Feeling Beings Who Think

From Burnout to Alignment

"Helping families learn to communicate effectively, define shared values, engage in philanthropy feels very much like pastoral care." In this episode, I'm speaking with Luke Jernagan, an Episcopal priest whose journey led him beyond traditional church walls. After experiencing burnout in congregational ministry, Luke finds himself intersecting with generations of families as the Managing Director of Family Learning in a multi-family advisement firm. His story reminds us that our vocational paths often extend far beyond conventional boundaries, inviting us to consider how our own gifts might flourish in unexpected places.  Thanks for listening!
Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here 
Guest Bio
Luke joined Matter Family Office in 2022 after 15 years as an Episcopal priest, bringing his passion for helping people navigate life’s joys and challenges. As Managing Director of Family Learning, he helps families strengthen relationships, communicate effectively, and focus on what matters most. Luke also leads Matter’s Culture & Learning committee, crafting practices to foster continuous growth. Previously, he served as Rector of St. Peter’s Church in Ladue, Missouri, where he remains a Priest Associate, and he is president of the Cricket Island Foundation, supporting youth-led social change.

The Backstage Work of Leadership

"Real authority comes from integrity." Today I'm speaking with Nathan Kirkpatrick one of the principal consultants of Saison Consulting, LLC leading faith communities and organizations in strategic visioning and growth. And we are talking aboutthe backstage work of aligning our values with our leadership. It is a choice to authentically and intentionally share your story as a leader.  Doing so builds trust and connection when it is done with integrity. Thanks Nathan for sharing so thoughtfully in this conversation!. Thanks for listening.
Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here 
Connect with Nathan Kirkpatrick and Saison Consulting.
Bio
Nathan Kirkpatrick is one of the principal consultants of Saison Consulting, LLC, an Episcopal priest, former Managing Director of Alban at Duke Divinity School (2014–2021) and Leadership Education at Duke Divinity (2007–2021), he has worked with hundreds of congregations nationwide, from rural Oregon to New York City. His expertise includes facilitating strategic visioning for organizations and teaching in the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising through the Lilly Endowment-supported Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. Nathan regularly trains leaders globally on change management, innovation, sustainability, and leadership. Outside of work, his passions include photography, wine, cooking, running, and cycling.

Wholeness and Freedom with Ilia Delio

“Our truest personhood, lies in the freedom of being who we are, in our own unique createdness.” Today I’m speaking with Ilia Delio, a Franciscan, theologian, author, and Chair of Theology at Villanova University - and this is not just a conversation for theologians! We delve into Delio's unique perspective on the intersection of science and religion, discuss the themes of wholeness, love as the highest form of knowing, and the importance of embracing change in spiritual growth. Delio is also the founder of the Center for Christogenesis which fosters dialogue and education on the intersection of faith and science, aiming to inspire a transformative understanding of Christianity.  I am so grateful that she joined me and to be able to share her work with you. Thanks for listening!
Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here 
Learn more about Ilia Delio
Connect with Ilia Delio and The Center for Christogenesis
Watch and listen to the lecture God, Evolution and The Power of Love I refer to in our conversation.

Embodied Wisdom, Creation & Desire

"Our human spirituality flows out from our relationship with the earth."  Today I'm speaking with Mark Wastler, Episcopal priest, farmer, spiritual director and founder of Chesapeake Watershed Ministries and together, we explore the themes of listening, creation, and embodied wisdom. We dive into our vocational portfolios and discuss how they continue to shape our understanding of who we are, our leadership, and our spirituality in this ongoing journey of becoming more attentive and present to our truest selves. 
Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here 
Bio
Mark Wastler is a farmer, priest, conservationist, and spiritual director. He is the founder and executive director of Chesapeake Watershed Ministries, a non-profit organization helping reconnect human spirituality with local ecology. Learn more about Mark and this transformative work  at chesapeakewatershedministries.org
 

Leadership is Personal

"Let's do the work, listen to each other and trust our own selves."
Today I'm speaking with my friend and colleague, the Rev. Canon Erika von Haaren who I spoke with for the episode "Being Seen for Who We Are" in 2023. In her leadership roles Erika guides communities and individuals to do the work of true listening. That precious skill that takes time, encourages others, and models curious inquisitiveness that is more about creating solutions than finding the right answers.  So what happens when we use that same listening skill to get curious about ourselves - and are surprised by who we are turning out to be? 
Thanks to Erika for sharing so generously from her professional and personal experience - and thank you for listening!
Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here 
Bio
The Rev. Canon Erika von Haaren is an Episcopal priest, Enneagram coach, and mother of three pretty great kids. She currently serves as Priest in Charge at Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizona where she is focusing her energy on strategic change management for their future. She serves as President of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Arizona, and as a mentor-coach of the VTS Thriving in Ministry Program; and also created the Practical Priest Formation Program to develop new priests in their ministries. She is a weightlifter, newly avid bird-watcher, and member of the Phoenix Women’s Chorus. Find her at www.havenconsultingaz.com. 

