The Joy of Leadership: Recent Episodes
Dr. James Taylor
Welcome to the Joy of Leadership Podcast with your host, Dr. James Taylor. On this podcast, we explore the passion and purpose of leadership. We do so by talking with recognized leaders who do not merely have jobs, but men and women who are called to their chosen sphere of influence.
In episode 41 on the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Mark McMinn, the school chaplain at Hebron Christian Academy. He shares about this vital new role at HCA, how jiu-jitsu is being used to raise up young men, his personal upbringing & testimony, and how he has learned to value the small things.
Ep. 41 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(0:50) The purpose of HCA’s chaplain
(6:05) Using jiu-jitsu to develop young men
(16:48) Mark’s upbringing & testimony
(36:27) Vocation vs calling
(41:34) Familial life
(43:36) Being comfortable with the small
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 40 on the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor & Cornel Potra sit down with Dr. Paul Negrut, president of Emanuel University of Oradea in Romania. He shares about his professional accomplishments, how Emanuel University began in the midst of Communist Romania, and how it is raising up Christian leaders in Europe and around the world.
Ep. 40 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(1:01) Dr. Paul’s Accomplishments
(7:34) The Start of Emanuel University
(20:44) Growth & Development
(24:24) Training Ministers in the Marketplace
(29:21) Psychology & Faith
(33:04) Persecution of Believers
(39:22) The Global Body of Christ
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 39 on the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Jason Berry, the Senior Pastor of 12Stone Church. He shares about his succession from Pastor Kevin Myers, his plans for future leadership at 12Stone, how 12Stone operates and grows, and how he balances his family life and pastoral responsibilities.
Ep. 39 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(0:50) Pastoral succession at 12Stone
(21:45) Jason’s succession plan
(30:55) Developing leaders
(36:32) 12Stone’s organizational philosophy
(41:05) Opening the Athens campus
(50:56) Balancing family & ministry
(56:46) What’s next for 12Stone
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 38 on the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Drs. Randy and Destiny Prezzano, veterinarians and owners of Apalachee River Animal Hospital in Dacula, GA. They share about their decisions to become vets at a young age, the process of becoming a veterinarian, the impact faith has had on their lives, & advice for those looking to pursue their calling.
Ep. 38 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(0:41) The call to being vets
(4:24) Loving animals at a young age
(7:30) Steps to becoming a vet
(9:46) Coming to Dacula
(12:42) Working with your spouse
(14:40) Business model & future plans
(16:02) Faith’s impact on career & life
(20:32) Advice on pursuing a calling
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 37 on the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Dr. Christopher Yuan, a speaker, author, pastor, and professor focused on Biblical sexuality. He shares his testimony of God delivering him from a homosexual and criminal lifestyle as well as the importance of finding your identity in Christ and resources for families seeking to understand Biblical sexuality.
Ep. 37 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(0:35) Dr. Yuan’s ministry
(5:02) Dr. Yuan’s testimony
(9:49) Parents loving a gay child
(19:46) A miracle in prison
(27:05) Identity in Christ
(39:43) Prison to ministry
(54:35) Resources from Dr. Yuan
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 36 on the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Trey Lewis, Founder & CEO of Good Landing Recovery. He shares about the mission of Good Landing and his testimony of being delivered by God from drug addiction to starting the largest stand-alone, privately held rehab program in the United States.
Ep. 36 Audio Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(0:39) About Good Landing
(5:03) Trey’s Testimony
(19:42) Faith in Rehab
(28:01) Founding Good Landing
(33:20) Recovery Church
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 35 on the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with former MLB player and ESPN analyst Chris Singleton. He shares about his childhood in sports, his path to Major League Baseball, the impact of faith on his life and his career after baseball working for the MLB Players Association.
Ep. 35 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(0:59) His Childhood
(8:09) Embracing Christ
(11:06) Early Decisions in Athletics
(19:41) The Road to the Show
(26:34) Welcome to the Show
(31:39) Jesus in MLB
(40:35) Career After MLB
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 34 on the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Rechab Gray, the Pastor of Preaching & Spiritual Formation at New Creation Fellowship Church in Orlando, Florida. He shares about his church and how it started, the call of ministry on his life, and the steps he took in becoming a pastor.
Ep. 34 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(0:36) Spiritual Emphasis Week
(2:21) About New Creation Fellowship
(9:21) Why Orlando?
