The RISE Experience

How Leaders Can Handle Criticism Without Losing Their Identity.

• Shannon Denniston • Episode 15

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Criticism comes with leadership — but the way we handle it determines whether it crushes us or grows us.


Welcome to the Rise Experience Podcast, where faith, leadership, personal growth, and purpose align for lasting impact. I’m Shannon Denniston, and this show is for growth-minded leaders who want to rise into their God-given calling while leading with authenticity and heart.


Episode Highlights

In this episode, I share how leaders can handle criticism with resilience and wisdom. I discuss the various types of criticism we encounter — constructive, emotional, and toxic — and how each should be approached. I explain why feedback can be a gift, how to filter what’s worth keeping, and why our worth must stay anchored in God, not in the opinions of others.



Main Takeaways

  • Constructive criticism can reveal blind spots and strengthen leadership systems.
  • Emotional criticism often reflects the critic’s insecurities, not your shortcomings.
  • Toxic criticism requires firm boundaries and refusal to engage.
  • Feedback can highlight areas for growth while also healing deeper insecurities.
  • Tools like pausing, breathing, and prayer help leaders respond with grace.
  • True resilience comes from remembering that identity and worth come from God, not applause.



Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:07 Handling Criticism in Leadership

03:25 Constructive Criticism

08:44 Emotional Criticism

09:23 Toxic or Malicious Criticism

10:57 Growth Through Pressure

14:30 Healing Deeper Wounds

20:35 Tools for Coping with Criticism

22:10 Final Reflections and Prayer



Call To Action

As you listen, reflect on how you’ve been responding to criticism. What feedback is worth keeping, and what do you need to release? Share this episode with a fellow leader who could use encouragement in navigating criticism with wisdom and strength.



Supporting Links


Thank you for tuning in to the Rise Experience Podcast. I’m grateful for the chance to walk this journey with you. Keep growing, keep leading, and remember criticism doesn’t define you. Your identity and worth are secure in Him.