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Women of Faith in Leadership | Leading with integrity, Leadership Self-doubt, Christian Leadership, Leading with confidence, Teamwork

Women of Faith in Leadership | Leading with integrity, Leadership Self-doubt, Christian Leadership, Leading with confidence, Teamwork

Hosted by Rika Whelan | Christian Leadership Coach

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Episodes

179

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN

About the show

Ranked Top 2% Globally Do you wish that you could lead your team in a way that honours and glorifies God? Are you struggling to overcome self-doubt as a leader and have a desire to be more confident in your role? Do you want the courage to deal with difficult people but don’t want to upset anyone? Well, you’re in the right place! On this podcast, I’ll teach you how to lead like Jesus, even if you’re not allowed to speak of your faith in your workplace. You’ll learn to become bold and confident as a leader, to speak up and say what God wants you to say and to finally know that you are worthy to be in your current role. Because God chose you, not because you are already a perfect leader, but because HE wants to mold you and use you to be an instrument in the kingdom of God. Hey, I’m Rika, and for the past 10 years, I’ve been in middle-management leadership roles, where I have led various teams, from big to small, and experienced my fair share of working with difficult people, having tough conversations, hiring and firing people and managing team dynamics. I thought that I could rely on worldly knowledge of leadership to get me through. I attended various leadership courses and listened to many leadership podcasts, but I was still struggling as a leader. I was feeling frustrated and to be honest, I was not enjoying my leadership role and felt like quitting more often than I probably should have! I finally realised that if I wanted to be the leader that I truly desired to be (which was a leader who wasn’t shy to speak up, a leader who honoured God with her actions and a leader who could build a cohesive team without the drama), I needed to partner with God and find a Christian leadership mentor to guide me and keep me accountable. I committed my leadership journey to God and partnered with HIM. I started working with a mentor and stepped out in faith as I did hard things every single day. And I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with you! If you’re ready to lead your team in a way that honours God, I’m excited to be your mentor! So, grab your notebook and pen (and don’t forget that Chai Latte), and let’s unlock your God-given leadership potential! Next steps: Head to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can: 1. Sign up for our weekly newsletter and 2. Find free resources Head to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com/quiz where you can take a free quiz to find out what's holding you back from leading with confidence. Need to contact me? Email me at support@rikawhelan.com

Listen to episodes

60 recent
August 11, 202620 min

176 | 5 Things Confident Christian Leaders Do Daily

Confidence in leadership isn’t something you either have or don’t have. It’s something you build — quietly, consistently, and intentionally — through the small decisions you make each day. Many Christian women in leadership assume that confident leaders feel ready before they lead. But in reality, confidence is not a personality trait. It is the result of preparation, clarity, and daily leadership rhythms that anchor you in Christ. In this episode, we explore five simple but powerful daily practices that confident Christian leaders use to lead with calm authority, wisdom, and consistency — even in demanding seasons. In This Episode we discuss: • Why confidence is built through daily leadership habits, not personality • The importance of starting your day anchored rather than reactive • How clarity reduces overwhelm and strengthens decision-making • Why preparing for conversations ahead of time builds confidence • How emotional awareness shapes steady leadership • The role of daily reflection in long-term leadership growth You’ll walk away with practical, faith-based habits you can begin implementing immediately to grow in confidence and lead with greater clarity.   Ready to prepare for difficult conversations with confidence? Grab the Confident Conversation Blueprint (previously known as the Difficult Conversation Script Pack) and become the confident leader you desire to be. Grab it here: https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/conversation   Stay Connected Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter Receive faith-based leadership insights, practical strategies, and encouragement for real leadership situations. https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/newsletter   Have a Listener Question? Submit your leadership question here: https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/podcast   Connect with Rika Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rikawhelan   LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

August 3, 202614 min

175 | Setting Expectations That Remove Confusion (and Reduce Your Stress by 70%)

So much of the stress leaders carry isn’t because their team is difficult… it’s because expectations haven’t been made clear. In this episode, we unpack one of the most common — and overlooked — leadership challenges: unclear expectations. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, repeated yourself, or wondered why things aren’t being done the way you expected, this conversation will bring clarity and relief. Because leadership becomes significantly lighter when people know exactly what’s expected of them. In This Episode we explore: • why unclear expectations create stress, frustration, and repeated issues • the hidden cost of “being nice” instead of being clear • why your team may not be meeting expectations (even when they’re capable) • how assumptions create confusion in leadership • the difference between vague direction and clear leadership • how setting expectations early prevents difficult conversations later You’ll walk away with practical, simple shifts you can apply immediately to lead with greater clarity and less emotional strain.   A Simple Leadership Shift: People can’t consistently meet expectations that were never clearly set.   Clarity isn’t harsh. Clarity is leadership. Ready to Communicate with Confidence? If setting expectations or having these conversations feels uncomfortable or unclear, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.   The Difficult Conversations Script Pack will help you: • know exactly what to say in real leadership situations • communicate clearly without over-explaining or softening your message • set expectations with calm, professional authority • handle difficult moments without second-guessing yourself   Because confidence doesn’t come from personality, it comes from preparation.   Get the Script Pack here: womenoffaithinleadership.com/conversation     How to Stay Connected   Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter Faith-based leadership strategies, practical tools, and encouragement for real leadership moments. https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/newsletter   Have a Listener Question? Submit it here: https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com/podcast   Follow Rika on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rikawhelan

