What does success really look like?
That’s the question at the heart of every C-Suite Success conversation. And in my recent interview with Bishop Warner Brown, I was reminded just how powerful — and personal — the answer can be. Warner is a retired Bishop of the United Methodist Church who led over 400 congregations, served as President of the Council of Bishops, and is now a faculty member of the C-SUITE NETWORK™ and founder of Impactful Team, LLCs. But beyond the titles, what makes Warner exceptional is how he’s lived his life in service of others while never losing his own sense of purpose, courage, and love.
From the moment we started our conversation, I knew this episode would hit differently. Warner began by sharing how his early understanding of success was shaped by his family and community – the people who coached him to not just survive but thrive in a world that was often hostile to his success. That early coaching, combined with a deep sense of faith, became his foundation for showing up as his best self, regardless of the circumstances.
And that’s what struck me: his ability to move through adversity with clarity and compassion, while lifting others along the way. As a teenager, Warner stood at the base of the Lincoln Memorial during the 1963 March on Washington, listening to Dr. King’s iconic words about being judged by the content of one’s character. That moment became a personal marching order; a lifelong commitment to lead with integrity and to help others do the same.
But success, as Warner defined it, isn’t just about achievement. It’s about making a meaningful difference. “My joy,” he told me, “is looking at the people I’ve encouraged and supported and seeing them find their own path to success.” To me, that’s an incredibly powerful statement. In a world that often prioritizes status or performance metrics, Warner reminded us that true success is measured by the legacy we leave in the lives of others.
Of course, that kind of leadership doesn’t come without challenges. Warner spoke candidly about painful lessons like the importance of being aligned with your purpose and the courage it takes to walk into the unknown. And perhaps most importantly, he reminded us that we never walk alone. “Wherever I’ve been sent,” he said, “God has already placed allies and supporters in my path.”
It was this wisdom that led me to ask about disruption — a word I love and use often, even when others challenge it. In my experience, every true leader I’ve met has experienced disruption; whether internal or external, and chosen to face it head-on. Warner affirmed that. “Disruption,” he shared, “comes when you’re willing to stop pretending something’s working when it’s not. Someone has to sound the alarm. Maybe it’s you.”
And yes, that takes courage. Vulnerability. The willingness to show up without all the answers. That’s what Warner does so beautifully. He creates space for learning, not just teaching. He shows up with the humility to grow and the strength to help others do the same. As he said, “You can’t be truly successful without being vulnerable. But vulnerable doesn’t mean fragile. It means being open to what’s coming, without crumbling because of it.”
This kind of clarity and the ability to recognize what’s yours to carry and what belongs to the community is rare. Warner reminded us that leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about leading yourself first, finding your worth, and then co-creating with others. “We’re designed to be in community,” he said. “You can’t lift the board from just one side.”
One of the most powerful moments of the conversation came when Warner described his first role as a minister in a housing project. Nervous and unsure how to gain trust, his mentor offered this simple but transformative advice: “First, love the people. When they see you love them, they will meet you along the way.” This was a stark reminder that people are at the epicenter of all that we do. Love your people and they’ll take you far.
In business, we often shy away from using the word “love.” But I’ve seen firsthand what happens when you genuinely care about the success of your team. How fulfillment, meaning, and exponential performance emerge almost instantly. That’s why I reject the idea that there’s a separate category of people who are “leaders.” We all have leadership potential. We just need a mission worth aligning around and a community that sees and supports us.
As Warner continues to work with business leaders, he brings that same ethos to the table. He acknowledges that not everyone is ready. But for those who are, the transformation is undeniable. His work is not about being the smartest in the room but about being open, focused, and aligned with a greater purpose.
I asked Warner what he’s most excited about learning today, and his answer was so telling: “How do we empower everyday leadership? How do we move from disagreement to dialogue, from fragmentation to shared purpose?” He believes, as I do, that the diversity of our perspectives is a gift, not a threat. And when we focus our energy toward the common good, we become a powerful force for change.
As we wrapped up our conversation, I was left with a renewed sense of clarity and commitment to continue our mission at the C-SUITE NETWORK™. To lead with courage. To love without fear. And to create space for others to rise.
Because that’s what success really looks like.
Don’t miss this powerful and insightful conversation! Watch the full interview on C-Suite TV or listen to the podcast on C-Suite Radio (or download it wherever you listen to podcasts).
