Introduction
The Sparks Series is a special series within The SoulFire Sessions.
While our regular episodes explore a wide range of conversations around purpose, leadership, and growth, the Sparks Series is dedicated to spotlighting purpose-driven leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their work and communities. Each episode centers on their story, their leadership, and the moments that sparked the work they’re doing today.
Summary
In this episode of the Sparks Series, Alex Widener sits down with September Spark, Jamye Perry, a registered nurse, longtime leader, entrepreneur, wife, and mother whose leadership journey has been shaped by decades of caring for people through both professional and deeply personal seasons.
Together, they explore how Jamye’s understanding of leadership has evolved from being task-focused and title-driven to becoming more people-centered, authentic, and purpose-driven. Jamye shares why strong leadership requires knowing the people you lead, adapting how you communicate, creating a culture rooted in good people rather than just good skills, and recognizing that strength does not mean carrying everything alone.
They also talk about growth, reinvention, learning to lean on the right people in different seasons, and why purpose may shift as life changes. Jamye reflects on Esther 4:14, “Perhaps you were born for such a time as this,” and the importance of being present in the season you are in, even when it is uncomfortable. At the heart of the conversation is Jamye’s reminder that finding your spark often requires getting quiet, asking yourself hard questions, being patient, and continuing to move forward even when the path is not yet clear.
Takeaways
~ Leadership is bigger than a title or task list.
~ Great leadership requires understanding the people you lead.
~ Authenticity and purpose go hand in hand.
~ Skills can be taught, but character matters.
~ Strong leaders know when to lean on others.
~ Different seasons may require different sources of support.
~ Purpose can change as your life changes.
~ Growth often requires being willing to get uncomfortable.
~ Reinvention can be part of living out your purpose.
~ Finding your spark often starts with getting quiet and asking better questions.
~ Be patient, stay open, and keep going.
~ Sometimes growth requires being willing to “embrace the suck.”
In this episode
00:00 Welcome to Sparks & Meet Jamye Perry
02:22 How Jamye’s Definition of Leadership Has Changed
07:10 Authenticity, Purpose & Leading the Whole Person
11:22 Building a Team Around Good Humans
12:10 How Hard Seasons Shaped Jamye’s Leadership
18:39 Choosing to Step Away & Reinvent Herself
19:19 Answering the Call During COVID
26:57 Strength, Community & Learning to Lean In
31:04 Purpose, Seasons & Esther 4:14
35:10 Finding Your Spark & Embracing Discomfort
39:19 Grow What You Go Through & Closing