Third Thursday Podcast S1 Ep04 Bridge Or Lighthouse Two Leadership

Leo Migdal

-Dec 14, 2025, 1:29 PM

third thursday podcast s1 ep04 bridge or lighthouse two leadership

In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we explore two transformative leadership styles that can help shape your team, business, and personal growth journey: being a bridge that connects people and a lighthouse... Whether you’re a team leader, entrepreneur, or executive, understanding these contrasting leadership metaphors—and knowing when to use them—can unlock a new level of clarity and impact in your leadership approach. Great leaders know that leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sometimes, your team needs you to connect and unify. Other times, they need you to stand tall and guide them through uncertainty. In this episode, I dive deep into:

What it means to be a Bridge Leader—someone who builds connection and trust The value of being a Lighthouse Leader—someone who provides clarity and direction To listen to explicit episodes, sign in. Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates. In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, host Branden Bodendorfer dives deep into two powerful and contrasting leadership styles—being a bridge that connects people and a lighthouse that provides guidance and clarity. With thoughtful reflection and practical insight, Branden explores how these leadership metaphors apply to real-world team dynamics and how understanding when to use each style can elevate your influence.

Drawing from personal experiences and lessons learned, Branden shares how he evolved from relying solely on visionary leadership to recognizing the importance of relational leadership. He opens up about past leadership missteps and offers a compelling case for balancing connection with direction. You’ll also learn how the Key2Success Planner, especially the Professional Builder and Team Builder tools, can help you identify your leadership role each day—whether that’s unifying your team or standing firm to guide them... 👉 Are you the bridge today, or the lighthouse? This episode will help you decide—and act with purpose. Imagine standing on the edge of a vast chasm.

On one side lies the foundation of timeless truths—principles like justice, integrity, and gratitude. Across the expanse is your ultimate goal as a leader: to create lasting systems, inspire others, and leave a legacy that endures. The question is: how do you bridge the gap? Leadership at its best is about building bridges, guiding others like a lighthouse in turbulent times, and connecting stars into constellations of purpose. The Bridge: Transitioning from Principles to Action “A bridge is not merely a structure—it’s a bold statement of connection and purpose.”

Leadership is often about transitions: from intention to action, from individual success to collective impact, and from short-term goals to long-term sustainability. The bridge symbolizes this essential transition, where leaders take foundational principles and put them into practice. Justice in Action: Leaders must actively build systems that treat people equitably and foster trust. Are you creating structures where everyone feels valued? On the third Thursday of every month, pastors and church leaders from near and far gather together for a time of friendship, gospel encouragement, and ministry insights in the warehouse at The Axis Church... We often measure our impact by how well we connect people, solve conflicts, or build relationships.

But what if our role isn’t always about being the bridge? What if, instead, we’re meant to be the lighthouse? Jefferson Fisher’s quote, “If you can’t be a bridge, be a lighthouse,” is a powerful reminder that there are different ways to serve and guide others. Some of us thrive in the role of a bridge—bringing people together, facilitating understanding, and closing gaps between perspectives. But for others, our greatest strength lies in being a lighthouse—standing firm, offering clarity, and shining a light so others can navigate their own path. Bridges are essential in life.

They connect people, resolve differences, and create opportunities for progress. Being a bridge means stepping into the role of a mediator, a facilitator, or an advocate—someone who helps others cross difficult divides, whether in relationships, workplaces, or communities. Bridges require flexibility, patience, and a willingness to hold space for differing views. They are built on trust and strengthened by resilience. If you naturally bring people together and help them find common ground, your role as a bridge is invaluable. Not everyone is meant to be a bridge, and that’s perfectly okay.

Some of us are lighthouses. Instead of directly connecting people, lighthouses provide guidance from a distance. They don’t move to meet others where they are; they stand firm, offering light, clarity, and hope for those navigating rough waters.

Third Thursday Podcast S1 Ep04 Bridge Or Lighthouse Two Leadership

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