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In this special episode recorded at SXSW in Austin, Texas, hosts Justin Forman and Richard Cunningham sit down with Brent Beshore, founder and CEO of Permanent Equity, to discuss what it means to take a long-term, cathedral-like perspective in business and investing.
Brent shares his transformation from an achievement-driven atheist to a faith-focused entrepreneur, highlighting how his approach to private equity challenges industry norms with long-term capital, zero debt, and transparent fee structures. Throughout the conversation, Brent reveals how vulnerability and authentic relationships have been crucial both in his personal faith journey and in building a successful investment firm.
Key Highlights:Brent's journey from atheism to faith and how it transformed his perspective on business, family, and achievementThe dangers of "acceptable sin" that starts small but eventually leads to devastating consequencesWhy living in the light through authentic relationships is essential for both personal healing and business successHow Permanent Equity's unique model of 30-year capital and no debt creates true alignment with business ownersThe concept of "cathedral thinking" - building something that may take generations to completeThe importance of community and authentic relationships in combating isolation, especially for successful entrepreneursWhy achievement, control, and self-reliance can be more dangerous addictions than substances -
In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast, host Justin Forman sits down with Steve Preston, CEO of Goodwill Industries, to discuss his remarkable journey from Wall Street executive to nonprofit leader. Unlike the typical path of chasing wealth and status, Steve shares how he made intentional decisions to prioritize purpose over prestige throughout his career.
After starting at Lehman Brothers, Steve felt a tug that his faith was calling him toward a different path. He made a deal with God that he would "never make a decision for money, for prestige, or for power," which ultimately led him to leave banking on the cusp of making partner. His journey continued through corporate America, government service (including running the Small Business Administration during Hurricane Katrina recovery), and eventually to Goodwill, where he now leads one of America's most recognized nonprofit organizations.
Key Highlights:Steve's countercultural decision to leave Wall Street's wealth and prestige to follow God's callingThe rich history of Goodwill beginning as a church-based ministry to help Boston's poorest residentsHow Goodwill provides holistic support to help people overcome barriers to employmentThe innovative prison education programs helping reduce recidivism rates to just 5%The power of corporate partnerships in scaling social impactHow writing a personal mission statement helped Steve identify his callingThe importance of seeing potential in people that they don't yet see in themselvesQuotable Moments:"I felt like God said, I've taken you thus far. Will you really go where I'm taking you? And worse, most of the people in my close-in circle said, you're crazy... And I had this moment where I thought to myself, I have been like every other American watching these horrific stories on television and wondering what I could do."
"Our founder's story and our founder's vision 125 years later is still very much a part of who we are... It was all deeply based in the conviction that every human being has embedded potential."
"I often say, when somebody comes through our door, we often see more in them than they see in themselves."
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Mark McClain, founder and CEO of SailPoint Technologies, shares his non-traditional path to entrepreneurship after 10 years in corporate America. He discusses building a successful tech company with faith-based values, navigating multiple funding rounds (VC, PE, IPO, and back again), and balancing business ambition with family priorities.
[Chapters]
0:00 - Introduction
2:10 - Mark on South by Southwest and Austin's tech scene
6:08 - The evolution of faith in the workplace
10:26 - Mark's journey from corporate career to entrepreneurship
15:32 - Understanding SailPoint's identity management technology
18:47 - AI as both threat and opportunity in cybersecurity
20:34 - Navigating different funding methods as an entrepreneur
24:15 - The value of community vs. coaching for entrepreneurs
29:01 - The importance of staying connected to church community
31:40 - Building a successful business without sacrificing family
35:29 - Four S's of Christian leadership: Son, Sheep, Stock, and Stewardship
39:02 - A biblical perspective on retirement and stewardship
44:23 - Closing thoughts on community and faith
In this authentic conversation, Mark reveals:
Why success rates increase for entrepreneurs who start after age 35The value of both peer community and expert coachingHow to stay connected to your faith while scaling a businessA biblical perspective on stewarding resources and opportunityPractical advice for staying present with family while building a company#FaithDrivenEntrepreneur #EntrepreneurialJourney #BusinessLeadership #FaithAndWork #ServantLeadership
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Key MomentsTravis shares his recent experience meeting Jack Nicklaus and John Maxwell, highlighting Nicklaus's emphasis on family over golf achievementsThe powerful story of Travis's brain tumor in 2016, requiring him to relearn basic functionsHis wife Jacqueline's cancer diagnosis and the emotional journey of shaving her head during chemotherapyThe doctor telling Travis to "prepare as if she's gone" and taking his daughters to San Diego while contemplating single fatherhoodHow these health crises fundamentally changed his approach to business success and identityBusiness Insights49 Financial's three-pillar strategy: handling more complex issues, offering more services, and building more communityThe company's focus on young advisors (22-year-olds) in an industry where the average advisor is in their upper 50sHow 49 Financial is addressing the industry-wide 9% retention rate for new advisorsTravis's shift from "quantity over quality" to "quality over quantity" in building his businessHis vision for bridging the gap between aging advisors with trillions in assets and the next generationFaith PerspectiveHow facing mortality transformed Travis's relationship with God and clarity about prioritiesThe role of childlike faith in entrepreneurship versus the challenges of maintaining bold faith as a business maturesUsing their platform to help clients turn "tax dollars into giving dollars" through strategic charitable planningThe daily struggle of enjoying present moments while awaiting his wife's five-year cancer-free milestoneQuotable Moments"I think maybe a lot of entrepreneurs out there, it is so easy, even as believers, to make our business our identity. And it's such a sneak.""It puts you in a different place in your faith when each one of you experience the thought of losing the other one within a day.""If the business doesn't make it, it's okay. If the business does hit that growth goal, it's okay... I'm going home to my bride.""My heart and why 49, as long as I'm around, is going to be for the young person.""We're going to turn tax dollars into giving dollars."
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Every entrepreneur dreams of the freedom that comes with success, yet Lloyd Reeb discovered a surprising paradox - the very prosperity he worked so hard to achieve was quietly eroding his freedom and purpose. Instead of letting money become his master, he made the counter-cultural choice to design a life where wealth serves his deeper values rather than dictating his choices. His journey reveals that true entrepreneurial freedom might look radically different than what we've been conditioned to pursue.
Lloyd shares the meaningful artifacts in his office that guide his decisions and keep him grounded in his purpose - from a crystal light bulb gift that reminds him of his unique contribution to a 300-year-old French Bible that represents God's unchanging wisdom to a wooden "Amazing Grace" plaque honoring William Wilberforce's 30-year commitment to ending the slave trade.
Key Highlights:
How carrying "long-term metrics" in his wallet for decades has helped Lloyd maintain focus on what truly mattersThe intentional decision to decouple wealth from lifestyle to break cycles of entitlementWhy complexity, comfort, and complacency are the three deadliest enemies to living a purpose-driven lifeApplying Charlie Munger's "inversion" approach to identify what would cause you to squander your lifeThe transformative practice of keeping a "Book of Days" to document God's work in and through your lifeWhy financial success creates freedom for mission rather than just lifestyle expansionPractical ways to declutter your life, reduce complexity, and create space for what matters mostQuotable Moments:
"Build a successful business in the context of focusing on building a successful life."
"It's an interesting question to ask: What level of lifestyle is in your family's best interest? That's different from how much can we afford."
"What would I do if I wanted to squander the rest of my life? I would get my life complicated, comfortable, and let my heart become uncompassionate."
"Money is a great servant, but a terrible master. We wanted to really demote money from mastery to servant."
Watch the full episode on YouTube or continue to stream audio on your favorite podcast platform.
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In this powerful episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, host Justin Forman sits down with Cheri Garcia, founder of Cornbread Hustle, a staffing agency that has placed nearly 3,000 people with criminal records into jobs over the past decade.
Cheri shares her remarkable journey from selling drugs (including becoming her father's meth dealer as a teenager) to getting sober, founding a multi-million-dollar company, and helping thousands of formerly incarcerated individuals find meaningful employment and rebuild their lives.
