Empowered To Lead

53. Confronting Sexism In The Church with Dr. Heather Matthews

What does sexism in the church actually look like today—and what can we do about it?
In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Dr. Heather Matthews, a pastor, church planter, educator, and author of Confronting Sexism in the Church: How We Got Here and What We Can Do About It. With over 20 years of ministry experience and a passion for empowering women leaders, Heather brings both lived experience and thoughtful research to this timely topic.
We talk about:
The subtle and not-so-subtle ways sexism still shows up in churches—even in those that say they affirm women
Why affirming theology alone isn’t enough to dismantle the barriers women face
How leadership culture, preaching opportunities, the “Billy Graham rule,” and gendered expectations impact women’s growth
Practical steps pastors and churches can take to create a healthier, more equitable leadership culture
The spiritual practices that have anchored Heather through resistance, criticism, and self-doubt
Whether you’re a woman navigating leadership in the church or a pastor who wants to be an ally, this conversation will give you language, insight, and next steps for change.
Dr. Heather Matthews currently serves as the Doctor of Ministry Program Manager at Wheaton College Graduate School and is associate pastor of All Saints Anglican Church in Naperville, IL. She holds a D.Min. from Fuller Seminary and has spent her career mentoring and developing leaders in both U.S. and international ministry contexts.
You can learn more about her work and find her book through InterVarsity Press or wherever books are sold.
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52. Courageous Leadership: 3 Types of Boldness Ever Leader Needs

We often think of courage as standing on a stage or speaking truth to power but there’s so much more to courageous leadership. In this episode, Jeannette unpacks the three types of courage every Christian woman leader needs; public, relational, and private, and why the least celebrated kind might be the most essential of all.
You’ll discover:
Why public courage isn’t the only kind that matters
How relational courage transforms teams and is essential for lasting impact
Why private courage is the foundation for long-term, healthy leadership and how to cultivate it
A fresh, Spirit-led framework for growing your courage from the inside out
Whether you’re in a season of bold visibility or quiet inner growth, this episode will equip you to lead with boldness, wisdom, and grace.
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51. Your Story Matters: A Conversation With Danielle Zapchenk

What if the story you’ve lived—the ordinary, the messy, and everything in between—was the very thing God wants to use to impact others?
In this inspiring episode, Jeannette sits down with Danielle Zapchenk, host of The Parable Podcast, to explore how storytelling connects us, grows our empathy, and becomes a powerful leadership tool. Danielle shares her own journey from bossy seventh grader to women’s ministry leader, preacher, and podcaster—highlighting the subtle yet profound ways God calls us into leadership through community and courage.
Together, they unpack why your story matters, how to access your life experiences for leadership, and why women’s voices are vital in the church today. Whether you think your story is “too ordinary” or “too messy,” Danielle offers practical wisdom and encouragement to help you find your voice and share your story—for God’s glory and others’ healing.
You’ll walk away with renewed confidence that your life is full of parables worth telling.
Danielle’s 10 Tips to Be a Better Listener
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50. Why We Rebranded: The Rise of Spirit-Empowered Women Leaders

Welcome to a bold new chapter. In this kickoff episode of Empowered to Lead (formerly The Empowered Christian Woman), Jeannette shares the powerful story behind the podcast rebrand—and the deeper vision it reflects. This episode isn’t just about a name change. It’s about a movement of Spirit-empowered women rising to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction in spaces that weren’t built for them.
Jeannette opens up about her personal journey through church leadership, the weight of spiritual discontent that sparked her transformation, and the awakening that led her to lead differently, not by hustling for approval, but by leading from her God-given identity.
If you’ve ever felt the tension of being called to more but unsure how to step into it without burning out or losing yourself… this episode is for you.
You’ll also get a simple but powerful leadership reflection framework, the 3 R’s of Spirit-Led Leadership, to help you lead from a place of wholeness, not striving.
👉 As you listen, come back to these three questions:
Rooted: Am I leading from my identity in Christ or from a place of striving?
Resilient: What rhythms do I need to sustain my soul and my leadership?
Relational: Who is walking with me on this journey of leadership?
This is your invitation to step into the leadership God designed you for...no permission needed.

49. What Do You Want?: Trusting That What You Want Matters to God

So many women, especially women of faith, have been taught to downplay or distrust their desires. We’ve been praised for sacrifice and conditioned to believe that wanting something for ourselves is selfish, prideful, or even unspiritual. But what if your desires aren’t distractions… what if they’re divine invitations?
In this episode, Jeannette challenges the common narrative that “wanting” and “faithfulness” are at odds. She explores why answering the question “What do you want?” might be one of the most sacred things you can do and how Jesus Himself asked people that same question. If you’ve been serving everyone else, losing touch with your own heart, or hiding behind “I just want what God wants,” this conversation is for you.
It’s time to trust that your desires matter and that God isn’t threatened by them.

