IL #659: 5 Lessons from Ishamel: A Warning Against Ambition Without God
Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher
Release Date: 10/06/2025
IL #665: The 5 Woes of Hypocritical Leaders: Lessons from Jesus’ Warning
Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher
In Matthew 23, Jesus delivered a powerful rebuke to the religious leaders of His day—those who wore masks of holiness but whose hearts were far from God. These “woes” weren’t just criticisms of ancient Pharisees. They were—and still are—timeless warnings for every leader who is tempted to prioritize image over integrity. In this episode, we explore five specific traits of hypocritical leaders that Jesus condemned: Pride and Self-Exaltation – The desire to be admired often takes precedence over serving others. Legalism Without Love – Leaders focus on rules while neglecting...
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IL #662: What the Bible Says About Worry and How Leaders Can Model Faith Over Fear
Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher
Worry has a way of creeping into every corner of leadership—especially in seasons of pressure, uncertainty, or high stakes. As Christian leaders, we often carry the burdens of our teams, organizations, and even our families. But what does the Bible say about worry? More importantly, how can leaders respond in a way that builds faith rather than spreads fear? In this episode, we explore biblical wisdom on worry and offer a fresh, faith-filled perspective for leaders feeling overwhelmed. You’ll discover: Jesus’ direct command to “not worry” (Matthew 6:25–34) and what it means for...
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IL #661: Surrounded by Opposition: 5 Leadership Lessons from Nehemiah 4
Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher
When you live your faith boldly in the workplace, you’re bound to face opposition—from policies that restrict expression, to coworkers who mock your values, to cultural narratives that paint you as out of touch. You’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone. In this episode, we turn to Nehemiah 4 for encouragement and direction. Nehemiah’s leadership during the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls reveals what it means to lead with courage when pressure comes from every direction. North, south, east, and west—Nehemiah was surrounded. But he stayed focused, stayed faithful, and...
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IL #664: Christian Leadership Ethics — When Telling the Truth Conflicts with Doing What’s Right
Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher
As Christian leaders, we’re called to speak the truth. But what happens when truth-telling could lead to injustice, betrayal, or harm? Is there ever a time when discretion honors God more than full disclosure? In this episode, we explore the tension between truth and righteousness—a complex but essential part of Christian leadership ethics. Drawing from four powerful biblical examples—Rahab, the Hebrew midwives, Samuel, and Elisha—we examine how faithful leaders have navigated difficult moral decisions when obedience to God required something more than strict rule-following. This...
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IL #663: Watchfulness vs. Worry — What the Bible Really Says
Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher
Worry is a heavy burden, especially for leaders. It shows up in boardrooms, late-night thoughts, and critical decisions—robbing us of peace and pulling our eyes off God's promises. But Scripture offers a better way: watchfulness. In this episode, we explore the stark difference between worry and watchfulness. Worry is fear-driven and reactive. It drains energy, clouds judgment, and spreads anxiety across teams. But watchfulness is faith-fueled and proactive. It's rooted in prayer, focused on God’s Word, and alert to both spiritual challenges and God’s guidance. You’ll discover...
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IL #660: God Goes Before Us: Finding Confidence in His Guidance and Presence
Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher
Have you ever faced a season of uncertainty—stepping into a new leadership role, navigating a high-stakes decision, or walking through a personal challenge—and wondered how it would all work out? In this week’s episode, “God Goes Before Us: Finding Confidence in His Guidance and Presence,” we explore one of the most reassuring truths in Scripture: God doesn’t just walk with us—He goes before us. Drawing from powerful biblical examples in Exodus, Joshua, Deuteronomy, and the Gospels, this episode outlines four foundational ways God leads His people: He guides us when we don’t...
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IL #659: 5 Lessons from Ishamel: A Warning Against Ambition Without God
Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher
Over the course of my career, I’ve seen leaders who seemed to have it all—intelligence, charisma, opportunity—yet squandered their potential by chasing ambition rather than serving others. The Bible gives us such an example in Ishmael, a man of royal descent whose story is recorded in Jeremiah 40–41. Ishmael had every chance to influence his people for good, but his choices revealed a dangerous truth: leadership without God at the center will always fail. Instead of building trust, he betrayed it. Instead of protecting the innocent, he harmed them. Instead of leaving a legacy of faith,...
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IL #658: Compassion in Leadership: What the Bible and Science Agree On
Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher
In a world that often prizes performance over people, Christian leaders have a unique opportunity to lead differently. Episode #658 explores what both the Bible and modern science say about compassion in leadership—and the results may surprise you. This episode reveals why compassion isn’t weakness—it’s one of your greatest strengths. Rooted in Scripture and reinforced by the research of Monica Worline and Jane Dutton, we explore how compassion fuels team engagement, boosts innovation, builds loyalty, and strengthens resilience. It’s more than being nice—it’s strategic, powerful,...
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IL #657: 4 Leadership Lessons from Joshua: Be Strong and Courageous
Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher
When leadership feels daunting and the stakes are high, what sustains you? In Episode #657, we explore four powerful leadership lessons from Joshua, the man who followed Moses and led Israel into the Promised Land—not with flawless skill, but with unwavering faith. God’s repeated charge to Joshua—“Be strong and courageous”—isn’t just an ancient encouragement; it’s a divine leadership mandate still relevant today. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, navigating uncertainty, or making a difficult decision, this episode will help you anchor your leadership in God’s calling...
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IL #656: Work and Shalom: 6 Reasons Why Your Job Truly Matters
Inspired Leadership Podcast with Ron R. Kelleher
Is your job just a way to make a living—or is it something more? In Episode #656, “Work and Shalom: 6 Reasons Why Your Job Truly Matters,” we explore the deep biblical and theological truth that your work is a sacred part of God’s mission in the world. Drawing from Genesis, the teachings of Jesus, and the concept of shalom—God’s vision of peace, wholeness, and flourishing—we uncover how ordinary jobs have extraordinary spiritual value. Whether you’re a mechanic, teacher, manager, technician, or barista, your role contributes to the restoration of God’s creation. In this...
info_outlineOver the course of my career, I’ve seen leaders who seemed to have it all—intelligence, charisma, opportunity—yet squandered their potential by chasing ambition rather than serving others. The Bible gives us such an example in Ishmael, a man of royal descent whose story is recorded in Jeremiah 40–41.
Ishmael had every chance to influence his people for good, but his choices revealed a dangerous truth: leadership without God at the center will always fail. Instead of building trust, he betrayed it. Instead of protecting the innocent, he harmed them. Instead of leaving a legacy of faith, he disappeared into obscurity.
In this episode, we’ll walk through Ishmael’s tragic story—his betrayal of Gedaliah, his violence against worshipers, and his ultimate flight into exile. Along the way, we’ll uncover five critical leadership lessons:
- Ambition without God leads to destruction.
- Trust is a leader’s most valuable currency.
- Abuse of power reveals a corrupt heart.
- Godly leadership requires humility and service.
- Your legacy depends on obedience to God.
These lessons are as relevant in the boardroom as they were in Jeremiah’s day. Christian leaders today still face the temptation to lead like Ishmael—driven by pride, ambition, or the pursuit of recognition. But God calls us to a higher standard: leadership rooted in humility, compassion, and faithfulness.
If you’ve ever wondered what kind of legacy you’re building as a leader, Ishmael’s story offers both a warning and a challenge. Join me as we explore how to avoid Ishmael’s mistakes and instead build a life and legacy that honor the One who called us.