In the latest episode of the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast, host Jason Woodard welcomes Dave Hataj, a remarkable leader and believer who shares his awe-inspiring life story and transformative leadership principles. Dave, who holds a unique combination of a journeyman’s card and a business degree, speaks candidly about his journey from a gear shop in Edgerton, Wisconsin, to becoming a leader driven by faith and purpose. From the outset, Dave’s story is compelling. He recalls his early days working in his family’s gear shop and the struggles with alcoholism and a toxic environment but finding God in an unexpected moment while running near his home. This experience laid the foundation for his lifelong journey of faith and leadership, leading him to significant roles, including a youth minister and later, back to the family business. Dave’s narrative is packed with wisdom and practical advice on leadership. He stresses the importance of humility, vulnerability, and self-reflection.
Author Archives: Jason Woodard
Navigating Faith and Leadership in the Modern Era
A Conversation with Darren Shearer
In an inspiring exchange on the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast, on leadership, faith, and the integration of biblical principles in business, Darren Shearer sheds light on the pathway he traversed – from the depths of purposelessness to discovering his mission in the business world and beyond. This conversation illuminates the essence of contemporary Christian leadership through Darren’s journey, offering profound insights into living a faith-filled life amidst today’s challenges.
Faith in the Workplace: A New Perspective
Darren’s narrative begins in a place of confusion and searching, leading him to a pivotal decision post-9/11 that charted his course towards purpose through service in the military. This experience not only redefined his understanding of leadership but also inscribed a deeper sense of mission in his heart. His transformation underscores a fundamental realization – one’s workplace can be a powerful ministry field, a place not just for work but for witnessing and living out one’s faith.
From Military to Ministry: Blurring the Lines
Transitioning from military life, Darren ventured into entrepreneurship, pioneering a publishing company while exploring the integration of theological principles with business practices. His journey epitomizes the seamless merging of vocational calling with spiritual purpose, advocating for a model of leadership that transcends traditional boundaries between the sacred and secular.
Cultivating a Christ-centered Culture
Highlighting the transformative power of a Christ-centered business approach, Darren elaborates on the significance of viewing every business interaction through the lens of Jesus’ teachings. This perspective not only reshapes corporate culture but also turns ordinary workspaces into grounds for discipleship and spiritual growth.
In the words of Darren Shearer, embracing one’s vocation as a divine calling is the essence of modern Christian leadership – an endeavor not just to succeed in business but to serve in spirit and truth. Through this conversation, it becomes evident that leadership, infused with faith, has the power to change not just companies, but lives and ultimately, the world.
Finding Strength in Vulnerability: Becky Pomerleau’s Journey of Transformation and Leadership
In a powerful conversation on the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast, Becky Pomerleau shares her extraordinary journey from experiencing life-threatening heart attacks to becoming a beacon of strength and change in her professional sphere. Nine years post heart transplant, Pomerleau stands as a testament to resilience, reflecting on the critical moments that not only tested her physically but also spiritually redefined her path.
Becky recalls her initial foray into the world of auditing and accounting, highlighting a career built on diligence and transformation. As the Chief Audit Executive at Lesley’s, she encapsulates a career journey that’s emblematic of continuous improvement and the power of being an agent of change. Her narrative is not just about the milestones in her career but interweaves a profound spiritual awakening and confrontation with mortality.
Pomerleau’s perspective on leadership is deeply influenced by her experiences. Emphasizing a motto of “it’s not about you,” she advocates for a leadership style rooted in humility and the pursuit of understanding. Drawing parallels with biblical teachings, she shares how her approach is centered around serving others and fostering an environment where each team member feels valued and heard.
As someone who has navigated through life’s uncertainties with faith as her compass, Becky’s story is a compelling reminder of the sacredness of our secular vocations. She underscores the importance of reflecting God’s love in the workplace, turning routine interactions into opportunities for kindness and impact.
Becky Pomerleau’s journey is a remarkable illustration of finding one’s purpose through trials and serving as a source of inspiration for others. Through her story, we are reminded of the power of vulnerability, the strength derived from faith, and the impactful role of leadership in creating a culture of empathy and excellence.
Unveiling the True Essence of Work: A Conversation with David Bahnsen
The Interview with David Bahnsen
In a recent episode of the “Biblical Leadership @ Work” podcast, host Jason Woodard had the privilege of interviewing David Bahnsen, a prominent figure in the financial world and a profound thinker on the integration of faith and work. Their conversation delved into the heart of what work truly means beyond the paycheck, offering a refreshing perspective on the value of labor in our lives and society.
A New Perspective on Work
David Bahnsen shared insights from his latest book, “Full-Time. Work and the Meaning of Life” challenging the conventional view of work as merely a means to an end. He argued that work should not be seen just as a utilitarian vehicle for earning income but as an integral part of what it means to be human. Bahnsen emphasized that the act of working is inherently good, ordained by God before sin entered the world, and remains a calling for everyone.
Addressing Modern Work Attitudes
The podcast also tackled modern attitudes towards work, especially the worrying trend of disengaging from work seen across different generations. Bahnsen pointed out a societal shift towards viewing work as undesirable, a trend alarmingly present even within the church. He made a compelling argument against this mindset, highlighting the danger it poses not only to individual fulfillment but also to societal health as a whole.
The Future of Work and Leadership
In their dialogue, both Woodard and Bahnsen touched upon the importance of mentorship and leadership in the workplace. They discussed the critical role experienced professionals play in guiding younger generations, underscoring the need to reject the ideal of retirement as the end goal of work.
This conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of our work and the mindset we bring to it. It challenges us to reconsider our attitudes towards work and to rediscover the inherent value it holds in our lives and community.
Biblical Leadership @ Work 