Faith Driven Entrepreneur
Faith Driven Entrepreneur exists to encourage, equip, empower, and support Christ-following entrepreneurially-minded people worldwide with world-class content and community. Here, you'll find conversations with business leaders from around the world who will share how their faith affects their work.
Tue, April 29, 2025
Episode 326 - When Death Knocked Twice: Travis Penfield's Blueprint for Scaling During Crisis
Key Moments Travis shares his recent experience meeting Jack Nicklaus and John Maxwell, highlighting Nicklaus's emphasis on family over golf achievements The powerful story of Travis's brain tumor in 2016, requiring him to relearn basic functions His wife Jacqueline's cancer diagnosis and the emotional journey of shaving her head during chemotherapy The doctor telling Travis to "prepare as if she's gone" and taking his daughters to San Diego while contemplating single fatherhood How these health crises fundamentally changed his approach to business success and identity Business Insights 49 Financial's three-pillar strategy: handling more complex issues, offering more services, and building more community The company's focus on young advisors (22-year-olds) in an industry where the average advisor is in their upper 50s How 49 Financial is addressing the industry-wide 9% retention rate for new advisors Travis's shift from "quantity over quality" to "quality over quantity" in building his business His vision for bridging the gap between aging advisors with trillions in assets and the next generation Faith Perspective How facing mortality transformed Travis's relationship with God and clarity about priorities The role of childlike faith in entrepreneurship versus the challenges of maintaining bold faith as a business matures Using their platform to help clients turn "tax dollars into giving dollars" through strategic charitable planning The daily struggle of enjoying present moments while awaiting his wife's five-year cancer-free milestone Quotable Moments "I think maybe a lot of entrepreneurs out there, it is so easy, even as believers, to make our business our identity. And it's such a sneak." "It puts you in a different place in your faith when each one of you experience the thought of losing the other one within a day." "If the business doesn't make it, it's okay. If the business does hit that growth goal, it's okay... I'm going home to my bride." "My heart and why 49, as long as I'm around, is going to be for the young person." "We're going to turn tax dollars into giving dollars."
Tue, April 22, 2025
Episode 325 - The Silent Cost of Success (That No One Is Talking About) with Lloyd Reeb
Every entrepreneur dreams of the freedom that comes with success, yet Lloyd Reeb discovered a surprising paradox - the very prosperity he worked so hard to achieve was quietly eroding his freedom and purpose. Instead of letting money become his master, he made the counter-cultural choice to design a life where wealth serves his deeper values rather than dictating his choices. His journey reveals that true entrepreneurial freedom might look radically different than what we've been conditioned to pursue. Lloyd shares the meaningful artifacts in his office that guide his decisions and keep him grounded in his purpose - from a crystal light bulb gift that reminds him of his unique contribution to a 300-year-old French Bible that represents God's unchanging wisdom to a wooden "Amazing Grace" plaque honoring William Wilberforce's 30-year commitment to ending the slave trade. Key Highlights: How carrying "long-term metrics" in his wallet for decades has helped Lloyd maintain focus on what truly matters The intentional decision to decouple wealth from lifestyle to break cycles of entitlement Why complexity, comfort, and complacency are the three deadliest enemies to living a purpose-driven life Applying Charlie Munger's "inversion" approach to identify what would cause you to squander your life The transformative practice of keeping a "Book of Days" to document God's work in and through your life Why financial success creates freedom for mission rather than just lifestyle expansion Practical ways to declutter your life, reduce complexity, and create space for what matters most Quotable Moments: "Build a successful business in the context of focusing on building a successful life." "It's an interesting question to ask: What level of lifestyle is in your family's best interest? That's different from how much can we afford." "What would I do if I wanted to squander the rest of my life? I would get my life complicated, comfortable, and let my heart become uncompassionate." "Money is a great servant, but a terrible master. We wanted to really demote money from mastery to servant." Watch the full episode on YouTube or continue to stream audio on your favorite podcast platform.
Tue, March 25, 2025
Episode 324 - From Criminal Record to CEO: Cheri Garcia's Journey of Redemption and Second Chances
In this powerful episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, host Justin Forman sits down with Cheri Garcia, founder of Cornbread Hustle, a staffing agency that has placed nearly 3,000 people with criminal records into jobs over the past decade. Cheri shares her remarkable journey from selling drugs (including becoming her father's meth dealer as a teenager) to getting sober, founding a multi-million-dollar company, and helping thousands of formerly incarcerated individuals find meaningful employment and rebuild their lives. Key Highlights: Cheri's early entrepreneurial ventures and her descent into drug addiction and dealing How hitting rock bottom (living out of her car, multiple arrests) led to her eventual path to sobriety The unexpected pivot during COVID that transformed her business from struggling to multi-million dollar success Why achievement and control can be more dangerous addictions than drugs or alcohol The transformative impact of employment stability on former inmates' lives Practical insights for employers considering second-chance hiring How Cheri's painful experiences equipped her to connect authentically with others in their brokenness Quotable Moments: "I was pouring into other people while filling myself back up with alcohol... I was broken." "Control is worse than drugs or alcohol because the triggers are more. The triggers are anything from needing to pee while you're in the middle of talking to somebody at a networking event... It's all day, every day." "One in four adults have a criminal record. That's over 70 million people... and only 5% of HR managers say they actively choose people with criminal records as part of their talent pool." Watch the full episode on YouTube or continue to stream audio on your favorite podcast platform.
Tue, March 18, 2025
Episode 323 - Why Entrepreneurs Hate Social Media & How AI Is Changing Everything | Nils Smith
In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, host Justin Forman interviews social media expert Nils Smith about why entrepreneurs often resist social media and how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing content creation and engagement strategies. Nils shares his journey from youth pastor using AOL Instant Messenger to reach teens, to pioneering online church, to becoming a social media consultant for high-profile ministries. Learn why entrepreneurs struggle with social media, how to balance authentic humility with strategic promotion, and which platforms are most effective for different business types. This conversation explores how AI is transforming the social media landscape - making it more accessible and efficient for entrepreneurs who previously avoided these platforms. Discover how tools like ChatGPT can serve as personalized marketing consultants and content creators for your business without compromising your values. [Chapters] 00:00 Introduction and plants in video backgrounds 01:25 Why entrepreneurs hate social media 04:52 Authenticity vs. polished content 09:26 Nils' journey into social media 19:28 The importance of audience targeting 24:00 First 20 seconds rule in content 35:55 Best platforms for different businesses 42:19 How AI is revolutionizing social media strategy 47:03 A Christian approach to technology and AI
Tue, March 11, 2025
Episode 322 - From CIA Counterterrorism to Insurance Industry Disruption with Jack Hooper of Take Command Health
In this DEBUT VIDEO EPISODE of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, host Justin Forman interviews Jack Hooper, founder and CEO of Take Command Health. Jack shares his extraordinary journey from tracking terrorist financing for the CIA to revolutionizing health insurance after a personal healthcare crisis when his wife unexpectedly became pregnant with twins during business school. Jack reveals how his mission to create transparency in healthcare costs led to building a company that empowers both employers and employees with a new model of health insurance. The conversation explores the broken incentive structures in traditional health insurance, leadership challenges in a secular workplace, and wrestling with the tension between business success and kingdom values. This episode unpacks how faith guides entrepreneurial decisions, setting personal financial boundaries as a founder, and recognizing the seasons of leadership. A powerful conversation on building redemptive business models that truly put people first. [Chapters] 00:00 Introduction 02:07 Jack's CIA background and counterterrorism work 07:55 Unexpected life change and the path to healthcare 15:50 The broken insurance system and Take Command's solution 24:19 Mission-driven approach to business 31:50 Wrestling with founder identity and financial boundaries 40:15 Seasons of leadership and letting go ► SUBSCRIBE for more Faith Driven Entrepreneur content: [Link Channel URL] ► Visit https://faithdrivenentrepreneur.org for resources, community, and more #FaithDrivenEntrepreneur #JackHooper
Wed, January 22, 2025
Episode 321 - Praxis, Purpose, and Cultural Change: A Conversation with Dave Blanchard
In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, Justin Forman sits down with Dave Blanchard to explore the evolution of faith-driven entrepreneurship and its growing influence in both the church and broader culture. Key Discussion Points: The origin story of Praxis and how the name came to be through prayer and divine inspiration The transformation of entrepreneurship from a "starving artist" narrative to a celebrated career path The role of programs like Y Combinator, Techstars, and shows like Shark Tank in normalizing entrepreneurship How childhood experiences and early business ventures shaped Blanchard's perspective on ethical entrepreneurship The impact of Chris Crane and Opportunity International in revealing the redemptive possibilities of entrepreneurship The challenge of moving beyond "God cares about your work" to practical implementation in various industries The need for churches to become creative centers and reimagine their approach to supporting entrepreneurs The importance of telling authentic stories that include both triumph and struggle Discussion of the "unnamed villains" and real challenges facing Christian entrepreneurs The future of faith-driven entrepreneurship and the need for local heroes and mentors
Tue, January 07, 2025
Episode 320 - Building a Life of 100X Impact with Lloyd Reeb
Show Notes: In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, Justin Forman sits down with Lloyd Reeb, a long-time leader of the Halftime Institute and co-author of "From Success to Significance." With over two decades of experience helping marketplace leaders find their purpose, Lloyd shares profound insights on building a life of multiplicative kingdom impact. Lloyd has generously made his book, The Social Entrepreneur: Seasoned Advice to Multiply Your Impact 100x available for free here . Key Topics Covered: - The evolution of the Halftime message over 30 years and its continued relevance today - How to infuse greater meaning and purpose into existing business success - The power of creating "freedom" to explore God's unique calling - Lloyd's framework for achieving "100X impact" through focus, leverage, and persistence - The launch and vision of Ardent Mentoring: connecting 500 world-class mentors with Christian social entrepreneurs - Why some leaders struggle to pause and examine their lives during seasons of success - The four essential types of leverage: platform, people, process, and the power of the Spirit Notable Quotes: "Focus plus leverage, plus persistence equals 100x compounding return on life." - Lloyd Reeb "I'm going to have to have some freedom in order to decide what my core calling is." "You don't have to sell your company to go make a meaningful impact in the world." Practical Takeaways: - How to evaluate whether you're trading "priceless things for merely valuable things" - The importance of listening to the Spirit's guidance in mentoring and coaching others - Practical steps for decluttering life and focusing on high-impact activities - Understanding the difference between coaching, mentoring, and discipling - Ways to overcome the three main barriers to impact: complexity, comfort, and complacency - The power of keeping a "Book of Days" to record God's faithfulness and direction Special Focus: Ardent Mentoring Initiative Lloyd shares his latest venture connecting experienced Christian leaders with the next generation of kingdom-minded entrepreneurs, aiming to provide targeted expertise and mentoring to accelerate kingdom impact. This episode offers invaluable wisdom for entrepreneurs seeking to build lives and businesses of lasting significance. Lloyd's decades of experience helping leaders navigate their halftime journey provides practical insights for those looking to achieve meaningful, multiplicative returns in both business and ministry. His emphasis on long-term investment in eternal returns rather than short-term gains offers a compelling
Tue, December 03, 2024
Episode 319 - Nona Jones: Why Rejection Makes Better Entrepreneurs
In this engaging conversation, Justin Forman and Nona Jones explore the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship. Nona shares her remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leader in corporate America and now in ministry. They discuss the importance of recognizing God's guidance in our lives, the balance between faith and fear, and the distinction between being called and driven. Nona emphasizes the need to overcome comparison and celebrate others' successes while also reframing rejection as a gift that can lead to growth and purpose. In this conversation, Nona Jones discusses the transformative power of rejection, emphasizing that it can serve as a gift that positions individuals for their true purpose. She shares personal experiences of how rejection has redirected her life towards ministry and leadership, particularly in empowering women. The dialogue also explores the importance of emotional and spiritual well-being in entrepreneurship, highlighting the need for a framework that addresses both internal healing and external success. Nona concludes with a reflection on the significance of gratitude in overcoming anxiety and trusting in God's faithfulness.
Tue, November 19, 2024
Episode 318 - Reinventing the Basics: Tommy John's Tom Patterson
In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, hosts Justin Forman and William Norvell discuss the entrepreneurial journeys of William and guest Tom Patterson, founder of Tommy John. They explore themes of faith, resilience, and the importance of community support in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Tom shares his unique story of starting his business during a recession, the lessons learned from early failures, and the role of faith in sustaining him through difficult times. The conversation highlights the significance of taking risks, being patient yet urgent, and the unexpected paths that entrepreneurship can take. In this conversation, Tom Patterson shares his journey of faith-driven entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of prayer, resilience, and partnership in business. He reflects on the challenges faced while building Tommy John, the underwear brand, and how faith has played a crucial role in navigating those challenges. Tom discusses the significance of working alongside his wife and the alignment of their values in both their personal and professional lives. The conversation highlights the integration of faith and business, the lessons learned through adversity, and the importance of intentionality in pursuing one's purpose.
Tue, November 12, 2024
Episode 317 - Faith Driven Students: Starting Strong Instead of Starting Over with Lara Casey Isaacson
In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast, Justin Forman and Lara Casey Isaacson discuss the launch of Faith-Driven Students, an initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through faith. They explore Laura's entrepreneurial journey, the importance of pruning in business, and the significance of storytelling and imagination in shaping young minds. The conversation emphasizes the need for a supportive community and the role of parents in guiding their children towards their calling. They also highlight the changing landscape of entrepreneurship and the trust placed in business leaders by the younger generation. Faith-driven entrepreneurship is about aligning business with God's purpose. Pruning is essential for growth in both business and personal life. Building a supportive team is crucial for new initiatives. Empowering students to discover their gifts is a key focus. Imagination plays a vital role in learning and growth. Storytelling can inspire and change lives. Parents have a significant role in guiding their children's faith journey. The younger generation is increasingly interested in entrepreneurship. Trust in entrepreneurs is higher than in politicians or churches. Planting seeds of faith can lead to significant impact over time
Tue, October 29, 2024
Episode 316 - Reimagining Pastors and Entrepreneurs with Chip Ingram
In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, hosts Justin Forman and Dan Owolabi are joined by Chip Ingram to discuss the transformative intersection of pastoral ministry and entrepreneurship. Coming off their experiences at the recent Lausanne Conference in Seoul, they explore how the church landscape is changing and the unique opportunity this presents for deeper collaboration between pastors and entrepreneurs. Key Topics Covered: The shift in church dynamics post-COVID and the need for new models Why traditional metrics of church success need to be reconsidered Recent Barna research showing 91% of entrepreneurs feel purposeful in their work The importance of long-term commitment in ministry and business How pastors can better engage and empower entrepreneurs in their congregations Practical steps for entrepreneurs to build bridges with their pastors Discussion of the upcoming Pastors & Entrepreneurs Conference (February 20th)
Tue, October 22, 2024
Episode 315 - SWGP + FDE: Disrupting the Economics of Sexual Brokenness with Eagle Ventures & GameSafe
This episode delves into the critical issue of online sexual exploitation and human trafficking, exploring innovative approaches to combat these pervasive problems. Dr. Lisa Strohman, a clinical psychologist with FBI experience, and Wes Lyons, a venture capitalist, offer their expertise and insights into this complex challenge. The discussion begins with Dr. Strohman shedding light on the alarming tactics used by the pornography industry to target children through seemingly innocuous platforms like educational apps and online games. She emphasizes the urgent need for better education and awareness to protect young minds from early exposure and potential addiction. Wes Lyons then introduces a unique perspective on fighting human trafficking by treating it as an economic problem. He explains how his fund, Eagle Venture Fund, invests in technologies designed to disrupt the business model of trafficking networks. The conversation explores various innovative solutions, from AI-powered tools that detect suspicious activities to platforms that help businesses avoid inadvertently supporting trafficking operations. The episode also addresses emerging challenges posed by artificial intelligence and deepfakes, highlighting real-world cases that demonstrate the evolving nature of online exploitation. Throughout the discussion, both guests stress the importance of collaboration between technology developers, businesses, and advocacy groups in creating effective solutions. Despite the gravity of the subject matter, the conversation concludes on a note of cautious optimism. Our guests share encouraging developments in the fight against exploitation, including the power of educating youth and the potential for technology and business strategies to make a significant impact. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive look at the intersection of technology, business, and social responsibility in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time. It challenges us to consider how we can all play a part in protecting the vulnerable and creating a safer digital world.
Tue, October 15, 2024
Episode 314 - Wartime Mindset: Derwin Gray on Battling Spiritual Attacks as an Entrepreneur
In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, hosts Henry Kaestner and Justin Forman reflect on the recent Faith Driven Entrepreneur conference and introduce a powerful message from Derwin Gray, former NFL player and pastor. Key points: Gray compares spiritual warfare to animal hunting tactics, warning entrepreneurs about the devil's strategies to isolate and weaken them. He outlines three common temptations entrepreneurs face: performance ("I am what I do"), possession ("I am what I have"), and popularity ("I am what others think"). Gray emphasizes the importance of adopting a wartime mindset and utilizing the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6. The hosts discuss the relevance of Gray's message to entrepreneurial challenges and the importance of recognizing spiritual battles in business. An upcoming prayer series based on Gray's teachings is announced, designed to equip entrepreneurs with spiritual tools for success. Discussion Questions: How have you experienced the three temptations (performance, possession, popularity) in your entrepreneurial journey? Which one challenges you the most? In what ways can adopting a "wartime mindset" change how you approach challenges in your business? Derwin Gray emphasizes the importance of putting on the "armor of God." How can you practically incorporate this spiritual discipline into your daily routine as an entrepreneur? How can recognizing spiritual warfare in business help you make better decisions and maintain a stronger faith? What steps can you take to build a support network of fellow entrepreneurs to combat isolation and strengthen your spiritual defenses?
Tue, October 08, 2024
Episode 313 - Solving Joblessness | Creating Sustainable Jobs in Africa & Asia | FDE + SWGP Special
"We're not just creating a job. We're creating a way that people have security and sustainability for them and for their family." - Keren Pybus Job creation and upskilling have a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities, providing stability, security, and opportunities for growth. Donor agencies have shifted their focus from pure aid to trade facilitation and capacity building, creating more opportunities for job creation. Collaboration and partnership among competitors and different stakeholders are essential in addressing global challenges and creating sustainable solutions. Investors and entrepreneurs can make a positive impact by aligning their passion and skills, seeking God's wisdom, and connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations. Having faith-driven investors on board can provide support, encouragement, and prayer during the entrepreneurial journey. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Joint Release 04:03 Introducing Solving the World's Greatest Problems 05:09 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds 07:00 The Importance of Job Creation and Upskilling 16:25 Changing Perspectives and Collaborative Approaches 23:36 Impact Stories: Transformation through Job Creation and Upskilling 28:40 Advice for Investors and Entrepreneurs 35:59 The Power of Faith-Driven Investors 38:00 Conclusion
Tue, October 01, 2024
Episode 312 - Mark Batterson: Rediscovering Everyday Miracles
Join us for an inspiring discussion with Mark Batterson, Bill Job, and Justin Forman as they unpack the concept of "holy curiosity" in entrepreneurship. This episode takes listeners on a journey from the coffeehouse-turned-church in Washington D.C. to the factory floors of China, revealing how faith can drive innovation and risk-taking in business. Batterson introduces his new book on rediscovering everyday miracles, while Job shares powerful anecdotes about finding joy and purpose in unexpected places. Together, they challenge the notion of "safe" Christianity and encourage entrepreneurs to embrace the adventure of faith-driven business. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to integrate their spiritual life with their entrepreneurial pursuits. Notable Quotes: "Faith is spelled R-I-S-K." - Mark Batterson "Never lose a holy curiosity." - Mark Batterson (quoting Albert Einstein) "Joy isn't getting what you want. It's appreciating what you have." - Mark Batterson "We aren't content with good ideas. We want God ideas." - Mark Batterson
Tue, September 24, 2024
Episode 311 - Entrepreneurs' Divine Moment with David Platt
In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, hosts Henry and Justin discuss the recent conference and share a thought-provoking message from David Platt. Key topics include: The idea that entrepreneurs are positioned "for such a time as this" How current technological and economic trends create unprecedented opportunities David Platt's perspective on the unique role of entrepreneurs in today's world The importance of seeking God's guidance in business decisions Balancing professional success with spiritual growth and purpose The potential for long-term impact beyond an entrepreneur's lifetime Listeners will be inspired to view their entrepreneurial journey through a lens of divine timing and purpose, encouraging them to make the most of their unique skills and opportunities. "God has sovereignly ordained your life and this time to play a unique part in the accomplishment of His purpose. Entrepreneur, God has not saved you to sideline you on this mission."
Tue, September 17, 2024
Episode 310 - Eternal ROI: Richard Garnett's Challenge to Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs
In this episode of the Faith Driven Investor Podcast, join Justin Forman as he honors the life and legacy of Richard Garnett, a faith-driven entrepreneur and actor who recently passed away after a courageous decade-long battle with cancer. This poignant episode features a powerful teaching from Richard himself, focusing on investing in what truly matters. As we reflect on Richard's recent passing, his message takes on new depth and urgency. Tune in for an inspiring exploration of intentional living, generosity, and the art of cherishing each moment.
Tue, September 10, 2024
Episode 309 - Handling Criticism with Lecrae Moore
Join Grammy-nominated artist Lecrae Moore, along with Faith Driven Movement co-founders Justin Forman and Henry Kaestner, as they delve into the challenging yet crucial topic of handling criticism. In this insightful episode, our guests share: Lecrae's personal experiences with criticism in the music industry Biblical perspectives on receiving and processing feedback Strategies for distinguishing between constructive criticism and unproductive negativity The importance of knowing your true audience and purpose How to use criticism as a tool for growth and refining your entrepreneurial vision Whether you're a seasoned business leader or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this conversation offers valuable wisdom on turning criticism into a catalyst for personal and professional development. Tune in to learn how faith can guide you through the challenges of leadership and innovation.
Tue, August 27, 2024
Episode 308 - Harness the Power of the BIG 3—Build, Invest, Give | An SWGP Special
“We have power and we have to discern how we use that power with like-minded Christians.”—Bill Wichterman Close to half of the people in the world have had little or no exposure to the Gospel. 9.2% of the world's population lives in extreme poverty, defined as surviving on less than $2.15 per day. More than 150 million children work in dangerous or exploitative conditions, and 40 million people are enslaved, which is more than at any other time in history. 800 million people suffer from hunger. And 1 in 10 people on the planet lack access to clean water. These are just some of the problems plaguing our world today. What can we as faithful followers of Christ do? Let’s be clear—without God, we could do nothing. But he continues to reveal a way forward for us. And his Church is winning. Join us for our premiere episode as we introduce you to a growing movement of Christians building, investing, and giving to solve the world’s greatest problems.
Tue, August 20, 2024
Episode 307 - How Entrepreneuers Can Solve the World's Greatest Problems
In this episode, Joey, Justin, and Henry discuss the new initiative called Solving the World's Greatest Problems. They address the skepticism around the audacious goal and emphasize the importance of being empowered by the Holy Spirit. They also highlight the role of community in solving these problems and the need for collaboration and support. The initiative aims to provide clear next steps for individuals to build, invest, and give towards solving these problems. The podcast episodes focus on storytelling and creating a call to action for listeners.
Tue, August 13, 2024
Episode 306 - Why Faith Driven is Merging with Halftime
In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast, Henry and Justin discuss a merger between Halftime and Faith Driven Movements alongside Halftime co-CEOs Jim Stollberg and Tom McGhee. The four highlight the power of partnerships and the importance of getting clear on one's unique calling. They also explore the roots of Halftime as a book and an organization where individuals reassess their lives and seek to live a life of significance. The merger aims to serve more people and help them discover their purpose and make a greater impact in the world. For more information on the merger visit https://faithdrivenmovements.org/halftime/
Tue, August 06, 2024
Episode 305 - Surrendering to Trade Up
The conversation explores the themes of surrender and significance in the context of being a faith-driven entrepreneur. The hosts discuss the importance of surrendering personal ambition and aligning one's vocation with God's purpose. They also emphasize the need for community and the dangers of pursuing worldly definitions of success. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Faith Driven Entrepreneur Conference and the hope that attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of the true significance found in surrendering to God's plan. Find more at https://faithdrivenentrepreneurconference.org/
Tue, July 30, 2024
Episode 304 - Redeeming Your Time with Jordan Raynor
In this episode, Jordan Raynor discusses his book 'Redeeming Your Time' and how entrepreneurs can uniquely struggle to manage their time. He emphasizes the importance of discerning the essential from the noise and finding peace in Christ before seeking productivity. Jordan also explores the concept of grace-based productivity and how Jesus can serve as a model for time management and shares some of the 32 practices from his book, Find the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-Your-Time-Principles-Purposeful/dp/0593193075
Tue, July 23, 2024
Episode 303 - 3 Entrepreneurs Speak on the Need for Community with Mickey Peters, Scott Weiss, and Dude Perfect's Coby Cotton
In this masterclass-style episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast, we highlight three unique ways that community can shape the lives of entrepreneurs. Dude Perfect's Coby Cotton gives insight into how his tight-knit community of college friends has had to learn how to live as co-founders and leaders of one of the largest entertainment brands in the country. Mickey Peters shares how his lack of community nearly brought him to complete ruin and how finding community has helped him recover. And Scott Weiss talks about why the OCEAN Accelerator programs have always emphasized the need for community amongst the entrepreneurs they serve. If you'd like to hear more about the Faith Driven Entrepreneur community groups, go to faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/groups. Coby Cotton's Full Episode: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/episode-176-dude-perfect-the-worlds-most-trusted-source-of-entertainment-with-coby-cotton Mickey Peter's Full Episode: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/episode-208-death-of-a-lone-wolf-with-mickey-peters Scott Weiss Full Episode: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/blog/2019/5/21/combating-loneliness-with-community-scott-weiss-ocean-accelerator
Tue, July 16, 2024
Episode 302 - Scaling an Ice Cream Empire. Overcoming Challenges. Finding God's Peace. with Blue Bell's Ricky Dickson
Ricky Dickson, the retired CEO of Blue Bell Ice Cream, joins the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast to discuss his experience leading and scaling a national company through growth and incredible pitfalls. Using his new book, One Scoop at a Time, as a backdrop, Ricky shares how his 40+ year career at Blue Bell started right after college. He gives an overview of the ice cream market and how Blue Bell positioned itself as a high-quality, middle-ground option and talks about the importance of constant innovation and listening to customer feedback. He also discusses the challenges Blue Bell faced during the Listeria outbreak and how the company focused on safety and rebuilding trust. He emphasizes the value of consistency and staying true to the company's culture and values and shares how his faith has helped him find peace in the midst of challenges by relying on God and His guidance. Find more about Ricky in his new book: https://www.amazon.com/One-Scoop-Time-Stories-Lessons/
Tue, July 09, 2024
Episode 301 - How Entrepreneurs Can Develop Enduring Friendships with Dr. Bryan Lorrits
In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast, Dr. Bryan Loritts joins Joey Honescko and William Norvell to discuss the importance of deep, long-lasting friendships in the context of entrepreneurship. Pulling from his new book, Enduring Friendships: Sticking Together in an Age of Unfriending, Dr. Loritts emphasizes the need for what he calls “soul friends.” These are the people whom we can bear our souls with and who can provide guidance and support in our journeys. He also highlights the challenges that entrepreneurs face in maintaining lasting friendships, such as being productivity-driven and lacking time for people. He provides practical advice on finding and nurturing these enduring friendships, including putting oneself in the right environments and being intentional about prioritizing relationships. For more from Dr. Loritts, check out his new book: https://www.amazon.com/Enduring-Friendship-Sticking-Together-Unfriending/dp/1514008440
Tue, June 25, 2024
Episode 300 - The Entrepreneur’s Greatest Need: The Riff with Henry Kaestner and Justin Forman
It’s our 300th episode! In this conversation Joey Honescko, Henry Kaestner , and Justin Forman celebrate the growth and evolution of the podcast and the entire Faith Driven Movement. They reflect on all that God has done over the past five years and dive deep into the importance of community for faith-driven entrepreneurs. The three wrestle with the challenges of finding reliable sources of community and reflect on their own entrepreneurial journeys and examine how God has used other entrepreneurs to form and shape them into the leaders He is calling them to be. They also share stories from entrepreneurs around the world who have seen the power of locking arms with other entrepreneurs. Learn more about groups here: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/groups
Tue, June 18, 2024
Episode 299 - Three Views on Layoffs with Vic Ho, Rusty Rueff, and Daniel Fong
One of the hardest realities in the life of every Faith Driven Entrepreneur is that things often don't go as planned. Unforeseen circumstances can cause all sorts of issues in a company, and sometimes those circumstances affect the people we employ. In this episode, we're going to look at layoffs. How can we think well about these difficult situations? And how can we love our people, even in the midst of these unfortunate, massive changes? We'll highlight three perspectives starting with Vic Ho and Rusty Rueff , two leaders who have had to implement layoffs in their own careers. The third perspective comes from a round table discussion that William, Henry, and Rusty had with Daniel Fong , the CEO and founder, who made a choice not to lay off anybody in his company. As we'll see in all these conversations, there's not a clear cut answer to these complex questions. Not everyone agrees and that's okay. We just want to present different viewpoints and encourage you to consult the Lord about how he might be calling you to run your business differently. Lean in, get inspired, get challenged, and consider how you might have these kinds of conversations with other people in community who can push you closer to where the Lord is leading you.
Tue, June 11, 2024
Episode 298 - Why This Founder Implemented a No-Firing Policy
Why would a founder decide to never fire anyone? Dylan Wilk , CEO of Human Nature, joins the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast to share the story behind the company’s no firing policy and to explain why he believes grace and forgiveness are the greatest HR policies. He recounts a situation where an employee stole from the company and instead of firing him, Dylan chose to forgive and help him change. This experience led Dylan to establish a written no firing policy and build an ecosystem of support within the company that is rooted in the belief that God does not give up on us. Dylan emphasizes the importance of seeing the full person at work, understanding their struggles, and providing opportunities for growth and redemption. Learn more about Dylan’s story in this short documentary.
Tue, June 04, 2024
Episode 297 - A Transformation from Greed to Grace: Stories of the Movement with Human Nature's Dylan Wilk
Imagine you’ve reached every expected height of success before you turned 25 and then God tells you to leave it behind. How would you respond? Dylan Wilk experienced incredible entrepreneurial highs at a young age. He flew to work in a helicopter, traveled by private jet, and kept Ferraris and Porches in his garage. And then, one day, a tragedy caused him to take a long look at his life. God called him to walk away from the business that had given him worldly success so that he could experience true grace, freedom, and love. His life was changed by a trip and eventual move to the Philippines where God has called him to extend the same grace, freedom, and love he has received to every employee, customer, and individual he encounters through his new business: Human Nature. Hear the story of radical transformation that took Dylan from Greed to Grace in this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast: Stories of the Movement.
Tue, May 28, 2024
Episode 296 - Andy Crouch, Patrick Lencioni, and Mary Miller Talk Practical Steps for Improving Company Culture
Entrepreneurs have the ability to create a workplace where people can flourish, but we have to act on that ability in order to make that happen. So in this masterclass-style episode, we're going to dive in a little deeper on this topic. The episode is organized in three parts, heart, head, and hands. Author Andy Crouch will kick us off by talking about the responsibility and opportunity entrepreneurs have to create good work and good rest for their employees. This section is all about heart change. Then, Patrick Lencioni is going to talk to our heads a little bit as he unpacks a practical tool called "the Working Genius" that enables us to know our employee's strengths so we can put them in positions to succeed. Lastly, we're going to dig into the details. As we hear from Mary Miller , an entrepreneur and the chairwoman of the board at John cower, a leading janitorial service company based in Cincinnati. Mary gives practical examples for how they drastically overhauled their company culture to improve employee retention and satisfaction. Additional Links: Andy Crouch on Creating Good Work and Good Rest Patrick Lencioni’s Working Genius Video Study Patrick Lencioni Working Genius Podcast Episode Mary Miller Podcast Episode Jancoa Documentary Lynsi Snyder Podcast Episode
Tue, May 21, 2024
Episode 295 - The Business of Making Baseball Fun with Savannah Bananas' Jared Orton
Jared Orton is the President of the Savannah Bananas, a baseball team unlike any you’ve seen before. They create an entertainment experience that’s part dance performance, part trick plays, and part competitive baseball. Jared has experienced all the ups and downs that come from innovating in a space with a legacy. Since the organization’s founding in 2016, he and the team have had their share of doubters. But they’ve faithfully stayed true to their mission: to create something fun and joyful for every attendee. Over the years, they’ve grown from a small, regional team that struggled to sell tickets to a nationwide phenomenon playing in front of sold out crowds in major league stadiums across the country. He joins the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast to talk about the value of innovation, fun, and excitement for businesses and for the world.
Tue, May 14, 2024
Episode 294 - Creating Culture Worth Celebrating: Stories of the Movement with Booster's Chris Carneal
Culture can be a bit of a buzzword. What does it really mean for a company to have values and an identity? And how can leaders of those companies make sure those values don’t just become another page on the website or words on a wall in the office? In this episode of Stories of the Movement, we’ll hear about Booster, one of the largest school fundraising companies in the country. They’ve built a culture unlike any other in their team of nearly 1,000 employees. And Chris Carneal , the founder and CEO of the company, saw firsthand how essential Booster’s “virtues” became when they faced an unexpected and intense setback. Check out their story in this episode of Faith Driven Entrepreneur: Stories of the Movement . For more information about Faith Driven Entrepreneur and to sign up for our groups, check out our website at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org
Tue, May 07, 2024
Episode 293 - The Riff: Fighting Identity and Idols Throughout the Entrepreneurial Journey
In this episode, Joey Honescko , Henry Kaestner , and Justin Forman discuss the themes of battling idolatry and identity in entrepreneurship. They emphasize the importance of seeking the Holy Spirit and aligning one's identity with Christ, share personal experiences of wrestling with idolatry and the need for approval, and highlight the significance of meditating on God's Word, seeking counsel, and being aware of one's tendencies towards willfulness or waiting on God. Join in on this riff session by sending your thoughts to podcast@faithdrivenentrepreneur.org
Tue, April 30, 2024
Episode 292 - Three Views on Hearing From God with Nicky Gumbel, Kim Avery, and Jeremy Lin
The best way to fight against idolatry is to seek the voice of God. So, what does that actually look like? In this episode, we're going to hear three perspectives from three incredible leaders around the world. We'll head first to the UK to hear from priest and author, Nicky Gumbel for a chat he had with Henry about a framework he has for hearing the voice of God. Then, we'll make our way to the U S for another conversation with Kim Avery , business coach, and author of the prayer powered entrepreneur. And lastly, we'll stop in Taiwan to hear how pro basketball player, entrepreneur, and investor, Jeremy Lin keeps prayer at the center of his routine.
