Entrusted to Lead Podcast

You started the day knowing what mattered. And then the texts came. And the emails. And the crisis that somehow became yours to solve.

By the end of the day, you were exhausted — but you couldn't name a single thing you did that actually moved your life forward.

That's not faithfulness. That's a treadmill.

In this episode of the Clarity Season, we're talking about reactive living — what it actually costs you, why it feels so much like productivity, and three posture shifts that help you stop living from what's loud and start living from...

There is a specific kind of exhaustion that comes from leading outside your actual authority — and most of us have been there. You're pouring energy into decisions that aren't yours, influence you haven't yet earned, or systems too many levels above you to touch. Meanwhile, the things that genuinely belong to you go unattended.

In this episode — the fourth in the Clarity Season — Danita explores what it means to lead from your actual authority. Not the authority you wish you had. Not the authority you think you deserve. The authority that is genuinely, faithfully yours.

She wa...

What if the clarity you've been searching for won't come from adding anything — it'll come from taking something away?

In this episode of Entrusted to Lead, Danita Cummins explores the counterintuitive practice of strategic subtraction — the intentional act of eliminating good things to make room for the best things. If you're a faith-driven leader who feels overwhelmed, stretched thin, or stuck in decision fatigue, this episode was made for you.

We live in a culture that equates growth with addition. More programs, more initiatives, more commitments. But Danita has seen the cost of that approach up c...

EPISODE 72: NAMING WHAT’S ACTUALLY YOURS TO CARRY

Clarity Season — Episode 2 of 8

This is Episode 2 of the Clarity Season. If you haven’t listened to Episode 1 yet, start there: “Clarity Is Not Certainty—And Why That Changes Everything.”It lays the foundation for everything we’re exploring this season.

Last episode, we explored the difference between clarity and certainty. Today, we go deeper into one of the most common places that confusion shows up: carrying weight that was never yours to begin with.

Not the responsibilities you said yes to. N...

If you're leading through decisions that matter—teams depending on you, deadlines stacking up, personal life competing for the same mental space—this episode is for you.

Today, we're starting an eight-episode season on clarity. Not the kind of clarity that comes from having all the answers, but the kind that lets you move forward when you don't.

Clarity is not certainty. And confusing the two is costing you momentum, confidence, and peace.

THE BELIEF WE RARELY SAY OUT LOUD

There's a quiet belief many leaders carry but rarely admit: "If I we...

Are you carrying the weight of leadership pressure? Wondering if your daily faithfulness is making a real difference? In this episode, Danita Cummins reveals how a tiny post-it note from her daughter sparked a profound truth: legacy isn't built through perfection or performance—it's grown through presence.

Discover the 3 pillars of legacy-centered leadership (clarity, consistency, and character) and walk through 3 powerful questions that will help you shift from pressure to purpose. Whether you're juggling family, ministry, calling, and responsibilities, or simply need a reminder that your everyday obedience matters, this episode will encourage your heart and recalibrate yo...

Feeling exhausted at day's end but wondering what you actually accomplished? You're likely caught in the multitasking trap that's silently stealing nearly half your productive time. This eye-opening episode reveals the startling truth: what we proudly call "multitasking" is actually "micro task switching" – a productivity killer costing leaders up to 40% of their workday.

Drawing from both neuroscience and spiritual wisdom, Danita unpacks why our brains aren't designed for simultaneous tasks and introduces the game-changing FOCUS framework that transforms how you approach your day. You'll discover practical steps to implement immediate focus sprints that create momentum without overwhelming yo...

What happens when a simple question from a child completely upends your successful corporate career? Genevieve Peturro never expected her life to take a sudden turn after 12 years of climbing the television industry ladder in New York City. Yet when a little girl in a shelter whispered, "What are pajamas?" everything shifted.

That moment launched Genevieve's extraordinary journey from corporate success to founding the Pajama Program, which has since distributed over 8 million pajamas and books to children across America. Her story challenges us to reconsider how we define success and what truly matters in our leadership journeys.<...

