A Life of Service: Risk, Calling, and Paying It Forward with Tom Shevlot

In this episode of Risk & Resolve, Ben Conner and Todd Hufford sit down with Tom Shevlot to explore a career shaped by leadership, risk, public service, and faith-driven impact. From senior roles at AT&T to serving on the Lawrence City Council, leading Life Centers, and joining the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Foundation Board, Tom shares how one act of generosity early in life became a lifelong call to pay it forward.Main Talking PointsTom’s early career in telecom during the rise of cellular technologyThe mentor who invested in his family and challenged him to “pay it forward”Taking career risks by leaving AT&T and later returning in a new leadership roleMoving from corporate leadership into nonprofit ministry at Life CentersServing on the Indianapolis Public Library Board during a difficult financial seasonRunning for Lawrence City Council and helping stabilize city financesLeading through broken processes, budget challenges, and organizational messesThe importance of being governed vs. helping governWhy service became a consistent thread through every stage of Tom’s careerHis passion for outdoor conservation and the Indiana DNR Foundation BoardThe difference between being “of value” and being “important”His current focus on protecting children through the Indiana Family Institute