Faith Driven Entrepreneur

Good Money: A Framework for Human Flourishing Through Your Finances 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.

Branding, Business, and Breaking Hearts: How One Creative Agency Is Ending Sex Trafficking 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

Hollywood Is Broken—And That's Why Zachary Levi Is Building Something New 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

From ROI to EROI: How One Entrepreneur Is Helping Eradicate Bible Poverty by 2033 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.

Humility, Legacy, and the Why Behind It All: Building a Global Media Platform with James Dumoulin 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

Reaching Gen Z Where They Are: Digital Evangelism, Data, and the $2.30 Soul 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.

Eternal Perspective: Rewiring How Entrepreneurs Think About Rewards, Heaven, and the Joy of Work 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

Manufacturing Hope Inside a Maximum Security Prison 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.

Stewardship, Generosity, and the Finish Line: 40 Years of Faithful Business with Alan Barnhart 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

Who Owns It? Ron Blue on Money, Stewardship, and the Question That Changes EverythingJoin 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 elsewhereThe difference between "hard" and "impossible" when it comes to serving God and moneyHow the faith-driven investing movement has matured the stewardship conversationSuccession 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 advisorsNotable 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

When Pastors and Entrepreneurs Unite: Multiplication, Movement, and Missional ImaginationWhat 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 KingdomThe "chaortic" principle: how clear vision + clear values unlock movement-level multiplicationDave'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-makersThe "all abilities church" story—what happens when a salesman with a passion gets a pastor's blessing50 micro-expressions of church inside Amazon—and what it means for entrepreneurs in the marketplaceWhy "missional imagination" beats checklist Christianity every timeNotable 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

Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with Elizabeth Ntege, Group CEO of NFT, in Kampala, Uganda, for an inspiring conversation about tackling one of the world's greatest challenges: unemployment. Elizabeth shares how her human resource management firm is addressing gainful unemployment across 12 African countries while creating environments where employees thrive according to Kingdom principles. 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

The MyPad CEO: David Green on Building Legacy Beyond BusinessIn 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 LobbyThe Supreme Court case that cost $1.2 million per day—and why they'd do it againWhy closing on Sundays and rejecting Halloween cost millions but gained something greaterThe 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 valuesThe danger of generational wealth and why no Green family member gets anything they don't earnGiving half of all earnings away: The mathematics of trying to "out-give God"Legacy planning with a thousand-year horizonNotable 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 

Behind the Dude Perfect Story: Parenting Entrepreneurs with PurposeWhat 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 schoolWhy comparison kills creativity: Raising twins without competitionThe pivotal moment when a backyard video became a viral sensation on Good Morning AmericaParenting through the loneliness and uncertainty of entrepreneurshipPraying Proverbs 30: "Neither poverty nor riches" for children experiencing successThe arrow principle: Training children according to their bent and releasing them to flyWhy ministry in the marketplace is equally as important as vocational ministryHelping kids own their faith publicly through testimony and platformNotable 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

From Victory Lane to Life's True Finish Line: NASCAR Legend Carl Edwards on Fame, Family, and Finding GodJoin 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 SeriesThe dark side of fame: When public image becomes an idolWelcome to the league: Racing against—and learning from—the sport's greatest driversThe retirement decision: Walking away from millions to prioritize family and faithIdentity crisis: What happens when you lose the thing that defined youFinding God on a mountaintop: How a dystopian book club led to a Damascus road momentRaising a son who wants to race: Breaking generational patterns while honoring passionStewarding resources: Wrestling with scarcity mindset and learning radical generosityNotable 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

From $10 to 1 Billion Prayers: How Hallow Sparked a Prayer RevolutionJoin 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 LentWhy prayer is a relationship with God, not a self-help practicePartnering with Mark Wahlberg, Jonathan Roumie, and Chris Pratt authenticallyThe controversial Super Bowl commercial that beat Temu's $1.5B ad budgetBuilding 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 technologyWitnessing God save lives through prayer: from addiction recovery to suicide preventionWorking with investors like Goodwater Capital who integrate faith and businessNotable 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