Tue, April 23, 2024
Episode 291 - How a Venture Capitalist, Serial Entrepreneur, and Basketball Team Owner Finds His Identity in Christ with Phil Chen
What do you get when you mix a trained physicist, a seminary grad, an entrepreneur, and a Silicon valley venture capitalist? In the case of this episode, you get an awesome guest who somehow checks all those boxes. Phil Chen is the CEO of cold electric and the owner of the new Taipei Kings, a basketball team, in the recently founded Taiwanese pro league. It also happens to be where past podcast, guests and faith driven entrepreneur, Jeremy Lin plays. Phil's career is wide reaching and impressive. But what's even more valuable is the way he has allowed his theology to shape how he leads and all these various places. While we're going to premiere a feature video that tells Phil's story at this year's faith-driven entrepreneur conference. Today, he joins us to tell us a bit about his journey and share how rooting ourselves in scripture can help affirm our identities in Christ and empower us to pursue all that he calls us to.
Tue, April 16, 2024
Episode 290 - Stories of the Movement: Can Sacrifice be a Road to Victory?
Imagine you're a young entrepreneur with a lot of promise. You've got grit. You've got vision. You've even read zero to one. And recently you acquired some substantial wealth. But there's still one problem. You and your partner have had some pretty strong disagreements and it's time to part ways. For the most part, you've done all the hard work. You've carried this partner on your back at different points. So when it comes time to split the assets, The choice seems obvious: you keep the better half; they keep the lesser. But instead you offer a surprising alternative. You let them make the choice. You lay down your preferences for the sake of someone else. If this sounds insane and impractical, just wait until you hear the rest of this episode. Hear how the biblical story of Abraham and Lot inspired Sam Rhee to step aside from the role of his dreams for the sake of a colleague and how God used that sacrifice to pave a path for victory. Find the whole video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6A2LFYdC3c Listen to an interview with Sam: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/episode-252-laying-down-a-promotion-for-the-sake-of-another-with-sam-rhee
Tue, April 09, 2024
Episode 289 - Kids' Sports and Other Hidden Idols with Patrick Lencioni, Henry Kaestner, and Justin Forman
In this edition of the “riff,” Patrick Lencioni joins Henry Kaestner for a short conversation about some of the hidden idols of entrepreneurship. Then, Joey, Justin, and Henry dive further in, examining how we easily turn good things into gods. Justin and Henry share how they have learned to fight against the temptation of “safe” idols by practicing disciplines of confession, community, and prayer. Want to join in on the riff? Send your thoughts to podcast@faithdrivenentrepreneur.org or comment on our LinkedIn. We’d love to hear from you.
Tue, March 26, 2024
Episode 288 - Entrepreneurs and Pastors: More Alike or Different? with Mark Batterson, Chip Ingram, and John Mark Comer
“For every church we plant, we need to start a business.” - Mark Batterson Can Faith Driven Entrepreneurs really partner with their churches? What would that partnership even look like? In last week’s episode, we talked about the need for partnerships between entrepreneurs and pastors. In this episode, we highlight the voices of three pastors– Mark Batterson , Chip Ingram , and John Mark Comer –who have seen the power of working alongside entrepreneurs for the good of their communities. We believe the church and entrepreneurs can do more together because they’re better together. Hear how these pastors are partnering with entrepreneurs. Last Week’s Episode: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/episode-287-whats-stopping-entrepreneurs-from-partnering-with-the-church-with-barna-groups-david-kinnaman Chip Ingram Full Episode: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/episode-167-what-it-takes-to-change-with-chip-ingram John Mark Comer Full Episode: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/episode-179-the-ruthless-elimination-of-hurry-with-john-mark-comer
Tue, March 19, 2024
Episode 287 - What’s Stopping Entrepreneurs From Partnering with the Church? with Barna Group's David Kinnaman
Entrepreneur: what is your relationship like with your church? (We really want to know!) Church leaders and entrepreneurs have the potential to be radical partners who influence and impact communities for the glory of God together. But often, we find a strange divide between these two groups that interferes with the good work they could be doing together. That’s why in this week’s podcast episode Justin Forman and Barna Group’s David Kinnaman will be talking about ways the church can become better partners. They’ll also talk about an exciting research project underway between these two organizations. This is part of a new segment we call the “riff” where we invite listeners into the ideas and conversations we’re having, so please leave your thoughts in the comments or send them to podcast@faithdrivenentrepreneur.org .
Tue, March 12, 2024
Episode 286 - Going Public. Staying Humble: Overcoming The Hidden Challenges of Great Success with AR/VR Innovator Renji Bijoy
Everyone has different end goals for what they’d call ultimate success, but most of us are chasing after something. For many entrepreneurs, “going public” stands as the ultimate sign that you’ve truly “made it.” And if that’s the case, then today’s guest, Renji Bijoy , is on the verge of making it. But that’s not what keeps him going. Renji is the CEO and Founder of Immersed, the company behind the world’s most used AR/VR app on the planet. In an industry full of potential dangers where Christians are quick to back away, Renji and his team have decided to lean in. In this conversation, Renji’s talks with Joey Honescko and Henry Kaestner about what it’s like to lead and innovate in a new, emerging industry. He and Henry will also share how their faith has kept them grounded in the highs and lows that come with worldly success. Listen to Renji’s first episode: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/episode-161-the-immersed-story-with-renji-bijoy Learn more about Immersed: https://immersed.com/
Tue, March 05, 2024
Episode 285 - Love and (Dis)respect at Home and at Work with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
Dr. Emerson Eggerichs and special guest host Mike Sharrow join the show to take a candid look at how entrepreneurs can overcome the challenges they face in their personal and professional relationships. Dr. Eggerichs is a renowned counselor and author, as well as the founder of Love and Respect, a ministry that grew from the success of his best-selling marriage book of the same name and has expanded to include teachings and resources on business, leadership, and communication in addition to marriage and family concerns. In this conversation, he breaks down practical insights for bringing love and respect to all relationships. We can motivate and influence others by meeting their deepest core needs with love and respect. It is important to apologize and seek forgiveness when we come across as unloving or disrespectful. Trust and obedience are key in applying these principles over time. In marriage, it is important to communicate in a way that resonates with your spouse's natural language. Find more about Dr. Eggerichs’ ministry at https://www.loveandrespect.com/ Get the book https://www.loveandrespect.com/product/love-respect-book
Tue, February 27, 2024
Episode 284 - Entrepreneur: Are You Caring for Your Team? with Stephen Phelan of Movement Mortgage
Do you ever feel like you're so fixated on what you're building next that you forget to look at the opportunities right in front of you? Right now people around the world are looking for meaning, purpose, and value. And many of them are searching for those things through their jobs. So that means you, as a founder, have a chance to provide these people with the very thing they long for most. In this episode, we talk to Stephen Phelan , the Chief Pastoral Officer of Movement Mortgage about the radical programs they have implemented to care for their employees. Stephen has helped businesses all around the U.S. care meet the needs of their employees, and the best part is that these programs aren't out of reach or super expensive. In fact, throughout the conversation, Stephen shows just how realistic these are for any company, no matter how big or small your team is. 5 Key Takeaways: Implementing programs like Love Works can have a significant impact on company culture and create a community where teammates feel loved and valued. The Love Works program helps teammates in crisis and demonstrates the love and care of the company. Mentoring processes can be implemented to further support and develop teammates. Funding for programs like Love Works can be achieved through the support of teammates. Overcoming barriers such as uncertainty and busyness is essential to implementing programs that care for and support teammates. You can contact Stephen directly at Stephen.Phelan@movement.com . You can also hear more about the work of Movement Mortgage in the first edition of a new podcast segment called “Stories of the Movement.” Listen to the episode here: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/episode-283-stories-of-the-movement-the-2008-turnaround If you enjoyed the show, please rate, follow, and share the episode.
Tue, February 20, 2024
Episode 283 - Stories of the Movement: The 2008 Turnaround
Why would an entrepreneur start a Mortgage company in the midst of the housing crisis? In this new segment called “Stories of the Movement,” we take a narratively compelling, high-production look at the work of Faith Driven Entrepreneurs living out their call to create. The goal is to unite the movement through stories because every Faith Driven Entrepreneur, no matter what industry or what community, focuses their attention on solving problems in the world. The details may differ, but the plot stays the same. We’re all part of God’s story. He’s using each of us to bring hope, redemption, and light to a dark world for the glory of God and the good of others. This episode highlights what God is doing through Casey Crawford and the team at Movement Mortgage. But you’ll be able to see yourself in their story, too. It might inspire, equip, and challenge you as you pursue your call to create. If you like this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share the show. For more on Casey Crawford and Movement Mortgage check out these links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnyrnjZm0Ww https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhgy5nLdmqI&t=2s
Tue, February 13, 2024
Episode 282 - Have You Made Money Your Valentine? with Andy Crouch, Randy Alcorn, and Tom Hsieh
The middle of February is often filled with commercialized images of love. Flowers, chocolates, those little chalky tasting heart candies with sweet messages. It all revolves around Valentine’s Day. And in between booking restaurant reservations or talking about how you reject the hallmark holiday, we might stop to ask ourselves, what do we really love? Most of us know the right answers here: family, friends, God. As entrepreneurs, we love our work and what it affords us. And, let’s face it, a lot of us love money. But can we dig a little deeper here? Money isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it can be a catalyst for great good in the world. As long as we learn to think about it rightly. And that’s what we’re going to do in today’s episode. We’ll hear from author Andy Crouch, theologian Randy Alcorn, and entrepreneur Tom Hsieh talk about how we can develop a biblically informed relationship with money that leads to generosity and joy. Full Episodes Listed God and Mammon with Andy Crouch Investing in Eternity with Randy Alcorn (with Guest Host Daryl Heald) Choosing Vulnerability When You Don’t Have To with Tom Hsieh
Tue, February 06, 2024
Episode 281 - How to Develop a Prayer Life (That Doesn't Stink) with Peter Greer
Can we just be honest with ourselves and admit that, for most of us, our prayer lives stink? We all know we’re supposed to pray. We’ve read where Paul tells us to pray without ceasing. Maybe we’ve even tried instilling new habits, only to have them fall apart shortly after we test them out. It might even feel defeating at this point–as if prayer is just another task we can’t work into our chaotic schedules and the regular ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Is it even possible for entrepreneurs to develop a healthy prayer life? And… is it even worth it? Today on the show, Peter Greer is going to help give us some clear guidance around these questions based on the findings of his new book Lead with Prayer that he co wrote with Cameron Doolittle and Ryan Skoog . Peter is a longtime friend of the movement who has been featured on the podcast, the conference, and video series in the past, but over the last three years, he has been researching the spiritual habits of world-changing leaders. And in this episode, he’s going to share some of his findings with us so that we can develop prayer rhythms that fit our lives.
Tue, January 30, 2024
Episode 280 - Thinking Beyond the Great Commission with Jordan Raynor
In this conversation, Jordan Raynor challenges the belief that the only way our work matters for eternity is if we use it to share the gospel, arguing that our work has intrinsic value to God. He’ll build upon half truths to make them whole by tracing the story back to what he calls “the first commission:” the command to be ambassadors for God on this earth, creating culture in ways that honor and glorify him now and for all eternity. Entrepreneur, this is your calling. To create and innovate for God’s kingdom under his power and for his glory. Jordan also explores the concept of the unabridged gospel, emphasizing that Jesus came to redeem all things, not just our souls. He’ll encourage Faith Driven Entrepreneurs to be intentional and sacrificial in their work, and to focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary achievements. Find the book here Hear Jordan’s first episode with us here
Tue, January 23, 2024
Episode 279 - Is the Church Winning? with Henry Kaestner and Justin Forman
As Christians, we can easily get wrapped up in this belief that the church is on the losing side of history. We feel the shifting winds of culture blow away from us. We hear story after story of major church leaders either leaving the faith or succumbing to some sort of moral failure. It makes sense to ask ourselves: where are our wins? Where does the Church have victory in times like this? In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast, Henry Kaestner and Justin Forman bring some clarity to those questions in a segment we call “the riff” where we bring listeners in on some of the internal conversations we’re having as a team. They’ll share about some of the incredible wins happening across the world and give examples of Faith Driven Entrepreneurs who are solving some of the world’s greatest problems by stewarding their businesses and resources for God’s glory and the good of others. Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts on LinkedIn or sending them to podcast@faithdrivenentrepreneur.org . If you like this episode, you can follow, rate, and share the show. We publish new episodes every Tuesday with entrepreneurs and innovators who use their resources and influences for God’s glory and the good of others. Find out more about our organization at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org .
Tue, January 16, 2024
Episode 278 - Managing Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Health for Entrepreneur with Maxwell Anderson, Steve Cuss, and Curt Thompson
Entrepreneurs are on the cusp of a mental health crisis. Anxiety. Depression. Loneliness. These are just as familiar as innovation, grit, and leadership. We feel the stress that comes from building something new. We carry the burden of our teams, knowing they and their families have trusted us and the vision we’ve been given. Entrepreneurship can be heavy, but there are ways we can lighten the load. That’s why today we’re going to highlight three expert voices that help us see how we can manage our mental health as entrepreneurs. We’ll start our journey with Maxwell Anderson , an entrepreneur and the publisher of the popular weekly newsletter “The Weekend Reader.” He’ll take us through some of the jarring statistics about entrepreneurs and mental health before we hear from pastor Steve Cuss and psychiatrist, Dr. Curt Thompson on the practical tools we need to care for ourselves so we can care for others and our businesses.
Tue, January 09, 2024
Episode 277 - Setting the Right Goals for the Right Reasons with Jon Acuff, Patrick Lencioni, and Terry Looper
The New Year brings new opportunities to examine our goals, to get focused both personally and professionally. So how do we do this well? How do we establish goals that actually get done? How do we make sure those goals align with our faith? And most importantly, how do we stop ourselves when we start putting our value in the things we achieve? In this special edition of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, we’ll highlight conversations Rusty, Henry, and William have had with expert leaders Jon Acuff , Patrick Lencioni , and Terry Looper about what it looks like to set and accomplish the right kinds of goals. They walk us through how to avoid the pitfalls that try to take away our focus, how to set our minds and hearts on the things that matter most, and how to ensure that we don’t allow our accomplishments to become our identities. More from these guests Jon Acuff: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/episode-159-the-surprising-solution-to-overthinking-with-jon-acuff Patrick Lencioni: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/2020/4/7/patrick-lencioni https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/episode-240-the-motive-with-patrick-lencioni https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/working-genius Terry Looper: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/episode-243-why-an-experienced-entrepreneur-and-ceo-chose-to-live-at-a-sacred-pace-with-terry-looper
Tue, December 12, 2023
Episode 276 - Working from Inside Out with Jeff Haanen
Entrepreneurs build things. We create. Innovate. We follow in God’s footsteps by forming new things. But, how often do we think about our own formation? How our habits and our work are shaping us into becoming certain kinds of people? This week on the show, Rusty talks with Jeff Haanen , the founder and former executive director of the Denver Institute of Faith and Work and the author of the recently released book: “Working From the Inside Out: A Brief Guide to Inner Work That Transforms Our Outer World.” As a veteran of the movement, Jeff understands the unique place entrepreneurs fit within it. While most Christians struggle to find meaning and purpose in their work, entrepreneurs face the opposite problem. We often put too much emphasis on what we do and root our whole identity in it. So what would it look like for us to be formed by something larger than our businesses? How can our identity in Christ empower us to better live out our call to create? We unpack these questions in more in this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast. Get the book: https://www.ivpress.com/working-from-the-inside-out Learn more about Faith Driven Entrepreneur: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/ Podcast episode #64: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/2019/7/9/god-of-the-second-shift-jeff-haanen
Tue, December 05, 2023
Episode 275 - Finding Redemption in Tattoo Shops? with Sara and Rodney Carrera
Entrepreneurs often navigate unique challenges while holding onto their faith values, but what about those who work in unconventional spaces, like tattoo studios? In this episode, Henry and William are joined by Sara and Rodney Carrera , the duo behind Anomaly Lifestyle Art and Tattoo in Plano, Texas. Sara handles most of the business while Rodney is They open up about the challenges and victories of their entrepreneurial journey, their hope for the tattoo industry, and the intersection of faith, art, and business. They also discuss the controversy around tattoos in Christian circles.
Tue, November 28, 2023
Episode 274 - How Entrepreneurs Can Recover a Christian Vision for Family with Jeremy Pryor
Entrepreneurs are often thinking about how to build the best team. But how often do we think about the teams under our own households? In this episode, we’re joined by Jeremy Pryor , an experienced entrepreneur who has recently co-founded the organization “Family Teams” We get into practical ways we can care for our spouses and our kids. We’ll also unpack what he calls the failed experiment of Western family and hear how he sees scripture calling us to a better way. https://familyteams.com/ faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcastsurvey
Tue, November 14, 2023
Episode 273 - From Phone Cases to Bullet Proof Vests with Josh Richardson
Who protects the people who are meant to protect us? First responders daily risk their lives for the sake of others and the people who put on those uniforms need others who will help keep them safe as they go about their jobs. That's why Josh Richardson started Angel Armor with his brother JC. The two discovered something that many of us just don't think about. Like any product in the modern world, Protective gear needs to adapt to what customers want. The industry needs innovation and fresh ideas so that these frontline workers can do their jobs safely. And that's what angel armor is all about. Using their innovative and entrepreneurial mindsets to create products that protect the protectors. As you'll hear in this episode, the two brothers grew up in an entrepreneurial home. Their parents started a different kind of protective equipment company: the brand Otterbox, which has become known to smartphone users around the world for their waterproof cases. Josh joins us today to talk about his rollercoaster journey from growing up in a home that barely made it by to seeing the growth and success of his parents' company. He'll talk about how his own success with OtterBox took him down a dark path away from his faith and how the relentless pursuit of Jesus called him back. And he'll share what all these experiences have taught him about running his business today. Helpful Links https://plusnothing.com/ https://angelarmor.com/ Podcast Survey
Tue, November 07, 2023
Episode 272 - The In-N-Out Burger Legacy with Lynsi Snyder
In-N-Out Burger is one of the few local burger restaurants that has transcended into a cultural icon. What started as one of the first drive-thru restaurants ever in 1948, has grown into one of the most recognizable brands in the country with nearly 40,000 employees in millions of happy customers. The restaurant was founded by Esther and Harry Snyder, a husband and wife team with a passion for excellent service and incredible quality. Now over 50 years later, their granddaughter Lynsi serves as the President of the company and carries on that legacy of loving employees, serving customers and boldly giving glory, and honor to God in the process. Lynsi joins the show to talk about the in and out legacy as told in her new book, The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger and to share how her faith has guided her leadership style through tragedy, challenges, and triumphs. Important Links: Innoutbook.com faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcastsurvey
Tue, October 31, 2023
Episode 271 - Cracking the Code with Rusty Rueff and Pastor Terry Brisbane
In this special episode of the podcast, we’re flipping the mic over to our co-host: Rusty Rueff as we interview him and his pastor, Terry Brisbane . The two have been close friends for years and offer unique insight into what it looks like for entrepreneurs to partner with their churches. They’ve also recently co-authored a book called “The Faith Code: A Future-Proof Framework for a Life of Meaning and Impact.” They join the show to discuss the framework they’ve developed and to help us see how pastors and entrepreneurs could work more closely together. Link to the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Code-Future-Proof-Framework-Meaning/dp/1640656553 Link to Life Apps Teachings: https://www.cornerstonesf.org/sunday-message-category/life-apps/ https://www.cornerstonesf.org/sunday-message-category/life-apps-v2/ https://subsplash.com/cornerstonetv/media/ms/+f09eb15
Tue, October 24, 2023
Episode 270 - Understanding the Times with Barna Group’s David Kinnaman
Entrepreneurs are deeply rooted in data and research. And one of the best Christian sources for what’s going on in the world is the Barna Group. On today’s podcast, we’re talking with Barna’s President David Kinnaman about what it means for us to understand the times.
Tue, October 17, 2023
Episode 269 - Navigating Complexity in Israel and Beyond with Bader Mansour and Mordechai Wiseman
What does it look like to lead in the midst of chaos, brokenness, and division? The recent events in Israel and Gaza have made the brokenness of the world even more acute and visible. There are a lot of thoughtful places where you might go to find perspective on politics, faith or even breaking news, but we wanted to bring something different to the table. We’ve brought on two Faith Driven Entrepreneurs, Mordechai Wiseman and Bader Mansour , to talk about what it’s like to lead businesses in the face of tragedy. Bader Mansour is the founder of NAZDAQ, a company that develops data solutions in Nazareth. He’ll get more into this but he comes from a unique perspective as a Palestinian and also an Israeli citizen, but most importantly a follower of Jesus of Nazareth. As an executive for a network of 17 churches and one of the founders of a local seminary, Bader is also a recognized national leader within the Arab-speaking Christian community. Mordechai Wiseman is also featured in the story and will be highlighted in another one that will be released soon. In addition to running an investment fund and consulting firm, Mordechai is the founder and chairman of Israel Firstfruits, an economic development agency for the local community of faith in Israel. He is also founder of the Messianic Business Fellowship, which is the only national network for marketplace believers in Israel, both Jews & Arabs. The two have worked together for many years, have a deep relationship that transcends ethnic roots, and are rooted in their love for Jesus. They graciously join the podcast for a conversation about how their faith has informed their perspectives on leadership, identity, and the current conflict. Find out more about the work they’re doing in this video that premiered at the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySOzMWsSc3U
Tue, October 10, 2023
Episode 268 - What 50+ Years as a Family Business Can Teach Us with Ryan Walker
How does childhood shape the entrepreneurial journey? For Ryan Walker , the two are deeply connected. The Third-generation President of Walker Mowers grew up around the family business. But more importantly, he grew up in a family that honored and glorified God in all they did. He joins the podcast to talk about how his upbringing shaped his view of entrepreneurship, fatherhood, and faithfulness.
Tue, October 03, 2023
Episode 267 - Exit or Bet the Farm? With Neil Ahlsten
Most entrepreneurs dream of a successful exit. For many of us, it’s the reward for a job well done. But is there a way that Faith Driven Entrepreneurs should think differently about exits than our secular counterparts? How do we exit well? Are there ever times where God calls us not to exit and to continue our work instead? In this episode, we wrestle through these questions and more with 1 Flourish Capital’s Neil Ahlsten .
Tue, September 26, 2023
Episode 266 - What Happens When the Church and Entrepreneurs Come Together? with Matt Parfitt
One of the core marks of Faith Driven Entrepreneurs is to be active in the local church. But many entrepreneurs struggle to know what that could look like. Unfortunately, the gap between businesses and churches have often felt insurmountable. But something powerful can happen when these worlds come together. Matt Parfitt has started and is scaling multiple businesses in the UK in partnership with his church community and has seen God move in incredible ways. He joins us today to talk about the value of this partnership and to share how other entrepreneurs could work alongside their churches for God’s glory and for the good of their communities. Relevant Links: https://www.graceenterprises.co.uk/ https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/church-stories To connect with Matt directly, learn more about Grace Enterprises and its social enterprises, or discover how you can be involved in the ongoing journey click here: https://linktr.ee/gradients
Tue, September 19, 2023
Episode 265 - Not Yours with David Platt
We had over 5,000 entrepreneurs gather in more than 300 cities around the world for Faith Driven Entrepreneur Live. It was an incredible event filled with talks and stories that helped us understand what it means to surrender our businesses over to God. One impactful talk came from David Platt , and it was just too good not to share with others. So sit back, take it in, and send it to another entrepreneur who might benefit from it. More from David, Nicky Gumbel, Mark Batterson, Chip Ingram, and other pastoral leaders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIffdozqC2s
Tue, September 05, 2023
Episode 264 - Being a Steward, Not an Owner with David Platt, Alan Barnhart, Dan and Angel Rutledge, and Pete Ochs
Faith Driven Entrepreneurs understand that their businesses are gifts from God. Even if they carry the title “Founder,” they accept that God is the ultimate owner. In this compilation episode, we feature segments from Daivd Platt , Pete Ochs , Alan Barnhart, and Angel and Dan Rutledge talking about what it means to act as stewards, not owners of our businesses. We’ll also be diving further into this theme at the 2023 Faith Driven Entrepreneur Live on September 13th at 8:30 AM, wherever you are. Find more and register here. Find the whole conversations with these guests at the links below: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/2019/11/19/jailhouse-business-pete-ochs https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/episode-183-radical-generosity-with-david-platt https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/episode-216-the-genius-behind-online-signups-with-angel-and-dan-rutledge https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcast-inventory/2019/4/8/episode-51-god-owns-it-all-alan-barnhart-ceo-of-barnhart-crane-and-rigging
Tue, August 29, 2023
Episode 263 - Practical Steps for Faith Driven Leadership with Tom Ferguson
Ever wonder where you should start when it comes to bringing your faith to work? Today’s podcast guest, Tom Ferguson wrestled with this question when he took over as CEO of a billion dollar public company. So he started small and worked his way up. Now, he offers a wide array of programs including chaplaincy, care teams, and bible studies. Hear him give a systematic outline that will help every entrepreneur, no matter the size of their company, get started.
Tue, August 22, 2023
Episode 262 - Living Out Our Call to Create with Lecrae, Michael Hyatt, Paula Faris, and More
If you've been listening to the show or following the ministry for any amount of time, you've probably heard us say that entrepreneurs have a God-given call to create. It's actually one of what we call the 12 marks of a Faith Driven Entrepreneur. And in this episode, we're diving deep into our catalog to unpack this mark with leaders like Lecrae, Michael Hyatt, Curt Thompson, Makoto Fujimura, Paula Faris, and Jordan Raynor. To learn more about the marks, check out our website at Faithdrivenentrepreneur.org and consider joining a group where you can work through these topics and build community with like-minded peers in your area or online.
Tue, August 15, 2023
Episode 261 - Optimism is Good for Business with Jon Gordon
Entrepreneurs are all too familiar with disappointment. We battle negativity on a daily basis. We face criticism and fight comparison. And yet, you probably desire to inspire your employees, your stakeholders, and clients with the vision you have for your endeavor. How can you stay positive and enthusiastic in the midst of loss and rejection? Today’s guest, Jon Gordon is known as the ‘king of positivity,’ and he’s joining us today to talk about the impact that positive leadership, positive teams can have on your business. Jon Gordon is a husband, father, and author. His best-selling books and talks have inspired millions of readers and audiences around the world. He is the author of The timeless classic The Energy Bus, The Carpenter, Training Camp, The Power of Positive Leadership, The Power of a Positive Team, and his latest The One Truth. When he’s not running through airports or speaking to businesses, hospitals or schools, you can find him playing pickleball and taking long walks which are when he gets most of his ideas. He joins us to share about the power of optimism in a way that will inspire you to take action and start applying these concepts. If you like this episode, be sure to leave a review, click the follow button, and share the show with others.
Tue, August 01, 2023
Episode 260 - CEO of Ancestry Talks Family Histories, Practical Leadership, and the Early Day of Silicon Valley with Deb Liu
How much do you know about where you come from? There’s lots of talk about legacies and family stories we leave behind, but what about those that we’ve inherited? Today on the show, we mix together a conversation about family histories, practical leadership skills, and the early days of Silicon Valley with Deb Liu . Deb is the CEO of Ancestry.com, and she’s spent the last two decades as an executive in major tech companies like Facebook, Paypal, and eBay. She’s also the founder of Women in Product, a non-profit dedicated to bringing more women leaders into technology. In this conversation, she shares how our contexts and our histories can shape us as leaders. Deb’s newsletter: https://debliu.substack.com/ If you like this episode, please review, share, and subscribe to the show for weekly content from leaders around the world.
Tue, July 25, 2023
Episode 259 - Practicing Innovation with Jeremy Utley
Innovation and ideas are at the core of entrepreneurship, right? A lot of it comes naturally to us, but what would happen if we treated these things like habits to be practiced? Today’s guest, Jeremy Utley , likes to say that innovation is a practice, not an event. Jeremy is the co-author of Ideaflow: The Only Business Metric that Matters, a General Partner at Freespin Capital, and an Adjunct Professor at Stanford’s d.school, where he teaches classes on innovation, leadership, and transformative learning. He also hosts the Paint and Pipette Podcast where he interviews the most innovative ventures shaping the world today. In this conversation, he breaks down the art and science of innovation so that we can become better practitioners and come up with creative solutions that redeem broken parts of the world.
Tue, July 18, 2023
Episode 258 - How Can Christians Think About AI Innovation? with James Cham
How can Christians thoughtfully approach the topic of artificial intelligence? How should we use it? What are the ethical considerations? Is it good or dangerous? These are relevant questions for Faith Driven Entrepreneurs as AI continues to be a topic for conversation in both the business world and the broader culture. That’s why we’re excited to feature James Cham on the podcast. James is an early-stage venture capitalist and a partner at Bloomberg Beta, a Silicon Valley-based firm that invests in the “new world of work.” Conversations about Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are a big part of his day-to-day life. In this episode, he talks about wrestling through the ever-changing landscape of technology with wisdom, discernment, and a redemptive vision of the world.
Tue, July 11, 2023
Episode 257 - Choosing Vulnerability When You Don’t Have To with Tom Hsieh
Entrepreneurs often find themselves in positions of relative power. We’re leading teams, shaping cultures, and influencing others. And as those positions grow, it can get harder and harder to remain vulnerable, to lead with a limp as we like to say here. At some point, we have to make conscious decisions to choose vulnerability. That’s the story behind our guest: Tom Hsieh . As the founder and president of multiple airlines, Tom could easily live a life of luxury and comfort. But he and his family have felt called to something different. He joins us to talk about his choice to live with intentional vulnerability, what it looks like to run an airline, and taking thoughtful risk. Helpful links referenced in the show: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/political-transformation-pomona-tom-hsieh/ (Dec 4, 2018) https://www.dailybulletin.com/2018/05/12/pomona-faces-fiscal-cliff-according-to-the-first-10-year-forecast-its-ever-done/ (May 12, 2018) https://www.dailybulletin.com/2023/03/22/pomona-could-see-8-5-million-surplus-by-end-of-june/ (May 22, 2023)
Tue, June 27, 2023
Episode 256 - Keeping Marriages Healthy as an Entrepreneur with Patrick Lencioni, John and Ashely Marsh, Les Parrot, and More
Most of us know, through stories, experiences, or statistics, that entrepreneurship can take a toll on marriages. When you look up the numbers, you'll find that nearly 50% of business owners experience divorce. The added stress and risk of innovation can weigh heavy on families, but it doesn't have to. In this episode, we're highlighting a handful of voices who have spoken about how we can keep our marriages healthy while still fulfilling our calls to create. Speakers include… Patrick Lencioni John and Ashely Marsh Les Parrot Ben and Liz Bohannon Ashot Iskandarian Click the links to listen to the full-length episodes of each guest. And don’t forget to follow, share, and review the show.
Tue, June 20, 2023
Episode 255 - From Doctor to Entrepreneur to Venture Capitalist: A Journey of Faith and Problem Solving
Sometimes our greatest trials can become fuel for our callings. That’s the case with today’s guest, Dr. Ola Brown . Dr. Brown’s resume looks like it could be split amongst multiple people. Prior to her current role as founder of the investment firm Healthcap , she had a career as a medical doctor. Then she founded Flying Doctors Nigeria, a tech-enabled urgent care services marketplace before co-founding her first fund: Greentree Investment Company. Her desire to innovate and change the healthcare landscape across Africa came from after a family tragedy altered the course of her life. In this episode she talks about how she has seen God redeem her broken situation throughout her expansive career. The conversation was originally published on the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Africa podcast, our sister show that highlights stories of local leaders in that region. We also publish the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Asia podcast. Find both shows wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to follow, review, and share them with others. https://www.africa.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcasts https://www.asia.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcasts
Tue, June 13, 2023
Episode 254 - Disruption, Innovation, and Servanthood with Fathom Realty’s Josh Harley
Entrepreneurs have the ability to identify opportunities for innovation. Today’s guest has been doing that his whole career in industries that were ripe for disruption. Josh Harley is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Fathom Realty, the tenth largest real estate firm in the U.S. with over ten-thousand agents. In this conversation, he talks about how entrepreneurs can train themselves to become more aware of the potential opportunities in front of them and how they can faithfully lead their people in a way that honors God and serves others. If you like this content, make sure to follow, review, and share the show with others. New episodes release every Wednesday with entrepreneurial leaders around the world.
Tue, June 06, 2023
Episode 253 - Excellence, Integrity, Faith and Culture-shaping Media with Bryan Engram
We talk a lot about how businesses shape cultures. Media does, too. Today’s conversation overlaps with both as we talk to Brazen Animation’s co-founder and CEO, Bryan Engram . Bryan chats with us about the power of narratives and the importance of excellence. He shares a bit about how he went from working for a large animation company to taking a leap of faith and starting out on his own. And he even tells us how he almost missed out on all of this for a chance to manage a Smoothie King. Link to the video mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyF--QzKni0
Tue, May 30, 2023
Episode 252 - Laying Down a Promotion for the Sake of Another with Sam Rhee
Imagine you’re waiting on a big promotion that you’ve worked for all your life, and then God tells you to recommend someone else. That’s what happened with Endowus founder and today’s guest Sam Rhee . Before his current venture, Sam worked in investment banking and was in line for a new, significant position when he felt the Lord calling him to something different. He didn’t know what it would be at the time, but now, he’s grateful that he had faith in God’s plan. Hear Sam’s story on this special episode originally recorded on the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Asia podcast and don’t forget to follow the show wherever you get your podcasts. Visit asia.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/podcasts for more.
Tue, May 23, 2023
Episode 251 - Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Tim Keller
On Friday May 19, 2023, we lost an incredibly influential brother in Christ and leader in the Faith Driven Movement when Dr. Tim Keller went to be with the Lord at the age of 72. Tim was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, author, and pastor who modeled what it looked like to love Jesus and others well in our contemporary setting. He was also a pioneer in the Faith Driven Entrepreneur movement who helped empower business leaders to influence the culture through the marketplace. In addition to his work at Redeemer Presbyterian, City to City Network, and Redeemer’s Center for Faith and Work, Tim has generously contributed to Faith Driven conferences, video material, podcasts, and books and has influenced so many in the movement. We wanted to honor Dr. Keller with a podcast that paid tribute to his faithfulness. In this episode, we hear how his life and work has affected our hosts as well as Chip Ingram, Lecrae, and JD Greear, and then close with a talk Tim gave about keeping our identity in Christ. What an appropriate send off for a man who was so clearly rooted in the love of his savior.
Tue, May 16, 2023
Episode 250 - How this Entrepreneur Helps His Employees Bring Faith to Work with Brock Bukowsky
Do you ever find yourself afraid of going through with a spiritual integration plan because you’re not sure how it will be perceived? It’s okay if you do. When you look at the state of the world today, there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical. On the surface, it seems that Christians are forced to be less vocal about their faith in the marketplace, and in many ways, that may be true. But today’s guest, Brock Bukowsky shows that it is possible to bring your faith to work and to help others to do the same. Brock is the co-founder of Veterans United Home Loans, which specializes in helping veterans and service members obtain a home loan by taking advantage of benefits they have earned. Today, the company has over 3,000 employees, yet Brock has still managed to find ways to care for the spiritual lives of each of them, regardless of their religious background. He joins the show today to talk about the practical ways organizational leaders can implement these structures in their own businesses and share some of his own powerful story. Like this episode? Follow the show for weekly content and don’t forget to leave us a review and share the episode with others.
