Special 3: The Imperfect CEO - Dan Underhill | Faithly Podcast

In this episode of The Imperfect CEO, Rev. Adam Durso is joined once again by Jim Brown for a practical and deeply relevant conversation on leadership, humility, and building a healthy church culture with guest Pastor Dan Underhill of Cornerstone Church ATX.

Together, they explore the pressure many leaders feel to appear strong, polished, and certain at all times, and how that mindset can quietly limit collaboration and growth. At the center of the conversation is Jim’s “Ascent Model,” outlining four key elements of healthy leadership: collaborative culture, leadership accountability, strategic momentum, and talent magnetism. Dan shares how working through these principles revealed that his tendency to move quickly with answers had unintentionally trained his team to hold back—becoming a turning point that reshaped how he leads his ministry today.

A key theme throughout the discussion is vulnerability. Rather than building trust through perfection, effective leaders create space for others by asking better questions, admitting what they don’t know and inviting contribution. As Dan has seen firsthand, this shift not only strengthens teams but also resonates deeply with younger generations, who are drawn to authenticity over performance.

Website: https://ccatx.com/

(00:00) Learning Not to Have Every Answer
(00:27) Introducing The Imperfect CEO and Pastor Dan Underhill
(01:38) Why Leaders Feel Pressure to Appear Perfect
(03:54) The Ascent Model and the Four Peaks of Healthy Leadership
(06:52) Leadership Accountability and the Cost of Always Answering
(09:22) Strategic Momentum and Talent Magnetism
(10:50) How the Book Exposed the Imperfect CEO
(14:01) Resources, Assessments, and Building Healthier Teams
(21:29) Vulnerability, Clarity, and Leading with Humility
(31:12) Free Church Leadership Resource and Closing Challenge

Connect with Jim Brown, and DM the word “BUILD" at linkedin.com/in/authorjimbrown for a free resource, and preorder your copy of The Imperfect CEO now at http://imperfectceobook.com/

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The Faithly Podcast invites you into conversations with faith-driven leaders about life, leadership, and the changing landscape of ministry.

Each episode offers a look at the challenges and lessons learned in spiritual leadership—from personal growth and family rhythms to innovative practices and new resources shaping the Church today. Whether you're a pastor, volunteer, or simply someone called to serve, you'll find stories, insights, and practical takeaways to help you lead with clarity and conviction.

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