
The Leader's Journey Podcast A Life of Learning with Jim Herrington
Jan 24, 2026
Jim Herrington, longtime leadership coach who blends systems thinking with spiritual formation. He reflects on leadership as lifelong learning. He discusses how personal pain, trauma, and curiosity shaped his approach. He explores systems change, staying curious into later life, and the importance of self-knowledge for leaders.
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Tractor Moment Sparked College Ambition
- As a teen driving a broken tractor, Jim vowed 'I am going to college' and left farm work behind.
- That moment launched a life he could not have imagined from his rural beginnings.
Avoid Teaching Information In Isolation
- Never teach information alone; always pair it with practice and reflection in real contexts.
- Design learning that helps leaders reflect where they actually lead, not only at retreats.
Challenges Keep Learning Alive
- Continued learning keeps work life-giving and prevents boredom for Jim.
- He embraces new, challenging clients that force him to 'go back to school.'





