The Leading Tomorrow Podcast equips you and your organization to effectively engage and lead diverse generations in a variety of contexts. Regular episodes explore trends in culture, generations, and technology that impact our daily lives. Check out our latest episodes below or wherever you listen to podcasts!
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Episode 56: April 1, 2022
"Biblical Multicultural Leadership" In this episode, Jolene is joined by international church planter, Mark McKinstry, to discuss biblical models of multicultural ministry and leadership. Jolene and Mark highlight important lessons and insights from Scripture for leaders engaging Gen Z, the most diverse and global generation in history. |
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Episode 55: March 1, 2022
"Effective Training Strategies for Gen Z" How does Gen Z learn best? How can we effectively equip them through training? In this episode, Jolene is joined by Andrea Kroeze, Training & Curriculum Coordinator at Touch the World, where she trains young people for short-term missions. Jolene and Andrea discuss important considerations for effectively training Gen Z in any context. Show Notes: To learn more about Touch the World and the training resources they provide, connect with them on Instagram and Facebook @socialttw and @themissionsacademy or visit www.touchtheworld.org |
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Episode 54: February 1, 2022
"What Do Young Adults Need from Leaders?" In the midst of what many are calling the "Great Resignation," record numbers of employees are leaving their jobs. In this episode, Jolene and Josiah discuss key considerations for leaders and managers looking to retain the young people on their teams. |
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Episode 53: January 1, 2022
"Why Innovation is Necessary for Success" In this episode, Jolene is joined by Jacob Hancock, Executive Director at Seeds Global Innovation Lab. Jolene and Jacob discuss why innovation is essential for organizations, churches, schools and ministries today. They provide practical perspectives and tools for any leader or individual seeking to engage the next generation and remain effective in a rapidly changing world. Show Notes: Resources on Innovation and Design Thinking: Creative Confidence by Kelley & Kelley Creativity, Inc. by Catmull Innovation by Design by Lockwood & Papke Design Thinking for Growth by Liedtka & Ogilvie |
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Episode 52: December 01, 2021
"Multicultural Leadership" Gen Z is growing up as the most diverse generation in history and desires teams and leaders that value diversity. In this episode, Jolene is joined by Charlotte Kassis and Bethany Peters to discuss how to develop our cultural competence as an individual and leader and facilitate healthy diversity on multicultural teams. Show Notes: Multicultural Leadership Mastermind: https://www.theleadershipcoachinglab.com/multiculturalmastermind |
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Episode 51: November 1, 2021
"How Texting Contributes to Miscommunication" In this episode, Gen Z high school graduate, Ariana Chaparro, joins Jolene to discuss texting and how it contributes to miscommunication for young people, as well as adults! |
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Episode 50: October 1, 2021
"Building Meaningful Relationships" In this episode, Jolene reads an excerpt from her book, Daniel Generation, on building meaningful relationships. She looks at the life of Daniel and discusses why intentionality in relationships is more important than ever for leaders of all ages to thrive in our current culture. Check out the special offers on Daniel Generation English edition, Spanish edition, or audiobook this month at leadingtomorrow.org. |
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Episode 49: September 1, 2021
"What to Consider when "Sharenting" Leah Plunkett, author of “Sharenthood: Why We Should Think Before We Talk About Our Kids Online,” explains that “sharenting” happens any time an adult in charge of a child’s well-being, such as a parent, grandparent, teacher or coach, shares details about a child via digital channels such as social media. Some of these activities are public such as posting pictures on Instagram, while others seem to happen in private but often end up turning your child into a set of data points. In this episode, Jolene and Josiah will share thoughts on what to consider when posting about kids (or others) on social media. Show Notes: BBC Report on Sharenting and Online Fraud: https://www.bbc.com/news/education-44153754 Tim Elmore Blog: https://growingleaders.com/blog/sharenting-solving-the-problem-of-parents-and-kids-on-instagram/?mc_cid=9be9ce4022&mc_eid=32dd44164d |
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Episode 48: August 1, 2021
"Can Your Advice Be Heard?" As culture continues to change, we often find ourselves disagreeing with the views and decisions of those close to us. In this episode, Jolene and her guest, recent high school graduate Ariana Chaparro, discuss what to do when you want to give advice or share your opinion, especially with someone older or younger than you. How can we engage others in ways that are helpful and not harmful? |
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Episode 47: July 1, 2021
"How to Encourage Moral Values in Gen Z" In this episode, Jolene and Josiah discuss “resume” values or competencies as opposed to “eulogy” values or character. They explore ways that we overemphasize resume values and underemphasize eulogy values, resulting in decreased internal motivation, moral character, and empathy in young people today. Ideas and strategies are presented to help encourage the development of moral value in the young people we mentor. |
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Episode 46: June 1, 2021
"Why Self Awareness is Important in Intergenerational Leadership" Most teams today are composed of members from more than one generation. This often results in different values, perspectives, and expectations being present as teams interact. Self awareness helps us navigate some of these differences more effectively. In this episode, Jolene and Josiah discuss strategies for increasing our self awareness as leaders and team members on multigenerational teams. |
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Episode 45: May 1, 2021
"Gen Z and the Church" In this episode, Jolene talks with Chloe Spoonemore, a recent Gen Z college graduate about her research on how to engage Gen Z in the church. Chloe shares helpful insights for pastors, parents, mentors and leaders seeking to encourage the next generation in their faith. Connect with Chloe on LinkedIn (Chloe Spoonemore) or on Instagram (@UnfadedThrift) |
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Episode 44: April 1, 2021
"Helping Gen Z Through Adverse Childhood Experience" In this episode, Jolene talks to Children's Ministry Director, Chris Pruett, about adverse childhood experiences and how to help young people who have experienced trauma. Chris presents practical applications for churches, as well as individuals, as we support the children who are suffering in our communities. For more information on Chris' work and this topic, he has provided a link to the video training from his Capstone Project titled, “Building Emotionally Healthy Kids in the Church." Chris' prayer is that each church would come up with their own trauma plan that would help hurting kids find hope and healing. |
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Episode 43: March 1, 2021
"Cancel Culture's Impact on Gen Z" In this episode, Jolene and Josiah discuss cancel culture, how it is seen in our society today, and its impact on Gen Z. They also offer insights on how leaders, parents, and mentors can model the love and forgiveness that cancel culture fails to convey. |
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Episode 42: February 1, 2021
"Gen Z's Pursuit of Happiness" In this episode, Jolene and Josiah discuss how the ultimate goal of many Gen Zers is happiness. Drawing upon research in Jolene's book, Daniel Generation, they share insights for encouraging young leaders to navigate the distractions of technology and pursue more than momentary happiness. |
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Episode 41: January 1, 2021
"Ministry to Millennials in 2021 and Beyond" In this episode, Adam Haugen, Discipleship Director at River of Life Church joins Jolene to talk about small group ministry and Millennials as churches consider what ministry in a post-pandemic world looks like. Adam draws upon his experience and research to highlight best practices for engaging the next gen in ministry and discipleship in both virtual and in-person contexts. |
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Episode 40: December 1, 2020
"The Importance of Listening" Listening is one of the most important ways we can engage and earn the trust of young people in our lives. In this episode, Jolene discusses some of the key elements to actively listening to understand and strengthen relationships. |
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Episode 39: November 1, 2020
"College Enrollment Trends and Student Opportunities" The National Student Clearinghouse reported on October 15, 2020 that undergraduate student enrollment is now running 4% below last year’s level. In this episode Jolene talks about trends in college enrollment this fall and how to encourage students who are taking a gap year or reassessing their plans. |
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Episode 38: October 1, 2020
"How to Encourage the Unique Smarts in Gen Zers" This is a generation that is incredibly individualistic and is growing up in a world that tells them identity is fluid. They also live with social media and the pressure to compare themselves to others. Young people today need confidence to understand themselves. In this episode, Jolene discusses the book, The 8 Great Smarts by Kathy Koch, and talks about how we can help Gen Zers identify their unique "smarts," and affirm and encourage them in developing their abilities. |
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Episode 37: September 1, 2020
"Why We Need Worldview Training and Curriculum" Gen Z kids have unprecedented access to ideas, opinions, and information. It is imperative that we train them to understand truth and think critically. Elizabeth Urbanowicz joins Jolene to discuss her Worldview Foundations Comparative Curriculum, perfect for parents, teachers and church leaders seeking to equip the next generation to understand and communicate their faith. |
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Episode 36: August 15, 2020
"Online Strategies Part 2" In part 2, Jolene shares more tips to better engage with people in online work and learning environments. From how to interact with coworkers and students during trainings, to fostering better communication with different personalities. |
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Episode 35: August 1, 2020
"Online Strategies Part 1" Jolene shares 4 tips to better engage with people in online work and learning environments. From how to interact with coworkers and students during trainings, to fostering better communication with different personalities. |
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Episode 34: July 15, 2020
"Remote Work & Leadership Across Generations" Technology has increasingly facilitated the option of remote work for many years. The global pandemic, however, resulted in a large number of people suddenly finding themselves working from home. In this podcast, Josiah and Jolene discuss the remote work experiences for different generations and their expectations of leaders during this time. |
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Episode 33: July 1, 2020
"How to Engage Gen Z in the Workplace" Generational researcher and university instructor, Vienna Lewin, joins Jolene to discuss her research on Gen Z in the workplace. As we navigate new remote work settings, there is much we can learn from younger employees. Vienna and Jolene discuss the opportunities that exist for multi-generational teams in today's context. |
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Episode 32: June 15, 2020
"Gen X and Millennial Experiences During the Global Pandemic" In this episode, Josiah and Jolene discuss their different experiences and perspectives navigating work during the global pandemic. Josiah, a Millennial, is an essential worker, who has put in long hours and seen the impact of fear on the workforce around him. Jolene, a Gen Xer, is a self-employed small business owner and professional speaker, whose schedule has been dramatically impacted by cancelled events and travel restrictions. Both reflect on the long-term impact for their generational cohorts. |
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Episode 31: June 1, 2020
"How Social Distancing Can Put Young People at Risk" In this episode, Jolene discusses some of the unique risks that Gen Z and Millennials face amid social distancing. These include increased anxiety, loneliness, decrease in empathy, and lack of physical activity. She also discusses some of the opportunities for us as parents, leaders, and mentors to help mitigate these risks and maximize the opportunities young people have right now. |
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Episode 30: May 15, 2020
"Paint Them a Picture: Encouraging Gen Z" Katy White serves as the director of Goer Experience with GoCorps, and she joined Jolene to discuss the emergence of the Gen Z cohort into the Missions landscape. They explore the best ways to motivate Gen Z as opposed to their predecessors, the Millennials, and how to engage them in a more personalized manner. |
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Episode 29: May 1, 2020
"Modeling Faith Amid Crisis" Gen Z will be significantly impacted by the effects of the coronavirus. Jolene shares inspiration from the story of Jochebed, a mother who lived through a crisis, regarding the opportunities we have as leaders, mentors, and parents to prepare and equip young people to live with faith and not fear. |
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Episode 28: April 15, 2020
"Managing Feedback" Jolene and Josiah delve into the topic of receiving and giving honest feedback, whether that be from a boss or supervisor, or from someone who works for you. They highlight the best ways to approach giving feedback, and ways to implement feedback in a positive way. |
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Episode 27: April 1, 2020
"Finding our Identity in an Online World" Jolene and Josiah discuss the way that media has allowed us to present ourselves to so many different people in different ways. The subsequent fragmentation brings with it valuable tools to reach different groups, but can also be dangerous if not properly managed. |
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Episode 26: March 15, 2020
"What Gen Z Needs From Us During COVID-19" Period effects are how significant events impact a generation based on the period of life they are in when the event occurs. Undoubtedly COVID-19 will affect every generation, but especially Gen Z as they are still developing their worldview and habits. Perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors will be impacted. While there are real threats and fears related to this virus, there are also profound opportunities in this situation for those of us who influence the next generation. In this episode, Jolene discusses how we can mentor, equip and encourage Gen Z during COVID-19. |
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Episode 25: March 1, 2020
"Engaging Gen Z" Jolene is joined by Gen Z author and student, Tessa Landrum, to discuss how the church can best engage and disciple Gen Z. She shares ways to encourage her generation to participate and how to be a positive influence on them. |
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Episode 24: February 15, 2020
"Teaching and Technology" Jolene is joined by Professor Rebecca Rhoades to discuss ways that teaching, especially in higher education, has changed in the last few decades. They explore how technology has impacted the worldview of students, impacting both classroom interactions like power distance, as well as potential work opportunities. |
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Episode 23: January 15, 2020
"Investing in the Next Generation" Just like investing in the stock market seems insignificant at first, investing in a young leader may seem the same way. But, over the course of a lifetime, the small things we teach and invest compound, and there is no telling how much a small investment early on may produce long-term. |
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Episode 22: January 1, 2020
"2020: Strengthen the Faithful Ones" For the first episode of 2020, Jolene shares her vision for the coming year. In a journal entry she revisited, the phrase, "Strengthen the Faithful Ones" stuck out to her, leading to meditation of what God was calling her to pursue. Tune in to hear what was the answer she received. |
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Episode 21: December 15, 2019
"Creating Memories that Last" Jolene and Josiah discuss what makes the Christmas season so special and how to create memories that will last a lifetime. They explore ways to make the holidays mean more than just the presents and delve into why we remember the past so fondly. |
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Episode 20: December 1, 2020
"Equipping the Next Generation"Doug Harrison, Director of Special Projects at Mission Aviation Fellowship, joins Jolene to discuss how to make disciples of the younger generations. They share tips for equipping the next generation to become strong leaders, and to help give them understanding of all the information that they have at their fingertips. |
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Episode 19: November 15, 2019
"Gen Z: Technology and the Value of Others" John Murray, President of Imago Dei Leadership Forum and author of a new e-textbook, In Whose Image? Image-bearers of God vs. The Image-makers of Our Time, joins Jolene to discuss equipping Gen Z students. As the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in history, with unprecedented access to media and technology, young people today face unique challenges and opportunities. John presents a model for helping them understand their value and the value of others. For more on John's work visit idleadershipforum.org |
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Episode 18: November 1, 2019
"Modern Evangelism" Jolene is joined by Dr. David Geisler, author, professor, and president of NGIM (Norm Geisler International Ministries). They discuss his new book, "conversational evangelism", which explores strategies to reach people with the gospel message in a way that every generation can be successful. For more information on Dr. Geisler's work visit www.ngim.org and receive free access to some of their resources. |
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Episode 17: October 15, 2019
"Tech-Smart Parenting" Jolene explores the world of technology that parents and their children must navigate. She shares tips on how to help children engage with technology, maintain boundaries, and ultimately thrive in all aspects of our technology driven lifestyles. |
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Episode 16: October 1, 2019
"Equipping Young People to Thrive in Faith and Life" Cheri Fletcher joins Jolene to discuss the topic of relating faith to young people. Cheri is a writer, speaker, and mentor to students. They discuss the importance of helping young people face the struggles they will encounter in the different stages of their lives, how to be someone that younger generations will trust and confide in, and how to be a successful mentor. For more information on Cheri's work and this topic, visit cherifletcher.com |
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Episode 15: September 15, 2019
"Teaching and Training in the 21st Century Part 2" Jolene discusses the EPIC model of teaching, the effects of technology on young minds, and the balance between simply giving students information and teaching them how to interpret the information available. |
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Episode 14: September 1, 2019
"Teaching and Training in the 21st Century" Jolene discusses the ways that teaching and training has changed in the last 2 decades. She talks about the collapse of power-distances and the personalization of courses for individual students. She also gives her prediction for where education is going in the coming years. |
