The Fosgail Mindset

Episode 4: Framing Potential with Purpose and Possibility

This episode explores the nuanced relationship between potential, possibility, and purpose, and how understanding these concepts can empower individuals and organizations—especially in libraries, theological education, and higher education—to cultivate professional wellbeing and inspire positive change.
Quote of the Episode: “Potential is, full stop. And potential will always be there no matter which choices we're presented with and which decision we ultimately make. Potential, that extant capacity to become something in the future, persists and changes shape as our future changes shape through our choices and decisions.”
Key Themes:
Potential vs. Possibility: Myka distinguishes between potential (the inherent capacity to develop in the future) and possibility (the paths that become available when potential is activated). Possibility flows out of potential, but both need to be grounded in a clear sense of purpose to lead to meaningful transformation.
The Role of Purpose: Purpose acts as the anchor that gives meaning to both potential and possibility. Myka shares her own journey clarifying Fosgail’s purpose and how this clarity has shaped the firm’s direction and methodology, including the development of the FLIP-R coaching approach.
Opening Possibilities: Opening possibilities is not just about envisioning what could be, but about connecting to purpose, exploring present potential, and intentionally choosing which paths to pursue. Myka emphasizes that potential is ever-present and shaped by context, not diminished by past choices or current limitations.
Reflective Questions:Myka offers five reflective questions to help listeners recalibrate their thinking around purpose, potential, and possibility:
Where is the unexplored potential in this situation?
What possibilities can you imagine?
What would it take to open new possibilities?
How does your purpose align with the situation, and where are the points of friction?
With greater awareness, how might you connect with potential to open those possibilities?
Read the companion blog post: https://www.fosgail.org/blog/2025/06/10/2026-06-10_reflecting-on-3-ps/
To sign up for the Fosgail Field Notes newsletter: https://www.fosgail.org/discover-more/newsletter/
To join the Fosgail Community: https://community.fosgail.org
Recorded June 10, 2025 with Descript.

Episode 3: Fostering Growth in Leaders

In this extended episode, Kelly Campbell and I have a conversation about the Leadership Development for Theological Librarians program that we co-facilitate. This has been a unique opportunity for theological librarians to grow in self-awareness and connect with other librarians in a 10-month cohort experience that combines mentoring workshops, 1:1 executive coaching, and an in-person retreat experience in Atlanta. Funding for the first two years of this program was generously provided by the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion.
Hosted by Myka Kennedy Stephens. Recorded April 22, 2025 with Descript.
Read the companion blog post: https://www.fosgail.org/blog/2025/05/06/2025-05-06_fostering_growth_in_leaders/
Learn more about our leadership development offerings: https://www.fosgail.org/leadership-development/
To sign up for the Fosgail Field Notes newsletter: https://www.fosgail.org/discover-more/newsletter/
To join the Fosgail Community: https://community.fosgail.org 

Episode 2: Disruption as Opportunity for Growth

In this episode, I share a personal story that illustrates how disruptive changes—invited or not—can become catalysts for growth and self-discovery. Reflecting on both the challenges and unexpected gifts of disruption, listeners are invited to consider how experiences of disruption can help us to clarify our priorities, anchor ourselves in the present, and transform chaos into creative opportunity.
Read the companion blog post: https://www.fosgail.org/blog/2025/05/04/2025-05-04_disruption_as_opportunity/
To sign up for the Fosgail Field Notes newsletter: https://www.fosgail.org/discover-more/newsletter/
To join the Fosgail Community: https://community.fosgail.org 
Recorded May 4, 2025 with Descript.

Episode 1: Starting With Intentionality When Confronted With Chaos and Uncertainty

Discover how embracing an attitude of intentionality can transform your responses to chaos and uncertainty. In this episode, I reflect on how to shift from a state of reactivity and stress to a state of response-driven action.
Hosted by Myka Kennedy Stephens. Recorded April 9, 2025 with Descript.
Read the companion blog post: https://www.fosgail.org/blog/2025/04/09/2025-04-09_starting-with-intentionality/
For more information about my book, Integrated Library Planning: https://www.fosgail.org/discover-more/books/
To sign up for the Fosgail Field Notes newsletter: https://www.fosgail.org/discover-more/newsletter/
To join the Fosgail Community: https://community.fosgail.org