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

099 | [Guest] Handwritten Notes: Small Gesture, Big Leadership Impact – with Amy Daughters

WIN 1 OF 5 CONFIDENCE COACHING SESSIONS!
Navigate HERE to enter!
You are in for a treat as I speak with Amy Daughters about the lost art of Handwritten notes and what an important role they can play in your leadership. About Amy:Amy Weinland Daughters, Award-Winning Author and Keynote Speaker, believes in a world where what makes us different is the very thing that connects us, instead of separates us. She brings that world to life by helping people reconnect to each other through the power of hand-written letters. She brings her wit, humor, and having written 580 handwritten letters to every single one of her Facebook friends, to show you how you can find deep connections in some of the most unexpected places.
 
We covered the following questions in our 'coffee chat':
How Amy got started with letter writing
How does handwritten notes apply to leaders
How can leaders practically apply this because leaders are busy and don't have a lot of time on their hands. 
For those leaders who don’t know where to start or who are brand new to handwritten notes, what advice do you have?
Connect with Amy
Navigate to Amy's website where you'll find information about Amy, her book and more about letter writing!
Website: https://www.amydaughters.com/
 
WIN 1 OF 5 CONFIDENCE COACHING SESSIONS!
Navigate to HERE to enter!
 
Have a listener question?
Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com
 
Next steps: 
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan
 
Free Diagnostic Tool
Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

098 | Leading with Confidence When You Still Feel Like an Imposter

Win 1 of 5 Confidence Coaching Sessions to celebrate the podcast's 100th episode! If you are ready to overcome self-doubt and master the art of leading with confidence, then submit your application ASAP to win 1 of these 5 sessions! >APPLY HERE<
Hurry, applications close 23 February 2025! Winners will be announced on 24 February 2025 when the 100th episode airs!!
 
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
It’s the feeling that you don’t belong, that you’re not really qualified, and that at any moment, others will realize you’re a fraud—even though you do have the skills and experience.
 
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a Leader
 
1. Stop Trusting Your Feelings—Start Trusting God’s Truth
Feelings of self-doubt don’t mean you aren’t capable.
2 Corinthians 12:9 – "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
Action Step: Write down 3 biblical truths about who you are in Christ and declare them over yourself daily.
 
2. Reframe Your Thinking: You’re Not an Imposter—You’re a Steward
You’re not “faking it”—you’re faithfully stewarding the leadership role God has given you.
Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
Action Step: Shift your focus from proving yourself to serving well.
 
3. Take Bold Action Before You Feel Ready
Confidence comes from doing—not waiting until you feel 100% capable.
Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Action Step: Identify one leadership action you’ve been avoiding due to self-doubt and commit to doing it this week.
 
Final Thought: "If you’re waiting to feel confident before stepping into your leadership role, you’ll be waiting forever. Confidence comes from trusting that God has called you, equipped you, and is walking with you.
 
Lead boldly—not because you’re perfect, but because He is.
 
Win 1 of 5 Confidence Coaching Sessions to celebrate the podcast's 100th episode! If you are ready to overcome self-doubt and master the art of leading with confidence, then submit your application ASAP to win 1 of these 5 sessions!>APPLY HERE<
 
Next steps: 
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

097 | Why You Are Struggling with Self-Doubt as a Leader—And How to Overcome It!

Have you ever found yourself questioning if you’re the right person for the job? Wondering if you’re really equipped to lead?
You’re not alone!
Self-doubt is one of the biggest struggles for leaders—especially women of faith.
But here’s the good news: God hasn’t called you to lead without equipping you.
Today, we’re talking about why leaders struggle with self-doubt and, more importantly, how to overcome it!
 
Why do leaders struggle so much with self-doubt?
1. Comparison TrapIt’s easy to look at other leaders and think, ‘She’s more experienced, more confident, more capable than me.’ But comparison is the enemy of confidence. God didn’t call you to be her—He called you to be you.
Biblical example: Think about Moses. He doubted his ability to lead and even tried to push the responsibility onto Aaron (Exodus 4:10-13). But God assured him, “I will be with you.”
 
2. Fear of FailureWhat if I mess up? What if I let people down? What if I’m not enough? Fear of failure paralyzes so many leaders. But failure isn’t final—God redeems every mistake.
Biblical example: Peter denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus still chose him to lead the early church.
 
3. Imposter Syndrome—Feeling UnqualifiedMany leaders feel like they don’t belong in the role they’re in. Maybe you’ve thought, ‘Who am I to lead others?’ But remember, God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.
Biblical example: Esther was an orphan girl turned queen, and she likely felt unqualified to stand before the king. Yet she boldly stepped into her purpose.
 
