
Women of Faith in Leadership | Leading with integrity, Leadership Self-doubt, Christian Leadership, Leading with confidence, Teamwork
Rika Whelan | Christian Leadership Coach
Show overview
Women of Faith in Leadership | Leading with integrity, Leadership Self-doubt, Christian Leadership, Leading with confidence, Teamwork has been publishing since 2023, and across the 3 years since has built a catalogue of 170 episodes, alongside 4 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 70 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 18 min and 31 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Business show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 days ago, with 22 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Rika Whelan | Christian Leadership Coach.
From the publisher
Ranked Top 2% GloballyDo 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 and2. Find free resourcesHead 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 [email protected]
Latest Episodes
View all 170 episodes166 | Leading Through Change Without Overwhelm or Resistance
165 | Feedback Without Fear: How to Give Feedback with Compassion
164 | How to Listen Like Jesus & Use God-given Discernment in Conversations
163 | [Guest] What If Their Behaviour Isn’t the Problem? Seeing People Through God’s Eyes with Dr Melanie Grey
162 | How to Build a Culture of Healthy Accountability
161 | I Knew What to Say… So Why Didn’t I Say It?
160 | The 5 Communication Mistakes Even Smart Leaders Make

159 | [Guest] How Daily Devotionals Can Shape Workplace Culture with Matt Clarke
What does it actually look like to bring your faith into leadership… in a way that is natural, consistent, and deeply impactful? In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Clarke, President and Chief Operations Officer of Churchill Mortgage Corporation, who shares a powerful and practical example of what faith-led leadership can look like in the workplace. What began as a simple practice — writing and sending daily devotionals to his team — has grown into something that has shaped culture, encouraged employees, and impacted people far beyond the organisation. This conversation will help you see that integrating faith into leadership doesn’t have to be complicated or forced. Sometimes, it’s the small, consistent acts of obedience that create the greatest impact. In This Episode We explore: • how Matt began writing daily devotionals for his team • why consistency matters more than perfection in faith-led leadership • how personal stories can connect deeply with people in the workplace • the impact of bringing Scripture into everyday leadership moments • how devotionals have shaped the culture at Churchill Mortgage • what it looks like to lead with faith without being performative or pushy • how simple spiritual practices can influence how people show up at work and at home A Key Leadership Truth: You don’t need a platform to influence people — you need consistency. Small, faithful leadership habits practiced daily can shape culture in ways you may not immediately see. About Matt Clarke Matt Clarke is the President and Chief Operations Officer of Churchill Mortgage Corporation, a nationally recognised mortgage company based in Brentwood, Tennessee. With over 25 years of experience in the financial and mortgage industry, Matt has played a key role in transforming Churchill from a mortgage broker into a mortgage banking institution, while overseeing its day-to-day operations. Beyond his operational leadership, Matt is deeply passionate about integrating faith into the workplace. Through his daily devotionals — drawn from personal life experiences and anchored in Scripture — he has created a culture of encouragement, reflection, and spiritual growth that extends across teams and customers nationwide. Hope in the Grind 90 Days of Biblical Encouragement for Faith, Work, and Life Matt Clarke with Sherri Gragg | Author | Speaker Matt Clarke never planned to write a devotional. He's not a pastor or theologian. He's a husband, father, and business leader who started reading the Bible one day because he thought his kids should probably go to church. That decision changed everything. Now, in Hope in the Grind, Matt shares 90 days of hard-won wisdom from the trenches of real life - from boardrooms to mission fields, from coaching youth sports to leading a thriving company, from personal failures to redemptive victories. Organized around six Core Convictions that guide both life and leadership, each daily reading delivers: A compelling story that resonates with your real-world experiences Biblical truth that speaks to the challenges you face today Practical application you can implement immediately Honest insights from someone who's lived it, not just studied it This isn't another devotional telling you to pray more and work less. This is about bringing your faith into your work - and discovering that God meets you right there in the middle of that grind. Learn more about the book: https://www.mattcclarke.com/books Purchase the devotional: https://books2read.com/HOPE-IN-THE-GRIND Connect with Matt https://www.churchillmortgage.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-clarke-churchill/ [email protected]
