From the story of Daniel's excellence in Babylon to the unnamed "them" in Acts 11 who planted the most significant missionary-sending church in history, this episode reframes what it means to be a faithful follower of Christ in the workplace—and why it matters more right now than ever before.

Key Topics:

• Why the Great Commission is not the First Commission—and what that means for your work
• The five characteristics of an "Everyday Revolutionary" entrepreneur from JD's book
• How Daniel's quiet excellence gave him credibility to speak the gospel to kings
• The ROI of Kingdom investment: Summit Church's church planting data that will reframe how you think about impact
• Why entrepreneurs are the "tip of the gospel spear"—and what pastors need to do about it

Notable Quotes:

"The first interface of the gospel and culture is in the workplace." — JD Greear

"Daniel lived quietly and testified loudly—but his quiet life was the way that he was excellent, more excellent than all the other people in his class." — JD Greear

"I want people in our community to say, 'We don't believe what those crazy people at Summit believe, but thank God they're here.'" — JD Greear

About the Guest:

JD Greear is the pastor of Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and the author of Everyday Revolutionary, a practical guide to integrating faith and work using Daniel as a model. He served overseas in missions and has led Summit to become one of the most prolific church-planting churches in the United States, sending out more than 2,000 members who now worship in over 100,000-person-strong planted churches. He also serves on the board of Chick-fil-A.

Chad's story begins in a Memphis apartment where three little girls slept on one sleeping bag, and it leads through a decade of infertility, failed adoptions, a business in freefall, and a premature baby born with a life-threatening condition — all converging on a single night in a hospital closet with a Tim Keller book he didn't choose to pick up. What follows is one of the most honest entrepreneurial testimonies you'll hear: a man who ran hard toward success, hit rock bottom on every front simultaneously, and found that God had been engineering every moment of it — including the son who changed everything.

Today, Chad channels that journey into For Others, a nationwide initiative to end the child welfare crisis in America — not through charity alone, but through the same business rigor he applies to growing a furniture company. Vision. Path. Leadership. Team. Execution. The math, he says, is actually solvable.

Key Topics:

• How a home makeover contest in Memphis sparked Beds for Kids — now 200,000 beds given nationwide through Ashley's Hope to Dream charity
  
  
• The decade-long adoption journey: failed adoptions in Russia and domestically, and what it cost Chad and his wife Kelly spiritually
  
  
• Hitting rock bottom simultaneously in business, marriage, and faith — and what God used to break through
  
  
• How a randomly grabbed Tim Keller book and Romans 8 in a hospital room became the moment everything changed
  
  
• The birth of For Others alongside worship artist Chris Tomlin — and the business framework Chad brought to the foster care crisis
  
  
• Why 400,000+ churches and 400,000+ kids in foster care is math any entrepreneur can understand
  
  
• The VPLTR framework: how Chad structures kingdom impact the same way he runs a business
  
  

Notable Quotes:

"God, I've got nothing. I am empty. I don't know what to do... but God, I need to hear from you." — Chad Spencer

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it's the wellspring of life. I'd lost life there. I wasn't guarding it." — Chad Spencer

"Purpose becomes a pillar. Not an addendum, not an attachment. Make it a part of the way we do things." — Chad Spencer

From the 'vision vs. division' dynamic in marriage to the practical tools they use—like a Sunday afternoon spreadsheet review, calendar coding by values, and a structured weekly meeting they call 'engineered heated fellowship'—John and Ash bring equal parts humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom. Whether you're a solo founder, a co-founder couple, or simply trying to honor God in every hat you wear, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.

Key Topics:

• Vision vs. division: Why couples think they're unified when they're not—and how to find out
• The many hats of a married entrepreneur: How uncommunicated roles create chaos at home and work
• 'Engineered heated fellowship': The Sunday afternoon weekly meeting that transformed their marriage and team
• When John publicly dishonored Ash in front of the whole team—and what happened next
• The $7 million decision made without alignment—and the lesson it left behind
• The Five F's framework: Faith, Family, Fun, Fitness, and Finances—with numbers on every one
• What it means to 'let peace be your umpire' in every major decision

Notable Quotes:

"We think we have a vision and we really have division. Division's two visions." — John Marsh

"Faith plus nothing gets us there, and repentance plus nothing gets us back." — John Marsh

"A lot of husbands and wives don't have brave conversations with one another. Because they're more concerned about the response of their mate than the response of God in that obedience." — Ash Marsh

About John & Ashley Marsh:

John and Ashley Marsh are the co-founders of The Marsh Collective, a faith-driven organization dedicated to helping couples build marriages and businesses that honor God. Having navigated their own story of brokenness, reconciliation, and restoration, they now serve as mentors, coaches, and speakers to families and entrepreneurial couples across the country. They operate from the conviction that a marriage placed under God's authority is the most powerful unit of Kingdom impact—and that the tools and language of business, stewarded rightly, can serve that mission beautifully. As of this recording, The Marsh Collective has seen over 210 marriages restored.

What if the way you relate to money is quietly undermining everything you're working toward? Host Justin Forman sits down with investor, author, and Harvard Business Review contributor John Coleman for a candid conversation about money, meaning, and what it actually means to flourish. Drawing on 15 years of writing on purpose and leadership — and a front-row seat to both great wealth creation and its casualties — John has written Good Money, a framework for entrepreneurs who want their finances to serve their lives, not consume them.

Together they unpack the psychology of money, the danger of the hedonic treadmill, and why setting a financial finish line isn't giving up — it's the turbocharge entrepreneurs didn't know they needed. John connects rigorous mainstream research with ancient wisdom, showing that what Scripture has always said about money is now being confirmed by Harvard, Baylor, and Gallup.

Key Topics:

• Why only 17% of Americans find meaning and purpose at work — and what entrepreneurs can do about it
• The six areas of money every entrepreneur must master: earning, spending, giving, investing, and saving
• Hedonic adaptation: the psychological trap keeping you on a financial treadmill that never ends
• What a financial finish line actually is — and why setting one isn't quitting, it's liberating
• The research-backed case for generosity: reductions in mortality, dementia, heart attack, and stroke
• Why wealthy societies score lower on human flourishing — and what that means for faith-driven entrepreneurs
• Building accountability communities around money: spouses, advisors, kids, and close friends

Notable Quotes:

“The Bible mentions money over 2,300 times. It never says money is evil, but it says the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” — John Coleman

“I believe firmly there is no success without significance.” — John Coleman

“100% of the time is easier than 98% of the time.” — Clayton Christensen, as quoted by John Coleman

About John Coleman:

John Coleman is an investor at Sovereign’s Capital, a longtime Harvard Business Review contributor, and author of Good Money. A two-time class president (high school and college), former speech team competitor, and management consultant, John has spent 15 years writing about purpose, meaning, and human flourishing in the workplace. His work bridges rigorous academic research with the ancient wisdom of Christian tradition.

Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with Brandon West, Chief Purpose Officer and founder of PHOS Creative, in an honest conversation about what it really means to build a faith-driven business from the inside out. Brandon shares how a 12-year journey from a home office — teaching Greek, Latin, and algebra on the side — became a 24-person creative agency on a mission to cultivate flourishing in people and organizations everywhere they touch.

But this episode goes far beyond marketing strategy. Brandon opens up about the year his mom died, his team faltered, and his leadership was tested — and how that same season became the catalyst for a vision so big his leadership team laughed when he first said it out loud: launching North Central Florida's first-ever sex trafficking safe house. Today, PHOS has launched 37 care centers around the world — five years ahead of schedule.

This is a conversation about awareness and trust, excellence and authenticity, uppercase Purpose and lowercase purpose — and what happens when an entrepreneur finally asks: what if God positioned this business for something greater?

Key Topics:

• Why excellence alone isn't enough — the case for authentic, Christ-driven branding in the marketplace
• The "Flourishing Framework": PHOS Creative's six-dimensional model for caring for team, clients, and community
• From one Compassion International child to 37 care centers: the stewardship mindset that changes everything
• How a cleaning crew employee became the first sex trafficking survivor reached in Gainesville, Florida
• Why the problems of the world can't just be someone else's fight — and how to take your first step
• The difference between ‘uppercase P’ Purpose and ‘lowercase p’ purpose — and why it matters to your team
• "It is not your business to succeed": How C.S. Lewis's words reframed how Brandon measures everything

Notable Quotes:

"God has positioned this business for something greater. As we live that out and be that authentically to the world — authentically behind the scenes and then authentic in public — I do think that is where the sweet aroma of Christ begins to be so beautiful." — Brandon West

"Do for the one what you wish you could do for the many." — Brandon West (quoting a mentor)

"If you have something that's enough to chase, maybe you have enough to share." — Brandon West

Actor, entrepreneur, and faith-driven creator Zachary Levi (Chuck, Shazam!) sits down with Justin Forman at SXSW to pull back the curtain on Hollywood, authentic storytelling, and his bold new venture: Wyldwood—an independent studio and intentional community designed to fix what's broken in entertainment and in the way we live.

From the untold true story of Sarah Rector—a 10-year-old Black girl in early 1900s Tulsa who prayed over her land, struck oil, and became the richest woman in America—to the AI flood rising around us, Zachary shares why he believes faith-driven creators are called to build arks, not abandon ship.

