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The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul JenkinsAuthor: Paul Jenkins
Throughout the years, I've come to believe two truths: one, everyone leads someone, and two, no one really feels qualified to lead anyone. Add the pressure put on us by culture to have all the answers in a world full of confusion, and you've got a recipe for reluctant leaders.Thankfully, when it comes to leading in the Bible and in life, the most qualified aren't always the most obvious. This podcast is a conversation for all of us who want to lead well but never feel like we are. New episodes are released on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. Language: en-us Genres: Christianity, Education, Religion & Spirituality, Self-Improvement Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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TRLP 065: Lead From the Heart: Why Distance Weakens Leadership
Episode 65
Tuesday, 10 February, 2026
Got questions or comments? Text them to me!In a world more connected than ever, leadership has quietly become more distant.We have constant access to people—texts, emails, meetings, metrics—but proximity isn’t the same as presence. And when leaders begin leading from a distance, something subtle but serious happens: our decisions start to lose their soul.In this episode of The Reluctant Leader Podcast, Paul Jenkins reflects on an often-overlooked moment in Exodus 28:30, where God instructs the high priest to wear the breastplate—the place of discernment—over the heart.That detail is more than symbolic. It’s formative.This episode explores why:Good decisions flow from a well-connected heartLeadership always moves in two directions—toward people and toward GodDistance shows up first in our decisionsVulnerability isn’t a soft skill, but a leadership necessityWhen leaders close the gap emotionally, relationally, and spiritually, people stop being projects and start being people again. Stories stay close. Pain stays human. Growth stays personal.If you’ve been feeling cynical, sharp, or detached in your leadership, this episode offers a hopeful invitation—not to work harder, but to move closer.Closer to God.Closer to people.Closer to the heart.Key TakeawaysYou can be around people and still not be with themDiscernment belongs near compassion, not distanceLeadership breaks down when either people or God drift from the heartVulnerability keeps decision-making human and God-honoringThe heart must stay involved for leadership to remain effectiveScripture ReferencedExodus 28:30Leadership Practice for the MonthWear the breastplate again.Let decisions be shaped by love.Lead with people, not over them.If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone you’re leading—or another leader who needs the reminder. And as always, keep giving God your best, and He’ll do the rest.⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️Thanks for listening to The Reluctant Leader Podcast with Paul Jenkins! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and be sure to read the stuff I'm writing on my blog.Rather watch the video? Head over to The Reluctant Leader Podcast on my YouTube channel.