(13:41) The Call on Rechab’s Life
(22:46) Steps Taken Toward Ministry
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 33 on the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Alex Reid & Dr. Hannah Grey, the assistant Upper School principals at HCA. They share about the impact of J-Term, specifically the courses, internships, and travel opportunities, as well as the power of Christian education.
Ep. 33 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(1:00) What is J-Term?
(2:16) Middle School & J-Term
(7:08) Exploratory Courses
(13:25) Professional Internships
(17:23) Impactful Courses
(19:53) J-Term as a Freshman
(24:24) Travel Opportunities
(34:55) The Power of Christian Education
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 32 of the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Dr. Aaron Howard, an Assistant Professor of Ethics, Worship, and Reconciliation at Lipscomb University and the Founder & CEO of As One Christian Counseling. He shares about his current roles at Lipscomb and As One, his passion to speak at Christian schools, how God placed the call on his life to pursue unity, the method to raise kids to have a unity-based mindset, and his future plans, including writing a book.
Ep. 32 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(0:50) Aaron's role at Lipscomb
(5:07) Pursuing Biblical Unity
(10:47) Passion for Christian education
(16:47) The call on Aaron's life
(26:20) Raising kids to seek unity
(29:13) What's next for Aaron
(32:10) Closing
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 31 of the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Bernie Anderson, a Senior Regional Manager at World Vision. He shares about what World Vision is and their calling to reach the world’s most vulnerable communities, his personal background and experiences in missions, how World Vision has changed child sponsorship, and the impact that partnering with World Vision has on organizations.
Do you feel called to sponsor a child through World Vision? You can get involved through HCA’s sponsored region in Honduras: https://hcalions.co/HCAWV
Ep. 31 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(0:52) What is World Vision?
(5:40) Developing communities
(9:44) Reaching the most vulnerable
(14:04) Experiences with World Vision
(21:01) Bernie's Background
(24:40) Balancing family & missions
(26:21) Flipping the script on child sponsorship
(30:32) What's next for World Vision
(31:43) Impacting organizations
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 30 of the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Dr. David Palmer, an orthopedic surgeon with Optim Orthopedics. He shares about his background and path to becoming a doctor and how his faith has affected his life and practice.
Ep. 30 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(0:48) David's background
(8:47) Path to being a doctor
(15:02) Faith in practice in medicine
(23:26) The turning point in David's faith
(34:10) Closing
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 29 of the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Andy Arlotta, Co-Owner & President of Georgia Swarm Lacrosse. He shares about bringing professional lacrosse to Georgia, the structure of Box Lacrosse and the National Lacrosse League, and the impact of his personal background and faith on his career.
Ep. 29 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(0:37) About Georgia Swarm & LAX in Georgia
(3:12) LAX in Andy's Family
(5:30) Structure of the NLL
(11:07) The Swarm's Involvement with Youth LAX
(12:32) Field LAX vs. Box LAX
(17:20) Andy's Business Experience
(20:55) How to see the Swarm
(21:25) Andy's path to the Swarm
(23:38) Faith's impact on Andy's career
(32:00) What's next for the Swarm
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 28 of the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Larry Wynn, former Senior Pastor of Hebron Church. He shares about starting at Hebron, how the church began to grow, lasting in ministry, and his current role of developing pastors.
Ep. 28 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(1:07) Larry's time at Hebron Church
(7:47) When Hebron began to grow
(19:27) Lasting in ministry
(31:13) Balancing family & ministry
(36:36) From hundreds to thousands
(41:50) Lessons from Hebron's building
(44:44) Calling in a career
(48:45) Developing pastors
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 27 of the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Sam Wallace, the historian for the Atlanta Braves. As the Braves are in the midst of a historic season riddled with new records, he shares about his journey to the Braves, the storied past of baseball’s oldest franchise, how the game is changing, and who the Braves are in the present.
Ep. 27 Breakdown
(0:00) Intro
(0:53) Sam’s World Series Ring
(2:15) Sam's background
(13:42) Becoming the Braves historian
(20:44) From Boston to Atlanta
(23:20) Interactions with Braves players
(28:09) The love of the game
(32:02) Changing baseball
(37:52) How the Battery Atlanta is changing sports venues
(40:48) The 2023 Braves
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 26 of the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Jason Britt, the Lead Pastor at Bethlehem Church. He shares about his background and path to being a senior pastor, the growth and future of Bethlehem church, and balancing family and ministry along the way.
