IMPACT CEO

In this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner talks with Justin Forman, co-founder of Faith Driven Entrepreneur, exploring how God is awakening a new generation of leaders to build companies with kingdom purpose, eternal impact, and bold faith. Justin shares how entrepreneurs can integrate faith into business, overcome isolation through community, and use their companies to solve real-world problems and make an eternal impact. From leading global communities of over 30,000 entrepreneurs across 130 countries to helping shape conversations around faith-driven investing and generosity, Justin shares how this movement is gaining momentum—and why now is a critical moment for marketplace leaders. This conversation is both inspiring and deeply practical—challenging leaders to step fully into their calling, build with intention, and leverage their businesses for something far greater than profit. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Episode Resources: Faith Driven Entrepreneur: https://faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/ Solving the World's Greatest Problems: https://solving.org/   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead

In this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner and J.Lee Ellison explore marketplace ministry and how to integrate faith into your business in a natural, authentic way. Duane shares practical strategies for building a faith-driven culture, investing in your team, and leading from a place of abiding in Christ. Drawing from over two decades of experience building Founders Advisors, Duane shares how a simple but powerful shift, tearing down the wall between faith and business, transformed not only his leadership, but the culture, impact, and performance of his company. A powerful conversation for CEOs who want to lead with purpose, impact lives, and build something that lasts beyond the business. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead

In this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner and J. Lee Ellison sat down with John Burdett, founder and CEO of Fast Slow Motion, to explore what it truly means to build a scalable business rooted in stewardship, purpose, and faith. John shares how implementing the right systems and processes not only helps companies grow, but also creates the freedom to enjoy life, invest in relationships, and lead with intentionality. John also opens up about walking through one of the most difficult seasons of his life, facing major health challenges and how his faith, preparation, and business foundation allowed him to experience peace and see his company thrive even in his absence. This powerful conversation highlights the importance of surrender, daily disciplines, building businesses that outlast the founder, and focusing on the scoreboard that truly matters, people, purpose, and eternal impact. This episode will encourage and equip leaders to slow down, trust God, and build something that lasts far beyond themselves. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Episode Resources: Fast Slow Motion: https://www.fastslowmotion.com/   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead

In this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner sits down with J. Lee Ellison to explore the powerful principle of sowing and reaping and how it shapes every area of life: faith, family, leadership, and business. Drawing lessons from nature and experiences at Heritage Farms, the conversation highlights how intentional investments of time, energy, and resources ultimately produce a harvest over time. Duane shares how this biblical principle transformed his perspective after coming to faith and how leaders can apply it by being thoughtful about what they sow and where they sow it. From building strong families to cultivating healthy cultures in organizations, the discussion emphasizes the importance of planting good seeds in fertile soil and maintaining a long-term, eternal perspective. This episode challenges leaders to examine the seeds they are planting today, the soil they are cultivating, and the harvest they hope to see in the future. With practical wisdom and encouragement for those who may still be waiting on results, the conversation is a reminder that faithful sowing, over years and even generations, can produce a harvest far greater than we can imagine. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead

In this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner sits down with Ken Polk, Founder and CEO of Arlington Family Offices, for a powerful conversation on legacy, longevity, and what it truly means to preserve wealth. Drawing from nearly three decades of serving multi-generational families, and from his book The Spirit of Wealth Preservation, Ken shares why money without meaning is ultimately empty and how character, collective family purpose, and intentional systems determine whether wealth lasts for generations. He unpacks the three laws of wealth preservation, the importance of clarifying values and identifying gifts within your family, and how leaders can build businesses that are not only scalable, but sustainable beyond themselves. This episode is a deep dive into faith-integrated leadership, generational vision, and leveraging your finite life for infinite impact. If you're a CEO or founder who wants your business and family to flourish long after you're gone, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to think bigger than success and build for legacy. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Episode Resources: The Spirit of Wealth Preservation: Leverage Your Finite Life for Infinite Good: https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Wealth-Preservation-Leverage-Infinite/dp/B0DWZ2TCWS Build a Better Family Worksheet Character Traits Worksheet   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead  

In this episode of Impact CEO, the conversation centers on the power of divine order and how prioritizing the right things can transform your leadership, relationships, and long-term impact. The discussion explores how putting first things first; faith, family, health, and stewardship, creates clarity, peace, and sustainable success in both life and business. When leaders operate with intentional rhythms and align their daily habits with their highest priorities, they build a foundation that produces lasting fruit rather than burnout. You'll also hear practical insight on recognizing when things fall out of order, how to restore balance, and why pace matters just as much as performance. From the importance of Sabbath and rest to building strong teams and leading with a mindset of stewardship, this episode offers a powerful reminder that true leadership isn't about striving harder, but about aligning your life with purpose and leading from a place of peace, discipline, and trust. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead

In this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner sits down with visionary entrepreneur David Pursell, steward of Pursell Farms, for a powerful conversation about faith, creativity, hospitality, and trusting God through uncertainty. David shares the remarkable, multi-generational story behind Pursell Farms—from its roots in a fertilizer business to becoming a world-class hospitality destination and ministry platform. He opens up about how his father dedicated the family business to Jesus, how creativity and vision shaped the land into a work of art, and why Pursell Farms exists to glorify God and bless people. This conversation is a masterclass in faith-driven leadership, showing how surrender, creativity, generosity, and abiding in Jesus can shape businesses that make both a lasting and eternal impact. If you're a CEO, founder, or leader navigating vision, pressure, or transition, this episode will encourage you to trust God deeply and lead boldly. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Episode Resources: Pursell Farms: https://www.pursellfarms.com/   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead

As leaders step into a new year, the question isn't just what we're building, but how we're leading and who we're becoming in the process. In this special bonus episode of Impact CEO, J. Lee Ellison and Duane Donner pause the usual CEO interviews to reflect on vision, rhythms, and spiritual alignment as they step into a new season of leadership. This conversation introduces the heart behind Abide & Lead, a leadership framework rooted in John 15 and the belief that lasting impact flows from abiding in Christ before executing vision. Together, they unpack what it looks like to start a new year with clarity, margin, and intentionality without chasing wholesale change or burning out in the process. Whether you're leading a company, a team, or a family, this conversation will help you slow down, realign your priorities, and lead from a place of abiding rather than striving. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead

On this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner talks with Bobby Mason, CEO of SPOC Automation, about building a thriving, profitable company rooted in faith, love, and servant leadership.  Bobby shares how his company's culture of "lifting others" has transformed lives, strengthened performance, and even helped save an employee's life. A compelling conversation on leadership, culture, abiding in Christ, and using business as a platform for eternal impact. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Episode Resources: SPOC Automation: https://spocautomation.com/   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https:// www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead   John Michaels First Duck Hunt:

In this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner talks with Nick Madden, CEO of Red Door Escape Rooms and leader at SENT Ventures. Nick shares his journey from Harvard to entrepreneurship, how his company grew to 20+ locations, and the intentional ways he embeds faith, culture, and excellence into every part of the business. He also discusses the importance of spiritual rhythms, abiding in Christ as a CEO, and the power of being gentle with yourself as a leader. A rich, practical conversation for CEOs and founders who want to build great companies with eternal impact. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Episode Resources: Red Door Escape Rooms: https://reddoorescape.com/ SENT Ventures: https://www.sentventures.com/   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead

In this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner sits down with Pete Ochs—founder of Enterprise Stewardship and a pioneer in Kingdom-focused business. Pete shares his journey from pursuing success to living a fully surrendered, stewardship-driven life, and how that shift led to transformational work in prisons, manufacturing, and leadership development. They unpack practical ways to build flourishing workplaces, create good jobs that empower people, and lead with clarity and purpose. Pete also explores generational thinking and the role of Perpetual Purpose Trusts in preserving mission for decades to come. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Episode Resources: Enterprise Stewardship: https://www.enterprisestewardship.com/ Capital III: https://www.capitaliii.com/   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead

In this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner sits down with Scott Wozniak—leadership strategist, author, and CEO of Swoz Consulting. Scott has played a key role in shaping world-class cultures for organizations like Chick-Fil-A, Google, Toyota, and more. Scott and Dwayne unpack how long-term thinking, clarity, operational excellence, and genuine care create organizations that both perform at the highest level and reflect the heart of God. They explore what it means to make your business a ministry, why trust is built through consistency, and how leaders can create legendary brands by living Kingdom principles. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Episode Resources: Swoz Consulting: https://swozconsulting.com/   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead

In this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner sits down with Heath Hill, Founder & CEO of Lime Media, whose journey from near-bankruptcy to leading a top experiential marketing company is rooted in bold obedience and radical faith. Heath shares how God transformed his business, why he gives off gross revenue, how he built a culture of generosity and people-first leadership, and why helping his team hear from God has become his greatest competitive advantage. If you're a founder or leader wanting to integrate faith and business in a real way, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Episode Resources: Lime Media: https://lime-media.com/   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead

In this special two-part episode of Impact CEO, host Duane Donner sits down with Pastor Chris Hodges, founding pastor of Church of the Highlands and Chancellor of Highlands College, for a personal and powerful conversation about faith, leadership, and the 25-year discipleship journey they've walked together. Pastor Chris shares the early days of Church of the Highlands, his heart for helping leaders discover their God-given purpose, and the pivotal moments that shaped Duane's own transformation as a business leader. Together, they discuss the importance of abiding in Christ, building life-giving relationships, finding freedom, and integrating faith authentically into the marketplace. This episode is rich with spiritual insight, practical leadership wisdom, and real stories of how God uses pastors and business leaders in partnership to accomplish more than they could ever imagine. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Episode Resources: Highlands College: https://highlandscollege.edu/ Church of the Highlands: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead

In this episode of Impact CEO, Duane Donner continues his powerful conversation with Pastor Chris Hodges, diving deeper into what it means to discover God-given purpose, live an integrated life, and lead for eternal impact.  Pastor Chris unpacks the spiritual journey from knowing God, to making a difference, highlighting how purpose is revealed through design, and how leaders can align their gifts with God's calling. Together they explore the partnership between business leaders and the local church, the importance of intentional giving, and the eternal significance of investing in people. This episode offers practical wisdom, heartfelt stories, and a compelling vision for living a life that truly counts. Listen in and be inspired to lead with purpose, steward your influence well, and make an impact that lasts beyond this life.  Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Episode Resources: Highlands College: https://highlandscollege.edu/ Church of the Highlands: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead

Welcome to Impact CEO, where real CEOs share how they integrate faith and leadership to build companies with eternal impact. In this kickoff episode, Duane Donner, founder of Abide & Lead and CEO of Founders Advisors shares the story behind Abide & Lead, how his faith reshaped his approach to business, and why abiding in Christ is the foundation for effective leadership. You'll hear practical insights on servant leadership, culture-building, and what to expect from future conversations with high-impact leaders. Subscribe, share, and connect with us at @abideandlead.   Abide and Lead Resources: Abide and Lead: https://abideandlead.com/experiences The Heritage Forum: https://www.heritageforums.com/ Duane Donner's Word of the Week: https://abideandlead.com/wow Watch more episodes: https://abideandlead.com/podcast   Follow along on Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abideandlead/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abideandlead