Tue, May 09, 2023
Episode 249 - Hope is an Accelerator With Junita Flowers
Not many bakers at the local Farmers Market get a chance to do a TED Talk, but Junita Flowers has a knack for rising above the crowd. The founder of Junita’s Jar got her start after leaving an abusive relationship and looking for ways to restore joy and hope in her life and the life of her kids. She turned to baking: a childhood hobby that carried positive memories and helped her heal from her broken situation. Now, those cookies are being sold in major retailers across the country. She joins the show to talk about the challenges of the entrepreneurial journey and how hope has been an accelerator for her as she’s started and scaled her business. Be sure to follow the show for weekly episodes that feature Christian entrepreneurs doing incredible work. And, if you like the show, leave us a rating and share it with others.
Tue, May 02, 2023
Episode 248 - WIRED’s Founding Editor: Wisdom He Wish He Knew With Kevin Kelly
Artificial Intelligence? The shadow of a leader? Jerusalem conversion experiences? WIRED Magazine’s Kevin Kelly brings all that and more to this insightful conversation. Kevin is the founding editor for the publication and has authored a number of books including his most recent volume: Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I Wish I'd Known Earlier . In this episode, he unpacks some of that wisdom and joins Henry as they work through complex questions about the relationship between AI and the Imago Dei. If you like this episode, don’t forget to give it a rating and share it with others. You can also follow the podcast on your favorite platform for new episodes every week and learn more at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org .
Tue, April 25, 2023
Episode 247 - Leading a Techwise Life With Amy and Andy Crouch
One of the biggest challenges families face in the modern age is how to navigate emerging tech with their kids. Entrepreneurs struggle to turn off. We're always connected. Always keeping things moving. What example does that set for our family? Andy Crouch has written about this in his book The Tech-wise Family , and on today’s podcast we talk about what it was like to establish healthy family rhythms around technology. We’re also joined by Andy’s adult daughter, Amy , to hear her perspective about growing up in a home with this kind of discipline. Like her father, she has also written about this subject in her book: My Techwise Life. Check out the full conversation, and don’t forget to rate and follow the show on your favorite podcast app.
Tue, April 18, 2023
Episode 246 - Can Entrepreneurs Tackle Tech Addiction? With Chris Kaspar and Heath Wilson
How many times have you told your kids to put down their phones and pay attention to something? How many times could someone else have said the same thing to you? In this episode, we’re chatting with two tech founders – Chris Kaspar and Heath Wilson – about how they’re using entrepreneurial initiatives to redeem technology and help us better focus on the things that matter. Chris does this through his company, Techless, and their “Wisephone,” a beautifully-designed, highly-functional phone that gives you everything you need and nothing you don’t. Heath does it through “Aro” a platform that’s helping families put down their phones and be fully present. They join us today to talk about the particular challenges entrepreneurs face with technology and how they’re uniquely positioned to solve them. Let’s dive in.
Tue, April 11, 2023
Episode 245 - Mental Health Counselor Talks Healing from Sexual Brokenness With Jay Stringer
We’ve all read the stories of prominent Christian leaders succumbing to some sort of sexual brokenness. No one ever suspects the story will be about them. But do we take active steps to ensure it won’t be? With all the stress, anxiety, and external pressures entrepreneurs face, we’re often especially tempted to turn to outlets like pornography or infidelity. Most people don’t like to talk about this, but the reality is that so many leaders struggle with this issue. We just keep it secret because of shame or embarrassment. At best, we try to fight against our temptations and end up at the same place we started. Jay Stringer offers us a different path forward on today’s podcast. The psychotherapist and author helps guide people to healing by helping them deal directly with their unwanted desires. Jay has joined the show way back in episode 77 , and this will be a standalone extension and continuation of that earlier conversation. Still, we’d highly encourage you to go back and check out that discussion to get the whole picture. If you like this content, don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.
Tue, April 04, 2023
Episode 244 - Developing Holy Ambition With Chip Ingram
Do you ever feel a tension between your faith and your ambition? Entrepreneurs are naturally driven. We want to innovate, change, and improve. But as Christians, it can be tricky to balance those desires and gifts with our call to be faithful to God’s will. So how do we navigate that tension? Chip Ingram tackles this question on our latest podcast episode. There, he explains the concepts behind his book “Holy Ambition” and helps us understand how we can faithfully pursue our callings in a way that honors God.
Tue, March 28, 2023
Episode 243 - Why an Experienced Entrepreneur and CEO Chose to Live at a Sacred Pace with Terry Looper
Have you ever noticed how unhurried Jesus seems to be in the gospels? He always shows up for the people who need him, but he never seems to panic or rush to get there. Entrepreneurs can sometimes do the opposite. Even the words we use imply hurry: we sprint. We hustle. We flow. These aren’t inherently bad things, but they can have negative effects on us if they go unchecked. That’s what happened with today’s guest: Terry Looper . Terry is the Founder and CEO of Texon LP, an energy company with over $6 billion in revenue. He’s also the author of the book, A Sacred Pace which tells the story of how his unchecked ambition led to burnout and how he redirected his life by slowing down and aligning himself with God’s will. He joins the show to talk about his book A Sacred Pace, share how entrepreneurs can create better boundaries around their time, and give us a 4-step process we can use to hear from God. Make sure to follow the show for more great content from global leaders and give us a rating if you enjoyed the content.
Tue, March 21, 2023
Episode 242 - What the Female Jerry Maguire Can Teach Us About Drive, Potential, and Identity with Molly Fletcher
We’ve never had someone on the show be compared to a Tom Cruise character before until today. Molly Fletcher is a leadership coach and former sports agent who CNN once called “the female Jerry Maguire” for her work representing hall of famers and champions. These days she focuses on empowering leaders to unlock their full potential, and she joins us to talk about overcoming barriers, developing drive, and centering our identity on something bigger than our output. Don’t forget to rate and follow the show on your favorite podcast streaming service.
Tue, March 14, 2023
Episode 241 - Business That Sets People Free with Taylor Blom
Seeing captives set free and walking the last mile of restoration through sustainable employment. That is what motivates Taylor Blom , as the Co-Founder and CRO at Next Door Photos. As a rapidly growing real estate photography company, Next Door Photos partners with impact-driven entrepreneurs to create businesses that serve realtors locally, while redeeming global supply chains. Taylor shares about running a business that’s built to bring freedom to people’s lives.
Tue, March 07, 2023
Episode 240 - The Motive with Patrick Lencioni
What motivates you as an entrepreneur? When was the last time you even asked yourself that question? It’s easy to get caught up in all the building, growing, advancing, and disrupting that you forgot why you’re leading in the first place. This talk from Patrick Lencioni will help you reconnect with your why so you can avoid the pitfalls that stifle your organization. He originally presented the content at the 2022 Faith Driven Entrepreneur Conference, and we’re excited to share it with you here.
Tue, February 28, 2023
Episode 239 - How Entrepreneurship Has Transformed a Physician's Work with Mark Piehl
How does a pediatric physician become an entrepreneur? It’s not a common path, but it’s the journey God has given Dr. Mark Piehl . While he continues to work in hospital ICUs, Dr. Piehl also founded 410 Medical after losing a patient. Dr. Piehl was sparked by the tragedy and set out to use the skills and resources God had given him to serve patients by offering timely and effective care. Now, 410 Medical aims to save the lives of critically ill patients by developing innovative tools that assist healthcare providers by improving resuscitation. He joins the show to talk about his unique entrepreneurial journey and to share how God can use our experiences–both good and bad–to create something incredible that serves others. If you enjoy this episode, leave us a rating or share the episode with your friends, and be sure to follow the show for new episodes every week.
Tue, February 21, 2023
IP Expert Discusses: Who Owns Ideas? With JiNan Glasgow George
We’ve covered many topics since we started this podcast, but we haven’t ever had an episode dedicated to intellectual property. Until now. Today’s guest, JiNan Glasgow George , is an inventor, entrepreneur, patent attorney, and an author. She also happens to be a world-renowned expert on intellectual property with a history of advising startups and entrepreneurs on the subject. She joins Henry and Rusty for a lively discussion about who owns ideas, the ethics of patent trolling, and the role entrepreneurs play in transforming ideas to assets that multiply their businesses. ---- Like this episode? Give us a rating, share the show with your network, and follow along for more great content every week.
Tue, February 14, 2023
Episode 237 - Entrepreneurs Are An Anxious People with Steve Cuss
Steve Cuss is one of the leading voices on anxiety and leadership in the U.S. His platform Capable Life is growing, while his book “Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs” has become a go-to resource for managers of capital in volatile markets and any leader who struggles with anxiety. His professional journey began as a trauma and hospice chaplain, where he quickly learned that in order to help people in the worst moments of life, he had to know what was bubbling under the surface in himself: his fears, assumptions, exhaustion, and anger. If he didn’t, those things would infect his ability to connect with people when they needed it the most. The counterintuitive life lesson: to deeply connect to God and others, we must connect to ourselves first. Steve joins us today to discuss how entrepreneurs can go from being managed by anxiety to managing their anxiety in health and productive ways. Remember to rate and follow the show for more great content from leaders across the Faith Driven Entrepreneur movement.
Tue, February 07, 2023
Episode 236 - How to Create Good Work and Good Rest with Andy Crouch
We talk a lot about good work as entrepreneurs driven by our faith, but how does rest play into our roles? In this special episode, author and frequent contributor to the show, Andy Crouch , explains how we have a duty to not just create good work but to create good rest as well. For him, the two go together: “good rest is the fruitful contemplation of good work.” ---- Hear the whole talk originally recorded for the 2022 Faith Driven Entrepreneur Conference and don’t forget to follow the show for more great content every week.
Tue, January 31, 2023
Episode 235 - What Can Africa Teach the World? with Joram Mwinamo
You’ve heard the phrase “it takes a village to raise a family.” Well, Kenyan entrepreneur Joram Mwinamo thinks it applies to businesses as well. Joram founded and runs SNDBX International, a collaborative co-working space unlike any other. Entrepreneurs who join the community gain access to over 30 expert consultants in non-competing fields, from digital marketing to law. It’s truly a one stop shop for founders to build and scale their businesses. He joins the show to talk about his uniquely African approach to business and to show us what the rest of the world can learn from the continent.
Tue, January 24, 2023
Episode 234 - The Secret to Staffing with David Dunkel
There’s a lot of chatter out there about the challenges around recruiting and retaining employees. Dave Dunkel is an expert on these issues. The recently retired CEO has been leading an employment agency for over 40 years and has been on the front lines of major changes. In 1995, he played a pivotal role in taking the company–Kforce–public, a dream of his father’s who founded the organization decades earlier. Dave helped the team adapt to the staffing changes that came with the rise of the internet. He’s adapted to cultural and generational changes, and he’s stayed faithfully dedicated to excellence throughout. He joins us today to talk about how companies can attract and retain the right people, why community is so critical for Christian entrepreneurs, and what his favorite songs to play when he was in a cover band.
Tue, January 17, 2023
Episode 233 - Why We Need Women Who Rise with Jo Saxton and Paula Faris
Growing up, Jo Saxton assumed that most women worked outside the home. Her mother and grandmother modeled grit and hustle for her at an early age. She even says they had to “force” her grandma to retire at age 97. There was never any doubt that women could do great work in the marketplace in Jo’s family. Now, as a leader and entrepreneur herself, she is passionate about making that perspective a norm for people around the world by equipping and inspiring women leaders to rise up to their God-given calling. In this episode, she has an open discussion with Henry and a good friend of the show, Paula Faris, who has plenty of insight to share about the topic as well. Throughout the conversation, the three discuss the competitive advantages to female leaders, creative solutions to big problems, and how male founders can play a role in empowering female leaders to create lasting impact. Check out this riveting episode and don’t forget to follow along and rate the podcast on your favorite streaming platform.
Tue, January 10, 2023
Episode 232 - From Pro Athlete to Entrepreneur with Jeremy Lin and Patricia Sun
When you think of the accomplished basketball player, Jeremy Lin , you may not picture an entrepreneur right away. But after Linsanity took the world by storm, the young star had to think of himself as a brand as well as an athlete. Fast forward to today and Jeremy is still balancing the two worlds, especially as he grows his company, JLINN LLC. Over the years, Jeremy saw the transformative power businesses can play in communities. Mix that with the desire he had to steward the success he has had as an athlete, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for an entrepreneur. Originally aired on our Faith Driven Entrepreneur Asia show, Jeremy Lin and his business partner, Patricia Sun, talk about the Linsanity journey that made him a superstar, why he’s stepping into entrepreneurship, and how he and others can fight pride and stay rooted in Christ.
Tue, January 03, 2023
Episode 231 - The Heart Behind His Hustle with Justin Forsett
Alongside University of California-Berkeley teammates, former NFL running back and Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowler Justin Forsett created a sanitary wipe to help athletes on the go stay hygienic. Despite the challenges they faced as Black entrepreneurs, Justin and his co-founders encountered immense success, being featured on Shark Tank, Fox, CBS, and NBC, and landing partnerships with Target, Crunch Fitness, and Pharmaca. After rebranding to HustleClean, the founders devoted their company to doing more than selling products. They established a sports scholarship program to provide opportunities for underserved youth to play sports. Justin and his company also brought support and awareness to communities in need. He joins the show to share how his faith shapes his heart and pushes his hustle. Want more great content like this? Don’t forget to follow the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast on your favorite streaming service.
Tue, December 20, 2022
Episode 230 - Gearing Up Auto Shops with Ashot Iskandarian
Starting a business isn’t sexy. Sometimes, the road to success isn’t either. When Ashot quit his job to grow Shopmonkey , an auto repair shop management software, he had three months of runway-income for his family. He was signing up one customer at a time, creating designs for marketing, and doing live chat support while raising capital to ensure the business continued. In 2021, Shopmonkey raised 75 million in Series C funding, allowing the business to grow into 4,000 shops across US and Canada. In this episode, Ashot gets honest about the trappings of ambition, growth, and taking on risk as a Faith Driven Entrepreneur. At Faith Driven Entrepreneur, we want to connect and equip business visionaries like you to fulfill your call to create and transform the world around you. Learn more at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org
Tue, December 13, 2022
Episode 229 - Alpha Was Just the Beginning with Nicky Gumbel
Entrepreneurs are frontline ministers in the workplace. As a pastor and the former Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton , the largest Anglican church in Britain, Nicky Gumbel believes that it is his task to equip the saints for ministry in the places where they work and live. For the past 3 decades, Nicky Gumbel has pioneered the Alpha course, created as an introduction to the Christian faith primarily for non-churchgoers. The Alpha course has attracted hundreds of young people who otherwise had no interest in Christianity. It has been run in churches, prisons, government institutions, and workplaces around the world. Nicky joins us at Faith Driven Entrepreneur to talk about uniting the church through the goal of activating believers and making the gospel accessible to all.
Tue, December 06, 2022
Episode 228 - Investing that Makes the World Rejoice with Robin John
Robin John believes investing can help the world rejoice. In 2007, he founded Eventide Asset Management, a firm that helps people invest without compromise. In this podcast, Robin shares the tension he felt early in his career while sleeping on a brand new bed in India as the guesthouse cook slept on the cold hard kitchen floor. While American management could have had a redemptive impact on the guesthouse they outsourced to, they chose not to, and that didn’t sit right with Robin. At that moment, he felt a conviction that many Christian investors face at some point: that wealth can be more responsibly deployed and stewarded. The institutions we trust with our capital somtimes let us down, so he started Eventide as a way to offer an uncompromising Christian voice in the industry. Robin joins the show to talk about how to identify ETF and Mutual Funds that align with your values, and what mafia wives have to do with Faith Driven Investing. To learn more about Eventide visit their website at https://www.eventideinvestments.com/. At Faith Driven Entrepreneur, we want to connect and equip business visionaries like you to fulfill your call to create and transform the world around you. Learn more at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org.
Tue, November 29, 2022
Episode 227 - Cultivating a Faith Stronger Than Fear with Strive Masiyiwa
If you joined us for the Faith Driven Entrepreneur conference, you’re in for a treat. This is the full interview with Strive Masiyiwa , Founder and Executive Chairman of the Econet, and one of Africa’s most respected business leaders. In this episode, Strive speaks about Africa’s role within the global marketplace. He also shares how faith has empowered him to operate in the world without fear and how other entrepreneurs can go bravely into the spheres God called them. If you weren’t there for the live event, you can still access the conference recordings here . Check out more from Faith Driven Entrepreneur Africa at africa.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org .
Tue, November 15, 2022
Episode 226 - Funny for a Reason with Michael Jr.
Michael Jr. is a comedic thought leader. Using comedy and dynamic storytelling, he brings laughter and encouragement all over the world as he inspires audiences to discover and activate their purpose. This unique skill set has landed him on stages like “The Tonight Show” on NBC, Tedx Talks, and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” You can find him in Sony Pictures' feature film “War Room,” as well as starring roles in “Selfie Dad,” “Laughing On Purpose,” and “More Than Funny.” He is funny for a reason as he works to make laughter commonplace in uncommon places.
Tue, November 08, 2022
Episode 225 - I Married My Business Partner with John and Ashely Marsh
What is it like to sleep with the accountant? When your spouse is your business partner, it’s easy for business decisions to get personal, and personal decisions to seep into the business operations. John and Ashely Marsh know the tension first hand. The husband and wife team are the co-founders of the Marsh Collective , pioneering the redemption of Opelika historic downtown. Opelika’s story, an account of beauty from brokenness, mirrors their personal story. Through the sharing and walking out of their personal testimony of reconciliation, John and Ashely have given hope to hundreds of couples facing divorce and have inspired thousands of business leaders who aspire to live out their faith through their work. On this podcast, the couple shares helpful tools and stories for entrepreneurs who are partners in business and life.
Tue, November 01, 2022
Episode 224 - The Hobby Lobby Decision with David Green
David Green founded the well known American retail company, Hobby Lobby , in 1972. He has continued to run the company with his family for 50 years, earning billions in revenue. Even through the financial success they experienced, the values of the Green family put Hobby Lobby’s future on the line when they refused to comply with the Affordable Care Act’s mandate to provide employees abortion-inducing drugs as a part of their healthcare plan. Hobby Lobby faced fines upwards of $1.3 million a day for refusing to comply. But the faith and convictions of the Green kept them steadfast through the trial season. This episode was recorded after viewing the Hobby Lobby Decision documentary video by RightNow Media. In a conversation with Faith Driven Entrepreneur Executive Director, Justin Forman, and Director of Operations, Sue Alice, David shares about remaining committed to the mission of God in business decisions and passing those convictions to the next generation.
Tue, October 25, 2022
Episode 223 - Tim Tebow Shines a Spotlight on the Light of the World
Tim Tebow is a two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick, and a former professional baseball player. The four-time New York Times best-selling author, speaker, and football analyst shares about his most recent book, “Mission Possible.” In it he explores how the secret to a truly meaningful life is not more comfort or ease, but a clear mission and understanding of our God-given significance. We’re excited to have Tim discuss life, work, and making sure the spotlight is always shining on Jesus.
Tue, October 18, 2022
Episode 222 - What To Do With This Wild and Precious Life with Dave Evans
We talk with former Electronic Arts co-founder and VP Dave Evans . Dave is now the co-founder of Stanford University’s Life Design Lab. He is also the author of the New York Times #1 Bestseller “Designing Your Life,” about how design-thinking enables us to take up our role as co-creators with God. Design-thinking is now globally recognized as a powerful tool for innovation. And it’s especially helpful for solving “wicked problems,” the kind of problems that don’t readily lend themselves to easy answers with questions or spreadsheets. But how can Christ-centered innovators and entrepreneurs think about designing their lives and endeavors while following the will of God? In this episode, Dave tackles sovereignty and free will, the scandal of particularity, and how the word evangelism was first introduced in a business context.
Tue, October 11, 2022
Episode 221 - Jennie Allen Goes Beyond the Question of IF
Jennie Allen is the founder and visionary of the women’s organization IF:Gathering, the host of the top rated Made for This podcast (17 million downloads) as well as the New York Times bestselling author of Get Out of Your Head , which was the #1 bestselling religion title of 2020. Her latest book is Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World . She has appeared on shows such as Hallmark Home & Family, Fox News at Night with Shannon Bream, and been featured in various outlets such as Woman’s World, Brit+Co, Cosmopolitan.com, and Christianity Today. The estimated viewership for 2021’s IF:Gathering exceeded one million women in all 50 states and 144 countries., live streaming from Dallas, Texas, into thousands of churches, family rooms and dorm rooms. We’re excited to talk with Jennie on the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast. Together, we’re going to discuss in depth some of the powerful topics she writes about and how they relate to us as entrepreneurs.
Tue, October 04, 2022
Episode 220 - The Soul of an Entrepreneur with Curt Thompson
Inspired by deep compassion for others and informed from a Christian perspective, psychiatrist and author Curt Thompson shares fresh insights and practical applications for developing more authentic relationships and fully experiencing our deepest longing: to be known. With a considerable dose of warmth, and surprising measure of humor, Curt weaves together an understanding of interpersonal neurobiology and a Christian view of what it means to be human—to feel known, valued and connected. His unique insights about how the brain affects and processes relationships help people get unstuck and move toward the next beautiful thing they’re being called to make. Curt joins us to dive deeper into the soul of an entrepreneur.
Tue, September 20, 2022
Episode 219 - The Creator in You with Jordan Raynor
Jordan Raynor is a serial entrepreneur, best selling author, and community builder who speaks to the eternal impact of work. He has written several best selling books including, “Called to Create: A Biblical Invitation to Create, Innovate, and Risk,” “Redeeming Your Time,” and “Master of One.” Today, we talk to Jordan about his most recent book, “The Creator in You,” which is written specifically for kids. Jordan wants the next generation to understand that on the sixth day of creation, God gave us the calling to be his image bearers and to fill the earth by doing what he did first: create.
Tue, September 13, 2022
Episode 218 - Art + Faith: A Theology of Making with Makoto Fujimura
Makoto Fujimura is a leading contemporary painter, a well known writer, curator, and founder. At his core, he is a creator. Perhaps best known for his bicultural artwork, Makoto fuses abstract expressionism together with the traditional Japanese art of Nihonga and Kachoga (bird-and-flower painting tradition). His desire is to reframe how we talk about art, love, and beauty from a biblical perspective, and provide a hub that draws creative minds together from around the world. Makoto shares more about partnering with God and the coming of his New Creation.
Tue, September 06, 2022
Episode 217 - The Gift of Disillusionment with Peter Greer and Chris Horst
Peter Greer serves as the President and CEO of HOPE International. Chris Horst is the Chief Advancement Officer. Peter and Chris have co-authored the books Mission Drift and Rooting for Rivals. Just this year, they published their latest book, The Gift of Disillusionment: Enduring Hope for Leaders After Idealism Fades. Based on stories of Christians around the world, this book reframes disillusionment as an invitation to dependence on God in difficult circumstances.
Tue, August 30, 2022
Episode 216 - The Genius Behind Online Signups with Angel and Dan Rutledge
Armed with their faith and a deep conviction that coordinating events should be easier for everyone, Angel and Dan Rutledge created SignUpGenius in 2008. Since then, the tech company has won numerous awards, produced millions in annual revenue, and serves over a million users a year. Although the couple exited the company last year, they continue supporting faith driven entrepreneurs in their home city of Charlotte, NC. They join the podcast today to discuss their unique entrepreneurial journeys and encourage up-and-coming founders.
Tue, August 23, 2022
Episode 215 - Danielle Strickland Says Women and Men Are Better Together
Together with speaker and entrepreneur Liz Bohannan, this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast is one of a three-part series focusing on female founders and business owners who are pursuing entrepreneurship in different industries. Today, our conversation is with spiritual leader, author, and justice advocate Danielle Strickland . She has written several books and we’re going to spend much of our time talking about her newest title “Better Together: How Women and Men Can Heal the Divide and Work Together to Transform the Future.” Join us for an impassioned discussion about imagining a better world, embracing our differences as women and men, finding ways to end oppression, and learning how to work better together.
Tue, August 16, 2022
Episode 214 - Paula Faris is Working Hard for Working Moms
Paula Faris has spent well over two decades in broadcast television. Most recently, she spent nine years at ABC News where she co-anchored “Good Morning America Weekend,” co-hosted “The View” and launched the “Journeys Of Faith with Paula Faris”. The Emmy-Award winning journalist released her first book, “Called Out: Why I Traded Two Dream Jobs For A Life of True Calling.” When she’s not speaking or writing, Paula is running CARRY Media, a company she founded to amplify the story of the working mom. As part of a series of episodes focusing on women entrepreneurs, we’re joined by Liz Forkin Bohannon who serves as co-host today. Liz is a renowned business owner and a previous guest on the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast.
Tue, August 09, 2022
Episode 213 - Doing Good is Good for Business with Keren Pybus & Jeff Kahler
Keren Pybus is the Co-founder of Ethical Apparel Africa, an impact-driven company based in Ghana and Benin. Ethical Apparel Africa was founded based on the core belief that all manufacturing can and should be done ethically. And they work with international brands who are interested in growing a manufacturing base in Africa with a positive social and environmental impact. Keren joins us on the Faith Driven investor Podcast to discuss the importance of leading a company that is committed to more than just looking good.
Tue, August 02, 2022
Episode 212 - Ammunition to Fight Hunger with Carmin Black
With a $200 loan and a pocket full of old bullet casings, Carmin Black set out to wage war on hunger. Today, HALF UNITED is sold in more than 300 stores globally and has been able to provide more than 1 million meals to children in need and gainful employment to artisans all over the world.
Tue, July 26, 2022
Episode 211 - Soul of the Entrepreneur with Mindy Caliguire
Mindy Caliguire is the founder of Soul Care, a spiritual formation ministry that exists to increase “soul health” in the body of Christ. She contributes to Leadership and Conversations journals and she is an author. Her books include “STIR: Spiritual Transformation in Relationship” and “Soul Searching and Simplicity,” among many others. We talk to Mindy about why the wellbeing of our souls matters, the dangers of our journey as Faith Driven Entrepreneurs, and how we can practically care for the health of our souls.
Tue, July 12, 2022
Episode 210 - Fruit At Work with Chris Evans
Today’s episode is part of a two-part series that will spotlight ways pastors and the local church engage in the conversation of impacting the marketplace for God’s glory. Joining us as co-host is JD Greear , Pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, NC. We’re going to be talking with Chris Evans , an entrepreneur that JD pastors and author of “Fruit at Work”. Chris shares more about how we can successfully integrate Christian virtues with business. Co-hosting our conversation is pastor JD Greear, who is currently walking with Chris on his journey as a Faith Driven Entrepreneur.
Tue, June 28, 2022
Episode 209 - Practicing A Practical Faith with Kyle Kaigler
Pastor Kyle Kaigler grew up in Dallas, TX, and attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK. After working in the Employee Benefits business for five years, he made the switch to full-time ministry with Lake Highlands Young Life. In August 2015, Kyle, his wife and several other families started the Plano Campus where he served as Campus Pastor. Kyle has moved to CityBridge Church in Plano, TX, where he is continuing his pastoral ministry. We’re excited to talk with Pastor Kyle on the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast to discuss some practical ways we all can live out our faith on a daily basis.
Tue, June 21, 2022
Episode 208 - Death of a Lone Wolf with Mickey Peters
We often talk about the lonely road many entrepreneurs travel. But rarely do we discuss the pitfalls that come with the pressures to perform. It may sound like hyperbole, but for Mickey Peters , this combination of isolation and expectation ushered him to the doorstep of ruin. Mickey was leading a subsidiary of Duke Energy in Lima, Peru, with hundreds of employees looking to him for guidance. Mickey had no support network to lean upon, no friends to confide in. He soon found himself involved with a prostitute. Not long after, Mickey’s extramarital affair resulted in the birth of a child. Most marriages would have crumbled under the weight of this kind of devastation. Mickey admits that his would have, too, had it not been for the grace and forgiveness of God.
Tue, June 14, 2022
Episode 207 - The Demand for Better Supply Chains with Justin Dillon & Wesley Lyons
Justin Dillon has been working at the intersection of technology and human rights for over a decade. While advising the White House, United Nations, Fortune 500's and even The Vatican about slavery in supply chains, Justin saw a gaping hole in supply chain transparency tools and began to build what became FRDM. Investor Wesley Lyons is a general partner at Eagle Venture Funds and he recognized the need for accountability as well, which is why he has partnered with FRDM to redeem the supply chain. Justin and Wesley join us on the Faith Driven Investor Podcast to talk more about the demand for better supply chains.
Tue, June 07, 2022
Episode 206 - It Feels Good to be Known with Meagan Jones
President and COO Meagan McCoy Jones grew up at McCoy’s. She has worked as receptionist, advertising intern, and even shadowed in various departments throughout the company, becoming acquainted with many aspects of her family’s business along the way. Today, she is the fourth generation to lead this family business. Megan joins us on the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast to share with us the bigger story of McCoy’s and what drives her to build better relationships with her employees and customers.
Tue, May 31, 2022
Episode 205 - Motorcycles and the Marketplace with Tom Lernihan, Jared Fulks, & Collin Wenrich
On today’s podcast we have the joy and privilege to hear from an investor and entrepreneur team that met via the Faith Driven Marketplace. Investor Tom Lernihan was moved by the mission and simple solution of the company Pureflow founded and led by Jared Fulks and Collin Wenrich. After traveling around the world to Uganda, Collin had a revelation as his calling zipped past him on the road in the form of a motorcycle… also known as a boda. Anyone who has visited this part of the world knows that motorcycles are the one primary way to get around. In fact, being a “Boda Boda” driver is one of the fastest growing occupations in East Africa–home to more than 1 million motorcycle drivers. However, after further research, Collin discovered that less than 20% of all these drivers actually own their motorcycles. And so began Pureflow. After investing a few thousand dollars of his own money and striking up a deal with only 6 boda boda drivers, Collin went pedal to the metal. Since launching Pureflow and partnering with Tom, Pureflow has grown to more than 100 drivers and counting. Together Collin, Jared and Tom share why they do what they do and how they continue to grow without outscaling their culture, purpose and impact.
Tue, May 24, 2022
Episode 204 - Eradicating Homelessness is the Bottom Line with Amy King
Amy King is the founder and CEO of Pallet , a social purpose company working to end unsheltered homelessness and give people a second chance at employment. And while this endeavor alone would be enough for most people, Amy’s involvement doesn’t stop there. She’s also the owner of Square Peg Development, a general contractor, and a founding member of Weld, a nonprofit that provides previously incarcerated people with housing, employment, and other resources to help them reintegrate back into society. We’re talking to Amy about her desire to do more than just eradicate homelessness. She’s on a mission to demonstrate God’s abundant love through practical and tangible ways.
Tue, May 17, 2022
Episode 203 - Hunting for the Outcast with Helen Young Hayes
A 20-year veteran of the financial industry, Helen Young Hayes has survived a bear market that gutted her funds portfolio in the early 90’s and a horrific plane crash that nearly took her life in 1989. Serving as portfolio manager of the Janus Worldwide and Overseas funds, Helen built and invested a $50 billion franchise in global and international equities. In 2016, she changed course and founded Activate Workforce Solutions to help employers find and keep loyal and engaged employees. Helen is a respected voice and staunch advocate for the overlooked and undervalued workforce.
Tue, May 10, 2022
Episode 202 - Less Fear, More Falafel with Ross Carper
Sharing food is a powerful way to bring people together. Feast World Kitchen enables refugees and immigrants to serve their traditional recipes to local residents, who get to learn about—and enjoy—authentic, international cuisine without leaving town. This food business incubator is building bridges between cultures and knitting its local community together. Executive Director Ross Carper is partly responsible for making this idea a reality in Spokane, Washington. Listen to Ross’ story and how God has uniquely called him to welcome the foreigner among us.
Tue, May 03, 2022
Episode 201 - You Have a People Problem with Mary Miller
Janitorial services is a notoriously transitional job that experiences a 400% annual turnover on average. Yet in the midst of a challenging employment landscape, JANCOA has discovered what it takes to solve this people problem. For them, it all began with listening to their employees and then purchasing a 15-passenger van. CEO Mary Miller joins the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast to share her experiences and provide insights when it comes to retention and turnover. If you’re looking to solve a people problem, then this episode is for you.
Wed, April 27, 2022
Episode 200 - Host A Party. Watch What Happens Next.
The global Faith Driven Movement is well served by a virtual conference that is “attended” by a network of local Watch Parties. Director of Operations Sue Alice Sauthoff sits down with several Watch Party hosts who have gone on to spark a movement in their own neighborhoods as a result. Listen to this inspiring conversation. Who knows how God might inspire you to host or join a local Watch Party of your own?
Tue, April 12, 2022
Episode 199 - Power to the Prayer People with Kim Avery
When it comes to business, are you talking with God on a regular basis? Or do you feel like your days are too packed for prayer? Kim Avery , author of The Prayer Powered Entrepreneur, believes an open line of communication with God is the singular most important discipline every successful business owner should incorporate into their daily routine. Join us on the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast to hear more about the power of prayer.
Tue, April 05, 2022
Episode 198 - Winners & Learners with Torii Hunter
What many people may not know is that equal to his achievements on the field, Torii is just as proud of his growing portfolio of investments. And yet business is much like baseball—Torii has failed more than he has succeeded. His strikeouts have taught him there are no losers in life, just winners and learners.
Tue, March 29, 2022
Episode 197 - Building a Baby Crib Empire with Daniel Fong
Million Dollar Baby has been designing elegant and sophisticated nursery furniture for more than 25 years. Founder Daniel Fong shares about the early days of his enterprise. He talks about what it’s been like to watch his kids grow up in the business, get involved, and continue to be instrumental in leading the organization into the next phase of development.
Tue, March 22, 2022
Episode 196 - Having A Clear Eye View with Jaylon Smith
Star NFL Linebacker Jaylon Smith is a force on the football field. But there’s far more to him than just sporting prowess. Jaylon’s entrepreneurial spirit drove him to start the Minority Entrepreneurship Institute–which has awarded $1.2 million to 13 minority-owned companies since inception–and his own eyewear company – CEV Collection.
Tue, March 15, 2022
Episode 195 - Donald Miller Tells the Story Behind Growing a Business
Donald Miller 's books—such as “Blue Like Jazz,” “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years,” and “Scary Close”—have spent more than a year on the New York Times Bestsellers list. Don has since gone from writing bestselling books to tapping into the power of story for businesses and individuals. Every year he helps more than 3,000 business leaders clarify their brand message. Listen in as he challenges entrepreneurs to lean into their own story, creatively develop and execute the story of their team, and understand the story of their customers so they can serve them with passion.