Key Topics

•       Sarah's Oil: The remarkable true story of a 10-year-old girl whose childlike faith turned 160 acres into the largest pure oil reserve in North America

•       Why excellent storytelling—not preaching—is how faith gets metabolized by culture

•       Zachary's faith journey: from near-suicidal darkness eight years ago to a deeper, wider, more grace-filled walk with God

•       The identity trap: what acting taught him about separating your work from your worth

•       Wyldwood: building a modern-day Hershey, Pennsylvania for artists—intentional community, redemptive storytelling, and an answer to AI

•       Why AI is a biblical flood—and why that's the reason to build, not retreat

Notable Quotes

"When I started working in Hollywood and I got my first look behind the curtain and I saw how all the sausage was made, I was heartbroken because I care too much about other human beings and excellence to find myself working in an industry that doesn't care about either of those things." — Zachary Levi

"There is a way to get messaging in your art that is not proselytizing. There's a way. And that is the way." — Zachary Levi

"A biblical flood is coming. It's not rain, it is technology. And the ground is already permeating. The water is rising." — Zachary Levi

What happens when a retail entrepreneur has a Holy Spirit moment at a Bible dedication ceremony in Guatemala — and never looks at business the same way again? In this episode, host Justin Forman sits down with Mart Green, co-founder of Mardel Christian bookstores and a driving force behind Illuminations, a collective impact initiative uniting Bible translation organizations around the world with one audacious goal: eradicate Bible poverty by 2033.

Mart shares the origin story of Illuminations — from a small table of five CEOs and five resource partners meeting monthly in a Dallas airport admirals club — to a movement now involving 300+ people from dozens of organizations who've helped accelerate Bible translation from a projected finish date of 2150 down to 2041, with faith believing for 2033. He also opens up about his family's mission statement, his daily rhythm in God's Word, and what stewardship really looks like when you stop being an owner and start being a steward.

Key Topics:

• The Guatemala moment that shifted Mart's lens from ROI to EROI (Eternal Return on Investment)
• How Illuminations was built brick by brick — starting with three organizations and growing to a 300-person annual gathering
• The Stanford Collective Impact framework — and the sixth element Stanford missed (communal prayer)
• How AI and technology are accelerating Bible translation, cutting projected timelines by decades
• Why generosity, humility, and integrity are the only character traits Mart looks for in a partner
• The Green family mission statement: "Love God intimately. Live extravagant generosity."
• Mart's daily scripture rhythm and the O-I-O-I framework (Open, Insight, Obey, Intimacy)

Notable Quotes:

"In that moment, I kind of went from ROI to EROI. What's the eternal return on investment?" — Mart Green

"Satan always attacks at the point of unity. I guess it's because it's powerful." — Mart Green

"There's only two things that last forever — God's Word and the souls of men and women. So if I can get those two combined, it's less of a responsibility." — Mart Green

About the Guest: Mart Green is a second-generation entrepreneur and son of Hobby Lobby founder David Green. He co-founded Mardel Christian bookstores at age 19 and has since become a major force in faith-based philanthropy. He is a key resource partner in Illuminations, the world's largest Bible translation collective impact initiative, which is working to ensure that every people group has access to God's Word in their heart language by 2033. Mart and his family of 50 — all living in Oklahoma City — operate from a shared mission: to love God intimately and live extravagant generosity.

Host Justin Forman sits down with James Dumoulin, co-founder of the School of Hard Knocks, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build something that lasts. With 21 million followers and a media empire generating over a million dollars a month in revenue, James shares the surprising pivot that changed everything — and why humility, not hustle, has been his greatest business asset.

From interviewing Tim Tebow on the streets to sitting across from billionaires who still have questions, James unpacks what he's learning about legacy, lifelong curiosity, and keeping God at the center of it all.

Key Topics:

• The early pivot that launched School of Hard Knocks: Why they stopped making content about business and started interviewing those who built it
• Why the greatest entrepreneurs never stop asking questions — and what "reverse mentorship" really looks like
• The dangers of chasing wealth without a why — and what billionaires who "got it right" actually look like
• How James stays grounded while building fast: The entrepreneur's blessing and curse
• What James is asking the faith-driven community to pray for him

Notable Quotes:

"Broke people know everything. You can't teach a broke person anything." — James Dumoulin

"The most important relationship we have is that one that we have with God." — James Dumoulin

"Legacy is less about what you have or what you pass on. It's what you put in motion." — Justin Forman

Host Justin Forman sits down with Sean Dunn, CEO and founder of GroundWire, for a conversation that reframes how entrepreneurs think about ministry, marketing, and mission. Sean has spent decades as an evangelist, speaker, and author — but in 2017, he made a radical pivot: going 100% digital to reach the generation that has stopped walking through church doors. The result? Over 2 million people raised their hand to receive Christ in 2025 alone, at a cost of just $2.30 per commitment.

This episode is equal parts spiritual conviction and entrepreneurial strategy. Sean unpacks how GroundWire uses data-driven iteration, targeted digital interruption, and multi-URL messaging campaigns to meet young people in their brokenness — wherever they scroll.

Key Topics:

• Why 76% of Gen Z and millennials have no connection to the local church — and what to do about it
• The genius of "interruption" marketing for the Gospel: meeting people where they already are
• How GroundWire went from $6.51 to $2.30 per profession of faith through data and iteration
• Why "our innovation becomes our rut" — and how to keep pivoting before you plateau
• The motivation vs. access framework for disciple-making in a digitally addicted generation
• How businesses can "champion a day" and watch souls come to Christ in real time
• The collaborative giving opportunity at solving.org

Notable Quotes:

"Some people relate better to whenlifehurts.com than jesuscares.com. So we just started to iterate on that." — Sean Dunn

"In business as well as in ministry, a lot of times our innovation becomes our rut." — Sean Dunn

"The hunger is real, the messaging is right, and God's on the move. And those three things add up to some phenomenal results." — Sean Dunn

About Sean Dunn: Sean is the CEO and founder of GroundWire, a digital evangelism ministry. Called to ministry at 14, Sean spent years as a traveling speaker and author before pivoting fully to digital ministry in 2017. GroundWire operates a network of Gospel-centered websites — JesusCares.com, WhenLifeHurts.com, IFeelBroken.com, DoIMatter.com, and more — using targeted digital ads to interrupt and engage Gen Z and millennials at their point of need.

Host Justin Forman sits down with Randy Alcorn—author of 65 books including the bestselling Treasure Principle and Heaven—for a conversation that will upend some of the most common misconceptions entrepreneurs carry about rewards, happiness, holiness, and what work looks like in eternity. Recorded with the kind of candor that only comes from two people who genuinely love ideas, this episode digs into why so many Christians—especially driven, ambitious entrepreneurs—have quietly believed things about heaven and reward that simply aren't in the Bible.

Randy unpacks the Protestant Reformation's unintended legacy, the Greek roots of "blessed" and "happy," and why Jim Elliot's most famous quote is actually about gain. He also shares the surprising rhythm behind decades of prolific writing—and what it means to partner with God to set something in motion that lasts.

Key Topics:

• Why the happiness vs. holiness debate gets both wrong—and how God actually calls us to both
• How the Protestant Reformation created an overcorrection against rewards that still shapes evangelical thinking today
• What entrepreneurs get wrong about heaven—and why a "bucket list" mentality actually reveals a low view of eternity
• Work before the Fall: Why the new earth will have real labor, real joy, and real collaboration
• The through line across 65 books: Eternal perspective as the framework for stewarding time, money, and calling

Notable Quotes:

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." — Jim Elliot (quoted by Randy Alcorn)

"God has not simply called us to holiness. God has called us also to happiness, and there is no conflict whatsoever between them." — Randy Alcorn

"We affirm a belief in the resurrection but it's as if we're not wrapping our minds around what it means." — Randy Alcorn

What happens when a faith-driven entrepreneur moves his manufacturing business inside prison walls? Pete Ochs did exactly that — and what started as a labor solution became one of the most remarkable stories of business as mission in the modern faith-and-work movement.

Main Topics:

• How Pete moved his manufacturing company into a maximum security prison in Hutchinson, Kansas — and what happened next
• The "triple bottom line" framework of economic, social, and spiritual capital that guides all of Pete's business decisions
• The transformational power of a job: why employment is one of the most powerful upstream solutions to recidivism, hopelessness, and broken communities
• The "how much is enough?" question — and how Pete and a group of peers built a 25-year commitment around capping lifestyle and stewarding the delta
• Why generosity is a subset of stewardship — and how inmates at Sea King out-give their civilian counterparts three to one

Guest Quotes:

"When you give a man a job and have high expectations for him, and then love him like you love yourself, really befriend him, and then talk about a purpose in life — powerful things happen. It is amazing." — Pete Ochs

"I thought the purpose of business was to make money and give it away… God really reoriented me to what true stewardship is. I really think generosity is a subset of stewardship." — Pete Ochs

"It's an unbelievable thing to see a man that has no hope come to hope. I think business is really about people. I think we should be in business to really transform society." — Pete Ochs

Description:

Pete Ochs didn't set out to change the prison system. In 2005, he needed entry-level labor for his rapidly growing manufacturing company in Hutchinson, Kansas. A work release program gave him ten inmates. He wanted twenty more. Instead, he got an offer: move part of his business inside a maximum security prison. Thirty days later, he did.

What followed was a 20-year journey that would reshape Pete's understanding of business, stewardship, generosity, and the gospel. Today, Sea King — the business Pete operates inside Hutchinson Correctional Facility — has seen men come to Christ, complete three-year seminary programs, raise $15,000 for a fellow inmate's mother whose house burned down, and walk out of prison as business owners. Two former gang leaders who once tried to kill each other now stand before 60 to 80 men daily, mentoring new inmates in the church Pete built inside the prison walls.

In this conversation with Justin Forman, Pete unpacks the "triple bottom line" of economic, social, and spiritual capital — and why leading with a job, not a sermon, is often the most powerful thing a faith-driven entrepreneur can do. He also shares the defining question that changed his life: How much is enough? — and what it looks like for entrepreneurs to cap their lifestyle, steward the delta, and finish well.

