Episode 294 - Creating Culture Worth Celebrating: Stories of the Movement with Booster's Chris Carneal
May 14, 2024
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Chris Carneal, founder and CEO of Booster, leads a pioneering school fundraising company celebrated for its vibrant culture. He shares insights on maintaining positivity and resilience during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion highlights the crucial difference between values and virtues in shaping company culture. Carneal emphasizes the impact of faith-driven entrepreneurship and the significance of community engagement. The conversation also focuses on celebrating workplace achievements and integrating personal identity with professional excellence.
Chris Carneal emphasizes the importance of aligning entrepreneurial passions with personal calling to create a meaningful business identity.
Booster's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of shared values and community support in overcoming challenges.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Faith and Entrepreneurship
Every entrepreneur must identify their driving force, especially those who navigate the tension between faith and business. The distinction once perceived between ministry and entrepreneurship is increasingly blurred, reflecting a shift in cultural understanding. This change allows individuals to embrace their entrepreneurial identities without feeling inferior to traditional ministry roles. Chris Carniel's journey illustrates how discovering and aligning one's unique calling with a passion for business can cultivate a fulfilling entrepreneurial life.
Creating a Culture of Experience
Booster revolutionized school fundraising by transitioning from dull transactions to engaging experiences that foster community. These events not only included every student's participation but also incorporated fun elements like music and celebrations, making them memorable. Chris identified a gap in the fundraising market and leveraged his talents to craft inclusive programs that energized entire school communities. This approach has allowed Booster to not only raise substantial funds but also strengthen school culture and student confidence.
Resilience Through Crisis
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges that tested Booster's cultural foundations and leadership. After grappling with an unprecedented downturn, significant layoffs were necessary, pushing Chris and his team to embody their core virtues amidst adversity. This period of hardship reinforced the importance of relying on their shared values and the support of their community. Ultimately, the experience highlighted the strength found in a solid cultural foundation, enabling Booster to adapt and emerge even more impactful than before.
What does it really mean for a company to have values and an identity?
And how can leaders of those companies make sure those values don’t just become another page on the website or words on a wall in the office?
In this episode of Stories of the Movement, we’ll hear about Booster, one of the largest school fundraising companies in the country.
They’ve built a culture unlike any other in their team of nearly 1,000 employees. And Chris Carneal, the founder and CEO of the company, saw firsthand how essential Booster’s “virtues” became when they faced an unexpected and intense setback.
Check out their story in this episode of Faith Driven Entrepreneur: Stories of the Movement.
For more information about Faith Driven Entrepreneur and to sign up for our groups, check out our website at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org
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