IAre you chasing a version of success that looks good on the outside but doesn't actually fulfill you? You can be doing all the things—building the business, climbing the ladder, serving the people—and still feel like something's missing.

In this heart-to-heart episode, Danita Cummins unpacks Proverbs 16:3 and reveals why God's definition of success is radically different from the world's. She shares the difference between persistence and striving, why surrender is actually a position of strength, and how to measure your leadership by obedience instead of outcomes.

Discover the 3 clarifying questions that will help you...

Ever looked around your workplace and thought, "There must be a better way"? In this transformative conversation with Dr. Christie McMullen, we uncover how joy and productivity work as essential allies rather than opposing forces.

Dr. McMullen brings her 25 years of education experience into the business world with a refreshingly simple framework that makes every workplace interaction safe, logical, fun, and memorable. She explains how psychological safety forms the foundation for everything else—when people feel truly seen and valued, they bring their best selves to work. Through her engaging personality assessment (which reveals whether you are a...

Leadership can be quietly exhausting. You're doing all the right things—showing up, serving faithfully, leading with vision—yet still wondering if any of it makes a difference. That hidden weariness is exactly what we're tackling in this powerful episode centered around Galatians 6:9.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." These words from Paul acknowledge the reality of leadership fatigue while offering profound hope. What makes this verse particularly challenging is the phrase "at the proper time"—a frustrating reminder that G...

Fear of failure is one of the most silent yet powerful roadblocks to leadership growth—and for purpose-driven leaders, it can be especially limiting. In Episode 64 of Entrusted to Lead, Danita Cummins welcomes mindset coach and author Lana Sheppard to unpack how limiting beliefs, perfectionism, and fear of judgment can hold us back from making clear decisions and building the impact we’re called to lead.

Lana shares her own journey through grief, entrepreneurship, and reinvention. After running and selling a successful payroll and bookkeeping firm, she turned her attention to coaching and authored the Give Up book...

Have you ever found yourself stuck in fear, overthinking decisions, or wrestling with the pressure to get everything right? In this deeply personal June solo episode, I explore the transformative power of renewed thinking and how our mindset profoundly shapes our leadership effectiveness.

Drawing from Romans 12:2, I share my own journey confronting what I call the "shame, fear, and control triad" – a powerful framework that helped me understand how these three elements create limiting beliefs in leadership. During a sabbatical last year, I underwent what I affectionately call "spiritual therapy" where I confronted decades-old patterns of perfectionism an...

What if your career could be both meaningful and successful—on your terms?

In this insightful episode of Entrusted to Lead, Danita Cummins sits down with Georgi Enthoven, strategist, coach, and host of The Work That Is Worth It podcast. Together, they unravel the journey of aligning your career with your core values, addressing the silent struggles many high-achievers face: burnout, misalignment, and the lingering question—Is this all there is?

Georgi shares her "90,000-hour revelation," what it means to live and work intentionally, and the surprising pitfalls of being an "unrewarded do-gooder" or a...

When was the last time you felt that unsettling disconnect between what you're doing and who you're becoming? That strange tension where everything looks right on paper, but your soul feels tired?

This episode dives deep into the sacred space of pivoting—recognizing when God is calling you to something new and finding the courage to follow. Drawing from Isaiah 43:19 ("I am doing a new thing. Now it springs forth. Do you not perceive it?"), we explore what it truly means to navigate leadership transitions with both faith and practical wisdom.

I share my family's un...

What if the reason you feel stuck in your leadership has nothing to do with your title and everything to do with your values?

In this thoughtful and vulnerable conversation, Danita sits down with executive mentor and author Jack Cohen, a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience in business, real estate, and leadership development. Jack’s wisdom is deeply rooted in his personal journey, and this episode offers more than practical tips—it’s a mindset shift for anyone seeking clarity, alignment, and purpose.

Together, they go beyond leadership buzzwords and get to the heart...