About the Guest: Pete Ochs is a businessman, entrepreneur, and advocate for prison ministry and business as mission. He is the founder of Capital III and operates manufacturing businesses — including Sea King and Capital Electric — inside the Hutchinson Correctional Facility in Kansas. Pete has spent more than 20 years championing the idea that business is one of the most powerful tools for human transformation and Kingdom impact.

What does it look like to build a company worth hundreds of millions of dollars—and then give it away? Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with Alan Barnhart, co-founder of Barnhart Crane & Rigging, for a conversation 40 years in the making. Alan shares the convictions forged early in marriage and business that led him and his wife Katherine to cap their lifestyle, transfer 99% of their company to a ministry trust, and give away over $21 million in a single year—all while insisting they've been the real beneficiaries.

This episode is a masterclass in stewardship theology, collaborative giving, and the dangerous beauty of holding everything with an open hand.

Key Topics:

• The two biblical convictions that shaped every financial decision Alan and Katherine ever made
• Why Alan set a lifestyle cap before his company ever took off—and how that decision protected his marriage, his family, and his faith
• How Barnhart Crane & Rigging went from 10 employees and $1.5M in revenue to 1,000+ employees and $400M+ in revenue—and what Alan attributes it to
• Why Alan believes giving away money strategically is harder than making it—and why collaboration is the only answer
• The moment Alan and his brother decided to give away 99% of a company worth hundreds of millions of dollars
• What Alan tells every entrepreneur who asks "What's the number?"
• The stewardship of your story: why Alan and Katherine kept quiet for 15 years—and what finally changed

Notable Quotes:

"God is the owner, you are the steward. Ask him what he wants you to do." — Alan Barnhart

"We have been the beneficiaries of this, not the givers." — Alan Barnhart

"It was right and good and legally brought us into a position where we already were spiritually." — Katherine Barnhart

Join host Justin Forman for a wide-ranging conversation with legendary financial author, teacher, and serial entrepreneur Ron Blue. With decades of experience building Kingdom-minded financial institutions—including what is now Blue Trust, one of the nation's premier faith-based wealth management firms—Ron unpacks the timeless questions every entrepreneur must answer: Who owns it? How much is enough? And what does faithful stewardship actually look like when you're building something meant to outlast you?

From counseling a heart surgeon in a million-dollar home to sitting with a grocery CEO in a trailer park, Ron's stories reveal that true contentment has nothing to do with net worth—and everything to do with whose name is on the deed.

Key Topics:

• The three questions that unlock faithful stewardship: Who owns it? How much is enough? What's the finish line?
• Why Ron built his firms to outlast him—and what he left on the table when God called him elsewhere
• The difference between "hard" and "impossible" when it comes to serving God and money
• How the faith-driven investing movement has matured the stewardship conversation
• Succession planning, family wealth, and why "if you love your children equally, you'll treat them uniquely"
• The serial entrepreneur's journey: from accounting firm to Blue Trust to mobilizing 4,000 advisors

Notable Quotes:

"God's word speaks to everything that we think money will give us. And that's why Jesus said, it's not hard to serve God and mammon, it's impossible." — Ron Blue

"I didn't start any of them to make money. I started every one of them to accomplish a purpose or a vision." — Ron Blue

"If God owns it, I hold it with an open hand. And God then is free to put in or take out whatever He wants." — Ron Blue

What happens when you put a pastor and an entrepreneur in a room with a whiteboard? According to Dave Ferguson, you get real solutions that push back darkness with light. Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with Dave Ferguson—co-founder of Community Christian Church in Chicago and the New Thing Network, which has helped plant 30,000 churches across 69 countries—to explore what it really takes to build a movement, why church planters and entrepreneurs are more alike than they think, and how "missional imagination" could be the missing ingredient in both the church and the marketplace.

Dave shares hard-won lessons from decades of church planting, network building, and leadership development—including the leadership framework from his upcoming book Multiplier: How Healthy Leaders Create Lasting Impact. From the four Rs that fueled exponential growth to the RPMS dashboard that keeps leaders healthy over the long haul, this conversation is packed with frameworks entrepreneurs will immediately recognize and apply.

Key Topics:

• Why church planters and entrepreneurs share the same wiring—and what that means for the Kingdom
• The "chaortic" principle: how clear vision + clear values unlock movement-level multiplication
• Dave's RPMS framework: the four gauges every leader must monitor daily (Relational, Physical, Mental, Spiritual)
• From addition to multiplication: the difference between making disciples and making disciple-makers
• The "all abilities church" story—what happens when a salesman with a passion gets a pastor's blessing
• 50 micro-expressions of church inside Amazon—and what it means for entrepreneurs in the marketplace
• Why "missional imagination" beats checklist Christianity every time

Notable Quotes:

"If you put a pastor and an entrepreneur in a room with a whiteboard and a facilitator, I can't imagine you're not going to come up with real solutions to go like, hey, here's how we push back that darkness with light." – Dave Ferguson

"You reproduce who you are and what you do." – Dave Ferguson

"If we aim for mission, you're going to get mission and you're probably going to get some of the deepest friends that you've ever had." – Justin Forman

This episode explores the harsh realities of job scarcity in Africa, where corruption has become normalized and desperate job seekers face exploitation. Elizabeth vulnerably discusses the painful decision to walk away from a $2 million contract rather than compromise their values, and how God used that sacrifice to create new opportunities for hundreds of workers.

Discover how Elizabeth's Faith Driven Entrepreneur journey transformed her business philosophy from scarcity to abundance, leading to partnerships with organizations like MasterCard Foundation to create millions of jobs across the continent.

Key Topics:

• Solving Africa's unemployment crisis: The 6-to-1 dependency ratio reality
• Why corruption thrives when there's no connection from "Sunday to Monday"
• The painful truth about job hunting: bribery, exploitation, and desperation
• Walking away from $2 million to protect Kingdom values
• Building sustainable employment through MasterCard Foundation partnership
• Creating community impact: From after-school programs to future employee pipelines
• Transforming businesses from secular to faith-driven enterprises

Notable Quotes:

"What are the real examples that show up that you're loving your employees? It's not just enough for you to pay their paycheck, but you need to create an environment in which they thrive, and then align their values with their companies, with their God given kingdom principles." - Elizabeth Ntege

"Clearly, no connection from Sunday to Monday. Clearly, there is no connection between what is happening in the church and what and what happening in the marketplace." - Elizabeth Ntege

"We were willing to walk away from a $2 million contract then compromise our values." - Elizabeth Ntege

In this remarkable conversation, Hobby Lobby founder and CEO David Green sits down with host Justin Forman at the company's Oklahoma City headquarters to share the story behind one of America's most distinctive faith-driven businesses. From humble beginnings in a 600-square-foot store to leading an $8 billion enterprise with over 1,000 locations, David's journey reveals what happens when stewardship replaces ownership.

At 84 years young, David still carries his trusty "MyPad" (a paper notepad) instead of a computer, operates as CEO, and shows no signs of slowing down. This episode explores the pivotal moments that shaped his understanding of true ownership, the Supreme Court case that tested his family's convictions, and the generational framework that ensures Hobby Lobby's mission extends far beyond profit.

Key Topics:

From pastor's son to retail pioneer: The journey from five-and-dime stores to Hobby Lobby

The Supreme Court case that cost $1.2 million per day—and why they'd do it again

Why closing on Sundays and rejecting Halloween cost millions but gained something greater

The backyard prayer that changed everything: "What would you do if the Jones family owned it?"

Building a family constitution: How 48 family members align around eternal values

The danger of generational wealth and why no Green family member gets anything they don't earn

Giving half of all earnings away: The mathematics of trying to "out-give God"

Legacy planning with a thousand-year horizon

Notable Quotes:

"God gave you everything you need, any good thing that's in your life. God gave you. I need to be at a point where I died of myself and said no, no, no, this is not mine. I'm a steward." - David Green

"If you think it's yours, then you're gonna guide it. But if you really feel like God has given this to you to be a steward of what belongs to him, I think that's a good starting spot." - David Green

"We want to make sure we're tied into someone's life for eternity, because they're gonna be very comfortable if they don't know Jesus." - David Green

What does it take to raise children who pursue Kingdom impact rather than fame and fortune? In this intimate conversation, Larry and Diann Cotton—parents of the Dude Perfect founders—pull back the curtain on the parenting journey behind one of the world's most successful entertainment brands.

From backyard basketball trick shots to a $100-300 million partnership, the Cottons share how they recognized and nurtured their children's unique gifts while keeping them grounded in faith. Discover how they navigated the tension between encouraging creativity and maintaining wisdom, celebrated individuality rather than comparison, and prayed for contentment over riches.

This episode offers profound insights for any parent raising entrepreneurial kids, revealing how to be a cheerleader without being a rescuer, how to recognize God's unique story for each child, and why the greatest investment isn't in their success—but in their soul.

Key Topics:

• Recognizing and nurturing each child's unique gifts and wiring from elementary school
• Why comparison kills creativity: Raising twins without competition
• The pivotal moment when a backyard video became a viral sensation on Good Morning America
• Parenting through the loneliness and uncertainty of entrepreneurship
• Praying Proverbs 30: "Neither poverty nor riches" for children experiencing success
• The arrow principle: Training children according to their bent and releasing them to fly
• Why ministry in the marketplace is equally as important as vocational ministry
• Helping kids own their faith publicly through testimony and platform

Notable Quotes:

"Train up a child in the way that they should go, and when they're old, they won't depart from it. That means according to their bent—you start seeing the way this child is wired and reinforce that." - Larry Cotton

"God is writing their unique story. As a parent, just come along and be in it with them—encourage them, cheer them on, no matter what we think about it." - Diann Cotton

"If you're doing it to gain wealth, fame, or attention, those things will fall apart at some point. There needs to be a higher and more long-term purpose behind it." - Larry Cotton

Join host John Coleman for an intimate conversation with NASCAR Hall of Famer Carl Edwards, recorded at the Main Street Summit in Carl's hometown of Columbia, Missouri. Carl shares his remarkable journey from sweeping floors at a NASCAR truck team to becoming one of the sport's most celebrated drivers—and why he walked away from it all at the height of his career.

