Skillful at Work with Curt Beck, Ph.D.

Send us Fan MailAdrienne is doing ministry in western Nebraska.  Prior to moving to Nebraska, she and her husband spent 20 years working in Texas. She talks about leading staff and volunteers.She addresses a powerful question of "Do we really believe what God has called us to do."  Adrienne describes how we can sometimes compartmentalize areas of our lives, including our faith. If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailJonathan Jank - Economic Development.Listen as Jonathan talks about living out his faith at work.  He previously served as President & CEO for the Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership in Nebraska from 2016 to 2026 and prior to that as the Executive Director of the Seward County Economic Development Corporation from 2012 to 2016. Jonathan served Seward County in the chamber of commerce and economic development leadership role for the past 14 years.Jonathan Jank recently started a new statewide professional position as an Economic Development Consultant with Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), which is the largest electric utility in the state of Nebraska, serving all or parts of 84 (of 93) counties in Nebraska. Jonathan has spent his career working with and leading nonprofit organizations in various professional and volunteer positions. He has proudly served on a few committees at Concordia University, including the Alumni Council and Ag Advisory Council. Along with other campus and community leaders, Jonathan helped launch two ongoing activities on campus to engage high school and college students. These include the Concordia Catalyst Competition, which is a business plan pitch event that takes place every semester, and the Nebraska Tech Builders Challenge, which helps students solve real-world problems through technology in a 24-hour coding sprint event.Jonathan lives in Seward County with his wife, Rachel, and their two sons, Philip and Theodore. They are active members at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, where their boys also attend school, and Rachel teaches Middle School English. Jonathan and Rachel together own and operate a real estate development business, Jank Enterprises & Investments. If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailJoshua Overbeek plays third base for the University of Nebraska Baseball team.  He plays a key role for the Huskers, who have won the past two Big 10 Championships.  Joshua's accomplishments include being named to the Academic All-Big Ten Team and the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team in 2025. Listen as Josh describes living out his faith by walking in the light of Christ. The locker room can be a dark place, yet Joshua wants to engage others, to encourage them, and share the gospel. He describes the importance of being positive and letting your identity in Christ speak first as you interact with others.Joshua talks about getting together with others and reading the Bible daily. He describes the importance of consistency in living out his faith.  Joshua emphasizes that loving well and being consistent are key to influencing and encouraging others in their walk. If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailTodd retired from teaching, but still wanted to work with young people, so he went to work at Chick-fil-A in the Southpointe Pavilions.  After a serious health scare, Todd was able to continue his opportunities to minister to others.Todd prays for the employees and customers.  He is a living example of someone that demonstrates empathy among us. He prays to keep his eyes and ears open to show people God's love for them.Todd encourges us all to pray, pay attention, and really listen to others. If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailPlease join us in the transformational conversation with John Babbits who spent 29 years working for a delivery services company. John worked his way into training and retention for the company where he played a role in making great progress on reducing turnover.Listen as John describes his faith in action that included building rapport with the employees to develop a bridge between management and employees. John talks about how God equips the called. If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailDr. Zach Kassebaum is the CEO of Supreme Basketball.  He is also a former Superintendent of Schools.Listen to Dr. Zach discuss the importance of alignment of beliefs and actions.  He describes winning the war in your mind, and 1 Corinthians chapter 16, to be on your guard. Dr. Zach talks about reading Proverbs daily.  He discusses the importance of self-awareness and mindset as we live out our faith at work. If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailMatt Plooster is the Founder and CEO of Bridgepoint Investment Banking.  Locations in Omaha, Lincoln, Chicago, Denver and New York.Matt talks about the importance of a well-developed moral compass.  