In this inspiring episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Meryl Herr to explore her journey from Birmingham to Athens, Georgia, and her experiences living and working across several cities. Meryl opens up about her career transitions, including her time at Fuller Seminary and the launch of her new consulting venture. They dive deep into the vital role mentoring plays in leadership development and share insights from research on flourishing leaders. Meryl also reveals the story behind her book, When Work Hurts, discussing how God’s presence sustains us through career setbacks, the healing power of sharing personal struggles, and how vulnerability builds stronger communities. Join us for a conversation about resilience, faith, and finding purpose amid challenges.

For more information on our guest this week, please check out the link below:

https://merylherr.com

#UpNextPodcast #ResourceGlobal #ChristianLeadership #FaithAndWork

In this episode of UpNext, Tommy chats with Nicholas Rowe and Sheila Wise Rowe to unpack the heart behind their book Healing Leadership Trauma. Together, they explore how personal wounds, cultural backgrounds, and unaddressed emotional pain can deeply impact how we lead. Drawing from their own experiences and cross-cultural insights, Nick and Sheila discuss why true leadership requires inner healing and how relationships play a central role in that journey. This episode challenges leaders to confront their past and embrace emotional wholeness in order to lead with authenticity, compassion, and strength.

For more information on our guests this week, please check out the links below:https://sheilawiserowe.com/about-me

https://www.gordonconwell.edu/faculty/current/nicholas-rowe/

#UpNextPodcast #FaithAndCulture #EmotionalHealth #TraumaHealing #CulturalDifferences #ChristianLeadership #CrossCulturalMinistry #MentalHealthAwareness

This week on UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Bertie Lourens, CEO of Waste Plan, to explore his remarkable journey from the heights of entrepreneurial success to navigating profound business challenges. Bertie opens up about lessons learned through failure, the role of humility in leadership, and the daily discipline of seeking God’s voice through Scripture and prayer. He shares powerful insights on generosity, stewardship, and how these biblical principles have reshaped his approach to life, business, and family.

If you value honest conversations about faith, leadership, and living with eternal purpose, this episode is for you.

For more information on our guest and his work, please check out the link below:

https://www.wasteplan.co.za/

#ChristianLeadership #FaithAndBusiness #BertieLourens #WastePlan #MarketplaceFaith #KingdomLeadership #BiblicalStewardship #ChristianPodcast #LeadershipJourney #GodInBusiness #UpNextPodcast

In this episode, Tommy Lee sits down with licensed counselor, spiritual director, and author Michael Cusick for an honest conversation about pain, identity, and healing in the life of a leader.

Michael shares how his early experiences shaped his calling, the critical difference between guilt and shame, and how God’s severe mercy, grace in our broken moments can transform us. They also reflect on biblical characters and the importance of closing the gap between what we believe and how we live.

Whether you're navigating burnout, carrying hidden wounds, or longing to lead more authentically, this episode offers hope, insight, and a call to deeper soul care.

For more information on Michael and his work, please check out the links below:

https://michaeljohncusick.com/

https://restoringthesoul.com/

#ChristianPodcast #FaithAndLeadership #SoulCare #ChristianCounseling #SpiritualFormation #InnerHealing #MichaelCusick #UpNextPodcast

In this episode, Tommy Lee sits down with Rev. Dr. Paul Hoffman, author, scholar, and lead pastor of Evangelical Friends Church of Newport, Rhode Island, to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, writing, and ministry. Anchored in Hoffman’s latest book, AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep: Leading and Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, the conversation unpacks how emerging technologies are reshaping human identity, spiritual formation, and the future of the Church. Together, they discuss the theological implications of AI, the importance of discernment in ministry innovation, and the real-world challenges pastors face in an increasingly digital world. Rev. Dr. Hoffman also shares insights from his journey as a writer: how to steward a message, navigate the publishing landscape, and pursue a vocational calling with clarity and conviction.

Get your copy of AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep now: www.amazon.com/Shepherds-Electric-Sheep-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/1540968014

#FaithAndTechnology #ChristianLeadership #ArtificialIntelligence #AIandFaith #DigitalMinistry #TheologyAndTech #ChristianPodcast #WritingAndCalling #PaulHoffman #UpNextPodcast

In this episode, Tommy Lee sits down with Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg, Director of La Mott and Leopard's Leap. Hanneli shares her journey of faith, personal growth, and philanthropic work in South Africa. She discusses her early life challenges, including overcoming cataracts, and how these experiences shaped her perspective on gratitude and service. Hanneli emphasizes the importance of integrating faith into her work, the significance of reconciliation and restoration, and the necessity of studying scripture. She also reflects on the current state of South Africa, expressing hope for unity and collaboration among communities.

#faithandwork #gratitudeandservice #journeyoffaith #UpNext

In this episode, Tommy Lee speaks with Obakeng Motshome, Johannesburg City Director of Resource Global and the founder of Afrika Dumela (AD), about his entrepreneurial journey in the travel industry. Growing up in Johannesburg, Obakeng navigates the rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and unique challenges of his home city while building his business. The conversation also touches on the significance of community, self-awareness, and faith in achieving personal and professional success. Tune in for insights on how young marketplace leaders can integrate faith into their careers, along with reflections on Johannesburg’s hopeful spirit.#OptimismInJohannesburg. #AfricaDumela #YoungLeaders #EntrepreneurJourney #ResourceGlobal #SelfAwareness #HopefulLeaders #TravelIndustry #SouthAfrica

In this powerful conversation, Tommy Lee sits down with Jim Murphy, a renowned Performance Coach, to explore the deeper side of success. Jim shares his personal journey from aspiring athlete to transformational coach, the heart behind his book Inner Excellence, and the spiritual awakening that reshaped his life. Together, they dive into how true greatness goes beyond performance, touching on identity, purpose, and the fullness of life found in Christ. Jim opens up about the impact of his work on elite athletes, his vision for future charitable initiatives, and how his cultural roots and love for Japan continue to inspire him.

If you’ve ever wrestled with identity, ambition, or what it truly means to live well, this episode will speak deeply to your soul.

For more information on Jim and his work, please check out this website:

innerexcellence.com/

#FaithAndPerformance #InterExcellence #ChristianPodcast #JimMurphy #SpiritualAwakening #PurposeOverPerformance