Season one:
succession
Honest conversations & practical insights
to help you lead smarter through pastoral succession.
Tune into
the leadingsmart podcast
For 10 weeks, we’re talking about the conversation most churches avoid until it’s too late: succession. Whether you’re a senior pastor thinking about what’s next, a board member trying to plan ahead, or a staff leader navigating change, this season is designed to equip you with the tools, language, and courage to do succession well.
💡 Because here’s the truth:
“ Succession is not a moment. It’s a mindset. It starts years before you think you’re ready.”
Meet Your Hosts
meet Tim Stevens
Church leadership coach, author, and the guy who helped a cornfield church grow to 6,000 strong. He’s led at Granger, rebuilt at Willow Creek, and shaped hiring strategy at Vanderbloemen. Now with LeadingSmart, Tim brings decades of experience helping churches navigate pastoral succession and leadership transitions with clarity and heart.
He’s written seven books, loves Notre Dame football, pickleball, and road trips with his wife of 35 years. He’s got four adult kids, a son-in-law, and a borderline zoo of grandpets. Buckle up—this podcast is where smart leadership meets real-life ministry.
meet Holly Tate
Executive coach, growth strategist, and passionate champion for ministry leaders. With over a decade of experience, Holly has helped churches and organizations turn potential into performance.
She’s the founder of The Ready Network, a certified Working Genius Facilitator, and a Forbes Council contributor with a sharp eye for leadership and culture. When she’s not coaching execs or building strategies, she’s in Houston with her husband Elliott, daughter Iris, and their spirited pup, Scraps. Get ready to grow—Holly brings the clarity and courage leaders need to thrive.
