Best UYWIs Podcasts (2026)

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EP. 65 - Leadership Habits of A Healthy Leader - Part 2 37:38

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2d ago37:38

37:38

Healthy leadership is built through intentional habits practiced over time. In Part 2 of this series, Tommy Nixon and Robert Aboites continue the conversation on the habits that shape spiritually grounded, resilient leaders. This episode covers habits six through ten, including planning and prioritizing around your why, committing to lifelong learn…

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Ep. 64 - Leadership Habits of A Healthy Leader - Part 1 35:00

15d ago35:00

35:00

Growth is not an accident. It forms through habits that shape your inner life and guide the way you lead. Scripture teaches that faithfulness in small things prepares you for greater responsibility, and Luke 16:10 captures this truth clearly. The choices you make each day set the path for the leader you will become. In this episode, we walk through…

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Ep. 63 - It’s Lonely At The Top – But It Doesn’t Have To Be 32:20

29d ago32:20

32:20

Leadership carries a weight that many leaders feel but rarely name. The phrase "It’s lonely at the top" speaks to the emotional and spiritual cost that comes when you lead without real connection. Isolation fuels burnout, poor choices, and a slow drift in your spiritual life. Many leaders feel alone because others do not carry the same load, confid…

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Ep. 62 - Maximizing Influence by Leading with Character 36:47

1M ago36:47

36:47

Do you want to know the truth about leadership influence? Your title might give you authority, but it doesn’t automatically give you influence. Research from Harvard Business School reveals that influential leaders share three traits—they’re trusted, competent, and genuinely invested in others’ success. In this episode of The Future Is Here Podcast…

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Ep. 61 - How to Lead Up: Honoring Authority While Speaking Truth 33:30

2M ago33:30

33:30

Have you ever struggled with how to serve under leadership while seeing opportunities for improvement? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Future Is Here Podcast, we explore one of the most difficult tensions in Christian leadership — how to honor authority while staying true to your convictions. You’ll learn: How to balance submission and cou…

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Ep. 60 - When to Pivot: How Leaders Know It’s Time to Let Go and Move Forward 42:17

3M ago42:17

42:17

Letting go isn’t failure. It’s faith. In this episode of The Future Is Here Podcast, we talk about one of the hardest moments every leader faces: knowing when it’s time to pivot. You’ve prayed, built, and sacrificed for what you lead. But sometimes God calls you to release what once worked so you can step into what’s next. In this conversation, we …

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Ep. 59 - The Q&A Episode: Answers to Your Burning Leadership Questions 41:56

3M ago41:56

41:56

This week on The Future Is Here Podcast, we dive into the details and answer some of the most practical and pressing leadership questions from our network—real questions that don’t come from textbooks but from the trenches of ministry and leadership. Tommy and Robert tackle topics every leader faces: navigating major staff transitions without causi…

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EP. 58 - The Sacred Hustle: Leading with Purpose, Not Pressure 43:18

4M ago43:18

43:18

On this episode of The Future’s Here Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Robert Abo dive into a raw conversation about hustle culture in leadership, ministry, and entrepreneurship. Too many leaders are burning out under the weight of constant pressure, mistaking exhaustion for passion and tying their identity to productivity. Tommy and Robert unpack wha…

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Ep. 57 - The Power of No: How Boundaries Protect Your Calling and Prevent Burnout 41:06

4M ago41:06

41:06

What if the most faithful step in your leadership today is learning to say “no”? In this episode, we dive into the power of setting boundaries as a leader and follower of Christ. Many leaders struggle with people-pleasing, overcommitment, and exhaustion. Even Jesus modeled healthy boundaries—He withdrew from crowds, declined certain demands, and ch…

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Ep. 56: Trust Your Gut: Intuitive Decision Making Explained 37:45

5M ago37:45

37:45

Some decisions in leadership come from discernment, not just data. Have you ever faced a choice where logic said “yes,” but your spirit said “no” or “not yet”? In this episode, we explore the role of Spirit-led intuition in Christian leadership. We break down what it means to trust your gut in a biblical way and how to recognize God’s guidance beyo…

