Can Business Save the World’s Poorest Nations? episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 6, 2026 · 47 MIN

Can Business Save the World’s Poorest Nations?

from The Business as Mission Podcast with Mike Baer · host Mike Baer

Master the art of Business as Mission and discover how redemptive business models are transforming lives in the world’s most challenging economic environments. Learn why your professional skills are the ultimate tool for global impact and Kingdom growth.Join Mike Baer and Dr. George Watts as they explore the raw reality of launching ventures in Burundi and Rwanda. You will learn why "desperation breeds innovation" and how to move beyond simple business ethics into active redemptive action. This conversation provides a feet-on-the-ground look at using professional excellence for Kingdom business and sustainable poverty alleviation.Key Takeaways: The Power of Presence: Why having a PhD in management can be more impactful in a developing nation than in a Western boardroom.Innovation vs. Survival: How a one-room chicken farm illustrates the grit and ingenuity required in extreme poverty.The Redemptive Lens: Moving business ethics from "don't break the law" to "how can this product heal brokenness?".Navigating Failure: Honest lessons learned from a "dream job" in Rwanda that vanished during the pandemic.Equipping the Next Generation: Why young leaders are trading corporate ladders for high-impact global entrepreneurship.This episode explores Business as Mission (BAM) strategies for poverty alleviation through the lens of Dr. George Watts' experience in East Africa. We discuss entrepreneurship in Africa, specifically the challenges of Burundi economic development and the Rwanda business climate. The dialogue centers on the redemptive business framework, emphasizing Kingdom business principles, missional teaching, and the theology of work for Christian professionals.Connect with Us:Website: https://thirdpathinitiative.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-as-mission-podcast-with-mike-baer/id1551867793Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Gp5SOOHFggJ67vPA5qxkDLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebaerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thirdpathinitiativeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirdpathinitiativeAbout Third Path InitiativeThird Path Initiative exists to equip believers to build sustainable, missional businesses that bring the gospel to the least reached. Through training, storytelling, and practical tools, we mobilize and support Business as Mission practitioners around the world. Thank you for being part of the mission!Don't forget to pick up a copy of Mike Baer's books! Check the link below! ➡️ https://books.by/mike-baer#BusinessAsMission #KingdomBusiness #RedemptiveBusiness

Master the art of Business as Mission and discover how redemptive business models are transforming lives in the world’s most challenging economic environments. Learn why your professional skills are the ultimate tool for global impact and Kingdom growth.Join Mike Baer and Dr. George Watts as they explore the raw reality of launching ventures in Burundi and Rwanda. You will learn why "desperation breeds innovation" and how to move beyond simple business ethics into active redemptive action. This conversation provides a feet-on-the-ground look at using professional excellence for Kingdom business and sustainable poverty alleviation.Key Takeaways: The Power of Presence: Why having a PhD in management can be more impactful in a developing nation than in a Western boardroom.Innovation vs. Survival: How a one-room chicken farm illustrates the grit and ingenuity required in extreme poverty.The Redemptive Lens: Moving business ethics from "don't break the law" to "how can this product heal brokenness?".Navigating Failure: Honest lessons learned from a "dream job" in Rwanda that vanished during the pandemic.Equipping the Next Generation: Why young leaders are trading corporate ladders for high-impact global entrepreneurship.This episode explores Business as Mission (BAM) strategies for poverty alleviation through the lens of Dr. George Watts' experience in East Africa. We discuss entrepreneurship in Africa, specifically the challenges of Burundi economic development and the Rwanda business climate. The dialogue centers on the redemptive business framework, emphasizing Kingdom business principles, missional teaching, and the theology of work for Christian professionals.Connect with Us:Website: https://thirdpathinitiative.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-as-mission-podcast-with-mike-baer/id1551867793Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Gp5SOOHFggJ67vPA5qxkDLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebaerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thirdpathinitiativeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirdpathinitiativeAbout Third Path InitiativeThird Path Initiative exists to equip believers to build sustainable, missional businesses that bring the gospel to the least reached. Through training, storytelling, and practical tools, we mobilize and support Business as Mission practitioners around the world. Thank you for being part of the mission!Don't forget to pick up a copy of Mike Baer's books! Check the link below! ➡️ https://books.by/mike-baer#BusinessAsMission #KingdomBusiness #RedemptiveBusiness

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Can Business Save the World’s Poorest Nations?

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This episode is 47 minutes long.

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This episode was published on April 6, 2026.

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Master the art of Business as Mission and discover how redemptive business models are transforming lives in the world’s most challenging economic environments. Learn why your professional skills are the ultimate tool for global impact and Kingdom...

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