leaders think about AI and other emerging technologies? 2. Faithfully Engaging Technological Advances Throughout history, Christians have navigated significant technological change. What can those moments teach us as we engage AI today? How can leaders embrace innovation with wisdom—leveraging new technologies while remaining committed to stewardship, human dignity, and serving others? 3. Leading Wisely in an AI-Enabled Future What practical opportunities and ethical responsibilities should leaders consider as AI becomes more integrated into their organizations? How can Christian leaders model discernment, humility, and faithful innovation while ensuring technology strengthens people rather than diminishing their unique God-given value? Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

August 3, 202628 min

Forming Leaders of Character | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

What does it mean to lead with humility, integrity, courage, and stewardship in a world that often rewards self-promotion and short-term results? For young leaders, the answer often starts not with a title, but with the mentors who show them the way. In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, hear a conversation with Covenant College graduate Payton Prys and current student Jonathan Marshall. Together, we explore how some of the core characteristics of servant leadership shape the next generation of leaders to act with character, make bold decisions, and manage responsibility well. Rather than viewing leadership as a one-size-fits-all formula, Payton and Jonathan share personal stories of the influential mentors who poured into them, demonstrating how different people can uniquely encompass these traits. You’ll hear how a young leader can balance deep curiosity with making a tangible impact, choosing collaboration over dominance. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

July 13, 202639 min

Servant Leadership in Law: Faith, Integrity, and Influence in the Arena | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Craig Wood, distinguished attorney and longtime Covenant College trustee, as he reflects on servant leadership in the legal profession and institutional life. Drawing from decades of experience, Craig shares how Christian conviction shapes ethical decision-making, steady influence, and leadership marked by integrity under pressure. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ brockbarnes.covenant.edu ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Books referenced in this episode: On Being a Christian and a Lawyer, Thomas L. Shaffer, 1981 The Servant Lawyer, Robert F. Cochran, interVarsity Press, 2024

June 22, 202634 min

Leadership Where It's Needed Most | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Jedd Medefind , President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), a global movement uniting over 300 organizations, churches, and leaders to care for vulnerable children and families. Drawing on decades of leadership across government, nonprofit, and global networks, Jedd will explore how leaders engage complex challenges—like foster care, adoption, and family vulnerability—not through simple solutions, but through collaboration, formation, and faithful, well-informed action. Together, we’ll consider how leadership rooted in practice, community, and spiritual formation can sustain long-term impact—and how leaders today can help build systems and communities where every child is known, loved, and able to flourish. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .

June 16, 202632 min

Stewarding Transformational Change | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

Institutions matter. The way they are built, renewed, and led shapes communities for generations. Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Corey B. Holstege , a transformation leader who has guided major enterprises such as Shaw Industries and The Home Depot through complex operational and digital change. Drawing on his experience leading large-scale transformation initiatives, Corey will reflect on what it takes to renew institutions responsibly—balancing data, design, and operational rigor with the deeper calling to steward people, culture, and long-term impact. This session explores how enterprise transformation can align with our broader calling as servant leaders: to faithfully build organizations and communities that participate in Christ’s work of making all things new. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .

June 9, 202637 min

Values-Driven Leadership | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

Values-based leadership begins with integrity and is sustained through faithful stewardship of people, culture, and responsibility. At its best, leadership is not just about results, but about how leaders care for what has been entrusted to them and create environments where others can grow. Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Carter Helm , an experienced leader known for his focus on team development, customer experience, and operational innovation. Drawing on his leadership within a high-performance service environment, Carter will explore how values-driven leadership shapes culture, strengthens teams, and drives sustainable results. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .

June 1, 202623 min

Forming Servant Leaders: Humility & Integrity with Ian Fanning | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

What does it mean to lead with humility and integrity in a world that often rewards self-promotion and short-term results? Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Covenant College student Ian Fanning ’26 as we explore how humility and integrity shape servant leaders who act with character while building trust and stewarding responsibility well. Leaders who embrace humility and integrity lead with authenticity, earn credibility, and shape cultures where people and organizations thrive. You’ll also learn how intentional servant leadership formation comes to life through our new Leadership Fellows program —preparing Covenant students to lead with humility, integrity, courage, and stewardship as part of Christ’s work of making all things new. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .

May 25, 202620 min

Forming Servant Leaders: Courage & Stewardship with Eric Sonnenschein | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

What does it take to lead with courage and steward responsibility well when the stakes are real? Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Covenant College student Eric Sonnenschein ’27 as we explore how courage and stewardship shape leaders who act with conviction while faithfully caring for what has been entrusted to them. This episode explores key characteristics of servant leadership and the responsibility leaders carry in navigating uncertainty, making difficult decisions, and building organizations that endure. We’ll reflect on how courage and stewardship work together to guide thoughtful action, wise judgment, and long-term impact. You’ll also learn how intentional servant leadership formation comes to life through our new Leadership Fellows program—preparing Covenant students to lead with humility, integrity, courage, and stewardship as part of Christ’s work of making all things new. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .

May 11, 202628 min

Leadership Evolved: Decisions, Responsibility, and Calling with John Plating | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

Leadership is not static—it evolves as responsibility deepens and people depend on you. Listen to this episode of Leaders in the Arena for a thoughtful conversation with John Plating , Director of the Center for Calling & Career at Covenant College and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel. Drawing on decades of leading complex organizations, educating others, and serving in high-stakes environments, Dr. Plating explores how leadership changes over time, the role of responsibility in shaping leaders, and how leaders can steward their influence with integrity and purpose. This session offers practical insight for students, professionals, and community leaders alike. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .

May 4, 202629 min

Leadership for Growth with Don Sweeney | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

What does it take to lead not just organizations—but cultures? In this episode of Leaders in the Arena , hear a conversation with Don Sweeney , retired Ernst & Young partner and leader in the firm’s healthcare consulting practice. During a period of rapid growth and disruption, Don helped lead the Quest Leadership Program , an initiative designed to shift EY’s culture from technical expertise to transformational leadership. Drawing on his experience guiding large-scale organizational change, Don reflects on what it takes to develop leaders who build strong relationships, shape culture, and sustain long-term impact. From global consulting to nonprofit board leadership, this conversation explores how leadership is ultimately expressed not in position, but in the quality of relationships leaders cultivate. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ .