Faith Driven Entrepreneur

Nils Smith, a social media expert and consultant for ministries, shares insights on why many entrepreneurs shy away from social media. He discusses the delicate balance between authenticity and self-promotion while revealing how AI is reshaping content strategies. Nils takes listeners through his journey from youth pastor to social media guru, highlighting the evolution of online engagement. He emphasizes the importance of targeting audiences, utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT, and adapting strategies for different platforms to thrive in the digital landscape.

Jack Hooper, founder and CEO of Take Command Health and former CIA counterterrorism analyst, shares his remarkable transition from tracking terrorist finances to revolutionizing health insurance after a personal crisis. He discusses the transparency needed in healthcare costs and the broken systems that often leave people powerless. Jack emphasizes the importance of mission-driven entrepreneurship, balancing faith, personal financial boundaries, and the evolution of leadership, all while creating a people-first approach to insurance.

Dave Blanchard, co-founder of Praxis, shares insights on faith-driven entrepreneurship and its cultural significance. He discusses the unique journey of naming Praxis, inspired by prayer and personal experiences. The conversation shifts to the evolving perception of entrepreneurs and the role of programs like Y Combinator in normalizing this path. Blanchard emphasizes the church's potential as a creative hub, the need for authentic storytelling, and the importance of mentorship in overcoming challenges faced by Christian entrepreneurs.

Lloyd Reeb, a long-time leader of the Halftime Institute and co-author of "From Success to Significance," joins to share his transformative insights on building a life with 100X impact. He discusses the evolution of the Halftime message, emphasizing the importance of infusing meaning into business success. Lloyd dives into the power of freedom to pursue one's calling and the four types of leverage that can amplify impact. He also addresses how leaders can pause for reflection, ensuring their aspirations align with their core values.

Nona Jones, a leader in corporate America and ministry, shares her inspiring journey from overcoming a traumatic childhood to empowering high-capacity women of faith. She discusses how rejection can be a transformative gift, fueling personal growth and purpose. The conversation delves into the importance of faith over fear in entrepreneurship and addresses the detrimental effects of comparison. Nona emphasizes the need for emotional well-being in business and concludes with the power of gratitude in overcoming anxiety and trusting God’s faithfulness.

Tom Patterson, the founder of Tommy John, shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to creating a successful men's underwear brand. He discusses the challenges of launching his business during a recession and the invaluable lessons learned from early failures. Faith and resilience play key roles in his entrepreneurial path. Tom emphasizes the importance of alignment in values with his wife, creating a strong partnership that enriches both their business and personal lives. The conversation highlights risk-taking, patience, and the necessity of community support in entrepreneurship.

Lara Casey Isaacson, entrepreneur and leader of the Faith Driven Students initiative, shares her mission to empower young entrepreneurs through faith. She highlights the significance of pruning for growth and the role of storytelling in shaping youth. The discussion emphasizes the changing landscape of entrepreneurship, with Generation Z seeking purpose in their endeavors. Lara also stresses the importance of parental guidance and community support in nurturing faith-driven aspirations, aiming to equip the next generation with the tools to navigate their paths.

Chip Ingram, an experienced pastor and teacher, joins to discuss the evolving relationship between the church and entrepreneurship. He highlights the shift in church dynamics post-COVID and the necessity to redefine traditional measures of success. Ingram points out that 91% of entrepreneurs feel a sense of purpose in their work, emphasizing the need for pastors to better engage with these individuals. The conversation also touches on practical ways for collaboration and the importance of long-term commitment in both ministries and businesses.

Dr. Lisa Strohman, a clinical psychologist and author focusing on online child safety, joins Wes Lyons, a venture capitalist combating human trafficking. They discuss how the pornography industry targets children through digital platforms, emphasizing the dire need for awareness and education. Wes introduces a unique economic approach to fighting trafficking, using technology to disrupt traffickers' business models. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by AI and deepfakes, highlighting the importance of collaboration to create effective solutions.

Derwin Gray, a former NFL player turned pastor, brings profound insights on spiritual warfare as it relates to entrepreneurship. He draws compelling parallels between hunting tactics and the devil's strategies aimed at isolation. Gray outlines three key temptations entrepreneurs face: performance, possession, and popularity, urging a shift to a wartime mindset. He emphasizes the importance of wearing the armor of God, offering spiritual tools to navigate entrepreneurial challenges and suggesting that recognizing these spiritual battles can boost decision-making and strengthen faith.