This episode goes beyond the back flips and victory celebrations to explore the deeper questions of identity, purpose, and what it means to truly succeed. Carl vulnerably discusses the intoxication of fame, the moment he realized he'd built his life on sand, and the divine intervention that led him to faith through an unexpected encounter on a mountaintop.

From racing with legends like Mark Martin and Jimmy Johnson to the life-changing phone call that made him rethink everything, Carl's story is a masterclass in knowing when to accelerate—and when to walk away.

Key Topics:

• Breaking into NASCAR: The entrepreneurial hustle from dirt tracks to the Cup Series
• The dark side of fame: When public image becomes an idol
• Welcome to the league: Racing against—and learning from—the sport's greatest drivers
• The retirement decision: Walking away from millions to prioritize family and faith
• Identity crisis: What happens when you lose the thing that defined you
• Finding God on a mountaintop: How a dystopian book club led to a Damascus road moment
• Raising a son who wants to race: Breaking generational patterns while honoring passion
• Stewarding resources: Wrestling with scarcity mindset and learning radical generosity

Notable Quotes:

"I had actually wet myself completely just because I was completely shaken by what I'd experienced." - Carl Edwards (on his conversion dream)

"I'm gonna keep racing for another 10 years. I'ma hit my head another 25 times. 30 years from now, I'll be on the other end of this phone. My son will be sitting on the stairs. I don't know my kids." - Carl Edwards

"If you haven't seen God walking beside you your whole life, you're blind." - Stephen Garber to Carl Edwards

Join host Justin Forman for an unforgettable conversation with Alex Jones, CEO and co-founder of Hallow, the world's #1 Catholic prayer and meditation app. Starting with just $10 in a bank account, Alex and his team have facilitated over one billion minutes of prayer and reached 27.5 million downloads—all while maintaining a steadfast focus on authentic faith over business metrics.

Alex shares his raw journey from falling away from faith in college to encountering Jesus through contemplative prayer, and how a heartbreaking note from his aunt—who lost her son—convinced him that even if just one more person found hope through Hallow, it would be worth dedicating his life to. This episode explores the intersection of technology and spirituality, the courage to spend everything on a Super Bowl commercial, and why prayer isn't therapy—it's a relationship with an invisible God who transforms everything.

Key Topics:

• The miraculous growth from beta app to #1 in the App Store during Lent
• Why prayer is a relationship with God, not a self-help practice
• Partnering with Mark Wahlberg, Jonathan Roumie, and Chris Pratt authentically
• The controversial Super Bowl commercial that beat Temu's $1.5B ad budget
• Building with radical surrender: "Every good thing at Hallow has been me grasping tightly, then letting go and God doing it"
• Why excellence matters in faith-based technology
• Witnessing God save lives through prayer: from addiction recovery to suicide prevention
• Working with investors like Goodwater Capital who integrate faith and business

Notable Quotes:

"There is a crazy belief that I think there's an invisible dude here and I talk to and listen to him every day, all day, and especially in times of silence." - Alex Jones

"If we're all praying, if we are all as close to the Lord as you can be, like if we're all saints—that's the game." - Alex Jones

"Prayer is not a therapy thing. It's not a self-help thing. It's not talking to yourself. It's a relationship you have." - Alex Jones

Join host Justin Forman for a transformative conversation with Sahil Bloom, content creator, investor, and author of The Five Types of Wealth. In an era where society increasingly questions traditional definitions of success, Sahil offers a framework that resonates across faith lines and cultural boundaries—showing entrepreneurs how to build truly wealthy lives beyond just financial metrics.

From his own journey of chasing external validation through career achievement to discovering a more holistic definition of success, Sahil shares the pivotal moment that changed everything: realizing he would only see his aging parents 15 more times. This conversation explores how ambition channeled toward service creates fulfillment, why seasons of imbalance are necessary for building, and how the questions we avoid hold the answers we seek.

Key Topics:

• The five types of wealth: time, social, mental, physical, and financial
• Why money should be the byproduct, not the goal, of entrepreneurship
• The "why" question that children ask and entrepreneurs must reclaim
• Defining "enough" through visualization of your ideal Tuesday
• COVID as society's forced zoom-out moment on wealth and success
• Truth-tellers in your life: How to cultivate and cherish them
• Seasons of unbalance that unlock seasons of balance
• The Heaven's Reward Fallacy and learning to work without validation

Notable Quotes:

"You're going to see your parents 15 more times before they're gone. That was the moment that changed everything." - Sahil Bloom

"A gold medal is a wonderful thing, but if you're not enough without it, you're never going to be enough with it." - Sahil Bloom

"The answers you seek in life are found in the questions that you avoid." - Sahil Bloom

From a women's cricket semi-final watched by 500 million people to NFL press conferences, athletes are using their platforms to declare what matters most. Steve shares why he believes pro sports represents "the greatest ROI potential on the planet" for gospel impact, reveals shocking data about unreached athletes globally, and unpacks how the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics present a once-in-a-generation opportunity for faith-driven entrepreneurs and ministry leaders to collaborate.

Mark brings unique insight from seven years at Saddleback Church pioneering marketplace ministry, while Josh shares lessons from a decade as a campus pastor before joining FDE full-time. Together, they reveal why starting with entrepreneurs—rather than broad "faith and work" initiatives—creates sustainable momentum that cascades throughout entire congregations and communities.

Key Topics:

• Barna research reveals entrepreneurs are trusted 2X more than pastors (and 9X more than politicians)
• Why starting with "everyone who works" causes entrepreneurs to leave the room
• The difference between convening for community vs. convening for mission
• Breaking free from the "parking jacket and coffee" trap for high-capacity leaders
• Why churches need entrepreneurs more than entrepreneurs need the church
• How 250 churches are becoming hubs for faith-driven entrepreneurs in their cities
• The simple 8-week pathway any church can start this week (no cost, no catch)

Notable Quotes:

"Entrepreneurs are trusted two times more than pastors. I don't know if the influence of pastors is actually waning, but I think it's more that the impact of entrepreneurs are actually increasing because people are tired of talk in our society. They're looking for people of action." - Mark Grunden

"If you get a pastor alone, he's intimidated by the entrepreneur. If you get an entrepreneur alone, he's intimidating by the pastor, which is why I'm excited that we can be the bridge." - Josh Seabaugh

"If you start with everybody, you'll never get the entrepreneur. But if you start with the entrepreneur, everybody will follow." - Mark Grunden

This episode tackles the practical barriers keeping pastors and entrepreneurs apart, explores how lament and waiting can transform both business loss and leadership pressure, and offers concrete steps for churches ready to empower their entrepreneurial members beyond "parking vests and coffee." Mark vulnerably shares from his own journey through grief and gaps, providing a biblical framework for navigating the uncertainty that defines both pastoral and entrepreneurial life.

This episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast was filmed at the Main Street Summit, the perfect gathering for ambitious Christian entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders seeking to deepen the integration of their faith and work. 

Learn more and sign up to be notified for Main Street Summit 2026: www.mainstreetsummit.com

Key Topics:

• Why pastors and entrepreneurs miss each other despite obvious synergies
• The demanding reality of pastoral ministry most business leaders never see
• How business leaders can provide invaluable insight churches desperately need
• Lament as a language for processing business failure, betrayal, and loss
• Waiting on the Lord: Learning to lead through gaps and uncertainty
• Building strategic plans that include space for divine intervention
• Practical pathways for pastors and entrepreneurs to bridge the divide

Notable Quotes:

"How can we help business leaders know how to be good churchmen, if you will? And from my seat as a person who's in pastoral ministry for thirty years, how can pastors do a better job of serving business leaders, especially entrepreneurs?" - Mark Vroegop

"Lament is a prayer in pain that leads to trust." - Mark Vroegop

"Waiting on the Lord is learning to live on what I know to be true about God when I don't know what's true about my life." - Mark Vroegop

Join host Justin Forman in conversation with Andrew DeVaney, founder of As One Africa, for an inspiring discussion about what it takes to solve interconnected problems in rural Uganda. From his friendship with a rural educator to building a four-pronged model serving 50,000 patients, 4,000 students, and 5,000 farmers annually, Andrew shares how empowering Ugandans to solve Ugandan problems creates sustainable transformation.

This episode explores the power of earned revenue models over aid dependency, the importance of treating beneficiaries as customers, and why time in the game matters more than quick wins. Discover how collaboration, storytelling, and Kingdom partnership can address some of the world's most pressing challenges.