Redefining Wealth: Beyond the Financial Scoreboard with Sahil BloomJoin 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 financialWhy money should be the byproduct, not the goal, of entrepreneurshipThe "why" question that children ask and entrepreneurs must reclaimDefining "enough" through visualization of your ideal TuesdayCOVID as society's forced zoom-out moment on wealth and successTruth-tellers in your life: How to cultivate and cherish themSeasons of unbalance that unlock seasons of balanceThe Heaven's Reward Fallacy and learning to work without validationNotable 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

Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with Steve Stenstrom, President of Pro Athletes Outreach (PAO), for a compelling conversation about the explosive intersection of faith and sports. After 55 years of faithful discipleship in the locker room, PAO is witnessing an unprecedented moment where athletes are boldly proclaiming Christ on the world's biggest stages—and the data reveals why this matters more than you might think.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.

Join host Justin Forman with Mark Grunden and Josh Seabaugh for a pivotal conversation about the unprecedented opportunity emerging at the intersection of church and entrepreneurship. Recorded during Faith Driven Entrepreneur's staff retreat in Charleston, this episode unpacks groundbreaking Barna research revealing that society trusts entrepreneurs twice as much as pastors—and why this isn't a threat, but rather the church's greatest partnership opportunity.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 roomThe difference between convening for community vs. convening for missionBreaking free from the "parking jacket and coffee" trap for high-capacity leadersWhy churches need entrepreneurs more than entrepreneurs need the churchHow 250 churches are becoming hubs for faith-driven entrepreneurs in their citiesThe 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

Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with Mark Vroegop, President of The Gospel Coalition, for a timely conversation about the growing but often disconnected faith and work movement. Mark brings a rare dual perspective—thirty years of pastoral ministry combined with deep understanding of entrepreneurial leadership—to address why two of society's most driven groups struggle to connect.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.comKey Topics:Why pastors and entrepreneurs miss each other despite obvious synergiesThe demanding reality of pastoral ministry most business leaders never seeHow business leaders can provide invaluable insight churches desperately needLament as a language for processing business failure, betrayal, and lossWaiting on the Lord: Learning to lead through gaps and uncertaintyBuilding strategic plans that include space for divine interventionPractical pathways for pastors and entrepreneurs to bridge the divideNotable 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

Solving Big Problems Together: Uganda's Four-Pillar Model for Community TransformationJoin 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 18The four-pillar model: schools, health centers, farms, and businesses working togetherWhy "catching a thief requires sending a thief" - the power of local problem-solversEarned revenue vs. aid dependency: treating beneficiaries as customers with voiceHow competition and feedback loops drive innovation and dignityThe interconnectivity of rural poverty: education, healthcare, agriculture, and employmentBuilding sustainable models that don't depend on foreign fundingPraxis lessons: balancing venture building with soul care for long-term impactNotable 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

Join host Justin Forman for a milestone conversation with Bill Yeargin, CEO of Correct Craft, as they celebrate the company's 100th anniversary. From refusing bribes that led to bankruptcy, to refusing to work Sundays during WWII, to growing from a $39 million company facing the Great Recession to surpassing $1 billion—this is a masterclass in values-driven leadership that stands the test of time.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 SundaysSpending 20 years of profits to repay legally discharged bankruptcy debtsTwo unmistakable "God signs" that led Bill to Orlando: a house sale and a tutor's callWhy the Mexico service trip (that everyone opposed) saved the companyGrowing from $39M to over $1 billion through culture and strategic planningThe Culture Pyramid: Building Boats to the Glory of God, Making Life BetterBalancing stewardship excellence with faith values in difficult decisionsGlobal expansion to 70 countries—including surprising markets like NamibiaVertical and horizontal acquisition strategy without outside capitalMaking decisions for the next 25 years, not just short-term winsNotable 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

