Rebuilding When The Vision Is Shattered (featuring Shawn Williams)

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On this episode of the Unfinished Leadership Podcast, Jon Peacock sits down with Shawn Williams, Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, to talk about the realities of leading through a rebuilding season. From stepping into a post-crisis environment to making painful but necessary changes, Shawn shares what he’s learned about putting values in the driver’s seat, rebuilding culture, and restoring trust. He opens up about the endurance required to keep showing up, the role of feedback in shaping healthier teams, and why leaders must hold onto vision even when it feels dormant.

If you’ve ever found yourself leading in the aftermath of disruption - whether in business, ministry, or community - this conversation will encourage you to stay committed, lead with integrity, and hold out hope for the “fun stuff” ahead.

00:00 – Introduction

05:57 – From building to rebuilding at Willow Creek

09:14 – Post-crisis realities and shattered vision

11:48 – Making painful but necessary staff and structure changes

14:58 – Culture on life support: addressing trust and morale

17:51 – Staff surveys, feedback, and rebuilding culture

20:54 – Personal endurance, calling, and convictions

23:51 – Values in the driver’s seat vs. vision in the driver’s seat

26:47 – Looking ahead: the future of leadership at Willow Creek