In this clarifying episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole breaks down why so many capable female leaders feel stuck early in their leadership journey. Drawing on research and ministry experience, she explains the “Broken Rung” - the missing early leadership opportunities that shape long-term growth.

You’ll learn how access shapes leadership formation, how to identify the next growth step you need, and how to ask for opportunities that build skill rather than just add responsibility. You’ll also learn why sponsorship - not just mentorship - is essential for developing future leaders and how you can begin creating access for others.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Why female leaders feel “stuck” in leadership

02:15 - The Broken Rung: Why women stall early in church leadership

04:30 - Women in church leadership statistics: Volunteers vs leadership roles

06:45 - Challenging biases about women in leadership

08:20 - Gaining “sober judgment”

10:00 - It's never too late and you haven't missed your moment!

12:15 - How sponsors help more than mentors

Next Steps and Resources:

• Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at femalechurchleaders.com.
• Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
• Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
• Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

In this practical episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole breaks down what actually happens when leaders carry responsibility without the authority to lead it well. She walks through why unclear roles, decision rights, and expectations are so common in church settings—and how this misalignment quietly drains clarity, energy, and effectiveness.

You’ll learn how to assess whether your responsibility and authority are aligned, how to identify where things have drifted over time, and how to begin clarifying your role without overstepping or backing away. This episode offers concrete language and leadership frameworks that help you lead with greater freedom, confidence, and long-term sustainability.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction: When leadership responsibility and authority don’t match

02:15 - Why this problem exists

05:30 - Leadership principle: Responsibility and authority must be aligned

07:00 - Example: Responsibility without authority

10:45 - Example: Authority without responsibility

13:20 - Action step: Compare your responsibilities vs. your authority

15:00 - How to address misalignment

Next Steps and Resources:

• Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at femalechurchleaders.com.
• Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
• Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
• Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

In this encouraging and practical episode of the Female Church Leaders Podcast, Kadi Cole introduces the 10-80-10 delegation framework—a simple, sustainable way to delegate without losing clarity, control, or care for your people. Kadi names the real tension many female church leaders face: the desire to empower others while still personally carrying responsibility for outcomes. With wisdom shaped by years of ministry leadership, she shows how delegation can become an act of discipleship, not just task management. You’ll learn how to lead with confidence, reduce burnout, and develop leaders who grow in ownership and maturity. This isn’t about doing less—it’s about stewarding your leadership so your team, and your church, can thrive.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

01:30 - The Challenge of Delegation

04:00 - Introducing the 10-80-10 Framework

07:00 - The First 10%: Setting the Stage

09:00 - The Middle 80%: Empowering Others

11:30 - The Final 10%: Ensuring Alignment

13:00 - Overcoming Emotional Traps

Next Steps and Resources:

• Take the Quiz: Identify your growth gap with our Sticky Floor Quiz at femalechurchleaders.com.
• Join a Cohort: Be part of our next Closing the Leadership Gap cohort for guided coaching and monthly Q&A with Kadi. Visit closingtheleadershipgap.com to learn more.
• Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram @femalechurchleaders for daily encouragement and leadership tools.
• Spread the Word: If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help us reach more female church leaders.

Tune in and get ready to lead with clarity, strength, and joy. Your calling matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way!