Imagination and Vocation with The Rev. Joe Hensley

"The constant embracing of whatever is and saying yes!" Join me as I chat with Rev. Joe Hensley about the fascinating blend of spirituality, leadership, and imagination. From his unique path to the priesthood, Joe offers deep insights on how imagination and vulnerability shape his ministry and leadership.
Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here 
Bio
The Rev. Joe Hensley (he/him) grew up in Greensboro, NC and attended the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and UNC Chapel Hill (BA Philosophy 1996). A monastery experience at age 23 helped cement his commitment to Christ. He later worked as a professional youth minister and for a community mediation center. At age 33, he graduated (DMin) from Virginia Theological Seminary and was ordained an Episcopal deacon and then priest in 2007. He served as assistant rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Durham, NC from 2007 until 2014. Since 2015, he has been rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg, VA. Joe loves exploring a playful path of “holy foolishness” which seeks joy in the midst of failure and hilarious grace in the midst of chaos. He is committed to his own work toward justice and healing and dismantling all forms of oppression which inhibit our flourishing as God’s beloved children. Joe, who also goes by “Jody,” and his spouse of 25 years, Sarah White, have had four children, Lucy, Alice (deceased 2005), Stella, and Owen. Along the way, he has had gigs as a musician, Outward Bound instructor, and performing clown (“Ashes”). He loves singing, playing and exercising outside, contemplative practices, and making holy mischief.

Integrating Our Healing with Hugh Grant

“Once I became I priest, I realized I had to be more rigorous about my own healing.” Today my guest is Hugh Grant, an Episcopal priest and psychotherapist trained in Internal Family Systems and EMDR modalities. We explore how multiple vocational identities intersect and enrich our work and abilities to serve others, as well as contually challenge and support our own personal growth. I hope our conversation prompts your reflection on what challenges and supports you in your life and professional pursuits. Thanks for listening. 
Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here 
Interested to connect with Hugh Grant? Click here 
And Click here for a transcript of our conversation.
Bio
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2000, Hugh is trained and certified in the Internal Family Systems model of psychotherapy and in EMDR.  In addition to hig work as a psychotherapist, Hugh serves as an assistant priest at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Orcas Island.

Leading From Within with Dr. Tony Cerella

“What’s the story leading you to believe you have to be a different version of yourself?” Today I'm speaking with Dr. Tony Cerella, a former U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who is now a coach, facilitator, and storyteller. Tony shares his journey of formative military service, highlighting the difficult experiences that shaped his vocation and personal growth. We also speak about the joys and challenges of transitioning from clearly defined careers into a life of self-directed leadership, the value of coaching, and cultivating new, nourishing communities. I hope this conversation prompts some reflection and learning for you!  Thanks for listening.
Interested to learn more about Arianne's leadership coaching and the ways she partners with leaders, organizations and communities? Click here 
Click here to connect with Dr Tony Cerella
Click here for a transcript of our conversation
Tony's Bio
During his 23 years of international military service, Tony excelled in challenging multinational assignments as a follower and leader. He passionately develops emerging talent and leads cohesive teams. Tony models positive behaviors, shares wisdom, and creates safe spaces for constructive vulnerability. Since Tony’s transition from military service was positively influenced by coaching, he easily and excitably shifted from Army officer to coach. As a coach Tony uses compassion to explore opportunities for new perspectives and balance. He is a steady hand who listens deeply and connects with people from diverse backgrounds. As a coach and facilitator, Tony brings experience, humor, and empathy to create opportunities for growth. 
Tony is curious, dependable, and loves to share laughter. His friends saythat he is a generous soul and a thoughtful storyteller.

What Has Shaped Your Vocation and Leadership?

Welcome back to Feeling Beings Who Think! As we kick off Season 3, I'm thrilled to bring you more conversations about vocational callings and leadership.
Have you ever considered how your past careers have shaped who you are today? Many clergy and leadership coaches, including some of our guests, have walked diverse professional paths before finding their calling to guide others.
When was the last time you reflected on the skills and insights you've gained from jobs that seem worlds apart from your current role? Each experience, no matter how different it may appear, has contributed to your unique perspective and abilities. That’s what we’re exploring in this season.
I hope this episode sparks some personal reflection on your own vocational path. What unexpected lessons have your past roles taught you? How have they prepared you for where you are now?
**Want to learn more about leadership coaching, workshops or retreats?** It's a journey of self-discovery and growth. A spiritual practice that enriches your life and sparks growth in others.
 

Seeking a Life-Giving Life

“If you want to connect with true strength, then you have to find your own weakness." Yes! That is from today's guest, David Achata, an author, coach, trainer, facilitator, speaker, and former pastor. David brings over twenty years of leadership experience to organizations, team development, and training. He is the author of "Embrace What You Don’t Know: A Stupid Guide to Smart Business Leadership" and "Executive Retreats for Busy Business Leaders:How to Achieve More by Working Less"  He lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with his wife and two children. Thanks for listening!
To learn more about leadership coaching, click here.
To check out my bookshelf on Bookshop.org click here (this is an affiliate link)
Connect with David - 
Coaching & leadership development: achatacoaching.com
Books, blogs and more: davidachata.com