158 | How to Lead Like Jesus When You’re Under Pressure
Pressure doesn’t create your leadership — it reveals it. And when the expectations are high, the demands are constant, and everyone is looking to you for answers, it can feel incredibly hard to stay calm, grounded, and Christlike. In this episode, we look closely at how Jesus led under pressure — not in quiet moments, but in conflict, exhaustion, misunderstanding, and chaos. You’ll discover practical, faith-filled ways to lead with steadiness instead of reactivity, and how to stay anchored in who God says you are when leadership feels heavy. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why pressure doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means you’re leading How Jesus modelled calm, Spirit-led leadership in high-pressure moments Why slowing down is often the wisest leadership move How to stop absorbing everyone else’s emotions How to set Christlike boundaries without guilt How to stay anchored in your identity instead of public opinion Next Step If pressure has been making you doubt yourself, react emotionally, or second-guess your decisions, you don’t have to lead through it alone. The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint is a Scripture-rooted private podcast designed to help Christian women lead with calm, Christ-centred confidence — even in their hardest seasons. 👉 womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint
157 | When God Uses Difficult People to Grow You as a Leader
Every leader has at least one person who tests their patience, confidence, and faith. The one who challenges every decision, pushes your buttons, or makes leadership feel heavier than it should. In this episode, we explore a hard but freeing truth: sometimes the very people you’re praying God would remove are the ones He’s using to grow you. Not because their behaviour is right — but because God develops strong, Spirit-led leaders through pressure, tension, and challenge. This is an honest, faith-filled conversation about boundaries, confidence, discernment, and leadership maturity — and how God uses difficult relationships to refine the leader you’re becoming. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why difficult people often reveal growth, not failure How challenging relationships strengthen boundaries, confidence, and clarity What God may be developing in you through uncomfortable leadership moments How to respond with wisdom instead of frustration or self-doubt How to lead like Jesus when people stretch you emotionally and spiritually Next Step If difficult people have been draining your confidence or making you question your leadership, you don’t have to navigate that alone. The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint is a Scripture-rooted private podcast created to help Christian women lead with calm, Christlike confidence — even in challenging environments. 👉 womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint
156 | 5 Ways Christian Leaders Accidentally Contribute to Toxic Culture (and Don’t Realize It)
Most leaders can recognise a toxic culture when they walk into one — but far fewer realise how easily they may be unintentionally contributing to it themselves. In this episode, we explore five subtle, often well-intentioned leadership patterns that quietly reinforce unhealthy culture, especially for Christian women who want to lead with kindness, grace, and compassion. From avoiding conflict to softening communication and over-functioning for others, these habits don’t come from bad leadership — they come from caring deeply. This episode isn’t about blame or shame. It’s about awareness, clarity, and learning how to lead culture with confidence instead of absorbing it. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why toxic culture isn’t always caused by toxic people How kindness without clarity can unintentionally create confusion and dysfunction The leadership patterns that quietly weaken trust, safety, and accountability What Christ-centred, Spirit-led leadership looks like when culture feels hard How to shift from people-pleasing to confident, healthy leadership Next Step If this episode stirred self-doubt or made you question whether you’re “leading well enough,” you’re not alone. The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint is a short, faith-filled private podcast designed to help Christian women lead with clarity, confidence, and Christ-anchored authority — especially when navigating culture, conflict, and difficult people. 👉 womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint

155 | [Guest] When God Calls You Before You Feel Ready with Rhonda Mincey
Have you ever felt like God was calling you into something… but everything inside you whispered, “Surely not me?” Today’s conversation is for every woman who has ever felt unqualified, unsure, or overwhelmed by the weight of leadership — yet sensed that God was asking her to step forward anyway. In this episode, I’m joined by Rhonda Mincey, founder of Hope Springs Africa, whose story is a powerful reminder that obedience often comes before confidence. Rhonda shares how she was identified as a leader long before she felt ready, how imposter syndrome tried to keep her small, and how one courageous “yes” to God led to the founding of a nonprofit that began by helping one family and has since impacted villages and communities in Rwanda. Together, we talk about the moment every leader faces — the “date of decision” — when you choose whether to step forward in faith or stay small in fear. Rhonda also shares why your past experiences are never wasted and how God equips you uniquely for the people and purpose He has called you to serve. This is a conversation about obedience, courage, and trusting God even when the full picture isn’t clear. In this episode, we discuss: Why confidence often comes after obedience, not before How imposter syndrome shows up when stepping into God’s calling Recognising the transferable skills God has already placed inside you The “date of decision” every leader must make Trusting God when the path ahead feels uncertain If you’ve been sensing God nudging you forward but fear has been holding you back, this episode will encourage you to stop shrinking, start trusting, and take your next faithful step. Connect with Rhonda www.RhondaMincey.com; www.HopeSpringsAfrica.org; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-g-mincey Next Step If self-doubt or fear of getting it wrong has been keeping you from saying yes to leadership, check out The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint — a short, Scripture-rooted private podcast designed to help Christian women lead with calm, Christ-anchored confidence. 👉 womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint
154 | Wise Decision-Making: What Christian Leaders Can Learn from Proverbs
Leadership rises and falls on the decisions you make — and for many Christian women, decision-making is one of the most exhausting parts of leadership. In this episode, we turn to the book of Proverbs to uncover timeless, practical wisdom for making decisions with clarity, confidence, and spiritual steadiness — even when the pressure is high and the fear of getting it wrong feels heavy. Rather than relying on confidence alone, Proverbs teaches us how to think like a wise leader, so you can make decisions rooted in truth, discernment, and trust in God. In this episode, you’ll discover: why decision-making feels so heavy for many Christian women in leadership how Proverbs reframes wisdom as posture, not perfection the difference between seeking counsel and seeking consensus how to check your motives before making a decision and how to move forward confidently after you’ve made a wise choice — without second-guessing yourself This episode is especially for you if you tend to overthink decisions, fear disappointing others, or replay choices long after they’ve been made. You’ll walk away with biblical clarity, renewed confidence, and a calmer, more grounded approach to leadership decisions. 🎧 Tune in to learn how wisdom from Proverbs can strengthen your leadership — not just your choices, but your confidence as you lead. Want to stop second-guessing yourself as a leader? Explore The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint at womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint and learn how to make decisions from faith, not fear.
153 | Leadership Loneliness: What to Do When No One Gets What You Carry
Leadership carries a kind of loneliness that few people talk about — the weight of responsibility, decision-making, and emotional pressure that often goes unseen and unshared. In this episode, we unpack why leadership can feel isolating, especially for women of faith, and how to navigate that loneliness without letting it erode your confidence or calling. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, unseen, or alone in what you carry as a leader, this conversation will bring clarity, comfort, and direction. In this episode, you’ll learn: why leadership naturally creates emotional distance — and why that’s not a failure how unrealistic expectations can deepen feelings of loneliness the difference between isolation and life-giving solitude how to build a small, safe circle of support as a leader why bringing your leadership burdens to God changes everything This episode is for the leader who shows up faithfully, carries heavy responsibility, and quietly wonders, “Does anyone really understand what I’m carrying?” Your Next Step If leadership loneliness has been feeding self-doubt or insecurity, The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint will help you lead with confidence, clarity, and Christ-centred strength — even in the moments where you feel unseen or alone. Navigate to: womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint
152 | Staying Spirit-Led When People Push Your Buttons
