Share
The Lead Podcast
From Foster Child to Leadership Coach: Jo Saxton’s faith fuelled leadership journey
Season 1, Ep. 10
•
🎧 This Week on The Lead Podcast: The journey of courageous leadership, being fuelled by faith, and living out your authentic identity with Jo Saxton
Join host Amy Orr-Ewing as she sits down with Jo Saxton— leadership coach, author, and international speaker — to discuss her journey from London’s foster system to becoming a leading voice in faith-centred leadership. Jo reflects on her unique challenges and joys as a woman of color in leadership, the transformative role of her foster mother, and how these experiences have shaped her resilient approach to life and work. Together, Amy and Jo explore what it takes to foster community, empower women, and turn leadership failures into stepping stones for growth and purpose.
In today’s fiery episode, Jo shares about:
- The mentorship, resilience, and community that shaped her leadership journey
- Overcoming obstacles unique to women of color in leadership roles
- Practical wisdom on investing in women as leaders and the lasting impact on the church and society
- Viewing leadership failures as transformative opportunities for personal and spiritual growth
- The role of faith, cultural humility, and prophetic gifting in navigating today’s complex leadership landscape
Jo’s insights provide a meaningful guide for women to embrace their instincts and lead with authenticity, conviction, and compassion. Whether you’re a woman stepping into a new role, a leader seeking to empower others, or someone searching for guidance on identity and purpose, this episode will uplift and challenge you.
🙏 Tune in, and be inspired to lead with faith, resilience, and a commitment to empower others.
More
- Follow Jo on Instagram: instagram.com/josaxton
- Visit Jo’s website: josaxton.com
- Shop Ready to Rise: https://amzn.to/3Uy9GnD
- Shop The Dream of You: https://amzn.to/4hrvA5K
- Ezer Collective and Register for Ever Collective Minneapolis, Nov 7-9, 2024: https://www.josaxton.com/ezer-collective/overview
📖 Shop Amy's book Lead Like The Real You: https://amzn.to/4fBjo1k
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/amyorrewing
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/amyorrewing.online
▶️ Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/amyorr-ewing
✉️ Contact: amyorr-ewing.com/contact
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for weekly conversations that empower, encourage, and inspire.
More episodes
View all episodes
6. Part 6 - Violence from the series "Where is God in all the suffering?"
18:06||Ep. 6Where is God when suffering is caused by the violence and evil of others?When children are abused, when women are violated, when war and cruelty devastate lives, this question becomes impossible to ignore.In this session of Where Is God in All the Suffering?, Amy Orr-Ewing explores the hardest form of suffering — not random loss or illness, but pain deliberately inflicted by human beings. Drawing on real stories, Christian theology, and Scripture, she asks whether our beliefs about good and evil are truly robust enough to account for the depth of harm people can do to one another.This episode considers justice, judgment, forgiveness, and hope — and why the Christian faith claims that God is neither distant from violence nor indifferent to victims, but has entered human suffering himself.This conversation is serious and sensitive in nature, but offered with care, honesty, and compassion.Free companion resources to help you reflect and go deeper: Study Guide Pre Order my New Book - "FORGIVENESS - Reclaiming Its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear" coming out on April 20th 2026.Amazon USAmazon UK#AmyOrrEwing #WhereIsGod #FaithPodcast #ChristianApologetics #HopeInSuffering #GodInOurPain #ViolenceAndEvil #FaithThatEndures #Emmanuel #MeaningInSuffering #ChristianHope5. Part 5 - Mental Health from the series "Where is God in all the Suffering?"
15:30||Ep. 5In this episode, we turn to one of the most deeply human questions of all: Where is God when our inner world feels broken?Anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidal thoughts — these are not abstract issues. They touch our families, our friendships, our churches, our communities. And in the Bible, none of this is minimised or dismissed. Scripture gives us language for despair — from “How long, O Lord?” to “Darkness is my closest friend” — and shows us a God who meets us not with shame, but with presence.In Part 5 of Where Is God in All the Suffering?, we look at the growing reality of mental health struggles in our world and why experiences of despair are not signs of weakness. We consider how trauma can profoundly shape a person without disqualifying them from meaning or purpose, and what it looks like to trust God even in seasons when His presence feels distant. Ultimately, we explore how the cross and resurrection offer a hope strong enough to meet us in our darkest nights.If you're wrestling with your mind, or loving someone who is, my prayer is that this episode offers dignity, language, and real hope.You are not alone. God is nearer than you think. Free companion resources to help you reflect and go deeper:• Study Guide• Handout #AmyOrrEwing #WhereIsGod #FaithPodcast #ChristianApologetics #HopeInSuffering #GodInOurPain #ChronicIllnessSupport #FaithThatEndures #Emmanuel #MeaningInSuffering #ChristianHope4. Part 4 - Sickness from the series "Where is God in all the Suffering?"
25:20||Ep. 4Illness has a way of shaking us — not only in body, but in identity, dignity, and hope.Whether it comes suddenly or slowly, sickness raises some of the hardest questions we ever ask:Why does my body fail me? Where is God when pain won’t lift? Why are some healed and others not?In Part 4 of Where Is God in All the Suffering?, I explore the spiritual and emotional depth of sickness — not just as a medical event, but as a profoundly human experience.We look at the story of Jesus’ close friends who felt abandoned when illness struck, and we ask the same questions they did:“Lord, where were You?” If you or someone you love is walking through physical pain, chronic illness, or a season of limitation, I hope this conversation brings clarity, companionship, and a reminder that you are not cosmically alone.The God who healed, who touched the sick, who Himself suffered — is still with us today.Episode 4: “Sickness” — now streaming on Spotify and YouTube.Free companion resources to help you reflect and go deeper:• Study Guide• Handout#AmyOrrEwing #WhereIsGod #FaithPodcast #ChristianApologetics #HopeInSuffering #GodInOurPain #ChronicIllnessSupport #FaithThatEndures #Emmanuel #MeaningInSuffering #ChristianHope3. Part 3 - Grief from the series "Where is God in all the Suffering?"