Key Topics:

• Uganda's demographic advantage: 80% under 30, 50% under 18
• The four-pillar model: schools, health centers, farms, and businesses working together
• Why "catching a thief requires sending a thief" - the power of local problem-solvers
• Earned revenue vs. aid dependency: treating beneficiaries as customers with voice
• How competition and feedback loops drive innovation and dignity
• The interconnectivity of rural poverty: education, healthcare, agriculture, and employment
• Building sustainable models that don't depend on foreign funding
• Praxis lessons: balancing venture building with soul care for long-term impact

Notable Quotes:

"The young people that are coming up, they're now being educated, they're going to school, they desire a different opportunity within the country that they live in, and expect better from their leaders." - Andrew DeVaney

"Ugandans empowering Ugandans. This is something that there's this self perpetuating feedback loop that pushes Ugandans to want to do more." - Andrew DeVaney

"Time in the game is going to be such a big deal. For entrepreneurs, for investors, for problem solvers." - Andrew DeVaney

Bill shares the dramatic "God moments" that convinced him to become the fifth CEO in five years at a broken company, and how a controversial service trip to Mexico became the turning point that saved the culture. Discover why Correct Craft sends employees around the world on company-funded mission trips, how they navigate tough stewardship decisions while maintaining strong faith values, and what it takes to build for the next hundred years.

Key Topics:

• The WWII story: Building 420 boats in 23 days without working Sundays
• Spending 20 years of profits to repay legally discharged bankruptcy debts
• Two unmistakable "God signs" that led Bill to Orlando: a house sale and a tutor's call
• Why the Mexico service trip (that everyone opposed) saved the company
• Growing from $39M to over $1 billion through culture and strategic planning
• The Culture Pyramid: Building Boats to the Glory of God, Making Life Better
• Balancing stewardship excellence with faith values in difficult decisions
• Global expansion to 70 countries—including surprising markets like Namibia
• Vertical and horizontal acquisition strategy without outside capital
• Making decisions for the next 25 years, not just short-term wins

Notable Quotes:

"I believe we're alive today as a company because of that first trip." - Bill Yeargin

"We're not just trying to help the people that we're going to serve, we're trying to help our own team too. We've seen so many lives change on our own team over the years." - Bill Yeargin

"You don't make it a hundred years by being over on God's side. You gotta do the things we're supposed to do. Trust God, honor him. Let him bless us." - Bill Yeargin

This episode explores how entrepreneurs can look to creation itself for answers to massive problems, why cold storage isn't always the answer for Africa, and how one biotech solution is transforming food security for millions. From Genesis 1:29 inspiration to cutting-edge agricultural innovation, this conversation reveals how faith, science, and entrepreneurship combine to solve real-world challenges.

Key Topics:

• How watching his father lose 50% of harvests to spoilage launched an entrepreneurial journey
• The "God Engineering" discovery: unlocking preservation secrets from orange peels
• Why expensive Western solutions (cold storage) don't work for African farmers
• KaFresh breakthrough: Extending tomato shelf life from 1 week to 3+ months at room temperature
• The $1 trillion problem: Sub-Saharan Africa loses 37% of food production to post-harvest spoilage
• From synthetic chemicals to natural plant oils: reversing the globalization of food preservation
• How monks in 1800s monasteries pioneered natural food coating techniques
• Building an agricultural biotech platform: From preservation to accelerated seed germination
• Making insects "invisible" to produce instead of killing them with pesticides
• Uganda's 2 million smallholder farmers and the mindset shift that changes everything

Notable Quotes:

"I like to use the term God Engineering. He literally leaves clues, but you have to have that discernment to be able to see the clues." - Jean-Paul Nageri

"Why me, why me, why not some other big company? But that's God's plan. He normally takes the underdogs." - Jean-Paul Nageri

"Anything that is good for you should be easy to pronounce." - Jean-Paul Nageri

Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with Bertie Lourens, founder of a waste management company that has transformed the lives of 2,300 people across South Africa. Bertie shares his extraordinary journey from near bankruptcy to transferring majority ownership of his company to God—not as a symbolic gesture, but as a legally binding decision that fundamentally changed how he runs his business.

This episode moves beyond the bumper sticker phrase "God owns my business" to explore what actually happens when you transfer 51% of shares to a non-profit entity representing God as your majority shareholder. Bertie vulnerably shares how pride nearly destroyed everything, how two miracles gave his business a second chance, and why the most freeing decision he ever made was giving up control.

Key Topics:

• From pride to bankruptcy: How success became Bertie's greatest spiritual danger
• The radical obedience of legally transferring majority ownership to God
• Setting up Neko Capital: Making God a legal shareholder through proper structure
• How boardroom questions change when asking "What does our Shareholder want?"
• The Elon Musk thought experiment: Understanding the value proposition of divine partnership
• Why stewardship "with Him" is fundamentally different than "for Him"
• Raising children without entitlement when God owns the family business
• Breaking free from the founder's burden: The unexpected freedom of surrender

Notable Quotes:

"Whatever I do for Jesus is wrong. Whatever I do with him is right. That just changed my world." - Bertie Lourens

"I have never in my life been more free than after the moment when I transferred those shares." - Bertie Lourens

"The comfort of the security—the financial security that I have, that I can see in my future because of this—is what entraps us." - Bertie Lourens

Tim shares the heartbreaking story that launched his anti-trafficking work: his father's decision to purchase the freedom of four girls at an underground pastor's conference. Wes reveals how entrepreneurs are building sustainable businesses that fight trafficking—from training frontline healthcare workers to creating digital safety for children—proving that mission and profit can powerfully align.

Discover why "looking again" at those society overlooks is essential to stopping traffickers, how apathy is the real enemy, and why living an extreme life for Christ matters more than living a balanced one.

Key Topics:

• The origin story: How Tim Tebow's father rescued four girls and launched a movement
• Understanding trafficking vs. sexual exploitation: Different motives, different solutions
• Building the counter-trafficking industry: How for-profit businesses are seeding a $5B market by 2030
• The Clapham model: Learning from William Wilberforce's dense network approach
• Healthcare's hidden opportunity: 90% of trafficking victims interact with medical professionals 15-18 times before identification
• Why being made in God's image means "image being," not "image bearer"
• The case against living a balanced life—and for living an extreme one
• Eagle Venture Fund's strategy: Treating counter-trafficking like counter-cybersecurity

Notable Quotes:

"My dad is one of my biggest heroes and role models because he's not someone that can look the other way and do nothing." - Tim Tebow

"You can be for profit and for purpose and for people. Like that can happen." - Tim Tebow

"People need dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy. We have to be passionate believers, passionate about the cause of Christ, passionate about hurting people, not apathetic people that someone else is going to do it." - Tim Tebow

"Traffickers target the people that the church gave up seeing." - Justin Forman

Join host Justin Forman for a pivotal conversation with Pat Gelsinger in Boulder, Colorado, exploring how faith-driven leaders can steward the most transformative technology cycle of the modern era. From his 45 uninterrupted years in tech to his transition into investing and leading Gloo, Pat shares profound insights on navigating seasons of life, building the faith technology platform, and positioning the church to ride—not watch—the AI wave.

This episode tackles critical questions about fragmentation in the faith ecosystem, the power of unified action, and why showing up "bigger" matters for Kingdom influence. Pat unpacks Gloo's mission to make AI suitable and trustworthy for the faith community, the surprising results of flourishing AI benchmarks, and his audacious vision: educating every child on the planet within the next 10-15 years.

Key Topics:

• The painful yet purposeful transition from 45 years at Intel to a new season of investing and impact
• Why next-generation entrepreneurs are "spiritual but not religious" and what that means for business
• Gloo's mission: Building the faith technology platform at a Gutenberg moment
• How AI can accelerate mission—from conquering 7,000 languages to custom education for every child
• The flourishing AI benchmarks: Measuring models against human flourishing (and why DeepSeek leads)
• Why the church is the "largest fragmented industry on planet Earth" and how to show up bigger
• Transforming the Bay with Christ (TBC): 900 churches united in one of America's least churched regions
• The critical shift from "for Christ" to "with Christ" in transformation work

Notable Quotes:

"We're at a Gutenberg moment. Will we the church be captivated, accelerated, mission empowered by AI? Or will we sit on the outside watching?" - Pat Gelsinger

"Next-generation entrepreneurs—they're not religious, but they're spiritual. There's a deeper spiritual expectation and they really care about the soul implications of business success." - Pat Gelsinger

"If we educate the 300 million children living in poverty today, I think I will have done more to eliminate poverty than any other single thing you could do—and I believe we can do that in the next decade." - Pat Gelsinger

Join host Henry Kaestner as he sits down with Jared Fulks, co-founder of PureFlow, for an inspiring conversation about building Kingdom businesses in emerging markets. From four consecutive Uber drivers from different African countries in Dallas to empowering thousands of motorcycle taxi drivers in Uganda, this episode reveals how God orchestrates divine appointments in everyday moments and business ventures alike.

Discover how PureFlow started with just six motorcycles and $6,000 in a small Ugandan town and has grown into a hospitality-focused finance company serving thousands. Jared shares powerful lessons about the value of partnership born from prayer, the unexpected advantages of tier-two and tier-three cities, and why sometimes the best place to test a business idea isn't Silicon Valley—it's Africa.

Key Topics:

• Divine appointments: Four African Uber drivers in 24 hours and what they reveal about staying spiritually present
• Starting with six bikes: How Colin emptied his savings and received 250 applications in 24 hours
• Partnership as a "God idea": Why prayer preceded partnership and the power of detailed operating agreements
• Tier-two and tier-three city advantages: Building trust and community away from capital cities
• Hospitality over finance: Reframing PureFlow as a hospitality business that creates places people want to return to
• Low-cost probes in Africa: Testing 100 ideas with a fraction of what it costs in the U.S.
• Living remotely while building locally: Managing a Uganda-based business from Atlanta through intentional engagement
• The football club strategy: Winning tournaments as customer acquisition and brand building
• Pressing the gas: Why not to subsidize yourself with philanthropy too soon

Notable Quotes:

"Partnership is not a good idea. It's a God idea. It is woven into the fabric of how we were created. Nobody would argue that we're created for people. And so why would we assume any different?" - Jared Fulks

"If the business collapsed tomorrow, and it all just failed, which I hope it doesn't, I don't think it will. But if it did, the thing that I would take away most would be not the amazing people we've been able to hire, the thousands and thousands of people we serve, but it truly is the friendship and the brotherhood that I have with him." - Jared Fulks

"Start with where you are, with what you have... He lost $6,000. Like to most people listening to this podcast, it's not gonna kill you to lose $6,000." - Jared Fulks

Join host Justin Forman and author Jordan Raynor in Dallas for a paradigm-shifting conversation about what heaven actually looks like—and why it matters for your business today. Jordan unpacks how cultural half-truths about eternity rob entrepreneurs of purpose in the present and hope for the future, revealing a biblical vision of the new earth that changes everything.