July 28, 202642 min

174 | [Guest] When Faith Meets Burnout: Breaking Free from the Lie that Doing More Pleases God with Kerry Iannone

Many Christian leaders don’t struggle because they don’t care… They struggle because they care deeply and quietly believe that doing more is what God expects of them. In this episode, I’m joined by Kerry Iannone, Christian life and wellbeing coach, as we unpack one of the most subtle but dangerous lies in leadership: That your value comes from how much you do. Together, we explore how misplaced identity fuels burnout, why so many women find themselves exhausted even in ministry and leadership, and how returning to your identity in Christ changes everything. In This Episode We talk about: • why burnout is often rooted in identity, not just time management • how the belief “doing more pleases God” quietly leads to exhaustion • the hidden pressure many women carry to be everything for everyone • why high-capacity, caring leaders are especially vulnerable to burnout • the signs of burnout, including exhaustion, resentment, and loss of joy • how overcommitting and struggling to say no contributes to burnout • the difference between being and doing in your identity as a Christian leader • why your calendar often reveals what you truly prioritise • how to identify what is life-giving vs life-draining in your leadership • the importance of rhythms, not perfection, in your walk with God • how to reconnect with joy, peace, and clarity in your leadership   A Core Leadership Truth: You are not valuable because of what you do. You are valuable because of who you are in Christ.   About Kerry Iannone Kerry Iannone is a Christian life and wellbeing coach and the creator of The Balanced Life Blueprint, a transformational program that helps women move from burnout and striving to living with clarity, peace, and God-given confidence. With over 20 years of experience in education, ministry, and coaching, Kerry has a deep passion for helping high-capacity Christian women realign their lives with what truly matters — so they can lead and live from a place of rest, not pressure. Her work is grounded in biblical truth and focused on helping women embrace their identity in Christ, establish healthy rhythms, and experience the abundant life God has promised.   Connect with Kerry Website: www.coachkerry.com

July 20, 202617 min

173 | Leading Diverse Teams with Christlike Understanding

Leading people means leading difference. Different personalities, communication styles, emotional responses, and expectations can create tension, even for the most capable leaders. In this episode, we explore how to lead diverse teams with Christlike understanding, so you can navigate differences with wisdom, clarity, and confidence. In This Episode We explore: • why leading different personalities can feel challenging and draining • how to respond with understanding instead of frustration • the importance of seeking to understand before correcting • why effective leadership adapts to people without lowering standards • how to balance truth and grace in leadership conversations • why not everything should be taken personally as a leader This episode will help you lead people more effectively, even when they think, communicate, or respond differently to you.   A Key Leadership Truth Difference is not the problem. It is the environment where leadership grows. Ready to Navigate Difficult Conversations with Confidence? If leading different personalities often leads to conversations you feel unsure about, the Difficult Conversations Script Pack will help you: • communicate clearly across different personalities • handle tension with calm authority • lead conversations with wisdom and confidence • stop avoiding difficult leadership moments Get it here: womenoffaithinleadership.com/conversation   Stay Connected Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/newsletter Have a Listener Question? https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com/podcast Follow Rika on Instagram 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

July 13, 202615 min

172 | How to Raise the Bar on Team Performance Without Crushing Anyone’s Spirit

Many leaders feel the tension between wanting more from their team and not wanting to discourage or overwhelm them. In this episode, we unpack how to raise performance standards in a way that strengthens your team rather than discourages them — so you can lead with both clarity and compassion. In This Episode We explore: • why raising expectations can feel uncomfortable for caring leaders • how unclear standards lead to confusion and inconsistency • the difference between correcting performance and criticising a person • how to communicate expectations with both truth and encouragement • why over-functioning prevents team growth • how to lead performance conversations with confidence and clarity This episode will help you raise the bar without losing the heart of your leadership. A Key Leadership Truth Clarity builds confidence. Uncertainty creates insecurity. Ready to Communicate Expectations Clearly? If you find yourself unsure what to say in performance conversations, the Difficult Conversations Script Pack will help you: • communicate expectations clearly and confidently • address performance without overthinking or softening your message • lead conversations with calm, Christ-centred authority • stop avoiding difficult leadership moments Get it here: womenoffaithinleadership.com/conversation Stay Connected Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/newsletter Have a Listener Question? https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com/podcast Connect with Rika on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rikawhelan

