StrongTeams.com Podcast

Hosted by Rodney Cox

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Mar 2026

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About the show

Your host is Rodney Cox, president of Ministry Insights International, and author of the book Leading From Your Strengths®. Rodney and his guests discuss best practices in building strong teams—teams built on empathy, understanding, and trust, where every team member feels valued and contributes at the highest level possible. Episode frequency is biweekly.

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52 recent

March 24, 20266 min

Your Strengths Are Always Moving — Here’s Why That Changes Everything

What if the most important thing you learned about yourself last year is already incomplete? In this episode, Rodney Cox unpacks why Leading From Your Strengths® is not a one-and-done assessment — it's an iterative tool designed to grow with you. Learn how LFYS and StrengthsFinder complement each other, why we recommend retaking the assessment every year or six months after a significant role change, and what to do with your results when you do. Rodney also introduces two free resources — the Strengths Movement Guide and the brand-new One-on-One Guide — that help you take your assessment results off the page and into your leadership every single day. Your strengths are always moving. This episode will help you pay attention.Read the Full Article and Download the Free Guides HereHost: Rodney CoxEmail us at information@ministryinsights.comTweet us at @Insights_IntlFollow us on LinkedInFollow us on FacebookThe podcast is a production of Ministry Insights. Visit us at ministryinsights.com.© 2023 Ministry Insights International, Inc. All rights reserved.

February 10, 20266 min

The Crossroads of Transformation

The toughest crossroads you'll face as a leader isn't a strategic decision—it's the moment you discover something you didn't know and must choose between defending yourself or taking a transformational step. In this episode, we explore that vulnerable space between "I didn't know" and "Now I do!" where humility battles pride and one small step separates knowledge from wisdom.Drawing from Scripture and real leadership experience, we examine why 83% of leaders say people development is crucial yet only 5% actually do anything about it, how the Holy Spirit guides us into transformational truth through that still, small voice, and why your role as a leader isn't more important than anyone else's—you're simply one part of the body of Christ working in interdependence.If you've ever stood at that crossroads wondering whether to defend what you've always done or take that transformational step, this episode is for you.Read or Download the Full Article Host: Rodney CoxEmail us at information@ministryinsights.comTweet us at @Insights_IntlFollow us on LinkedInFollow us on FacebookThe podcast is a production of Ministry Insights. Visit us at ministryinsights.com.© 2023 Ministry Insights International, Inc. All rights reserved.

January 27, 202611 min

FROM 'ME' TO 'WE'

Every January, we feel it, don't we? That pressure to be more. More visionary, more decisive, more capable. We look at the year ahead and we unconsciously slip into hero mode. We start believing that great leadership means having all the answers, carrying all the weight, being the smartest person in the room.If I don't do it, it won't get done right. How many times have you thought that?But what if everything we've been taught about leadership has it completely backward?I've watched countless leaders burn out trying to be the hero their organization needs. The leader who can't find anyone else to get it right. The one who answers every email personally because no one else knows our people like I do. The leader who can't take a day off because my team isn't ready. The one who plans everything, trains everyone, shows up early because someone has to hold it all together.They're exhausted. Their teams are underutilized. And the organization just isn't growing the way it could.There's a better way. And it starts with a radical mindset shift.Host: Rodney CoxEmail us at information@ministryinsights.comTweet us at @Insights_IntlFollow us on LinkedInFollow us on FacebookThe podcast is a production of Ministry Insights. Visit us at ministryinsights.com.© 2023 Ministry Insights International, Inc. All rights reserved.

January 13, 2026Episode 115 min

3 Shifts to Unlock Growth

You know, it's January. The confetti has been swept away, the champagne glasses are in the dishwasher, and those ambitious New Year's resolutions are staring us in the face. If you're leading a church staff, managing a business team, or guiding a ministry, you know that familiar weight: How can I do more? How can I lead better? How can we finally break through this year?Today I want to share something counterintuitive with you: The path to doing more starts with doing less.I know that sounds backwards—maybe even irresponsible—but stick with me. We're going to talk about three fundamental mindset shifts that can unlock exponential growth, not just in your organization, but in the people around you and in yourself.These aren't tactics. These aren't five-step formulas. These are paradigm shifts that require us to esteem others higher than ourselves—as Philippians 2:3 tells us—and to recognize that we are God's workmanship, His poem to the world.When we operate from steadfast love—not abandon, not apathy, not selfishness—but the steadfast, zealous, selfless seeking of another's true good, everything changes in our leadership.So grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let's dive into three shifts that could transform your leadership this year.READ THE FULL ARTICLE HEREHost: Rodney CoxEmail us at information@ministryinsights.comTweet us at @Insights_IntlFollow us on LinkedInFollow us on FacebookThe podcast is a production of Ministry Insights. Visit us at ministryinsights.com.© 2023 Ministry Insights International, Inc. All rights reserved.

