Episode Summary:
In this vulnerable and transformational episode of The Fire Forged Leader, host Steve Baumgartner welcomes Kipp Sorensen, coach/mentor/leader. Together, they explore what it means to be a man who leads from the middle—caught between responsibility and burnout, between public success and private struggle.
Kipp shares his story of walking away from full-time ministry, wrestling with identity, and rebuilding a life of integrated wholeness—emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. His message is clear: your impact as a leader starts with who you are, not what you do.
This episode is a wake-up call to high-achieving men who’ve been performing, pleasing, and pushing… but are ready to lead from presence, not pressure.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why most leadership breakdowns begin with identity confusion
- How coaching differs from counseling—and why men often need both
- Kipp’s personal journey from burnout to building Undivided Life
- The performance trap: what it steals from men and how to break free
- Why emotional and spiritual health fuel lasting leadership
- How to show up whole—for your work, your marriage, and your kids
- Simple practices that build internal strength and self-awareness
- How God forges leaders through discomfort, not comfort
⏱️ Chapter Markers:
TimeChapter Title00:00 | 🎙️ Leading From the Middle: Kipp's Introduction
03:40 | ✝️ When Ministry Burns You Out
07:15 | 🧠 Coaching vs. Counseling: What's Missing for Men
11:02 | 🧍 The Masculine Soul: Who Are You Without the Role?
15:45 | 👨👧 Mistakes in Fatherhood & What They Reveal
21:30 | 🔥 Identity in Crisis: When You’ve Given Everything
26:00 | 🧭 Undivided Life: Why Men Need This Framework
30:40 | ❤️ Leading From Emotional Wholeness
35:10 | 🤝 Brotherhood vs. Performance: Choosing the Right Arena
39:50 | ⏳ Grounding Habits for Formed Leadership
44:10 | 💬 Final Challenge: Don’t Stay Half-Formed
🔗 Links & Resources:
- 🔥 Kipp’s Coaching + Retreats: www.kippsorensen.com
- 📲 Instagram: @kippsorensen
- 💼 Linktree (for events, resources & booking): linktr.ee/kippsorensen
🔗 Ready to Forge a New Identity?
🔥 Apply to join the FORGE:
👉 www.sbaumgartner.com/forge
📩 DM "FORGE" to @realstevebaumgartner on Instagram
You’ll be invited to a quick clarity call with Steve or a member of his team to see if The Forge is the right fit for your mission.
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🔗 Stay Connected:
Website: www.FireForgedLeader.com
Instagram: @realSteveBaumgartner & @Fire_Forged_Leader
TikTok: @real_Steve_Baumgartner & @Fire_Forged_Leader
Facebook: @SteveBaumgartner1975
LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
YouTube: Fire Forged Leader
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