Discover why most Christians spend more time planning vacations than thinking about eternity, how redemptive Excel spreadsheets can be more heavenly than harps, and why understanding our eternal work with Christ unlocks joy and freedom in business right now.

Key Topics:

• Half-truths about heaven that rob entrepreneurs of purpose and hope
• Why "matter doesn't matter" is terrible theology (and worse business philosophy)
• The new earth: God's promise to make earth our perfect and permanent home
• How work in eternity transforms how we work today
• Finding freedom from hurry by understanding eternity is "now in session"
• The "someday maybe / new earth" folder: Making peace with unfinished symphonies
• Why Isaiah 65 and Revelation 21-22 should excite every entrepreneur

Notable Quotes:

"Most Christian entrepreneurs I know are not excited about ideas of harps and clouds, which frankly scares the crap out of most people, Christians included." - Jordan Raynor

"If our ultimate reality is working with King Jesus on earth, guess what? Eternity is now in session." - Jordan Raynor

"Most Christians I know have spent more time thinking about a single week-long vacation than they have thought about the nature of eternity." - Jordan Raynor

Join host Justin Forman for an intimate conversation with bestselling author and entrepreneur Jon Acuff in his Nashville home office. Surrounded by international editions of his books and personal reminders of his journey, Jon shares hard-won wisdom about the mental battles every entrepreneur faces—and how to win them.

This episode dives deep into the soundtrack constantly playing in every entrepreneur's mind, exploring practical strategies to retire broken thought patterns and replace them with empowering ones. From his early days with "Stuff Christians Like" to building an 11-book writing career while scaling his business, Jon reveals the mindset shifts that separate successful entrepreneurs from those stuck in cycles of self-doubt.

Key Topics:

• Why entrepreneurs need new levels of fear at new levels of growth
• The "CEO of your actions, not outcomes" mindset that changes everything
• How to retire broken soundtracks and build empowering thought patterns
• The difference between burnout and boredom in entrepreneurial life
• Building sustainable rhythms when transitioning from solopreneur to team leader
• Creating practical tools for meaningful family conversations about entrepreneurship
• Why resilience is just giving yourself permission to start again

Notable Quotes:

"You should always have new levels of fear at new levels of growth. If you tell yourself, 'I've beaten fear forever,' guess what you feel like when you find new levels of fear? You feel like a failure." - Jon Acuff

"I'm the CEO of my actions, not the CEO of my outcomes." - Jon Acuff

"Great thoughts turn into great actions. Great actions turn into great results." - Jon Acuff

Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with Stephen Phelan, Chief Spiritual Integration Officer for Faith Driven Entrepreneur, in the iconic red-walled Movement Mortgage offices. Stephen shares practical, proven strategies for creating workplace cultures that truly love and value people—addressing the crisis where 98% of Gen Z feels burned out at work.

Drawing from over a decade of experience at Movement Mortgage, Stephen reveals the four fundamental human needs every employee has and how meeting them transforms both culture and business outcomes. From launching "Love Works" benevolence programs to implementing mentoring systems that make disciples, this episode provides actionable steps any business can take, regardless of size.

Key Topics:

• The four fundamental human needs every employee has when they come to work
• How to implement "Love Works" programs that create authentic community (from 5-person teams to 57,000 employees like Hobby Lobby)
• Why mentoring isn't another burden for entrepreneurs—and who should actually lead it
• Building small groups in business that mirror successful church models
• Creating cultures where 91% of stressed Gen Z workers find life and purpose
• From "sneaky Jesus" conversions to baptizing employees: real transformation stories
• Practical systems for loving teammates, customers, and communities

Notable Quotes:

"People that are walking through your doors, they have four fundamental human needs. Here's the first one - when they come in, they want to have friends at work." - Stephen Phelan

"We all want these relationships at work. And as a follower of Jesus, you want to be able to say yes to Jesus." - Stephen Phelan

"Jesus snuck up on me at movement, people just started loving me, and they started living out the things that they believed." - Stephen Phelan (sharing employee testimony)

This episode challenges entrepreneurs to examine their motivations, embrace dependence on God, and discover the freedom that comes from living with eternal perspective. Francis opens up about his decision to give away book royalties, the wisdom of Proverbs 30:7-9, and why he believes entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to live differently and impact others through their choices.

Key Topics:

Breaking free from the cultural treadmill of endless achievement and busyness

Why Francis wishes he could tell his younger self to focus on the main commands of Scripture

The danger of coveting in entrepreneurship and how to combat it through eternal perspective

Learning to be quick to listen, slow to speak in a world that rewards constant talking

How entrepreneurs can use their success as a platform to live counter-culturally

The relationship between taking risks of faith and experiencing deeper fellowship with God

Why Francis asked God not to make him rich and what that prayer teaches us

Notable Quotes:

"He tells me whether I eat, drink, whatever I do, do it all for the glory of God, and so even now, are the words coming out of my mouth giving glory to him." - Francis Chan

"Don't you want to be a person that is known for their love and to be so much like Christ, who didn't consider equality with God something to be held on to." - Francis Chan

"You don't want to be lazy with what God's given you, I would just challenge you to go, Hey, once you're on that road to success and it's actually happening, you have an incredible opportunity to live differently." - Francis Chan

Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with Benjamin Fernandes, founder of Nala and Rafiki, for an extraordinary conversation about resilience, rejection, and revolutionizing cross-border payments. From covering the World Cup as a 21-year-old sports anchor in Tanzania to building infrastructure that serves millions across Africa and Asia, Benjamin's journey is filled with divine appointments, Stanford miracles, and the grit required to solve problems for the next billion customers.

This episode explores the massive diaspora remittance market ($129 billion to India alone), the entrepreneurial challenge of building FinTech infrastructure in emerging markets, and why the greatest export from developing nations might just be talent. Benjamin vulnerably shares the power of rejection as fuel, the importance of gratitude, and why sometimes you have to build the bridge for the next 200 entrepreneurs coming after you.

Key Topics:

• The $129 billion remittance market and why diaspora communities are economic powerhouses
• From failing high school to Stanford MBA: A miracle story of divine provision
• Building payment rails in Africa vs Asia: Infrastructure challenges and opportunities
• Why 30-35% of Nala customers are entrepreneurs funding businesses back home
• The power of rejection letters as entrepreneurial fuel
• Going church to mosque: The gritty early days of customer acquisition
• How migrants enable local economies to thrive in exponential ways

Notable Quotes:

"There's something that's very powerful when someone tells you you can't do something." - Benjamin Fernandes

"With privilege comes responsibility." - Benjamin Fernandes

"I don't believe the lowest income region the world should be charged the most amount for fees, for payments." - Benjamin Fernandes

Join host Justin Forman for an enlightening conversation with Carey Nieuwhof, leadership expert and former lead pastor, as they tackle one of the most important conversations in the modern church: bridging the gap between pastors and entrepreneurs. From his unique perspective of having served in both pastoral ministry and entrepreneurial ventures, Carey reveals why there's mutual intimidation between these two groups and how churches can unleash the untapped potential of their entrepreneurial members.

This episode explores the crisis of community in entrepreneurship, why 50% of retired CEOs die within two years, and how churches possess the "convening power" to create lasting connections. Carey shares practical insights from leading churches that are successfully engaging their business leaders beyond "handing out programs and parking cars."

Key Topics:

• The entrepreneurial isolation crisis: Why there's "no default community" for business leaders
• Mutual intimidation: Why pastors feel inadequate around entrepreneurs and vice versa
• The spiritual gift of entrepreneurship: Learning from the Apostle Paul's business model
• Moving beyond volunteer tasks to meaningful engagement for high-capacity leaders
• How churches can serve as "incubators" for Kingdom-minded business ventures
• The difference between "real friends" and "deal friends" in entrepreneurial communities
• Practical steps for pastors to start entrepreneur-focused ministries

Notable Quotes:

"I think for entrepreneurs, there's no default community. You're on your own. It's sort of the hero's journey. You start by yourself, that pioneer spirit. Within two years of retiring as a CEO, 50% of CEOs are dead." - Carey Nieuwhof

"Pastors are thinking, I don't make a million dollars a year like I haven't got staff and employees like you do. I don't feel like I measure up, and I don't know, I've talked to so many pastors who are like, I know this guy or woman could give $3 million I'm terrified of making the ask." - Carey Nieuwhof

"You've got some in your church, and they don't know how to contribute, and they're feeling alone and they're feeling isolated." - Carey Nieuwhof

Jordan shares his mission to create "binge-worthy biographies" that compete with Netflix and TikTok for attention, revealing untold stories of mere Christians who weren't pastors but transformed industries. From CS Lewis's scandalous past to Ole Kirk Christiansen's Job-like trials in building LEGO, these stories prove that the same Holy Spirit who empowered history's heroes is at work in today's entrepreneurs.