Check out Bridgepoint Investment Banking - https://www.bridgepointib.com/home. If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan Mail Ryan Burger, CPA, exemplifies servant leadership through his dedication to his profession, community and faith. A 2004 graduate of Concordia University, Nebraska, he earned dual bachelor of science degrees in accounting and business administration and was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate in Business in 2004. His commitment to excellence has continued throughout his career, particularly in his work as an investment advisor representative and CPA. Burger began his career at the Nebraska state auditor’s office before joining Gabriel, Burger & Else, CPAs in 2009. In addition to his professional work, he has been deeply engaged in organizations that serve others, including the Mental Health Association of Nebraska, Et Cetera Thrift Shop and the Seward Memorial Library Foundation, where he has provided financial leadership as treasurer. His passion for developing future accountants is evident in his long-standing involvement with the Nebraska Society of CPAs, serving as Board Chair, Accounting Careers Committee Chair and as a trustee of the Nebraska Society of CPAs Foundation. Burger’s dedication to Concordia University is especially notable. Since 2010, he has taught as an adjunct professor, sharing his expertise in auditing and tax. He has also served on Concordia’s Board of Regents since 2015, holding key leadership roles, including secretary of the board, executive committee member and chair of the investment committee. A lifelong Nebraskan, Burger grew up in Kearney, Nebraska, before attending Concordia. He and his wife, Lisa (Kirsch) Burger ’04—a former teacher at Lincoln Lutheran Middle & High School—share a deep passion for Lutheran education. Ryan’s understanding of ministry-related tax concepts has been shaped by their experiences, and he remains a trusted resource for Lutheran educators and clergy. He and Lisa are active members of Christ Lutheran Church in Lincoln and are blessed with three children.  If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailTrudy Meyer is a partner at a CPA firm specializing in tax, accounting and consultancy.  She was recently honored as the 2025 Woman in Business Award from Concordia University, Nebraska.Through her professional achievements, community service, and steadfast faith, Trudy exemplifies the values of Concordia University, Nebraska, and has been a guiding light to those around her.Trudy (Folkerts) Meyer, a 1992 graduate of Concordia University, Nebraska, has built a distinguished career in accounting and finance while also demonstrating a strong commitment to serving her community. As a partner at BMG Certified Public Accountants, LLP in Lincoln, Nebraska, she specializes in tax, accounting, and consulting. Over the years, she has held key roles, including chief financial officer of Talent Plus, Inc., executive vice president of the Nebraska Society of CPAs, and auditor at Forvis Mazars, LLP (formerly BKD, LLP).Beyond her professional success, Trudy has made a lasting impact on nonprofit and faith-based organizations. She serves as a director of Concordia Foundation Nebraska, a trustee of the Lutheran Education Foundation, and a regent for Concordia University, Nebraska. Her dedication to service extends to her involvement at Faith Lutheran Church in Lincoln and Trinity Lutheran Church near Walton, where she has volunteered as a Sunday school teacher, VBS leader, and youth group leader.Trudy is also an award-winning speaker for ALS advocacy groups, including the ALS Association, ALS in the Heartland, and Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care. Her dedication has been recognized with honors such as the United Way and Community Health Charities’ Outstanding Speaker and Impact Awards.A Nebraska native, Trudy grew up on a farm near Carleton, Nebraska, and attended St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Davenport before graduating from Davenport High School. She and her late husband, Brad Meyer, raised twin sons, Colton and Jacob, who have pursued remarkable paths of their own. Colton earned an accounting degree from Concordia University, Nebraska, in 2023 and now works as a CPA at Deloitte in Omaha. Jacob graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and currently serves as a Marine Infantry Officer at Camp Pendleton, California.Trudy’s leadership, dedication, and impact in both her profession and community serve as an inspiration to many. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and service reflects the very embodiment of her faith at work. If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailCharlie Colon is a servant leader.  He is the franchise owner of the Chick-fil-A at Southpointe Pavilions in Lincoln, Nebraska.  He was recently the keynote speaker at the Celebrating Business Luncheon at Concordia University in Nebraska.Charlie lives out his faith in Christ through everything he does, operating his business. One of his favorite phrases I often hear him say is that we are to treat people with dignity, love, and respect. Two of Charlie's favorite Bible passages are Proverbs 22:1 and Philippians 4:4-7.  Listen to Charlie explain the powerful meaning of these scripture verses. If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailBryan Clark is a Pastor, Author, Podcaster, and an expert in the Biblical perspective of living skillfully.  