Why You Don’t Need to Be the Pope to Lead (Trending with Timmerie)

If you missed this episode of Trending with Timmere, you’re in for a treat, because Timmerie sat down with Catholic speaker and leadership expert Fr. Nathan Cromly. Let’s just say… they shared truth about what real leadership looks like. 🔥


🚨 The Big Idea: Leadership = Influence, Not Just Position

Fr. Nathan wants you to know this foundational truth:

“Leadership is about influence, not position.”


In a world that’s either running from leadership or complaining about how it’s failing, Fr. Nathan and Timmerie unpack how authentic Christian leadership turns the whole thing upside down… just like Jesus always does.


✝️ What Does Jesus Have to Do With It?

Everything.

Jesus didn’t hand out business cards or take a corner office.


He sent out 12 apostles with basically nothing but faith, courage, and sandals. And you know what? That was enough to build the Catholic Church across the globe. 🌍

“If we’re not making a change, we’re not living out our Christian life.”

Christian leadership is about intentional impact. Whether you’re a mom, a CEO, or a barista… your mission is to bring Jesus where He isn’t.


Pope Leo XIV: Holiness on a Mission

They also chatted about the new Pope Leo XIV and his very first homilies, where he laid it all out: holiness is the mission… and he’s not doing it solo.

He’s not saying “watch me,” he’s saying “come with me.

Fr. Nathan points out that the Pope has a powerful position, sure. But true leadership isn’t just about having power. It’s about having authority, and that comes from living in truth, radiating Christ, and living with integrity.


Power vs. Authority (This One’s Huge)

Here’s the important point:

-Power is given externally: titles, money, status, the mic.

-Authority flows from within: your holiness, your truth, your virtue.

“Authority comes from proximity to Christ.” 🙏

If we get both? 🚀 Watch out, world. But even if you only have interior authority, you can still lead massively; just ask any of the saints.


🚫 “But I’m Not the Boss…” = Excuse City

Timmerie brought up a real-talk struggle… especially among men who say, “I’m not the decision-maker, so I can’t lead.”

Fr. Nathan’s response: 😂 Basically: “Get out of bed anyway.”

He says that’s not just wrong… it’s lazy. Because leadership doesn’t require a title. It requires truth and action. Even support roles, those unsung heroes, are vital forms of leadership.

“Behind every great decision-maker is someone who coached, encouraged, and listened.”

No influence? No way. If you’re living in truth, you are bending the world around you.


🙌 Final Point: Leadership Starts with the Heart

Jesus doesn’t say, “Get famous and then get holy.” He flips the script:

Give me your heart, and I’ll give you a platform.

That’s the pattern of every saint. No money, no title, no army… just faith, hope, and love, and you have a God who multiplies what we offer. 💛💙❤️


📌 Takeaways for the Catholic Go-Getter:

💡 Leadership is not reserved for CEOs and bishops.

✝️ You’re called to lead right where you are.

🕊️ Interior holiness = real authority.

🙋‍♂️ Stop waiting for a title. Lead anyway.

So go out there and start influencing your world, one holy decision at a time. You’ve already got what it takes when you have the Lord with you. 😉

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Jake Moore serves as a Digital Audio Content Producer for Relevant Radio®. He is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, and is passionate about classic movies, Christian music, young adult ministry, and leading this generation to Christ through compelling media. You can listen to more of his podcasts at relevantradio.com and on the Relevant Radio® app.