Ep. 26 Breakdown
(0:00) Intro
(1:04) Jason's background
(14:02) Becoming a senior pastor
(19:08) The growth of Bethlehem Church
(29:51) Following God's direction in leadership
(38:26) Plans for a new building
(44:17) Balancing family and ministry
(48:57) Book recommendations
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 25 of the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Dr. David Balik & Chuck Gilliam. Both with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), David is the Vice President of North America and Chuck is the Senior Director of the Eastern Division. They share about their roles at ACSI, the growth and challenges in private Christian education, the progression of school choice, keeping Christ at the center of education, and the future plans for ACSI.
Ep. 25 Breakdown
(0:00) Intro
(1:26) Their career paths and roles at ACSI
(9:38) The growth in Christian education
(13:40) Progression of school choice
(16:25) Keeping Christ at the center of education
(25:33) Victories for Christian education
(31:49) Battles for Christian education
(38:52) Challenges towards leadership in Christian schools
(50:22) What's next for ACSI
If you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 24 of the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Cornel Potra, the founding partner at Potra Law Firm, specializing in immigration law. He shares about God’s calling on his career, escaping from communist Romania, his passion for immigration law, and the importance of not forgetting the Lord’s faithfulness.
Ep. 24 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(1:08) About Potra Law Firm
(4:06) Cornel's family
(5:14) God's calling on Cornel's vocation
(9:05) Escape from communist Romania
(19:17) Cornel's expectation of his career
(21:51) Desire to live in the United States
(27:08) Time between first escape attempt & successful escape
(31:40) Beginning of his practice
(33:10) Reason for his practice's focus
(40:33) Focus on development of men
(49:26) The impact of Cornel's immigrant story
f you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode 1 of season 3 on the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Cassie Snow, the Director of Academic Enrichment and Special Education at Hebron Christian Academy. She shares about her path to HCA, how Hebron is building an Enrichment program from the ground up, the challenges of starting a special needs school, and how HCA is praying for a God-sized miracle to build the Lions Learning Academy.S3: Ep. 1 Audio Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(1:20) Cassie's path to HCA(17:30) Building HCA's enrichment program(23:31) Redefining special education(29:20) Expanding the enrichment program(33:16) A $20,000,000 God-sized dream(42:21) The challenges of building a special education school(45:11) Modeling an immersive environment(50:58) Impacting Christian education(57:06) ClosingIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
In episode No. 9 of season 2 on the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Kevin Shaffer, a former NFL player and the advancement officer at Hebron Christian Academy. He shares about growing up on the road, his path to the NFL, getting drafted by the Atlanta Falcons and signing a long-term contract with the Cleveland Browns. Through it all, he discusses the role faith played in his football career and what went into his decision to retire.
S2: Ep. 9 Audio Breakdown:
(0:00) - Introduction
(1:01) - Growing up on the road
(7:36) - Kevin’s path to salvation
(12:31) - Getting recruited to the University of Tulsa
(22:18) - The process of getting into the NFL
(32:17) - Getting drafted to the Atlanta Falcons
(50:18) - Stories from the NFL
(57:49) - Signing with the Cleveland Brown
(1:03:40) - Deciding to call it quits
(1:06:08) - Coming to Hebron Christian Academy
In episode No. 7 of season 2 on the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Kenny Grant, the teaching pastor at St. Simon’s Island Community Church and founder of Kenny Grant Ministries. He shares about growing up in south Georgia, how his time in the Marine Corps led him into ministry and how he has followed God’s calling on his life.
S2: Ep. 7 Audio Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(4:29) Growing up in south Georgia
(7:41) From Marines to ministry
(12:49) Being aligned with your spouse
(22:09) The concept of a calling
(24:53) The start of Kenny Grant Ministries
(31:33) Leading Calvary Baptist Temple
(38:40) Trusting God’s Direction
In episode No. 6 of season 2 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Kelvin Cochran, the former Fire Chief for the City of Atlanta. He shares about growing up in poverty, his path to becoming a firefighter, and how his faith led him through adversity. He now holds the position of senior vice president of human resources and faith initiatives at Alliance Defending Freedom, the same law firm that defended him in his case against the city of Atlanta after being fired for expressing his Christian beliefs.
