38. Women, Leadership & Cultural Competence: A Conversation with Nikki Lerner

In this episode, Jeannette Cochran sits down with culture coach and speaker Nikki Lerner for a rich conversation about multicultural leadership and why it matters more than ever. They talk about what it takes to lead well in diverse spaces—like understanding cultural differences, building inclusive environments, and developing real cultural competence. Nikki shares insights on the power of proximity to people who are different from us, what we can learn from ethnic churches, and how to navigate the pushback that often comes with multicultural work.

They also dive into the unique challenges women face in leadership, the evolving role of women in faith communities, and how technology can help amplify underrepresented voices. This honest and hopeful conversation invites leaders to lean into growth, resist the urge to stay comfortable, and create spaces where everyone can live out the fullness of God’s call.

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