How to Overcome Self-Doubt
💡 1. Shift Your Focus from Yourself to GodConfidence in leadership doesn’t come from your skills or experience alone—it comes from knowing who called you. When Moses doubted, God didn’t give him a pep talk about his abilities. Instead, He said, ‘I will be with you.’ (Exodus 3:12)
Action Step: Start each day reminding yourself that you are called and equipped by God.
 
💡 2. Speak Truth Over YourselfWhat voices are you listening to? The enemy loves to whisper, ‘You’re not good enough.’ But what does God say? ‘You are fearfully and wonderfully made.’ (Psalm 139:14)
Action Step: Write down 3 truths about your leadership and declare them daily. Example:
I am called to lead with purpose.
God has given me everything I need for this season.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
 
💡 3. Take Small, Bold StepsSelf-doubt fades when you take action in faith. Confidence isn’t the absence of fear—it’s trusting God in spite of fear.
Action Step: Identify one bold leadership move you can make this week, even if it feels small—speaking up in a meeting, mentoring someone, or simply saying ‘yes’ to an opportunity.
Have a listener question?
Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com
 
Next steps: 
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

096 | Confidence Isn't About Being Loud – The Secret to Leading with Boldness

Join other Female Christian Leaders!
I’d like to invite you to come and join a community of female Christian leaders who are all seeking to glorify God in their leadership roles. Women like you are also dealing with difficult people who might be in their very first leadership role, seeking others to connect with. Come over, and let’s discuss things like team dynamics, Christian leadership, and so many more topics.
 
Once a fortnight, I’ll be going live in the FB group and provide a short training that I won’t be featuring on the podcast, so you don’t want to miss out!
 
Simply navigate to womenoffaithinleadership.com
 
Let's define confidence
confidence ≠ being loud or extroverted.
It's trust in one’s abilities and God-given purpose.
A perfect example of this is ESTHER. 
 
Leading with Boldness
Bold leadership comes from aligning with God’s will, not from trying to be someone you’re not.
Stop trying to please others, only aim to please GOD.
Practical strategies:
Listening more than speaking.
Leaning into strengths instead of comparing weaknesses.
Seeking wisdom and courage through prayer and scripture.
 
Overcoming Self-Doubt
Explore root causes of self-doubt (comparison, fear of failure, perfectionism).
Strategies to combat self-doubt:
Daily affirmations grounded in scripture (e.g., "I can do all things through Christ").
Remembering past wins as evidence of God’s faithfulness.
Surrounding yourself with supportive and honest accountability partners.
Remember making mistakes is okay!
Confidence grows with practice and trust in God.
 
Your Challenge:  take one bold step this week (e.g., speak up in a meeting, pray aloud in a group).
 
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
 
Have a listener question?
Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com
 
Next steps: 
1. Navigate to https://womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

095 | [Guest] No formal training or experience? How mentorship and on-the-job learning taught Lisa Steven to run a successful nonprofit

You are in for a leadership treat!
With no previous leadership experience or formal training, God called Lisa. God often calls the unqualified and inexperienced, so listen in!
Lisa Steven began working with teen moms in 1997 through Teen MOPS and in 2003, she co-founded Hope House Colorado and has served as the founder and executive director ever since. Lisa is also a co-founder of the Colorado Teen Parent Collaborative. A former teen mom, Lisa is committed to empowering teen moms in her community and across the world.
 
Listen as we discuss Lisa's journey and the leadership lessons she learnt as a teen mom, through mentorship and on the job training!
 
Connect with Lisa
Hope House Colorado: https://hopehousecolorado.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-steven-54b48a10/
 
Have a listener question?
Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com
 
Next steps: 
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

094 | Struggling with Self-Doubt? 5 Bible Verses to Help You Build Confidence as a Leader

Everyone has doubted themselves at some point in time.
 
The most infamous doubter of all time (in the bible) was Thomas - You can read this section in John 20:24-29.
 
Peter climbed out of the boat and walked on the water until reality set in, and he started to doubt. You can read this in Matthew 14:29-31.
 
We want to believe so badly that we can be good leaders, and that we can do the right thing, which includes dealing with difficult people, speaking up in certain circumstances, and handling those battles we often just avoid because we’d rather just confrontations altogether.
 
But as soon as a situation arises, we doubt ourselves, our abilities, our knowledge, our experience and we believe we’re just not good enough, or I can’t do this!
 
Sometimes we forget just how unqualified ALL the disciples were. But Jesus chose them anyway, because HE knew, he knew their potential, he knew that he wanted imperfect people to lead. He is NOT looking for you to be perfect! Not by any means!
 
All he wants is for you to trust him, have confidence that HE put you in that position, have confidence every day that He loves you and all that He wants is just for you to be an instrument.
 
So, when self-doubt kicks in, why not memorise a verse that will give you courage, that will remind you that God is with you right now and that YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS because He is with you!
 
