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Love & Light Leadership Podcast

Love & Light Leadership Podcast

By: Dr. Phenessa A. Gray
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 In a ever-changing world, leaders need more than strategies — they need a place to steady their vision, renew their strength, and realign with God’s purpose. The Love & Light Leadership™ Podcast is that space: part anchor, part oasis, designed for faith-driven professionals who want to excel in their work without losing their peace, integrity, or calling.

Hosted by Dr. Phenessa A. Gray, a trusted guide and advocate who empowers leaders to rise with courage and lead with grace, each episode blends biblical wisdom, leadership best practices, and soul care strategies to help you:
  • Lead with clarity, courage, and compassion in complex environments
  • Build trust and engagement in your teams• Protect your energy while sustaining high performance
  • Integrate your faith into every sphere of influence
Here, leadership isn’t just a role — it’s a calling. And this is where your leadership is anchored, renewed, and empowered.

Download your thank-you gift for joining me today: Love & Light Leadership Podcast Companion Journal Template.

Enjoy the Meditation for Leaders on YouTube to start your week: https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLightLeadership.

✨ New episodes weekly — for deeper connection, exclusive resources, and a like-hearted community, join the Love & Light Leadership Movement.

💖Support the podcast here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/love-light-leadership-podcast–6730707/support.

Love Bold. Live Lit. Lead Forward.Copyright 2025, Dr. Phenessa A. Gray Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success Spirituality
Episodes
  • Season 02: E08 | INTENTION: Leading on Purpose, Not By Default

    Season 02: E08 | INTENTION: Leading on Purpose, Not By Default
    Jan 26 2026
    Are you leading by intention—or by habit, reaction, and urgency?In Week 8 of the Take What You Need journey, Dr. Phenessa explores intention as the bridge between values and behavior, between aspiration and action. Drawing from Proverbs 16:3 in multiple translations, neuroscience research on the prefrontal cortex, and organizational psychology's understanding of intentional leadership, this episode offers both theological grounding and practical application.You'll discover: The Hebrew meaning of galal (to commit by rolling upon God)How intentional pauses strengthen neural pathways for regulated leadershipWhy values don't matter if they're not operationalized through intentional actionThree practical ways to lead with intention this weekThis episode includes extended breathwork, poetic reflection, a personal story from Dr. Phenessa's leadership journey, and research-based practices you can implement immediately.Perfect for: Aspiring or experienced leaders, educators, nonprofit directors, executive coaches, ministry leaders, organizational leaders, and anyone who feels like they're leading on autopilot instead of on purpose.Listen when you need: Clarity about your leadership direction | Permission to slow down | Tools to align actions with values | A reminder that your leadership is designed, not accidental.Scripture Tools (Free)Bible Gateway. (n.d.). Free Bible reading and study tools. https://www.biblegateway.com/ Bible Hub. (n.d.). Interlinear and lexicon tools. https://biblehub.com/Blue Letter Bible. (n.d.). Lexicon and word study resources. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Scripture ReferencesProverbs 16:3 (The Passion Translation) - "Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan you make will succeed."Proverbs 16:3 (The Message) - "Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place."Hebrew Study: galal (גָּלַל) - Strong's H1556, meaning "to roll, commit, trust"Literary QuoteJames Clear - "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."Source: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones (2018)References & ResourcesLeadership & Psychology ResearchGoleman, D. (2006). Social intelligence: The new science of human relationships. Bantam Books. Boyatzis, R., Smith, M., & Van Oosten, E. (2019). Helping people change: Coaching with compassion for lifelong learning and growth. Harvard Business Review Press. Rock, D., & Schwartz, J. (2006). "The Neuroscience of Leadership." strategy+business, Issue 43.Schwartz, T., & McCarthy, C. (2007). "Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time." Harvard Business Review, October 2007. Neuroscience InsightBrown, B. (2018). Dare to lead: Brave work. Tough conversations. Whole Hearts. Random House.Davidson, R. J., & Begley, S. (2012). The emotional life of your brain. Hudson Street Press.Sinek, S. (2009). Start with why: How great leaders inspire everyone to take action. Portfolio. Additional ToolsValues Clarification Exercise: Brené Brown's "Living Into Our Values" worksheet - available free at brenebrown.comLeadership Journal Prompts: Center for Creative Leadership (www.ccl.org) - free resources sectionDeliberate Leadership Assessment: ScoreApp self-assessment at https://thedeliberateleader.scoreapp.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/love-light-leadership-podcast--6730707/support.
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    23 mins
  • Season 02: E07 | Clarity: Seeing Clearly without Carrying What Isn’t Yours

    Season 02: E07 | Clarity: Seeing Clearly without Carrying What Isn’t Yours
    Jan 12 2026
    What if clarity—not effort—is what protects your leadership?

    In this episode of Love & Light Leadership, Dr. Phenessa explores how emotionally intelligent leaders often suffer from role diffusion, over-responsibility, and decision fatigue—not because they lack discipline, but because boundaries remain unspoken.

    Drawing from Scripture, leadership research, emotional intelligence studies, and neuroscience, this episode reframes clarity as faithful stewardship—not selfish withdrawal.

    You’ll learn:
    • Why capable leaders absorb more than they should
    • How role diffusion quietly erodes clarity
    • The neuroscience behind decision fatigue
    • Practical ways to reclaim clarity without guilt
    Perfect for:

    Library leaders, educators, nonprofit executives, ministry leaders, and emotionally intelligent professionals navigating overload.

    Accessible References (APA 7th Edition)


    Scripture Tools (Free, Accessible)
    Bible Gateway. (n.d.). Free Bible reading and study tools. https://www.biblegateway.com/
    Bible Hub. (n.d.). Interlinear and lexicon tools. https://biblehub.com/
    Blue Letter Bible. (n.d.). Lexicon and word study resources. https://www.blueletterbible.org/

    1. Leadership & Role Clarity
    2. Demerouti, E., & Bakker, A. B. (2023). Job demands–resources theory in times of crisis. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 28(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/20413866221135022
    3. Perrewé, P. L., Rosen, C. C., & Halbesleben, J. R. B. (2019). The role of emotional intelligence in occupational stress. Research in Occupational Stress and Well-Being, 17, 245–278.
    Emotional Intelligence
    1. Miao, C., Humphrey, R. H., & Qian, S. (2018). A meta-analysis of emotional intelligence and work attitudes. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 91(4), 939–968. https://eprints.lancs.ac.uk/id/eprint/83719/1/meta_analysis_of_emotional_intelligence_and_work_attitudes_for_archiving.pdf


    Neuroscience of Decision-Making
    1. Arnsten, A. F. T. (2009). Stress signalling pathways that impair prefrontal cortex function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(6), 410–422. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2648


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/love-light-leadership-podcast--6730707/support.
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    16 mins
  • Season 02: E06 | ACCEPTANCE - Aligned, Not Resigned

    Season 02: E06 | ACCEPTANCE - Aligned, Not Resigned
    Jan 4 2026
    What if the confidence you’re seeking doesn’t come from fixing yourself—but from accepting yourself?In Episode 6 of the Take What You Need 100-day series, Dr. Phenessa Gray invites leaders into a liberating reframe of acceptance—not as settling or stagnation, but as alignment with truth, design, and calling.Drawing from Scripture (Romans 15:7 AMPC; Psalm 139:13–14 TPT), leadership psychology, neuroscience, and organizational research, this episode speaks especially to leaders who process, think, communicate, or discern differently—without labeling, deficit framing, or self-disclosure.Instead, Dr. Phenessa explores how chronic self-correction, overcompensation, and internal pressure quietly drain leadership clarity and confidence. Through acceptance-based leadership practices, listeners learn how to conserve cognitive energy, reduce burnout risk, and lead with grounded authority.This episode includes:A reflective Point to Ponder for leaders who feel they must adapt themselves to lead effectivelyA biblical reflection on acceptance as receiving, not resignationA poetic reflection honoring complexity and designA Grace + Grit Moment on self-alignment and sustainable leadership4–4–6 breathwork to restore nervous system regulationEvidence-based leadership strategies rooted in psychological flexibility, conservation of resources theory, and neuroinclusive leadership researchA Heart–Mind Check and guided journal promptAn expanded, commissioning closing prayer for leaders ready to stop fighting themselvesIf you’ve ever felt the quiet pressure to lead like someone else—or wondered whether how you function is “too much” or “not enough”—this episode offers permission, wisdom, and practical support to lead with confidence exactly as you are.Because acceptance is not resignation.It’s alignment.And aligned leaders lead with clarity, steadiness, and peace.________________________________________Perfect for Leaders Who:Feel mentally or emotionally exhausted from constant self-monitoringLead in complex, people-centered environments (libraries, education, nonprofit, ministry, public service)Think deeply, process differently, or need time to discern before respondingWant faith-based leadership tools that are also psychologically soundAre ready to lead without apology or self-erasureShare your one-word takeaway using #TakeWhatYouNeed and connect with a growing community of leaders choosing wholeness over hustle.Next Episode: Episode 7 — CLARITY: Knowing What’s Yours to CarryAccessible Resources & References (APA 7th Edition)Scripture Tools (Free, Accessible)Bible Gateway. (n.d.). Free Bible reading and study tools. https://www.biblegateway.com/Bible Hub. (n.d.). Interlinear and lexicon tools. https://biblehub.com/ Blue Letter Bible. (n.d.). Lexicon and word study resources. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Public-Domain & Spiritual Thought SourcesAurelius, M. (c. 167).Meditations. (Public domain; Gregory Hays translation commonly used for clarity.)Nouwen, H. J. M. (1992).Life of the beloved: Spiritual living in a secular world. Crossroad Publishing.Acceptance, Psychological Flexibility & LeadershipHayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2012).Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.Kashdan, T. B., & Rottenberg, J. (2010).Psychological flexibility as a fundamental aspect of health.Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 865–878.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.001Glomb, T. M., et al. (2020).Mindfulness at work: A review and integration.Journal of Organizational Behavior, 41(6), 1–26.https://doi.org/10.1002/job.2440Neurodiversity, Learning Differences & LeadershipArmstrong, T. (2010). Neurodiversity: Discovering the extraordinary gifts of autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other brain differences. Da Capo Press.Austin, R. D., & Pisano, G. P. (2017). Neurodiversity as a competitive advantage.Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2017/05/neurodiversity-as-a-competitive-advantageDoyle, N., & McDowall, A. (2021). Neurodiversity at work: A biopsychosocial model and the impact on working adults. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 84(3), 1–10.https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022620952832Santuzzi, A. M., et al. (2023). Workplace disclosure and accommodation for neurodivergent employees. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 140, 103828. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2023.103828Executive Function, Cognitive Load & Decision-MakingArnsten, A. F. T. (2009). Stress signalling pathways that impair prefrontal cortex function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(6), 410–422. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2648Diamond, A. (2013). Executive functions. Annual Review of Psychology, 64, 135–168.https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-113011-143750McEwen, B. S., & Morrison, J. H. (2013). The brain on stress: Vulnerability and plasticity.Neuron, 79(1), 16–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2013.06.028Self-Acceptance, Self-Compassion & ...
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    11 mins
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