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Ep. 55 - Thank God I Failed: Leadership Lessons from Setbacks 39:26

5M ago39:26

39:26

Every leader has quietly asked themselves, What if I fail? In this latest conversation on The Future Is Here Podcast, we explore the fear of failure in leadership, how to face it, learn from it, and let it shape the kind of Christian leader God created you to be. Failure in ministry or leadership doesn’t mean the calling is over. It might mean God …

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Ep. 54 - The Q&A Episode: Answers to Your Burning Leadership Questions 35:30

5M ago35:30

35:30

We want to take some time to answer your most pressing leadership questions. You sent the questions, we brought the answers. In this episode, we unpack: how to discern spiritual opposition from human resistance, practices for giving honest feedback that challenges growth without crushing people, how to motivate gifted leaders who lack confidence, s…

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Ep. 53 Here’s How Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Stay Whole 37:17

6M ago37:17

37:17

Are you emotionally drained, spiritually exhausted, and physically worn out from working with youth in urban ministry? You’re not alone. Leading in the trenches of trauma, violence, systemic injustice, and daily crisis takes a serious toll. 🎙️ In this episode of The Future Is Here, our Leadership Podcast, we dive into the emotional weight of leader…

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Ep. 52 Four Steps to Unlearning: The Secret to Spirit-Led Leadership 35:29

6M ago35:29

35:29

You've heard it before: Great leaders never stop learning. But what if the key to your next level of growth isn't learning more—it's UNLEARNING what’s holding you back? In this episode of The Future Is Here Podcast, we dive deep into leadership transformation, exploring why unlearning is essential for your spiritual formation, emotional health, and…

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Ep. 51 When Leadership Roles Blur: Avoiding Role Conflation in Ministry 36:52

7M ago36:52

36:52

In this Christian leadership podcast, we dive into the dangers of role conflation—when pastors, mentors, and ministry leaders lose clarity in their relationships and decision-making. But when leadership roles become conflated, it can lead to poor decision-making, relational strain, and serious leadership blind spots. In this episode, we explore how…

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Ep 50 How Great Leaders Respond to Crisis Pt. 2 36:59

7M ago36:59

36:59

In the final episode of our “How Great Leaders Respond to Crisis” series, we go deeper into what it means to lead with wisdom, faith, and emotional resilience when everything is on the line. A crisis doesn’t just challenge your leadership—it reveals your character. This episode focuses on the heart-level challenges of leadership in crisis and offer…

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Ep. 49 How Great Leaders Respond to Crisis Pt. 1 34:15

8M ago34:15

34:15

In Part 1 of our “How Great Leaders Respond to Crisis” podcast, we explore how great leaders rise above chaos with clarity, compassion, and courage. Whether you’re leading in ministry, business, or community, a crisis doesn’t just test your skills—it reveals your character. In this video, we’ll cover: ✅ How to lead with wisdom and spiritual resilie…

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Final Reflections and New Beginnings - The Final Episode 17:46

1y ago17:46

17:46

In this final episode of The Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal take a heartfelt look back at their journey over 50 episodes, reflecting on the podcast’s origins and the purpose that shaped it. Created to foster conversations around complex social and church issues, the podcast sought to promote dialogue and mutual unders…

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Authenticity in Church Leadership - is being too nice hurting the church? 30:39

1y ago30:39

30:39

In this episode of The Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal dive into a crucial topic affecting today’s Christian communities—the impact of excessive niceness. Could this culture of "niceness" be one of the reasons young people are drifting away from the church? Tommy and Lenmarie discuss how this overly polite approach oft…

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Ep. 48: Leadership Landmines: Avoiding Leadership Pitfalls and Growing Through Mistakes 28:35

1y ago28:35

28:35

Mistakes are inevitable—we all make them. But great leaders know how to break the cycle of repeated missteps and grow from both their own mistakes and those of others. In this episode, Robert and Tommy explore some of the critical mistakes leaders often fall into, especially in high-pressure urban environments. We discuss the risks of relying too h…

