Episode 89 | Leadership & Identity: Anchored with Purpose

About this episode

Melissa Wilkinson shares her transition from corporate leadership to faith-based entrepreneurship and discusses identity and purpose in leadership.

Summary In this episode of the Lead with Hope podcast, host Dr. Brandi Kelly is joined by Melissa Wilkinson, the founder of Anchored with Purpose . Melissa shares her powerful transition from leading a $28 million retail organization with over 200 employees to becoming a faith-based entrepreneur and podcaster. Together, they explore the profound questions leaders face during seasons of change: Who am I beyond my title? Understanding identity when careers and roles shift. What happens when God calls us to pivot? Navigating the move from corporate leadership to motherhood and entrepreneurship. How do we stay grounded in hope? Learning to trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance when life feels uncertain. Key Topics Faith-Based Leadership: Redefining success and leadership through a Christ-centered lens. Identity Shifts: Finding your true self when moving between corporate roles, motherhood, and business. Overcoming Adversity: Using prayer and the Holy Spirit to navigate anxiety and spiritual attacks. Dreaming Big: How to host "Dream Workshops" and give yourself permission to pursue your calling. Daily Faith Practice: Practical steps to start habit-stacking prayer and scripture reading…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Brandi Kelly

Guest: Melissa Wilkinson

Topics covered

• Faith-Based Leadership
• Identity Shifts
• Overcoming Adversity
• Dreaming Big
• Daily Faith Practice

Keywords

• leadership
• identity
• faith
• entrepreneurship
• anxiety
• spiritual adversity
• purpose
• scripture
• hope

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Anchored with Purpose

More episodes of Lead with HOPE

• Episode 99 | Finding Joy in the Journey with George Philhower · June 6, 2026 · 32 min
• Episode 98 | Real Leadership Starts with Healing, Hope, and Purpose · May 30, 2026 · 9 min
• Episode 97 | Authentic Leadership Starts with Identity | Dr. Eric Moyer · May 23, 2026 · 41 min
• Episode 96 | Changing the Table: Leadership, Purpose, and Courage · May 16, 2026 · 10 min
• Episode 95 | Purpose-Driven Leadership with Michelle Sloan · May 9, 2026 · 42 min
• Episode 94 | The Self-Awareness Gap in Leadership (and How to Fix It) · May 2, 2026 · 9 min