Join host Justin Forman in Nairobi, Kenya, as he sits down with Jean-Paul Nageri, co-founder of KaFresh, for an extraordinary conversation about finding divine solutions hidden in plain sight. When Jean-Paul watched his father's banana harvest spoil while waiting for traders, he didn't just see a problem—he saw a calling. What followed was a journey of "God Engineering" that led to a breakthrough preserving produce 10x longer using only natural plant oils.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 journeyThe "God Engineering" discovery: unlocking preservation secrets from orange peelsWhy expensive Western solutions (cold storage) don't work for African farmersKaFresh breakthrough: Extending tomato shelf life from 1 week to 3+ months at room temperatureThe $1 trillion problem: Sub-Saharan Africa loses 37% of food production to post-harvest spoilageFrom synthetic chemicals to natural plant oils: reversing the globalization of food preservationHow monks in 1800s monasteries pioneered natural food coating techniquesBuilding an agricultural biotech platform: From preservation to accelerated seed germinationMaking insects "invisible" to produce instead of killing them with pesticidesUganda's 2 million smallholder farmers and the mindset shift that changes everythingNotable 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

Beyond the Bumper Sticker: What It Really Means When God Owns Your BusinessJoin 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 dangerThe radical obedience of legally transferring majority ownership to GodSetting up Neko Capital: Making God a legal shareholder through proper structureHow boardroom questions change when asking "What does our Shareholder want?"The Elon Musk thought experiment: Understanding the value proposition of divine partnershipWhy stewardship "with Him" is fundamentally different than "for Him"Raising children without entitlement when God owns the family businessBreaking free from the founder's burden: The unexpected freedom of surrenderNotable 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

Join host Justin Forman in Boulder, Colorado, for a powerful conversation with Tim Tebow and Wes Lyons at the Clapham gathering—where 150 entrepreneurs are uniting to disrupt one of the world's darkest evils: human trafficking. This episode explores how for-profit ventures, nonprofit organizations, and churches can collaborate to create an unprecedented counter-trafficking industry worth billions.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 movementUnderstanding trafficking vs. sexual exploitation: Different motives, different solutionsBuilding the counter-trafficking industry: How for-profit businesses are seeding a $5B market by 2030The Clapham model: Learning from William Wilberforce's dense network approachHealthcare's hidden opportunity: 90% of trafficking victims interact with medical professionals 15-18 times before identificationWhy being made in God's image means "image being," not "image bearer"The case against living a balanced life—and for living an extreme oneEagle Venture Fund's strategy: Treating counter-trafficking like counter-cybersecurityNotable 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

At the Gutenberg Moment: How AI is Reshaping Faith, Technology, and Kingdom ImpactJoin 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 impactWhy next-generation entrepreneurs are "spiritual but not religious" and what that means for businessGloo's mission: Building the faith technology platform at a Gutenberg momentHow AI can accelerate mission—from conquering 7,000 languages to custom education for every childThe 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 biggerTransforming the Bay with Christ (TBC): 900 churches united in one of America's least churched regionsThe critical shift from "for Christ" to "with Christ" in transformation workNotable 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

From Dallas Uber Rides to Uganda Motorcycles: How One Partnership Is Transforming African MobilityJoin 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 presentStarting with six bikes: How Colin emptied his savings and received 250 applications in 24 hoursPartnership as a "God idea": Why prayer preceded partnership and the power of detailed operating agreementsTier-two and tier-three city advantages: Building trust and community away from capital citiesHospitality over finance: Reframing PureFlow as a hospitality business that creates places people want to return toLow-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 engagementThe football club strategy: Winning tournaments as customer acquisition and brand buildingPressing the gas: Why not to subsidize yourself with philanthropy too soonNotable 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

Beyond Harps and Clouds: Rethinking Heaven, Work, and EternityJoin 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 hopeWhy "matter doesn't matter" is terrible theology (and worse business philosophy)The new earth: God's promise to make earth our perfect and permanent homeHow work in eternity transforms how we work todayFinding freedom from hurry by understanding eternity is "now in session"The "someday maybe / new earth" folder: Making peace with unfinished symphoniesWhy Isaiah 65 and Revelation 21-22 should excite every entrepreneurNotable 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

Flipping the Script: How Entrepreneurs Can Rewire Their Mental SoundtrackJoin 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 growthThe "CEO of your actions, not outcomes" mindset that changes everythingHow to retire broken soundtracks and build empowering thought patternsThe difference between burnout and boredom in entrepreneurial lifeBuilding sustainable rhythms when transitioning from solopreneur to team leaderCreating practical tools for meaningful family conversations about entrepreneurshipWhy resilience is just giving yourself permission to start againNotable 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

Building Faith-Driven Culture: The Four Human Needs Every Team Member HasJoin 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 workHow 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 itBuilding small groups in business that mirror successful church modelsCreating cultures where 91% of stressed Gen Z workers find life and purposeFrom "sneaky Jesus" conversions to baptizing employees: real transformation storiesPractical systems for loving teammates, customers, and communitiesNotable 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)

Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with bestselling author and pastor Francis Chan for a profound conversation about the tension between building and being, success and faithfulness, and the danger of running on life's treadmill without stopping to ask why. Speaking from his experiences in Hong Kong's fast-paced culture, Francis shares vulnerable insights about his own journey from mega-church pastor to someone seeking deeper relationship with God.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 busynessWhy Francis wishes he could tell his younger self to focus on the main commands of ScriptureThe danger of coveting in entrepreneurship and how to combat it through eternal perspectiveLearning to be quick to listen, slow to speak in a world that rewards constant talkingHow entrepreneurs can use their success as a platform to live counter-culturallyThe relationship between taking risks of faith and experiencing deeper fellowship with GodWhy Francis asked God not to make him rich and what that prayer teaches usNotable 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 

From Sports Anchor to FinTech Pioneer: Building Payment Infrastructure for the Next BillionJoin 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 powerhousesFrom failing high school to Stanford MBA: A miracle story of divine provisionBuilding payment rails in Africa vs Asia: Infrastructure challenges and opportunitiesWhy 30-35% of Nala customers are entrepreneurs funding businesses back homeThe power of rejection letters as entrepreneurial fuelGoing church to mosque: The gritty early days of customer acquisitionHow migrants enable local economies to thrive in exponential waysNotable 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

Breaking the Silence: Why Pastors and Entrepreneurs Need Each OtherJoin 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 leadersMutual intimidation: Why pastors feel inadequate around entrepreneurs and vice versaThe spiritual gift of entrepreneurship: Learning from the Apostle Paul's business modelMoving beyond volunteer tasks to meaningful engagement for high-capacity leadersHow churches can serve as "incubators" for Kingdom-minded business venturesThe difference between "real friends" and "deal friends" in entrepreneurial communitiesPractical steps for pastors to start entrepreneur-focused ministriesNotable 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

Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with Jordan Raynor to explore why most biographies fail to inspire and how reimagining these stories can transform faith-driven entrepreneurs. Through the lens of LEGO's miraculous founding story and innovative AI-powered storytelling, discover how play, perseverance, and proximity to our heroes can reshape how we view our calling in the marketplace.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 boringThe untold faith story behind LEGO's founding through fires, Nazis, and family tragedyHow AI video technology is revolutionizing storytelling for modern audiencesThe theology of play: Why entrepreneurs need permission to find joy in their workMoving from retreat to redemption: Why entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to engage darknessThe four counterfeit quests that distract from true Kingdom workNotable 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

From Pastor to President: Transforming Africa Through Faith-Driven InvestmentJoin 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 presidencyWhy Africa is shifting from aid to investment—and why this matters globallyMalawi's ATM strategy: Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining as pathways to prosperityHow faith-driven investors can avoid exploitation and build trust-based partnershipsThe power of synergy: When pastors, entrepreneurs, and government leaders uniteNotable 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

Navigating Pandemonium: How Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs Can Rebuild Trust in a Broken WorldJoin 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 chaosThe collapse of prestige hierarchies and rise of dominance-based leadershipHow COVID accelerated institutional trust erosion that was decades in the makingThe three-generation cycle of cultural rebuilding (lessons from Genesis)Why small businesses maintain high trust levels while other institutions failJesus's radical alternative to both dominance and prestige hierarchiesPractical strategies for lean, mission-focused entrepreneurship in uncertain timesNotable 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 FormanAndy 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.

