Author Archives: Jason Woodard

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Finding Faith and Purpose in the Workplace

The David Lively Story

In a compelling episode of the “Biblical Leadership at Work” podcast, we dive deep into the life and experiences of David Lively – a true testament to integrating faith seamlessly into professional life. Hosted by Jason Woodard this episode sheds light on how biblical principles can drive success in business and personal growth.

David Lively, often considered a paragon of entrepreneurial success, shares his journey from starting in the furniture business to establishing a software company and eventually moving into Christian consulting. His story is not just about material success; it’s a compelling narrative of faith, perseverance, and the pursuit of calling. David emphasizes the role of God’s faithfulness throughout the various phases of his life, underscoring that wisdom, more than knowledge, has been a cornerstone of his journey.

Listeners are treated to insightful discussions on the spiritual disciplines that have steadfastly supported David through his career. Prayer – both personal and corporate – emerges as a powerful tool, enabling David to lead his businesses with integrity and purpose. David also touches on the profound impact of mentoring, illustrating the importance of passing wisdom and guidance to the next generation of leaders.

This episode beautifully blends practical leadership advice with spiritual enrichment, proving that work isn’t just a means to an end but a ministry and calling. Through David Lively’s story, we are reminded that integrating our faith with our professional lives not only brings success but adds a deeper layer of meaning and fulfillment to our work.

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Faith and Work, Servant Leadership

Sacred Work from Peggy Bodde

In the latest episode of the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast, host Jason Woodard sits down with Peggy Bodde to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Sacred Work: A Christian Woman’s Guide to Leadership in the Marketplace. Despite its title suggesting a female-centric perspective, this episode and Peggy’s book offer invaluable wisdom on leadership suited for everyone, regardless of gender.

Peggy’s book emerges as a crucial mentoring guide, drawing from her extensive experience in executive leadership and her pivot to establishing a freelance writing business. The narrative is not just a recount of her journey but a practical toolkit designed to equip the next generation of leaders with faith-based guidance and leadership strategies that are immediately actionable.

One standout topic is the art of managing performance issues. Peggy emphasizes the need for prompt and focused conversations on performance. Addressing issues early prevents them from escalating, showcases respect for the employee, and upholds high performance standards. These practices not only build a stronger team but also instill trust and respect within the organization.

Another critical subject tackled in the book and on the podcast is the importance of mentoring. Peggy advocates for both seeking mentors and becoming one, highlighting the transformative power of these relationships in a professional setting.

The episode wraps up with potent reminders: good leadership isn’t just about guiding others but also about continuous self-improvement and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. Peggy Bodde’s insights remind us that at the heart of impactful leadership is the ability to nurture talent, address challenges head-on, and lead by example, all while anchored in faith.

Listeners and readers alike are encouraged to delve into Peggy’s book, not just as a resource for women but as a leadership manual beneficial for anyone eager to foster a culture of excellence and inclusivity in the workplace.

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Faith and Work

Embodying Biblical Leadership in the Legal Field

A Conversation with Jeshua Lauka

In the latest episode of the “Biblical Leadership at Work” podcast, host Jason Woodard sits down with Jeshua Lauka, an attorney and firm partner who is making significant strides in integrating his faith with his professional life. Lauka’s journey from a challenging childhood in Saginaw, Michigan, to becoming a voice of faith-based leadership in Grand Rapids provides profound insights into living out one’s beliefs authentically in the workplace.

Faith and Leadership

Jeshua shares his transformative encounter with faith during his teenage years, a pivotal moment that not only altered his personal life but also his professional trajectory. Raised in a non-Christian household amidst adversity, Jeshua found solace and purpose in Jesus Christ’s teachings, leading him to pursue a career in law with a mission to serve justice and embody the love of Christ in every aspect of his practice.

As a partner at his law firm, Jeshua emphasizes the importance of leading with love for God and people. He candidly discussed how this core principle guides the firm’s culture and operational ethos, making an impactful difference in the lives of their clients and the community. By focusing on servant leadership, the firm has seen organic growth while maintaining a tight-knit, values-driven environment.

Mentoring Future Leaders

Jeshua also delves into the importance of mentorship and surrounding oneself with individuals who have walked the path before. For him, real-life examples of faith-driven leadership in the legal field have been instrumental in shaping his approach and sustaining his commitment to his values amidst the pressures of his profession.

This conversation serves as a powerful reminder that integrating faith and work isn’t only possible but profoundly rewarding. Lauka’s story encourages professionals across industries to lead with conviction, prioritize relationships, and serve with humility, reflecting Christ’s love in every interaction.

Tune in to the “Biblical Leadership at Work” podcast for more insightful stories and discussions on living out faith in the professional realm, and don’t forget to subscribe to our new YouTube channel for more content.

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Faith and Work

Jordan Raynor – Author of The Sacredness of Secular Work

In our recent podcast, we had the privilege of discussing the intersection of faith and work with Jordan Raynor, author of The Sacredness of Our Secular Work. Jordan highlights how all vocational work, regardless of the field, is sacred and significant in the eyes of God. He introduces the concept of the ‘Abridged Gospel’, a belief that the gospel is not limited to soul salvation but extends to every aspect of life, including work. According to Jordan, believers are called to passionately pursue excellence in their work fields—an act of worship.

This podcast highlights the idea that faith and work are not separate entities but intertwined aspects of life. Our work is seen as a ‘mission field’, where believers can share their faith, not merely in words but also through their excellent work. Jordan says that the concept of heaven involves an ongoing, enjoyable work without the curses of sin. A lively discussion is also presented on how to wisely navigate faith conversations in a work context. Tune in for a refreshing and enlightening take on how our faith and our day-to-day work are deeply interconnected.

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