“The way we’ve always done things can’t be the way we keep doing them.” – Kyle McManamy
Kyle McManamy, Director of Strategic Projects at Duke Divinity School, shared at last year’s LIFE Teaching conference his research on accelerating faith and entrepreneurship by investing in cultural leaders. McManamy highlights the urgent need for institutions to adopt innovative approaches to address leadership challenges. One such example is the “Tradition Innovation Project,” an initiative designed to resource Christian leaders in culture-shaping institutions, empowering them to face modern challenges with both traditional wisdom and innovative strategies.
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McManamy’s research revealed that the most effective way to serve these leaders is through “executive accelerators”—intensive, in-person gatherings that last two days. These prioritize:
- Existential Questions: Creating space for leaders to explore life’s biggest questions, counteracting the cultural pressure to be “output machines” [07:05].
- Workshop in Wisdom: Providing a safe environment for leaders to discuss challenges and solutions [08:01].
- Opening to Transcendence: Integrating spiritual practices and acknowledging the inherent human longing for transcendence often ignored in professional settings [08:47].
Key insights from the project include:
- The Cohort Is the Kiln: Small, intimate cohorts foster personal change and vulnerability, reinforcing the importance of community [09:19].
- Obsess Over the Tempo: Designing gatherings with a balanced tempo—productive yet spacious—allows leaders to engage deeply and reflect, valuing their precious time [09:57].
- Count Your Blessings: Recognizing and leveraging the unique resources and strengths within an institution from an outsider’s perspective can provide immense value and refreshment for participants [10:36].
Key Action Steps for Entrepreneurs:
- Seek Out Peer Accelerators: Actively participate in programs or communities that offer a blend of professional development and personal reflection.
- Cultivate Transcendent Practices: Intentionally integrate practices that nurture spiritual well-being and a sense of purpose into daily routines, recognizing that a holistic approach to leadership can lead to greater resilience and innovation.
Key Action Steps for College Professors:
- Integrate Existential Inquiry: Design curriculum and create classroom environments that encourage students to explore foundational questions about purpose, meaning, and values, linking these to their professional aspirations.
- Foster Cohort Learning: Implement small, collaborative learning groups or project-based cohorts that encourage deep connection, shared problem-solving, and peer mentorship.