Join host Justin Forman for a crucial conversation with Dave Blanchard, CEO of Praxis, as they pause to reflect on where the faith-driven entrepreneurship movement stands today. In a year marked by uncertainty and rapid change, Dave shares insights from Praxis's annual letter, exploring how entrepreneurs can navigate challenges while staying true to their calling.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 principlesWhy "practicing what you preach" is the foundation of authentic leadershipThe three types of risk every entrepreneur must consider: money, comfort, and reputationHow to maintain Kingdom identity while building in the marketplaceThe difference between driven leaders and called leadersWhy people are eternal and projects are temporalNavigating the shift from faith being risky to mention to potentially exploiting itBuilding businesses that demonstrate redemptive practices, not just talk about themNotable 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

When Church Meets Business: Unlocking the Power of PartnershipJoin 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 2024How Saddleback Church pioneered faith and work ministry since the 1990sBreaking the "parking jacket and coffee" ministry trap for high-capacity leadersWhy entrepreneurs are the natural first step for churches entering faith and workBuilding sustainable church networks that empower business leadersPractical tools: Foundation Groups and annual conferences that transform communitiesNotable 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

Join host Justin Forman as he sits down with Sadiq Edu, co-founder of Pika, in Lagos, Nigeria, for an extraordinary conversation about faith transformation, entrepreneurial courage, and the power of data to lift nations. Sadiq shares his remarkable journey from being the grandson of a Sultan to encountering Christ through a series of miraculous events, including being baptized by the Archbishop of Canterbury.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 ChristBeing baptized by the Archbishop of Canterbury after a divine appointmentBuilding Pika: Transforming Africa's $1 trillion informal retail sector through dataWhy you can't address spiritual poverty without addressing financial povertyThe cost of faith: Navigating family rejection while honoring God and spouseFrom Techstars rejection to acceptance: Trusting God's timing in businessHow bookkeeping apps can unlock credit, insurance, and economic development for 40 million tradersNotable 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

Join hosts Justin Forman and Dana Roefer as they go behind the scenes with Coby Cotton, one of the founders of Dude Perfect, to explore his journey from college basketball tricks to building one of the world's most trusted family entertainment brands reaching millions globally.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 phenomenonRecognizing entrepreneurial traits in "imaginative" (sometimes rule-breaking) kidsHow to affirm creativity in frustrating parenting momentsThe balance between faith and business in building a companyWhy the creator economy is pulling entrepreneurship conversations earlierPractical ways to nurture your child's unique wiring and giftsThe importance of early affirmation and creating safe spaces for failureNotable 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

In this powerful episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, hosts Justin Forman and Kevin Kim sit down with Chi-Ming and Juliette Chien to explore their radical decision to relocate their successful tech company from San Francisco's financial district to Bayview - a neighborhood where 25-30% of children live below the federal poverty line.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 wisdomThe theological imagination that shapes radical business practicesHow "prophetic emptiness" - leaving space for God to fill - birthed a transformative schoolThe power of church-business partnerships in community transformationPractical examples of living out gospel economics in the marketplaceWhy achievement and control can be more dangerous idols than moneyQuotable 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 ChienWatch the full episode on YouTube or continue to stream audio on your favorite podcast platform.

In this profound episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, host Justin Forman sits down with Raymond Harris, a distinguished architect, executive producer, and venture capitalist who founded one of the largest architectural firms specializing in corporate architecture. Raymond shares his remarkable journey from questioning whether he missed his calling to building an 8,000-project portfolio with Walmart while revolutionizing his understanding of wealth, stewardship, and Kingdom impact.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 27Building a firm that completed 8,000 projects for Walmart over 37 yearsThe 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 impactInnovative approaches to inheritance: giving to children when they need it most, not when they're in their 60sThe danger of achievement as an addiction and the importance of authentic brokennessWhy donor-advised funds can become "storage warehouses" if not deployed strategicallyQuotable 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.

In this powerful episode recorded at SXSW, host Justin Forman sits down with Renji Bijoy, founder and CEO of Immersed, the most-used application in the AR/VR space. Renji shares his journey from PhD student to tech entrepreneur, his mission to build faith-driven technology that brings people together rather than isolates them, and why he believes believers should be at the forefront of building the next generation of computing platforms.Key Highlights:How separating identity from company outcomes leads to better decision-making and freedom from emotional choicesWhy Renji builds Immersed because he "hates remote work" - creating connection in a disconnected worldThe transition from software to hardware and launching Visor - a revolutionary AR headset that's 70% lighter than competitorsCompeting with tech giants like Apple, Google, and Meta while being guided by faithThe importance of believers influencing culture through technology rather than being mere consumersBalancing 80-hour work weeks with faithful stewardship and avoiding willfulnessHow Immersed is positioned to impact humanoid robotics through human pose estimation dataQuotable 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.

Recorded live at SXSW, this episode features Clint Phillips, the healthcare entrepreneur who broke a Guinness World Record and is now revolutionizing medicine with AI technology. Clint shares his journey from South African rugby player to treating billionaires in Aspen, and how his daughter's stroke led him to create solutions that could make healthcare "practically free" worldwide.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 SXSW01:32 Breaking the Guinness World Record for pushing a car05:11 Sports background and rugby foundation07:11 South African entrepreneurial mindset10:01 Meeting world-class entrepreneurs in Aspen10:29 First business venture and FBI investigation15:00 Building a dream clinic treating billionaires18:33 The healthcare crisis in America19:59 Personal tragedy: daughter's stroke21:21 Creating Second MD to connect patients with specialists23:57 Demonstrating the AI health scanning technology28:09 How the facial scan works and what it reveals30:00 Dr. Gabby: The world's smartest preventive AI doctor32:36 Global impact potential and African expansion34:09 Fighting the $5 trillion healthcare industry36:02 How AI could help doctors be doctors again39:01 Biggest challenges: lobby groups and regulation42:42 Mission work in Zambia: schools, clinics, and Miracle Dam46:13 How mission trips transformed his marriage50:54 App download and free access code

Key Topics DiscussedThe Current Challenges Facing Teens:60% of today's students will work in jobs that don't exist yetSocial media pressure and public identity formationCollege costs forcing earlier career decisionsRecord levels of anxiety and depression among young peopleThe Three-Part Framework:Identity Discovery - Using tools like Working Genius to help teens understand their God-given strengthsRedemptive Imagination - Exposing kids to diverse entrepreneurial stories and possibilitiesConversation Starters - Creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue about faith, work, and purposeAI and the Future of Work:How machine learning is automating predictable tasksWhy creativity, curiosity, and question-asking will be essential skillsThe shift from needing specific degrees to developing entrepreneurial mindsetsFeatured Stories and ExamplesLecrae's journey as both artist and business creatorPhil Vischer's VeggieTales story of failure and redemptionDude Perfect's entrepreneurial successPersonal stories of kids engaging with entrepreneurial contentPractical ApplicationsHow families can use the course for summer activitiesWays schools and churches can implement the curriculumThe importance of adults calling out gifts in young peopleCreating environments that foster entrepreneurial thinkingKey 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"

In this special episode recorded at SXSW in Austin, Texas, hosts Justin Forman and Richard Cunningham sit down with Brent Beshore, founder and CEO of Permanent Equity, to discuss what it means to take a long-term, cathedral-like perspective in business and investing.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 achievementThe dangers of "acceptable sin" that starts small but eventually leads to devastating consequencesWhy living in the light through authentic relationships is essential for both personal healing and business successHow Permanent Equity's unique model of 30-year capital and no debt creates true alignment with business ownersThe concept of "cathedral thinking" - building something that may take generations to completeThe importance of community and authentic relationships in combating isolation, especially for successful entrepreneursWhy achievement, control, and self-reliance can be more dangerous addictions than substances

In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast, host Justin Forman sits down with Steve Preston, CEO of Goodwill Industries, to discuss his remarkable journey from Wall Street executive to nonprofit leader. Unlike the typical path of chasing wealth and status, Steve shares how he made intentional decisions to prioritize purpose over prestige throughout his career.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 callingThe rich history of Goodwill beginning as a church-based ministry to help Boston's poorest residentsHow Goodwill provides holistic support to help people overcome barriers to employmentThe innovative prison education programs helping reduce recidivism rates to just 5%The power of corporate partnerships in scaling social impactHow writing a personal mission statement helped Steve identify his callingThe importance of seeing potential in people that they don't yet see in themselvesQuotable 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."