Key Topics:

• Why traditional biographies are "way too freaking long" and boring
• The untold faith story behind LEGO's founding through fires, Nazis, and family tragedy
• How AI video technology is revolutionizing storytelling for modern audiences
• The theology of play: Why entrepreneurs need permission to find joy in their work
• Moving from retreat to redemption: Why entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to engage darkness
• The four counterfeit quests that distract from true Kingdom work

Notable Quotes:

"It wasn't the founder of Lego going to work every day. It was the Holy Spirit in him." - Jordan Raynor

"We can play within the business. We can play within the four walls of the mission." - Jordan Raynor

"Entrepreneurs every day say, I go into a space talking to people that don't think like me, don't act like me, don't talk to me, don't get me." - Justin Forman

Join host Justin Forman from a stunning lakeside location in Malawi as he sits down with President Lazarus Chakwera, one of the rare world leaders who transitioned from pastoral ministry to the presidency. In this remarkable conversation, President Chakwera shares his extraordinary journey from leading the Assemblies of God for over 30 years to answering God's call to "pastor the nation."

This episode explores the critical shift happening across Africa—from aid dependence to investment partnerships—and reveals why Malawi's vision for becoming an "inclusively wealthy, self-reliant economy" represents a blueprint for continental transformation. President Chakwera offers profound insights on how faith-driven investors can partner with African nations to create lasting impact while maintaining dignity and mutual respect.

Key Topics:

• The miraculous journey from 30+ years of pastoral ministry to the presidency
• Why Africa is shifting from aid to investment—and why this matters globally
• Malawi's ATM strategy: Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining as pathways to prosperity
• How faith-driven investors can avoid exploitation and build trust-based partnerships
• The power of synergy: When pastors, entrepreneurs, and government leaders unite

Notable Quotes:

"I didn't leave ministry. This is ministry." - President Chakwera

"You cannot reap without sowing... we can prosper together, just like God can prosper everyone without him running out of stuff." - President Chakwera

"Investing for me is using what God has given me in order that I might be a blessing to other people." - President Chakwera

Join host Justin Forman for a compelling conversation with Andy Crouch, bestselling author and senior fellow at Praxis, about the cultural moment we find ourselves in—one he describes as "pandemonium." In this thought-provoking episode, Andy unpacks why institutional trust has collapsed, what it means for entrepreneurs, and how the church's calling to serve offers a pathway forward.

Drawing from his deep understanding of cultural dynamics and three-generation rebuilding cycles, Andy reveals why small businesses and the military are the only institutions maintaining trust above 50%—and what that means for Kingdom-minded entrepreneurs navigating uncertain times.

Key Topics:

• Why our current moment is best described as "pandemonium" rather than chaos
• The collapse of prestige hierarchies and rise of dominance-based leadership
• How COVID accelerated institutional trust erosion that was decades in the making
• The three-generation cycle of cultural rebuilding (lessons from Genesis)
• Why small businesses maintain high trust levels while other institutions fail
• Jesus's radical alternative to both dominance and prestige hierarchies
• Practical strategies for lean, mission-focused entrepreneurship in uncertain times

Notable Quotes:

"Institutionalism is when the actual mission of the institution becomes less important than just protecting the institution itself. You go off mission, and your mission becomes just protect our thing." - Andy Crouch

"In the kingdom of God, anyone can be great because anyone can serve." - Andy Crouch (quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)

"If you aim for community, sometimes you get community, but rarely do, but if you aim for mission, oftentimes community is just a natural byproduct, and you're probably gonna get mission too." - Justin Forman

Andy Crouch is a bestselling author, cultural commentator, and senior fellow at Praxis. His books include "Culture Making," "Strong and Weak," and "The Tech-Wise Family." He brings decades of experience analyzing cultural shifts and helping leaders navigate complex societal changes with wisdom and faith.

This episode dives deep into the "moral ecology" that defines authentic faith-driven entrepreneurship - moving beyond buzzwords to examine what it truly means to build redemptively in today's marketplace. From practicing what we preach to embracing meaningful risk, Dave and Justin unpack the essential code that separates genuine Kingdom builders from those merely using faith as a marketing tool.

Key Topics:

• The moral ecology of faith-driven entrepreneurship: 8 core principles
• Why "practicing what you preach" is the foundation of authentic leadership
• The three types of risk every entrepreneur must consider: money, comfort, and reputation
• How to maintain Kingdom identity while building in the marketplace
• The difference between driven leaders and called leaders
• Why people are eternal and projects are temporal
• Navigating the shift from faith being risky to mention to potentially exploiting it
• Building businesses that demonstrate redemptive practices, not just talk about them

Notable Quotes:

"People are eternal and projects are temporal. So how do we operationalize that?" - Dave Blanchard

"Culture is not codified until someone loses their job because they violated it." - Dave Blanchard

"There's a chance anytime the door opens up for us that we say, 'Oh, man, we felt exploited for so long by not being able to say this.'" - Dave Blanchard

"When you find yourself exploding at a situation, something's gone haywire with your need for an outcome, your desire for control." - Dave Blanchard

Join host Justin Forman as he reunites with Mark Grunden, who brings a unique perspective from both the business world and pastoral ministry. Their unexpected connection at the DMZ in South Korea leads to a compelling conversation about why society trusts entrepreneurs twice as much as pastors—and how this presents an unprecedented opportunity for Kingdom impact.

Drawing from groundbreaking research with Barna Group, this episode reveals how 70% of entrepreneurs believe that when churches and business leaders partner together, they can solve the world's greatest problems. Mark shares practical insights from his journey through missions, entrepreneurship, and ministry at Saddleback Church, offering a roadmap for churches ready to empower their entrepreneurial members.

Key Topics:

• Why society respects entrepreneurs 2x more than pastors (and why that's an opportunity, not a threat)
• The faith and work movement goes mainstream: Insights from Lausanne 2024
• How Saddleback Church pioneered faith and work ministry since the 1990s
• Breaking the "parking jacket and coffee" ministry trap for high-capacity leaders
• Why entrepreneurs are the natural first step for churches entering faith and work
• Building sustainable church networks that empower business leaders
• Practical tools: Foundation Groups and annual conferences that transform communities

Notable Quotes:

"Society at large, they respect entrepreneurs two times more than pastors of the community." - Mark Grunden

"The way that we're gonna make a positive contribution or impact in the communities that our churches sit within, is really by empowering the entrepreneurs, business leaders of our communities and of our congregations to take that front row leadership voice." - Mark Grunden

"Nearly seven out of 10 entrepreneurs believe that when the church and when business leaders and entrepreneurs kind of come together that man, there's a really good chance of solving some of the big problems of the world." - Justin Forman

This episode explores how God works through business to address both spiritual and financial poverty, the challenges of building a fintech startup in Africa's informal economy, and the importance of staying true to your calling even when it costs everything.

Key Topics:

• The miraculous conversion story: From Islamic royalty to follower of Christ
• Being baptized by the Archbishop of Canterbury after a divine appointment
• Building Pika: Transforming Africa's $1 trillion informal retail sector through data
• Why you can't address spiritual poverty without addressing financial poverty
• The cost of faith: Navigating family rejection while honoring God and spouse
• From Techstars rejection to acceptance: Trusting God's timing in business
• How bookkeeping apps can unlock credit, insurance, and economic development for 40 million traders

Notable Quotes:

"You don't have the license to speak on someone's spiritual poverty until you've addressed their financial poverty." - Sadiq Edu

"Entrepreneurship is pulling back all the noise to see what's true - whether in faith or business." - Justin Forman

"If we lost everything tomorrow, doesn't matter. We know that the most important thing we have is Jesus." - Sadiq Edu

This episode dives deep into recognizing and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in children, even when it shows up in unexpected ways. Through Coby's story and practical parenting insights, discover how to identify creative seeds in your kids and foster their God-given talents.

Key Topics:

• The Dude Perfect origin story: From backyard trick shots to global phenomenon
• Recognizing entrepreneurial traits in "imaginative" (sometimes rule-breaking) kids
• How to affirm creativity in frustrating parenting moments
• The balance between faith and business in building a company
• Why the creator economy is pulling entrepreneurship conversations earlier
• Practical ways to nurture your child's unique wiring and gifts
• The importance of early affirmation and creating safe spaces for failure

Notable Quotes:

"Entrepreneurship is a funny word. What was the word that was upstream of that? It's really just creativity." - Justin Forman

"They start to show themselves really early on. And so as a parent, the hat that we're wearing is how do I see the ways that God has wired my kid? And then how do pull that out?" - Dana Roefer

"I feel strongly that God has used Dude Perfect, which is a business for His glory in a way that if I had gone and done vocational Ministry, I don't think would have happened." - Coby Cotton

Chi-Ming shares how Dayspring Technologies embodies "bearing witness to God's redeeming of the workplace, marketplace, and community" through unconventional business practices like refusing to use leverage in negotiations, maintaining only three months of cash reserves, and implementing a pay structure where CEO compensation is capped at 3x the lowest paid employee.

Juliette reveals how their partnership with Redeemer Community Church led to the founding of RISE, a Christian high school where 80% of seats are reserved for first-generation college students from low-income families, with a mission of 100% four-year university admission.

Key Highlights:

• Why Dayspring moved from downtown San Francisco to Bayview, defying conventional business wisdom
• The theological imagination that shapes radical business practices
• How "prophetic emptiness" - leaving space for God to fill - birthed a transformative school
• The power of church-business partnerships in community transformation
• Practical examples of living out gospel economics in the marketplace
• Why achievement and control can be more dangerous idols than money

Quotable Moments:

"I think a lot of times we call something impractical when it's largely left untried." - Juliette Chien

"In order to love a place, you need to know it. In order to know it, you need to learn it, so you gotta spend time." - Chi-Ming Chien

"If somebody takes your coat then give them your tunic also... That actually has implications for how we think about relating to our marketplace neighbors." - Chi-Ming Chien

Watch the full episode on YouTube or continue to stream audio on your favorite podcast platform.