July 6, 202632 min

171 | [Guest] The 3D Leader - An Ancient Blueprint for a Digital Age with Dr. Yolanda Powell

In a world where leadership often revolves around visibility, influence, and self-promotion, this episode brings us back to a different model — the way Jesus led. I’m joied by Dr. Yolanda Powell as we unpack her 3D Leadership Model — a Christ-centred framework built on: Purpose. People. Power. This conversation will help you rethink leadership in a digital age and return to a model that is timeless, relational, and rooted in truth. In This Episode We talk about: • why modern leadership often drifts toward self-promotion and performance • how Jesus modelled a completely different leadership approach • what it means to lead with Purpose, People, and Power • why leadership is about building others — not building yourself • the difference between transactional leadership and Kingdom leadership • how to bring faith into the workplace without sounding “preachy” • why storytelling and personal experience are powerful leadership tools • what “marketplace ministry” really looks like in everyday leadership • how to lead with both strength and compassion — like Jesus A Core Leadership Truth You were never called to build a platform for yourself. You were called to build people. And when you lead like Jesus — your leadership becomes less about recognition… and more about transformation. About Dr. Yolanda Powell Dr. Yolanda Powell is an apostolic strategist, master communicator, and leadership trainer known as The Voice that Builds Global Reformers. With over 40 years of leadership experience, she equips women and leaders across ministry and marketplace to step into their calling with clarity, confidence, and Kingdom authority. She is the founder of Yolanda Powell Transcontinental and author of The 3D Leader: An Ancient Blueprint for a Digital Age, a powerful framework helping leaders return to Christ-centred leadership in a modern world. Connect with Dr. Yolanda Powell 🌐 Website: www.dryolandapowell.com 🔗 LinkedIn & YouTube: Search Dr. Yolanda Powell   Stay Connected with Rika Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter Subscribe for faith-based leadership insights, practical strategies, and encouragement for Christian women leading in real workplace situations. https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/newsletter Have a Listener Question? Submit your leadership question here: https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/podcast Connect with Rika LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rikawhelan

June 22, 202615 min

170 | Solving Problems Like Jesus - Calm, Wise, Strategic Leadership Under Pressure

Leadership problems don’t usually come at convenient times. They come with pressure, urgency, and complexity — often involving people, emotions, and difficult decisions. In this episode, we explore how Jesus modelled a completely different way of solving problems: calm, wise, and strategic — even under pressure.   In This Episode We explore: • why pressure impacts your ability to think clearly as a leader • how to slow down and respond with wisdom instead of urgency • the difference between surface problems and root issues • how to separate emotion from decision-making • why trying to solve everything at once leads to overwhelm • how to take clear, strategic next steps in complex situations This episode will help you lead through challenges with greater clarity, calm, and confidence.   A Key Leadership Truth: Clarity comes from calm — not pressure.   Ready to overcome Imposter Syndrome for good? The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint will help you: navigate leadership pressure with confidence stop shrinking under responsibility understand emotional triggers lead from identity, not insecurity and rediscover the strength that comes from partnering with God in your leadership You don’t have to feel alone in what you carry. Let the Blueprint support you as you lead others. Go to womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint   Ready to Communicate Clearly in Difficult Situations? If problem-solving in leadership often leads to conversations you feel unsure about, the Difficult Conversations Script Pack will help you: • know exactly what to say in high-pressure situations • communicate clearly without overthinking • handle conflict and tension with confidence • lead conversations with calm authority 👉 Get it here: womenoffaithinleadership.com/conversation   Stay Connected Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter 👉 https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/newsletter Have a Listener Question? 👉 https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com/podcast Join the Community 👉 https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/community Connect with Rika 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

June 15, 20268 min

169 | Leading with Integrity (When It Would Be Easier Not To)

