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Imagining Bridges to Better Leadership

Imagining Bridges to Better Leadership

By: Kevin Neal
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Effective leadership starts with strong communication and connection. Each episode of Imagining Bridges to Better Leadership offers actionable tips, expert advice, and inspiring stories to help you create thriving teams and sharpen your leadership skills. Whether you’re managing a small business, leading a team in higher education, or driving growth in a midsized organization, this show is for you.

Copyright 2025 | All Rights Reserved Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Michael Ryer: Planting Seeds of Hope: A Leader's Mission to Transform Lives Globally

    Michael Ryer: Planting Seeds of Hope: A Leader's Mission to Transform Lives Globally
    Nov 13 2025
    About Michael Ryer:Michael E. Ryer serves as President and CEO of Amigos Internacionales, bringing nearly five decades of ministry and nonprofit leadership to the organization. His calling began in Bonham, Texas, where he first served as a Music and Youth Minister at Boyd Baptist Church before leading in various youth, education, and administrative roles across North and East Texas.An educator and mentor at heart, Michael has taught at Navarro College and Grand Canyon University, sharing practical lessons on leadership, faith, and the history of Christianity. His teaching and ministry are known for being authentic, compassionate, and grounded in real-world experience.Michael’s global service includes time in Israel, Guam, Ukraine, and Belize, where he has led mission efforts and launched sustainable community projects like a mobile kitchen to address food insecurity. As founder of Missionpoint Initiatives, he continues to expand solutions in education and healthcare for underserved regions, always tying practical help to hope in Christ.At Amigos Internacionales, Michael directs programs addressing clean water, education, health, and faith, and has led major disaster relief operations, including for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In 2024, The Top 100 Magazine recognized him as one of America’s top innovators and entrepreneurs for his work connecting faith, leadership, and action.A pastor at heart, Michael leads with humility, sincerity, and purpose. His life verse, Deuteronomy 30:19, reflects his lifelong mission: to help others “choose life” and live with intention, faith, and compassion.In this episode, Kevin and Michael Ryer discuss:What it means to live and lead through faith-driven purposeThe lessons learned from decades of ministry and humanitarian workHow leadership transforms when rooted in compassion and humilityBuilding partnerships that empower communities rather than create dependencyThe joy and challenge of leading with authenticity in times of uncertaintyKey Takeaways:Faith-driven leadership begins with service, not status. True influence comes from helping others rise, not from controlling outcomes, and that shift from authority to humility changes everything.Leadership is never about perfection; it’s about presence. Mistakes, vulnerability, and transparency don’t weaken a leader — they make their humanity relatable and their example worth following.Legacy isn’t built overnight. The seeds planted today may take decades to grow, but investing in people, relationships, and purpose leaves a lasting impact that far outlives the leader.The greatest success stories start with compassion. When leaders see others as partners, not projects, they help communities unlock their own strength and sustainability."Success is understanding that you're planting trees that you will never sit under the shade." – Michael RyerSupport Amigos Internacionales’ Current MissionsAmigos Internacionales is currently raising support for two urgent surgeries that will change young lives forever:Help Alfred Heal – Alfred is a 12-year-old boy from South Sudan who was severely burned by rebels after his father was killed. You can help fund his lifesaving burn surgeries here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-alfred-heal-lifesaving-burn-surgeries-for-a-12yr-old Restoring Smiles, Restoring Hope – A double cleft palate surgery for Ojok, part of Amigos’ ongoing mission to bring healing and hope through medical care: https://www.amigosii.org/restoring-smiles-restoring-hope-the-story-of-ojok-and-bethel-smile Connect with Michael Ryer:Website: https://www.amigosii.org/michael-e-ryer & www.sponsorachild.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missionpointafrica Connect with Kevin Neal:Website: https://drkdneal.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNSEmail: coachkd63@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/i
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    42 mins
  • Kevin Neal: The Leader in the Mirror: Reflecting on Self-Leadership

    Kevin Neal: The Leader in the Mirror: Reflecting on Self-Leadership
    Nov 6 2025

    In this episode, Kevin discusses:

    • Why self-leadership is the hardest form of leadership
    • The importance of feedback as a mirror for growth
    • How perception shapes influence and connection
    • The role of humility and self-awareness in building credibility
    • Moving from positional authority to authentic influence

    Key Takeaways:

    • The toughest person to lead is yourself. Leaders often give themselves grace they wouldn’t extend to others, excusing motives and overlooking flaws, yet growth begins when we hold ourselves to the same standard we expect from those we lead.
    • Feedback is the mirror every leader needs. Honest perspectives — especially from those who think differently — reveal blind spots and help refine character, effectiveness, and empathy.
    • Perception is reality for those who follow. A leader’s actions are always louder than their words; people mirror what they see, not what they’re told. Consistency builds trust, while hypocrisy erodes it.
    • True leadership starts with conquering yourself before conquering the world. Embracing discomfort, inviting criticism, and making daily adjustments allow leaders to grow into the person their influence requires them to be.


    "When you judge another, you don't define them, you define yourself." – Kevin Neal



    Connect with Kevin Neal:

    Website: https://drkdneal.com

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

    Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkd63

    YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@coachkd63

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    20 mins
  • Jack Corby: Bridging Innovation and Purpose in Higher Education

    Jack Corby: Bridging Innovation and Purpose in Higher Education
    Oct 30 2025

    About Jack Corby:

    Jack Corby is the Vice President of Stevens Strategy, LLC. Jack leads the firm’s day-to-day operations, business development, and relationship management, and supports the team of consultants in their work with our clients. Jack holds a B.A. in Policy Studies from Elon University.


    In this episode, Kevin and Jack Corby discuss:

    • Challenges in higher education
    • Adapting to student needs
    • Importance of imagination in education
    • Jack Corby's career journey
    • Strategies for institutional success in higher education

    Key Takeaways:

    • Institutional leadership begins with understanding a unique identity. When educational leaders deeply explore what makes their institution special, they create pathways for meaningful student engagement and organizational distinctiveness.
    • Listening is more than gathering information — it's a strategic tool. True leadership happens when leaders actively seek to understand perspectives before proposing solutions, creating collaborative environments that drive meaningful change.
    • Innovation requires courage to reimagine traditional boundaries. Successful leaders aren't constrained by existing systems but see potential where others see limitations, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and adaptation.
    • Embracing complexity creates educational resilience. By meeting students where they are and remaining flexible in approach, leaders demonstrate that education is not about maintaining structures, but about empowering individual potential and community needs.


    "Always say yes. You never know where an opportunity is going to lead. You never know where a door is going to get opened." – Jack Corby


    Connect with Jack Corby:

    Website: https://stevensstrategy.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-corby/


    Connect with Kevin Neal:

    Website: https://drkdneal.com

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

    https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

    Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
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