As a lifelong pastor, Bryan has been involved in helping people grow in their Christian walk for four decades. Bryan has written extensively for the Haven of Rest Anchor devotional, the AWANA Pathway study material, Take 5 Daily Devotional and the Bible Minute for Back to the Bible. He has also been published in the Leadership Journal.Bryan is the Bible teacher for Back to the Bible. During his time with Back to the Bible he had the highest ratings in over a decade. He is currently leading a podcast with Dan Whitney (a.k.a., Larry the Cable Guy) under the Back to the Bible brand. The podcast will focus on basic Bible teaching and discussion designed to reach the unchurched.  If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailGreg refers to himself as a follower of Jesus Christ who happens to be an engineering professor. He emphasizes the day to day of loving and serving those around you.  He will identify himself as a Christian, so the students will know his worldview.  Greg has several students that will come to his office for advise in life and work. He is also active with a Christian Faculty Forum on campus which provides opportunities to discuss strategies of how to live out our faith in the workplace. If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailKyle makes an interesting point about not trying to be a "perfect Christian" just do good work that honors God.  Kyle is an entrepreneur and is intentional about "bringing God with me" to work. His current venture is an outdoor company to connect people with God's creation.Check out this episode of the Skillful at Work podcast as Kyle talks about the importance of being intentional about not compartmentalizing your faith at work.  If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailListen to Mike Anderson describe how he emphasizes his desire is to glorify God through the business.  He embraces Proverbs 21:21 as an active pursuit of a right relationship with God and how does that manifest in the workplace. Mike describes himself as a Christian who happens to be a business owner.Mike discusses the benefits of living out his faith in the workplace with each employee, and what does that mean to work at this company. Anderson Auto creates a culture of doing things the right way; which leads to employee's that enjoy being at work, customers that enjoy doing business with us, and having some fun while also making money.  Mike honors his employees through promotions, raises, etc. If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailKathy was recently named the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Interim Chancellor on January 11, 2026.Listen to Kathy talk about setting an example regardless of position.  She says it is about how you live life.  Kathy said, "While I may not profess my faith with words all day, I hope that I profess my faith with my actions."Kathy speaks about how leaders set the environment and how we treat each other matters.  She emphasizes the fruits of the spirit as a means of living out our faith at work. She makes a powerful statement about how people will recognize our faith by how we live it out in our actions. If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailBrent believes that gratitude makes all the difference.  He encourages others to see business as an opportunity to build something bigger than yourself.  Brent said "At every team meeting, we talk about our mission, vision, and core values so that everyone knows where the company is going."Brent was the Keynote speaker at Concordia University's Leadership & Ethics Symposium in October of 2024.  He spoke about living out his faith at work.  Brent's core value of putting people first, and the power of prayer, makes a difference.Brent is the author of the book "Leaders Look Within: Own your heart to live a life of gratitude".Brent's conversation on the "Skillful at Work" podcast is another powerful example of living out faith in the workplace to the honor of God. If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailListen to this powerful conversation as Barry Lockard discusses stewardship and leadership development in a "grace-based culture."  Barry quotes Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people." He describes this from his experience in business, that whatever we put our hand to is a ministry where God can use us to participate in the work He is doing.Barry talks about how our calling is to share Jesus, not sell Jesus. We demonstrate our love for our neighbor through actions, words, and what we do.  He said, "I do not hide my faith, and do not underestimate the power of prayer."Barry emphasizes that followers of Christ need to navigate skillfully in today's business world and to understand the gravity of being in the people business.  There is a responsibility to put people over profit and to be a person of character.  If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you. 

Send us Fan MailRon Anderson shares God's wisdom on how it relates to money. Ron discusses "Faith Driven Investments" to ensure that your investments align with your values. Ask yourself if God wants me to profit from this or are you promoting causes you do not believe in.Ron's website - www.planawm.com. If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live your life of faith more effectively in the workplace, the Skillful at Work Podcast is for you.