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Hey Leader,
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about growth—it’s that you can’t do it in isolation. You need exposure.
A few weeks ago, I read an article by Sean Cannell about his visit to VOUS Church in Miami. It wasn’t just a “church visit.” It was an immersion into a living, breathing culture—one that’s shifting what’s possible for the church and the world.
I met Sean 15 years ago when he was serving at his church as a media director… and now he’s a global leader on Youtube with his company THINK MEDIA.
Sean went as a guest, but he left as a student. He was exposed to a new way of doing things:
Hospitality that started before he even arrived.
A culture practiced, not just preached.
Spaces that inspired excellence and focus.
Systems and values that weren’t just words on a wall—they were alive in every hallway and conversation.
Here’s what hit me: Growth happens when we step out of what’s familiar and expose ourselves to what’s possible.
Something else that stuck out to me… Sean is a legend in his own right. From Church Media Director, to leading Think Media, a fast-growing successful Youtube Channel. Sean is no slouch…. but he went in with eyes wide open, ready to learn.
Often, we don’t get out much. But I would encourage you to go experience new things and new places, even if you aren’t a speaker of guest, and yes, it’s gonna cost you something.
I recently took a trip to Seattle to be with Russell Johnson and Jonathan Shuttlesworth and it blew open my mind and heart to new possibilities.
If you’re feeling stuck or plateaued, sometimes what you need isn’t another book or podcast. Sometimes, you need to go somewhere new. Walk the halls of a thriving church. Sit in the back row of a different business. Visit another city, another team, another environment.
Exposure does two things:
It shatters your old ceilings.
It plants new seeds of vision.
14 Leadership Lessons from VOUS Church:
(Sean took away these keys, and so can you)
Be what you want to see.
Create culture carriers.
Clarity creates movement.
Confrontation is care.
Atmosphere preaches.
Vibe is vision, not vanity.
Honor through hospitality.
Stewardship is continuous improvement.
Excellence lives in the details.
Fitness fuels leadership.
Transformation takes time.
Curiosity is the currency of growth.
Systems make culture sustainable.
Keep coming back—consistency changes everything.
This week:
What if you made it a priority to get exposed to something different?
Book that coffee with a leader you admire. Go to a conference, or just schedule a church visit in another city… I get it, this is outside of your comfort zone. Visit a business that’s ahead of you. Take notes, ask questions, and let what you experience ignite a new standard for your own leadership and team.
Remember, culture isn’t just what you say—it’s what you build, brick by brick, habit by habit.
Let’s keep growing—on purpose.
P.S. Where have you visited or what experience has changed your perspective? Hit reply—I’d love to hear what stretched you!
P.S.S. Want to take your leadership to the next level? Book a video call with me. Let’s talk about your biggest culture challenges and get you moving forward—fast.
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