First Things First - Brazz and Matt

Identity is a 10 out of 10 issue — and most people are building theirs on the wrong foundation.In Episode 3 of the First Things First Podcast, we sit down to talk about what identity actually is, where we drift when we get it wrong, and why so many people end up on a roller coaster of confidence tied to performance, titles, and other people's opinions.We cover:Why "what do you do?" has replaced "who are you?" — and what that's costing usHow performance-based identity fuels imposter syndromeThe Gideon principle: God sees you differently than you see yourselfEphesians 1 as a blueprint for true identity — chosen, redeemed, and sealed before the foundation of the worldPrimary identity vs. sub-identities (and what happens when you flip the order)Why kids imitate their fathers — and what that means for how we follow Jesus into the workplaceIf you've ever wrapped your worth around a title, a sales number, a platform, or a role, this conversation will pull you back to the starting line.Remember: keep the first things first, and the second things often fall into place. Get them out of order, and you can lose everything.

Why do you do what you do?In this episode of First Things First, we unpack the difference between your what and your why — and why that difference changes everything. Goals like money, fitness, or success aren’t strong enough to sustain you when life gets hard. Your why is the anchor that keeps you steady in the valleys and focused in the wins.We talk about:Why most people chase goals instead of purposeHow to use the “5 Levels Deep” test to uncover your real whyWhy burnout often happens when you forget your whyWhat it looks like to live aligned with God’s callingIf you’ve been going through the motions, this conversation will help you refocus and realign.Keep the first things first — and everything else falls into place.

In this first episode of the First Things First Podcast, we dig into a simple idea that’s harder to live out than it sounds: chase people, not money.Money is a result, not a strategy. In business, leadership, and life, what you pursue determines what you eventually build. When relationships, trust, and service come first, growth follows—but when money becomes the target, everything else tends to suffer.Matt Cordova, pastor and leadership expert, and Brazz Vanover, business owner and growth and leadership development strategist, break down what “chasing people” actually looks like in the real world. They talk through practical business examples, leadership decisions, and the long-term impact of choosing people over short-term profit.This conversation is about sustainable growth, values-driven leadership, and building something that lasts—without ignoring the realities of business.Whether you lead a team, own a business, or are figuring out your next step, this episode challenges the way success is measured and pursued.