S2: Ep. 6 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(1:04) Growing up in poverty
(7:10) The path to becoming a firefighter
(10:09) Climbing the ranks
(14:00) Being fired from the Atlanta Fire Department
(21:53) Proposing on the first date
(28:38) Being bold in faith
(46:23) Advice for leaders
In episode No. 5 of season 2 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Dr. Derek Halvorson, the President of Covenant College. He shares about his path into higher education from being a student at Covenant College to becoming their president for over 10 years. He discusses the importance of Christian education and what it means to lead the next generation of students.
S2: Ep. 5 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(1:04) Moving from west coast to east coast
(11:21) Derek Halvorson’s faith journey
(16:00) Life after college
(24:01) A calling vs. a job
(34:08) Leading the next generation
(37:44) The why behind Christian education
(42:22) How COVID affected education
(48:04) What’s next for Covenant College
In episode No. 4 of season 2 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Darrell Jones, the President of the Herzog Foundation. He shares about the founding and mission of the Herzog Foundation, how the organization is developing leaders in Christian education, the impact of school choice, and how the Herzog Foundation plans to impact Christian education for decades to come.
S2: Ep. 4 Breakdown
• (0:00) Introduction
• (1:41) Background on the Herzog Foundation
• (7:15) COVID’s impact on Christian education
• (9:50) Developing leaders in Christian education
• (16:02) What school choice means for private schools
• (26:49) Personal background and career journey
• (34:19) Longevity in ministry
• (40:36) Next steps for the Herzog Foundation
In episode No. 3 of season 2 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Arthur Tripp, the Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in the state of Georgia. He shares how Georgia is leading the way in agricultural imports and exports, how he followed God’s calling into the political arena, why he chooses unity over division in a divided world, what helping farmers thrive in Georgia looks like, and how he is helping develop the next generation of farmers.
S2: Ep. 3 Audio Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(1:17) Personal background and work history
(10:20) Leading the USDA Farm Service Agency in Georgia
(13:56) Georgia leading the way in agricultural imports and exports
(17:09) Following God’s calling into the political arena
(23:35) Trusting God in living in a season of “yes”
(28:25) Choosing unity over division in a divided world
(33:25) Helping farmers thrive in the state of Georgia
(39:25) Developing the next generation of farmers
(44:45) Leadership lessons through life
In episode No. 2 of season 2 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with the president and co-founder of See.Spark.Go, Brittany Thoms. She explains the process of how she and her husband Andy built a multi-location marketing and PR firm from the ground up. She talks about cultivating a healthy work environment, the importance of the team you surround yourself with, and practical business advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
S2: Ep. 2 Breakdown
(00:00) Introduction
(0:47) The making of See.Spark.Go
(4:20) The risks of starting a business
(8:25) How the name See.Spark.Go came about
(9:22) Cultivating a healthy work environment
(19:33) Starting a business with your spouse
(21:42) How to build relationships with businesses
(25:52) Giving back to businesses
(28:31) Practical business advice
In episode No. 1 of season 2 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with 12Stone Church founding senior pastor Kevin Myers. He shares about moving to Gwinnett County to start the church, the tough times in the early years of 12Stone, and how he nearly closed the doors and walked away after three years. Through it all, PK relives the miraculous journey of someone gifting the church land for their first building, how he nearly bankrupted 12Stone, how the church has navigated multiple locations, what they are doing to cultivate their online audience, and how he plans to step down and hand the church over to the next generation.
S2: Ep. 1 Breakdown
• (0:00) Introduction
• (0:47) Making the move to Gwinnett County
• (7:00) The beginning days of 12Stone Church (Crossroads)
• (10:27) Struggling through the early years
• (26:21) Finding a breakthrough after nearly closing the church
• (39:49) God provides the first piece of land for the church
• (48:10) The church nearly bankrupts over the next piece of land
• (58:40) The start of multiple 12Stone campuses
• (106:25) How 12Stone is cultivating its online audience
• (114:49) The pastoral succession plan at 12Stone
In episode No. 12 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Dr. Marty Mazzawi from Mazzawi Family Dentistry and the owner of Slow Pour Brewing Company. He shares about the joy of doing business with family, how his faith journey has shaped his life, and what giving back to the community looks like in his role as a business owner.
Episode No. 12 Breakdown
• (0:00) Introduction
• (0:45) The history of Mazzawi Family Dentistry
• (5:20) The challenges and advantages of a family business
• (8:23) How his faith journey has shaped his life
• (10:48) How his wife (Zoe) is the rock for the family
• (12:37) Incorporating faith and community into his career
• (16:36) Raising children to love the Lord
• (21:15) How Slow Pour Brewing is evolving and growing
• (23:43) What impacting lives looks like at his breweries
In a special holiday episode of The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Chanda Bell, who co-authored The Elf on the Shelf book, which is the fourth-best selling children’s book of all time. She shares how her family turned a simple Christmas tradition into a worldwide phenomenon, the early struggles of self publishing the book, the future of The Lumistella Company, and how she incorporates faith into her company.
Episode No. 11 Breakdown
• (0:00) Introduction
• (0:58) A look back to the inception of The Elf on the Shelf
• (4:34) The struggles of publishing the original book
• (8:18) Going all in on self publishing
• (9:55) Hot off the press - selling one copy at a time
• (12:38) Turning a book into a business
• (16:45) The first big breakthrough thanks to Jennifer Garner
• (19:08) Living out the mission, vision, and purpose of The Lumistella Company
• (26:59) Building partnerships and looking to the future
• (35:32) Incorporating faith into her leadership role
• (41:07) How The Lumistella Company uses its platform to give back
• (46:06) How the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon came to be
In episode No. 10 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with David Greene, the most successful quarterback in UGA history. He shares his journey to UGA, his favorite moments in Athens, the impact of Mark Richt on his life, transitioning to life in the NFL, and how his priorities have changed following his playing career.
Episode No. 10 Breakdown
• (0:00) Introduction
• (1:10) The competitive switch is flipped at 7 years old
• (4:24) Facing adversity in high school
• (6:07) The college offers start rolling in
• (7:55) The commercialization of high school football
• (9:58) Adjusting to the bright lights at UGA
• (14:47) Developing as a leader under Mark Richt
• (19:27) The impact of Mark Richt on young men
• (23:29) The moments that defined career at Georgia
• (27:30) Transitioning from college to the NFL
• (34:29) The brutal business of professional football
• (42:26) Going from UGA legend to backup QB
• (46:16) Changing priorities following playing career
• (52:17) Applying faith to everyday life
• (55:24) Lessons from dad
In episode No. 9 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Dr. Matthew Hazzard, a board-certified neurosurgeon with Advanced Neurosurgery Associates.
He shares his journey to becoming a neurosurgeon, how his faith takes center stage in pre-op with his patients, and how healthcare in the United States could work better for more people.
Episode No. 9 Breakdown
• (0:00) Introduction
• (0:50) Professional background
• (1:42) Journey to becoming a neurosurgeon
• (9:51) The formative years at Spring Arbor University
• (11:28) First round of medical school applications
• (15:57) Duke bound during medical school match day
• (17:57) Sleepless nights completing residency
• (21:08) Typical work week of a neurosurgeon
• (23:29) Incorporating faith into daily routine
• (29:09) Balancing personal life with career
• (32:17) Healthcare in the United States
• (36:00) Experiencing medical miracles
In episode No. 8 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Joel Ferdinand, who serves as the Managing Partner for Litigation & Global General Counsel at FisherBroyles Law Firm. He shares his experience of learning his calling into law at a young age, how he strives to be genuine, authentic, and honest with his finances, and opens up about his faith journey.
Episode No. 8 Breakdown
• (0:00) Introduction
• (0:37) Professional background
• (2:18) Business as usual during COVID
• (4:15) Career calling into law
• (8:12) Finding a passion at work
• (11:06) Following God’s plan from a young age
• (14:45) Being genuine, authentic, and honest with finances
• (27:38) Faith journey and parental influence
• (36:14) Management style at work and home
In episode No. 7 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Landon Dowden, who serves as the Lead Pastor at Hebron Church. With nearly two decades of experience as a lead pastor, Landon talks about the challenges of pastoral leadership, how he creates and casts a vision as a leader, and what balance looks like between his family and ministry.