48. Choosing Opposite with Pastor and Author Tammy Milchien

What if Jesus' way isn’t just different—but completely opposite from how we’ve learned to lead, respond, and engage with our polarized world?
In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Jeannette Cochran sits down with Tammy Melchien, a seasoned teaching pastor and upcoming author of Choosing the Opposite, to explore what it means to truly follow Jesus in a divided world. Tammy shares her personal journey from unexpected ministry roles to becoming the leader of a large teaching team in a multi-site church—offering hard-won wisdom for women navigating leadership in spaces where they’re often overlooked.
Together, they talk about:
How the Sermon on the Mount can reshape our instincts and call us to radical love, truth, and grace.
Why peacemaking sometimes means disrupting the status quo to speak up for the powerless.
The invisible gender bias in egalitarian churches and what women can do to advocate for themselves.
The importance of developing your voice, building intimacy with God, and finding your next step—especially when opportunities aren’t handed to you.
How children’s ministry unexpectedly became a sacred training ground for preaching.
Tammy’s story is both relatable and inspiring for any woman who feels called to teach, lead, and faithfully follow Jesus—even when the path forward isn’t clear.
Pre-order Tammy’s book Choosing the Opposite—available everywhere October 7, 2025—and follow her on Instagram for upcoming giveaways and inspiration.
 
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47. Where Did My Time Go? How to Steward Your Schedule with Wisdom

Are you constantly busy but still feeling behind? Overwhelmed by the weight of your responsibilities and wondering if it’s even possible to find balance? You’re not alone.
In this powerful episode, we’re flipping the script on time management. Jeannette shares a vulnerable story from her own leadership journey, exposing the lie of time scarcity and offering a liberating truth: you have enough time to do what God has truly called you to do.
You’ll discover:
Why traditional time management strategies often fall short
How to break free from the mindset that keeps you stuck in survival mode
A fresh, faith-rooted approach to stewarding your time with wisdom
Practical tools like time tracking, the 4-D’s of task assignment, and mindset shifts that create real margin and clarity
If you’re a woman in leadership longing for more peace, purpose, and power in your schedule, this episode is for you.
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46. Who Do You Think You Are? Dismantling the Inner Critic and Claiming Your Calling

Have you ever felt a nudge to speak up, step out, or pursue something bigger only to be stopped cold by a voice in your head whispering, “Who do you think you are?”
In this powerful episode, we’re calling that voice out for what it is: your inner critic.
It’s not God. It’s not wisdom. And it’s definitely not the truth.
If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between holy ambition and the fear of being “too much”… if you’ve wondered whether your desire for more is selfish or Spirit-led… this episode is for you.
We’ll unpack why the inner critic shows up, how spiritual gaslighting has shaped what many Christian women believe about leadership and desire, and what to do when fear tries to silence your voice.
You’ll walk away with truth, clarity, and a fresh sense of courage to step into the calling God has placed on your life even if you feel scared, unqualified, or unsure.
 
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45. 5 Reasons You Aren't Accomplishing Your Goals And What To Do About It.

Started the year with big dreams… but now your goals are gathering dust?
You’re not alone and you’re not broken. In this episode, we’re unpacking the 5 reasons most people stall out on their goals (and spoiler: it’s not because you lack discipline or motivation).
Whether you feel stuck, stretched too thin, or unsure where to focus, this episode will help you:
Break free from overwhelm and get crystal clear on what actually matters
Build momentum with a simple 12-week strategy
Ditch perfectionism and the all-or-nothing mindset
Reconnect with your God-given purpose and reignite your “why”
It’s time to stop shaming yourself and start making meaningful progress again. Hit play and let’s reset your goals—and your mindset—together.
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If you want help mapping out your 12-week goals, building a strategy, or getting clear on what actually matters—I’d love to support you.
Book a free Leadership Growth Session with me.It’s a free 45-minute coaching session to help you clarify, reset, and move forward with confidence.

44. Stop Shrinking: How Speech Minimizers Undermine Your Voice (And What to Say Instead)

Are you constantly saying things like “I’m just checking in…” or “Sorry, but…” without even thinking about it? These subtle phrases—called speech minimizers—can quietly sabotage your authority and impact.
In this episode, we explore the three most common habits that undermine women’s voices: hedging, over-apologizing, and qualifying. You’ll learn why we use them, how gender bias plays a role (yes, we’re talking about the Heidi/Howard study), and how to reframe your words with confidence and clarity.
Packed with practical examples and empowering insights, this conversation will help you stop shrinking and start showing up fully in your voice and leadership.
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If you’ve been sensing a deeper calling or a new season of growth, you’re not alone. Join Jeannette for a free coaching session to uncover your Leadership Growth Edge — the unique place where your courage meets your calling. This is a safe, sacred space to dream, reflect, and take your next bold step forward. Space is limited so grab your spot today.
Click here to schedule your session.