There are moments in leadership when your patience disappears before your wisdom shows up. In this episode, we talk about what it really means to stay Spirit-led when someone triggers you — through their tone, behaviour, questions, or resistance. Because leadership isn’t just about managing others well; it’s about learning how to manage yourself with discernment, clarity, and Christlike self-control. In this episode, you’ll learn: why being Spirit-led doesn’t mean you never feel triggered how emotional reactions often point to deeper leadership pressure or insecurity the difference between reacting emotionally and responding with discernment how to stay grounded in your identity in Christ when tensions rise how to lead with calm authority instead of matching someone else’s energy If certain people or situations leave you feeling unsettled, reactive, or doubting yourself, this episode will help you respond with wisdom, maturity, and spiritual steadiness — even in difficult moments. Your Next Step If emotional triggers or pressure situations are shaking your confidence, The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint will help you understand your patterns, rebuild confidence, and lead with calm, Christ-centred clarity. Navigate to: womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint

151 | [Guest] Why Joy Matters More Than Hustle in Leadership with Nicole Van Valen
What if joy wasn’t something you squeezed in after the work was done — but the very thing that sustained you through it? In this episode of Women of Faith in Leadership, I’m joined by Nicole Van Valen — internationally recognised speaker, leadership consultant, therapist, and author of The Joyful Leader®. With more than 25 years of experience across healthcare, behavioural health, and corporate leadership, Nicole brings a refreshing and deeply practical perspective on resilience, burnout, and emotionally healthy leadership. Together, we unpack a powerful truth many leaders overlook: joy is not fluffy, naive, or optional — it’s strategic. Nicole shares why hustle and grit alone are not sustainable, how joy fuels clarity and confidence under pressure, and what emotionally healthy leadership actually looks like in demanding, high-responsibility roles. We also talk honestly about burnout, stress, spiritual resilience, and how leaders can create cultures that perform well and feel healthy. This conversation will challenge what you’ve been taught about leadership strength — and invite you to reimagine joy as a God-given leadership resource, not a reward for surviving another hard season. In this episode, we explore: Why joy is a leadership strategy, not a personality trait The difference between happiness and sustainable, soul-deep joy How leaders can prevent burnout without lowering standards What emotionally healthy, resilient leadership looks like in practice Simple, practical ways to bring joy into high-pressure workplaces Why Christian leaders need joy to lead with clarity, confidence, and peace If you’re leading under pressure, feeling stretched thin, or wondering how to stay grounded without burning out — this episode will encourage you, stretch you, and remind you that joy is not a luxury for leaders… it’s a necessity. 🎧 Listen now and rediscover a leadership posture that sustains you — not drains you. Connect with Nicole LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolevanvalen/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keane-insights Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keaneinsights/?igsh=aTF0ZW16ajJsMWdl&utm_-source=qr TikTok Personal: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolevanvalen?_t=8nMxAINC4YE&_r=1 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/keaneinsights WhatsApp: +1-954-461-8045 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NicoleVanValen Twitter: https://twitter.com/Keane_Insights _ Website: https://keaneinsights.com/ Book – The Joyful Leader®: https://keaneinsights.com/book/
150 | When Confidence Isn’t Enough: Rooting Your Leadership Identity in Christ
There are seasons in leadership when confidence alone is simply not enough. In this episode, we explore what happens when self-belief wavers, pressure increases, or old insecurities resurface — and why Christian leaders need something deeper than confidence to carry them through. This conversation reframes leadership strength through the lens of identity rooted in Christ, not performance, feelings, or external validation. In this episode, we talk about: why confidence rises and falls — but identity in Christ remains steady the difference between leading from self-belief and leading from calling how comparison quietly erodes leadership confidence what it looks like to lead from spiritual grounding instead of emotional swings why identity, not confidence, is the foundation of unshakeable leadership If you’ve been doing “all the right things” but still feel unsure, overwhelmed, or exposed in leadership, this episode will help you anchor yourself in who God says you are — especially on the days confidence doesn’t show up. Your Next Step If self-doubt or insecurity has been shaping how you lead, The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint will help you rebuild confidence from a biblical foundation and lead with clarity, courage, and Christ-anchored strength. Navigate to: womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint
149 | What I Learned Leading in a Toxic Workplace
