Authentic Life & Leadership
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Most recent blog post…
5 Ways Leaders Can Stop Taking Things Personally and Lead with Confidence
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in leadership is that if I take everything personally, it will exhaust me. Leadership puts you in the path of so many opinions, emotions, disagreements, criticism and misunderstandings. And if you absorb all of that...
10 Books I’m Thankful For
(and Why They Changed My Life)
As we enter this season of gratitude, I’ve been reflecting on the voices that have shaped me this year...not just the people I love, but the words that have strengthened my soul, sharpened my leadership, and steadied my heart. Some books are enjoyable, but others...
The Spiritual Maturity Test
Most of Us Overlook
This morning, coffee in hand and yes...scrolling from the bathtub (don’t judge)...I saw friends’ cruise photos. Caribbean blue, wind-tossed hair, big happy grins… the kind of shots that make you want to start packing. And I’ll confess: when I get home from a trip, I...
What the Titus 2 Model Looks Like Today
At a recent conference, I joined a panel on mentoring. The conversation was rich, and the questions were worth keeping—so I’m sharing my full Q&A here with the questions that were specifically directed toward me. Titus 2:3-4 says: "Likewise, teach the older women...
The Power of Self-Leadership:
Why Great Leaders Spend Half Their Time Leading Themselves
This is a busy week for me. Every week is busy, but this one is extra because I’m preparing for vacation, which means double the prep if I truly want to unplug. Even so, I had a very early doctor’s appointment today to establish care with a new physician. My former...
When Your Pastor Is the Family in Need:
Why Churches Must Care for Their Leaders
I want to start by saying this: I’m not writing this because I personally need more income.Larry and I are very well cared for, and we’re grateful. But there was a time when that wasn’t the case. And I know this post will only be truly understood when written by...
Recognizing How to Hear God’s Voice
Have you ever wondered if God was trying to speak to you—but you weren’t sure how to tell? Maybe you’ve prayed, “Lord, I want to hear You,” and then found yourself second-guessing every thought or feeling that followed. You’re not alone. I hear from God on a daily...
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BIO
Dr. Deanna Shrodes
Dr. Deanna Doss Shrodes is an author, speaker, and leadership mentor known for helping women lead with courage, integrity, and deep faith. Her work has been featured by CBS News, People Magazine, The New Yorker, Woman’s World, GOD TV, and HuffPost. She holds a Master’s in Ministerial Leadership and a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern University, where she also serves as an adjunct professor.
Dr. Shrodes currently serves as Women’s Ministries Director for the Pen Florida District of the Assemblies of God and leads the Stronger Leadership Network, where she mentors pastors and leaders through coaching, spiritual formation, and leadership development. The author of five books and a contributing writer to five others, her most recent work, Uncommon Answers, was released by Chosen Books (a division of Baker Publishing Group) in April 2025.
Known for a warm pastoral presence and practical, thoughtful teaching, Dr. Shrodes speaks at conferences, churches, and leadership gatherings on spiritual formation, prayer, women in leadership, discernment in decision-making, and cultivating healthy ministry cultures.
She is married to her college sweetheart, Larry. Together they have three grown children and five grandchildren.
Areas of Focus:
Spiritual formation & prayer
The work of the Holy Spirit
Leadership development
Women in leadership
Mentoring and calling
Healthy ministry culture
Leadership transitions
Marriage and ministry life
Become Your Most Authentic Self
Free E-Book
Are you tired of being who and what others expect you to be, instead of who God created you to be?
If you find the pressure of other people's expectations exhausting and you are ready to be the authentic YOU that you were always meant to be, Deanna would like to gift you with an ebook, 29 Ways to Become Your Most Authentic Self.
It's time to break free and finally live according to your divine design!