November 20, 20258 min

The Power of Perspective: When Uncle Frank Meets the Holy Spirit at Thanksgiving

Hey friends, welcome back to the podcast. I've got a story for you that I think is going to hit home, especially with Thanksgiving just around the corner.So last week, I'm sitting in this community board meeting. Now, this is an open board meeting, which means any member can attend and add items to the agenda for discussion. And let me tell you, things got... interesting.I'm watching these two grown adults argue about whether a fence should be six feet or six-and-a-half feet tall. And I'm not talking about a polite disagreement. I'm talking Supreme Court level intensity here. The accusations started flying. Someone actually shouted, "This is illegal!"Illegal. A volunteer board. People serving their neighbors. Apparently running a criminal enterprise over twelve inches of chain link.And I'm sitting there thinking, "This is exactly what my Thanksgiving table is going to look like in two weeks."Read the full article hereThe fence debate? That's fictional. But the tension, the accusations, the shift in perspective when one person spoke up in this story? That all actually happened.Host: Rodney CoxEmail us at information@ministryinsights.comTweet us at @Insights_IntlFollow us on LinkedInFollow us on FacebookThe podcast is a production of Ministry Insights. Visit us at ministryinsights.com.© 2023 Ministry Insights International, Inc. All rights reserved.

July 8, 202441 min

Stewardship, Faith, and Kingdom Impact

Are you ready to revolutionize your approach to finance and faith? Join me, Rodney Cox, on the StrongTeams.com podcast as I sit down with Harry Pearson, the visionary founder and CEO of OneAscent. This episode is a game-changer for anyone seeking to align their values with their investments and create lasting kingdom impact.Harry's journey from a blue-collar background in Baton Rouge to becoming a trailblazer in faith-based financial advising is nothing short of inspiring. With over 27 years of experience, Harry shares profound insights on integrating biblical principles into financial decision-making, both personally and professionally.In this captivating conversation, we delve into:The pivotal moments that led Harry to found OneAscent and revolutionize faith-aligned investingPractical tools for couples to achieve financial harmony and shared purposeThe untapped potential of $15 trillion in faith-based investments to transform our worldStrategies for leaders to bridge the gap between Sunday worship and Monday workWhether you're a seasoned investor, a curious believer, or a leader seeking to make a greater impact, this episode offers invaluable wisdom for stewarding your resources in a way that honors God and advances His kingdom.Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and equipped to take your financial stewardship to the next level. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most innovative minds in faith-based investing. Tune in now and discover how you can align your finances with your faith for maximum kingdom impact!Read the Executive Summery HereHost: Rodney CoxEmail us at information@ministryinsights.comTweet us at @Insights_IntlFollow us on LinkedInFollow us on FacebookThe podcast is a production of Ministry Insights. Visit us at ministryinsights.com.© 2023 Ministry Insights International, Inc. All rights reserved.

June 17, 20244 min

The Surprising Enemy of Strong Teams (and What to Do About It)

Are you struggling to build a truly unified, high-performing team? Chances are, one hidden culprit is sabotaging your efforts: pace!That's the central insight from a powerful article by Duane Donner, founder of Heritage Forum and my good friend. Duane examines how the relentless hustle of modern life undermines our ability to lead with empathy, patience, and wisdom.He writes: "Hurry and love are like oil and water - they simply don't mix." When we're stuck in a frantic state, we cannot be the grounded, emotionally intelligent leaders our teams need. Our worst moments stem from that hurried mindset - running late, snapping at colleagues, prioritizing tasks over people.So how do we break hurry's grip and cultivate the stable "pace" that allows strong teams to flourish? READ THE FULL ARTICLEHost: Rodney CoxEmail us at information@ministryinsights.comTweet us at @Insights_IntlFollow us on LinkedInFollow us on FacebookThe podcast is a production of Ministry Insights. Visit us at ministryinsights.com.© 2023 Ministry Insights International, Inc. All rights reserved.

May 29, 202430 min

Discovering Your Path to Purposeful Leadership

Leadership is one of the most rewarding callings in life - but also one of the most challenging. How can you build a team of people who feel valued, empowered and able to bring their best when you're struggling to stay afloat yourselfIf you've ever felt misaligned, depleted or ill-equipped for the demands of leadership, you're not alone. In fact, my recent conversation with Dr. Gregory Woodard on the strongTeams.com podcast convinced me that every leader faces these struggles at some point.But there is a way forward. As a retired military veteran, Navy chaplain, and leadership coach, Dr. Woodard has seen firsthand what separates purposeful leaders from those just going through the motions. And the key, he says, lies in deep self-awareness and proactive self-leadership.Want to know how to get off the path to burnout and onto the path of purposeful leadership? The latest article on our blog breaks down Dr. Woodard's hard-won wisdom into practical steps you can apply today. Inside you'll discover:The four rhythms every leader must establish to stay emotionally, physically and spiritually strongWhy your team and family might see warning signs that you're off track before you doThe most important trait of a purposeful leader (it's not what you think)Five action steps to help you lead yourself - so you can lead others wellIf you're ready to align your leadership with your deepest values and make the impact you were meant to make, this podcast is for you. Host: Rodney CoxEmail us at information@ministryinsights.comTweet us at @Insights_IntlFollow us on LinkedInFollow us on FacebookThe podcast is a production of Ministry Insights. Visit us at ministryinsights.com.© 2023 Ministry Insights International, Inc. All rights reserved.

May 13, 202429 min

Discover Your True Identity in Christ: Embracing God's Unconditional Love

Do you struggle with feelings of shame, guilt or a distorted view of how God sees you? In this powerful interview, Don Ankenbrandt, author of the book "Your True Reflection," shares his transformative journey of uncovering his true identity in Christ.Over 30 years ago, during a day of solitude, Don had a revelation that he had been looking at his relationship with God through a distorted lens. He felt God was disappointed in him because of his repeated struggles with sin. But God spoke to Don's heart, revealing that he had a completely inaccurate perception of how his Heavenly Father saw him. This experience set Don on a profound journey to study Scripture and discover the truth about who he is in Christ. What he found was life-changing - over 144 terms in the New Testament describing the believer's true identity, such as chosen, holy, blameless, adopted, redeemed, restored and renewed.In this interview, Don unpacks how truly understanding these terms and the spiritual blessings God has bestowed allows believers to break free from shame, overcome the lies of the enemy, and step into the abundant life Christ promises.You'll learn:The specific terms in Scripture that reshape our understanding of our identity in ChristHow to combat Satan's strategy of deception and distortion about God's lovePractical ways to let God's Word renew your mind about who you really areThe power of embracing your true reflection as one delighted in by your Heavenly FatherWhether you've struggled with shame, insecurity or feeling insignificant, this interview will open your eyes to the truth of how God sees you. Don's wisdom and passion for helping believers discover their identity in Christ is inspiring and transformative.Unlock the abundant life today by tuning in to this powerful conversation! You'll gain profound insights into God's unconditional love and learn how to see yourself through His eyes as His chosen, holy, blameless child.Host: Rodney CoxEmail us at information@ministryinsights.comTweet us at @Insights_IntlFollow us on LinkedInFollow us on FacebookThe podcast is a production of Ministry Insights. Visit us at ministryinsights.com.© 2023 Ministry Insights International, Inc. All rights reserved.

April 22, 202435 min

Mastering Successful Succession Planning for Church Leaders with Nancy Moore

One of the most critical moments for any church is navigating a senior pastoral transition. Getting it right can launch a new season of fruitful ministry. Getting it wrong can lead to devastating consequences like decline, conflict, and erosion of trust.So how can church leaders confidently hire the right long-term fit for their unique situation and church culture? In this episode, Rodney Cox talks to Nancy Moore, a true expert in the field of pastoral succession planning. Nancy has helped guide hundreds of churches through these delicate leadership changes over her decades of experience. Nancy shares a wealth of wisdom, including:Why churches must shift from operating on gut feelings to gathering hard data about their realityThe vital importance of first understanding a church's distinct culture, values and expectations How assessments reveal a pastoral candidate's true working style beyond just their resumeThe evidence-based approach that's produced an 83% success rate in Nancy's succession placementsWhether your church is currently in transition or hoping to get ahead of future successions, you'll get practical insights and a clear path forward.Nancy's methods have earned phenomenal results and rave reviews from churches. As one leader said, "Her firm's guidance was invaluable in helping us navigate one of the most critical junctures we've faced."Listen now and get equipped to make a wise, long-lasting pastoral hire that propels your church toward its God-given vision.Read the Executive SummaryHost: Rodney CoxEmail us at information@ministryinsights.comTweet us at @Insights_IntlFollow us on LinkedInFollow us on FacebookThe podcast is a production of Ministry Insights. Visit us at ministryinsights.com.© 2023 Ministry Insights International, Inc. All rights reserved.