Leadership is not static—it evolves as responsibility deepens and people depend on you. Listen to this episode of Leaders in the Arena for a thoughtful conversation with John Plating, Director of the Center for Calling & Career at Covenant College and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel. Drawing on decades of leading complex organizations, educating others, and serving in high-stakes environments, Dr. Plating explores how leadership changes over time, the role of responsibility in shaping leaders, and how leaders can steward their influence with integrity and purpose.

This session offers practical insight for students, professionals, and community leaders alike.

Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

What does it take to lead not just organizations—but cultures?

In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, hear a conversation with Don Sweeney, retired Ernst & Young partner and leader in the firm’s healthcare consulting practice. During a period of rapid growth and disruption, Don helped lead the Quest Leadership Program, an initiative designed to shift EY’s culture from technical expertise to transformational leadership.

Drawing on his experience guiding large-scale organizational change, Don reflects on what it takes to develop leaders who build strong relationships, shape culture, and sustain long-term impact. From global consulting to nonprofit board leadership, this conversation explores how leadership is ultimately expressed not in position, but in the quality of relationships leaders cultivate.

Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Patrick Miles, Senior Project Lead on Chick-fil-A’s Innovation Services team. Drawing from his experience equipping innovation within a high-performing enterprise, Patrick will explore how leaders cultivate thoughtful experimentation, ask better questions, and ensure innovation strengthens rather than distracts from institutional purpose.

This session invites students and professionals alike to consider innovation not as a department, but as a leadership practice.

Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.