Matthew 19:26 reads: "Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
 
Here are 5 bible verses that will help and encourage you to overcome your self-doubt with the knowledge that God knew that you were going to doubt one day, he already knew and therefore he already made provision, and He already overcame it for YOU!
 
1. Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
 
2. Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
 
3. Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
 
4. Isaiah 41:13
"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you."
 
5. Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
 
BONUS: Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
 
I pray that this encourages you today!
 
Know that HE is Lord and that HE’s got you!
 
Have a listener question?
Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com
 
Next steps: 
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan

093 | How to create your vision for the new year + the podcast’s vision for 2025

As leaders, it’s not only imperative that you create a vision for yourself as a leader, but also to work with your team to create a vision for the year.
In doing so, you have one holistic goal you are working towards and can reflect on this at the end of the year.
In this episode, I’ll be sharing the steps you can take to create your leadership vision for 2025, and I’ll be sharing my vision for the podcast for 2025.
If you didn’t listen to last week’s episode, episode 92, I’d highly recommend that you do. In this episode, we did a reflection of the year.
We reflected on your individual growth, your team’s performance and your leadership effectiveness.
We’ll use this today in creating your vision.
Listen to the episode now!
Have a listener question?
Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com
Next steps: 
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan
Free Diagnostic Tool
Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

092 | End of year review - Questions to ask yourself at the end of every year

If you haven't completed an end-of-year review yet, this is the perfect time!
In this episode, I provide you with reflection questions to assist you with your end-of-year review.
Individual Growth:
Personal & Professional Development: What new skills did you acquire? What books did you read? Did you attend any conferences or workshops? What did you learn from these and what will you be implementing?
Well-being: How did you prioritize your physical and mental health? Did you take enough time for rest and rejuvenation?
Values Alignment: Did your actions align with your personal and professional values? Were there any instances where you could have better embodied your values?
Team Performance:
Accomplishments: What significant milestones did your team achieve? Did you exceed any key performance indicators (KPIs)?
Challenges: What were the biggest obstacles your team faced? How did you and your team overcome them?
Team Dynamics: How did your team function as a unit? Were there any communication breakdowns or conflicts that needed to be addressed?
Leadership Effectiveness:
Decision-Making: How effective were your decision-making processes? Did you involve the right people and gather sufficient data?
Communication: How effectively did you communicate with your team, stakeholders, and other key individuals?
Delegation: How effectively did you delegate tasks and empower your team members?
Mentorship & Coaching: Did you provide adequate support and guidance to your team members? Did you identify and nurture their talents?
Tools and Techniques:
Journaling: Journal your reflections, thoughts, and feelings throughout the year-end review process.
Mind Mapping: Use mind mapping to visually represent your thoughts and ideas, identify connections, and brainstorm new possibilities. 
360-Degree Feedback: Consider seeking feedback from your peers, superiors, and direct reports to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your leadership effectiveness
Have a listener question?
Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com
 
Next steps: 
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan
 
Free Diagnostic Tool
Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

091 | Leadership lessons from the Christmas Story - What we can learn from Mary and Joseph

Celebrating 10,000 downloads!
Thank you to all the loyal listeners of the show; this month, we are celebrating 10,000 downloads.
In this episode, we discuss the leadership lessons we can learn from Mary and Joseph. 
May you have a wonderful Christmas time with your family this week and may God's grace and love be with you and your family during this time. 
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS YOU
Have a listener question?
Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com
 
Next steps: 
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan
 
Free Diagnostic Tool
Take our free Organisational Gap Analysis today and identify the gaps in your organisation and leadership when it comes to healthy work environments.

090 | [Guest] What I wish leaders knew about working with neurodivergent people - Kadin McEwen

My guest today is Kadin McEwan, a student, writer, and activist on a mission to help raise awareness about autism in society and part of that includes education.
Kadin has an Autism diagnosis and has experienced the negative effects that gossip can have on neurodivergent people. 
In this episode we talk about Kadin's activism in this space and his experience with gossip.
We also discuss how the onboarding/screening process for employees can improve to ensure that all people are treated with respect, whether they are neurotypical or neurodiverse. 
And finally, Kadin gives advice to leaders on how they can treat people with disabilities in the workplace. 
Enjoy this episode!
Have 15 minutes to spare to chat with me regarding the vision of the show for 2025?
Email me: support@rikawhelan.com or
DM me: on Facebook or LinkedIn
 
Have a listener question?
Submit it at https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com
 
Next steps: 
1. Navigate to https://www.womenoffaithinleadership.com where you can:
Join the community of like-minded female Christian leaders. This is where I will be hanging out if I'm not on the podcast chatting to you all. Come share and support each other here. 
Subscribe to my newsletter so you can stay up to date with all upcoming episodes and any other exclusive or special offers.
2. If you need any support, you can get in contact with me for a 1:1 coaching session. Just email me at support@rikawhelan.com
3. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikawhelan