#479: Mac & Kenz — You Can't Lead Well While Pretending to Be Someone Else

What if the very thing holding you back as a leader is trying to become someone God never intended you to be? In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger welcomes back Mac Bridges and Kenz, co-founders of Delight Ministries, for a conversation about leadership identity, vulnerability, partnership, and learning to trust God when life doesn't go according to plan. Early in their leadership journeys, both Mac and Kenz spent years comparing themselves to other leaders and trying to develop strengths they simply weren't wired to have. Everything began to change when they stopped chasing someone else's definition of leadership and started embracing the unique gifts God had given them. Together, they've learned that great leadership doesn't require identical strengths. In fact, their differences have become one of their greatest advantages. They also share why vulnerability is essential to building trust, how practicing humility in everyday conversations can transform relationships, and why leaders need to get comfortable admitting when they've gotten something wrong. Drawing from their new book, This Wasn't the Plan, Mac and Kenz explore what it means to move forward when expectations fall apart. Through the biblical framework of Ask, Seek, Knock, they offer a practical way to pursue God in seasons of uncertainty rather than remaining stuck or giving up. In this episode, you'll discover: Why trying to imitate other leaders can keep you from developing your own gifts. How to identify and embrace your God-given leadership strengths. Why the best leadership partnerships often bring together very different personalities. How vulnerability creates trust and gives others permission to be honest. Why great leaders practice humility through reflection and apology. How to share difficult stories without compromising other people's privacy. What Jesus' invitation to ask, seek, and knock teaches us about moving through uncertainty. Why seasons of disappointment require both stillness and action. How to surrender your expectations without abandoning your calling. Coaching Question Where are you trying to lead like someone else instead of embracing the gifts God has given you—and what would change if you stopped? Connect with Mac & Kenz Mac Bridges and Kenz are the co-founders of Delight Ministries, a ministry dedicated to helping college women grow in their relationships with Jesus. Their new book, This Wasn't the Plan, offers encouragement and practical direction for navigating life's unexpected seasons through the biblical invitation to ask, seek, and knock. Delight Ministries: https://www.delightministries.com/ Book: https://a.co/d/040AHmse Integrated Leader Mastermind — Applications Open Strong leaders weren't meant to lead alone. Tony Miltenberger and Trey Tucker are bringing together 12 Christian men for a six-month mastermind focused on growing professionally, personally, and spiritually alongside other leaders committed to doing the same. Learn more and apply: https://leader-integrated-cohort.repl... Connect with Tony Miltenberger Website: https://www.twmilt.com/ 12 Questions: https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com/ YouTube:    / @twmilt   Substack: https://twmilt.substack.com/ Instagram: @twmilt | @follow2lead Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com/ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices