From Law to the Priesthood: Discerning the Call with Father Jim Brady

What does it actually take to walk away from a thriving career at the top of your game — and how do you do it without leaving wreckage behind?In this special episode of The Deal Podcast, host Joshua Wilson and co-host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA — Managing Partner at FA Mergers — sit down with Father Jim Brady, JCL, Pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Lafayette, Louisiana. Before entering the priesthood, Father Brady spent eleven years building a regional law practice as a litigation partner. He earned a BS in Accounting from Spring Hill College, a JD from the University of Mississippi, and later a Licentiate in Canon Law from The Catholic University of America. His story is a master class in discernment, responsible transition, and the kind of stewardship every founder, partner, and operator eventually faces. Whether you're contemplating a sale, a career change, or the next chapter, this conversation will reframe how you think about calling, exits, and what it means to run toward something rather than away.🎯 What We Cover:How a 29-year-old trial lawyer started hearing a different callThe Holy Thursday moment that changed everythingWhy he gave his partners a full year to unwind the practice responsiblyBuilding your own succession plan before you exitThe "99% pay cut" — what's actually hard about a major career transitionHow to tell the difference between running toward something vs. running from itDiscernment frameworks that apply to founders, sellers, and career changersBringing trusted advisors into your decision instead of going it aloneRunning a large parish like a business — service, solutions, and the customer experienceWhy "small things with great love" outperform grand ambition over time🤝 Connect with Father Jim Brady: 🌐 https://stpiusxchurch.org/staff/fr-jim-brady/ 📧 [email protected]🤝 Connect with Co-Host Jude David, JD, DCL, MBA: 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jude-david-jd-dcl-mba-172a6a76/💼 Thinking About a Transaction? FA Mergers helps founders, investors, and business owners navigate the full M&A process — from valuation to close. If you're exploring a sale, acquisition, or capital raise, let's talk. 🔗 https://www.famergers.com/🎙️ Follow The Deal Podcast: 🌐 https://www.thedealpodcast.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@dealpodcastCurious what your business is worth? Request your free valuation at famergers.comDisclaimer: Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The Deal Podcast is presented by FA Mergers and is produced for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed constitutes investment advice, legal or tax advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or to pursue or avoid any transaction. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts, co-hosts, and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of FA Mergers, One Iron Network LLC, any regulatory agency, or any employer. Listeners should consult their own legal, financial, and tax professionals before making any business, financial, or transaction decision. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services.Let's Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/To Contact Us, Please Visit:https://www.thedealpodcast.com/contact/