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Episode 13: August 15, 2019
"A Gen Z Perspective on Short-Term Missions" Jolene is joined by Wesley, a teenager with a passion for missions. They discuss the value of participating in short-term missions trips and the impact that they have on the people who go and the people they visit. |
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Episode 12: August 1, 2019
"Discovering Truth" Jolene is joined for a second time by teacher and Foundation Comparative Worldview Curriculum founder, Elizabeth Urbanowicz. They discuss teaching children how to discover truth and be able to navigate the many voices vying for their attention. Visit foundationworldview.com and use promo code: "leading tomorrow" for 10% off an annual curriculum. |
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Episode 11: July 15, 2019
"Establishing Our Worldview" Jolene is joined by teacher and Foundation Comparative Worldview Curriculum founder, Elizabeth Urbanowicz. They discuss child education, establishing a personal worldview, and raising children in today's information driven world. Visit foundationworldview.com and use promo code: "leading tomorrow" for 10% off an annual curriculum. |
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Episode 10: July 1, 2019
"Millennial Managers II" In a follow-up episode, Josiah asks Jolene questions about issues he is facing as a newly promoted manager. Questions include: how to prioritize time, how to develop staff, and keys to navigating intergenerational relationships. |
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Episode 9: June 15, 2019
"Millennial Managers" In this special edition episode, Josiah asks Jolene questions about issues he is facing as a newly promoted manager. Questions include: how to motivate different generations, how to handle being promoted over former peers, and what makes up a good team. |
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Episode 8: June 1, 2019
"Fundraising" As Boomers retire, there is an ever smaller pool of willing donors from which to fund missions and other ministries and non-profits. Jolene and Josiah outline some key ways to gain the awareness of Gen X and Millennials in order to persuade them to support ministries and non-profits. |
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Episode 7: May 15, 2019
"A Call to Missions" Missionary and author David Jacob joins Jolene to discuss his new book, "It's Your Call: To a Missional or Missionary Life", as well as the Center for Missionary Mobilization and Retention, and what he sees as the future for North American Missions. |
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Episode 6: May 1, 2019
"Respect for Authority" What is it that Millennials look for in a leader? In an increasingly complicated world, it can seem difficult to know how to gain the trust and respect of Millennials. Jolene discusses this complex question with her producer, Josiah, and they lay out what effective leaders can do to gain the respect of Millennials. |
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Episode 5: April 30, 2019
"Millennials and Ministry" Jolene is joined by Jonathan Chin, a Millennial Missionary, to discuss the challenges that Millennials face in ministry. They cover expectations Millennials may have in various ministries and how to successfully engage and develop their skills in productive ways. |
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Episode 4: April 6, 2019
"Gen Z: Individualization and Isolation" Jolene and Josiah discuss the effects that Individualization and Isolation are having on Gen Z. They cover the benefits and the problems that can arise from introducing technology to young children. They also discuss ways to empower young people to engage and become confident and productive members of a community. |
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Episode 3: March 15, 2019
"Spiritual Mentoring of College Students" Jolene is joined by René Bleakley from the organization CRU to discuss the issues Generation Z (born mid-90's thru mid-00's) is facing and how to successfully engage and mentor them. They discuss strategies for earning trust, understanding their struggles, and how to help them discover their place in an ever-changing world. |
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Episode 2: March 7, 2019
"Emotions and Decisions" Jolene is joined by her producer Josiah to discuss why society reacts to online interactions with anger, and what we can do to approach making decisions without being influenced by our emotions. |
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Episode 1: February 18, 2019
"Decision Making Across Generations" Jolene is joined by her producer Josiah to discuss the differences affecting how generations view decision making, and whether emotion or logic should dictate the way we choose to decide. |
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Episode 0: February 10, 2019
"Technology in our Daily Lives" Jolene and her producer Josiah discuss how people use technology in their daily lives, and how it has changed the way many view the world around them. They also talk about the benefits boredom can have on the human mind. |