Episode No. 7 Breakdown
(0:00) Introduction
(0:48) Challenges of pastoral leadership
(5:20) Embracing God’s calling
(10:00) Surrendering to the Lord’s path
(14:55) Creating and casting a vision as a leader
(21:03) Passions within senior pastoral role
(25:44) Balance between family and ministry
(29:30) Living a role vs. being a real person
(37:26) Tips on studying God’s word
In episode No. 5 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Greg Beadles, who serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Atlanta Falcons and the Chief Financial Officer for Arthur Blank’s family of businesses. In this episode, he talks about the 10-year journey to create Mercedes Benz Stadium, how Atlanta United FC was built into a global powerhouse, Arthur Blank being in the people business, and what fans can expect in Atlanta for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Episode No. 5 Breakdown
• (0:00) Introduction
• (0:17) Current position with AMB Sports & Entertainment
• (3:36) Career progression
• (10:30) The importance of mentors
• (12:33) Named CFO of the Year by The Atlanta Business Chronicle
• (15:00) The building of Mercedes Benz Stadium
• (19:35) Creating Atlanta United FC
• (24:40) Bringing the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Atlanta
• (26:53) Long-standing relationship with Arthur Blank
• (30:56) Leadership and operation roles
• (32:52) Implementing faith in a corporate setting
• (35:46) Making a difference in the community
• (40:50) The Body of Christ on display at work
In episode No. 4 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with actor Matt Mangum, who talks about his career on The Walking Dead, how his faith plays a role in Hollywood, and where his rollercoaster journey in acting has taken him.
Episode No. 4 Breakdown
• (0:00) Introduction
• (0:49) Background and start of acting career
• (4:37) Making the move to Los Angeles
• (7:36) Stepping away from the acting industry
• (10:30) Taking faith into the workplace
• (16:50) Role on the Walking Dead
• (20:08) Taking on a persona in acting
• (21:45) Future acting roles
• (22:50) Family dynamic at home
• (26:45) God’s perfect timing
In episode No. 3 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Johnson and Summer Bowie, who serve together as the senior pastors at Victory Church. As a husband and wife who share the role of senior pastor, the couple breaks down how the dynamic works for them, developing community in an online world, and intentional diversity within Victory Church.
Episode No. 3 Breakdown
• (0:00) Introduction
• (2:07) Personal background and leadership journey
• (6:10) The model of husband and wife teams at work
• (10:30) Dynamic of working with a spouse
• (15:57) Mentoring future leaders at Victory Church
• (20:50) Developing community in the church in an online world
• (24:20) Intentional diversity within the church
• (30:04) A trip to the Holy Land
In episode No. 2 on the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with first-year Hebron football head coach Jonathan Gess. Prior to making the move to HCA, Gess won six GHSA State Championships at Eagles Landing Christian Academy and became the first head coach in the state of Georgia to win five consecutive state championships.
In this episode, Gess outlines his hallmarks for a successful program, looks back on his playing career and journey into coaching, and the role of sports and family in today’s culture. Before he led Hebron to a 5-0 record and the best start in school history, Gess shared his vision for HCA and what he thought the team could accomplish during his inaugural season at Hebron.
Episode #2 Breakdown
• (0:00) Intro
• (0:46) Expectations coming to Hebron
• (3:30) The hallmarks of a great program
• (6:05) Quality over quantity - Advice from Chip Kelly and Gus Malzahn
• (10:39) Building a staff through belief and relationships
• (13:16) Playing background at The Citadel
• (17:05) The long journey into coaching
• (22:55) The process to six GHSA State Championships at ELCA
• (27:38) The role of sports in family
• (30:58) Previewing the 2022 season and HCA’s jump to Region 8-AAA
• (41:35) Creating a brotherhood at Hebron
In episode #1 on the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with David Cortman, who serves as senior counsel and vice president of U.S. litigation with Alliance Defending Freedom. He has practiced law for over 25 years, and currently supervises attorneys and legal staff who specialize in constitutional law, focusing on religious freedom, free speech, and sanctity of life.
Episode #1 Breakdown
• (1:30) Personal background and journey – 1:30
• (7:05) Career change / Law School – 7:05
• (11:30) Mentoring the next generation – 11:30
• (14:35) US Supreme Court ruling on Maine’s ban of using public funds at religious schools
• (16:35) Future impact in ruling of Maine’s case for the Establishment Clause
• (21:05) Separation of Church and State
• (24:30) Supreme Court ruling’s impact on Georgia GOAL
• (29:58) Freedom of religion for every faith
• (32:30) Social and political division in the United States
• (35:58) Cortman argues and wins religious liberties case in front of US Supreme Court
• (41:00) Importance of standing up for religious liberties in today’s culture
Welcome to the Joy of Leadership Podcast with your host, Dr. James Taylor. On this podcast, we explore the passion and purpose of leadership. We do so by talking with recognized leaders who do not merely have jobs, but men and women who are called to their chosen sphere of influence.