In this heartfelt solo episode, Danita speaks directly to the overwhelmed leader who’s been questioning their calling. Maybe you’ve been wondering: Am I doing enough? Is this even what I’m supposed to be doing? Today, Danita reminds you of a powerful truth: God is not confused about your calling—even if you are.

Through personal stories, biblical encouragement, and leadership insight, you’ll learn how to move from pressure to peace, hustle to alignment, and overwhelm to clarity. Plus, Danita shares a brand-new resource—the Leadership Clarity Kickstart Quiz—to help you name...

In this insightful episode of the Entrusted to Lead podcast, your host, Danita Cummins, explores the transformative power of influence in leadership. She breaks down the key distinction between authority and influence, drawing wisdom from leadership experts like Ken Blanchard, Liz Wiseman, and J. Oswald Sanders, alongside biblical narratives such as Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt.

Danita challenges leaders to rethink their approach—moving beyond micromanagement to embrace a multiplication mindset where trust, credibility, and consistency become the foundation of true influence. She unpacks the significance of servant leadership and situational adap...

In today’s episode of Entrusted to Lead, I sit down with Bill Flynn, a leadership coach, author, and expert in business growth. Bill has worked with hundreds of companies and was a VP of Sales eight times, a CMO twice, and a GM of a $100 million IT service company before transitioning to coaching in 2015.

We unpack the principles from his bestselling book, Further, Faster: The Vital Few Steps That Take the Guesswork Out of Growth. Bill shares insights on leadership, team development, and why courage and vision are essential for lasting business success. Whether you’re lead...

How can we reclaim balance in a world consumed by screens?

On this episode of the Entrusted to Lead podcast, I sit down with Christian entrepreneur Erick Vargas, founder of Sabbath Space, to discuss his powerful journey from tech dependency to a life centered on faith and family.

Erick shares how his experiences at Liberty University and Citrix shaped his mission to merge faith and technology. As the co-founder of Follow Up CRM, he has dedicated his career to serving the Christian community through innovative solutions. But his most personal endeavor, Sabbath Space, is where...

What if vulnerability was the key to stronger, faith-filled leadership? In this episode, Embracing Vulnerability: A Leadership Strength Rooted in Faith and God's Promises of Entrusted to Lead, host Danita Cummins explores how embracing vulnerability isn’t about weakness—it’s about trusting in God’s strength.

Drawing from Romans 12:9-12 and 2 Corinthians 12:9, we’ll look at Jesus’ example in the Garden of Gethsemane and how surrendering to God’s plan fosters deeper connections, authenticity, and resilience in leadership. With insights from Peter Scazzaro’s Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, this episode challenges leaders to lean on faith, i...

In this episode of Leadership in Context, host Danita Cummins engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Torben Norby, CEO of People and Performance and author of The Contextual Leader. Dr. Norby introduces his innovative Leadership Contextual Framework, a groundbreaking approach that underscores the importance of tailoring leadership styles to fit varying organizational contexts. Drawing from decades of experience as a scout, military officer, and global consultant, Dr. Norby provides a rich narrative of how context shapes leadership effectiveness.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating organizational growth and transformation. Dr. Norby discusses the challenges leaders face...

In this episode of Entrusted to Lead, host Danita Cummins launches season three with a message of hope and purpose for faith-driven leaders. Grounded in Hebrews 10:23, Danita unpacks actionable strategies for leaders to align their vision with God’s promises. This episode highlights four practical steps to guide leadership in 2025: seeking God’s guidance, assessing the present situation, setting faith-driven goals, and engaging teams to work toward shared visions.

Danita shares personal reflections, strategic tools like the SWOT analysis, and inspiring examples of how aligning vision with faith leads to clarity and impact. Whether leading a nonprofit, busi...

In this enlightening episode of "Unlock Your Peak Potential," host Danita Cummins welcomes the inspiring Diane Allen to explore the transformative synergy between leadership and the flow state. Diane, a mother, lead violinist, and keynote speaker, shares her personal journey of discovering and harnessing flow to enhance both her personal and professional life.

