What if leadership development isn’t linear, but cyclical? In this episode of The Leadership Telos, we explore the Virtuous Cycle, a transformative model for becoming the kind of leader who grows on purpose rather than by accident.

Drawing from Aristotle, theology, and modern psychology, we examine how character is formed through a repeating cycle of seeing rightly, choosing wisely, acting consistently, and becoming continually. This episode integrates all 19 virtues from my research: Hope, Humanity, Prudence, Justice, Wisdom, Courage, Temperance, Humility, Grace, Gratitude, Forgiveness, Patience, Faithfulness, Truthfulness, Love, Phronesis, Lifelong Learning, Magnanimity, and Transcendence, to show how they work together as an ecosystem that strengthens leadership from the inside out.

You’ll learn:

• What the Virtuous Cycle is and why it’s essential for modern leaders
• How virtues shape how leaders see the world
• How virtues guide wise decision-making
• How virtues turn values into action
• Why virtues expand who leaders are becoming
• Practical steps to start practising the Virtuous Cycle in your leadership today

We’ll also connect the Virtuous Cycle to biblical principles of formation, showing how character compounds, how virtues reinforce each other, and how intentional growth transforms not just leaders, but the people and communities they influence.

If you’re ready to elevate your leadership, deepen your character, and embrace a development model rooted in faith, purpose, and psychological science, this episode will guide you into becoming a more whole and purposeful leader, one choice at a time.

In this episode of The Leadership Telos, we explore Transcendence: the virtue that lifts leaders beyond urgency, ego, and immediate pressures and anchors them in a higher purpose. When leaders cultivate transcendence, they gain clarity, resilience, moral courage, and the ability to guide others through uncertainty with steadiness and hope.

Together, we explore transcendence from psychological, philosophical, and theological perspectives, revealing how meaning, contemplation, and faith shape leaders who rise above circumstances and stay aligned with their ultimate telos.

You’ll learn:

• What transcendence looks like in modern leadership
• How awe, gratitude, purpose, and meaning rewire your leadership psychology
• Why ancient philosophers describe contemplation as the highest form of leadership
• How Scripture frames transcendence as steadfast faithfulness in trials
• Practical ways to operationalize transcendence in your daily leadership

This episode includes guided reflection, journal prompts, and Scripture meditations to help you integrate transcendence into your leadership practice this week.

1. Where do you currently find meaning in your work?
2. What moments remind you that your leadership serves a purpose bigger than you?
3. Where do you make space for contemplation or quiet awareness?
4. What leadership decisions would benefit from slowing down and thinking more deeply?
5. Where might God be inviting you to lift your eyes above your current circumstances?
6. What is the telos—the ultimate purpose—of your leadership?

• Philippians 4:8 – What is true, noble, right, pure, and lovely in your leadership today?
• Proverbs 4:25–26 – Where do you need to “fix your gaze straight ahead”?
• Colossians 3:2 – What would it look like to “set your mind on things above” in your current challenges?

In today’s episode of The Leadership Telos, we explore the virtue of Humanity, a leadership practice rooted in compassion, connection, and elevating the collective good.

Modern research shows a powerful trend: employees, customers, and investors are increasingly choosing organizations that operate with integrity and care for people, communities, and the planet. Humane leadership isn’t soft—it’s strategic, sustainable, and transformative.

We dive into:
🔹 Why 92% of millennials prefer ethical companies
🔹 How humanity fuels trust, motivation, and organizational health
🔹 The interpersonal strengths that define humane leaders, such as compassion, kindness, empathy, generosity, and care
🔹 How Ephesians 4 reframes humanity as a unified body, where every member is valued
🔹 What Aristotle teaches us about human flourishing
🔹 Practical, real-world ways to lead with humanity today

You’ll also be guided through:
📝 Journal reflections to deepen self-awareness
📖 Scripture reflections to ground your leadership in timeless truths
💡 Practical applications to help you practice humanity in your role right now

Humanity reminds us that people are not resources; they are the reason leadership exists. When leaders honor dignity, embrace compassion, and consider all stakeholders, organizations flourish into communities of meaning and impact.

✨ Journal Reflection Prompts:

• Where am I prioritizing efficiency over humanity?
• Whose contributions on my team are going unnoticed?
• What decision requires me to broaden the stakeholders I consider?
• How can I practice compassionate transparency?

✨ Key Scriptures:

Matthew 22:39 • Mark 9:35 • Ephesians 4:1–16 • Micah 6:8

If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a leader you admire.
And as always—lead with virtue, act with purpose, and always keep your telos in sight.