Integrity in leadership isn’t tested when things are easy — it’s revealed when standing firm feels uncomfortable. In this episode, we unpack what it really looks like to lead with integrity under pressure. If you’ve ever felt the tension between doing what’s right and doing what’s easy, this conversation will give you clarity, courage, and practical guidance for navigating those moments with wisdom.   In This Episode We explore: • why integrity is most often tested in high-pressure leadership moments • the internal tension Christian leaders feel when values are challenged • how avoidance can quietly damage culture, trust, and credibility • the importance of deciding your leadership standards in advance • how to communicate clearly without becoming emotional or reactive • why trusting God with the outcome is essential for courageous leadership This episode will help you stand firm in your leadership — even when it feels uncomfortable.   A Key Leadership Truth: Integrity is not proven in comfort. It is revealed in pressure.   Ready to Lead with Clarity in Difficult Moments? If you’ve been avoiding a conversation because you’re unsure what to say or how to say it, the Difficult Conversations Script Pack will support you. It will help you: • communicate with clarity and calm authority • address issues without overthinking or softening your message • handle difficult conversations with confidence and wisdom • lead with integrity in real, everyday leadership situations 👉 Get it here: womenoffaithinleadership.com/conversation   Stay Connected Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter 👉 https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/newsletter Have a Listener Question? 👉 https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com/podcast Join the Community 👉 https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/community Connect with Rika 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

June 8, 202617 min

168 | Delegate Without Feeling Guilty

Delegation isn’t just a leadership skill — it’s a spiritual alignment. In this episode, we unpack why so many Christian women in leadership struggle to delegate, not because they lack ability, but because they carry more than they were ever meant to. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, responsible for everything, or hesitant to delegate because it feels uncomfortable or unclear, this episode will help you release the weight and lead with clarity.   In This Episode We explore: • why delegation feels emotionally difficult (even when you know it’s necessary) • the hidden cost of over-carrying in leadership • how people-pleasing and over-responsibility impact your leadership • the difference between responsibility and ownership • why delegation is essential for team growth and development • how to communicate clearly when delegating tasks You’ll learn practical, faith-based shifts to help you stop carrying everything and start leading with greater clarity and peace.   A Key Leadership Truth: Over-carrying is not leadership — it’s misaligned responsibility. You are not called to do everything. You are called to lead wisely. Ready to Delegate with Clarity? If you struggle with knowing what to say when delegating or setting expectations, the Difficult Conversations Script Pack will help you: • communicate clearly without over-explaining • delegate tasks with confidence and calm authority • set expectations without feeling harsh or guilty • handle leadership conversations without second-guessing 👉 Get it here: womenoffaithinleadership.com/conversation   Stay Connected Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter 👉 https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/newsletter Have a Listener Question? 👉 https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com/podcast Join the Community 👉 https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/community Connect with Rika 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

June 1, 202641 min

167 | [Guest] Boundaries, Identity, and God-Aligned Leadership with Carolon Donnally

Burnout doesn’t always look the way we expect. Sometimes it looks like loving your job… but slowly losing yourself in it. Sometimes it looks like saying “I’m fine”… while quietly falling apart. And sometimes it shows up in your body before you even recognise it in your mind. In this episode, I’m joined by Carolon Donnally, Burnout Prevention Strategist and former Head of Leadership Coaching at the IRS, who shares both her personal journey with burnout and the leadership patterns that often lead women there. Together, we explore how burnout develops over time, why high-capacity leaders are often the most at risk, and what it looks like to build a leadership life that is sustainable, healthy, and aligned with God. In This Episode We talk about: • the early warning signs of burnout (including physical symptoms many leaders ignore) • how burnout can progress into emotional and even clinical exhaustion if left unaddressed • why high-achieving, responsible leaders are often the most vulnerable to burnout • the hidden patterns that create burnout — including people-pleasing and over-responsibility • how work can subtly become an identity or even an idol • why saying “I’m fine” can mask deeper struggles • the importance of recognising emotional and physical signals early • how leaders can better support their teams and identify burnout risks • why burnout is not just an individual issue — but also an organisational one • the powerful question every leader should ask: “At what cost is this getting done?”   A Key Leadership Shift - Burnout isn’t always a sign you’re doing something wrong — but it is a signal that something needs to change. Sustainable leadership requires: • boundaries • self-awareness • identity rooted in Christ • and the wisdom to pause when needed   About Carolon Donnally Carolon Donnally is a Burnout Prevention Strategist and speaker who equips women of faith and leadership to break free from the cycle of overwork and exhaustion. As a former federal leader and Head of Leadership Coaching at the IRS, she brings over two decades of experience in leadership, coaching, and organisational development. Her work uniquely combines personal experience, research-backed strategies, and a deep understanding of workplace systems. Carolon helps both individuals and organisations address burnout at its root — empowering leaders to build cultures that support wellbeing, sustainability, and long-term impact. Her mission is to help high-achieving women rediscover their worth, reclaim their energy, and lead with clarity and compassion — without sacrificing their faith or their well-being. 🎁 Connect with Carolon 🔗 Website: https://carolon-donnally.com 🧠 Burnout Self-Assessment: https://carolon-donnally.kit.com/de74fc8233

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