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Sexual Ethics 28:45

1y ago28:45

28:45

In this episode of the Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal explore sexual ethics, critiquing both conservative purity culture and progressive attitudes towards sexuality. They discuss the impact of these teachings on different generations and stress the need for balanced, scripturally-informed discussions on intimacy and s…

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Ep. 47: The Art of Decision-Making in Leadership 25:52

1y ago25:52

25:52

In this episode, we dive deep into the complex world of decision-making in leadership, focusing on what it means to lead with intention in the fast-paced and dynamic environments of today’s world. As leaders, you know the importance of not just making decisions but making the right ones—decisions that align with your mission, values, and the commun…

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Bridging Generational Gaps: How Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z Shape Leadership and Society 32:27

1y ago32:27

32:27

In this episode of The Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall are joined by their intern, Taitem Brown, for an insightful discussion on the dynamics and tensions between Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. They delve into how these different generations shape societal norms, influence leadership styles, and impact cultural values…

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Ep. 46: 5 Leadership Hacks to Boost Your Productivity and Focus 34:20

1+ y ago34:20

34:20

Everyone strives to be a more productive leader, but finding the right strategies to enhance efficiency can be challenging. In our latest podcast episode, we explore five essential leadership hacks that can transform the way you lead, helping you to become more focused, effective, and impactful in your daily work. The first key to productivity is l…

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Faith Meets Politics: Navigating the Radical Middle in a Polarized Political Climate 31:25

1+ y ago31:25

31:25

In this episode of The Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall dive into the complex intersection of politics and Christianity, especially during the heightened tensions of the political season. They emphasize that the "radical middle" isn’t about taking a neutral or passive stance, but rather about engaging deeply and though…

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Ep. 45: Your Paycheck is not your purpose: Uncover the 3-Fold Path to Fulfillment 34:35

1+ y ago34:35

34:35

Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Why am I here?" or more specifically, "What is my purpose in this world?" These questions are at the heart of our journey leaders, especially in the fast-paced, dynamic environments we navigate daily. In today’s episode, Robert & Tommy dive deep into the essential topic of discovering your God-given purpose—…

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What is the Radical Middle? 30:16

1+ y ago30:16

30:16

The Radical Middle Podcast, hosted by Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall, explores the concept of the "radical middle," which emphasizes living out the teachings of Jesus in a genuine, thoughtful way. Unlike a centrist approach, the radical middle involves deeply wrestling with Christian truths and engaging in meaningful dialogue to understand and ap…

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Ep. 44: Overcoming the Inner Struggles of Leadership: Part 2 - Praise, Imposter, Fear, & Perfectionism 38:04

1+ y ago38:04

38:04

In the second part of our series, "The Internal Struggle of Leadership," we dive into four challenges every leader faces: praise, impostor syndrome, fear, and perfectionism. Praise: Recognition feels great, but how we handle it defines our character. Proverbs 27:21 says praise is a test. Accepting it humbly or crediting our team shows true leadersh…

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Embracing Healthy Conflict: A Path to Growth in Christian Leadership 30:26

1+ y ago30:26

30:26

In this episode, Tommy and Lenmarie take a deep dive into the reasons why Christians, particularly those in leadership and institutional roles, often struggle with conflict. They explore how the reluctance to confront disagreements head-on has led to a widespread phenomenon known as "church hurt," where unresolved issues create rifts within congreg…

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Ep. 43: Overcoming the Inner Struggles of Leadership: Part 1 - Humility, Self-Confidence, and Vulnerability 53:56

1+ y ago53:56

53:56

As a leader, have you ever felt inadequate, questioned your own motives, or been paralyzed by the fear of failure? If so, you're certainly not alone. Leadership isn't merely about guiding others—it's also about confronting and overcoming the inner battles we face within ourselves. These struggles can be daunting, but understanding them is crucial t…

