Why is it so hard for leaders to admit they need care?

In this bonus episode of Behind the Seal, Mindy Caliguire returns to explore the internal resistance so many leaders face when it comes to their own health. Joined by ECFA President Michael Martin, this conversation moves beyond theory and into the real-life tension leaders experience every day.

From the hidden cost of constant output to the surprising discomfort of rest, Mindy and Michael unpack why leaders often avoid what they need most, and what happens when they finally choose to face it.

You’ll also hear:

• Why self-awareness is the first and hardest step
• What leaders discover when they stop “powering through”
• The unexpected reality of sabbatical (it’s not always what you think)
• Why it’s never too late for God to meet you — even in burnout

If you’ve ever felt stretched, exhausted, or unsure how to slow down, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

About Mindy Caliguire:

Mindy Caliguire is the founder of Soul Care, a ministry dedicated to helping leaders cultivate a healthy soul. With decades of experience in spiritual formation and leadership development, Mindy has guided countless leaders through seasons of burnout, renewal, and long-term sustainability.

Her work equips individuals and organizations to integrate rhythms of rest, reflection, and relational support into everyday leadership so they can flourish for the long haul.

Key Takeaways:

• Leaders often struggle to admit they need care, even when the signs are clear.
• Self-awareness is the starting point. You can’t address what you won’t acknowledge.
• Leaders have countless ways to avoid their struggles. Busyness often masks deeper needs.
• “Powering through” comes at a cost. Eventually, the system runs dry.
• Sabbatical isn’t about breakthroughs — it’s about rest and letting the ground lie fallow.
• The most meaningful transformation often happens in ordinary moments with God.
• Leader care fuels mission effectiveness. It’s not separate from impact, it sustains it.
• It’s never too late to begin. Even crisis moments can become turning points.

Additional Resources:

• ECFA Leader Care Resources
• Soul Care by Mindy Caliguire
• Spiritual direction & coaching resources

Call to Action:

If this episode resonated with you, take a next step:

• Share this with a leader who might be quietly struggling
• Subscribe for more conversations on healthy leadership
• Reflect honestly: Where am I avoiding the care I need?

Too many leaders assume trust should be unconditional — but Scripture tells a different story.

In this season finale of Behind the Seal, bestselling author and Proverbs 31 Ministries president Lysa TerKeurst reveals why unconditional trust is not only unbiblical, but unsafe — and how to rebuild trust with wisdom, boundaries, and Spirit-led discernment.

Lysa unpacks the difference between blind trust and wise trust, why forgiveness is ultimately about your freedom, and how to discern between a triggered fear and a legitimate red flag. She also shares from her own journey through heartbreak, healing, and surrender — and what it truly looks like to walk forward without becoming hardened, bitter, or closed off.

If you’ve ever been hurt, betrayed, or left wondering if trust is even possible again — in ministry, leadership, or life — this episode will meet you right where you are.

About Lysa TerKeurst

Lysa TerKeurst is president and chief visionary officer of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the author of eight New York Times bestsellers, including I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, and It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. She enjoys life with her husband Chaz and her kids and grandkids. Connect with her at www.LysaTerKeurst.com
or on social media @LysaTerKeurst.

Additional Resources

· I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t – Lysa TerKeurst

· Forgiving What You Can’t Forget – Lysa TerKeurst

· Good Boundaries and Goodbyes – Lysa TerKeurst

· Therapy & Theology Podcast with Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle & Jim Cress

· American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) – for counseling referrals

· ECFA.org/LeaderCare – Resources for healthy, trustworthy leadership

· Proverbs 31 Ministries

If this conversation encouraged you, share it with someone navigating hurt, healing, or rebuilding trust.

💬 Comment below: What part of Lysa’s wisdom on trust or forgiveness resonated with you most?

🎧 And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations on healthy leadership, emotional integrity, and stewarding influence with wisdom.