Prosper Podcast

Meet Fr. Corwin Low OP, tech pioneer, former IBM entrepreneur, president of the International Dominican Foundation, leads Apostolate to Evangelize Silicon Valley, and is director of mission advancement for the Angelicum in Rome. Father Corwin shares his journey from co-authoring the Internet Starter Kit for Windows 95 and working with Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen to discovering the Catholic faith through a series of providential encounters in Rome. He offers profound insights on integrating faith into a modern corporate culture, the importance of reclaiming one's identity in the workplace, and the current revival of Thomistic philosophy at the Angelicum in Rome.Learn more about Fr. Corwin Low's ministry at the Angelicum. Find out what the Ciocca Center can offer you at The Ciocca Center. Join us for Spring 2025 Meeting: Family Business Consortium - The Busch School of Business.

Meet Michael Matheson Miller, the Chief of Strategic Initiatives and Senior Research Fellow at the Acton Institute, Director of the Center for Social Flourishing and the Poverty Cure Initiative, the Director and Producer of the award-winning documentary film, Poverty, Inc., and host of the Moral Imagination podcast. He deep dives into human dignity, faith, and the "enterprise solutions" that actually break the cycle of poverty. Mr. Matheson Miller also speaks on his new film, "Poverty Trap," which we are very excited about. He also discusses his real-world experiences and expert insight on poverty today. Specifically, failures of dependency to the restorative power of work. Michael Matheson Miller is currently reading Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses (Audible Audio Edition): Erik Varden, John Sackville, Bloomsbury Continuum. As well as A Student's Guide to Political Philosophy: Political Theory Guide (Guides to Major Disciplines). He is also reading Quo Vadis: Sienkiewicz, Henryk, Kuniczak, W.S.Find out more about Michael Matheson Miller by listening to his podcast, The Moral Imagination - Michael Matheson Miller. Check out Mr. Matheson Miller's film Poverty, Inc. Find out what the Ciocca Center can offer you at The Ciocca Center. Join us for Spring 2025 Meeting: Family Business Consortium - The Busch School of Business.

Magatte Wade is on a mission to liberate African economies from the overregulation that holds them back. Hear her inspiring personal story and why she insists that jobs and energy are the true keys to a thriving Africa. Magatte Wade recommends our colleague Luke Burgis' forthcoming The One & the 99. Her book The Heart of a Cheetah is a blueprint for human flourishing in Africa. Tiossan Academy educates African children in virtue, character, entrepreneurship and business skills. Join us for The Busch School of Business' Spring Family Business Consortium meeting. Find out more about entrepreneurship at Catholic University of America at our website: CioccaCenter.com

Meet the co-owner of Right Proper Brewing Company, Thor Cheston. He engages in deep conversation about his journey from a liberal arts graduate to a successful entrepreneur in the craft beer industry. As well as discussing the challenges faced in the competitive market, the importance of adapting business strategies, and the implementation of radical transparency through open book management. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding customer needs, financial literacy, and effective leadership in achieving business success.Thor Cheston is currently reading Andreas Widmer's book The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship: Creating Enduring Value. He's also reading Good Profit: How Creating Value for Others Built One of the World's Most Successful Companies. And Saved in Hope: Spe Salvi: Pope Benedict XVI. He is a big fan of the book The Great Game of Business, Expanded and Updated: The Only Sensible Way to Run a Company. You can learn more about Thor Cheston and his wonderful brewery at Right Proper Brewing Company. Visit the Brew Pub at Shaw — Right Proper Brewing Company. Thor mentions "EBITDA" earnings: Earnings Before Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. Register for the Family Business Consortium at familybusinessconsortium.org. Find out more about entrepreneurship at The Busch School of Business by visiting cioccacenter

​​Meet the Fintech pioneer Brian Hamilton. He shares his journey from growing up in modest circumstances to co-founding Sageworks, one of the first financial technology firms in the U.S. He reflects on the challenges of a startup, building success through perseverance, and the lessons learned along the way. Today, Hamilton leads the nonprofit Inmates to Entrepreneurs, helping people with criminal records start their own businesses and rebuild their lives. Through stories of faith, failure, and second chances, he reminds listeners that real success is measured not just by profit, but by purpose.Brian Hamilton is reading A Season on the Brink: A Year with Bob Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers (A Gift for Basketball Fans): Feinstein, John: 9781451650259. Learn more about Brian Hamilton and his wonderful work at Brian Hamilton Foundation. Learn more about some of Brian Hamilton's work with Inmates to Entrepreneurs. Find out what the Ciocca Center can offer you at The Ciocca Center.