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Navigating Masculinity: A Christian Perspective on Toxic Masculinity and True Leadership 35:58

1+ y ago35:58

35:58

In this episode of the Radical Middle Podcast, Tommy and Lenmarie dive deep into the complex and often contentious topic of masculinity, viewed through the lens of Christian faith. The discussion begins with a provocative question: If you were alone in a forest, would you feel safer with a man or a bear? Surprisingly, many choose the bear, a respon…

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Ep. 42: Inspiring Urban Youth: An Interview with Amy Williams on Leadership and Transformation 58:15

1+ y ago58:15

58:15

In today's podcast, Robert Aboites sits down with Amy Williams, author of Worth Seeing: Viewing Others Through God’s Eyes. With 30 years of experience serving youth involved in gangs, incarceration, probation, and parole, Amy shares her profound insights and leadership principles for working with urban youth on the margins of society. Amy recounts …

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Rethinking Megachurches: Authenticity and Impact in Modern Congregations 34:35

1+ y ago34:35

34:35

In this compelling episode of the Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall engage in a thorough examination of a significant question facing the religious community today: Should megachurches continue in their current form? With a keen eye on the evolving landscape of modern faith, they highlight several critical issues that m…

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Ep. 41: Mastering Time Management: Essential Strategies for Growing Leaders 34:27

1+ y ago34:27

34:27

Time management has challenged leaders for centuries. As William Penn, the founder of Philadelphia, said, “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” In today’s episode of The Future Is Here Leadership Podcast, Robert & Tommy delve into effective time prioritization, starting not with your calendar, but with your “why.” Prioritizing means f…

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Balancing Justice and Well-Being: Navigating Activism Fatigue with Faith and Authenticity 25:25

1+ y ago25:25

25:25

In this episode of the Radical Middle podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall take a deep dive into the concept of "justice fatigue." They explore the multifaceted challenges of staying actively engaged in social justice amidst the backdrop of overwhelming global crises. The conversation touches on the intense pressures faced by public advo…

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Ep. 40: Handling Underperformance with Compassion: Strategies for Faith Leaders 36:02

1+ y ago36:02

36:02

As leaders, we've all faced team members who aren't meeting expectations. How do you guide these individuals without jumping straight to reprimands? In our latest podcast episode, Robert & Tommy explore how to handle underperformance by creating a culture of support and growth. Learn how to navigate tough conversations with grace and empathy, recog…

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Why We Suck at Grieving - Transforming Grief Through Faith 42:59

1+ y ago42:59

42:59

In this episode of the Radical Middle podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie delve into the profound challenges of properly addressing grief, particularly within the church. They are joined by guest Angel Maldonado, who shares his personal journey through grief, from the loss of his father to his move to California. Maldonado sheds light on the of…

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Ep. 39: Mastering Consensus Leadership: Unlocking Team Innovation and Trust 38:35

1+ y ago38:35

38:35

Ever faced challenges in getting your team on board with major changes, ideas, or direction? Struggling to reach consensus? In this episode, Robert & Tommy dive into how to lead your team through a consensus-driven approach. Discover how to achieve collective agreement by considering diverse viewpoints and landing on the best solution—what we call …

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Reviving Bible Engagement: Is The Church Illiterate 44:57

1+ y ago44:57

44:57

In the latest episode of the Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall, along with Esteban Shedd from Streetlights, explore the transformative power of the Bible when it is made accessible through modern methods like hip-hop beats. They discuss the troublingly low engagement levels among Christians, which they attribute to digi…

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Ep. 38: Mastering Pacing: A Guide to Sustainable Leadership That Avoids Burnout 42:09

1+ y ago42:09

42:09

At UYWI we frequently connect with leaders who are either teetering on the brink of burnout or already engulfed in its flames. Sadly, it seems that burning out has become all too common in ministry circles, almost glorified as a badge of honor that says “if you’re not burnt out, are you even doing anything?!’. But is this truly what God desires for…

