Catalyst Atlanta Speaker Spotlight // Lysa TerKeurst

We are so excited about Catalyst Atlanta 2012. If you haven't entered for a chance to win new kicks or a dream vacation do so NOW! You also get 35+ songs as a FREE download gift from us & a few of our favorite musical artist friends.

Continuing through to October we will be featuring a different speaker answering some questions about the MAKING of a leader. We are really pumped for YOU to get to know these leaders on a deeper level & have them answer some tough [and some fun] questions about leadership. We had such a great response from our speakers we are excited to be able to share two speaker spotlights with you each week, on Tuesday & Thursday.

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author of Made to Crave, national speaker, and the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries. She has helped thousands of people learn to live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. Lysa's personal adventure of following God captured national media attention when she and her husband, Art, adopted two teenage boys from a war-torn orphanage in Liberia, Africa. They never imagined their decision would start a chain reaction, which inspired other families in their community to adopt over 45 children from the same orphanage! Lysa's amazing story led to appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, USA Today, and O Magazine. In addition, she has inspired corporate audiences, including Chick-fil-A, Dave Ramsey's Lampo Group, and The Winshape International Foundation. Lysa's daily email devotional reaches more than 450,000 subscribers.

1. Who is someone that inspires you today to be a better leader?

Dan Cathy, president of Chick-fil-A inspires me to be a better leader. My husband has worked for Chick-fil-A for over 20 years. This connection has allowed us to sit under the leadership and example of what it means to lead according to biblical principles in a business savvy way.

2. Looking back at the past 10 years what are some of your biggest mistakes that you learned from that you would share with others to not repeat the same thing?

For years I was hesitant to delegate or have people ease my load by serving me. Not only did this almost lead to burnout but I was also stealing opportunities meant for others.

3. What is one mistake you witness leaders making more frequently than others? What are the steps to avoid this mistake?

I think in an effort to be humble and low maintenance, we can sometimes get caught in reverse pride.... being proud of doing it all ourselves and striking a martyr's pose. I think the balance comes when you keep the heart attitude that you're willing to do ANYTHING but the mind attitude that it isn't healthy to try and do EVERYTHING.

* Find people to join your team who have strengths that balance out your weaknesses.
* Understand what drains you and discuss with your team how to minimize these drains.
* Look at other leaders who have a balanced approach to delegating with their team and learn from them.
* Nip performance problems early by determining to be honest and timely in your feedback with your team.
* Find reasons to celebrate those who serve alongside you.

4. What is one thing about you that "MAKES" you unique, that the Catalyst community probably doesn't know, but should?

I can cut a deck of cards with one hand. Does that count? Also, if this speaking and writing thing doesn't work out for me, I'd like to be a CSI-crime scene investigator.

5. How would you describe yourself as a leader?

Completely aware of what a mess I can be. Having extremely high expectations of myself while simultaneously trying to keep my realistic expectations of others. Freely giving grace because I understand how desperately I need it. Having an incessant desire to inspire other people to follow God. Thankful to have great people working alongside me. Always eager to learn. Always eager to share what I'm learning.

6. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Truett Cathy, "If you give enough other people what they want, you'll eventually get what you want."

7. What did you want to be when you grew up?

The first woman president or a country singer... but seeing how I don't really like politics and I can't sing, neither of those worked out very well.

8. If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose?

My husband would say Fred Bear- a world renown bow hunter who is said to be the best there ever will be with a bow and arrow. I would say Corrie Ten Boom because I think she embodies the spirit of hope and Christian perseverance.

BONUS- if you had to be a superhero or famous cartoon character, who would you be?

There's a new cartoon movie called, "Brave." The main character is Merida. She is spunky, an incredibly skilled archer, and a beautiful princess all at the same time. (See previous answer about my husband's love for bow hunting to understand this answer:)