CNLP 184: Brian Houston on How to Attract the Top Leaders, Battling back From Burnout and The Personal Habits and Rhythms that Help Him Thrive
In a candid, personal and powerful conversation, Brian Houston talks about how Hillsong attracts and keeps great leaders, how he stays healthy as a leader, how he battled back from burnout a few years ago, and even shares his message prep process with us.
Welcome to Episode 184 of the podcast. Listen and access the show notes below or search for the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and listen for free.
Guest Links
Brian on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | brianchouston.com
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CNLP 089: Brian Houston On Hillsong and the Ingredients That Have Defined His Leadership
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3 Insights from This Episode
1. To raise up leaders you have to work through the faults to find the gold
We all have faults. Making mistakes is part of the journey, but God didn’t develop us according to our flaws. He developed us according to our strengths. It’s important to work through challenges with emerging leaders and speak into their potential when they mess up. But when someone continues to make the same mistakes over and over, that’s the time to challenge the growing leader and have the tough conversations.
True leadership is demonstrated. The way mature leaders live and confront their own issues and challenges is a huge learning tool for younger leaders to observe. When they can feel the impact of real, authentic leadership – it’s contagious and contributes positively towards raising up the next generation.
2. Brian’s thoughts on letting go and lifting higher
Brian discusses categorizing his leadership into two parts – Leadership Then & Now.
The first half of his leadership life focused on drive, building vision, and developing leaders. It was a time all about working hard and going after the things life brought to the table.
Now, in what he considers the second half of his leadership life, he can focus on empowering and equipping others while releasing control of all he’s worked for. It’s not easy, but it has opened up more time to lift his eyes higher. He can study more, pray more, meditate more and has the margin to say yes to the things that used to get crowded years ago.
3. We are called to live out our full potential
Many people live knowing they’ve been saved by Christ, but either ignore or don’t realize they have been called to do so much more. God created everyone with great potential and being committed to fulfilling one’s purpose is a responsibility.
God saves us and graces us for His calling and purpose. Once that’s truly realized, it’s not optional to seek it – it has to be lived out.
Quotes from This Episode
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Next Episode: Greg Atkinson
Greg Atkinson returns to the podcast after a very popular first interview about how most churches lose guests within the first ten minutes of a visit. Check out Episode 132.
In this conversation, Greg walks leaders through every element of a typical weekend service and helps them see what connects with guests and what makes them walk away, never to come back.
Subscribe for free now and you won’t miss Episode 185.

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[…] Houston, founder of Hillsong, has some incredible insights on how to keep young and talented leaders over the long haul. Hillsong has done an exceptional job of keeping great talent and giving them freedom to express […]
The aspect about one living below potential is really food for thought .Thank you for sharing useful nuggets about impacting those below us.