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.

Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Scott Quatro, leadership scholar, educator, and consultant, as he explores what servant leadership looks like in today’s complex organizational environments.

Drawing on his work with executives and his research on leadership and management, Scott offers practical insight into how leaders can lead with humility, purpose, and a genuine commitment to the growth of others. Whether you lead a team, an organization, or a classroom, this conversation will provide grounded wisdom for leading in ways that reflect both competence and Christlike character.

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 special conversation with Brad Voyles, President of Covenant College, as he shares the vision shaping Covenant’s next chapter.

At the heart of Covenant’s strategy is a bold commitment to send out builders—graduates formed in faith, courage, and calling, prepared to serve the church and the world as participants in Christ’s work of making all things new. Under President Voyles’ leadership, Covenant has experienced record enrollment growth, signaling renewed momentum and confidence in its mission. This session will explore the theological vision behind this strategy, the Flourish initiative’s role in shaping vocational calling through place-based engagement, and what faithful, servant leadership looks like when guiding institutional transformation.

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 Brent Beshore, Founder and CEO of Permanent Equity, joined by David Caines, Chief Operating Officer of Kenco Group, as they explore a distinct approach to investment and leadership built on long-term commitment, cultural alignment, and stewardship.

Unlike traditional private equity models focused on short-term exits, Permanent Equity partners with companies for the long haul—prioritizing people, trust, and sustainable value creation. In this session, Brent and David will discuss what sets this model apart, how values shape leadership decisions, and how these themes connect to Brent’s upcoming visit to Covenant College as Executive in Residence, sponsored by the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership.

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

Leadership in times of disruption requires more than adopting new tools—it requires courage, discernment, and a commitment to people.

Listen in to Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Greg Bagby, an experienced educational leader and advocate for thoughtful AI integration. Drawing on decades of work in education and instructional technology, Greg explores how leaders can navigate uncertainty, lead through fear, and embrace emerging technologies in ways that strengthen—not diminish—human connection and learning.

This session offers practical insight for educators, students, and professionals seeking to lead wisely in a rapidly changing world.

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

In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, hosted by Jenny Whitener, listen to a conversation with the co-founder of The 10 Project and leader with The Brock Center, Rodger Piersant, as he shares insights on leadership as service and civic stewardship. We will explore how leaders can lead with others-first principles, character, and long-term purpose in business and community life.

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