Resilient leadership isn’t about toughness—it’s about strength, flexibility, and endurance.
In this episode, we sit down with Tod Bolsinger, author of Tempered Resilience and How Not to Waste a Crisis, to discuss what it really takes to lead through challenges without burning out.
Leadership is hard. How do leaders survive the pressure, setbacks, and stress of leading change?
In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ What it means to be “tempered” as a leader – strong yet flexible
✅ Why resilience is built through stress, not comfort
✅ How missionaries can develop a grounded identity under pressure
✅ The importance of rest rhythms in sustaining resilience
✅ How to grow through mistakes instead of being crushed by them
✅ Balancing mission work with self-care
“The question is not ‘Can I learn the skills I need to lead?’ but ‘Can I survive it?’” – Tod Bolsinger
Whether you're a missionary, church leader, or nonprofit worker, this episode will help you build resilience and sustain your calling through faith, wisdom, and healthy leadership habits.
Listen now to learn how to strengthen your leadership without burnout!
Tod Bolsinger has his MDiv, PhD, and is the co-founder and principal of AE Sloan Leadership, Inc, an executive coaching and consulting firm that works with church, non-profit, university, and marketplace leaders in leading change. He is also the Executive Director of the De Pree Center Church Leadership Institute and Associate Professor of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary. Before his educational career, he served as a pastor for 27 years.
Tod is the author of nine books, including Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory, Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change, and the Practicing Change Series.
Show notes and links:
We want to hear from you!
Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode?
Send us a message at kfarran@abwe.org with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: @kyle.farran
Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it.
Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life!
