Description

Welcome to The Lighthouse Collective podcast series Keep Shining with Stuart MacMillan. In this special spring solo episode, Stuart gets vulnerable about the relationship between growth, change, and pain. Drawing on the imagery of spring: the crocus pushing through thawing ground, the earth groaning back to life. He shares deeply personal stories of loss, betrayal, and crisis of faith, and how those hard seasons ultimately produced a better, more patient, more peaceful version of himself.

What you will hear

• Why spring is a powerful metaphor for growth—and why growth almost always requires change, which almost always involves pain.
• The story of being hospitalized as a child for "growing too fast" and what it taught him about the physical reality of development.
• Mike Tyson's famous line: "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth"—and how to respond when life delivers that punch.
• Gretchen Huijskens' story (from a recent episode) of how the Haiti earthquake "wiped the slate clean" and birthed Trades of Hope.
• For the first time publicly: Stuart's own 18-month crucible—cancer, a nightmare neighbor, Hurricane Helena, a devastating lawsuit, betrayal by trusted partners, and a crisis of faith that shook him to his core.
• How walks on the beach, silence, reading, and leaning into "iron sharpener" relationships became the unexpected tools of growth.
• A raw, honest look at whether healing means being "fixed" and why being "better" is enough.
• An invitation to embrace the painful seasons, because on the other side of change, there is hope.

Memorable lines

“I remember you know, just crying out God, are you here? Do you even hear me? Are my prayers falling on deaf ears?”

“I am better. I have grown. I have developed... but I know that it wouldn't have come without pain.”

About Stuart MacMillan

Stuart MacMillan is a leader, speaker, and co-founder of The Lighthouse Collective. With decades of experience in building people-centered cultures and coaching purpose-driven leaders, his passion is equipping others to shine brightly and lead meaningfully. Through the Keep Shining podcast, Stuart shares insights on leadership, faith, and personal growth, all centered on the core belief that everyone is made to be a light—even—and especially—in the darkest, most painful seasons.

Resources & links

Follow Stuart on Social Media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/macmillanstuart/

https://www.instagram.com/macmillanstuart/

Book Stuart MacMillan for keynotes and workshops: www.TheLighthouseCollective.Global

• 📩 Contact: Debbie@ImpactThisDay.com

Follow The Lighthouse Collective on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/lighthousecollectiveglobal/

Connect with Stuart MacMillan at www.TheLighthouseCollective.Global

Subscribe to The Lighthouse Collective on YouTube and watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLighthouseCollective

📩 Contact: Debbie@ImpactThisDay.com

Thanks for listening. Keep Shining, Be A Light!