Author Archives: Jason Woodard

biblical leadership, Faith and Work

A Journey of Leadership and Faith: Insights from Matt Lucas CEO of our Daily Bread

In a captivating conversation on the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast, host Jason Woodard sits down with Matt Lucas, CEO of Our Daily Bread Ministries. Their discussion unveils a remarkable journey of faith, leadership, and the unseen complexities behind one of the world’s most recognized Christian ministries.

Early Aspirations and Unexpected Paths:

Matt Lucas shares his surprising transition from aspiring teacher to a prominent leader. Initially drawn to English literature with dreams of teaching, Lucas found himself on an unplanned path to leadership. “Even though I was a young boy, I had dreams of one day being a CEO… but by college, I wanted to be a teacher,” he recalls. Eventually, leadership roles at Corbin University and Indiana Wesleyan University set the stage for his current role.

Leading a Global Ministry:

Under his leadership, Our Daily Bread has thrived as a global Bible engagement ministry, with 700 employees across 32 offices worldwide. “People are always surprised that we’re much bigger than we they think we are and much more complex,” Lucas explains, highlighting the ministry’s broad reach beyond its well-known devotionals.

Lessons in Humility and Team Building:

Lucas emphasizes the importance of humility and teamwork in leadership. His guiding principle is to lead a team so they can achieve more than they believe possible. He encourages leaders to balance when to step up and when to step back, explaining that “humility isn’t being small; it’s about being the right size at the right time.”

Navigating Challenges and Spiritual Growth:

Facing personal and organizational challenges, Lucas stresses staying grounded in spiritual disciplines and seeking God’s wisdom. His transparent reflections on maintaining faith in leadership reveal a constant quest for personal growth and the balance of professional demands with spiritual devotion.

Conclusion:

This insightful episode offers a rich perspective on integrating faith with leadership. Matt Lucas’s journey serves as a powerful testament to the impact of following God’s direction, the significance of serving others in leadership, and the profound influence of Our Daily Bread Ministries worldwide.

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biblical leadership, Faith and Work, Servant Leadership

Navigating Faith and Leadership: A Journey with Andrew Crapuchettes

In a recent episode of the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast, host Jason Woodard sits down with Andrew Crapuchettes, CEO of RedBalloon, to discuss his career journey and the integral role faith plays in his leadership.

A Journey Rooted in Faith

Andrew Crapuchettes path is an inspiring one, deeply rooted in his Christian faith. Raised in a family with a strong Christian legacy, Andrew shares how his early involvement in church activities, like running a children’s choir and participating in programs like Awanas, shaped his understanding of leadership and service.

Lessons from Business and Faith

During the podcast, Andrew reveals how his experiences, from working in the dot-com boom to founding RedBalloon, have been a blend of professional growth and spiritual lessons. His insistence on leading with his Christian values, even when confronted with challenges, reflects his steadfast commitment to his faith. He believes in creating workplaces where people can prosper, aligning closely with his vision for RedBalloon, which aims to offer jobs that respect individual values.

Building a Legacy of Freedom in Work

RedBalloon’s mission is grounded in Andrew’s desire to provide an alternative job marketplace where employers and job seekers align on values like meritocracy and liberty. By creating job opportunities free from certain modern pressures, Andrew is helping redefine the workplace as a place of freedom and respect.

Leadership and Faith Foundations

For aspiring leaders, Andrew’s advice is clear: stay humble, listen more than you speak, and always prioritize others’ needs. By embodying these principles, Andrew believes leaders can create environments where individuals thrive. Andrew Crapuchettes’ story is a powerful testament to how faith can guide one’s career and leadership philosophy, influencing not only individual success but also the broader work culture.

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biblical leadership, Faith and Work, Servant Leadership

From Garage Tinkering to Christian Leadership: Danielle Whah’s Inspiring Journey

In the latest episode of the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast, host Jason Woodard delves into the remarkable journey of Danielle Waugh. From her mechanically inclined childhood to her role as a mentor for Christian business leaders, Danielle’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and authenticity.

A Journey Rooted in Faith and Mechanics

Danielle’s passion for mechanics began in her father’s garage, where she learned the ropes of fixing cars and boats. This foundation led her to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Louisville. She began her career at Panasonic, working on innovative products like cordless and bagless vacuums.

A Career Shift to Leadership

Despite her early success, Danielle felt a pull towards understanding the end user’s experience, leading her to pursue an MBA. This transition brought her to Whirlpool, where she quickly moved from engineering to various leadership roles in marketing, product development, and sales. Here, Danielle honed her skills in leading both large and small teams, gaining invaluable experience.

The Role of Faith

Danielle’s faith played a crucial role in shaping her career. Realizing that her identity in Christ hadn’t been fully integrated into her professional life, she took a step back to reflect and seek God’s guidance. This led her to C12, an organization that supports Christian business leaders. Today, Danielle leads C12 forums in West Michigan, helping leaders navigate the intersection of faith and work.

Balancing Family and Faith

A mother of six and a grandmother, Danielle’s personal life is as rich as her professional one. Her family life, supported by her husband Ken, mirrors the foundational values she brings to her leadership roles. Together, they share a commitment to faith, family, and community.

Final Thoughts*

Danielle’s story is a testament to the power of integrating faith into all aspects of life. Her journey from a mechanically inclined child to a leader who mentors others in faith embodies the essence of authentic Christian leadership. For more inspiring stories like Danielle’s, tune in to the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast with Jason Woodard, and don’t forget to rate and review the show to help others find it.

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biblical leadership, Faith and Work

A Leadership Journey with Jerry Boyer: Insights on Faith, Work, and AI

In a recent episode of the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast, host Jason Woodard sits down with Jerry Bowyer, a distinguished financial professional with a diverse and fascinating background. Jerry’s multifaceted career spans finance, media, thought leadership, and more.

The Intersection of Faith and Career

The conversation kicks off with Jerry sharing about his varied career journey, emphasizing how his dual interests in finance and media have often run parallel. Jerry has worked with major accounting firms, run a think tank, contributed to media outlets, and served on multiple investment committees. He has also been deeply involved in church activities, serving as an ordained deacon.

Leadership Lessons from Experience

Jerry reflects on his core leadership principles, emphasizing the pursuit of wisdom over wealth and the importance of diligence. He highlights the value of not merely focusing on building a resume but rather on continuous learning and being dependable.

Embracing AI in Business

As the discussion shifts towards artificial intelligence, Jerry expresses his all-in approach to leveraging AI in business. He observes that AI can level the playing field for small firms against larger competitors, but he also warns against blindly trusting it due to its tendency to “hallucinate” or provide incorrect information. Jerry insists that AI should be seen as a tool rather than an adversary.

Personal Reflections and Challenges

Jerry candidly shares personal struggles from his early career, including challenges in the nonprofit world and the intoxicating allure of media fame. These experiences taught him to seek roles where success is based on merit rather than whims or popularity.

Health as a Leadership Focus

Another key point Jerry emphasizes is the importance of health and fitness for leaders. Working in high-stress environments can take a toll, and maintaining physical health can enhance mental clarity and productivity. Jerry advises that a balanced approach to fitness is not about stealing time from work but enhancing overall performance.

Final Thoughts To wrap up

Jerry recommends a proactive approach for young leaders—writing things down and ensuring clear communication. He also touches on the cultural shift needed within Christian communities to recognize all forms of work as a sacred calling.

Stay connected with Jerry Boyer through his social media channels on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for more insights and updates. For full details and to listen to the complete episode, visit the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast page.

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