Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine

09/06/2026

Scripture Sunday. 💛

09/02/2026

Hot off the press! Dr. Townsend's latest book, co-authored with Dr. Barry Corey, President of Biola University, is now available.

Necessary Burdens: Addressing the Complexities of Leadership explores 14 burdens leaders inevitably carry. This book was born out of the understanding that leadership can look impressive from the outside, but those who actually carry it know another side: the loneliness, difficult decisions, criticism, accountability, disruption, temptation, and pressure that can follow you home long after the workday ends. The question isn’t whether leadership will become heavy. It’s whether that weight will diminish you—or develop you.

If you lead a company, organization, ministry, team—or aspire to—this book was written for you.

Get your copy through the link below and tag a leader who needs this on their desk.

https://a.co/d/0ghNRKgz

09/01/2026

Healthy societies are built on healthy families, yet relational dynamics have never been more complex. Specialized coursework in family systems and attachment theory prepares you to help couples and families move from dysfunction to deep connection. Start your journey and explore our MA in Counseling: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling: https://www.cui.edu/townsend/programs/masters/counseling-marriage-couple-and-family-counseling

08/30/2026

Scripture Sunday. 🤍

08/27/2026

Is AI a Threat to Coaching, or the Ultimate Tool for Human Transformation?

Many coaches feel "twitchy" about the rise of artificial intelligence, fearing a loss of connection or the total substitution of the human element. But what if AI could actually deepen your cognitive engagement rather than replace it? The secret lies in knowing the difference between outsourcing your brain and augmenting your impact.

In this episode of TIPS, hosts Ashlie and Gilbert welcome back Jonathan Reitz, a Master Certified Coach (MCC), Director at Fluxify, and a leading pioneer in AI-integrated coaching. Jonathan breaks down a powerful four-part framework for AI deployment, moving beyond simple inversion to true augmentation and redefinition.

Tune in and listen today!

• Is AI a Threat to Coaching, or the Ultimate Tool for Human Transf...

08/25/2026

With mental health awareness at an all-time high, the demand for qualified clinicians is outstripping supply. This program ensures you gain the 20+ transformative skills required to diagnose and treat chronic conditions with both compassion and clinical precision. Prepare for your career and explore our MA in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health: https://www.cui.edu/townsend/programs/masters/counseling

08/24/2026

Happy 1st Day of School to our over 170 new graduate students joining the Townsend Institute @ Concordia University Irvine. Here are a few tips from faculty & staff who are excited to welcome you to our Golden Eagle family!

08/19/2026

Take the next step in your leadership journey! Join us at The Townsend Table to explore Concordia University Irvine’s online PhD in Executive Coaching & Leadership, meet our faculty, and discover what earning your PhD could mean for the next chapter of your career. Join us at the table, and receive an application fee waiver for attending.

🗓️ August 26
🕰️ 11:00 am
🔗 https://bit.ly/4wxjazq

08/18/2026

Transitioning from the couch to the classroom requires a new set of pedagogical tools. Our doctoral students explore diverse teaching strategies and learning technologies to ensure they are prepared for the rigors of higher education leadership. Influence the future and explore our PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision: https://www.cui.edu/townsend/programs/counselor-education-and-supervision

08/13/2026

Are You Paralyzed by Choice? Master the Art of Wise Decision-Making.

We make over 1,000 decisions every day, from the mundane to the monumental. Yet, many leaders operate without a model, falling into the "paralysis of analysis" or making reactive, "boneheaded" mistakes. How do you ensure your next big move is rooted in wisdom rather than just impulse?

In this episode of TIPS, hosts Ashlie and Gilbert sit down with Dr. John Townsend as he unveils his WISDO Model, a six-step framework that integrates neuroscience and relational dynamics to help you navigate leadership, relationships, and personal growth with precision.

You’ll discover:
• The Foundation of Why: Why you must square every opportunity with your mission before considering the "how."
• Objective vs. Subjective Data: Why your gut is a vital porthole to reality that must align with the numbers.
• The One-Page Principle: The power of stating your decision with ruthless brevity to ensure organizational alignment.
Go, No, or Slow: How to use criticality and gravitas to determine your final action step.

Whether you are leading a corporation or navigating a personal transition, this conversation provides the blueprint for integrated, high-performance discernment.

Tune in and listen today!