Mark McClain, founder and CEO of SailPoint Technologies, shares his non-traditional path to entrepreneurship after 10 years in corporate America. He discusses building a successful tech company with faith-based values, navigating multiple funding rounds (VC, PE, IPO, and back again), and balancing business ambition with family priorities.[Chapters]0:00 - Introduction2:10 - Mark on South by Southwest and Austin's tech scene6:08 - The evolution of faith in the workplace10:26 - Mark's journey from corporate career to entrepreneurship15:32 - Understanding SailPoint's identity management technology18:47 - AI as both threat and opportunity in cybersecurity20:34 - Navigating different funding methods as an entrepreneur24:15 - The value of community vs. coaching for entrepreneurs29:01 - The importance of staying connected to church community31:40 - Building a successful business without sacrificing family35:29 - Four S's of Christian leadership: Son, Sheep, Stock, and Stewardship39:02 - A biblical perspective on retirement and stewardship44:23 - Closing thoughts on community and faithIn this authentic conversation, Mark reveals:Why success rates increase for entrepreneurs who start after age 35The value of both peer community and expert coachingHow to stay connected to your faith while scaling a businessA biblical perspective on stewarding resources and opportunityPractical advice for staying present with family while building a company#FaithDrivenEntrepreneur #EntrepreneurialJourney #BusinessLeadership #FaithAndWork #ServantLeadership

Key MomentsTravis shares his recent experience meeting Jack Nicklaus and John Maxwell, highlighting Nicklaus's emphasis on family over golf achievementsThe powerful story of Travis's brain tumor in 2016, requiring him to relearn basic functionsHis wife Jacqueline's cancer diagnosis and the emotional journey of shaving her head during chemotherapyThe doctor telling Travis to "prepare as if she's gone" and taking his daughters to San Diego while contemplating single fatherhoodHow these health crises fundamentally changed his approach to business success and identityBusiness Insights49 Financial's three-pillar strategy: handling more complex issues, offering more services, and building more communityThe company's focus on young advisors (22-year-olds) in an industry where the average advisor is in their upper 50sHow 49 Financial is addressing the industry-wide 9% retention rate for new advisorsTravis's shift from "quantity over quality" to "quality over quantity" in building his businessHis vision for bridging the gap between aging advisors with trillions in assets and the next generationFaith PerspectiveHow facing mortality transformed Travis's relationship with God and clarity about prioritiesThe role of childlike faith in entrepreneurship versus the challenges of maintaining bold faith as a business maturesUsing their platform to help clients turn "tax dollars into giving dollars" through strategic charitable planningThe daily struggle of enjoying present moments while awaiting his wife's five-year cancer-free milestoneQuotable 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."

Every entrepreneur dreams of the freedom that comes with success, yet Lloyd Reeb discovered a surprising paradox - the very prosperity he worked so hard to achieve was quietly eroding his freedom and purpose. Instead of letting money become his master, he made the counter-cultural choice to design a life where wealth serves his deeper values rather than dictating his choices. His journey reveals that true entrepreneurial freedom might look radically different than what we've been conditioned to pursue.  Lloyd shares the meaningful artifacts in his office that guide his decisions and keep him grounded in his purpose - from a crystal light bulb gift that reminds him of his unique contribution to a 300-year-old French Bible that represents God's unchanging wisdom to a wooden "Amazing Grace" plaque honoring William Wilberforce's 30-year commitment to ending the slave trade.Key Highlights:How carrying "long-term metrics" in his wallet for decades has helped Lloyd maintain focus on what truly mattersThe intentional decision to decouple wealth from lifestyle to break cycles of entitlementWhy complexity, comfort, and complacency are the three deadliest enemies to living a purpose-driven lifeApplying Charlie Munger's "inversion" approach to identify what would cause you to squander your lifeThe transformative practice of keeping a "Book of Days" to document God's work in and through your lifeWhy financial success creates freedom for mission rather than just lifestyle expansionPractical ways to declutter your life, reduce complexity, and create space for what matters mostQuotable 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.