Podcast Episode Turned Blog Post 6

 Suggested Episode Titles:

The Lion’s Path: Finding Balance in Faith, Relationships, and Business With Cody Jefferson

Embrace the Lion Within: Building Strength Through Faith, Leadership, and Connection With Cody Jefferson

Why True Leadership Starts at Home (And How to Lead Yourself First) with Cody Jefferson

Why is leadership so exhausting sometimes? You feel the pressure to keep it all together, even when you’re not sure if you’re headed in the right direction. And asking for help? That feels like admitting failure.

The truth is: burnout, judgment, and unresolved trauma can break your confidence. When your energy runs low and doubt fills your mind, it's hard to move forward. 

And the fear of being seen as weak? It keeps you trapped in a cycle of overworking and second-guessing.

What could happen if you let your guard down and opened up to growth? Imagine yourself excelling in your leadership and feeling fulfilled every day. Picture letting your faith guide your business and finding deep satisfaction in both.

That's the world that Cody Jefferson can help you create. He’s a man who knows what it’s like to feel stuck, lost, and overwhelmed. And he’s proof that you can come out stronger on the other side.

Cody didn’t get to where he is now without facing some of life’s hardest challenges. He started as a devoted pastor, living his faith and calling. Then, life threw him curveballs: divorce, death of loved ones, and burnout.

But instead of letting those moments define him, Cody made a bold choice. He reinvented himself. Today, he’s the founder of Embrace the Lion, where he helps leaders reclaim their energy, purpose, and fulfillment.

“Accountability that isn’t asked for is often seen as a threat, which is why, most of the time, we tend to push back and create a defensive posture. But I was open, and that has taught me to be open to qualified criticism and accountability in my life.”

Why Sharing Your Truth Is Your Secret Weapon in Leadership

As a pastor, Cody was constantly solving other people’s problems. But behind the scenes, he was exhausted, overwhelmed, and drifting apart from his own son. 

Cody’s wake-up call came with a hard truth: leadership begins at home. He had to admit that he wasn’t living in alignment with the values he preached. He learned that great leadership is more about being yourself and doing what counts. 

Showing your true self is a mark of strength. It builds trust, fosters connection, and helps leaders show up in ways that inspire others to do the same. Try these tips to lead with courage and openness:

Acknowledge Your Weaknesses: Don’t pretend to be perfect. Being open about your problems makes you human and relatable.

Be Honest About Your Journey: Share your story. People connect with leaders who have overcome challenges, not ones who’ve had it easy.

Empathize and Listen: True leadership is about understanding the people you lead. Listen to their struggles and offer support.

“In the midst of everything, I've done my best—within my ability, my awareness, and my mental health at the time—to seek God, even when it meant clenched fists and gritted teeth through it all.”

How Faith Can Fuel Your Business and Create Deeper Purpose

After years of pushing himself to the brink, Cody’s body gave out. He ended up in the hospital, septic from unchecked stress and burnout. 

As Cody lay in the hospital bed, he realized he had spent years trying to be everything to everyone. In that moment, Cody made a decision: something had to change. 

Cody stepped away from his role as a pastor and began to see his work through a new lens. He started focusing on balancing faith, family, and business. His business grew, not because he worked more, but because he was leading with purpose and clarity.

When you let faith guide your business, it gives you a strong sense of direction. You make decisions not based on profit alone but on principles, values, and a higher calling. That’s the kind of leadership that stands the test of time.

Here’s how you can make faith a part of your business:

Trust Your Intuition: When making decisions, listen to that inner voice. It’s often aligned with your faith and keeps you on track.

Stick to your beliefs: Build your business on values that matter to you—honesty, fairness, and compassion.

Lead with Purpose: Always ask yourself, "How does this decision serve a greater purpose?" Let your faith guide your work and inspire your team. “There is no greater safety than being with people who truly know you, love you for who you are, and call you to a higher version of who you can become.”

Building a Community That Lifts You Up

Having a strong, supportive community is important to overcoming personal and professional struggles. With the right people around you, no roadblock is too big to overcome.

When Cody lost his way, his community pulled him back together. His wife’s support reminded him he wasn’t alone. A friend’s question forced him to confront the truth he was avoiding. And through therapy, he began to heal the wounds he carried. 

Use these strategies to build a strong support network:

Seek Like-minded Individuals: Surround yourself with people who share your values and vision.

Build Trust Through Showing Your True Feelings: Be open with others. The more you share, the more others will be willing to open up as well.

Commit to Accountability: Find people who will hold you to your highest standards and encourage you to stay on track.

Rediscover Yourself, Transform Your Leadership Feeling lost doesn’t mean you’re done. Cody's experiences show that honesty, faith, and support from others can be the push you need. Whether you’re leading a business or your own life, leadership begins when you find your purpose and lead with heart.

Listen in and learn how to lead authentically and with purpose!

Click here to listen! Resources and Announcements: We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen Take the Gender Score Quiz to see how your business measures up with female customers: sarahgracelive.com/#o6d7e856b053d

Website: sarahgracelive.com/

IG: @sarahgracelive

Facebook Page: Sarah Grace Allred

Youtube: @victressmarketing

Connect with Cody:

Website: codyjefferson.com/about/

IG: @codyjefferson

Facebook Page: Cody Jefferson

LinkedIn: @codyjeffersonofficial

Youtube: @codyjeffersonofficial

Embrace the Lion Facebook Group: @EmbraceTheLion

Embrace the Lion IG: @etlroundtable

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