Leaders in the Arena

Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Each episode features conversations with leaders doing the real work of leadership—where decisions matter, values are tested, and faith is lived out in practice. Guests share practical wisdom shaped by Christian conviction, offering insight into leading with integrity, stewardship, humility, and care for others. Join us for thoughtful conversations that explore what faithful leadership looks like in a changing world.

Leaders in the Arena is a business podcast hosted by The Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership, with 81 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

The Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership hosts Leaders in the Arena, a business show with 81 episodes published.

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  Leaders in the Arena

  Building a People-First Culture

  Sep 28, 202630 min

  What does it take to build an organization where people thrive, culture matters, and operational excellence follows? Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Joey Ballard , Chief People & Safety Officer at Covenant Logistics, where she leads enterprise-wide initiatives in safety, human resources, recruiting, talent development, and employee retention. With more than 27 years of leadership experience, Joey has helped build a culture where servant leadership, operational excellence, and genuine care for people reinforce one another. From developing future leaders and strengthening organizational culture to advancing safety and employee engagement, her work demonstrates that sustainable organizational success begins by investing in people. Beyond the workplace, Joey's commitment to mentoring women leaders and serving organizations such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes reflects a leadership philosophy grounded in stewardship, service, and lasting impact. Join us as we explore how leaders can build organizations where people are known, valued, and equipped to flourish while pursuing excellence with humility, integrity, and purpose. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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  Leaders in the Arena

  The Allocentric Approach to Talent

  Sep 14, 202634 min

  How do leaders bridge the gap between organizational objectives and individual values to build teams that truly thrive? Listen to this episode of Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Hudson Brock, founder of AlloHire. Hudson is a Chattanooga-based strategist and team-building expert who is redefining how modern organizations approach culture, talent acquisition, and leadership development. Drawing on his experience building AlloHire—a boutique recruiting agency defined by its allocentric approach of centering interest and attention entirely on others—Hudson embodies what it means to lead by serving. He will unpack his signature framework for helping individuals and teams create actionable roadmaps (the How ) that deeply integrate personal values (the Why ) with professional responsibilities (the What ). This conversation invites leaders to move beyond cold HR metrics and view team building as a high-stakes responsibility. By centering leadership around true relationships, deep alignment, and a willingness to put others first, Hudson demonstrates how prioritizing people is the ultimate catalyst for organizational excellence and long-term retention. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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  Leaders in the Arena

  Building Mission-Centered Organizations

  Sep 7, 202641 min

  How can leaders expand their mission and increase Kingdom impact in ways that are sustainable, relational, and deeply aligned with their calling? Join Leaders in the Arena for a conversation with Ashley and Ben Baldwin of Mission Increase Chattanooga as we explore how nonprofit and ministry leaders can strengthen organizations through intentional stewardship, relational generosity, and mission-centered leadership. Drawing on their experience coaching and equipping nonprofits across Chattanooga, Ashley and Ben will share practical insights on developing healthy organizational cultures, building strong donor and stakeholder relationships, and creating strategies that expand mission impact while remaining grounded in purpose and service. This conversation invites leaders to rethink fundraising, leadership, and growth—not as isolated activities, but as part of faithfully stewarding people, resources, and opportunities for greater Kingdom impact. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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  Leaders in the Arena

  Artificial Intelligence and Faithful Leadership | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

  Aug 31, 202628 min

  How should Christian leaders faithfully engage emerging technologies in ways that honor God, serve others, and promote human flourishing? Join Leaders in the Arena for a special AI edition featuring Dr. Lance Wescher as guest host. Drawing on his expertise in artificial intelligence, economics, technology, and higher education, Lance will help establish a thoughtful framework for engaging one of the most significant technological developments of our time. Rather than beginning with what artificial intelligence can do, this conversation begins with a more fundamental question: How should Christian leaders think about technology? Together, we'll explore how biblical principles of stewardship, wisdom, and human dignity provide a foundation for faithfully evaluating, adopting, and leading through technological change. Discussion Points 1. A Christian Introduction to Artificial Intelligence What is artificial intelligence, and why is it reshaping nearly every sector of society? Before discussing applications, what foundational biblical principles should shape how Christian leaders think about AI and other emerging technologies? 2. Faithfully Engaging Technological Advances Throughout history, Christians have navigated significant technological change. What can those moments teach us as we engage AI today? How can leaders embrace innovation with wisdom—leveraging new technologies while remaining committed to stewardship, human dignity, and serving others? 3. Leading Wisely in an AI-Enabled Future What practical opportunities and ethical responsibilities should leaders consider as AI becomes more integrated into their organizations? How can Christian leaders model discernment, humility, and faithful innovation while ensuring technology strengthens people rather than diminishing their unique God-given value? Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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  Leaders in the Arena

  Forming Leaders of Character | Leaders in the Arena Podcast

  Aug 3, 202629 min

  What does it mean to lead with humility, integrity, courage, and stewardship in a world that often rewards self-promotion and short-term results? For young leaders, the answer often starts not with a title, but with the mentors who show them the way. In this episode of Leaders in the Arena, hear a conversation with Covenant College graduate Payton Prys and current student Jonathan Marshall. Together, we explore how some of the core characteristics of servant leadership shape the next generation of leaders to act with character, make bold decisions, and manage responsibility well. Rather than viewing leadership as a one-size-fits-all formula, Payton and Jonathan share personal stories of the influential mentors who poured into them, demonstrating how different people can uniquely encompass these traits. You’ll hear how a young leader can balance deep curiosity with making a tangible impact, choosing collaboration over dominance. Leaders in the Arena is a podcast from the Brock-Barnes Center for Leadership at Covenant College. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠brockbarnes.covenant.edu⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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