From giving away his entire wedding gift with only $600 in the bank to developing the concept of "Kingdom currency," Raymond's story challenges conventional thinking about success, generosity, and the true purpose of business.

Key Highlights:

• Raymond's journey from pre-med to architecture and his bold request to become a partner at age 27
• Building a firm that completed 8,000 projects for Walmart over 37 years
• The transformative realization: "I was really created not to be an architect, but to be a steward of his kingdom. Architecture was just the economic engine to do that."
• Why practicing generosity early matters: "If you're not generous when you don't have anything, you're certainly not gonna be generous when you have a lot"
• The concept of "Kingdom currency" - converting earthly assets into eternal impact
• Innovative approaches to inheritance: giving to children when they need it most, not when they're in their 60s
• The danger of achievement as an addiction and the importance of authentic brokenness
• Why donor-advised funds can become "storage warehouses" if not deployed strategically

Quotable Moments:

"Did I miss the turn by not going into ministry? And I didn't want to. I wanted to be an architect... about 25 years after running a firm, the Lord said, no, you never missed the turn. You've always been on the right road. You've been trying to drive the car by looking in the mirror, look through the windshield."

"Why does he entrust wealth to people? But he gave it to us. So that we could steward it into his kingdom to take care of those that can't take care of himself."

"If we think that we can keep hold of earthly money and make more money on earth and then give away more money and that's really pleasing to God, I think he's more interested in us giving early so that he can compound what is really his money anyway."

"I call it kingdom currency. What is kingdom currency? Kingdom currency in my thinking is wealth and assets on this earth that will transfer into the next kingdom, which is eternity."

Watch the full episode on YouTube or continue to stream audio on your favorite podcast platform.

Key Highlights:

• How separating identity from company outcomes leads to better decision-making and freedom from emotional choices
• Why Renji builds Immersed because he "hates remote work" - creating connection in a disconnected world
• The transition from software to hardware and launching Visor - a revolutionary AR headset that's 70% lighter than competitors
• Competing with tech giants like Apple, Google, and Meta while being guided by faith
• The importance of believers influencing culture through technology rather than being mere consumers
• Balancing 80-hour work weeks with faithful stewardship and avoiding willfulness
• How Immersed is positioned to impact humanoid robotics through human pose estimation data

Quotable Moments:

"If we do what I think the Lord calls us to do, which is to separate our identity from what our work is... actually it's a lot more freeing."

"I'm building Immersed because I hate remote work... I think that there is a more God-glorifying version of that that makes us all feel very connected."

"I believe that if you have a world that the most common devices that we use, built by believers, I think that's going to be a lot more of a optimistic, bright future."

Watch the full episode on YouTube or continue to stream audio on your favorite podcast platform.

Discover how Dr. Gabby, an AI doctor, can analyze your health through a 30-second facial scan and provide personalized medical advice 24/7. Learn why Americans take 22 times more drugs than the rest of the world and how technology could change everything.

[Chapters]

00:00 Introduction and SXSW

01:32 Breaking the Guinness World Record for pushing a car

05:11 Sports background and rugby foundation

07:11 South African entrepreneurial mindset

10:01 Meeting world-class entrepreneurs in Aspen

10:29 First business venture and FBI investigation

15:00 Building a dream clinic treating billionaires

18:33 The healthcare crisis in America

19:59 Personal tragedy: daughter's stroke

21:21 Creating Second MD to connect patients with specialists

23:57 Demonstrating the AI health scanning technology

28:09 How the facial scan works and what it reveals

30:00 Dr. Gabby: The world's smartest preventive AI doctor

32:36 Global impact potential and African expansion

34:09 Fighting the $5 trillion healthcare industry

36:02 How AI could help doctors be doctors again

39:01 Biggest challenges: lobby groups and regulation

42:42 Mission work in Zambia: schools, clinics, and Miracle Dam

46:13 How mission trips transformed his marriage

50:54 App download and free access code

The Current Challenges Facing Teens:

• 60% of today's students will work in jobs that don't exist yet
• Social media pressure and public identity formation
• College costs forcing earlier career decisions
• Record levels of anxiety and depression among young people

The Three-Part Framework:

1. Identity Discovery - Using tools like Working Genius to help teens understand their God-given strengths
2. Redemptive Imagination - Exposing kids to diverse entrepreneurial stories and possibilities
3. Conversation Starters - Creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue about faith, work, and purpose

AI and the Future of Work:

• How machine learning is automating predictable tasks
• Why creativity, curiosity, and question-asking will be essential skills
• The shift from needing specific degrees to developing entrepreneurial mindsets

Featured Stories and Examples

• Lecrae's journey as both artist and business creator
• Phil Vischer's VeggieTales story of failure and redemption
• Dude Perfect's entrepreneurial success
• Personal stories of kids engaging with entrepreneurial content

Practical Applications

• How families can use the course for summer activities
• Ways schools and churches can implement the curriculum
• The importance of adults calling out gifts in young people
• Creating environments that foster entrepreneurial thinking

Key Quotes

• "Curiosity is a superpower"
• "The only time you have to be good at everything is at this point in their life"
• "Change starts with us and change starts at home"

Brent shares his transformation from an achievement-driven atheist to a faith-focused entrepreneur, highlighting how his approach to private equity challenges industry norms with long-term capital, zero debt, and transparent fee structures. Throughout the conversation, Brent reveals how vulnerability and authentic relationships have been crucial both in his personal faith journey and in building a successful investment firm.

Key Highlights:

• Brent's journey from atheism to faith and how it transformed his perspective on business, family, and achievement
• The dangers of "acceptable sin" that starts small but eventually leads to devastating consequences
• Why living in the light through authentic relationships is essential for both personal healing and business success
• How Permanent Equity's unique model of 30-year capital and no debt creates true alignment with business owners
• The concept of "cathedral thinking" - building something that may take generations to complete
• The importance of community and authentic relationships in combating isolation, especially for successful entrepreneurs
• Why achievement, control, and self-reliance can be more dangerous addictions than substances

After starting at Lehman Brothers, Steve felt a tug that his faith was calling him toward a different path. He made a deal with God that he would "never make a decision for money, for prestige, or for power," which ultimately led him to leave banking on the cusp of making partner. His journey continued through corporate America, government service (including running the Small Business Administration during Hurricane Katrina recovery), and eventually to Goodwill, where he now leads one of America's most recognized nonprofit organizations.

Key Highlights:

• Steve's countercultural decision to leave Wall Street's wealth and prestige to follow God's calling
• The rich history of Goodwill beginning as a church-based ministry to help Boston's poorest residents
• How Goodwill provides holistic support to help people overcome barriers to employment
• The innovative prison education programs helping reduce recidivism rates to just 5%
• The power of corporate partnerships in scaling social impact
• How writing a personal mission statement helped Steve identify his calling
• The importance of seeing potential in people that they don't yet see in themselves

Quotable Moments:

"I felt like God said, I've taken you thus far. Will you really go where I'm taking you? And worse, most of the people in my close-in circle said, you're crazy... And I had this moment where I thought to myself, I have been like every other American watching these horrific stories on television and wondering what I could do."

"Our founder's story and our founder's vision 125 years later is still very much a part of who we are... It was all deeply based in the conviction that every human being has embedded potential."

"I often say, when somebody comes through our door, we often see more in them than they see in themselves."

[Chapters]

0:00 - Introduction

2:10 - Mark on South by Southwest and Austin's tech scene

6:08 - The evolution of faith in the workplace

10:26 - Mark's journey from corporate career to entrepreneurship

15:32 - Understanding SailPoint's identity management technology

18:47 - AI as both threat and opportunity in cybersecurity

20:34 - Navigating different funding methods as an entrepreneur

24:15 - The value of community vs. coaching for entrepreneurs

29:01 - The importance of staying connected to church community

31:40 - Building a successful business without sacrificing family

35:29 - Four S's of Christian leadership: Son, Sheep, Stock, and Stewardship

39:02 - A biblical perspective on retirement and stewardship

44:23 - Closing thoughts on community and faith

In this authentic conversation, Mark reveals:

• Why success rates increase for entrepreneurs who start after age 35
• The value of both peer community and expert coaching
• How to stay connected to your faith while scaling a business
• A biblical perspective on stewarding resources and opportunity
• Practical advice for staying present with family while building a company

#FaithDrivenEntrepreneur #EntrepreneurialJourney #BusinessLeadership #FaithAndWork #ServantLeadership

• 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."

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.

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.

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

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

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

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 framework for faith-driven entrepreneurs.

Resources Mentioned:

- "From Success to Significance" by Lloyd Reeb

- Halftime Institute

- Ardent Mentoring

- "The Social Entrepreneur" (co-authored with Chris Crane)

• 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

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)

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.

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?

• 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

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

1. The idea that entrepreneurs are positioned "for such a time as this"
2. How current technological and economic trends create unprecedented opportunities
3. David Platt's perspective on the unique role of entrepreneurs in today's world
4. The importance of seeking God's guidance in business decisions
5. Balancing professional success with spiritual growth and purpose
6. 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."

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.

• 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.

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.

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/ 

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/ 

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

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 

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/

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

(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.

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/

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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. 

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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

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.

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 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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Like this episode?

Give us a rating, share the show with your network, and follow along for more great content every week.

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.

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.” 

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.

They join the podcast today to discuss their unique entrepreneurial journeys and encourage up-and-coming founders.

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.

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. 

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...

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...