Meet Robert L. Woodson Sr., the founder of the Woodson Center, veteran of the American Civil Rights Movement, and advocate of poverty alleviation and disadvantaged communities. From growing up in segregated Philadelphia to building a national movement for change, Woodson invites us to see people not as problems, but as untapped potential ready to prosper. We explore how business, virtue, and redemption can transform lives and communities. Mr. Woodson is currently reading The Future Once Happened Here: New York, D.C., L.A., and the Fate of America's Big Cities: Siegel, Fred. He is an acomplished writer of many good books, including The Triumphs of Joseph: How Todays Community Healers Are Reviving Our Streets and Neighborhoods Lessons From the Least of These: The Woodson Principles Red, White, and Black: Rescuing American History from Revisionists and Race Hustlers His number one bestseller is called A Pathway to American Renewal: Red, White, and Black Volume II. You can learn more about the wonderful work done by the Woodson Center, as well as view informational cartoons, at Woodson Center, as well as view informational videos produced by The Woodson Center at https://www.youtube.com/@WoodsonCenter/shorts Check out this article, recomended by Mr. Woodson, about Piney Woods by Jason Riley, The Enduring Success of Piney Woods School - WSJ Find out what the Ciocca Center can offer you at The Ciocca Center.

Frederic Sautet joins us for this Christmas episode of Prosper. He is a scholar of economics and entrepreneurship who brings a thoughtful conversation on vocation, virtue, and the deeper meaning of business. He discusses his path from France to the Ciocca Center, his academic influences, and the spiritual dimension of work. As well as a rich economic and moral discussion of the movie, It's a Wonderful Life. Examining entrepreneurship, community, sacrifice, and the tension between false and authentic individualism in one of America’s most beloved films.Frederic Sautet is currently reading: Fire Within: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross and the Gospel-On PrayerVindicating the Founders: Race, Sex, Class, and Justice in the Origins of America

Meet strategic marketing genius and professor John Egan. He teaches Marketing and Sales here at the Busch School of Business of The Catholic University of America. John Egan discusses his journey from Ireland to the United States, and the professional journey that led him to marketing and sales. He gives a shorter version of his fascinating course in marketing. Our conversation offers both practical insights and moral clarity for anyone who wants to start or grow a business.You can get in touch with John Egan through his LinkedIn @johnegan99 and through email @[email protected]. John Egan is currently reading Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite and the Way to a Meaningful Life Find out what the Ciocca Center can offer you at The Ciocca Center

In this episode of Prosper, host Andreas Widmer and co-host Rebecca Teti welcome Elise Crawford Gallagher, COO of J.C. Law and founder of Catholic Women in Business. Elise discusses her journey from marketing to law, her passion for empowering women in business, and the challenges she faced in building her marketing agency. The conversation also delves into her book, Holy Ambition, which addresses the integration of faith and ambition for women in the workforce. The episode emphasizes the importance of community, work-life balance, and the unique contributions of women in various fields.Learn more about the enlightening work of Catholic Women in Business. Elise Crawford Gallagher is curently reading Your Eucharistic Identity: A Sacramental Guide to the Fullness of Life. You can purchase Elise Crawford Gallagher's book Holy Ambition: Thriving as a Catholic Woman at Work and at Home. Join the Facebook community for Catholic Women in Business @catholicwomeninbusiness. Connect with Elise on LinkedIn. Visit us at CioccaCenter.com or @cioccacenter on your favorite social sites. We're proudly part of The Busch School of Business at Catholic University of America.

In this episode, we welcome Iqbal Quadir, founder of Grameenphone, to discuss the transformative power of connectivity in alleviating poverty. Iqbal shares his journey from Bangladesh to Wall Street, highlighting the importance of viewing people and what they can do as the source of economic growth. The conversation delves into the challenges faced in disrupting an industry's typical way of thinking, the power of a sudden flash of entrepreneurial insight, and what happens when you include new people in circles of productivity. Iqbal emphasizes that empowering individuals to utilize their resources effectively is key to powering development in under-developed countries, and innovation anywhere. Iqbal Quadir is reading: The Silk Roads: A New History of the WorldA book was written about Iqbal Quadir called You Can Hear Me Now: How Microloans and Cell Phones are Connecting the World's Poor to the Global Economy Find out what the Ciocca Center can offer you at The Ciocca Center Iqbal Quadir's email address: [email protected] us and comment on Instagram and Facebook

Meet the team from Hope Western Prison Education Program, who are bringing an entrepreneurial approach to prison education. It's not the typical job skills training, but an innovative liberal arts program that helps people find meaning and purpose, even within the walls of a prison. This is a hopeful example of how entrepreneurial alertness can solve serious social problems. Find out what the Ciocca Center offers at The Ciocca CenterJoin us for Fall Meeting: Family Business Consortium - The Busch School of Business - The Catholic University of America | CUAFind out more about the prison education program at The Hope-Western Prison Education ProgramFollow along with the program through their Facebook The Hope-Western Prison Education ProgramCheck out some touching highlights from the first Hope WPEP graduation at 2025 HWPEP Commencement Highlights

In this episode of Prosper, host Andreas Widmer and Rebecca Teti welcome Matt Hangen, CEO of Water4, to discuss his journey from a troubled youth in Alabama to leading a project that provides sustainable piped water solutions in Africa. The conversation explores the innovative business model of Water4, which combines philanthropy with entrepreneurship and the power of the free market to overcome the limitations of conventional NGO approaches while uplifting women and families. You won't want to miss this powerful episode. Learn more about the innovative work of Water4.org. Matt Hangen is reading The Courage to Be. Join us for the Fall Meeting of the Family Business Consortium. Find out what the Ciocca Center can offer you at cioccacenter.com

The Prosper Team welcomes Mary Katherine Wathen, co-founder of West of Perfection and author of Made for More. The topic: How to gain clarity in your mission without burning out or playing small. Along the way we'll talk about MK's "ordered life framework," how to challenge young people, and how to build an entrepreneurial culture at work and in your own family. This is a fun one! Read Mary Katherine's Made for More.Her executive coaching company is West of Perfection.Her uncle's horse breeding farm is TaylorMade.Find more on the mission of the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship and our programs for experienced business people or students at any level.Mary Katherine's book picks: Do It! by David Nurse; Lift Up your Heart by Fulton Sheen; Andreas Widmer's The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship.Visit MBA.Catholic.edu to learn more about the new MBA at The Busch School of Business.

Join Andreas & Rebecca as they talk to Matt and Elizabeth Marcolini about forming your workforceMatt’s current read: The Go-Giver by  Bob Burg and John David MannElizabeth’s current read: Humility Rules: Saint Benedict's Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem by J. Augustine WettaFind out about Catholic U's new MBA at ⁠mba.catholic.eduStrengthFinders - Now called CliftonStrengthsThe 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team by Patrick Lencionihttps://www.workinggenius.com/https://www.rose-roofing.com/

Join Andreas & Rebecca as they talk to Financial Analyst Pierre Ferragu about how he evaluates hi-tech companies and trends —and also the unlikely path he traveled to become producer of a highly successful new musical that he hopes to use as a new model for reviving live theater through telling beautiful stories. The book Pierre Ferragu recommended is Sylvain Tesson's The Consolations of the ForestFind the trailer for Bernadette and sign up to support the show at Bernadettethemusical.comHow can the Ciocca Center help you? Find out at CioccaCenter.com Find out about Catholic U's new MBA at mba.catholic.eduLearn more about Andreas at ⁠⁠⁠Andreas Widmer⁠⁠

Our co-hosts engage with Paul Zak, economics professor and expert in neuroeconomics, to explore the intersection of neuroscience and happiness. Zak shares insights from his latest book, The Little Book of Happiness, to illustrate the significance of virtue to enhancing well-being and how to leverage insights "high-value experiences" to ward off low moods. The conversation also delves into practical applications for entrepreneurs and businesses, highlighting the value of attending to employee satisfaction in the workplace.Paul Zak's new book is The Little Book of Happiness. His app at Your6.com. If you're interested in his research or would like a consultation go to GetImmersion.com Check out The Busch School's new MBA program. Books cited at the start of the show include: Unreasonable Hospitality; The Experience Economy Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are

Ciocca Center team stalwarts Andreas Widmer, Luke Burgis, and Rebecca Teti tell the story of the founding of the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship and how to apply the mental models necessary for innovation in business and in life. Whatever stage of life you're in, from student to business professional, explore Cioccacenter.com to find what we can offer you. Also check out the Busch School's new MBA offering at mba.catholic.edu. Find more about the CLUNY project at Cluny.org Connect with the trio in this episode at their LinkedIn pages:Andreas Widmer Rebecca TetiLuke Burgis

Join Andreas & Rebecca and Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan to explore the concept of beauty in the workplace. Learn the importance of finding meaning and beauty in work and what employers can do to create a culture of beauty in work environments. Delve into cultural and personal factors affecting work engagement, the narratives, models and virtues that shape workplace culture, and the dimensions of beauty that can be found in all types of work.Here are the resources referred to in this episode. Support the work of the Ciocca Center at cioccacenter.com.Join the Family Business Consortium.Connect with Dr. Vaidyanathan at Beautyatwork.net.The books Dr. Vaidyanathan is reading are How Innovation Works & Why It Flourishes in Freedom and All Things Are Full of Gods.

Meet Fr. Leo Patalinghug of Plating Grace Find all things Fr. Leo at platinggrace.comVisit his restaurant in Baltimore's Little Italy at thegastrosocial.comFr. Leo's book recommendation: Triumph.Read more about the Secular Institute Voluntas Dei. Join the Family Business Consortium by clicking here. Visit cioccacenter.com to find all the ways we're helping innovation meet personal vocation. Learn more about Andreas at ⁠⁠Andreas Widmer⁠⁠Prosper Podcast is a production of the ⁠Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship⁠ at Catholic University of America. Check out the Ciocca Center's new website: ⁠⁠CioccaCenter.com⁠⁠

Growthera founder Andrew Jacoby relates the seeming accidents that led him from street musician to sales whiz. You'll learn practical wisdom about how to know, as a founder, when it's time to relinquish leadership and how to hire well. You'll also hear how desire for beauty led Jacoby gradually from a hardcore secular existence into the Catholic faith. Andrew Jacoby recommends: BenedictusFind Jacoby's company at GoodShepherdStaffing.com Find the Family Business ConsortiumLearn more about Andreas at ⁠Andreas Widmer⁠Prosper Podcast is a production of the ⁠Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship⁠ at Catholic University of America. Check out the Ciocca Center's new website: ⁠CioccaCenter.com⁠

Our guest Dr. Catherine Pakaluk shares insights from her research on women who choose to have large families in the face of societal trends, emphasizing the personal motivations and faith that drive these decisions. The discussion also touches on the surprising connection between child-rearing and the entrepreneurial mindset, why "pronalist" policies to date have not worked, and why Economics always needs a realistic understanding of the sources of prosperity for families and societies to flourish. Read Catherine Pakaluk's book, ⁠Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth⁠. Register for the FREE March 21st meeting of the ⁠Family Business Consortium⁠ at ⁠this link.⁠ Dr. Pakaluk's nightstand reading: ⁠Cancer Ward⁠ by Alexander SolzhenitsynHer classroom reading: Schumpeter's ⁠Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy ⁠; She's hoping to read: ⁠They Flew⁠ by Carlos Eire.Learn more about the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at Catholic University's Busch School of Business at ⁠CioccaCenter.com⁠. Take our free video course, ⁠The Gospel of Work⁠! Learn more about Andreas at ⁠⁠Andreas Widmer⁠⁠Prosper Podcast is a production of the⁠ ⁠Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship⁠⁠ at Catholic University of America

Andreas & Rebecca welcome Andrew Abela, Dean of the Busch School of Business, to speak about his new book, "Superhabits: The Universal System for a Succesful LIfe." Dr. Abela speaks about his pre-academic career as a whiz-kid marketer at Proctor & Gamble and McKinsey. And then he leads listeners through how to improve their "human operating systems" with superhabits --and how to choose which ones to work on.These resources were mentioned in this episode: By Dr. Abela: The Extreme Presentation Method ;A Catechism for Business ;Superhabits: The Universal System for a Successful LIfe Find here the Superhabit substack and click here for the referenced Anatomy of Virtue wheel. You can also check out the GrowVirtue app, based on the Superhabits book. Dr. Abela recommends What Happens Now? Reinvent Yourself as a Leader Before Your Business Outruns You.To register for the free Family Business Consortium Meeting March 21, 2025, as advertised on the show, or to find out more, go to Family Business ConsortiumLearn more about Andreas at ⁠Andreas Widmer⁠Prosper Podcast is a production of the ⁠Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship⁠ at Catholic University of America

Guest Regina Bethencourt, CEO of Tenuto, details how, not liking what she saw at a top NY marketing firm, she created her own company to provide a flexible work environment catering to the needs of parents, particularly mothers, who want to do challenging, excellent work as they care for their growing families. You'll also hear insights on building a competitive advantage in business through human connection and finding the right talent for flexible work. The discussion also touches on the entrepreneurial journey, the importance of taking risks, and the support systems that can help individuals succeed and build a more humane workplace for everyone. To register for the Dan Cellucci presentation on Feb. 27, 2025, please follow this link. To learn more about The Busch School of Business' unique approach to Human Resources, please contact Prof. Tracy Phillips: [email protected] Regina's company at tenutoconsulting.com Find out more about the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at Catholic University's Busch School of Business at CioccaCenter.comResources mentioned in the conversation: Regina mentions The Five Hour Work Week. Find more about Patrick Lencioni at workinggenius.com. Rebecca mentions Regine Pernoud's Women in the Days of the Cathedrals Prosper Podcast is a production of the⁠Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship⁠ at Catholic University of America

Grady Connolly, founder of SocialThomist, shares his journey from student to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of storytelling for Catholics in social media. He discusses the mission of his agency, which focuses on helping individuals and organizations share their messages effectively through social media. Grady offers valuable insights on creating meaningful content, knowing when to turn social media off, and the joy of connecting with others through beauty and remembering the person behind the "click." Connect with Grady Connolly at SocialThomist or on Instagram. Join the Busch School's Family Business Consortium or sign up for our Spring seminar. Find out more about the Ciocca Center here. Take our free video course, The Gospel of Work!  Thank you to our sponsor, The Church Management Program at The Busch School of Business Learn more about Andreas at ⁠Andreas Widmer⁠ Prosper Podcast is a production of the ⁠Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship⁠ at Catholic University of America

Ismael Hernandez shares his remarkable journey from Fidel Castro's disciple to advocate for free market principles and individual dignity. He'll detail how coming to the U.S. caused him to re-evaluate free markets and human dignity —but also what it was like as a poor minority to be on the receiving end of charitable programs —and how we can and must do better. Learn more about the Freedom & Virtue Institute Hernandez's most recent book, Rethinking Charity: Restoring Dignity to Poverty Relief Study entrepreneurship at Catholic University's Busch School of Business Pursue a career in Church Management Take our free video course, The Gospel of Work!  Learn more about Andreas at ⁠Andreas Widmer⁠ Prosper Podcast is a production of the ⁠Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship⁠ at Catholic University of America