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“Church is wack!” - Why old skool methods aren’t working in a Relational Generation 31:23

1+ y ago31:23

31:23

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal delve into the evolving landscape of Church practices in the wake of the pandemic, focusing on innovative approaches tailored to young adult ministry. They advocate for transformative changes that prioritize authenticity, community engagement, and discipleship. T…

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Ep. 37: Sacrificial Leadership: Gaining Trust, Influence, and Intimacy 34:58

1+ y ago34:58

34:58

When you hear the word "Sacrifice," what comes to mind? For us, it immediately brings to mind Jesus, the ultimate Sacrificial Leader who gave everything, even his life, for us. But as leaders in youth ministry, what does sacrificial leadership really look like for us? In this episode, Robert and Tommy are diving deep into the heart of Sacrificial L…

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Navigating Charisma vs. Character in Christian Leadership: A Critical Discussion 35:05

1+ y ago35:05

35:05

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal delve into critical questions facing young adult leaders in Christian ministry. They examine the nuanced differences in cultural, ethnic, and church contexts and how these factors influence authenticity in leadership. The discussion probes the challenge of discer…

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Ep. 36: The Gift of Resistance: Navigating Challenges in Leadership & Allowing Them to Make You Better 36:38

1+ y ago36:38

36:38

As leaders we've all faced our fair share of challenges and pushback, am I right? In our latest podcast episode, Robert and Tommy are here to unwrap the "Gift of Resistance" and show us how to turn those hurdles into stepping stones. Join us as we dive into the why behind embracing, rather than fighting, the resistance that comes our way. From cult…

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"Just Be Honest": Navigating Faith and Authenticity While Balancing the Sacred & Secular 40:16

1+ y ago40:16

40:16

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal welcome Alexander James, a poet, pastor, and author, to delve into his latest book, "Just Be Honest." Join the conversation as they explore the delicate balance between faith and conformity, particularly in urban settings. With a focus on integrating spirituality…

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Ep. 35: Unlocking Potential: Understanding Our Team Members 43:01

1+ y ago43:01

43:01

Connecting with our team is like uncovering hidden treasures! It's all about digging deeper to understand their unique stories, backgrounds, values, cultures, talents, and dreams. This lays the groundwork for a vibrant organizational culture where everyone can flourish. When we truly know our team members, magic happens—retention rates soar, produc…

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Inclusion: Balancing Belief and Relevant Media Consumption 33:13

1+ y ago33:13

33:13

Join hosts Tommy Nixon, Vanessa, and Joseph Adam Cruz on The Radical Middle podcast as they delve into the complex interplay between faith and engagement with secular music and media. In this thought-provoking episode, they tackle the tension of maintaining one's beliefs and truths while navigating the landscape of inclusion and tolerance. Through …

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Ep. 34: The Trustworthy Leader - How to foster trust as a ministry leader 39:07

1+ y ago39:07

39:07

In a recent Gallup poll, clergy's trustworthiness hit a concerning low, prompting much needed discussions about the trust we have - or don’t have, in leadership. Join us on "The Future Is Here" as we dive into the vital topic of trust. With trust levels declining, it's crucial for leaders to grasp how to build trust effectively. By prioritizing car…

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Reviving Evangelism: Embracing Modern Approaches to Share the Gospel 34:45

1+ y ago34:45

34:45

In this episode of The Radical Middle podcast, hosts Tommy and Vanessa invite special guest Joseph Adam Cruz to explore the evolution of evangelism, discussing the changing tides of gospel outreach, acknowledging the fading effectiveness of traditional methods - championing a shift towards more personal, relational approaches that emphasize genuine…

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Ep. 33: Navigating Leadership Vision: What is your leadership lens? 31:01

2y ago31:01

31:01

In today's episode, we're diving into the world of leadership vision and how leaders shape the future of their organizations. We'll introduce three distinct leadership types: the "Then and Now" leader, the "Now and Next" leader, and the "Near and New" leader. Each type offers a unique take on scalability, innovation, and organizational growth. The …