Shaunti Feldhahn joins Stan Parker for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation on leadership, relationships, and the hidden realities that shape how we lead. Drawing from her background in research and years of studying human behavior, Shaunti shares how God used an unexpected path—from Harvard and Wall Street to writing and speaking—to equip her to help people better understand one another. Along the way, she unpacks how great leadership often isn’t about having the perfect plan, but about paying attention to where God is already at work and having the courage to follow.

Together, they explore the weight of influence, the difference between niceness and true kindness, and why many leaders unknowingly undermine trust through subtle behaviors. Shaunti also reflects on one of her hardest seasons—being misrepresented publicly—and how it reshaped her identity and approach to leadership. This conversation offers practical insight and honest encouragement for leaders who want to build with wisdom, lead with humility, and stay anchored in what matters most.

What if leadership doesn’t start with influence—but with a deep, holy discontent you can’t ignore?

Stan Parker sits down with Jessica, Executive Director of Activate Global, for a conversation that traces the deeper journey of leadership—where it begins, how it grows, and what it costs. Jessica shares how leadership isn’t just about influence, but about responding to that discontent—seeing a gap between what is and what could be—and stepping in with faith. From a backyard “Jesus Club” to mobilizing a movement against human trafficking in college, her story reveals how God often shapes leaders through obedience long before they ever claim the title.

As the conversation unfolds, Jessica walks through the realities that mark lasting leadership: vision formed up close to the problem, influence that grows through invitation, and the very real cost of sacrifice, criticism, and fatigue. But at the center of it all is something deeper—brokenness. She shares how God has used seasons of pruning and dependence to strip away self-reliance and build a leadership rooted fully in His presence. This episode is both grounding and inspiring for anyone who senses God calling them to step into something more—and is learning what it truly means to follow Him there.

What does it look like to build something that lasts — not just structurally, but spiritually? In this episode of How He’s Building This, Stan Parker sits down with Toni Clarke, Executive Director of a Local pregnancy center, as the ministry celebrates 40 years of impact. From its humble beginnings of “$500 and a prayer” to a growing team of more than 40 staff members, Toni shares how prayer has anchored every major turning point in the organization’s story. She reflects on stepping reluctantly into leadership while walking through personal health challenges, and how God used her military and corporate background to prepare her for a calling she didn’t initially seek.

Toni offers honest insight into the tension between ministry and structure, the hard lessons of “blessing and releasing” team members, and the faith required to stop managing outcomes and trust God as Provider. She speaks candidly about seasons that stretched her leadership, the discipline of stewarding time and influence well, and why leading yourself first is essential to leading anyone else. At its core, this conversation is about surrender — building something significant not by personal ambition, but by obedience, integrity, and a deep trust that this is God’s ministry to grow.