What does it take to lead through uncertainty without losing sight of purpose?

In this episode of Catalysts for Change, Adam Lister sits down with Dr. Greg Jones, President of Belmont University, to explore the intersection of leadership, faith, innovation, and institutional transformation.

Drawing from a career that has spanned theology, higher education, and organizational leadership, Greg shares how the loss of his father shaped his understanding of character, why ”moral imagination” may be one of the most important leadership skills of our time, and what it means to build institutions that prepare people not just for careers, but for lives of meaning and impact.

Together, they discuss the challenges facing higher education, the importance of balancing tradition and innovation, leading through cultural polarization, and why the best leaders focus on creating environments where others can flourish.

Greg also offers practical insights on sustaining leadership over the long term, the role of rest and play in avoiding burnout, and the books and ideas that continue to shape his thinking.

Whether you lead a university, a business, a nonprofit, or simply want to create positive change in your community, this conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership is ultimately about formation, hope, and helping others imagine a better future.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why character formation matters more than information acquisition
• How leaders can balance tradition and innovation without losing their core purpose
• What ”moral imagination” is and why it matters for solving complex problems
• How to lead through disagreement while building a culture of trust
• Why rest, play, and Sabbath are essential leadership disciplines
• What gives Greg hope about the next generation of leaders

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Catalysts for Change is an initiative of One Twelve Strategies, brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative