"Spirit-led leadership isn't this mystical, hyper-religious exercise. It happens when a guy becomes grounded, guided, and empowered by God, rather than being driven by fear." —Don Wood

Carrying responsibility while staying tense inside eventually takes a toll. Many men stay productive, dependable, and outwardly steady while living with constant pressure, guarded emotions, and a quiet fear of failure. That tension is not weakness; it is survival mode doing its job far past its season.

This episode draws from Don's own healing journey and years of walking with men who learned early how to stay alert, perform, and self-protect. Those patterns shaped leadership, faith, and relationships until healing created space for a different way to lead.

Press play to explore how leadership shifts when fear no longer runs the system and the Holy Spirit is allowed to guide from a place of rest.

• How survival mode forms in childhood and follows men into leadership

• Physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual signs of living in survival mode

• Why productivity can hide fear-driven leadership

• The difference between survival-driven effort and Spirit-Led Leadership

• How healing, not discipline, creates real change

• Biblical examples of God meeting men in weakness

• Simple practices that open the door to healing and spiritual clarity

• What it looks like to lead from rest instead of pressure

Episode Highlights:

03:16 Impact of Survival Mode on Leadership and Relationships
05:17 Formation and Consequences of Survival Mode
08:06 Practical Steps for Healing and Spirit-Led Leadership
13:53 Take the Next Steps in Your Leadership Journey

Meet Your Host:

Don Wood is the founder of Men's Leadership, God's Way, where he coaches executives and leaders to achieve clarity, confidence, and peace without sacrificing their health, faith, or family. Drawing from his own journey through adversity—including overcoming addiction, serious health challenges, and personal loss—Don inspires others to lead with conviction and purpose. His faith-based approach emphasizes transformation, resilience, and the power of vulnerability, helping men discover their unique gifts and live out their calling. Don is dedicated to equipping leaders to experience true success by trusting in God's wisdom and strength.

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