22:23||Ep. 3When we lose someone we love, the world itself can feel like it’s lost colour and sound. The ache of absence reminds us that we were made for deep connection — and that our longing for what’s eternal is no illusion.In Part 3 of “Where Is God in All the Suffering?”, I explore grief — not as weakness, but as sacred evidence of love. From Jesus weeping at His friend’s tomb to the promise of every tear being wiped away, we’ll ask what our sorrow reveals about who we are, and where God is in the middle of it all.If you’re walking through loss, or standing beside someone who is, I hope this conversation brings comfort, meaning, and a glimpse of hope that endures.Episode 3: “Grief” — now streaming on Spotify and YouTube.Free companion resources are available to help you reflect and go deeper:Study GuideHandout#AmyOrrEwing #WhereIsGod #FaithPodcast #ChristianApologetics #HopeInPain #FaithThatEndures #MeaningInSuffering #GriefAndGrace2. Part 2 - Anger from the series "Where is God in all the Suffering?"
18:39||Ep. 2In this episode, I want to talk honestly about what happens when pain turns into anger — when suffering doesn’t just hurt, but feels unfair.I’ve stood in moments where grief and outrage collided — like after the Grenfell Tower fire in London — and I’ve seen how anger can be both human and holy. Scripture gives space for our cries of “How dare you, God?” and “Where were You?” — and somehow, those questions still lead us toward Him.In Part 2 of “Where Is God in All the Suffering?”, I explore how our anger at injustice might not push us away from faith, but actually reveal the image of God within us — the part of us that knows life was never meant to be this broken.If you’ve ever carried anger — at the world, at others, or even at God — I want you to know you’re not alone. That anger can become the beginning of healing.Episode 2: “Anger” — now streaming on Spotify and YouTube.Here is a companion resource designed to help you reflect, discuss, and go deeper with each episode.Study Guide - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fngp7DRhxIrqcHeG4rjcpH1TwHaH4B4Y/view?usp=drive_linkHandout - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZZ45Wy4c27Hck-K_EH4GyvNY8ZOizghq/view?usp=sharing#WhereIsGod #AmyOrrEwing #FaithPodcast #ChristianApologetics #HopeInPain #FaithThatEndures #MeaningInSuffering1. Part 1 - Why? from the series "Where is God in all the Suffering?"
23:19||Ep. 1Every one of us, at some point, has asked it — Why is there so much suffering?Why do pain, loss, and injustice touch every story, even when we believe in a loving God?In the first full episode of “Where Is God in All the Suffering?”, I begin with the hardest and most human question of all: Why?This episode is not about easy answers. It’s about uncovering truth, compassion, and meaning in the midst of pain — and discovering that even when life feels shattered, God has not turned away.Episode 1: “Why” — now streaming on Spotify and YouTube.A free companion study guide will also be released soon to help you reflect and go deeper.#AmyOrrEwing #WhereIsGod #FaithPodcast #ChristianApologetics #HopeInPain #FaithThatEndures #MeaningInSufferingPromo for the new series "Where is God in all the Suffering?"
00:45|I’ve spent years asking — and being asked — one of life’s hardest questions: Where is God in all the suffering?I’ve seen pain up close — in my own story and in the lives of so many others. And yet, I’ve also witnessed moments of light that break through even the deepest darkness.This episode is an invitation to pause, to question, and to hope again. Together, we’ll explore what faith looks like when life hurts — through theology, philosophy, and real stories of resilience.If you’ve ever felt broken, unseen, or uncertain of where God is in your story, I made this for you.“Where Is God in All the Suffering?” — a journey toward meaning when life doesn’t make sense.Coming soon on October 14th.Stay tuned for a free companion study guide designed to help you reflect, discuss, and dive deeper into each episode of the series.#WhereIsGod #AmyOrrEwing #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndSuffering #HopeInTheDark #FaithThatEndures28. Can 'Gaming' be Godly? with game designer and tech leader Holy Liu
50:52||Season 1, Ep. 28Today's episode is fresh and thought-provoking as Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing is joined by Holly Liu— veteran of the video game industry, creative leader, and passionate believer — to explore the surprising spiritual power of play. Together, they unpack why gaming isn’t just a pastime for teenagers, but rather a cultural force shaping how people connect, think, and feel. Holly shares her experience as a woman in tech and reflects on why more Christians need to enter the creative spaces that influence millions daily.This episode dives into:What Christians often get wrong about gamesThe theology of joy, imagination, and funHow moms and leaders can navigate game content wiselyWhy God cares about culture—and why we should too🎧 Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone shaping the next generation of culture-makers.27. Spiritual strategy: leading in culture today with tech founder Mike Gaglione
47:01||Season 1, Ep. 27What do faith, tech, and networks have in common?In this dynamic conversation, Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing sits down with tech founder and storyteller Mike Gaglione to explore how innovation and faith intersect in our modern world. From building brands and startups to serving on the board of global nonprofits, Mike shares how connection and communication fuel everything, especially when rooted in kingdom purpose.Together they explore the exponential impact of gathering the right people, why density in community matters for breakthrough, and how faith isn’t just compatible with innovation... it fuels it. This episode tackles themes for navigating leadership, the search for clarity, and how to sense where God is moving in a noisy world.🎧 Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who leads, builds, or dreams big.