The conversation highlights the parallels between parenting and leadership, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, self-awareness, and aligning with personal purpose and strengths to achieve peak performance. Diane offers heartfelt stories and expert insights into recognizing flow state indicators, such as losing track of time...

In this bonus episode of the Entrusted to Lead podcast, Danita sits down with Akiva McClam, playwright, CEO, and creative visionary behind the debut stage play I'll Be Home for Christmas: A Season of Transformation. Launching December 14th in Orlando, Florida, this heartwarming production explores themes of forgiveness, family, and faith during the holiday season.

Akiva shares his inspiring journey from a military career to becoming a playwright, the challenges of leadership in creative spaces, and how faith has guided his path. Whether you're in the arts, a leader in your field, or someone seeking hope and...

Gratitude, transparency, authenticity—we hear these terms constantly in leadership circles. But what does authentic gratitude actually look like in practice, and why does it matter?

Host Danita Cummins reverse-engineers the elements of genuine gratitude that strengthen relationships, build trust, and create cultures where people truly thrive. Whether you're leading a team at work or guiding your family at home, this episode offers practical tools for leading yourself and others well.

What You'll Learn:

In this inspiring episode, we explore the extraordinary journey of Dave Lutes, a man who transitioned from ministering during South Africa's Jesus Revolution to becoming a globally recognized leader in human resource development and talent management. A chance encounter on a flight with an HR Vice President changed the course of Dave's career, igniting his passion for discovering and developing the unique gifts in others—a role he proudly describes as a "gift detector and developer."

Dave opens up about the profound connection between emotional intelligence and servant leadership, offering invaluable insights into the power of empathy, tr...

In this transformative episode of the Entrusted to Lead podcast, Danita engages in a profound discussion with Ben Arendt, founder of Depth Charge Consulting, on the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership and workplace dynamics. Ben, who transitioned from a career at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), CEB, and Gartner, opens up about his journey to becoming a strong advocate for emotional intelligence and previews his book, where he reimagines career management through an emotional lens. Together, Danita and Ben delve into how understanding and embracing emotions can reshape both individual and organizational growth.

Key takeaways...

Episode Overview:

In this special episode, Danita Cummins celebrates the official launch of her new book, Promise Over Purpose, sharing the transformative journey that led her to discover a deeper understanding of leadership, faith, and the peace found in resting on God’s promises.

Key Themes:

Pepper Bethel, VP of Business Development at TPI Group, joins us to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit with her fervent dedication to empowering small business owners. Drawing from her extensive experience, Pepper provides invaluable insights into how small businesses serve as foundational pillars of both communities and economies.

Listen as she shares the transformative power of offering non-judgmental guidance in business formation, payroll, and financial planning—fostering growth, supporting families, and strengthening communities.

Discover how the TPI Group amplifies this impact through tailored classes, coaching sessions, and personalized business support.

Episode Highlights:

Tran...

Introduction

Welcome to the Entrusted to Lead podcast, where faith meets leadership. In today's episode, host Danita Cummins explores the profound journey of discovering purpose in leadership.

Overview

Danita introduces the timeless quest for purpose that leaders often face, emphasizing the importance of understanding purpose beyond mere achievement.

Community Support

She shares her experience with Called Creatives, a community that fosters growth and collaboration among writers, speakers, and entrepreneurs. Joining such communities can unlock dormant dreams and provide invaluable mentorship and support.

Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

In this episode of Entrusted to Lead, Danita Cummins introduces her new book, Promise Over Purpose: Unveiling the Path to a Peace-Filled Life. If you're searching for ways to lead with faith, reduce anxiety, and find clarity in your purpose, this episode is for you. Danita dives deep into why focusing on God's promises—not our endless pursuit of purpose—brings lasting peace.

She also unveils the Promise Over Purpose six-week series, where you’ll explore practical tools and biblical principles to integrate faith into your leadership, business, and life. Listen as Danita shares personal experiences, leadership strate...

