A Discipline to Start: Becoming the Leader You’re Called to Be

business man on mountain

I’ve long admired the work of Craig Groeschel—pastor, leadership teacher, and author of several books that have shaped how I think about life and business. He’s also the voice behind the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, which I often recommend to leaders.

This morning, I was reading one of his YouVersion devotional plans, and it really hit me. The title was A Discipline to Start, and the message was simple but profound: when the leader gets better, everyone gets better.

That statement isn’t just motivational fluff—it’s deeply practical. The health of your leadership flows into your marriage, your parenting, your friendships, your church, and your business. When you grow, the people around you benefit.

But here’s the key question Craig challenges us to ask:

     “Is leading people just something I want to do, or is it part of who I am?”

The answer matters because most of us naturally set do goals:

  • I want to do more with my kids.
  • I want to do random acts of kindness for my spouse.
  • I want to do more to empower my employees.

Those are all good things. But if you stop at the do, you’ll never reach your full leadership potential.

The best leaders make who goals:

  • I will be a patient mom who loves deeply.
  • I will be a husband who supports my wife and leads with faithfulness.
  • I will be a manager who models integrity and consistency.

Notice the difference? The who shapes the do. The actions flow out of your identity.

Even Jesus modeled this. In the Gospel of John, He made seven “I am” statements—bold declarations of who He was. And His actions flowed from that identity. That’s why His leadership influence continues to this day, 2,000 years later.

When you know who you are, you’ll know what to do.

A Question to Ask Yourself

Instead of asking, “What do I need to do today?” try asking:

“What would the person I want to become do?”

  • If you want to be a leader who cares, maybe you’ll write one encouraging note a day.
  • If you want to be someone who is disciplined, maybe you’ll simply start by making your bed.
  • If you want to be a leader who follows God’s heart, start your morning in conversation with Him.

The principle is simple: small disciplines done consistently lead to big results over time.

A Jenesis Example

At Jenesis, one of our ongoing commitments is to lead by serving our customers well. That’s not just a do goal (answering calls quickly, resolving support issues, and rolling out new features). It’s a who goal: we are a company that cares deeply about helping independent insurance agencies grow.

When we anchor ourselves in that identity, the “do” naturally follows—whether it’s creating software that saves agencies time, building tools like JenesisReach to help them market better, or simply sending a thoughtful thank-you gift to a long-time customer.

Encouragement for the Journey

Craig reminds us: “Do what leads you to become the who you want to be as a leader.”

So maybe the question for you today is: What small discipline can I start that aligns with who I want to become?

It doesn’t have to be big or flashy. It just has to be consistent.

And if you ever doubt the process, remember Paul’s words in Galatians 6:9:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Start small. Stay steady. Over time, you’ll see God grow you into the leader you were created to be.

If this encouraged you, I’d recommend checking out Craig’s full YouVersion devotional and his leadership podcast—both are incredible resources for anyone serious about growing as a leader.

Todd Johnson Acquired 16 Agencies—Here’s What He Learned

What’s the cost of success?

 

For Todd Johnson, owner of Johnson Insurance in North Carolina, it wasn’t measured in dollars or policies — it was about protecting his family, his faith, and the reputation behind his name.

 

🎙️ In Episode 3 of the Insurance Agency Success Podcast, Todd shares the story of how he built his agency from scratch, grew it through 16 acquisitions, and still made time for what matters most.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How Todd grew his agency through 16 strategic acquisitions

  • Why he blocks time every week for family, faith, and rest

  • How to build a team that shares your agency’s values and vision

  • His approach to hiring and retaining the right people

  • The role that networking, associations, and even local politics have played in his success

  • How embracing technology early helped fuel long-term growth

 

“Without the work-life balance, all the rest of it means nothing.” – Todd Johnson

 

🎧 Watch full episode here

 

Podcast Episode 3

 

If you’re trying to grow your agency without burning out — or want a real-world look at what sustainable success looks like — this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

 

 

🎬 Watch a quick highlight: Reel 1 and Reel 2

 

 

Watch Podcast Trailer Here

Miles Butler shares what really fuels long-term agency growth

What does it take to scale an independent insurance agency the right way — without compromising your values or burning out your team?

 

On Episode 2 of the Insurance Agency Success Podcast, I sat down with Miles Butler, General Manager of Able Insurance, whose family agency has grown to multiple locations and a $35M+ book — all while staying grounded in trust, patience, and long-term customer care.

 

We covered:

  • Why adding physical locations can boost your visibility and customer experience
  • The challenge of staffing remote offices with reliable, empowered team members
  • What it really takes to attract good carriers (especially in tough markets)
  • How to invest in marketing the right way — and why patience matters
  • Why moral integrity still wins in today’s insurance world

 

🎬 Watch a quick highlight: Reel 1 and Reel 2

Podcast Episode 2

🎧 Watch full episode here

 

“You have to meet them where they are. You have to understand their needs… They’re out there doing their best.” — Miles Butler

 

This episode is packed with practical advice for agency owners and managers looking to grow without losing what matters most.

Hope you enjoy it — and if it resonates, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

 

Watch Podcast Trailer Here