Toxic workplaces don’t usually start loud — they grow quietly through what’s ignored, excused, or left unaddressed. In this episode, I unpack the hard but important lessons learned from leading in a toxic environment — and how those experiences reshape your confidence, clarity, and leadership identity if you’re not careful. We talk about: the subtle patterns that define toxic workplace cultures why toxic environments damage confidence — especially for Christian women how to tell the difference between healthy leadership challenges and unhealthy culture the role of boundaries, accountability, and clarity in protecting both people and purpose why toxicity doesn’t get the final word in your leadership story If you’ve ever questioned yourself because of a difficult environment — or wondered whether what you experienced was “normal” leadership — this episode will give you language, validation, and wisdom for moving forward with strength and discernment. Your Next Step If a toxic workplace has shaken your confidence or made you second-guess your leadership, The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint will help you rebuild clarity, confidence, and Christ-anchored strength. Navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint
148 | The Legacy Leader: What Your Leadership Leaves Behind
One day, long after you’ve moved on from your role, your team, or your title, people will still feel the impact of how you led. In this episode, we pause to ask a powerful question every Christian leader must eventually face: When my leadership is no longer in the room… what remains? This conversation explores what legacy really means — not influence, visibility, or achievements, but the lasting imprint your leadership leaves on people’s confidence, character, and growth. In this episode, you’ll reflect on: how everyday leadership decisions quietly shape a lasting legacy why legacy has more to do with consistency than visibility the role of culture, character, and courage in Christlike leadership how to invest in people in a way that outlives your position what it looks like to lead intentionally without striving or burnout If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “doing enough” as a leader — or hoped your leadership would matter beyond today — this episode will reframe legacy through a biblical, grace-filled lens. ✨ Your Next Step If thinking about legacy stirs self-doubt or insecurity, The Imposter Syndrome Blueprint will help you lead with clarity, confidence, and Christ-anchored authority — today and for the long run. Find out more at womenoffaithinleadership.com/blueprint

147 | [Guest] The Lies We Trade: What Women Need to Stop Believing with Kristine Delano
What if some of the biggest barriers to your confidence and calling aren’t external — but the quiet lies you’ve learned to live with? In this rich and honest conversation, I’m joined by Kristine Delano, a former Wall Street executive turned suspense novelist and podcast host, who brings a powerful perspective on leadership, ambition, faith, and identity. After more than twenty years in high-pressure financial environments, Kristine understands firsthand the cost of striving, silence, and self-doubt — especially for women navigating demanding careers alongside family and faith. We talk about: the hidden lies women in leadership often believe about confidence, worth, and ambition why asking questions is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) leadership skills navigating leadership and calling when life feels full and competing priorities pull at you the role of community, accountability, and networks in sustainable leadership how faith reshapes the way we view success, resilience, and purpose Kristine also shares insights from her debut novel The Lies We Trade, which explores the emotional tension women face in high-stakes environments — and why stories can be such a powerful mirror for leadership growth and self-reflection. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “have it all,” questioned your voice, or wondered whether you’re leading the right way, this episode will challenge, encourage, and deeply resonate. More about Kristina Delano Kristine Delano spent over twenty years navigating a career on Wall Street before trading her panoramic city view for a standing writer’s desk. She is the author of The Lies We Trade (releasing with Tyndale), host of the podcast We Talk Careers, and a speaker and strategic advisor passionate about helping women navigate leadership and calling with faith and integrity. Connect with Kristine Website: kristinedelano.com Instagram: @kristine.delano.writer Facebook: @KristineDelano.Writer LinkedIn: @kristinedelano Podcast: We Talk Careers Substack: Wall Street Suspense Your Next Steps Take the Free Confidence Quiz Find out what the #1 thing is that’s holding you back from leading confidently with this short and free quiz! Take the free quiz here: https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/quiz/ Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for faith-based leadership tips, inspiring stories, early bird event invites, and exclusive updates. Get the tools you need to lead with confidence and grace! Subscribe here: https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/newsletter Have a listener question? Submit it at https://womenoffaithinleadership.com/podcast