Key Highlights:
Cheri's early entrepreneurial ventures and her descent into drug addiction and dealingHow hitting rock bottom (living out of her car, multiple arrests) led to her eventual path to sobrietyThe unexpected pivot during COVID that transformed her business from struggling to multi-million dollar successWhy achievement and control can be more dangerous addictions than drugs or alcoholThe transformative impact of employment stability on former inmates' livesPractical insights for employers considering second-chance hiringHow Cheri's painful experiences equipped her to connect authentically with others in their brokennessQuotable Moments:
"I was pouring into other people while filling myself back up with alcohol... I was broken.""Control is worse than drugs or alcohol because the triggers are more. The triggers are anything from needing to pee while you're in the middle of talking to somebody at a networking event... It's all day, every day.""One in four adults have a criminal record. That's over 70 million people... and only 5% of HR managers say they actively choose people with criminal records as part of their talent pool."Watch the full episode on YouTube or continue to stream audio on your favorite podcast platform.
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In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, host Justin Forman interviews social media expert Nils Smith about why entrepreneurs often resist social media and how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing content creation and engagement strategies.
Nils shares his journey from youth pastor using AOL Instant Messenger to reach teens, to pioneering online church, to becoming a social media consultant for high-profile ministries.
Learn why entrepreneurs struggle with social media, how to balance authentic humility with strategic promotion, and which platforms are most effective for different business types.
This conversation explores how AI is transforming the social media landscape - making it more accessible and efficient for entrepreneurs who previously avoided these platforms. Discover how tools like ChatGPT can serve as personalized marketing consultants and content creators for your business without compromising your values.
[Chapters]
00:00 Introduction and plants in video backgrounds
01:25 Why entrepreneurs hate social media
04:52 Authenticity vs. polished content
09:26 Nils' journey into social media
19:28 The importance of audience targeting
24:00 First 20 seconds rule in content
35:55 Best platforms for different businesses
42:19 How AI is revolutionizing social media strategy
47:03 A Christian approach to technology and AI
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In this DEBUT VIDEO EPISODE of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, host Justin Forman interviews Jack Hooper, founder and CEO of Take Command Health. Jack shares his extraordinary journey from tracking terrorist financing for the CIA to revolutionizing health insurance after a personal healthcare crisis when his wife unexpectedly became pregnant with twins during business school.
Jack reveals how his mission to create transparency in healthcare costs led to building a company that empowers both employers and employees with a new model of health insurance. The conversation explores the broken incentive structures in traditional health insurance, leadership challenges in a secular workplace, and wrestling with the tension between business success and kingdom values.
This episode unpacks how faith guides entrepreneurial decisions, setting personal financial boundaries as a founder, and recognizing the seasons of leadership. A powerful conversation on building redemptive business models that truly put people first.
[Chapters]
00:00 Introduction
02:07 Jack's CIA background and counterterrorism work
07:55 Unexpected life change and the path to healthcare
15:50 The broken insurance system and Take Command's solution
24:19 Mission-driven approach to business
31:50 Wrestling with founder identity and financial boundaries
40:15 Seasons of leadership and letting go
► SUBSCRIBE for more Faith Driven Entrepreneur content: [Link Channel URL]
► Visit https://faithdrivenentrepreneur.org for resources, community, and more
#FaithDrivenEntrepreneur #JackHooper
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In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, Justin Forman sits down with Dave Blanchard to explore the evolution of faith-driven entrepreneurship and its growing influence in both the church and broader culture.
Key Discussion Points:
The origin story of Praxis and how the name came to be through prayer and divine inspirationThe transformation of entrepreneurship from a "starving artist" narrative to a celebrated career pathThe role of programs like Y Combinator, Techstars, and shows like Shark Tank in normalizing entrepreneurshipHow childhood experiences and early business ventures shaped Blanchard's perspective on ethical entrepreneurshipThe impact of Chris Crane and Opportunity International in revealing the redemptive possibilities of entrepreneurshipThe challenge of moving beyond "God cares about your work" to practical implementation in various industriesThe need for churches to become creative centers and reimagine their approach to supporting entrepreneursThe importance of telling authentic stories that include both triumph and struggleDiscussion of the "unnamed villains" and real challenges facing Christian entrepreneursThe future of faith-driven entrepreneurship and the need for local heroes and mentors -
Show Notes:
In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, Justin Forman sits down with Lloyd Reeb, a long-time leader of the Halftime Institute and co-author of "From Success to Significance." With over two decades of experience helping marketplace leaders find their purpose, Lloyd shares profound insights on building a life of multiplicative kingdom impact.