Tue, March 08, 2022
Episode 194 - Andrew Denysov: Entrepreneur in A War Zone
These are truly unprecedented times as war rages in Eastern Europe. We had the unique privilege to be joined by a member of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur community in Ukraine. Andrew Denysov , founder and CEO of TechVision Global, joins us on the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast to share with us his story, how entrepreneurs play a key role in times of turmoil, and how we as the body of Christ can stand strong in the face of evil and uncertainty.
Tue, March 01, 2022
Episode 193 - Gary Grant: Toys Are Only Part of the Story
Struggling with dyslexia and watching his parents divorce, Gary Grant is no stranger to adversity. From a young age, he grew up with very little in worldly terms. And it drove him to work hard and make as much money as he could. That is until God stepped in and captivated his heart. Today, Gary is the CEO of The Entertainer, a massive toy company in the UK. He and his business are dedicated to living generously and impacting the lives of the community around them. To date, they have donated more than $10 million to charity, provided millions of meals to kids in need, and much more.
Tue, February 22, 2022
Episode 192 - Mark Whitacre: I’m Not the Hero
Mark Whitacre is the highest-ranking executive of any Fortune 500 company to become a whistleblower in US history. He is responsible for uncovering the ADM price-fixing scandal in the early 1990’s. His undercover work with the FBI was the inspiration for the major motion picture, “The Informant,” starring Matt Damon. Drawing from his unique history, Mark provides one-of-a-kind insight into corporate ethics, corporate greed, and the warning signs of a flawed corporate leadership. And he would be the first to tell you that his story is one of God’s redemption—not his own.
Tue, February 15, 2022
Episode 191 - Warwick Fairfax: Finding Your Way Back From Failure
Warwick Fairfax was the fifth-generation heir to Australia's most storied media empire, a business started by his great-great grandfather. In the mid-'80s, a couple of decades after the family took Fairfax Media public, Warwick -- fresh from Harvard Business School -- launched a takeover that failed three years later. In just three years he lost the business that had been in the family for 150 years and was worth $2.25 billion. Warwick’s story offers insights into how you can move beyond failure and setbacks to become the leader you were born to be. He joins us today to share how he found his way back from failure and how you too can find your way back by allowing your crucible moments to refine you and help you find your life's purpose.
Tue, February 08, 2022
Episode 190 - Brian Roland: Perks With a Purpose
Brian Roland , Founder of Abenity, wanted to create a company that changed the way corporations offer and manage the perks they offer their employees. More than just seeing an opportunity to innovate, Brian realized that his vision was less about profits and all about people. He wanted his company to have a purpose.
Tue, February 01, 2022
Episode 189 - Patrick Colletti: Once Lost. Now Refound.
At the helm of a broken company, with no operating capital or viable product offering, Patrick Colletti set out to rebuild an organization with loads of debt and no clear product or market presence. Patrick shares the story of this incredible turnaround and what it means to have a “refounder” mindset.
Tue, January 25, 2022
Episode 188 - No Prisoner To A Traditional Ministry Model
Bryan Kelley is the chief empowerment officer of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program, or PEP. But to think of this as just another prison ministry would be a grave injustice. PEP doesn’t want to simply change inmates, instead they want to transform the 150,000 men incarcerated in Texas from the inside out. Teaching practical entrepreneurial skills helps release fathers and husbands from generational bondage. Bryan joins us on the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast to share the story of how PEP is doing just that. And he illustrates just what they are doing to set men up for meaningful and lasting success after they are released from prison.
Tue, January 18, 2022
Episode 187 - Building a Bulletproof Business with David & Jason Benham
Being bold in today's culture is one thing. Being bold without revealing your own brokenness can sometimes make you a bully. Today we’re privileged to hear the story of the Benham brothers —former major league baseball players, TV show hosts, and now wildly successful Faith Driven Entrepreneurs. David and Jason have lived out their faith boldly even in the face of a cancel-culture that doesn't always embrace Christ. And they’ve tried to do so with equal amounts of grace and humility.
Tue, January 11, 2022
Episode 186 - God and Mammon with Andy Crouch
Andy Crouch , best-selling author and a partner of theology and culture at Praxis, is a leading voice in the Faith Driven movement. Andy spoke at a recent Faith Driven Investor Conference on a topic that many faith driven investors are wrestling with regularly: God and money, we cannot serve both. How do we balance out Jesus’ teaching and our calling as Faith Driven Investors? Listen to what Andy had to say for some insights and inspiration.
Tue, January 04, 2022
Episode 185 - Living At Your Best with Carey Nieuwhof
Carey Nieuwhof knows something about burnout. He was crushed by its devastating effects while over-working as a lawyer. What he discovered is “The people that ultimately pay the price for your overcommitment are the people you care about the most.” In his book At Your Best , Carey provides leaders with practical solutions to thrive both in their personal life and within their organizations. For the faith driven entrepreneur, success can be so much more than an all-or-nothing proposition. Tune in now for our encouraging conversation with Carey Nieuwhof.
Tue, December 21, 2021
Episode 184 - Kingdom Trust: God, Money, & Bitcoin with Matt Jennings
Bitcoin is no longer a bit-player investment. According to Matt Jennings , faith driven investors should be investing in digital assets like cryptocurrency. And just who is Matt Jennings? He is the head of Kingdom Trust which is currently custodian to $20 billion in assets from some 150,000 investors. Learn more from this pioneer in the financial industry and thought-leader in alternative and digital assets.
Tue, December 14, 2021
Episode 183 - Radical Generosity with David Platt
David Platt serves as Lead Pastor at McLean Bible Church in Washington, D.C. He is the founder of Radical and author of books like Radical… Something Needs To Change and Counter Culture. Today David joins us to talk about what it means to be radically generous and how the world might look if faith driven investors and entrepreneurs stepped into this great opportunity.
Tue, December 07, 2021
Episode 182 - Grace Over Grind with Shae Bynes
Since founding Kingdom Driven Entrepreneurs in 2012, Shae Bynes has reached over a half-million aspiring and current entrepreneurs around the globe through her devotionals, books, courses, and podcasts. She has written numerous books including Doing Business God’s Way and Grace Over Grind. She is a self proclaimed fire igniter and is a gifted storyteller. Shae Bynes, joins us today to share her story, discuss what is happening in the faith driven entrepreneur movement, and explain what it means to walk in grace vs. grinding it out 24/7.
Tue, November 23, 2021
Episode 181 - The Bible Translation Collaboration with Mart Green
In 1998, Mart Green took a transformational trip to Guatemala that changed the way he thought about return on investment. Since then, he has been involved in Bible translation and distribution efforts from the launch of the YouVersion Bible app to the establishment of a collaborative partnership among 10 of the world’s largest Bible translation organizations, called illumiNations. In today’s conversation, Mart shares where his passion for Bible translation started, the encouraging steps he’s seen in the effort to eliminate Bible poverty, and the power of what happens when competitors become collaborators.
Tue, November 16, 2021
Episode 180 - Building More Than Homes with David Weekley
In 1976, 23-year-old David Weekley started his own home building company. Now more than 40 years later, the company has sold more than 100,000 homes, expanded to 19 cities across the nation, and won countless awards. In addition, David and his family launched a charitable Foundation to impact the world through both Christ-centered and secular organizations. David joins us to share the story of starting one of the most successful home building companies in the country and how their foundation is changing the lives of thousands around the world.
Tue, November 09, 2021
Episode 179 - The Ruthless Elimination Of Hurry with John Mark Comer
John Mark Comer , author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry , a book that really should be a must-read for every Faith Driven Entrepreneur. As a reference, Scott Harrison, founder of charity:water and previous podcast guest has said “As someone all too familiar with ‘hurry sickness,’ I desperately needed this book.” Does hurry sickness sound familiar? Or maybe, you’re someone who knows that Sabbath is supposedly a great thing but can’t help but ask: who really has the time for that? Well, today, John Mark Comer is going to tell you why slowing down may be the only way to stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world.
Tue, November 02, 2021
Episode 178 - Investing In Eternity with Randy Alcorn
Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical truth and drawing attention to the needy and how to help them. Randy is also a New York Times bestselling author. He has written over 55 books including Courageous ... Heaven … and The Treasure Principle . His books have been translated into over 70 languages and have sold over 11 million copies. Prior to launching EPM, Randy co-pastored for fourteen years Good Shepherd Community Church in Oregon. He is a well recognized voice in the faith driven investing community and today is sharing more about the treasure principle and what it means to invest in eternity.
Tue, October 26, 2021
Episode 177 - They'll Fight Over It When You're Dead with Dave Munson
Dave’s journey started in Mexico where he found a little leather shop that could make a bag just the way he wanted. That bag turned into a dozen bags that Dave peddled from the back of his car which has now become the foundation for a multi-million dollar business. Today, Dave shares how his call to ministry combined with a call to business and why he truly believes that their bags are so good that if you own one, your children and your children’s children will fight over it when you’re dead...
Tue, October 19, 2021
Episode 176 - Out Of The Cave Of Depression with Chris Hodges
Chris Hodges is the founding and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands, and his latest book Out of the Cave shares how a difficult season of his life and a study of the life of Elijah can show us what it looks like to step into the light when depression darkens what you see. We hope this episode encourages you on your entrepreneurial journey, but if you or someone you know needs help, don’t hesitate to call a friend, a pastor, or any crisis hotline. Listen in and remember that you are not alone...
Tue, October 12, 2021
Episode 175 - Dude Perfect: The World's Most Trusted Source Of Entertainment with Coby Cotton
How homemade trick shot videos filmed in the backyard of a college house turned into a multimillion dollar business for five best friends. Join us as we ask Dude Perfect just how they turned a college hobby into a full time job. With over 56 million YouTube subscribers, Dude Perfect has grown from a college hobby into a household name. Today, we’re going to talk about the early days when they were just making videos for fun, the day they all quit their day jobs and went all in, and what the day-to-day looks like now.
Tue, October 05, 2021
Episode 174 - Giving Away 51% with Bertie Lourens
Today’s episode takes us all the way to South Africa, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. And the question we’re going to start by asking is this: How can a garbage-collection company in South Africa undo the legacy of Apartheid? Bertie Lourens , CEO of WastePlan is here to share how their company is working to divert the vast majority of customers’ waste-stream from landfills and converting it into valuable, recyclable resources. They do this by employing hundreds of local workers, caring for their families, and investing in local schools to educate the next generation of South African leaders. And, as Bertie shares today, stewarding God’s creation has now grown into giving God a majority ownership stake in the company. Listen in to find out how...
Mon, October 04, 2021
Episode 84 - Stewardship Means Investing Just As Much As Giving with Ron Blue
Convinced that Christians would better handle their personal finances if they were counseled objectively with the highest technical expertise and from a Biblical perspective, Ron Blue founded a financial planning firm in 1979. Today that firm manages over $2 billion in assets for more than 5,000 clients nationwide. Ron joins us to discuss why he thinks stewardship is just as much about investing as it is giving.
Tue, September 28, 2021
Episode 173 - Redeeming Brokenness Through Business with Michelle Buelow
What began in 2006 as a passion project to help vulnerable children has since grown into a booming mission-driven business. Michelle Buelow , Founder & CEO of Bella Tunno, is on a mission to create fun, safe, and innovative baby products and with the sale of every product, give one meal to one child. Over the past 16 years Bella Tunno has provided over 6.4 million meals to children in need. Michelle joins us to share her story, how God redeems broken situations, and the challenges of running a business and raising children.
Tue, September 21, 2021
Episode 172 - Can A.I. Make Better Investing Decisions Than You? with Tom Kehler
In 1969, Tom Kehler was hunched over a Model 33 Teletype connected to an IBM mainframe developing a program to learn a function from data. Today, he’s here to talk about the future of artificial intelligence. A lot has happened in the in between decades, both in society and in Tom’s life in Silicon Valley. As the CEO of CrowdSmart, a business using AI & Collective Intelligence software platform to improve the accuracy of predicting investment success while reducing ingrained bias, he’s seen it all. Tune in and hear where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going...
Tue, September 14, 2021
Episode 171 - The 6 Types of Working Genius with Pat Lencioni
Pat joins us to share the model behind his new assessment The 6 Types of Working Genius . Pat believes, to be successful and fulfilled in your work, you must tap into your gifts. But that can't happen if you don't know what those gifts are. Tune in and begin discovering your own gifts and how God can use them...
Mon, August 30, 2021
Episode 170 - Alone in the Corner Office with Rick Lytle
If there’s one topic that makes its way onto this podcast more than anything, it’s the importance of community. Starting your own business can be a lonely journey...but it doesn’t have to be. Today’s guest is an expert on what it looks like to be lonely at the top—and what it looks like to be surrounded by a support system. Dr. Richard S. Lytle currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of CEO Forum, Inc where he is helping business leaders find community. If you’re tired of going it alone, give this episode a listen. And afterwards, if you’re looking for a place to belong, find your Faith Driven community .
Tue, August 24, 2021
Episode 169 - Inside the ESOP Journey with Kris den Besten
Today, we’re talking about ESOPs, which stands for employee stock ownership plan. For businesses looking to transfer ownership of their business, many are looking to ESOPs as a way to keep the culture they’ve created within their company. We invited Kris DenBesten , President and CEO of Vermeer Southeast, to share his experience of turning his business into an ESOP. He gave us the full scoop on what he and his company walked through, the questions they asked when making the decision, and the reasons they made the move.
Tue, August 17, 2021
Episode 168 - The Boosterthon Bounceback with Chris Carneal
Chris Carneal is the founder and CEO of Booster Enterprises, better known by their brand Boosterthon, where they put on fitness fundraisers at schools all throughout the United States. Since founding the company 18 years ago, Chris has turned Booster into a behemoth. They've helped schools raise more than $350 million, and they've served more than 7 million students. But then COVID hit. And a team of 1,000 full-time employees dropped to 140. Chris takes us there and shares the feeling that every entrepreneur has experienced at some time or another—that the weight of the business is on your shoulders. Hear him share how his perspective has changed on who really holds the company and how he’s leading his business forward today… Booster Website: https://www.choosebooster.com/
Tue, August 10, 2021
Episode 167 - What it Takes to Change with Chip Ingram
In addition to being one of the co-authors of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur book, Chip Ingram is one of those people that we can't seem to have on this podcast enough. If you've followed along for a while, you've no doubt heard him before, but today, he's going to join us and share why he's excited about the Faith Driven Entrepreneur book AND what his latest book, titled Yes! You Really Can Change has to say for every entrepreneur out there.
Tue, August 03, 2021
Episode 166 - The Decisions That Define Successful Companies with Verne Harnish
Today’s guest is Verne Harnish . Verne is a world-leading expert, speaker, author, and entrepreneur in the field of business growth. He has spent more than 30 years educating entrepreneurial teams. As part of his personal mission to support entrepreneurs, he co-founded Growth Institute , a premier online training company that has helped mid-market companies in over 50 countries learn and implement the latest business methodologies. Today, he’s sharing with us some of his top tips for entrepreneurs, his personal stories, and the ups and downs that every entrepreneur is familiar with.
Tue, August 03, 2021
Episode 165 - Not for Sale with David Batstone
David Batstone’s entrepreneurial journey begins at his favorite restaurant in San Francisco. As he recalls, he loved the tandoori chicken, but he didn’t realize that he was eating in the center of a human trafficking ring that had brought over 500 teenagers from India into the United States for the purpose of forced labor. A journalist and venture capitalist, David couldn’t reconcile the fact that human slavery was happening in his own backyard. So, he decided to do something about it. The result is Not for Sale , a book where he breaks down how business can fix the $31 billion human trafficking epidemic. Today, he’s with us to share that journey of how God opened his eyes to the brokenness in the world and gave him a vision for how to fix it.
Tue, July 20, 2021
Episode 164 - The True Moringa Resilience Story with Kwami Williams
These are the 3 beliefs that drive Kwami’s passion. (1) poverty is an injustice, (2) we have a responsibility and a joy to solve this man-made problem, and (3) every problem presents an opportunity for business. If that doesn’t get you excited to hear about what Kwami has to share, then we don’t know what will. Listen in to hear how Kwami Williams is discovering entrepreneurial solutions that tackle the challenges faced by the poor and marginalized in our world today, especially on the African continent.
Tue, July 13, 2021
Episode 163 - From the NBA Finals to Entrepreneurs Everywhere with Monty Williams
Most people wouldn't compare being an NBA coach to being an entrepreneur. Yet, both are high-stress and lonely roads to travel. They involve building a team, moving to a common mission. Monty Williams , coach of the Phoenix Suns is in the NBA finals and might be on their way to an NBA title. Monty shares his story, the highs and lows of being a professional coach and reveals just how similar coaching is to being an entrepreneur.
Tue, June 29, 2021
Episode 161 - The Immersed Story with Renji Bijoy
If you hear the words Virtual Reality and immediately think of video games, then today’s guest is going to open your eyes to an entire world that is just around the corner. Renji Bijoy is the CEO and Founder of Immersed VR, where they are optimizing focus & productivity through virtual reality collaboration. In addition to being named as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 , Renji has some great insight into what the future of VR looks like and how Faith Driven Entrepreneurs can help shape it.
Tue, June 22, 2021
Episode 160 - Imagining Business as a Christian Vocation with Eric Stumberg
If you’ve long wondered what your “calling” in life might be, then you’re going to enjoy today’s guest. Eric Stumberg is an entrepreneur with expertise in services, wireless technology, and helping people find their call. At this stage of his Christian and professional journey, Eric is leaning more fully into equipping the saints for and in their Kingdom work in the marketplace— through the church, his company, and faithful relationships. Today, you’ll get to hear him talk all about that as well as why he believes that business is theology.
Tue, June 15, 2021
Episode 159 - The Surprising Solution to Overthinking with Jon Acuff
Jon Acuff is the New York Times Bestselling author of six books. For over 20 years he’s helped some of the biggest brands in the world tell their story, including The Home Depot, Bose, Staples, and the Dave Ramsey Team. Most recently he’s spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges, companies and churches. Featured regularly on national media, Jon has been seen on CNN, Fox News, Good Day LA and several other key outlets. Today, he’s going to join us to talk about his newest book, Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking . We think it’s something every entrepreneur should read, but we’ll let you listen to Jon to find out why...
Tue, June 08, 2021
Episode 158 - The Search for God and Guinness with Stephen Mansfield
For those of you who are new, we know that it’s tempting to think that this show is onto something novel, that we’re breaking new ground in the faith and work conversation. But if we’re being honest with ourselves, and with you, we’re really not. We’re standing on the shoulders of giants who have come before us. Today, we’re going to hear the origin story of a Faith Driven Entrepreneur from the mid 1700s. Stephen Mansfield , author of The Search for God and Guinness , is taking us to a time when the water in Ireland, and really all of Europe was famously undrinkable, and the gin and whiskey that took its place devastated civil society. It was a disease ridden, starvation-plagued, alcoholic age, and Christians like Arthur Guinness—as well as monks and even evangelical churches—brewed beer that provided a healthier alternative to the poisonous waters and liquors of the times. Let’s listen in to hear about the Christian faith that spurred the beginnings of what is now a global brand producing one of the most consumed beverages in the world...
Tue, June 01, 2021
Episode 157 - Looking Forward to Faith Driven Entrepreneur Live
If you’ve been following this podcast for a while, you likely know that last year we had our first ever Faith Driven Entrepreneur and Faith Driven Investor conferences that included guests like Andy Crouch, Jewel Burks Solomon, Chip Ingram, Lecrae, Phil Vischer, Jessica Kim, and many more. Thousands of you attended, making it one of the most encouraging days since the start of the FDE and FDI movements. Well, if you missed last year’s event, don’t worry. Because we’re doing it again. Today’s episode is all about what you can look forward to at this year’s event, and the unique twist that’s going to make 2021 even better…
Tue, May 25, 2021
Episode 156 - The Power of the Other with Henry Cloud
25 years of helping people. 117 companies consulted. 20 million books sold. 150 million people served. It’s hard to overstate the impact Dr. Henry Cloud has had on leaders all around the world. He has an extensive executive coaching background and experience as a leadership consultant, devoting the majority of his time working with CEOs, leadership teams, and executives to improve performance, leadership skills, and culture. We talked to him about all of this and why being a great leader is less about what you can do and more about who you’re with.
Tue, May 18, 2021
Episode 155 - The Day After I Sold My Business with Jewel Burks Solomon
For entrepreneurs, the day you sell your business is the goal you’ve been working toward for years. But what if this experience doesn’t live up to the hype? Jewel Burks Solomon , Founder of PartPic and Head of Startups at Google, talks about the day after her business was acquired by Amazon, what the process was like, and how reaching this perceived finish line isn't always what an entrepreneur might think.
Tue, May 11, 2021
Episode 154 - The Auntie Anne’s Story with Anne Beiler
We can confidently say that this is the first podcast where a Mennonite chicken farmer capable of writing million dollar checks has played a key supporting role. Sure, you know of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels—you’ve seen them in malls and probably tasted their incredible treats. But the story behind the business is one you’ll just have to hear to believe. So many entrepreneurs build out of a place of grief or loss and Anne Beiler is just one example of someone who took the trials in her life and turned them into something wonderful . After the untimely death of a child and the uncovering of a long-term affair, God took Anne through a healing process that started with the building of a new business. Since then, she’s created a product that is served in 1,800 worldwide locations, all with one simple goal—being Pretzel Perfect.
Tue, May 04, 2021
Episode 153 - Hearing the Voice of God with Bill Job
You no doubt have heard the saying that the primary purpose of business is to increase the value for its shareholders. Well, today’s guest might not agree with that. Instead, Bill Job would tell you that that idea is a little shortsighted. Instead, he believes that the purpose of business is to create eternal value. But what does that mean, and how does that work in practice? And how do you hear from God to know that the work you’re doing is having an eternal impact? We’ll let Bill walk you through the work he’s doing in China and explain for himself...
Tue, April 27, 2021
Episode 152 - The Donut King with Ted Ngoy
In the late 90’s, Dunkin’ Donuts found it so hard to break into the Los Angeles donut market that they gave up. Why? Because of The Donut King . Ted Ngoy has opened over 70 donut shops in an effort to give Cambodian refugees a chance to earn a living and make it in America. At one point, his donut empire netted him over $20 million and a presidential award for achieving the American Dream from George H.W. Bush. Then, he lost everything. Listen in as “Uncle Ted” takes us through every up and down of his unbelievable story.
Tue, April 20, 2021
Episode 151 - You’re Not Just an Entrepreneur with Tony Evans
The story of today’s guest starts in a recording studio. When Dr. Tony Evans was a student at Dallas Theological Seminary, he was asked to preach on a radio show based out of Houston. After giving countless sermons to an audience he could never see, Tony gathered 10 people in his living room, which was the start Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Fast forward and Oak Cliff Bible has roughly 10,000 members, Tony has written dozens of books, and countless people have encountered the gospel of Jesus Christ through their work. We couldn’t have been more excited to sit down with Dr. Tony Evans, and we think you’ll be blessed by what he shared today...
Tue, April 13, 2021
Episode 150 - Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets with Andy Stanley
Everyone has a few regrets. Some regrets are inconsequential, others life-altering. Most could have been avoided. Andy Stanley , founder of North Point Ministries, a popular communicator, pastor, podcaster, and television host, has his share of regrets, but he’s found a way to keep the list short. His secret lies in five simple questions, which is what you’ll hear him talk about today. Useful Links: Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets When Work and Family Collide
Tue, April 06, 2021
Episode 149 - Building the Best Boats with Joan Maxwell
We’re so excited to introduce you to today’s guest. Joan Maxwell founded Regulator Marine with her husband, Owen, in 1988. Owen oversees design of their sportfishing boats; everything and everyone else reports to Joan. As the first female chairperson of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, Joan shared with us what it feels like to be in uncharted waters. She was the first person in her family to finish college, and she’s often the only woman in the room when it comes to her professional life. But, as you’ll hear Joan share today, these things have only pushed her forward...
Tue, March 30, 2021
Episode 148 - From Cave Tours to Roller Coasters with Chris Herschend
Dollywood. Silver Dollar City. The Harlem Globetrotters. You’ve heard of all of those, but you might not know about the business behind them. That’s what today’s episode is about. Chris Herschend is a third-generation shareholder and Chairman of Missouri-based Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed attractions company in the US. Herschend properties span 26 locations and 10 states, employing over 10,000 people who collectively host over 13 million guests annually. Today, Chris is going to talk to us about what it’s like serving his family, their board, and the family business, creative ways he has found to follow God both inside and outside the business, and the unique challenges and opportunities keeping a business “family held forever.”
Tue, March 23, 2021
Episode 147 - Faith in the Family Business with Frank Kelly III
Frank Kelly serves as CEO of Kelly & Associates Insurance Group, Kelly & Associates Financial Services (KELLY Payroll/KELLY Work Comp), KELLY Exchange Services, and KELLY Integral Solutions – collectively known as KELLY. As a group insurance administrator, broker, and consultant specializing in health care, KELLY has been recognized as the largest employee benefits administrator in Maryland and one of the largest in the Mid-Atlantic region. Since Frank was named President in 1994, KELLY has grown from a corporate client base of 1,000 to more than 10,000. Annualized premiums and payroll administered and under management have risen from $20 million to over $4 billion. He runs the business alongside his brothers and on today’s episodes, he shared the unique challenges of running a family business, as well as the unique opportunities.
Tue, March 16, 2021
Episode 146 - Fake News You Can Trust with Seth Dillon
If you’re a part of the Christian conservative community, you’ve probably heard of The Babylon Bee. It is, and we quote, “the world’s best satire site, totally inerrant in all its truth claims.” With headlines like “Man Who Doesn't Read The Bible Also Chief Authority On What Jesus Would Do Today,” it seems like a fun way for Christians to laugh at themselves. But as today’s guest and Babylon Bee CEO, Seth Dillon , explains, being a satirical site doesn’t come without a fair share of controversy. Hear Seth tell the origin story of The Babylon Bee, how we can use satire as a form of apologetics, and all about that one time Donald Trump retweeted one of their articles...
Tue, March 09, 2021
Episode 145 - Don’t Abandon the Playing Field with Jon Erwin
October Baby. Mom’s Night Out. Woodlawn. I Can Only Imagine. What do these movies have in common? They’re all creations from the Erwin brothers. Jon and Andrew have had a passion for creating and making movies since they were young, and today, Jon joined to share where that energy comes from. You’ll enjoy hearing the entrepreneurial energy behind making a movie and the business of filming, distributing, marketing, and every other aspect that makes a hit movie a hit. Lastly, Jon challenged the stereotype of an “evil Hollywood agenda” and charged other Christian entrepreneurs to consider the ways they’ve avoided engaging with the secular world. Listen in to hear for yourself.
Tue, March 02, 2021
Episode 144 - The Entrepreneurial Enneagram with Ian Morgan Cron
It’s strange how one number has become such a popular tool for defining our characteristics and even our identity. Today, we’re talking to someone who knows more about the enneagram than all three of your podcast hosts combined. Ian Morgan Cron is the author of The Road Back to You and a master teacher of the Enneagram, an ancient personality typing system that identifies nine types of people and how they relate to one another and the world. The Enneagram is a powerful tool for understanding why we behave the way we do, and how our personalities are powerfully influenced by our motivations. It provides a framework for how we can begin to live into our most authentic selves, and also reveals the wisdom each personality type can offer to others. Listen in to learn how these numbers apply to your entrepreneurial journey?
Tue, February 23, 2021
Episode 143 - Why Community Matters with Sue Alice Sauthoff
Community . It’s one of the core tenets of the Faith Driven movement. If you’ve been listening for a while, we hope you’ve heard stories from around the world that have opened up your eyes to see that FDEs are everywhere, and they’re faithfully pursuing God’s will right where they are. Today, we’re talking with Sue Alice Sauthoff who has recently joined the FDE/FDI team as our Community Manager . She’s going to share all the new initiatives intended to foster community among FDEs all around the world. We’re so excited she’s on the team, and we think after listening to this podcast, you will be too...
Tue, February 16, 2021
Episode 142 - The Secret Recipe of Servant Leadership with Cheryl Bachelder
When Cheryl Bachelder took the helm at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, sales and profits were declining and shareholders and franchisees were unhappy. But during the nearly 10 years of Cheryl’s leadership, Popeyes stock moved from $11 in 2007 to a remarkable $79 at the time of its 2017 sale to Restaurant Brands International. So what's the secret ingredient to Popeyes turnaround? Cheryl joined us today to share how her unique strategy of servant leadership proved to be a recipe for success.
Tue, February 09, 2021
Finding Our Entrepreneurial Identity with Phil Vischer
Phil Vischer, author, filmmaker, and creator of VeggieTales, shares how the rise and fall of his first “Big Idea” led him to a new understanding of identity and what it means to be rooted in a relationship with Christ. He challenges Faith Driven Entrepreneurs to consider that God’s call on their lives is much more about walking with Him than it is doing things for Him. Listen in to hear him explain why it’s more important to know your identity is secure in who God is, rather than what you do or your success rate in it.
Tue, February 02, 2021
Episode 140 - The Why Behind Woodwalkers with David Powell and PJ Nardy
If you’re a fan of Mike Rowe’s television show Dirty Jobs, then I think you’re going to like today’s episode. While working on telephone poles isn’t exactly a dirty job, it is a high-risk, challenging, and technical one and today’s guests are going to tell us all about it. David Powell and PJ Nardy own and operate the Southeastern Lineman Training Center where they lead the premier training school for apprentice lineworker training. Their job is so interesting and unique that it has its own show on Amazon Prime called Woodwalkers , but before you set down this episode and tune into their show, you’ll want to hear their story for yourself...
Tue, January 26, 2021
Episode 139 - What is Marketplace? with Vip Vipperman
One thing that makes this show so special is the feedback we receive from listeners just like you. Today’s episode is the fruit of your feedback. Many of you have talked about how helpful it would be to connect the Faith Driven Investor world with the Faith Driven Entrepreneur world. Well, we heard you. And out of that has arrived something we are beyond excited to share with you. It’s called Marketplace , and it’s a space for like-minded investors to find faith-driven deals and funds that help them put real capital to work in a way that makes a real impact. On today’s episode, Henry will share the origin story behind it and you’ll get to meet Vip Vipperman , who is helping make it all happen.
Tue, January 19, 2021
Episode 138 - Fundraising 101 with Jake Thomsen
We're so grateful for the feedback that we've received from so many of you, the encouragement you've shared, and the questions you've asked. And today, we're going to attempt to answer one of those questions. Fundraising is such a critical part of the entrepreneurial journey. It can be scary and uncertain and overwhelming at times, but it's, quite literally, a part of the job. So, we're going to talk to Jake Thomsen who is a Partner at Sovereign's Capital leading the venture practice, which means he is interacting with entrepreneurs all the time, so he knows what works, what doesn't, and he's going to share with us a bit of both...
Tue, January 12, 2021
Episode 137 - Redeeming the Entrepreneur-Investor Relationship with Jessica Kim
No one likes to be a part of a dysfunctional relationship. Yet, entrepreneurs and investors can often be on completely different pages with completely different goals and expectations. Today’s conversation between Henry Kaestner and Jessica Kim gives both sides of the story. Jessica shares how setting unrealistic expectations hurts the entrepreneur’s ability to follow through and the investor’s ability to determine success. And Henry talks about the fundraising side of his entrepreneurial journey and what he now sees from an investor perspective. Both sides are worth listening. Both sides have a lot to learn. Both sides can do a lot better. So, regardless of whether you’re an entrepreneur or an investor, today’s episode is for you.
Tue, January 05, 2021
Episode 136 - Around the Table: 2020 Year in Review
We’re just as happy as you are that 2020 has finally come to an end. There’s been turmoil, turnover, and uncertainty around every corner. Yet, here at FDE, one thing has remained constant—this podcast. Week in and week out, we’ve recorded these conversations as we always do, and we couldn’t be more grateful for all the guests that joined us as well as the grounding consistency that this routine has provided. For those who have listened along all year, this will be a time to reflect on what we’ve heard. And for those who are just joining us, this will be a great place to find the episodes you need to listen to next. As always, thanks for joining us on the journey.
Tue, December 15, 2020
Episode 135 - Forgiveness at a Funeral with Monty Williams
No one ever prepares to speak at their spouse’s funeral. But after a tragic car accident, Coach Monty Williams found himself burying his wife long before they had a chance to grow old together. But what happened in that moment was something powerful and unforgettable— he offered forgiveness to the driver who had killed his wife. Monty took us through this story, every painful detail, but he also talked about the hope he has found on the other side of tragedy and what he loves about coaching in the NBA.
Tue, December 08, 2020
Episode 134 - How Entrepreneurs Can Design a Different Future with Dave Blanchard
Dave Blanchard , co-founder of Praxis , inspires faith-driven entrepreneurs and investors to pursue redemptive entrepreneurship--“following the pattern of creative restoration through sacrifice”--as they venture into the business world. In today's episode, he presents a gospel-centered plan encompassing redemptive strategic vision, a biblical operating model, and the value of intentional, sacrificial leadership.
Tue, December 01, 2020
Episode 133 - The Founder and CEO Relationship with Brittany and Sheeba
When Brittany Underwood founded Akola Jewelry, she had no idea what the future of the jewelry handcrafted by women in Uganda would look like. Now, you can find Akola jewelry in Nordstrom's all across America. Today, you're going to hear her whole entrepreneurial story, but you're also going to hear from Sheeba Philip , the current CEO of Akola. Together, Brittany and Sheeba talked about the relationship between founders and CEOs, some avoidable pitfalls, and how their collaboration best serves the overall mission of the business.
Tue, November 17, 2020
Episode 132 - The Authority and Vulnerability Paradox with Andy Crouch
Andy Crouch , partner for theology and culture at Praxis, joined us to talk about the drama of leadership and how to navigate the tensions of authority and vulnerability as a faith driven entrepreneur. Andy presents a 2x2 matrix and explains the surprising reality that “authority and vulnerability go together at the moments of greatest flourishing in our lives.” Listen in to hear his call to reconsider the role authority, vulnerability, control, and safety play in our lives.
Tue, November 10, 2020
Episode 131 - From a Place of Helping People to a $14B Valuation with Anthony Tan
If you're in America, you may think of the company Grab as the Uber of Southeast Asia. Of course, if you live in Southeast Asia, Uber is the Grab of America. Whatever way you look at it, with 198 Million Downloads of the App, 9 Million Drivers in 352 Cities in 8 Countries, and a $14B valuation, Anthony Tan and Grab are making huge waves in the ridesharing industry. Today, Anthony shared his entrepreneurial journey which started with a simple question: how can I best take care of other people?
Tue, November 03, 2020
Episode 130 - Love Works with Joel Manby
Today's guest has over 25 years of CEO experience at major corporations, and he's got some wisdom to show for it. Joel Manby's most recent job was as the President and CEO of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. Before that, he served as the CEO of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned theme park and entertainment company in the United States with popular brands such as the Harlem Globetrotters and Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park and dinner theaters. All that experience led him to write Love Works where he explains how to integrate love into the leadership ethos and philosophy of any organization. Let's hear him explain how...
Tue, October 27, 2020
Episode 129 - Building Up Black Businesses with Jewel Burks Solomon
Jewel Burks Solomon is the Founder of PartPic, which raised over $2million before being acquired by Amazon. And that was just the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey. Now, she’s a managing partner at Collab Capital—a group working to provide a viable pathway to sustained wealth for the black community. She’s an incredible story, a fascinating entrepreneur and investor, and someone we can’t wait for you to hear from...
Tue, October 20, 2020
Episode 128 - Corner to Corner with Will Acuff
Today’s guest comes to us from Nashville, Tennessee. Will Acuff noticed he was surrounded by talent all over his community, but these people were lacking a clear path to opportunity. So, he and his wife Tiffany co-founded Corner to Corner , where they created The Academy, which works to give underestimated entrepreneurs a clear path to start their business journey. Will joined us today to share his personal entrepreneurial journey, as well as the success stories he gets to see and be a part of every day.
Tue, October 13, 2020
Episode 127 - The Reach Records Origin Story with Lecrae and Ben Washer
Lecrae is the staple of the Christian rap scene. When people are looking to define the genre, they look to him. And with good reason—he has won 3 grammy awards. But before he was the face of Christian rap, he and Ben Washer , now Co-Founder and CEO of Reach Records, were recording songs for summer camps and pursuing their creative dreams in the best, scrappy way they knew how. We talked to both of them about the story behind Reach Records, why Lecrae moved to a traditional label and then back to his own, and how God is using their talents to share His message.
Tue, October 06, 2020
Episode 126 - Redefining Fine Dining in a Pandemic with Mark Canlis
Food & Wine Magazine once called Canlis “one of the 40 most important restaurants in the past 40 years.” They’ve humbly received 22 consecutive Wine Spectator Grand Awards and have been nominated for 15 James Beard Awards and we've won three of them. But today’s podcast guest, Mark Canlis , won’t tell you that. Instead, he’ll talk to you about the lives he gets to interact with every day, both in the kitchen and on the floor. And he’ll also happily tell you about the work they’re doing to provide food to Seattle in light of the pandemic shutdown. Mark is a great storyteller, his work is inspiring, and he was a delight to talk to. We think you’ll agree. Canlis The Canlis Story We Don’t Need Fine Dining Right Now
Tue, September 29, 2020
Episode 125 - Leading in a New Moral Code with Gabe Lyons
Truth is still truth in the marketplace of ideas. But society has constructed a new moral code that makes it difficult to navigate. So, how do we navigate winsomely in a world when 42% of people think that people of faith are not the help, or the answer, but rather the problem? Gabe Lyons , founder of Q Media has spent a decade wading into the data and bringing out the conversations that we need to have as Christ Followers and to make sure we understand the waters we’re wading into each day when we go into the marketplace. Listen in to hear the entrepreneurial journey of Q Media, the questions Gabe is asking, and how you can begin to think more critically about culture and your role in creating it.
Tue, September 22, 2020
Episode 124 - Unscripted with Ernie Johnson
Hard to argue that there is a better halftime show than the NBA on TNT crew with Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and today’s guest, Ernie Johnson . Ernie shared with us just what makes that show so special (and so fun), as well as his personal story, which includes calling MLB games with his dad and his battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Ernie is an incredible man of faith, and he shared both the hilarious and the serious sides of his life with us today. You won’t want to miss this one… Useful Links: Ernie Johnson’s Faith Story Ernie Johnson on Faith and Fatherhood Unscripted
Tue, September 15, 2020
Episode 123 - Building with Your Spouse with Bryan and Shannon Miles
Bryan and Shannon Miles are the husband and wife team behind BELAY. Bootstrapping their business with no outside funding, BELAY has generated over $100M in revenues since its beginning and has exploded to over one thousand team members. Without an office, BELAY has graced the Inc. 5000 list five times and was awarded the number one spot in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Best Company Culture and been featured in several top-tier media outlets over the years. With a company focused on providing virtual support staffed entirely by people who work from home, we couldn’t think of a better duo to walk us through working under the same roof as your spouse.
Tue, September 08, 2020
Episode 122 - Entrepreneur Will Save the World with Michael Hyatt
Today’s guest is one that needs no introduction, but here’s one anyway. Michael Hyatt is the former Chairman & CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers and the current Founder & CEO of a fast-growing, Inc. 5000 leadership-development company. He is also a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of multiple books. With a top-rated podcast called Lead to Win, bestselling physical products, and an executive group coaching program, his business reaches over 1 million people a month. He is an influential voice on leadership, business growth, goal-setting, and productivity. And today, we’re going to talk about his newest book, The Vision Driven Leader , and how the content applies to you, the Faith Driven Entrepreneur.
Tue, September 01, 2020
Episode 121 - Global Franchising Redemptive Culture with Peter Irvine
At 14-years-old, Peter Irvine took a job at an advertising agency and then worked his way up to the top. Then, someone in his church small group pointed him toward a business that he should get involved in based out of Chicago. Well, one round trip between Australia and America later and Peter Irvine found himself as an international franchisee for GLoria Jean’s Coffee Shops. His story is amazing, and the work he’s doing to maintain a redemptive culture when his businesses are literally in dozens of countries around the world is fascinating. With 1,050 coffee shops in 48 countries, few people better understand culture than Peter Irvine. You won’t want to miss this. Useful Links: Peter Irvine Shares the Gloria Jean’s Story Peter Irvine on Faith Collides Our Story - Gloria Jean’s Kingdom Momentum Resources
Tue, August 25, 2020
Episode 120 - Killing the Idea Fairy with Hamilton Powell
Well, would you look at the time? It’s another Tuesday with Faith Driven Entrepreneur, and today’s episode is for all you old-schoolers who check the time by looking at your wrist. That’s right, we’re talking about watches, not phone screens. Today’s guest is Hamilton Powell of Crown & Caliber. He buys and sells used luxury watches, and today he’s going to share with us how he got started on this entrepreneurial venture and what it means to “kill the good idea fairy.” It’s a fascinating conversation, and we’re glad you’ve decided to join us today. Let’s listen in… Useful Links: Hamilton Powell at NOAH 17 London How Hamilton Powell Learned to Say No Crown & Caliber | Inside the Lab
Tue, August 18, 2020
Episode 119 - Workplace Relationships in a Remote World with Dr. Paul White
Today, we’re talking about love languages. Now, you may have heard of the five love languages, but that’s not where we’re going today. Instead, we’re talking to Dr. Paul White , co-author of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace , to hear how the principles that are so useful in our marriages and relationships can also apply to our work and how we lead our businesses. Dr. Paul White is a licensed psychologist who has worked with individuals, businesses, and families in a variety of settings for over 20 years. He consults with successful businesses and high net worth families, dealing with the relational issues intertwined with business and financial wealth. As work continues to move toward virtual and remote platforms, the principles shared on this episode are even more important. As always, thanks for listening.
Tue, August 11, 2020
Episode 118 - What is a Faith Driven Entrepreneur? with J.D. Greear
We are SO excited for today’s episode and for what it means for you, the Faith Driven Entrepreneur. As you know, our mission is to equip and encourage you along the journey. Obviously, we hope this podcast is a part of doing exactly that, but we also know that there are more ways to create and share resources to help you live out your faith in your work. One of the ways we’ve done that is through our new 8-part video series in partnership with RightNow Media on what it means to be a Faith Driven Entrepreneur. On today’s episode, you can hear from the man who helped make them happen, J.D. Greear. He’s the lead pastor of The Summit Church in North Carolina, President of the Southern Baptist Convention, and a fountain of wisdom. Listen in to hear why he’s passionate about the Faith Driven Entrepreneur movement.
Tue, August 04, 2020
Episode 117 - The Prodigal Son of Charity Water with Scott Harrison
If you’ve never heard of Scott Harrison or Charity: Water , you’re going to be glad you tuned in today. His story starts when after a decade as a nightclub promoter, Scott declared spiritual, moral, and emotional bankruptcy. As Scott shares , he tried every vice imaginable before he found himself looking for something more. In a search for meaning, he spent two years on a hospital ship off the coast of Liberia, taking photos and experiencing the effects of dirty water firsthand. In 2006, he came back to New York City on a mission. Having seen the effects of dirty water, Scott turned his full attention to the global water crisis and the (then) 1.1 billion people living without access to clean water. What happened next is worth hearing for yourself...
Tue, July 28, 2020
Episode 116 - Investing in Overlooked Entrepreneurs with Alfa Demmellash
Today’s guest was once recognized by President Barack Obama during a speech at the White House, and she was named one of Forbes’ Most Powerful Women Changing the World with Philanthropy. As the CEO and Co-Found of Rising Tide Capital , Alfa Demmellash is working to help underserved entrepreneurs get the recognition and investment capital they need. In this podcast, she took us on a journey to Ethiopia, Harvard, and Rwanda, and we think you’ll love every step of the way...
Tue, July 21, 2020
Episode 115 - Pivots in a Massive Sea of Change with Pete Ochs and David Simnick
For today’s episode, we brought back one of our favorite Faith Driven Entrepreneurs and Investors, Pete Ochs , and with him today is David Simnick , Founder of SoapBox Soaps. They both shared their entrepreneurial journeys with us, but what we spent most of our time talking about was the way they both had to adjust quickly in the face of Covid-19. Their ability to nimbly pivot their businesses sets a great example for anyone wondering how to respond to uncertain times. We can all learn a lesson from these two men. Let’s listen in… Useful Links: Multiple Bottom Line Investing with Pete Ochs Jailhouse Business of Generosity David Simnick | Halcyon SoapBox Soaps
Tue, July 14, 2020
Episode 114 - Making Collectibles Profitable with Jim Beckett
If you grew up collecting baseball cards, you’re going to love today’s show. We sat down and talked with Jim Beckett , creator of Beckett magazine, the gold standard for valuing trading cards. He shared with us his personal story, gave us some insight into the memorabilia collected in his office, and also told us about how he stewarded his influence to be a further encouragement to aspiring Faith Driven Entrepreneurs. Our time with him was fun, interesting, and educational, and we think you’ll enjoy it! Useful Links: Dallas’ Importance to the Sports Card World Jim Beckett Lifetime Achievement Award
Tue, July 07, 2020
Episode 113 - The Coming Revolution in Church Economics? with Mark Deymaz
Today’s guest is thought-leading writer and recognized champion of the Multiethnic Church Movement, Mark DeYmaz . He’s the author of several books and is on the show today to talk to us about his latest, The Coming Revolution in Church Economics . Mark shared how churches can respond to the steady decrease in tithes and donations happening around the world—especially in light of recent events. He has some radical and creative ideas on how church leaders and business leaders can work together, and we think you’ll be interested in what he shared. At the end of the episode, Henry and Rusty go back and forth on this topic, and we invite you to join in on this conversation as well. Feel free to comment, contact us, or reply to the newsletter. As always, we love hearing from you and making this show your show.
Tue, June 30, 2020
Episode 112 - The COVID Relief Contract with Eric and Evan Edwards
Today’s episode features two entrepreneurs who have created a product that has saved more than 5,000 lives. Seriously. Eric and Evan Edwards are entrepreneurial twins who created pocket-sized auto-injectors that help those suffering from a severe allergic reaction or opioid overdose. Their ingenuity is changing the game for easy-to-use, accessible healthcare, and they’re on the frontlines of the current battles facing the American healthcare system. Recently, a new Company Eric has co-founded was awarded a contract from the Government for over $300 Million to lead one of the country’s efforts to build up our ability to respond to Covid. Tune in to hear how they’re working to help America—and the rest of the world—response to our current crisis. Useful Links: Kaleo Twins Create Life-Saving Allergy Device Elite Entrepreneurs - Eric and Evan Edwards
Tue, June 23, 2020
Episode 111 - Engaging the Pain Points of Entrepreneurship with Jessica Kim
In the midst of a global pandemic, healthcare workers have become modern day super heroes—risking their lives every day for the health and safety of their patients. Today’s guest is Jessica Kim , Co-Founder of IanaCare , a passionate team of caregivers, supporters, patients, and medical professionals. They’ve been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 battle faithfully working with the hopes that all 43.5 million caregivers in America will feel the love and support they deserve. Jessica shared what life looks like for IanaCare amid this global crisis, as well as her entrepreneurial journey—including raising $1mil for a business she started in college—and all the stories that led her to where God has her today.
Tue, June 16, 2020
Episode 110 - Disruption Can Help the Healthcare Industry with April Anthony
We’re so excited to share our conversation with April Anthony . April is the founder and CEO of Encompass Home Health. Her entrepreneurial journey started when she took over a company in her 20s and then grew it into one of the most successful home healthcare businesses. Today, she shared with us what that journey looked like, and she also gave us insight into what it looks like for healthcare workers who are currently on the frontlines fighting against COVID-19. Useful Links: April Anthony CEO Chapel Encompass Home Health Video
Tue, June 09, 2020
Episode 109 - Leaving the Storm Behind with Andy Crouch and Dave Blanchard
Today’s podcast is the first time we’ve ever heard two guests return to share one episode. And it’s going to be awesome. Andy Crouch and Dave Blanchard are two of the leaders of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur conversation and both have a lot to say that’s worth listening to. But today, we’re specifically talking to them about an article we recently featured on the site titled, “Leading Beyond the Blizzard: Why Every Organization is Now a Startup.” In an uncertain future, these two are going to help us look ahead and get ready for what’s to come. As always, thanks for listening. Useful Links A Rule of Life for Redemptive Entrepreneurs with Andy Crouch How to Discern Your Calling with Dave Blanchard Designing for a Different Future
Wed, June 03, 2020
SPECIAL EDITION - It's Time for Honest Conversations with Benjamin Watson
Today’s episode features a Super Bowl champion. And while his NFL career is illustrious, it’s what Benjamin Watson has done off the field as both an author and leader that he’d like to tell you about. He’s written two books— Under Our Skin , which addresses the racial divide in America and The New Dad’s Playbook , which is a must-read for any father with a newborn. He’s known for speaking truth and saying the tough things that need to be said in the moment. And in times like these, we’re grateful for his willingness to have an honest and real conversation. As always, thanks for listening. Useful Links: The Watson 7 Under Our Skin The New Dad’s Playbook
Tue, June 02, 2020
Episode 108 - Know What You're For with Jeff Henderson
Why? It’s a big question, regardless of the context. It’s something we hear little kids ask all the time, and many of us never grow out of wondering why things are the way they are. We want to know what things are for, and going one layer deeper, we want to know what we are for. That’s the question at the heart of today’s podcast featuring Jeff Henderson , a pastor out of Atlanta and author of a book titled: Know What You’re FOR: A Growth Strategy for Work, An Even Better Strategy for Life . Jeff has been operating in the faith, work, and leadership spheres for a while, and we think you’re going to love what he had to share. As always, thanks for listening. Useful Links: Gwinnett Church Know What You’re For - Video Bible Study Who is Jeff Henderson?
Tue, May 26, 2020
Episode 107 - Pruning One Business to Grow Another with Lara Casey
If you’ve ever tried gardening before, you know that it is some hard work. You’ve got to plant, water, prune, get rid of weeds, watch for varmints sneaking in, and a whole host of other problems. It really is no joke. And today’s guest knows a lot about gardening and the value of hard work. Her name is Lara Casey and she’s the author of multiple books, including Make it Happen: Surrender Your Fear. Take the Leap , Live on Purpose , and Cultivate: A Grace-Filled Guide to Growing an Intentional Life . Her story of building and then leaving Southern Weddings Magazine is a testament to what can happen when you take a leap toward God. Lara is full of wisdom, pep, and one heck of an entrepreneurial story. If you want to learn more about putting in the work and taking big risks, you’ll want to hear what Lara had to share… Useful Links: A New Chapter Lara Casey Website Cultivate What Matters Pruning to Grow
Tue, May 19, 2020
Episode 106 - Faith, Family, and Ducks with Al Robertson
Today’s guest comes from a group that you almost certainly have heard of. Their values are faith, family...and ducks. Not sure if you guessed that third one, but if you did, then you’re probably a fan of Duck Dynasty, the television show about the Robertson family and their business. What started as a one man job making duck calls out of Louisiana Cedar trees has now exploded into a multi-million dollar business and cultural sensation. And today, we’re talking to Al Robertson to hear the story of how it all started. Hear Al talk about Duck Commander, his life in ministry, and the power of forgiveness. As always, thanks for listening Useful Links: In the Woods with Phil Alan & Lisa Robertson on Duck Dynasty Our Story: Alan and Lisa Robertson A New Season
Tue, May 12, 2020
Episode 105 - How the Constitution Protects Faith Driven Entrepreneurs with Kelly Shackelford
Today’s guest has argued in front of the United States Supreme Court. Now, normally we try to list multiple accolades and interesting facts about the guest, but do you really need anything other than that? Kelly Shackelford is the President & CEO of First Liberty, the largest law firm in the country dedicated exclusively to protecting the first amendment rights of Americans—that is, freedom of religion. Kelly came on to talk to us about his entrepreneurial journey in starting First Liberty, how business leaders can better understand their constitutional rights, and yes, what it’s like to argue in front of the Supreme Court. Useful Links: First Liberty The Shackelford Sessions Judge Rules in Favor of Kentucky Church
Tue, May 05, 2020
Episode 104 - Don't Miss It: Parenting as an Entrepreneur with Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy
Today’s podcast features an excellent tag-team duo in Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy . Reggie is the founder and CEO of Orange, a nonprofit organization providing resources and training to help churches maximize their influence on the spiritual growth of the next generation. Kristen works with him as the Executive Director of messaging, and they are both authors and co-authors of several books on parenting, discipleship, and small group ministry. Together, they have some incredible insights into what it looks like to raise godly children and how to parent in a way that is healthy and nourishing. For all the time-starved entrepreneurs out there who feel like family is the one juggling ball they keep dropping, this episode is for you… Useful Links: Phase Guides Don’t Miss It Orange
Tue, April 28, 2020
Episode 103 - 99% Confession Equals 0% Freedom with Rob Thomas and Jeff Parker
Do not skip this episode. That’s all we have to say. We have a lot of great stories on this show, but today is a powerful story told from the perspective of two parties. On one hand, you have an entrepreneur who finds out one of his best friends and business partners has stolen six figures from the company. And on the other hand, you have a man who has made a series of personal decisions that have gotten completely out of hand. The story of Rob Thomas and Jeff Parker tells a powerful tale of deception, confession, repentance, forgiveness, redemption, and all the messy steps in between. It’s the long, tough road of what it looks like to walk through our brokenness and how each of them stewards their stories to point others to the Gospel. Listen in to hear them both share their side of the story and then talk about it together…
Tue, April 21, 2020
Episode 102 - The Entrepreneur's Time-Starved Marriage with Les Parrott
We spend a lot of time on this show talking about entrepreneurs. Duh, right? That’s the name of the show. But today, we want to veer off our normal business strategy conversation and talk about life outside of work—primarily, time with our family. Today’s guest is Les Parrott . He works alongside his wife Leslie who shares the same passion for helping others build healthy relationships. The Parrotts have been featured in USA Today and the New York Times , and they have also appeared on CNN, The Today Show and Oprah . As #1 New York Times best-selling authors, their books have sold over two million copies in more than two dozen languages. In addition to all of that, Les is a professor of psychology at Northwest University, and together they are founders of the Center for Healthy Relationships. Today we had Les on to talk about one of their new releases—a video project with RightNow Media, called “The Time Starved Marriage.” It’s a fitting topic for entrepreneurs. Listen to Les shared with us some of their relationship wisdom, talked about the importance of time management, and gave us insight into what makes a great marriage tick. Let’s listen in… Useful Links: Les and Leslie Parrott Website Your Time Starved Marriage Better Love Assessment Yada Assessment
Tue, April 14, 2020
Episode 101 - Faith Driven Entrepreneur and Athlete with Adam LaRoche
When Adam LaRoche , Golden Glove Winner and Standout for the Chicago WhiteSox decided to retire from professional baseball, his decision seemed like one of the most unexpected moves in sports. But for those who know him, this move aligned perfectly with the integrity of his character. In today’s episode, you’re going to get a peek behind the curtain of the life of Adam LaRoche—his MLB career, the factors surrounding his decision to retire, and his journey as a Faith Driven Entrepreneur. Hear all about how he’s making an impact through his E3 Team along with other friends like Willie Robertson, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. We love talking to faith-driven athletes and faith-driven entrepreneurs, and Adam gave us a little bit of both! As always, thanks for listening. Useful Links: Adam LaRoche Goes Deep Adam Laroche Speaks White Sox Exit Buck Commander E3 Ranch & Co.
Tue, April 07, 2020
Episode 100 - The Motive of Faith Driven Entrepreneurs with Patrick Lencioni
Today’s guest is a special one and someone you’re probably already familiar with. Patrick Lencioni is a renowned business consultant and the author of 11 books—including The Ideal Team Player , The Advantage , and The Five Dysfunctions of a Team —which have sold over 6 million copies. Today, we got to hear him talk about his new book, The Motive , that dials into the why behind every great leader. Few people have more expertise on the subject than Patrick Lencioni, so stop reading this and start listening! Useful Links: The Motive The Motive Video Table Group
Fri, April 03, 2020
SPECIAL EDITION - Playing for an Audience of One with Coach Scott Drew
What could Scott Drew , the Coach of Baylor Men’s Basketball have to do with entrepreneurship/investing? Well, we’re excited to announce that we’re launching a new initiative—The Faith Driven Athlete. Our passion is to show how God moves in all of our work, as entrepreneurs, investors, athletes and this is the next step in that. We’re bringing you this special episode because, had it not been for COVID-19, this weekend would’ve been the start of the NCAA Final Four. And Baylor is one of the teams who likely would’ve been competing for a title. In our conversation, Scott Drew let us in on the challenges he faced early in his career, the faith that carried him through it all, and how he’s responding to life’s most recent curveball. So if you enjoy this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Faith Driven Athlete podcast to hear from athletes like Kirk Cousins, Jeremy Lin, Adam LaRoche and more in the coming weeks. As always, thanks for listening... Useful Links: Scott Drew’s Long Journey to Success FCA Recognizes Scott Drew with John Lotz Award Scott Drew Remains Focused on Faith as Baylor Remains #1
Tue, March 31, 2020
Episode 99 - Taking Service to Another Level with Horst Schulze
Today’s guest is one that needs no introduction, and we’re so excited we got to have a conversation with him and that we get to share it with you. Horst Schulze is co-founder of The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company. He is also partnered with Arch + Tower, a customer and employee experience consulting group, in order to produce a comprehensive masterclass of employee and customer experience training content. Horst is the author of Excellence Wins: A No-Nonsense Guide to Becoming the Best in a World of Compromise . He is full of insight, wisdom, and experience that is ripe for any Faith Driven Entrepreneur, so don’t let me keep you from him any longer. Let’s listen in… Useful Links: Horst Schulze RightNowMedia Leadership Series Excellence Wins Ritz-Carlton Founder Horst Schulze On Creating A Gold Standard
Tue, March 24, 2020
Episode 98 - Worry Is Not Our Friend with Todd Wagner
We’re combining the Faith Driven Entrepreneur and Faith Driven Investor audiences today to continue to address the current events we face. Todd Wagner joined us to speak into how we as believers can respond to the fear and worry surrounding COVID-19. Todd is the lead pastor at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas. If that name sounds familiar to you it’s probably because you’ve heard Henry mention it in the intro to this podcast as the location for where we will be hosting our Faith Driven Entrepreneur and Investor Conferences this fall . In addition to being our host and a speaker at the event, Todd is also a great voice in the faith-driven conversation. His words of wisdom—or as his Twitter handle calls them, words from wags—are encouraging, challenging, and uplifting to all who hear them. And with our current events, we could all use encouragement. Like Todd shared, “worry is not our friend and panic is not our way…” Useful Links: Should Christians Be Anxious About Coronavirus? Coronavirus is redefining the words Church and Worship Real Truth. Real Quick @wordsfromwags
Wed, March 18, 2020
Episode 97 - Leading Through Global Crisis with Mark Sears of CloudFactory
It’s no secret that everyone’s day-to-day lives have been turned upside down by the coronavirus. So, in light of current events—the pandemic, along with its economic and social effects—we wanted to bring on a guest to speak into what we’re all experiencing. That’s what brings us to Mark Sears , Founder and CEO of CloudFactory. CloudFactory is using technology to create meaningful work for as many people as possible by building the best on-demand digital workforce known to man. Early on in Mark’s entrepreneurial journey, he faced a global crisis and the way he led his business during that time is an example for Faith Driven Entrepreneurs everywhere. And today, as he leads a company with thousands of employees who live all over the globe, he’s living and working right in the heart of this crisis. So, if you’re feeling a bit lost, overwhelmed, confused, or scared during these trying times, let Mark’s words be a source of encouragement. As always, thanks for listening and stay safe out there! Useful Links: Mark Sears - Praxis CloudFactory Rising Above the Debris Nepal Earthquake
Tue, March 10, 2020
Episode 96 - What Defines a Healthy Leader with Greg Leith of Convene
It’s Tuesday. Which means it’s time to gather. Or, as you might say, it’s time to Convene. And that’s exactly what we’re talking about today. Our guest, Greg Leith is from the greater Los Angeles area, and he leads a ministry to Christian CEOs and Entrepreneurs called Convene. His work there has taught him what it means to be a healthy leader, as well as what we as entrepreneurs can do to foster and encourage our growth as both leaders and people. Listen in to catch the wisdom and insight Greg shared with us… Useful Links: Convene Greg Leith Website How Do You Grow as a Leader?
Tue, March 03, 2020
Episode 95 - Work, Love, and Women’s Mentoring with Diane Paddison of 4word
We are so excited to share our interview with you today. Diane Paddison is the Founder and President of 4Word—a group where she is a leading advocate for the professional Christian women community. She is a Harvard MBA graduate, the former global executive of two Fortune 500 companies and one Fortune 1000 company, and she serves as an independent director for two corporations and four not-for-profits. She’s also the author of Work, Love, Pray: Practical Wisdom for Professional Christian Women and Those Who Want to Understand Them . Her insight into the experiences of Christian women in the workplace is unparalleled, and we think you’ll be glad you heard it. Diane Paddison is the real deal, and we loved getting to talk with her and hear the incredible things they are doing to mentor businesswomen in the marketplace. So, tune in to learn about the work she does at 4word and why women mentorship matters. As always, thanks for listening! Useful Links: Work, Love, Pray: Practical Wisdom for Professional Christian Women and Those Who Want to Understand Them 4wordwomen Find a 4word Local Group
Tue, February 25, 2020
Episode 94 - How Should a Christian Let People Go? with Vic Ho of Fivestars
Today features one of our first repeat guests! Vic Ho is the founder of Fivestars—a business with the mission of “transforming transactions into relationships.” He shared a little about what they do, but he also talked about what happened when the start-up hit a rough patch and needed to lay off 50 people. We all hit rough patches, and how we handle those is a unique opportunity for us to be different. Vic felt compelled to take a different approach, one that was consistent with the company’s values: humbly admitting his mistakes, honoring the workers’ contributions, and mobilizing the entire firm to help those being displaced. Tune in to hear this story, as well as lessons he has learned along the way. As always, thanks for listening! Useful Links: Faith & Co Video with Victor Ho Fivestars What is the Lifeblood of a Business? Previous Podcast with Vic Ho Up in the Air - George Clooney shows how NOT to fire people
Tue, February 18, 2020
Episode 93 - 3-D Printing an Entire Village with Brett Hagler of New Story
Today’s episode features a unique entrepreneurial journey that includes 3-D printing of homes. Yeah, you heard that right. Printing homes. Brett Hagler is the CEO and Co-Founder of New Story. He’s a Y Combinator alum, Praxis fellow, author, cancer survivor, and a 2016 Forbes 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur. The list goes on and on. Under his leadership, New Story was recognized as one of Fast Company's 2017 and 2019 "Most Innovative Companies In The World." Brett and his team are currently working with their partner ICON to 3D-print the world’s first community in Mexico. Forbes recently featured a story about how they are building a whole village from 3-D printing. His story is a fascinating one, and we’re so glad we got to sit down and hear it. We think you’ll be glad too. As always, thanks for listening Useful Links: About New Story 3-D Printed Village 3-D Printing for the Developing World (Video) The Power of Purpose: How to End Global Homelessness
Tue, February 11, 2020
Episode 92 - Stewarding the Discipleship of 3 Million Users with Brian Mosley of RightNow Media
We have another entrepreneurial adventure story for you today—this time, featuring Brian Mosley , President of RightNow Media . If you haven’t already heard of them, there’s a good chance someone in your church has. They’re basically the Netflix of Bible Video Studies. Their website has thousands of videos and resources from many Christian leaders, which they use to serve over 20,000 churches, schools and businesses. They’ve produced, curated, and published resources on everything from marriage to faith and work to inductive Bible studies and everything in between. We’ll talk more about the work they do on the episode, but before then, you’ll get to hear the story of how their team stewards the mission they’re on. Let’s listen in to hear Brian’s entrepreneurial journey... Useful Links: RightNow Media Sseko Story Hobby Lobby Video
Tue, February 04, 2020
Episode 91 - Can A Business Be Christian? with Curtis Chang
Today we put an end to an age-old question—can a business itself have spiritual meaning? For years as Entrepreneurs, we’ve been called to live out our faith in our individual work activities and relationships. But we are fundamentally about building business enterprises. Can we take it a step further to conceive of the enterprise—the organization itself—as having spiritual significance? Curtis Chang is our guest who’s recently come out with some work that makes the case for all organizations—including secular organizations—as having a deeper spiritual meaning than what Christians have typically been taught. Curtis straddles the world of secular organizations and Christian thinking. He is the Founder and CEO of Consulting Within Reach, a management consulting firm serving secular nonprofits across the country. He has won national recognition from the White House for innovative work in the social sector and teaches on the faculty of American University. At the same time, he is a former pastor, is a Senior Fellow at Fuller Seminary, and is a professor at Duke Divinity School. He’s a deep thinker and someone who we found engaging, encouraging, and challenging, and we think you will too. As always, thanks for listening. If you have thoughts or questions from today’s show, let us know!
Tue, January 28, 2020
Episode 90 - Media, Culture, and Opportunities for the Faith Driven Movement with Tom Nelson of Made to Flourish
If you’ve followed the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast for a while, today’s guest won’t be a stranger to you. Tom Nelson is one of those visionary pastors of a multi-site church called Christ Community, and he’s been widely recognized in the Faith Driven Entrepreneur community for his book, Work Matters . He also serves on the board of The Gospel Coalition and is President of Made to Flourish . Today, we had him on the show to talk about a recent article that appeared in The New York TImes —something many of you have read. We were honored to be mentioned alongside some great groups like Praxis and Made To Flourish . But this got us thinking—what does this small piece say about the bigger puzzle of what’s going on in America with faith, work, and entrepreneurship? We’re grateful we had Tom Nelson around to help shepherd this conversation. Hear why he thinks the NYT article is reason for hopeful realism and optimism when it comes to the Faith Driven movement. As always, thanks for listening. Useful Links: What Would Jesus Do About Inequality? The Call - Os Guinness Every Good Endeavor - Tim Keller
Tue, January 21, 2020
Episode 89 - Achieving Preeminence with Glen Jackson
Too often in business circles, the word Christian can be an adjective for “subpar.” One of the Marks of a Faith Driven Entrepreneur is a realization that excellence matters and it earns us a right to be heard in our industry and the world around us. Today’s guest is Glen Jackson , author of Preeminence —a book based on 30+ years of working with brands like Chick-fil-a, Delta, Coca-Cola, Interstate, Toyota, Lexus, and others. He uses his experience to share what it means to be the preeminent brand that others look to emulate. In this episode, we’ll look at what preeminence means, how to get there, and why this matters to Faith Driven Entrepreneurs looking to impact the world around them. Useful Links: Preeminence: What It Means and How to Sustain It Control Your Destiny or Someone Else Will Invictus Poem
Tue, January 14, 2020
Episode 88 - Finding God in Golf and Business with John Solheim, CEO of PING
In the golf industry, there are few more recognized names of excellence than PING. For today’s show we go out to Phoenix to interview today’s guest, John Solheim . He’s the second generation of family leadership since the company’s inception in 1959. As recently as a few years ago, John had the unique opportunity to pass the baton to the third generation of leadership with his oldest son stepping in as company president. Today we take a look at their family’s journey to become a preeminent brand and what faith looks like in such a publicly recognized company. John said it best when he said that business is like the game of golf. It doesn’t matter what happened on the last shot that got you to where you are. You just have to hit the shot that’s in front of you and keep going to make your best score. For those of you used to hitting a lot of uncomfortable golf shots (fore left!), this episode will be a fun one. Useful Links Golfing for God’s Glory PING’s New President Talks About Family Business Excellence in Innovation
Tue, January 07, 2020
Episode 87 - Setting Priorities for the Year Ahead with Steve Graves
Today we’re talking to Steve Graves . For the past 25 years he's worked with hundreds of organizations from Fortune 100 giants to small bootstrapping start-ups. He’s a regular contributor to the blog site where we love to share his wisdom and he’s also very involved with our friends at Praxis, coaching other young entrepreneurs. Steve’s written some great, practical books that we highly recommend. We like to think of them as Operators Manuals for startups. Today we get to kick off this new year spending time talking about his latest work “The 5 Tasks Every Entrepreneur Needs to Do.” If you’re looking to treat this new year as a fresh start, or if you want to get a jump on continuing the success of last year, this episode is a great place for you to start. As always, thanks for listening! Useful Links: Steve Graves Website Books by Steve Graves 3 Stages of Business Growth
Tue, December 17, 2019
Episode 86 - What Shapes Your Desires? with Toby Kurth
Today we are talking to Toby Kurth , lead pastor at Christ Church San Francisco. Toby has been a faithful voice inside the Faith Driven Movement, a friend, pastor and even Chaplain to our team. We’re excited that we finally got to have him on the show today—feels like this episode is long overdue. We’re going to hear a bit of his story, and we’re also going to dive in with him on the 5 Marks of a Faith Driven Entrepreneur, which he was instrumental in shaping. If you haven’t read those yet, we suggest you check them out, but if you want to hear more about what they are and why they matter, this episode is for you. Toby also forced us to ask a great question—what shapes your desires? Asking this is key to aligning our values and desires with the way God wants us to do business. And as Toby shared with us, when our desires match God’s desires, there’s no limit to what He might do through our work. Useful Links: The 5 Marks of a Faith Driven Entrepreneur Do You Know What Is Shaping Your Desires? I Am The Light of the World - Toby Kurth Sermon
Tue, December 10, 2019
Episode 85 - The Search Fund Path to Entrepreneurship with Nick and Giovanni Gallo
Too often we think there are just one or two roads to being an Entrepreneur. We think of the lemonade stand kid who hits it big, or maybe we think of the “accidental entrepreneurs” like Mark McLain who shared his story on a previous podcast. But not as many know about the idea of a Search Fund, where an entrepreneur enlists investors with the purpose of acquiring a company and dropping in as the new day to day leader. There's a whole unique set of circumstances with this approach that we’re going to talk about today. And what makes this episode special is that we look at this idea through the lens of brothers. Nick and Giovanni Gallo have gone about this together through their business, ComplianceLine in Charlotte, North Carolina, and their experience is one we think you’ll be fascinated to hear more about. If you’ve never heard of a Search Fund but are interested in learning more, or if you’re already familiar with this approach and eager to hear the ins and outs of how it works, today’s episode is for you. As always, thanks for listening! Useful Links: ComplianceLine iHeart Radio Interview with Giovanni Gallo Martech Interview OnePraetorian
Tue, December 03, 2019
Episode 84 - The Generational Transfer of Interstate Batteries with Norm and Scott Miller
Today we’re talking to Norm and Scott Miller . Norm is the Chairman and Scott is the CEO of Interstate Batteries. They steward a company that for the past 6 decades has been leading its industry with outrageous dependability. You may know Interstate batteries from their logos on the side of NASCAR winners, but you may not know that they offer over 12,000 different batteries and have sold more than 300 million units. They’ve also been innovating in discovering ways for their faith to lead them in caring for their team and developing an award-winning culture. One of the growing trends in the Faith Driven Entrepreneur movement is seeing a generation of faithful leaders looking to pass the baton to the next generation. Interstate is one of the looked to brands that has gone through this recently, and today Norm and Scott are going to share what they’ve learned through the transition. As always, thanks for listening! Useful Links: An Interview with Norm Miller - RightNow Media @ Work Jack of All Trades - An Interstate Batteries Story Interstate Batteries: Our History 2018 Most Admired CEO: Scott Miller (Video)
Tue, November 19, 2019
Episode 83 - Jailhouse Business with Pete Ochs
Today’s episode takes us to jail. Well...not exactly. But we are interviewing a man who owns and operates a business that is run out of a high security prison. His name is Pete Ochs , and in addition to working as founder and chairman of an impact investing company, he’s also working to make Hutchinson Correctional Facility in Kansas the best prison in America. How? Well, we’ll let him tell you… But what you should know is that Pete’s approach to business, and to life, has less to do with leadership and stewardship, and everything to do with Lordship. You’re not going to want to miss this one… Useful Links: Jailhouse Business of Generosity Inmate Confesses God’s Love at Seat King Work as Flourishing in Prison Enterprise Stewardship
Tue, November 12, 2019
Episode 82 - Devoting Daily to God's Word with Jon Collins, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of The Bible Project
Today we’re talking to Jon Collins , the co-founder of Epipheo—a cutting edge video production company that is passionate about getting to the heart of why things matter. The name of their company comes from the combination of the words “epiphany” and “video.” And from Jon’s story, it seems like those are the two things that have defined his life’s work. In addition to talking about Epipheo, Jon also shared with us the entrepreneurial journey of The Bible Project, an incredible work that breaks down the context of pieces of scripture in a powerful way. They’ve been viewed over 100 million times in over 200 countries around the world through the Bible App, YouTube, RightNow Media and more. Throughout this episode, Jon shared why he’s passionate about the Bible, and why devoting daily to studying God’s word is important, especially for entrepreneurs. We hope you enjoy this episode. As always, thanks for listening. Useful Links: Epipheo: Animated Video Production What is the Bible Project? The Bible Project - Generosity What is Google Wave? The Gift of Generosity The Advent Conspiracy Skatechurch in Portland Bible in Five
Tue, November 05, 2019
Episode 81 - The Redemptive Nonprofit with Jena Nardella of Praxis
Today we’re in the Bay Area talking to Jena Nardella of Praxis. You may know Jena from some of her work improving clean water access around the world and her book titled One Thousand Wells: How an Audacious Goal Taught Me to Love the World Instead of Save It . Today she works on building the durability and sustainability of nonprofit organizations and leaders with Praxis and recently their team wrote a book called The Redemptive Nonprofit . We invited Jena on to share some of her story and also to walk us through some of the points from The Redemptive Nonprofit . If you lead an organization or nonprofit, you’re going to find both her story and her advice to nonprofit leaders incredibly valuable! We’re so grateful for her willingness to share from her own experience, and we hope that her entrepreneurial journey will encourage you on your own. As always, thanks for listening! Useful Links: The Redemptive Nonprofit One Thousand Wells Blood: Water Six Commitments of a Redemptive Nonprofit
Tue, October 29, 2019
Episode 80 - Serving Those Who Steal from You with Craig Deall
“If a man steals your farm, teach him how to farm.” We’ve all heard sermons and messages on forgiveness and turning the other cheek, but the story of Craig Deall takes these truths to a whole new level. Craig actually lived this. Under the rule of Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe forced thousands of industrial farmers to give up their lands. In a moment, generations of family wealth was gone. But rather than seeking revenge or restitution, Craig chose the path of reconciliation—actually working for the very men who stole from him! Craig shared his story, starting from when he loved the land more than God—a struggle for any entrepreneur enamored with their own venture—to when that land was taken away from him. Throughout the whole journey, Craig lets us into what God did with his faith through hardship, what it really looks like to forgive our enemies, and why storing treasure in heaven and not on earth is no longer just a sermon point anymore. Talking with Craig was truly inspiring for us, and we think you’ll be glad you listened in. Useful Links: Foundations for Farming The CEF Community in Action Around Craig Deall and Foundations for Farming Harvest and Heart Change in Zimbabwe
Tue, October 22, 2019
Episode 79 - The Science of Radical Giftology with John Ruhlin
Everyone has a story about receiving a gift they had no interest in, but do any of us know if we’ve ever given a gift that someone else didn’t want? This is exactly the situation John Ruhlin wants to help you avoid. John is the author of Giftology , a book that teaches the science of “radical generosity.” He has helped countless companies boost their referrals, retention rates, and ROI, and our interview with him was a gift in and of itself! John has helped people accelerate relationships with their teams and the people they serve, and he has gifted on behalf of everyone from Forbes Magazine to Fortune 500. His principles lead to appreciative responses and oftentimes a relational and ROI impact that is well beyond what any of us could have imagined. Having been the recipients of John’s gift-giving in the past, our hosts were excited to talk to him, and we think you’ll enjoy all he had to share as well! Useful Links: Giftology Plan How John Ruhlin Became Known as the Gifting Expert It’s Likely That Your Favorite Nonprofits Want ‘Gifts,’ Not Just Checks. Here’s the Difference
Tue, October 15, 2019
Episode 78 - Terrorist Threat, Charity Case, or Refugee Workforce? with Chris Chancey of Amplio Recruiting
There are 7 million jobs in America that will go unfilled in 2019. This means that even if every unemployed person in America got a job tomorrow, we’d still have a labor gap of over a million people. So, what’s the solution? Well, Chris Chancey has some ideas that come from the value of the refugee workforce. On this episode, he shares with us the importance of the immigrant and refugee workforce—a group that is behind so many of the products we use. In addition to sharing the story of Amplio Recruiting, Chris also shared some amazing stories about the radical effect something as simple as employment can have on a person. In doing so, he makes the case that hiring refugees isn’t only a socially responsible decision but a profitable one that can have lasting spiritual impact for faith driven entrepreneurs and their employees alike. We think you’re going to love this episode. As always, thanks for listening. Useful Links: Amplio Recruiting Refugee Workforce Refugee Workforce Book Launch Video
Tue, October 08, 2019
Episode 77 - The Journey from Sexual Brokenness to Healing with Jay Stringer
Last year, on a single porn site alone, people watched 4.6 billion hours worth of pornographic videos. That’s around 5,000 centuries worth of time. Clearly, sexual Brokenness is a problem. But that’s not new. What is new is how Jay Stringer , author of Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing , is helping us understand this subject. Instead of looking for new techniques of “lust management,” Jay is working to encourage people to address their sexual brokenness and the core issues surrounding it. Jay has found that facing what is difficult in our own lives helps us move down the path of healing. And if you’re an entrepreneur who wants to better handle difficulties in your professional life, you have to deal with the difficulties in your personal life. Even if sexual brokenness doesn’t sound like a primary struggle for you, the statistics Jay shares will make it clear that if you have more than one employee, odds are you know someone who is dealing with this issue. And that’s why we wanted to talk about this. We hope this conversation helps you open the door to address the things you’re struggling with, and also to have conversations with those around you. We are firm believers that, as Jay says, “When God sees us, He moves in toward human brokenness, He doesn’t remove Himself from it.” We want to be people who do the same. Thanks for listening and for being on this journey with us. Useful Links: Jay Stringer’s Personal Website Confronting Unwanted Sexual Behavior: The Spiritually Healthy Leader The Heart of Man Journey
Tue, October 01, 2019
Episode 76 - Are Christians Called to Comfort? with Super Bowl Winner and CEO of Movement Mortgage, Casey Crawford
Entrepreneurs know what it’s like to be uncomfortable. Yet, there’s something in modern/Western Christianity that expects comfort. We often act as though God has called us to a life of comfort and ease, not one of stress and sacrifice. But as Casey Crawford points out, Jesus didn’t exactly live an easy life! And this is just one way he gave us a great perspective alongside a paradigm shift in this podcast episode. As you’ll hear, Casey came out of the gate firing, and we hope you can keep up with him for the whole episode. He covers stress and Christianity, the role of money in the life of a believer, and what it was like to start a mortgage company amidst the financial crisis of 2008. And every one of these topics was covered with his passion and enthusiasm, which we think makes this episode a great one. We loved having Casey on the podcast and are so grateful for the way he rejuvenated us just by discussing what he cares about. And as you listen in, we think that the passion with which he shared his story might energize you as well. Useful Links: Movement Mentoring Mentoring the Whole Person
Tue, September 24, 2019
Episode 75 - The Entrepreneur's Hidden Battle with Depression with Max Anderson
On today’s episode, we invited Max Anderson to come in and help us tackle a difficult yet important topic—depression among entrepreneurs. Max is an entrepreneur and a writer. Each week, he writes something called The Weekend Reader, where he explores one big idea from culture with a handful of suggested articles. Recently, he dove into how depression affects entrepreneurs, and what he found was staggering—entrepreneurs are anywhere from 2-10x more likely to suffer from mental challenges. It’s a topic that’s extremely important, yet remarkably under-discussed, so we thought that with Max’s help we’d push the conversation forward today... Our hope in bringing this topic to light is that if you, or someone you know, is suffering from depression, that you could take the necessary steps to get help. We know this isn’t easy, and we also know that it’s not necessarily a fun topic to talk about. But it matters. And we’re grateful to Max for bringing this topic to our attention and for also helping us talk about it We follow a God who cares deeply about His Creation, and that includes you! While much of this podcast is dedicated to stories of success, failure, and everything in between, we hope this episode meets you where you’re at and gives you some encouragement along the way. As always, thanks for listening. Useful Links: The Weekend Reader Entrepreneurship and Depression WSJ - Beyond the Confetti: The Darkside of Startup Success
Tue, September 17, 2019
Episode 74 - The Investor as a Servant Leader with Frank Chen of Andreessen Horowitz
Our friend Frank Chen is the final guest in this 4-part series on the Faith Driven Investor. And he stopped by to talk about how he’s helping entrepreneurs change the World at the Silicon Valley Venture powerhouse of Andreessen Horowitz. As Frank describes it they are “helping entrepreneurs build software companies that are eating the world” (he’ll give you a little more info about what that means in our interview). Frank Chen is a self proclaimed former product and user experience design junkie with specialties in venture capital, artificial intelligence/machine learning, fund raising, product planning, product launches, product development process, enterprise software, UX design, Web hosting, and managed services. With a breadth of expertise like that, you can see why we were excited to have him on the show! But even after all of that, Frank let us in on what his heart as an investor looks like. He pulled aside the curtain a bit and let us see that investors aren’t so much the terrifying titans up on the hill as they are servant leaders who want to help others be successful. It was a fun, enlightening and engaging conversation. We hope you enjoy it, and as always, thanks for listening. Useful Links: Marc Andreessen on Why Software is Eating the World GDP/Capita over the last 2000 Years Frank Chen LinkedIn
Tue, September 10, 2019
Episode 73 - Image Management: Growing Through Failure with Nathan Sheets of Nature Nate’s
We’ve got a good one for you today. Nathan Sheets is CEO of Nature Nate’s Honey, and he was also involved with I Am Second,and E3, and you’ll hear a bit of all of those stories. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. When we sat down to talk to Nathan, we had no idea how deep he was going to take us. Right away, he opened up about the ups and downs he has gone through with a level of candor that we couldn’t even believe. If you’re looking for what life as an entrepreneur looks like—and we mean, really looks like—Nathan Sheets has a no holds barred take on the entrepreneurial journey. Image management is a struggle that everyone faces, but it’s one that we rarely address. And for entrepreneurs, this issue is especially acute. Because as an entrepreneur, you have to look like you have it all together, right? You’ve got employees and shareholders relying on you—the leader. That type of pressure creates a situation where it’s all too easy to want to hide behind a manufactured version of ourselves. And Nathan Sheets told us exactly what that pressure looks like and exactly where it can take you. We’re so grateful that he was willing to open up and be completely honest with us, and we hope his story about the pitfalls of struggling alone—and the need for real, true community—will serve as both a warning sign and an encouragement to you on your journey. As always, thanks for listening. Useful Links How to Turn Honey into Liquid Gold Sweet Second Chances - Bonton Honey Nathan Sheets: Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 Award Finalist Turning a Honey Hobby into a Business
Tue, September 03, 2019
Episode 72 - Has the Center of the Faith and Work Movement moved to Silicon Valley? with Christeen Rico
Faith-Based Employee Resource Groups. This term may be new to you, or it may be something you’re already participating in. Either way, this episode is for you. Christeen Rico is leading the conversation around ERGs, and what she shared in our conversation was both informative and insightful. If you don’t know, ERGs are groups within companies that foster community and conversation among like-minded people. Companies like Apple, Google, Facebook, Toyota, and many more are creating these types of groups, so we’re grateful that Christeen dropped by to give us the inside scoop. If you’re an entrepreneur looking for ways to foster faith-based conversations within your business, Christeen will tell you exactly what it takes to form these groups. Or, if you’re an investor looking to get involved with companies that already have ERGs, Christeen will help you understand why these groups are important and how they add value. Apart from that, Christeen was also a fun person to spend time with, and we think you’ll find this episode one worth listening to. Enjoy! Useful Links: Christeen Rico LinkedIn Companies with Employee Resource Groups Work and Faith Workshop Faith and Work Movement
Tue, August 27, 2019
Episode 71 - Letting Trust Drive Business with Don Flow of Flow Automotive
Imagine you’re walking into a car dealership to buy a new car. Now, most people don’t associate that thought with a pleasant experience—there’s negotiation, uncertainty, and the inevitability of a big purchase. But Don Flow and Flow Automotive set out to change this idea, and in doing so, they created a business founded on values and principles that manifest themselves in these words: exercise faith, live love, and bring hope. That sounds better! In this episode, Don Flow opened up a fire hydrant of business wisdom and counsel ranging from what it means to create a covenant with your customers, how you can be the type of business that causes others to rejoice at your success, and why you should show respect before you earn respect. We could go on and on about the things we loved from this conversation, but we think it’s best you listen for yourself. Enjoy! Useful Links: Driving Trust: Don Flow Video Story 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award: Don Flow In Search of Excellence Book
Tue, August 20, 2019
Episode 70 - Entrepreneurs Who Create their Own Category with Trae Stephens of Founders Fund
Today’s episode takes us to Silicon Valley to connect with Trae Stephens . You may have seen Trae on CNBC, or you may know him as one of the Partners at Founders Fund. It was an honor to have Trae on to share about his experiences—everything from his time in politics working for Congressmen and in Embassies to now working alongside Peter Thiel. Trae also shares about his life as a Christ-Follower and how it shapes his view of the investing world. In particular, Trae outlines what it means for an entrepreneur to be an outlier. He describes the difference between business ideas that fit into a certain pre-existing category and those that break every mold out there. He also shares cautionary advice about what not to do as an entrepreneur. His perspective as a venture capitalist is helpful to listen to for both investors and entrepreneurs alike. But this podcast doesn’t stop there. As you know, we’re always approaching the conversation of entrepreneurship and investing from a faith-driven perspective. Trae is no exception. In this podcast, he talks about the different areas of theology and philosophy that inform his worldview. Specifically, he goes into detail about the innate tendency of all human beings to imitate something or someone. Here, he reminds us specifically of Ephesians 5:1, “Be imitators of God…” When Trae talks about his relationship with God, you’ll hear both his personal faith journey—what it means to imitate Christ as a venture capitalist and how Silicon Valley opens the door for him to share his faith—and what he thinks about the global Christian movement. He invites listeners to consider what it would look like to be co-creators alongside God, with references to how God and Adam interacted in the Garden of Eden. Our team had a blast catching up with Trae, as it felt like he covered dozens of topics with the fluency of an expert. His intellect and skill are on full display in this interview, but so is his spirit and heart behind what it means to be a faith driven entrepreneur and what faith driven investors can do to create value, not only for themselves, but for the world. We hope you enjoy this episode and pray that it encourages you on your journey! Useful Links: Rene Girard Explains Mimetic Desires Founders Fund Trae Stephens Interview with Fortune
Tue, August 13, 2019
Episode 69 - "One Million Followers Wasn’t in My Obituary" with Sanyin Siang of The Coach K Center on Leadership and Ethics
Today’s guest, Sanyin Siang , is the executive director for the Coach K Center on Leadership & Ethics (COLE) at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and a professor with its Pratt School of Engineer. She is an advisor for Google Ventures (GV), Sports Innovation Labs, Duke Corporate Education and author of The Launch Book: Motivational Stories to Launch Your Idea, Business, or Next Career . If that list isn’t enough to get you to press play on this episode, you should also know that she has over 1 million followers on LinkedIn. Yet, while that is something we felt eager to point out, she shared how she has had to learn to hold on loosely to that following, which was some advice all of us in this busy social-media-driven world needed to hear. In our conversation, she shared why she recently took some time to write her own obituary. Turns out she realized that what she wants to be remembered for isn’t her professional success, or even her number of followers—it’s something bigger and more important than both of these... Listen in to hear the difference between enabling and chasing greatness, what Coach K does to inspire both 19-year-old college athletes and the superstar NBA players on Team USA, and why planning your life with the end in mind might give you some clarity you didn’t even know you needed. Happy listening! Useful Links: How Coach K Wins Consistently 3 Lessons From Sports for Effective Storytelling LinkedIn
Tue, August 06, 2019
Episode 68 - How 'Love Thy Neighbor' Turned from a Command to a Business with Pete Kelly of Apartment Life
When we first learned about Apartment Life it sounded too good to be true. The work they do in apartment complexes improves their overall financial performance, grows their online reputation, and strengthens their resident retention rates. With benefits like these, it’s no surprise that they’re taking off, now serving over 3 million residents from coast to coast. In this episode, Pete Kelly explains just how they do it. We believe this podcast is especially valuable to you for two reasons. One, you get to hear about an incredible business venture in Apartment Life. There’s no doubt you’ll be hearing more about them in the future, and we’re glad we get to share about them early on in this podcast. And two, you get to hear the heart behind the business. Pete Kelly is one of those business leaders who puts his heart into what he’s doing, and it shows in this interview. We’re excited for you to hear about Apartment Life and the potential they have in the real estate market. But even more so, this podcast gives you the opportunity to hear from a business leader about how his values affect his business and how everything he does serves other people. Tune in and enjoy! Useful Links: Apartment Life Best Resources for Real Estate Investing Interview with Pete Kelly Neighborliness on Faith Driven Investor
Tue, July 30, 2019
Episode 67 - Stewarding the Journey of an Accidental Entrepreneur with Mark McClain, CEO and Co-founder of SailPoint (NYSE: SAIL)
Join us outside of Austin, Texas where we are connecting with Mark McClain . Mark likes to refer to himself as an accidental entrepreneur. He didn’t grow up as the lemonade stand kid but has since gone on to start two different companies. Today, he leads SailPoint, an identity management business started in 2005 that is publicly traded with a market cap around $2 Billion and 1,200 team members across 33 different companies. Today, you can hear Mark share his powerful story of being an “Accidental Entrepreneur” and find out how that path might be more common than you think. Mark McClain’s entrepreneurial journey is a unique one. But if you find yourself in a startup or new venture that you didn’t anticipate starting a few years ago, Mark’s story will be both helpful and encouraging. He will be the first to tell you that he didn’t envision himself as a creative entrepreneur. Yet, when he found himself frustrated by the difficulty of creating change in mid-size and large organizations, his desire to create sparked a shift in his career and his life. Mark has some great lessons for entrepreneurs. On this episode, he shared about struggling with the idea of control, and he also talked about what happened when he realized he couldn’t be the expert at everything. His humility and vulnerability set the stage for a great interview, and we really hope the story of his journey encourages you along your own. Useful Links: SailPoint It’s Not All Fun and Perks: What Company Culture Really Means Why SailPoint? With Mark McClain, CEO and Co-Founder Books Mentioned: StrengthsFinder The Ideal Team Player Top 50 Books for Faith Driven Entrepreneurs
Mon, July 29, 2019
Episode 66 - The Faith Driven Investor with Henry Kaestner and Aimee Minnich
We’re so excited to finally launch the Faith Driven Investor podcast. Over the next several weeks, we’ll feature episodes tailored for fund managers, investors, business owners and pastors that believe God owns it all and who care deeply about how we steward our investments for financial return and gospel-centered transformation. If that sounds interesting to you, tune in today! This week’s episode features Henry Kaestner of Sovereign’s Capital and Aimee Minnich of Impact Foundation. Together they discuss the faith driven investing movement, what God has been and is doing, and what the future of this movement looks like. As you listen, we hope you get as excited about the launch of the new Faith Driven Investor website and podcast as we are. Our hope is that both of these resources will help you on both your spiritual and professional journey. Check out the link below to see the new FDI site and don’t hesitate to let us know what you think! As always, we’re relying on you, our community, to make these resources the best they can possibly be. Useful Links: Faith Driven Investor Website FDI Executive Summary FDI Asset Map
Tue, July 16, 2019
Episode 65 - How Do You Build a Healthy Family and a Growing Business? with Ben and Liz Bohannon of Sseko Designs
Is it possible to have a healthy family while building a successful business? That’s the question at the heart of this week’s episode with Ben and Liz Bohannon of Sseko Designs. Their business began as a way to generate income for high-potential, talented young women in Uganda to continue on to university. Since then, it’s grown rapidly from a Shark Tank phenomenon to a global success. Hear how Ben and Liz are navigating the world of global business while still managing to focus on their home, their marriage, and their family. So many times we hear the story of a business being started by one person. But beneath it we know that any business is a tremendous effort and is a family adventure. That’s certainly the case of Sseko designs. The story of Sseko closely follows the story of Ben and Liz’s relationship. From meeting in college, to Liz’s move to Uganda, everything they’ve experience has happened together. So, how do they balance building their business and strengthening their marriage? And what boundaries do they put in place to keep both areas of their life healthy and growing? You’ll find the answers to both these questions in this week’s episode, along with some fun stories and a sound that every marriage thrives on—laughter. Useful Links: Every Moment Holy The Sseko Story Video Beginner’s Pluck by Liz Bohannon
Tue, July 09, 2019
Episode 64 - God of the Second Shift with Jeff Haanen from the Denver Institute of Faith and Work
Join William and Henry in the Mile-High city as they talk to Jeff Haanen from the Denver Institute for Faith and Work. His article, God of the Second Shift, made waves in the faith and work world, and we’re excited to have him on our podcast today to talk more about how we can move this conversation around theology and business from the corner office to the manufacturing floor. Tune in to hear what Jeff has to share about what a theology of work means for those in the working class. As you’ll hear, Jeff asks and answers the same questions he posed in his article for Christianity Today. Have we been blind to the “daily humiliations” of those whose work we depend on each day? Have we been interpreting Scripture through our own professional class bias and failed to ask how working-class Americans think and feel about their work? The honest answers to these questions may provide the exact conviction we need. Listen to hear what a whole new side of the conversation around faith and work might sound like. Useful Links: DIFW Website Jeff Haanen Website The Faith and Work Podcast Articles/Books Mentioned in This Episode: God of the Second Shift - Christianity Today Working by Studs Terkel Our Kids by Robert Putnam An Uncommon Guide to Retirement by Jeff Haanen The Pinkerton Papers
Tue, July 02, 2019
Episode 63 - Finding Peace on the Other Side of Obedience: Around the Table with Henry, William, and Rusty
Every once in a while we like to take a break from interviewing guests to give our hosts a chance to riff on what God is doing in their lives and what they’re learning through the process. In this episode, you’ll hear about William’s upcoming move to Atlanta, Henry’s journey to India, and some wisdom Rusty has recently picked up from a book he’s reading. Pull up a chair and join our hosts around the table to enjoy a chat about life, God, and entrepreneurship. In the first section of this episode, William shares about how he has been prayerfully considering a move for a long time, but he has never felt the “peace” that so many Christians seem to talk about. Well, now that he’s decided to make the leap and move all across the country, hear what he has to say about this whole idea of finding peace before you go where God has called you. Next, Henry shares about a trip he recently took to India where he got to teach students at a school about the lessons of entrepreneurship and why creating—specifically in a culture that views business as a dishonorable career—is one of the ways we can honor or Creator God. Henry’s trip is a living testament to what God is doing through Faith Driven Entrepreneurs worldwide, and we’re excited to share this with you. And finally, Rusty speaks into the idea of what it would look like to work with our hands and live a quiet life—inspired by 1 Thessalonians 4. Although it may not sound like the typical entrepreneurial dream, there may be something to it. He also closes our conversation by sharing what he’s learning from Thirst by Scott Harrison . This podcast may feel a bit different from our usual show, but we hope it provides a chance for you to relax with our show hosts during this holiday week!
Tue, June 25, 2019
Episode 62 - When Did Corporations Grow a Conscience? with Lake Lambert, President of Hanover College
It’s common to think of corporate values as a concept that has always been around, but Lake Lambert , President of Hanover College in Indiana, is here to educate us and show that this isn’t actually the case. Lake is the author of Spirituality, Inc—a book that examines the history of religion in the American workplace—and he joins Henry, William, and Rusty to share what he’s learned about workplace spirituality from the past and what we might expect for the future. In this episode, you’ll hear from a professional academic. Lake Lambert is clearly an expert on the subject of corporate spirituality and the different forms it has taken over the years. In this episode, you’ll hear him talk about the influence of religion on work, the value of meaning making and creativity in the workplace, chaplaincy, and the theological movements that have shaped the history of the faith and work conversation. As always, we’re looking for the voices that speak to faith driven entrepreneurs—people who intertwine their faith and work in a way that unmistakably reflects the God who made them—and we’re so grateful that Lake joined the show to contribute to this conversation. We hope this episode encourages you on your entrepreneurial journey! Useful Links: Spirituality, Inc Lake Lambert’s Hanover Inaugural Address: Education for a “Tough Mind and Tender Heart” Hanover College Mover of Men and Mountains
Tue, June 18, 2019
Episode 61 - The Scoreboard of the Monday Church with Tom Nelson of Made to Flourish
We are always looking at how faith and entrepreneurship go hand in hand, and generally, we speak to entrepreneurs about their work and how their faith is involved. On this episode, Tom helps us look at this same topic from the other perspective—he explains first about his faith and then how it affects his work. What he shares in the process is a helpful theology of work, reminding us that we serve “an entrepreneurial God.” Even while providing a theological framework, Tom also shares what it was like starting a church from the ground up—an entrepreneurial journey all its own. He shares how this experience shaped him and how it informs the way he interacts with entrepreneurs as a pastor. He introduces us to the idea of workplace visits and what it means for us to be willing to step out of our own comfort zone to meet someone where they are. As he says himself, “It’s important to be conversant in the world of others.” In this podcast, you’ll see that Tom not only believes that, but he lives it out as well. What Tom shared with us on the podcast was both illuminating and exciting. His work has the potential to impact the way churches approach work, and it also helps entrepreneurs understand how work and worship can intersect. We hope you enjoy this episode and pray that it encourages you on your journey! Useful Links: Work Matters: Connecting Sunday Worship to Monday Work Made to Flourish The Gospel Coalition
Tue, June 11, 2019
Episode 60 - How an Interview with Hulk Hogan on Their Wedding Day Started a $40 Million Business with Jeff and Ally Davidson of Camp Gladiator
Today we’re on the road, connecting with Jeff and Ally Davidson down in Austin, Texas. They’re the founders of Camp Gladiator, a Fitness Franchise that has over 3,500 locations across the country with 1,000 trainers and 100,000 members. They have a remarkable story of how God used a unique experience in the early days of reality TV to propel them in their entrepreneurial story. Just to give you a little taste, it started when Ally decided to try out for American Gladiators on the morning of their wedding. It’s an origin story unlike any other! As you listen, you’ll find that not only is their beginning remarkable, but the way their faith interacts with their work is as well. They know the value of community and of running a business on Biblical principles, and in this episode we get to hear them talk about both! Listen to find out more about their entrepreneurial journey, how it started, the hard decisions they’ve faced, and how they’re using their business to glorify God and serve others. Useful Links: Ally Davidson Inc Profile The Camp Gladiator Mission Camp Gladiator’s Ally Davidson: “Our Competition Is Netflix. Our Competition Is a Sedentary Lifestyle.” - Texas Monthly
Tue, June 04, 2019
Episode 59 - Saying No to Sam Walton and other Entrepreneurial Stories with Drayton McLane of the Houston Astros
Today the team took a trip deep into the heart of Texas to hear from Drayton McLane , the visionary business leader behind McLane Company and former owner of the Houston Astros. Drayton is widely known for his leadership within Walmart, as well as his generosity toward his two alma maters—Baylor University and Michigan State. On this episode, you’ll hear a list of lessons that we were able to glean from Drayton’s extensive experience as an entrepreneur, business leader, and philanthropist. The stereotype of today’s entrepreneur centers around young, sleek tech startups. If you’re reading about the new and popular businesses, you’re likely to hear about twenty-somethings who have come up with market-busting ideas. And maybe you’re one of those people—if so, great! This podcast is for you too. Drayton McLane provided a look at entrepreneurship over the past 50 years. His scope is immense and so is all the wisdom he has learned during that time. While McLane Transportation was anything but glamorous, Drayton shared the mindset that made them successful. He discussed what it looks like to create a working environment that makes sure everyone is winning and how to make work, and starting a business, fun. He also tells the story of how Sam Walton of Walmart eventually bought his business—it involves a phone call from Sam to Drayton’s wife trying to convince him to sell—and brought Drayton and his team on board as their grocery supplier. At the time, Drayton may have referred to supermarkets as a ridiculous idea, but now he’s pretty glad it worked out the way it did. What makes this podcast special is the story-telling. Talking with Drayton McLane was like sitting on the front porch of a seasoned veteran who knew the lay of the land better than anyone. With 37 years of experience as a CEO it’s no surprise that Drayton has his fair share of stories, all of which can help entrepreneurs of any age along their journey. Whether you’ve been an entrepreneur your whole life, or whether you’re in the midst of your very first start-up, Drayton McLane has wisdom, counsel, and a story or two just for you. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode! Useful Links: Drayton McLane Bio History of McLane Group—How a Small Grocery Business Grew Into One of the Largest Foodservice Distributors in the World. Local Businessman Helped Lay Foundation for Houston Astros World Series Win
Tue, May 28, 2019
Episode 58 - Becoming Bilingual: Fluency in Metrics and Story with Matt Bird
Today we’re connecting with Matt Bird , who is based in the United Kingdom. Matt is the author of several books, including Relationology , The Secrets of Story , and Freedom: How to Live Your Life for Jesus Free From Anxiety and Worry . Another one of his books, Transformation , takes a look at how God is connecting churches across communities, cities, and countries to bring about social, political, economic, cultural, and spiritual transformation. This book is the product of Matt’s work with business and churches in helping them both improve one another as they increase their impact, which is the subject of this episode. In addition to writing books, Matt runs a company called Cinnamon International. What they’re doing is looking at how cities and churches can work together to increase their respective impact. In this episode, Matt breaks down what churches and businesses are good at and how they can help each other. All you have to do is listen to just the handful of stories he shared with us today to see that that venture has been extremely successful in both its growth and impact. Matt’s work gives him a very unique perspective on how movements begin in a city, and then what it takes to see something grow beyond our immediate sphere of influence to catalyze much bigger change. When we spoke with him, we got a chance to hear how entrepreneurs and business leaders can work with their churches to drive this kind of change. We were all encouraged to find out how Matt sees entrepreneurs using their skills of measuring impact to help churches become “bilingual.” What he meant was churches are so often great at telling stories about how their work changes lives, but when it comes to measuring impact they often lack the skills and vocabulary to do so. Matt has witnessed countless business leaders and entrepreneurs come in and help churches communicate the numbers and stories that show the effect they have in the community. It’s a great example of how the body of Christ works together! And lastly, Matt provided exceptional insight into a profound model of social change. His approach to sharing secrets is countercultural, but, as he pointed out, there’s no reason for churches to continually reinvent the wheel in every
Tue, May 21, 2019
Episode 57 - Combating Loneliness with Community: Scott Weiss from Ocean Accelerator
Today we’re in Cincinnati, Ohio connecting with Scott Weiss with Ocean Accelerator. They have an incredible birth story—coming from the lobby of Crossroads Church in Cincinnati they launched into an accelerator for fast-growing tech companies. For the past few years, they’ve been on a mission to equip faith driven entrepreneurs and owners that bravely step out to change the world. Whether it's their Ocean Conference or their accelerator, they’re committed to investing in entrepreneurs who have a faith in God and a passion for success. As you listen to Scott’s story, you’ll likely hear echoes of what many entrepreneurial journeys sound like. They started in a church lobby where young entrepreneurs gathered for the free WiFi and coffee. What they found was that even though all these startups worked in the same geographical area, they possessed very little community. Scott sheds some light on the loneliness that plagues so many entrepreneurs and how Ocean Accelerator started as an attempt to combat isolation with community. He also dives into the inner workings of Ocean Accelerator—how they operate, how they counsel young businesses, and how they choose the people they work with. Scott also gives a brief taste of what they might be looking forward to in the future. But if you’re looking for a key takeaway, or something that you can write down and think about all day, it’s about understanding your “Why”. Scott talks about the passion, energy, and enthusiasm so many entrepreneurs have, and he shows how connecting those things to an underlying motivator—a “Why”—can be an impetus for future success. Scott Weiss was an incredible guest, and we hope that you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we did making it. His wisdom, insight, and encouragement were illuminating for our team and we believe they will be for you as well. Useful Links: Ocean Accelerator Scott Weiss Entrepreneurial Profile Scott Weiss speaks at Startup Grind Cincinnati
Tue, May 14, 2019
Episode 56 - The Entrepreneurial Journey of the Museum of the Bible to the US Capitol: Steve Green, President of Hobby Lobby
In this episode we’re on the road in Oklahoma City, connecting with Steve Green, President of Hobby Lobby, the world’s largest privately owned arts and crafts retailer, with more than 700 stores and employing more than 30,000 people. He also is chairman of the Board of Museum of the Bible and is the visionary leader in establishing one of the world's largest private collections of rare biblical artifacts. Their 430,000-square-foot Museum of the Bible was opened in 2017 just three blocks from the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Henry, William and Rusty had the chance to hear about the incredible entrepreneurial journey of the Museum of the Bible and how it became a movement across the country. Steve Green shared about his ten year journey that started when he bought an early manuscript of the English translation of Psalms and led to what is now the Museum of the Bible. What’s exceptional is his insight into the opportunity to create this kind of world-class museum. Steve saw a way he could bring God’s Word to people who may have never encountered it before. The entire Green family has been behind the movement to make the Bible more accessible, so this sort of project made perfect sense for them. Then, they combined passion with experience and reached out for the expertise of top-notch designers, architects, and artists to create something spectacular. His vision and implementation of an incredible achievement are worth learning from! In this podcast, we learn about how the Museum of the Bible leads people through the history, impact, and narrative of Scripture. Whether you grew up on the Bible, or whether you’ve never heard a single story, the Museum of the Bible provides an accessible and enjoyable way to learn more about this book. And ultimately, as Steve points out, when God’s hands are involved in the exploration of God’s Word, God’s glory is everywhere. As faith driven entrepreneurs, God has given us the gift, desire, and energy to solve problems and realize opportunities. This doesn't stop with the businesses that we run, but we have opportunities to extend those gifts in other spheres as well. What are the opportunities you see in your community or ministry more broadly?
Wed, May 08, 2019
Episode 55 - What to do When the Dream Fails: Phil Vischer, Creator of Veggie Tales
In this episode we’re just outside of Chicago connecting with Phil Vischer , the visionary, creative who founded Veggietales. To date it's the most popular direct to DVD series of all time with more than 65 million copies sold. It led to feature films, Netflix Original series and became a cultural icon. Phil tells us the story of Veggie Tales meteoric rise to success, the struggles and pitfalls of maintaining that success and truth about what is required to find and keep one’s identity rooted in the one who created us. While his story is not unusual, the wisdom and lessons learned via the journey are exceptional and is deserving of a close listen on what it means to belong to Jesus – not simply as your Savior but as your Lord. Salvation was never really the goal just the tool that is to lead us all towards a relationship with God rooted in His lordship and the restoration of what was lost in the Fall. This week’s episode is calling us to ask that all important question: as we’ve accepted Jesus as Savior have we also accepted Him as Lord? If you have, we would love to hear how this has impacted the organizations for which you are responsible because after all, proof is IN the pudding. Share with us your stories at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org. Useful Links: https://philvischer.com https://www.veggietales.com We also have a very brief survey we’d love for you to take that will help us shape the direction and future of the FDE podcast. As always, we love taking your questions and hearing your comments. Feel free to submit your thoughts in general here .
Tue, April 30, 2019
Episode 54: Governance without Giving up Control: Byron Loflin, Founder of the Center for Board Excellence
Byron Loflin , founder of the Center for Board Excellence, joins the team this week, helping us get a handle on the importance of good governance within our organizations. He shares with us his views on why governance is core to servant leadership and promotes healthy, humble accountability that provides a stable runway for your organization’s success. Even early stage firms can benefit greatly from a modestly sized board (3 plus the entrepreneur). Thoughts on how unanimous boards may actually be a sign that the board isn’t providing the robust thinking needed, how they should provide credible challenge and constructive dissent are all topics the team works through to help provide a framework on selecting and maintaining a board that will contribute to the success of your business or organization. And yes, we even broach the subject of how this is too often the least favorite part of the entrepreneur’s job with all giving pointers on how to balance the tension between stewardship and control. A great deal of light is shed on how to take advantage of the very Christian concept of community and fellowship to help provide wise stewardship to an endeavor with this week’s topic of governance. We love to hear about some of your best board and other type governance experiences at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org . Your story helps us in the building of our own! Useful Links: Center for Board Excellence We also have a very brief survey we’d love for you to take that will help us shape the direction and future of the FDE podcast. As always, we love taking your questions and hearing your comments. Feel free to submit your thoughts in general here .
Tue, April 23, 2019
Episode 53 - The Entrepreneurial Story that led to 370 Million Reading the Bible - Bobby Gruenewald, Founder of YouVersion
Bobby Gruenewald of YouVersion joins us this week giving us the low down on the origins of this wildly popular bible app with 370M+ downloads and counting. This pastor, entrepreneur and former rap artist (who knew?) shares with the team how the desire to become better engaged with scripture was the impetus to developing YouVersion, the first iteration of which proved to be a failure - a web app because there was just no iPhone yet (remember the days?). The team’s approach to failure, commitment to being faithful to God’s leading step by step and the desire to be the best stewards of all God gives them are all elements contributing to YouVersion’s success and Bobby gives us the details as well as a reveal into the future direction of the app to deepen the relationship between God and His People. Bobby’s community is an example of how a church actively chooses to live within the realm of innovation to further the message of the gospel. Share with us the ways you are innovating within your organizations for the sake of the gospel and the fame of His Name at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org . Useful Links: YouVersion App YouVersion Usage Map Life.Church How to be an Entrepreneurial Leader We also have a very brief survey we’d love for you to take that will help us shape the direction and future of the FDE podcast. As always, we love taking your questions and hearing your comments. Feel free to submit your thoughts in general here .
Tue, April 16, 2019
Episode 52 - The Secret Farm League of Faith Driven Entrepreneurs: Jon Hart of Praxis Academy
The team talks to Jon Hart , Partner at Praxis Labs about his work with Praxis Academy, a week-long on ramp into the Praxis community of redemptive entrepreneurs targeting the under 25. For 5 years, this organization has encouraged college-aged entrepreneurs to more actively view their aspirations within the context of their faith, impacting 750 people, from 160 universities and 20 countries. Reminiscent of and deeply influenced by the 18th century Clapham Group of England, Praxis seeks to encourage thought and action around changing culture by producing superior alternatives that are also redemptive in both for and non-profit arenas. Jon explains to us how Praxis Academy is adding to the sea of vocational “hero stories” that influence our career decisions, or using his term, “vocational imagination” that include a wholistic view of Christianity because it’s just missing. University business programs spin the stories of wild success and wealth as a natural part of its cultural lore but too often the Christian marketplace hero stories have been viewed as less compelling. Jon steps us through how Praxis Academy is righting that view with thought-provoking content that includes mentorship and community. He also shares with us a few of his favorite “hero stories” of academy alum. You don’t want to miss this episode! Redemptive entrepreneurship is an integral concept to us, here at Faith Driven Entrepreneur. We’d love to hear about your hero stories in this space, so please reach out to us at faithdrivenentreprenuer.org with your favorites. If you or someone you know is interested in attending this year’s Academy, please apply here . The deadline is May 1st . Useful Links: Praxis Academy Praxis Labs FDE Vlog about Praxis Academy FDE Podcast with Praxis CEO, Dave Blanchard FDE Podcast with Praxis Partner, Andy Crouch We also have a very brief survey we’d love for you to take that will help us shape the direction and
Tue, April 09, 2019
Episode 51 - God Owns it All: Alan Barnhart, CEO of Barnhart Crane and Rigging
This week’s guest is Alan Barnhart of Barnhart Crane and Rigging of Memphis, TN. Originally a small family business started by his parents, Alan and his brother, Eric, grew the company into one of the largest Heavy Lift and Heavy Transport organization in the United States with 1,000 team members in more than 40 locations across the country and a nationwide reputation for solving problems (Even if it means building a 200+ wheel truck!). They accomplished this by actively seeking out a way to express their faith through their business and the team sits down with Alan this week to hear his story. Alan tells us how he and his brother’s decision to view their lives and their company from a stewardship vs. ownership mentality created a productive environment for Barnhart Crane & Rigging to grow in not only its ability to create wealth but to be an intentional investor into the Kingdom. He shares how his decision to live life within boundaries to support his and his families desires to be kingdom investors actually led to greater freedom and blessing for him and his entire family. Alan’s story is proof positive of the gain in deciding to be a faith driven entrepreneur, that submitting one’s whole life and all that’s in it to God is the only way to gain everything and anything else (Matthew 6:33). Share with us how the decision to lose your life so that you could gain it has impacted you and your sphere of influence at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org . Useful Links: FDE Biblical Message of Generosity Right Now Media: The Grove God Owns Our Business We also have a very brief survey we’d love for you to take that will help us shape the direction and future of the FDE podcast. As always, we love taking your questions and hearing your comments. Feel free to submit your thoughts in general here .
Tue, April 02, 2019
Episode 50 - Doing Good by Gaming the System – Yu-Kai Chou, Pioneer of Gamification and Creator of Octalysis Prime Framework
Today we’re talking with one of the pioneers of Gamification, Yu-Kai Chou , author of the book Actionable Gamification and creator of the Octalysis Framework which encompasses 8 core drives of motivation that govern human behavior. He's a speaker on gamification and behavioral design at places like TED, South by Southwest, Google, Stanford and consulted with governments like UK, Singapore and South Korea. His work has affected over 1 Billion users experiences across the world. Henry spends some time with Yu-Kai discussing his unique research into what motivates us and how that can be used to achieve the remarkable in this world. Yu-Kai gives us an overview of his gamification methodology alongside poignant examples while helping us see how our goals as citizens of the Kingdom and entrepreneurs can be reached by understanding the right ways to motivate ourselves and the ones we lead. He steps us through both White Hat (intrinsic) and Black Hat (extrinsic) motivators and reveals optimal scenarios to increase motivation, effectiveness and longevity of teams. Gamification isn’t just for the gamer but has implications for anyone who seeks to be part of something greater or just wants to live a more joy-filled life. We hope you enjoy this week’s episode on gamification. We’d love to hear of some of the ways you are using gamification in your business model. Feel free to share with us at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org . Useful Links: https://join.octalysisprime.com/op-so/ https://yukaichou.com/gamification-book/ We also have a very brief survey we’d love for you to take that will help us shape the direction and future of the FDE podcast. As always, we love taking your questions and hearing your comments. Feel free to submit your thoughts in general here .
Tue, March 26, 2019
Episode 49 - A Rule of Life for Redemptive Entrepreneurs: Andy Crouch, Author, Journalist and Partner at Praxis
On this episode, the team spends time with Andy Crouch , partner for theology and culture at Praxis , an organization that works as a creative engine for redemptive entrepreneurship, as well as an accomplished writer and journalist, having authored several books as well as articles published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Time Magazine. Andy shares with us the basis of the book he, in collaboration with Praxis, has written called “A Rule of Life for Redemptive Entrepreneurs”. In it, they have outlined 6 key disciplines needed to define a redemptive entrepreneur: time, money, imagination, decision-making, power and community. Andy spends the bulk of today’s episode unpacking each. We believe, as does Andy, that faith driven entrepreneurs have a distinct callings and giftings. We hope the time we spend outlining the key disciplines that define this community is helpful to you with regards to identity formation – a running theme this year for us hear at Faith Driven Entrepreneur. Let us know all the ways this week’s episode has impacted you at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org . Useful Links: Highly encourage you checking out A Rule of Life . You can also stay tuned for the release of Andy’s new Podcast . Want to see Andy’s WSJ article he mentioned about Steve Jobs? If you’re looking for a great book from Andy, we highly encourage checking these out: Playing God, The Tech Wise Family and Culture Making Want to see where the Faith Driven Entrepreneur started? Take a little flashback to see a blog post featuring Andy's perspective on the Sabbath. We also have a very brief survey we’d love for you to take that will help us shape the direction and future of the FDE podcast. As always, we love taking your questions and hearing your comments. Feel free to submit your thoughts in general here .
Tue, March 19, 2019
Episode 48 - Unleashing the Power of People and Increasing Productivity 300%: Bryant Ambelang, CEO of NatureSweet
Today we’re on the road, connecting with Bryant Ambelang , President and CEO of NatureSweet, the largest greenhouse producer of tomatoes in North America. Currently, NatureSweet has over 8,000 associates and operates seven facilities—six in Mexico and one in the U.S. NatureSweet products are distributed in major grocery stores in all 50 states and across Mexico and Canada. Their headquarters are in the San Antonio. We had the chance to hear about the incredible things God’s doing to unleash people through Naturesweet. Bryant shares with us the ways he has cared for his employees by doing a better job of connecting their purpose and passions to their work. He specifically cites a time where the company decided to triple output and therefore growth and outlines the steps he uses to get buy-in from his people by first remembering that they are unique creations with callings, passions and desires there to be tapped for His glory. We hope today’s podcast is inspiring to you as you seek to do the same with your teams for His Glory and Kingdom. We’d love to hear from you on how you intend on doing exactly that at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org . We also have a very brief survey we’d love for you to take that will help us shape the direction and future of the FDE podcast. As always, we love taking your questions and hearing your comments. Feel free to submit your thoughts in general here . Useful Links: RightNow Media @ Work Story of Naturesweet
Tue, March 12, 2019
Episode 47 - Stewarding What Matters Most - Phil Olsen, President of Know Your Strengths
In this episode, Henry sits down with former NFL player and first round draft pick Phil Olsen , currently President of Know Your Strengths , a human resource consulting firm that guides clients and executive-level management through processes for talent discovery, training and people management. Phil helps us see how hiring people who are clones of ourselves leaves our organizations open for execution issues and why learning to appreciate and collaborate with those who are just wired differently from us actually builds a stronger organization. He takes a lot of queues from the sports arena and shares a great deal on his learnings from Coaches John Wooden of UCLA fame and Chuck Knox of the Buffalo Bills and L.A. Rams. God’s treasure is people. Knowing how to be the best stewards of them is the fastest way of ensuring you give Him pleasure in how you do what you do within your organizations. Share with us some of the ways you are fulfilling the responsibility of stewarding people in a manner that gives Him glory at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org . We also have a very brief survey we’d love for you to take that will help us shape the direction and future of the FDE podcast. . As always, we love taking your questions and hearing your comments. Feel free to submit your thoughts in general here . Useful Links: The Chuck Knox Development Process
Tue, March 05, 2019
Episode 46 - Sunday Night Blues: Toxic Work Environments
Toxic people, toxic environments and all other possible permutations of how toxicity can be expressed in an organization is the subject of today’s episode. Rusty rests the responsibility of toxic organizations firmly on the shoulders of the founder and William believes that faith driven leaders can still be guilty of making a mess of culture. Henry helps us understand what kind of petri dish is needed for toxicity to flourish and the team together discusses ways to avoid the pains and pitfalls of toxicity that kills community, productivity and creativity. Today’s episode was in response to a mailbag question from New York. We love hearing from you and fielding your questions. Tell us how this week’s episode impacted your thinking on toxic work cultures and encourages you to think about how you can contribute to the health of your organization at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org . We also have a very brief survey we’d love for you to take that will help us shape the direction and future of the FDE podcast. Please help us with your thoughts and opinions here .
Tue, February 26, 2019
Episode 45 - How to Shorten Your Time in the Desert: Julie Barrios, Founder of Nuos Foundation
We find the team chatting with Julie Barrios, of Nuos Formation, a spiritual formation enterprise focused on helping the entrepreneur develop healthy inner lives as part of purposeful living as a faith-driven entrepreneur. As she shares on her own entrepreneurial journey, Julie helps us see how “hustling” may be nothing more than another hamster wheel and living in obedience to God by surrendering our paths to Him might be the more excellent way. Making sure she makes room to hear from God, that she takes seriously the responsibility of stewarding what He has entrusted to her and knowing the difference between perseverance (a Fruit of the Spirit) and striving (NOT a fruit of the spirit) are all disciplines she’s applied to business and seeks to develop in her clientele. According to Julie, spiritual discipline at the onset is internalizing the structure of God’s Word in your heart then interpreting your world and reality from that structure. How has seeing your business through the lens of the Word of God, preferably written on your hearts, affected your mission and impact for the better? Drop us a line at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org and tell us!
Tue, February 19, 2019
Episode 44 - DTR : Defining the (Most Important) Relationship
We hear from our hosts this week as they share some of the things God has them thinking about via their personal time with the Lord. Rusty draws parallels to Paul’s trials, specifically found in Acts 27 to the life of an entrepreneur while William shares on how reading the account of Jesus’ baptism by John actually reveals more deeply the importance of having your identity rooted in a relationship with the Father to empower and enlighten your mission. Henry’s been sharing a bit about his sojourn in the Old Testament but is more focused on the Israelite wilderness journey and the strength of Joshua to stay true to his God and his mission. Walking with God in your entrepreneurial journey makes it necessary to meet Him regularly through the study of His Word for direction, strength, creativity and solutions to all each day has to throw at us. Share with us what the Father is teaching you about your entrepreneurial journey these days at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org .
Tue, February 12, 2019
Episode 43 - How to be a Lion: Ed Silvoso, Author and Founder of Transform Our World
This week the team chats with Ed Silvoso, author of several books including Anointed for Business, Transformation and Ekklesia. He’s the founder of Transform Our World, an international network of marketplace ministers whose goal is the elimination of systemic poverty through actively advancing the kingdom of God via a unified Church. Here’s a few of our favorite moments from this week: “There is a tipping point and that is when that leader understands, usually that leader is a governmental leader or a business owner, that he is chosen by God to transform society, not just to have a kingdom company but to have a King’s company.” “We don’t go to Church, we are the Church. The church doesn’t belong to a pastor, it belongs to Jesus… the word ministry is not associated with the Pastor, the Evangelist, the Teacher, the Prophet or the Apostle. It’s associated with the saint. So the work of the Pastor is not to do the work of the ministry, the work of the Pastor is to equip the people, for the people to do the work of the ministry. ” We hope you are inspired by this weeks episode to begin considering more fully what God has given you with the gift of entrepreneurship. If you've ideas on how you can use your organization to transform culture , systems and and other aspects of the society around you, please share with us at faithdrivenentrepreneur.com .
Tue, February 05, 2019
Episode 42 - Fighting for the Highest Possible Good: Steve Cochram and Jeremie Kubicek of 5 Voices Systems/GiANT Worldwide
Steve Cochram and Jeremie Kubicek of 5 Voices Systems, a leadership assessment tool that helps you define, understand and leverage your communication style for optimal influence joins the FDE team this week. They share why their assessment tool is so different from the rest and how it can be quickly integrated into your organizational culture to help you better connect with your team, customers and all the places where you have influence. Committed to helping clients fight for the highest possible good of those they lead, this duo gives us insight on how understanding our unique communication styles helps us to hear as well as be heard for maximum impact and collaboration. We strongly encourage you to take the online assessment to figure out your leadership voice and challenge you to make use of these tools. Share with us your voice and definitely let us know if there were any surprises at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org .
Tue, January 29, 2019
Episode 41 - How to slay a dragon: Peter Greer, CEO of Hope International
In this week’s episode, we’re talking to Henry’s long-time friend Peter Greer, President and CEO of Hope International, a leading provider of microfinancing for underserved communities around the globe. Peter helps us understand the multi-faceted aspects of poverty, that it’s about more than simply the lack of resources. He shares details around Hope International’s commitment to eradicate spiritual poverty, not just financial poverty as the two are inextricably linked. He gives frameworks for addressing all aspects of poverty and shares a bit on what seems to be a “secret weapon” for ensuring kingdom-impact: the power of partnership and collaboration. We hope this week’s episode gives you new insight on how your organization can begin to address poverty in its many forms for kingdom impact. While your organization may not be a microfinance operation, every kingdom endeavor should seek to eradicate the works of the enemy and poverty is one of his chief tools. We’d love to hear how this week’s podcast has impacted your thinking on what’s available to you for the elimination of poverty in your sphere of influence. Drop us a line at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org .
Tue, January 22, 2019
Episode 40 - Mission Ready: Part Two with David Morken, CEO of Bandwidth
In Part Two with David Morken, the team discusses more thoroughly about what it means to be mission ready both individually and corporately. David talks about the importance of obedience to God and avoiding the pitfalls of both willfulness and passivity and Henry leads the discussion into practical applications of how their company’s HR policies intentionally reflected kingdom values as they target the whole person for impact. This commitment led them to institute chaplaincy roles as a force multiplier to help them steward the whole person policies they wanted to instill. David shares further on a few other ways the company has and continues to innovate in the area of ensuring the whole team is mission ready. If you’re committed to growing healthy, impactful organizations that walk out the values of the kingdom, then this is the episode for you. If you are innovating in the areas of employee well being and engagement and are seeing the results directly impact your organization’s reach and bottom line, by all means share those wins with us at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org . Until next week!
Tue, January 15, 2019
Episode 39 - The Partnership Factor: Part One with David Morken, CEO of Bandwidth
In this edition of the FDE Podcast, we get a peek into the longtime friendship and partnership (let’s just call it what it is – a bromance) between David Morken and Henry Kaestner, co-Founders of Bandwidth and Republic Wireless. They share with us the divine origins of their relationship (Henry was a direct answer to David’s prayer) and how their relationship translated into a successful business where people are promoted as much as the product. They talk about the need to be able to work through conflict in healthy ways and the conscious effort needed to incorporate others into this dynamic mix to create high functioning, mission ready, people-centric organizations. And who doesn’t want that? Part One of this discussion focuses on the friendship and partnership rooted in Christ that launched the company while next week's episode gets into how together they created a culture that reproduced kingdom concepts and principles in the lives of their employees. You don’t want to miss any of this. We serve a Trinitarian God who does everything in community and Who tasks us to follow suit. We’d love to hear your stories about those important relationships in your life directly impacting your faith driven entrepreneur pursuits at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org . It will encourage us all!
Tue, January 08, 2019
Episode 38 - Who Do You Think You Are? - Tim Keller at Sovereign's Capital
This week’s podcast has us listening in on a talk Tim Keller gave to Sovereign’s Capital last September where he meticulously unpacks the hidden truth of identity formation, its habits and rituals, in both the Western and greater world. We are fed these belief systems from the moment we breathe and too often we are defined by the greater world without our consent. He steps us through examples of how our thinking is specifically impacted by these external forces that define us outside of the context of Christ. Tim shares with us the cultural problems of both traditional (your community defines you) and modern (you define you) identity formation and shows why the gospel is the only solution to living an authentic, impactful life. We thought this would be one of the best ways to start 2019 – to really spend some time evaluating who we think we are and how that measures with who God says we are. We apologize in advance for the cognitive dissonance this episode may bring. We bless you with the Spirit of God Who imparts all truth and invite you to share the things God is revealing to you via this episode. Feel free to drop us a line at Faith Driven Entreprenuer .
Tue, December 18, 2018
Episode 37 - Hey Kid, Wanna Test Something on the Space Station? - Valley Christian School's Entrepreneur Program
The team spends some time with the students and teachers from Entrepreneur Program and Valley Christian School (VCS) in San Jose, CA. Spearheaded by Hannah and Danny Kim, entrepreneurs in their own right, the program has launched high school students into the world of entrepreneurship in the midst of a community invested in seeing biblical values and principles impacting the world. Hannah gives us an overview of the program’s evolution while the team chats with two students about their specific projects, one launched and the other in beta for release around now. Then the team talks with Danny Kim, who heads up VCS’ Quest Institute, which we believe (because there is no one to contest us) has had more tests performed on the International Space Station than NASA. While Quest Institute was inaugurated at VCS it is meant to impact the world and Danny shares with the team some of the ways this is happening today. This week’s episode is packed but we didn’t want to leave anything out for you as we ARE talking about the next generation of faith-driven entrepreneurs. This will close us out for 2018 as we plan to spend time with our families and loved ones over the next few weeks. From all of us at Faith Driven Entrepreneur, we wish you the Merriest Christmas and the Happiest New Year! See you in 2019!
Tue, December 11, 2018
Episode 36 - Living in a Material World: Mailbag Questions Answered
In this week’s podcast, the team answers a few of your questions around profit making and taking as well as consumerism. One Bay Area listener shares his struggles with being in what he believes is a money-driven industry. The team challenges us all to think about how we can redeem the industries we’re in by making figuring out the best way to serve it our number one goal. William believes that almost all industries are redeemable, Henry encourages us in the ways we can show love for the people in these industries for the purposes of transformation and Rusty reminds us of our true identity as a guide to ensure optimal motives while bringing in those returns. One of our listeners in Nairobi, Kenya asks the team for a biblical viewpoint on consumerism in response to the rise of the global middle class and the team takes us back again to a discussion of heart motive by realigning a few marketing and product design concepts back to the kingdom. And no good podcast on entrepreneurism would ever leave out a few quotes from “Wall Street”. As we do our mad dashes this Christmas season to show love for the people in our lives, let’s stop and take note of our heart motives in the doing and giving. Tell us who and what you want to partner with our Father God in redeeming this Christmas season by dropping a line at faithdrivenentreprenuer.com .
Tue, December 04, 2018
Episode 35 - God Loves Idiots Too: John Marsh of Marsh Collective
The team sits down with John Marsh of Marsh Collective, Opelika Alabama to discuss storytelling, what it’s like to run 10+ businesses (the collective part of Marsh Collective) and how to be the steward of 10 square city blocks for the glory of God and Kingdom while being totally unqualified to do so. John helps us understand the practicalities of living in the midst of kingdom tension: being both dead and alive, content but fruitfully multiplying, living here but not being from here. Rusty has John walk us through what systems need to be in place to redeem a life, a family and a city and Henry has him give us some insight on effective parenting while being an entrepreneur. William closes us out with a request for words of wisdom for entrepreneurs and John’s answer: think cities. John holds a very special place in the heart of FDE and the team is quite excited to have you hear a bit of his story and want you to be as inspired by what’s possible when we let God in to do what He does best: redeem and transform. How has this week’s episode inspired you to be a part of God’s plan to redeem some part of creation He’s asking you to steward? Where can your business better align with God’s redemptive purpose for it? Drop us a line at Faith Driven Entrepreneur and let us know.
Tue, November 27, 2018
Episode 34 - How We Abuse Our Money and Time
This week we get into part two of the Lightning Round episode, fielding your questions. Henry, Rusty, and William tackle two really important questions for the faith driven entrepreneur: how we handle our resource of money and time. Neither may come up on our radar readily given the entrepreneur’s everyday grind and hustle. Henry shared that it’s important that we identify firstly why we give, and also pray over where and how. Rusty recognized that some entrepreneurs have other ways of giving and gets us thinking about planning for giving. The team moves on to tackle the issue of traveling for work and how to balance personal time with traveling, as well as the potential for excessive or unnecessary travel to become an idol for too many entrepreneurs. Some may even see it as a badge of honor. What is model behavior for leaders to communicate a healthy view of travel to their subordinates? Rusty says we should be judicious about our time and William reminds us all that with so much technology we can think about using other tools to achieve the same business goals. Tell us at www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.com about your most rewarding generosity experience. Drop a line also on how you’ve maintained healthy boundaries on work travel. And one final note: spicy chicken sandwich. That's all we're going to say about that...
Tue, November 20, 2018
Episode 33 - Keeping the Church Relevant to the Entrepreneur's Life: Part 2 with Chip Ingram (CEO of Living on the Edge)
correction: Chip Ingram is now CEO of Living on the Edge, an international discipleship ministry. In Part Two with Chip Ingram, CEO of Living on the Edge, we find Rusty asking Chip to give his take on a previous mailbag question from an entrepreneur who didn’t see the value of church anymore as what comes out of the pulpit isn’t relatable to his life. While Chip agreed that most pastors aren’t very conversant with the entrepreneur’s life, he flips it from a what do I get to what can I give mode of thinking. He encourages entrepreneurs to see church as God’s company while acknowledging the frustration of not seeing change or progress fast enough. Henry has Chip share on some practical ways of how Pastors can love on the entrepreneurs in their midst before William tackles the subject matter of entrepreneurs struggling with failure, sometimes even a series of failures. Chip tells us that God must first work in you deeply before He can use you significantly. Rusty closes this week’s episode asking Chip to give listeners perspective on how to use power righteously. Chip’s response: it’s about stewardship. We hope you receive encouragement as well as insight from Part Two of our time with Chip Ingram. We’d like to hear from you on how you are stewarding the power and influence God has given you and how you’re overcoming the temptation of self-reliance. Reach out to us in the comment section of Faith Driven Entrepreneur.
Tue, November 13, 2018
Episode 32 - Pastoring in Silicon Valley: Interview with Chip Ingram (CEO of Living on the Edge)
correction: Chip Ingram is now CEO of Living on the Edge, an international discipleship ministry In Part One with Chip Ingram, CEO of Living on the Edge, Henry has Chip walk through his experience pastoring many Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. While Chip’s own entrepreneurial persuasions began at an early age selling Halloween candy in late November at a significant markup, he realized early on in his life as a pastor that he could teach and inspire far beyond his leadership capabilities. His start as a spiritual coach to entrepreneurs began as a simple exchange: his Santa Cruz church was growing at breakneck speed and he needed wisdom and skillsets to support that growth. He reached out to the entrepreneurs in his congregation and became friends with them, creating a safe and respectful place for these leaders to share what was really going on in their lives. The grass isn’t always greener, to say the least. Struggles with identity, purpose, and the tension between the world’s values vs. those of the kingdom plague these individuals as much as anyone else with one major exception: the extreme loneliness as a result of an inability to find authentic, no strings attached relationships when you command significant power, influence and resources. Henry encourages Chip to dig deeper on the loneliness challenge by asking for wisdom on how these individuals can overcome the temptation of being a recluse. Chip gives us a mandate to care about who we become more than anything else, as well as a construct on how to have the right view of both God and ourselves. We hope you enjoy Part One with Chip Ingram. We’d love to know how you’ve overcome “the great identity crisis” by changing your view of who you believe God to be. Please share with us at faithdrivenentrepreneur.com .
Tue, November 06, 2018
Episode 31 - Sharing Your Faith While Honoring Traditions: Interview with David Brickner (Executive Director of Jews for Jesus)
David Brickner, Executive Director of Jews for Jesus, spends time with the team in this week’s podcast. He gives perspective on the tragic events in Pittsburgh and shares a bit on how people of the faith can best share the gospel with Jewish neighbors through relationship building and honoring the common elements between Judaism and Christianity. Rusty leads the discussion into the “Behold Your God Israel” campaign where David shares the entrepreneurial strategies the organization employed to reach Jewish people in Israel over a span of 18 years. David addresses Jews for Jesus’ branding challenge with regard to how the Jewish population views Christianity and his organization and shares on how using customer segmentation principles helped the organization effectively reach Israelis for Christ. David ends this week making a case for the power of transformation – that changed lives give the best witness and taking the time to gather and retell those stories is probably how we’ll reach the next generation, regardless of their background and faith persuasion. He gives some results from his organization’s use of design thinking principles to help better understand and connect with Jewish millennials. This week’s episode really highlights the simple truth that non-profits are as entrepreneurial as for profits and that applying entrepreneurial principles can also be highly effective in spreading the gospel. Let us know how you’ve used entrepreneurial strategies in your non-profit and/or ministry at Faith Driven Entrepreneur.com . We’d love to hear how these tools have been utilized for Kingdom expansion.
Tue, October 30, 2018
Episode 30 - Godly Contentment Meets the Discontentment of the Entrepreneur
This week’s episode finds Henry, Rusty and William fielding more questions from listeners in Part One of Lightning Round. The team tackles the question around how to balance godly contentment with the discontentment with the status quo that is the fuel of much entrepreneurship. Rusty admits trying to figure out what Paul was thinking is way above his pay grade but offers up the concept of holy discontent while Henry and William focus on where we derive our identity and joy as a possible solution. All share advice on the healthiest ways to work with family and friends in business with, you guessed it, communication being the most important element. They close on the question of how to handle pushback from the team. Rusty and Henry both discuss why it’s important to include your team in decision making process as a cultural value set as well as a way to ensure commitment and ownership of all decisions, even the unpopular ones, in the long run. As Rusty puts it, it’s about the power of the question mark. Let us know what you think about any of the questions discussed in this week’s podcast at faithdrivenentreprenuer's podcast page . We’d especially like to hear more of your experiences working with friends and family in business. Reach out to us at faithdrivenentreprenuer .
Tue, October 23, 2018
Episode 29 - Hunger for Authenticity in a Post Christian Era: Interview with Mike Sharrow (CEO of C12)
Mike Sharrow is back for Part 2 of our interview. As you likely gathered from Part 1, Mike leads C12 one of the largest and most successful organizations that put together groups of like minded, and similarly staged groups of Christian CEOs for local community, fellowship and best practices. Think about all the things you've heard about YPO, but imagine something better :). If you're only going to listen to one of the parts of the interview (but why would you??) , listen to this one. The team asks Mike to share his observations on what’s happening in the marketplace from a faith perspective. Mike shares the fact that the Post-Christian era has people desiring authenticity in faith expressions. In fact, according to him, they hunger for it. C12 is seeing a tide lift in activity across the globe of more people wanting to live authentic lives for Christ at work as well as at home and in church. Mike goes on to share how C12 seeks to guide members towards accountability and integration. According to him, it’s not just what you’re doing but how you’re doing it. Jesus taught through disequilibrium. C12 is about keeping members in a healthy state of disequilibrium so that they can learn continuously, a key skillset for any business person. C12 really assists in the personal transformation of individuals as it addresses the whole person – all of one’s life is bought together in one place under Christ. We hope you enjoy this week’s podcast and we’d love for you to tell us how you are pursuing the integration of your work, faith, family and community in your daily lives at Faith Driven Entrepreneur.
Tue, October 16, 2018
Episode 28 - Resurgence of Faith in the Marketplace: Interview with Mike Sharrow (CEO of C12)
The first of two parts, this week’s episode finds the team speaking with Mike Sharrow, President and CEO of C12, an organization that provides a confidential and intimate environment where like-minded peers share ideas, discover and plan for areas in their business that need improvement, hold each other accountable, and encourage one another to conduct business in a God-honoring way. Mike gives us a little of the history of the recent resurgence of faith in the marketplace during the last century that provide the foundation for what C12 has been doing since 1992. He shares with the team some of the most interesting impact stories of how leaders’ decisions to pursue relationship as a key driver of culture led to incredible levels of employee engagement and satisfaction as well as increased supplier commitment. The formula was as simple as finding out what was going on in the lives of direct reports that led to transformative changes in the lives of team members, including two saved marriages. We think you will be greatly encouraged by part one of our time with Mike Sharrow and we ask that you share your stories of marketplace transformation with us at Faith Driven Entrepreneur .
Tue, October 09, 2018
Episode 27 - Responsibility of Calling: Interview with Jason Johnson (CEO of August Smart Home)
Jason Johnson, serial entrepreneur and founder of August Smart Homes, talks to Rusty and William about when the entrepreneurial itch first hit him while working at a large tech company. From humble beginnings, Jason explains how receiving a scholarship to Pepperdine University introduced him to the responsibility of calling and that entrepreneurship was a natural expression of that calling. He goes on to tackle tough questions around how to live a faith driven life while heading up a VC-backed company where culture and purpose to often clash. He shares on the ways he maintains his commitment to instilling culture in his company that is reflective of his faith. The team asks Jason to address the question of money, something on every entrepreneur’s mind (and naturally so). He responds with some very practical advice on how to begin living a generous life because that too, is part of an entrepreneur’s call. The team ends this week’s discussion with wisdom on how to stay grounded and focused on the things to which God is calling you. As always, you have our permission to thoroughly enjoy this episode. Please send us your thoughts, especially those around how you deal with the culture clash of the kingdom within versus the world without. Until next week!
Tue, October 02, 2018
Episode 26 - Why the Institutional Church is a Necessary Part of Community
In part two from the Alpine Inn, Henry, Rusty, and William field more questions from our guests but first give some background on Inklings, the gathering of faith driven entrepreneurs in the Bay Area who meet regularly in the same vain of the original Inklings gathering of faith driven thinkers C.S. Lewis, J.R.R Tolkien, Dorothy Sayer and others. The team moves on to walk an entrepreneur who is struggling to find his place in the local church through why the institutional church is a necessary part of community, with some ideas as to how his entrepreneurial talents could even serve the local church. The team shares a bit on how diversity of walks and experiences within the church is actually the key to its success because it creates a place from which collective wisdom can be shared. Another entrepreneur, currently a student, asked about what great books the team were reading and we found out Henry is more of a people guy while William and Rusty had to confess to maybe over doing it in the book buying department. All gave a few of their favorite and highly recommended titles. Finally, the team calls Josh Banko over, one of the co-creators of the iPad, who shares a bit about how God led and fed his drive to innovate by speaking to the desires of his heart, sending mentors to him to point him in the right direction and choosing to make His presence known in Josh’s life every step of the way.
Tue, September 25, 2018
Episode 25 - Honoring Family with Our Presence
In this week’s episode, we take the show on the road. In the first live broadcast, Faith Driven Entrepreneur sets up at the Alpine Inn in Portola Valley, California. This Q&A took place before our Inklings gathering of faith driven entrepreneurs. We tackle questions about how to honor family and loved ones with prescene, our individual learnings from our own entrepreneurial journeys and how the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) can follow you anywhere. Tune in as we answer these questions and more from entrepreneurs in the Bay Area!
Tue, September 18, 2018
Episode 24 - Interview with Nancy Duarte
This is a special episode for us. One, we think, definitely worth hearing. Why? Well there are few things more important in our lives than effective story telling. There are few better people (maybe no one??) that do a better job at helping people tell their stories than Nancy Duarte from Duarte Design. They help CEOs of Fortune 100 companies tell their stories, and maybe something more impressive: they are the “go-to” firm to help TED presenters tell their stories well. As you might imagine, they’ve got a great story, one based in their faith and firmly rooted in Scripture. We think you’ll like it and that it will be a blessing for you. Also, we did something a bit different this time through. William and I (Rusty was on the East Coast) took the podcast on the road to the offices at Duarte Design.
Tue, September 11, 2018
Episode 23 - Generosity
God needs our success and our money to do his work on earth, right? What is the most important question for us to answer: How to give, where to give, why to give? How do we define "net worth"? There may not be a more important topic for a Faith Driven Entrepreneur to tackle, than how to think about generosity. We worship a generous God who has given to us generously, and we, as do all Christ followers, have an opportunity to respond. How should we do it as entrepreneurs? How do we think about ownership? How do we think about giving? How do we think about God? In this episode I share my "born again-again" story. If my depiction of how God worked through my life as I struggled with how to think about 90/10...80/20...0/100. We talk about finding a finish line, and we each share a bit of our own stories and those that have been an inspiration to us. You'll note that I refer to the Alan Barnhart story which has made such an impression in my life. You can find the short version of his giving story here , or the longer one (to include how he thought through structures on how to strategically title his business here .)
Tue, September 04, 2018
Episode 22 - Expressing Gratitude in the Workplace
In this episode, Henry, William, and Rusty explore the topic of expressing gratitude in the workplace. They discuss how we can be more intentional with showing our thanks and appreciation to others as leaders. A starting point for this outpouring is finding a way to be grateful ourselves. When we do this, it resets our perspective and causes us to be grateful for others, their work, and their contribution. Time and time again, employee surveys would show that they feel unrecognized, and unappreciated. This need to be changed as leaders should continually be thinking of creative ways to express gratitude in the workplace. Tune in this week to hear some normal and abnormal ways to do this (including an appearance by mass quantities of rubber chickens). As Christ followers, we should have an unfair advantage because Christ is our model, and his gratitude extended into death on the cross. Join us to hear more thoughts and as always, please send us yours!
Tue, August 28, 2018
Episode 21 - How Faith and Work Come Together in Life: Part 2 with Vic Ho (Co-founder and CEO of Fivestars)
In part two with Vic Ho of Fivestars, Vic expands his thinking with regards to how faith and work come together in his life. We discuss Vic's observance of the Sabbath and how it transformed his personal and professional life. How he changed from a constant worrier to a man of peace that knows God has Fivestars' destiny in His hands - the successes and the failures. Then, stay tuned as Vic describes how he thinks Gideon is the best biblical story concerning customer acquisition (worth the price of admission alone here!). Vic's personal journey reminds us that God’s yoke is easy and his burden is light. Additionally, he needs nothing from us but surrender of all things, including our work! Join us to hear the rest of Vic's story, I am highly confident you will be challenged and encouraged.
Tue, August 21, 2018
Episode 20 - What is the Lifeblood of the Business? Interview with Vic Ho (Co-founder and CEO of Fivestars)
This week we are honored to sit down with the man, the myth, the legend, Vic Ho, Co-founder and CEO of Fivestars. Vic is a long-time friend of both Henry and William, so it's true joy to have him on the program. What's the lifeblood of a business? We would argue that customers are on the top of this list. Well, that's what Vic focuses on day in and day out. Customer acquisition and customer retention. What else is on the top of that list? Finding unique ways to integrate God on the journey. Vic covers more of this in Part 2 coming out next week, so stay tuned. Vic worked at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey prior to starting Fivestars, and it was there that he discovered the value of customers. He worked on building customer loyalty programs and then a landmark study came out showing it was six times more expensive to get a new customer than it was to hold onto a current one. From there, Fivestars was born, an innovative software platform that helps small businesses (currently over 13,000 of them) retain their current customers and find new ones. Their goal - "turn every transaction into a relationship". Join us to learn from one of the masters about how to do just that. Also, come back next week to learn how Vic's faith ultimately guides him in his role as the CEO of Fivestars.
Tue, August 14, 2018
Episode 19 - How to Discern Your Calling: Interview with Dave Blanchard (CEO of Praxis)
In this week’s episode, one of our listeners, Marty, asked "how do you discern your calling". This is an incredibly light and easy to answer question that barely impacts an entrepreneur's journey, so this will be short. Of course I'm kidding, this is something we have all asked ourselves, and is something that is incredibly difficult to navigate alone ... so we had to phone a friend. We are super super lucky to have Dave Blanchard from Praxis join us on the podcast to help our listeners think through this issue. Dave and cofounder Josh Kwan started Praxis, which is a business accelerator with an aim to advance redemptive entrepreneurship. Currently in its seventh year, Praxis is designed to help entrepreneurs build a community, create mentorship, and provide discernment for building ventures. And wow, they are GOOD at it! Dave and Josh have been an incredibly blessing to us personally and to the broader faith and work movement. The accelerator has helped 150 entrepreneurs from 150 different countries (both for-profit and non-profit). Talk about reach and impact. They also developed the Praxis Course, an incredible resource for entrepreneurs. You can go through it alone or even better with a group of like-minded folks. Additionally, through the Praxis academy a couple hundred college entrepreneurs (from 80 different schools) spend their summer working with Praxis to start learning about redemptive entrepreneurship. All this to say that Dave has had to think about calling a LOT both personally by choosing to start Praxis and professionally as he aides countless entrepreneurs on the journey. On this podcast he will explain his own journey and speak about others he has mentored. Lastly, on a more practical note, Dave gives several resources for budding entrepreneurs. Sit down and draw a simple Venn diagram with three circles where all three overlap in the center. One circle is “ Love to do”; the other “Good at doing it”; and the last one name it “Could be paid to do.” In the intersection, you will begin to detect what your calling may be. Indeed, sometimes God may call us to be multi-vocational. Other resources are Dave Evans’ book “Designing your Life” and “Visions of Vocation” by Steven Garber. Please join us to hear his wisdom!
Tue, August 07, 2018
Episode 18 - How to do a Biblical Performance Review
In the week’s episode, Henry, Rusty, and William discuss how we can love on our team members through performance reviews. As entrepreneurs, it’s highly likely that you are overseeing a team. As Christ followers, how do we display Christ in the performance review? To set the stage, our resident HR expert, Rusty, advises that performance reviews are designed to help people to become better. With this motivation in mind, it’s important to not look backwards, but to look forward. The manager should set goals with the employee. Do not wait six months or twelve months to give feedback. It’s important to give continuous feedback to team members. Like a coach leading an athlete, continuous feedback is superior to just periodic encounters. Henry observed that different people seem to have different needs in this area. Some crave feedback, while some do not crave it all that much. According to Rusty, we should remember that one size fits one, not one size fits all. To display Christ during this process, Rusty would first make sure he understood the personal and professional dreams of each employee. Because “to be unclear is to be unkind”, (Dave Ramsey) being clear with team members as to performance expectations and goals is one of the most important things an entrepreneur can do for them, and for the company. While some employees don’t care for continuous feedback, Rusty reminds us that they still want to know where they stand. The worst thing is for an employee to wonder and have to ask, “how am I doing?” A performance review is merely tool, of which there are many. Some companies are moving away from performance reviews, opting for a “continuous coaching” paradigm, while others use extensive 360 degree feedback tools. All have pros/cons, but the aim is to grow people. Let’s tell them that we care. Rusty then introduces a potential new paradigm, one in which companies break pay increases from performance feedback. Performance and pay do not always have to go together. Performance is the baseline such as making sure the employee is doing her job. Next, is she exceeding her job? Separately, pay is market-driven especially for in-demand jobs. As a result, there’s room to divorce the two. The market is the market. And performance can be discussed separately. Ultimately, feedback is key. Remember the golden rule, such a good one! Treat others as you would want to be treated, can't go too wrong :) Last piece of advice, for entrepreneurs who do not really report to any one, Henry advises that they would do well to seek out counsel externally in order to get constructive feedback. Boards and partners are great, but they have blindspots from being too close.
Tue, July 31, 2018
Episode 17 - Grappling with the Ups and Downs of Entrepreneurship: Nashville Institute of Faith and Work Interview (Missy Wallace)
In this week’s episode, we have a SPECIAL GUEST! Missy Wallace, Executive Director at the Nashville Institute for Faith & Work (NIFW) joins us and gives us her insights into the convergence of faith and work. She tells us a bit about her own journey, how she developed her theology of faith and work, the founding of NIFW and how she is equipping entrepreneurs today. One unique takeaway is that Missy noticed how in Genesis, we see that God basically brought structure from chaos. Similarly, Missy observed that in the marketplace entrepreneurs' job is also to bring structure from chaos. Throughout the interview, Missy will tell us of stories of various entrepreneurs who have been part of NIFW's entrepreneur support group and how they have grappled with the ups and downs of their chosen career path. These stories range from an entrepreneur coming into a 7-figure event being scared of wealth, to an entrepreneur wrestling with a bankruptcy, to a woman who knew she was called to elderly healthcare from the age of 16. The program is a 12-week closed group where participants agree to a 90% attendance rate. The program includes a video curriculum with faith and work theology. However more than anything else, the group provides a place where the masks can come off; participants can process the anxiety/stress with running a company; they can stop posturing and practice honesty with one another. In redefining success (from a worldly one to a Kingdom one), Missy has found that these entrepreneurs find more peace in their work. For the faith driven entrepreneur, it’s not about the score all the time. Like raising children, the parent can’t just singularly focus on results; they should enjoy the process of their child’s growth as well. In sum, the NIFW provides a great resource to support entrepreneurs who need community and spiritual encouragement. And, Missy is a great storyteller ... join us to hear more!
Tue, July 24, 2018
Episode 16 - Keeping a Christ Centered Attitude While Growing a Business
In this episode, Henry, Rusty, and William tackle questions from our valued listeners. Marty asks, "how do we keep a Christ-centered attitude while growing a business?" For Henry, It’s about identity. It’s almost impossible when the goal is solely financial success. We should seek God first. If there’s frustration at work, it’s an opportunity to pray to God. Rusty brings a tactical point of view, and recommends starting the day prepared. Spending time with God is top priority. We should boot up with God first in order to avoid crashes, or at least minimize them. William reminds us that we can’t forget our first vocation; we are beloved children of God. Our friend, Mike, asks "As a founder, how do i shift work responsibilities over to new employees as I get overwhelmed and simply can't do it all anymore?" For Rusty, it goes back to trust. His litmus test for delegating work is to 1) assess if he himself is good at it; 2) is it routine? and 3) does he like to do it? If so, he will typically delegate those tasks to empower his teammates even though it seems counterintuitive. This allows for employees to grow in his/her capacity which is of paramount importance if you want a long-term employee. Adam, asked "how do we make remote team-members feel engaged and offer them a meaningful culture?" Rusty admits that this is one of the hardest questions. In many ways, culture creates itself. Rusty recalls that at Electronic Arts they had employees all around the world. Rusty sat with the CEO and proposed that they create a one page roadmap for team members to provide a clear picture of the company’s values. This way everyone could align with the most important goals of the company - Rusty is happy to share his framework with anyone. Rick asks "how do we offer to pray for someone at the workplace? What about corporate prayer?" Recalling his own experience, Henry offered that at Bandwidth he would conduct a corporate prayer at picnics and dedicate them to families. In the first 8 years, when an employee was in a crisis Henry would offer to pray for him but he slowly realized that a Corporate Chaplain was a better approach. Henry also shared a story involving an American Express executive. She was in the legal department. She got permission from higher ups to do a corporate prayer. Eventually, she had 150 people in the lunch room meeting to pray. The AE executives came back and asked her if she and her group would serve as a focus group to see how the Christian community would respond to certain products and services. What an incredible witness within a larger organization. Rusty mentioned that he thought it would be an incredible testimony to have a corporate prayer, so we wrote ONE!!! See our blog to check it out. Finally, in responding to Jeffrey’s question on seeking out a Christian business networking group, Henry and William shared about the “Inklings,” a group of Christian e
Tue, July 17, 2018
Episode 15 - Are We Setting the Right Example? 50-70 Hour Work Weeks
In this week's episode, we discuss how we should view the “40-hour work week” in relation to our faith, family, and overall balance of life? When we unwrap this topic, it touches on issues of prioritization, and leadership. As entrepreneurs, we are wired to work, and work a lot. It’s almost romantic to admit that we work 50-70 hours per week (or much much more :). But at what cost? We must recall that there are at least two groups of people whom we affect with how much we work: family/spouse, and employees/teammates. From the employee’s perspective, they see what we do. We are modeling to them all the time. If they see us working long, ridiculous hours they will feel compelled to do same. If we send emails at 2am, they will think they need to be ready to respond at 2:01am. Remember, the shadow of a leader is large. The second group of people that we impact with how much we work is of course our loved ones. Rusty shares with us a personal experience during his early career. In 1998, he and his wife moved to California so Rusty could join Electronic Arts. After a year or so, his wife suggested that she should move back to New York because Rusty didn't spend much time with her anyway - he might not even notice she left. Bam - that was a wake up call. As a litmus test, William chimes in with a story he heard recently about seeking the “fellowship of the unimpressed.” No matter how big of a deal you are at work, your kids, your spouse or your best friends will just never be that impressed with you. No matter if you are William Norvell or Warren Buffet. If you find yourself in a situation where everyone at work can't stop talking about how wonderful you are while simultaneously your friends and family are giving you criticism, it might be time to pause and reflect. In short, it pays to remind ourselves of our motives. As faith driven entrepreneurs, we should promote the motive to know God, As opposed to looking at “work-life balance,” we should adopt the “work-life priorities” model. As the late Dr. Stephen Covey said, “we should never put ahead what matters most with what matters least. “
Tue, July 10, 2018
Episode 14 - Wronged by a Fellow Believer
n this episode, Henry, Rusty, and William tackle the very difficult issue of when a coworker or a colleague feels that he or she has been wronged. One of our listeners from Northern California asked the question, “How do I deal with burned relationships with former founders, employees, or colleagues, who are also Christians?” As Faith Driven Entrepreneurs, we of course all try to keep Christ and scripture at the center of our work. When conflict arises, what framework can we look at to help us process conflict and reach a Godly resolution? William suggests a three part framework in this area: forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration. It should be noted that forgiveness only takes one person, while it takes two to reconcile. Lastly, it takes maturity to restore the relationship after tough trials, and this is a step often forgotten. Rusty offers that it is best to address the conflict quickly while Henry suggests that we have to check our motives and make sure our actions give God glory. What happens though when it doesn't work out - when a leader has exhausted all options, then what? When this does occur, we have to consider a range of compassion with regards to personal relationships and practical realities - i.e. severance or letters of recommendation. It's also important to remember that no matter what you do to try to reconcile two people, there are sometimes unresolved feelings that cannot be worked through (at least they can't be worked through on earth). Ultimately, we all must patiently await the renewal of all things in heaven.
Tue, July 03, 2018
Episode 13 - Equally Yoked in Business
Whether it is in personal relationships, marriage, or business, being equally yoked with other Christ followers is no doubt highly advantageous. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, the Apostle Paul said, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” While this passage historically is Paul’s warning against idolatry (as verses 7-18 seem to support), this scripture highlights the question of what are we to do in business relationships when it comes to working with those who may not be Christ followers. In this episode, Henry, Rusty, and William provide their experience and viewpoints on the issue. Henry starts off by providing the evolution in his own thinking about the subject matter. Initially, Henry was focused on hiring or partnering the most qualified and best person for the job regardless of the person’s faith. Over time, he began to see that going through the hills and valleys of business, the person whom you are yoked with is incredibly important. If the person whom you are joined does not share your convictions, faith, and beliefs there may come a time when the institution/business enterprise may be compromised. Rusty observes that it is often very difficult to hire someone who is equally yoked with you. In high level positions, there may be more opportunity to engage in executive searches and networks to identify those individuals. As a whole, given the size of the marketplace it may not possible to be yoked with a fellow Christian. Frequently, one may come into a business headed by non-believers. Interestingly, the Apostle Paul addresses this scenario in the context of husband and wife. In sum, if a husband joins with an unbelieving wife, or vice-versa, Paul warns that you need not divorce. (1 Cor. 7:12-16) The point is we do not know if the unbelieving spouse would actually be saved through the believing spouse. Similarly, in business God can work through the believer and sanctify those who may not believe. At Snocap, Rusty ended up working with a great person, Mr. Ali Aydar. While Mr. Aydar’s beliefs were not readily known at the time, Rusty built a relationship with him. Mr. Aydar now goes to church where Rusty goes; in fact, Rusty teaches Aydar’s kids in Sunday school. No matter the circumstances God seems to be able to work through it for his glory. From William’s perspective, he comes back to his “why.” He reminds that we are guided by God’s word. We need to use discernment. William makes sure he shares his why with others in any venture when possible. In fact, it’s important for your potential business partner to know everything that makes you tick. It is an opportunity to be authentic. To be clear, Henry, Rusty and William all agree that employers in the United States must abide by all employment laws. And as faith driven entrepreneurs, we arguably may be held to e
Tue, June 26, 2018
Episode 12 - Is "Calling" Misunderstood
In this episode, Henry, Rusty, and William discuss the issue of calling. Many of us have heard God calling us to a particular purpose. Romans 8:28 says “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” To fulfill God’s purpose, we may be individually called to contribute through our lives and work. In the work context, Rusty reminds us that you can be a Faith Driven Entrepreneur in any sector, whether it is in private, public, or the ministerial space. We look for God for drive and direction. How do we know that we are being called? What does it mean to have a calling? Citing Pastor Tim Keller, William gives us a framework, which consists of three elements: Affinity - what are you naturally drawn to Ability - strengths and weaknesses Opportunity - what’s needed of me We all have an affinity towards something, whether it is a particular type of work, or industry. Of course, it is not enough to be attracted to a type of work, we need to play off our strengths while recognizing our own shortfalls. And all the while it is important to identify opportunities that match the two prior criteria. Simply put, for our affinity we should “look out”; our ability - “look in”; and opportunity - “look up!” When we are called God will place a burden in our heart. The burden could be so deep that it occupies a person’s being. By analogy, in the venture capital world the person seeking funding has a type of conviction and hunger fuels entrepreneurs during lean times and when investors say “no.” Now, God may not speak to us audibly. The calling should not violate scripture or what God represents. This is why it is so important to have a framework that helps guide us in our calling. On the opposite of the spectrum, some of us may not even know that we have been serving in our calling. It isn’t until we look back that we realize that we have been doing what God has called us to do.
Tue, June 19, 2018
Episode 11 - Can a Pastor Equip an Entrepreneur?
A pastor is in a unique position to influence his leaders who are in the marketplace in many different ways, and this week we turn out attention to how a pastor might support entrepreneurship within his congregation. This week, Henry, and William interview special guest, Pastor Andy Wood of Echo Church, about his journey in ministry and the world of entrepreneurship. Andy is lead pastor of Echo Church located in San Jose, California, just south of San Francisco. Early on, he was influenced by his father who was a business owner. He recalled watching his father going through the “highs” and the “lows” of running a business. He saw that back in those days there was really no place for an entrepreneur in the Church for someone like his father. That is, the pastors he knew did not know how to empower local faith centered entrepreneurs. Today, Andy's vision with his ministry is to partner with entrepreneurs because he believes that business has the ability to transform culture and entrepreneurs will have a leading role. Andy explains that he does many things to equip his entrepreneurial congregants - from simple encouragement to preaching relevant messages to holding conferences. A fascinating stat is that his most recent conference had a 50/50 split between christ-followers and non christ followers because the content was top notch. This leads into a discussion about how a church leader should start their journey by finding those business leaders within the congregation that share a similar heart. Connect with them and listen. Take them out to lunch and try to learn from them. Andy said that he noticed that business leaders and entrepreneurs are some of the most lonely people and are highly anxious. They experience high stress and tremendous pressure. They need a pastor even though they may represent themselves like they have it all together. Ultimately, Andy stressed that a pastor needs to be convinced that business/entrepreneurs are important. He reminisced that his father may have been able to utilize his gifts in a different way if he had more support from his church leaders. William correctly noted that nothing could be more entrepreneurial than planting a church, and then Pastor Andy revealed that Echo had support from 17 different churches at its beginning, and that support was a huge encouragement to him on his own journey. It is a great example of the Acts 2 church life where believers are helping other believers for God’s glory.
Tue, June 12, 2018
Episode 10 - Evangelism in the Workplace
As Christians, we are all called to make disciples based on the Great Commission. How does that apply at work? In the workplace, how do we live out our faith honorably without perhaps overstepping the professional line? In this episode, Henry, Rusty, and William tackle the question should we even evangelize at work in the first place? When it comes to expressing our faith at the workplace, it’s important to discern and hear God’s voice. Our vertical relationship with God affects the horizontal one with our fellow teammates. Henry also reminds us that we would do well to be mindful of whether we are being willful or faithful. There are several ways that evangelism at work could take place. In an organization, the first thing it can do to evangelize is to express its values and principles explicitly. A company should be clear on “why do we what we do?” Even by simply stating them, a leader in an organization can communicate at the outset what the company is about. Sometimes, a company’s evangelistic fervor could be interpreted the wrong way though. For example, Henry tells the story that at the beginning of Bandwidth the leaders would hold Bible Studies. Some of their team members interpreted that attending these studies would be viewed highly by leadership. It sort of created an “us versus them” culture, and that’s not what Bandwidth wanted. Another way to express our faith at work is to simply offer to pray for non-believing coworkers. Like the marketplace, people have pain points, too. As believers, we can address those pain points in a gentle way. The marketplace expects workers to leave their lives and issues at home; we are almost expected to be Super-human. We know that this is not the case. As believers, we can meet our coworkers where they are at and follow God’s leading in ministering to them. There are other ways to evangelize at the workplace. Rusty gives us the example in this episode of his wife’s friend who works at Dropbox. At Dropbox, employees are encouraged to bring an instrument, form bands, and play music. One of these bands would play worship music as part of the rotation right here in the Silicon Valley! Within the greater context of evangelism at work, William posed a great question in that “are there any lines?” That is, how far can a leader go? Is it ok to pass out Bibles at a Corporate retreat? Henry impressed us that it goes back to gentleness and respect. God gives us all an opportunity to speak and prophecy (speak forth). We should pray for discernment in the particular situation. Importantly, we need to listen to God’s voice (and presumably not our own). When we do speak boldly for God at work, does that really work? That is, do people really react to examples? Or is it an excuse for someone who does not have to be bold in one’s faith? Rusty observed that from his own experience that it does work. In his own public talks, he will ex
Tue, June 05, 2018
Episode 9 - Treat Your Employees So Well They Never Want to Leave
In a competitive marketplace, a company’s benefits package is an announcement of its values and mission. We don’t really have look any further than the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do to you. In scripture we are told “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 12:31) Jesus here compared loving one’s neighbor as loving the “self.” Clearly, God knows that we love ourselves. The charge here is to love others with that same love. Generally speaking, the best benefit that a company can provide to any employee is rewarding them with meaningful work. (Eph. 4:28) When work is missional the employee and employer both benefit synergistically. In order to compete, an employer can love on its employee by providing “at-market” benefits or even “above-market” benefits. Benefits such as medical coverage, dental, vision, 401K, bonuses, stock options, and other incentives are fairly standard. Providing an employee with at market or above market benefits serves several purposes: 1) it is an opportunity to show how much a company cares for its employees; 2) it can validate the company’s core values (or not); 3) it can promote employee retention; and 4) it can create happiness at the workplace. As Richard Branson famously reminds us “Train your employees so well that they can leave; but treat them so well that they won’t want to.” An employer would do well do be mindful of the demographics of its employee base. A younger population may find above market pay and regular bonuses superior to say extra Pringles on the shelves. By contract, an employee base comprised of parents would surely appreciate full family medical coverage, and a flexible work schedule or “work anywhere” model. Other non-traditional benefits such as “Mindfulness” training to line managers, an Adoption Honorarium, Identity Theft protection for the employee and his/her entire immediate family, and Student Loan assistance are opportunities to attract, and co-opt employees. In this episode we look at a few more novel benefits as well. For instance, a vacation embargo against contacting vacationing employees so that time off can be appropriately focused on family. Similarly, the employee would not earn brownie points for “checking in” while on the sandy beaches of Wailea, Maui. Occasionally, a company - with great intentions - may provide benefits that actually undermine family time. Rusty examines an early story from the annals of IBM where Tom Watson famously implemented cafeterias....but just for lunch. Benefits such as providing breakfast and dinner on campus may send the wrong signal to the employee base. It may convey a message “we want you to work early and stay late.” In sum, the suite of benefits that a company provides to its employees should align with the company’s values. How the leaders of a company practice the promoted benefits will speak much louder than what is written in the employee hand
Tue, May 29, 2018
Episode 8 - Competition: Love 'Em, Ignore 'Em, or Crush "Em.
Today's Podcast tackles the question of how to think about competition. We know that we want to run the race as if to win it. (1 Corinthians 9:24). But how do we win? What is our heart posture? Do we win at all costs? What are our motives as we compete in the race. We talk about Competition in industries like telecom, where competitors can also be customers. Rusty talks about his time at PepsiCo and how Roger Enrico thought of the new entry of Eagle Snacks from Anheuser Busch. We talk a bit about patent trolling too. We even talk a little bit about what it looks to compete for a job internally. We get at the concept of Abundance versus Scarcity. I think it might be helpful to think about the fact that there are 3 levels of motives and that the ordering is important: Focus on serving our customers. Get the very best out of ourselves. Bring all that we have to work as our meaningful form of worship. Understand what the competition is doing. We don't operate in a vacuum and we need to be wise as a serpent and yet innocent as a dove (Mt 10:16). Let's never operate out of fear, but out of a feeling of opportunity, knowing that as we bring #s 1 and #2 above, we're very likely to succeed. Lastly, I think it's important to check on our motives. Are we competing to bring God glory or to shut someone else down and make them our door mat? As with all of our podcasts, this is not meant to be the final word. We'd like to get your take. What did we miss? Are we thinking about it wrong?
Tue, May 22, 2018
Episode 7 - Entertaining and Boundaries
Entertainment is something that most entrepreneurs will be a part of, whether that is recruiting team members, hosting corporate events, trying to raise money or creating unique opportunities for your team to bond. In this episode, we talk about how we think about entertaining while maintaining a sincere heart towards holiness. While there are some black and white rules from scripture that we need to follow, "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit" Ephesians 5:18 we are more likely to encounter gray areas where we need wisdom from others. Paul lays out such an example in I Corinthians 8:1-13. In this passage he mentions that while food sacrificed to idols is of no significance to God, it can be a stumbling block for others, so you should avoid in certain situations. "But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak." - 1 Corinthians 8:9 This can be a slippery slope that is best worked out in close community. Rusty will share some stories that are sure to make most people jealous, including stories about hanging out with Ed Sheeran and Lecrae. Rusty imparts insights regarding the “Shadow of a Leader” and how many at your organization are watching you as you set the example on these topics. "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more." - Luke 12:48 You never know who is watching you, or how your actions may impact their decisions. We hope you listen and please send us questions, comments and suggestions for how to make the podcast better serve you! Thank you for listening!!!
Tue, May 15, 2018
Episode 6 - Language
In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast, Henry, William and Rusty tackle the issue of language. At one level, they aren't going to tell you anything that will surprise you....cursing is a bad thing and it's not helpful in the workplace, or anywhere else for that matter. The book of James hits this issue squarely, and so do dozens of other references. Yet there's some nuance here that we think is worth exploring as the effective use of language and even emotion are so incredibly important for us as leaders in the workplace. We look at this issue from a variety of angles in this short edition: How does one navigate the dynamic between relatability and holiness? Is the "Queen's English" sufficient to get our point across? How does one deal with bad language from others in the office? How does language and it's use help us to understand our level of anxiety, our ultimate identity and our ability to witness. Let us know if you think we're missing something in this brief look at how to communicate effectively, and please, as always, forward this to others if you think it might be helpful.....especially those you know overseas as it's our hope that this won't just be a North American initiative. That'll allow us to get more feedback on how to improve the podcast, and more ideas from a broader audience. Thank you for your partnership!
Tue, May 08, 2018
Episode 5 - Spirituality of Fundraising
Fundraising. It’s something that we as entrepreneurs all have to tackle at some point. In this week’s FDE podcast episode, we examine the different issues that are associated with fundraising. You'll hear Henry note at the outset that this particular episode is a bit more weighted for the social entrepreneur or ministry entrepreneur....but I hope you'll agree that the mindset on fundraising is very relevant for entrepreneurs of all types. For any fundraiser, I believe the heart motive is the most important. This really ties into one’s purpose and why he is fundraising in the first place. This necessarily forces the fundraiser to know his "why" (see May 3, 2018 blog). We don't want to confuse activity with clarity. Once the fundraiser is clear on his/her goal, which is aligned with God's purpose (if faith based), then there should be no room for manipulation. While some may view fundraising as somewhat transactional, I submit that it should be relational. This means that the fundraiser has an awesome opportunity to love on the potential donor. You see, it’s all about relationships. In this, May 8, 2018 podcast episode, our guest J. Paul Fridenmaker touchea on this very important point. Donors and venture capitalists can all detect if you're being genuine or if there's a sales pitch coming on. Using a legal analogy, J. Paul impressed us that often times he is doing "discovery" on the donor and his/her current situation. At times, the fundraiser may have to retreat, see the bigger picture, and do what is right for the donor! Wow! There is no shortcut in caring for somebody. In addition, the fundraiser may do well to check his heart. Is he breeding hostility or providing hospitality? Frequently, we may try to impress or influence others with our own cause. In doing so, there's a tendency to become resentful if our advances go unrequited. In truth, we may become - well - a little hostile. However, if we check our heart posture, and really understand the person first and extend grace we may find that God then has room to work in that situation. For the faith driven donor, be encouraged that your financial support means that you are standing side-by-side and on the front line for that particular cause. I recall that in Philippians 4:14-18 that Paul reminded the Philippian churches that their financial support directly impacted his ministry throughout. Fundraising for any entrepreneur will continue to present unique challenges and unique opportunities. We will revisit this topic in future podcast episodes. Meanwhile, we would love to hear from you, our community, if there is something you would like us to talk about.
Tue, May 01, 2018
Episode 4 - When It Doesn't Work Out
In this week's podcast, we tackle the issue of how to let people go....and how to do it in a way that honors them and honors God. Rusty introduces the framework of how to let someone go in a way that speaks the truth in love, makes sure that they aren't surprised, gives an opportunity to cure and generally follows the golden rule. There's a bunch of nuance to that, of course, and so we talk through that a bit and delve in to what it looks like to love, not just the employee who may need to be let go, but also the other employees that that one individual might be holding back with their performance. Lastly, as many of our podcasts will do, we take a quick tangent and talk about how to clearly communicate expectations with our employees. William then realizes that we're on to something and sees another edition of the podcast in the making on a topic we'll explore further in the future.
Tue, April 24, 2018
Episode 3 - Projections
In this episode we’ll talk about projections. At first listen, this seems to be a little more relevant for companies that are after venture financing as we talk about the three year projections and the modeling that entrepreneurs show to venture capitalists etc., but I hope that you’ll find a lot more here than advice in working with a Venture Capitalist. We talk about plain old business planning, and the modeling we talk about doesn’t need to have a thing to do with raising money. It talks about the common mistakes made by business owners in planning for growth and how to avoid them. It then goes a bit deeper and we have a brief conversation about one of the struggles many business owners experience….at least one we have: the propensity to exaggerate. We talk about how to think about growing a business, and our faith and our reliance on God to provide, not just the work of our hands. We hope you’ll enjoy it. Please let us know if you do. Please let us know if you don’t. And as always, please let us know the questions that you’d like to see us answer on the podcast.
Tue, April 10, 2018
Episode 1 - Origin
Henry, Rusty and William share the reasons they are producing the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast
Tue, April 10, 2018
Episode 2 - Culture
In this episode, we will discuss the importance of culture in your organization. 1:00 - How do I think about culture? 2:00 - There is a spectrum 4:15 - What is God telling you? 5:00 - We are representatives of God 7:05 - Make it your own story 7:45 - Capital aligned with values 11:15 - Why we do what we do? 15:00 - Brian shares the reason behind his company 17:15 - Rusty’s personal story 19:20 - Trust God
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