Not every entrepreneur starts a business from scratch. Some find a model they can use and build on it. In today's episode, Robert Tunmire tells a great story about taking on a franchise when he was only 17 and how he rose in the ranks of Neighborly, coming to see business as an important way tol lift other people up. Learn how to build a company culture of support, the importance of having a strong personal "Why" —plus, the ins and outs of the franchise model, and how to choose a franchise that aligns with your goals and principles. PLUS: Robert's conversion and men's ministry! Learn more about Neighborly, the company where Robert Tunmire made his mark. Connect with Tunmire's men's apostolate, Heroic Men. The two books Robert mentions are Scott Hahn's The Lamb's Supper and Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic, by David Currie (to whom apologies for misremembering his authorship in our conversation!) Take our free video course, The Gospel of Work!  Thank you to our sponsor, The Church Management Program at The Busch School of Business Learn more about Andreas at ⁠Andreas Widmer⁠ Prosper Podcast is a production of the ⁠Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship⁠ at Catholic University of America

Andreas & Rebecca welcome artist John Herreid to discuss the relationship between art and work, and practical tips for building a career as a working artist. John’s recommended resources for artists in business;  Getting Things Done by David Allen Muddy Colors  The Angelico Project John Herreid’s own book, Catholic Home Gallery, would make a perfect Christmas gift for someone on your list.  Featured artists:  Nielson Carlin Gwyneth Thompson Briggs  The contemporary Annunciation by artist Nguyen Dinh Dang Learn more about Church Management programs at the Catholic University of America Learn more about the Ciocca Center, Catholic University of America’s entrepreneurship center.  Take our free video course, The Gospel of Work. 

Dr. Cabrini Pak, Marketing expert, discusses the intrepid entrepreneurship exhibited by her namesake, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. Dr. Pak highlights the saint's curiosity, creativity, and fortitude in meeting the needs of marginalized immigrants. She also explores the concept of "entrepreneurial alertness" and how this relates to her speciality in addressing under-developed markets, such as the "sandwich generation," which she and her students are currently studying. Learn more about Dr. Pak at her Catholic U faculty page or on LinkedIn. Find more about Catholic University's Entrepreneurship Center at our university web page. Take our free video course, The Gospel of Work. Click here to learn more about our advertiser, Church Management Programs Learn more about Andreas at ⁠Andreas Widmer⁠ Prosper Podcast is a production of the ⁠Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship⁠ at Catholic University of America

Luke Burgis, author of the best-selling, Wanting, joins the Prosper cast to talk about his his journey through various business ventures in the "wellness" sector, how the influence of René Girard taught him to want better things for himself, and the importance of leadership in shaping desires. Join us to explore the concept of mimetic desire, the role of education in cultivating better wants, and the significance of having a solid sense of self in business. Here are links to books or other resources we discuss during this episode. Find more about Luke Burgis, including his best-seller, Wanting, and his Substack newsletter at LukeBurgis.com The Gospel of Work, the free 8-part Ciocca Center series for business professionals seeking to find more meaning in their work, can be found at CioccaCenter.com Learn more about our advertiser, Church Management Programs at the Catholic University of America. Learn more about Andreas at ⁠Andreas Widmer⁠ Prosper Podcast is a production of the ⁠Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship⁠ at Catholic University of America

If you give to your church electronically, chances are you're using FaithDirect, the brainchild of today's guest, serial entrepreneur ⁠Brian Walsh⁠. Learn from Brian how his being chronically late for mass led to an innovation that probably saved many parishes during the pandemic. You'll also hear the importance of a person-centered value proposition, the role of persistence and grit in entrepreneurship, and how to overcome resistance in a particular target market. Learn more about Catholic U's student and alumni incubator, ⁠Venture Lab⁠ Brian Walsh penned "⁠The ⁠Knockout⁠"⁠ about lessons learned from the closing of one of his companies. Take our free video course, The Gospel of Work!  Thank you to our sponsor, The Church Management Program at The Busch School of Business Learn more about Andreas at ⁠Andreas Widmer⁠ Prosper Podcast is a production of the ⁠Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship⁠ at Catholic University of America

"Jesus loves profit." That's Fr. Bob Gahl's challenge to Christians at work in the secular or religious spheres. Join us as we unpack what he means by this provocative premise! You'll also hear what Fr. Bob brought from an early career in Silicon Valley to his priesthood and how those who serve the Church can shift from a "maintenance" to a "mission" mode. Church Management Programs at Catholic University of America's Business School Alasdair MacIntyre is particularly well known for his book After Virtue. Fr. Robert Gahl, PhD is director of Church Management Programs at the Busch School of Business at Catholic University of America. He directs the Master in Ecclesiastical Administration and Management or (MEAM). A native of Milwaukee Wisconsin, he completed his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis and worked in Silicon Valley with robotic software before pursuing the priesthood. He was ordained to the diaconate by Blessed Alvaro del Portillo and to the priesthood by St. John Paul II (1992).

Pope St. John Paul II defined poverty as exclusion from circles of exchange. Join us as Andreas Widmer and his co-hosts explore what he meant and champion enterprise as more sustainable and long-term solution for poverty and other social problems than direct charity. Topics include repenting of our learned condescension towards the poor, the role of small & medium enterprises (SMEs) in powering economic growth, and "the fortune at the bottom of the pyramid." Andreas refers to C.K. Prahalad and his book, The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid; You might enjoy this short video on the importance of small businesses for the economy; enroll in our free video course, The Gospel of Work.

Why is your business not taking off as hoped? Could it be that you're not listening carefully to your target audience? Join us as we explore how to find the right problem to solve, how to continually challenge your own assumptions, why it's important to invert the hierarchy to get useable feedback, and the surprising power of a two-word question: so what? Find The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship at Andreas-Widmer.com The Gospel of Work free video course;

It's commonly said the best workplaces are "like family." But is that a helpful aspiration or a category mistake? Join Andreas, Rebecca, and Jon as they explore what we mean when we say business is like a family and the possible dangers of thinking so. This episode refers to an article by Juan Fernandez in Inc Magazine. You'll also hear us mention our Family Business Consortium, which is free to join. If you haven't already, check out our free 8-part video series, The Gospel of Work. Click here to learn more about the work of the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship.

In this episode, Dr. Jay Richards discusses the misconceptions surrounding work and the market economy. He explains that work is not a punishment but a part of being made in the image of God. He also debunks the idea that the market economy was created through the Enlightenment, highlighting the biblical and theological foundations of private property and trade. Dr. Richards addresses the concern of technology replacing human work, arguing that while automation will change the types of work we do, it will not make us obsolete. He emphasizes the importance of creating value and the potential for a future market that values skilled trades and bespoke labor. Technology, including drugs, social media, and language models, can be used for good or ill. The addictive and harmful effects of social media on young minds are a concern. The challenge lies in distinguishing between generated content and truth. The rapid advancement of technology has outpaced our moral and intellectual capacities, leading to a decline in critical thinking and discernment. The cultural sphere, where virtue and wisdom are cultivated, has not kept pace with technological advancements. The solution lies in cultivating discernment, wisdom, and critical thinking in ourselves and our children. Legislation and regulation can play a role in addressing the dangers of technology, particularly in protecting children. The ultimate responsibility lies with parents and civil society to uphold truth and morality. The Human Advantage The Gospel of Work The Wealth of Nations For an introduction to the ideas of Israel Kirzner, see this article co-written by Dr. Frederic Sautet

Think differently about how to start a business. Learn why the Ciocca Center prefers the "Lean Start-up" method for business creation and how we encourage agency and measured risk-taking in students who have been taught to be overly cautious. VentureLab Assistant Director and gelateria founder Francesco Brown shares his experience teaching entrepreneurship and the importance of experiential learning. He shares how he incorporates his own business, La Marmotta Gelateria, into the classroom and encourages students to learn by doing. The conversation also touches on the value of customer validation. As a bonus: learn the difference between gelato and ice cream! For a primer on “lean start-up,” read The Lean Start-Up by Eric Ries. Have you watched our free video series, The Gospel of Work yet?  If you’re in the DC area, have LaMarmotta cater the gelato!   Come study entrepreneurship with us! 