In this episode of the Entrusted to Lead podcast, Danita Cummins sits down with Julie Cober, CEO and founder of Legacy Leadership Academy. Julie shares her invaluable insights on overcoming fear, navigating limiting beliefs, and finding balance as a leader. They dive into the four core limiting beliefs that can hold leaders back and discuss the mindset shifts required to lead effectively.

Julie’s extensive corporate experience and her journey into entrepreneurship provide a rich perspective on how to manage fear, embrace rest, and lead with integrity. Whether you are an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, th...

Welcome back to the *Entrusted to Lead* podcast! In today's episode, I am joined by my dear friend and mentor, Peggy Bodde, the founder of Sacred Work and author of the newly released book *Sacred Work: A Christian Woman's Guide to Leadership in the Marketplace*. Peggy brings her wealth of experience in corporate leadership to the table as we dive into some of the most pressing topics facing Christian women in the workplace today.

 In this episode, we discuss:

-  Imposter Syndrome:  What it is, how it affects Christian women in leadership, and practical tools to...

In this insightful episode, Danita Cummins is joined by Mary Lemmer, an entrepreneur and consultant specializing in intentionality-designed improv techniques. They discuss how improv can be a powerful tool for leadership development, helping individuals and teams navigate change effectively. The episode also includes an announcement of a 30-day comfort challenge with Melony Brown.

Key Takeaways:  

In this episode of the Entrusted to Lead podcast, host Danita Cummins is joined by her friend and fellow author, Cristina Slabic. Cristina is an intentionality coach and speaker who shares her journey and insights on living a purposeful life. They discuss Cristina's new book, "The Intentional Life: Cultivate Confidence, Build Your Boundaries, and Protect Your Peace," and explore the principles of intentional living through her ABIDE framework. Cristina shares practical advice on how to stay connected with God, set meaningful goals, and overcome common obstacles in the pursuit of an intentional life.

Key Takeaways:

Unlock the secrets to becoming a resilient and innovative leader by prioritizing your well-being. This episode promises to equip you with actionable strategies to integrate self-care into your hectic schedule, transforming your leadership journey. We emphasize the critical intersection of leadership and self-care, demonstrating how maintaining your physical, emotional, and mental health can significantly enhance your decision-making and inspire your team. Learn how to set a positive example while ensuring your own heart and health remain at the forefront.

Next, we delve into the art of balanced life planning. Discover how to make intentional deposits in various...

What if the key to transforming both your professional and personal relationships lies in a skill we often overlook? In this episode of the Entrusted to Lead podcast, we are joined by Stan Slovin, a veteran wealth management professional and the insightful author of "Better Listening: The Secret to Improving Your Professional and Personal Life." Stan opens up about his journey from recognizing the gaps in his listening skills to mastering the art of truly hearing others. Through his experiences spanning three decades, he reveals how effective listening can be a game-changer in building meaningful connections.

For...

Unlock the secrets to supercharging your productivity with the Entrusted to Lead podcast! Join me, Danita Cummins, as I reveal my top five organizational tools and share actionable tips for managing your time and projects more effectively.

We'll delve into the critical importance of clarity in your processes and how it serves as the foundation for sustained success. Discover the transformative power of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) from John Dooer's  "Measure What Matters" and learn why creating margin in your life, a concept championed by Jordan Rayner in "Redeeming Your Time," is essential for true productivity.

Embark with me, Danita Cummins, as we welcome the enlightening Hannah Fry to the Entrusted to Lead podcast. Hannah, an acclaimed author and speaker, opens up about her transformative journey from ministry to authorship, passionately guiding listeners to find and fulfill their divine calling. Our conversation takes you deep into the essence of faith, examining how we can simplify theology into everyday wisdom and strengthen our spiritual muscles without the weight of guilt.

As we delve into the art of gratitude, you'll uncover its profound impact beyond a mere checklist—it's a transformative way of life. Together wi...