Bob Goff
Leadership from New Perspectives
About The Episode
In today’s episode of Leaders in Living Rooms, Sean Morgan sits down with Bob Goff for a candid and refreshing conversation about leadership, identity, and returning to your “first love.” Bob unpacks the subtle ways leaders can drift into isolation—viewing people as projects rather than relationships—and shares practical, courageous ways to reset. From quitting his own law firm to encouraging teams to submit annual “mass resignations,” Bob challenges leaders to reapply for the job that is truly them. The conversation also explores his newest project, A Journey with Jesus, filmed in the Holy Land, designed to create safe spaces for honest conversations about faith. With humor, depth, and humility, Bob reminds leaders that we’re not chasing efficiency—we’re pursuing faithfulness.
Welcome to Episode 155 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
Insights from Bob
- Go Back to Your First Love
Leadership drift often begins when complexity replaces calling. Bob references Revelation 2—“You have forgotten your first love”—and encourages leaders to retrace their steps.
Why did you start?
What stirred your heart before the titles, boards, and expectations?
Sometimes leadership renewal isn’t about innovation—it’s about rediscovery.
- People Are Not Projects
Leaders can unconsciously begin to treat people as:
- Problems to solve
- Resources to leverage
- Metrics to manage
Bob urges leaders to pursue camaraderie instead—surrounding themselves with safe, honest relationships where vision and trust grow together.
- Faithfulness > Efficiency
Borrowing corporate tools for ministry can create subtle misalignment. Bob offers a powerful contrast:
- Business asks: Will it work?
- Faith asks: Will it last?
The Kingdom economy runs differently. It values inefficiency in love, time spent, and presence—just as Jesus modeled.
- Burn the Ships
Bob shares the story of quitting his own law firm to return to what mattered most. Sometimes leadership renewal requires courageous, irreversible decisions.
Faithful leadership often involves letting go—not clinging tighter.
- The Power of a “Mass Resignation”
One of Bob’s most compelling ideas: have your team submit resignation letters annually—and then reapply for the role that best fits who they’ve become.
Why?
Because people evolve.
Callings shift.
Growth requires space.
This creates alignment between gifting and responsibility—and prevents stagnation.
- Influence, Not Control
Leadership is not about controlling outcomes—it’s about influencing people toward who God is shaping them to be.
Bob frames it simply:
“I’m not looking for control. My goal is influence.”
- Create Safe Spaces for Honest Faith Conversations
Bob’s newest book and video series, A Journey with Jesus, was created with the “church-adjacent” person in mind—the person who is curious but cautious.
Rather than overwhelming people with information, he focuses on:
- Story
- Context
- Invitation
- Community
Transformation happens in safe environments—not through more data.
- If You’re in Your 60s… Be Helpful and Get Out of the Way
Bob shares a striking encouragement for seasoned leaders:
“Be helpful and get out of the way.”
Legacy leadership isn’t about staying visible—it’s about making space.
- Put a Date on Your Next Courageous Step
Agreement is not action.
Inspiration is not obedience.
Bob challenges listeners to:
- Identify their next courageous step
- Put a date on it
Episode Links
A Journey with Jesus, by Bob Goff
If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition, or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof.
Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/
Who is Bob Goff?
Bob Goff is the New York Times bestselling author of Love Does; Everybody, Always; Dream Big; Undistracted; Live in Grace, Walk in Love; and Love Does for Kids. He’s a lover of balloons, cake pops, and helping people pursue their big dreams. Bob’s greatest ambitions in life are to love others, do stuff, and most importantly, to hold hands with his wife, Sweet Maria, and spend time with their amazing family. For more, check out https://www.bobgoff.com/ and LoveDoes.org.
Sponsors
Thanks to our sponsor, MOHI: Partnership with MOHI is built on long-term, meaningful relationships. Your church will serve a specific community, its local leaders, and its families. It’s a shared journey marked by prayer, presence, and ongoing connection rather than one-time projects. Many of our partner churches have been walking with the same community for years, even a decade or more, building stability, fostering trust and creating lasting impact.
Learn more at mohiafrica.org/partner
Listen to Recent Episodes
About the Host
Sean Morgan is a coach and speaker with a national reputation as a catalyst of fresh vision. His passion is to help ministries navigate obstacles and turn them into opportunities.
Throughout his career, Sean has pioneered initiatives impacting thousands of leaders across the country. He started out serving as Executive Pastor and CFO at New Life Church in northern California.
As host, Sean gives you access to amazing conversations, hard-won wisdom, and poignant insights from world-class leaders in intimate “living room” settings.
Your Host
Sean Morgan
Leaders in Living Rooms
Craft & Character
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