Andrea & Rebecca welcome their newest and youngest colleague, Francesco Brown, to the show. Listen as Francesco describes launching his La Marmotta gelateria and the challenges of making great gelato while employing workers with Down Syndrome. In Francesco you'll hear the Principled Entrepreneurship mindset we teach embodied in a young entrepreneur. And you'll learn the surefire way to know the greatness of a gelateria. If you're in the DC area, have La Marmotta gelateria cater your event. And if you're in Milan, visit Gelateria San Giuda, where Francesco got his start. Read up on the Pillars of Principled Entrepreneurship by purchasing Andreas' book, The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship. And maybe give a listen to a favorite Italian song: "Gelato al limon."

Join Andreas and his co-hosts continue their exploration of how C-Suite leaders can build a great business culture, this time through the lens of surprising choices made by the late Art Ciocca, founder of The Wine Group. Along the way you'll hear some fascinating lore from the origins of the wine industry in the United States, and discover again why a "culture of efficiency" doesn't always yield the best results. Check out The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship. Learn a bit more about our mentor Art Ciocca.

This episode explores the first "pillar of principled entrepreneurship": The economy exists for people, not people for the economy." Join Andreas, Jon & Rebecca as they discuss work as a path to holiness and human excellence, and how good and lasting businesses focus on creating value for others. They also touch on the importance of hiring based on character, of investing in the development of employees, and so-called "co-opetition.". The conversation highlights the negative impact of practices like "rank and yank,", and the need to align job descriptions to employee strengths to prioritize the well-being and growth of individuals. Find The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship at Andreas-Widmer.com ; Take the Gospel of Work free video course; Read about Principle-Based Management in Good Profit by Charles Koch; Wanting by Luke Burgis; Read more about "co-opetition."

Join Andreas Widmer and Rebecca Teti as they discuss the wide variety of kinds of entrepreneurs (which one are you?) and the importance, no matter your position or role, of thinking like an owner. They share their experiences trying to build a "challenge culture" within a company, and the role of calculated risk-taking in entrepreneurship. They conclude by discussing the role of providence and trust in the entrepreneurial journey. Quiz: Find Your Entrepreneurial Make-up Read about Principle-Based Management in Good Profit by Charles Koch Find The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship at Andreas-Widmer.com Take the Gospel of Work free video course.

Andreas and Rebecca discuss the importance of discovering and using one's gifts in the service of others. They encourage people to let God speak to them in their talents and interests among other things,  and to pursue excellence because work is a part of the way we discover who we are. They also explore the role of discernment in career choices and offer practical advice for those who are considering a change in their current job or career path. Resource Links:  Gospel of Work  Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship Business as a Calling Michael Novak

Just what is entrepreneurship, and how is it related to creativity? Join Andreas, Jon & Rebecca as they delve into entrepreneurship as a calling, emphasizing the importance of participation in God's creativity. The conversation highlights the role of entrepreneurship in creating community and fostering stability and family formation. We also talk about our late colleague, Michael Novak,' and his insights on the virtues necessary for business. Resource Links:  Gospel of Work  Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship Business as a Calling Michael Novak

INTRO TO PROSPER: PROSPERITY “YES,” PROSPERITY GOSPEL “NO” Seasoned entrepreneur Andreas Widmer, Director of the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at The Catholic University of America, launches his new podcast with colleagues Jon Bachura & Rebecca Teti to explore the intersection of faith and business in everyday practice.  Today they  introduce the show, discuss the relationship between prosperity and culture, and make an important distinction between charity that helps and charity that hinders. Links:  Ciocca Center at Catholic University Gospel of Work free video course Leisure, the Basis of Culture Michael Novak, Business As a Calling