Lloyd has generously made his book, The Social Entrepreneur: Seasoned Advice to Multiply Your Impact 100x available for free here.
Key Topics Covered:
- The evolution of the Halftime message over 30 years and its continued relevance today
- How to infuse greater meaning and purpose into existing business success
- The power of creating "freedom" to explore God's unique calling
- Lloyd's framework for achieving "100X impact" through focus, leverage, and persistence
- The launch and vision of Ardent Mentoring: connecting 500 world-class mentors with Christian social entrepreneurs
- Why some leaders struggle to pause and examine their lives during seasons of success
- The four essential types of leverage: platform, people, process, and the power of the Spirit
Notable Quotes:
"Focus plus leverage, plus persistence equals 100x compounding return on life." - Lloyd Reeb
"I'm going to have to have some freedom in order to decide what my core calling is."
"You don't have to sell your company to go make a meaningful impact in the world."
Practical Takeaways:
- How to evaluate whether you're trading "priceless things for merely valuable things"
- The importance of listening to the Spirit's guidance in mentoring and coaching others
- Practical steps for decluttering life and focusing on high-impact activities
- Understanding the difference between coaching, mentoring, and discipling
- Ways to overcome the three main barriers to impact: complexity, comfort, and complacency
- The power of keeping a "Book of Days" to record God's faithfulness and direction
Special Focus: Ardent Mentoring Initiative
Lloyd shares his latest venture connecting experienced Christian leaders with the next generation of kingdom-minded entrepreneurs, aiming to provide targeted expertise and mentoring to accelerate kingdom impact.
This episode offers invaluable wisdom for entrepreneurs seeking to build lives and businesses of lasting significance. Lloyd's decades of experience helping leaders navigate their halftime journey provides practical insights for those looking to achieve meaningful, multiplicative returns in both business and ministry. His emphasis on long-term investment in eternal returns rather than short-term gains offers a compelling framework for faith-driven entrepreneurs.
Resources Mentioned:
- "From Success to Significance" by Lloyd Reeb
- Halftime Institute
- Ardent Mentoring
- "The Social Entrepreneur" (co-authored with Chris Crane)
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In this engaging conversation, Justin Forman and Nona Jones explore the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship. Nona shares her remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leader in corporate America and now in ministry. They discuss the importance of recognizing God's guidance in our lives, the balance between faith and fear, and the distinction between being called and driven. Nona emphasizes the need to overcome comparison and celebrate others' successes while also reframing rejection as a gift that can lead to growth and purpose. In this conversation, Nona Jones discusses the transformative power of rejection, emphasizing that it can serve as a gift that positions individuals for their true purpose. She shares personal experiences of how rejection has redirected her life towards ministry and leadership, particularly in empowering women. The dialogue also explores the importance of emotional and spiritual well-being in entrepreneurship, highlighting the need for a framework that addresses both internal healing and external success. Nona concludes with a reflection on the significance of gratitude in overcoming anxiety and trusting in God's faithfulness.
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In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, hosts Justin Forman and William Norvell discuss the entrepreneurial journeys of William and guest Tom Patterson, founder of Tommy John. They explore themes of faith, resilience, and the importance of community support in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Tom shares his unique story of starting his business during a recession, the lessons learned from early failures, and the role of faith in sustaining him through difficult times. The conversation highlights the significance of taking risks, being patient yet urgent, and the unexpected paths that entrepreneurship can take. In this conversation, Tom Patterson shares his journey of faith-driven entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of prayer, resilience, and partnership in business. He reflects on the challenges faced while building Tommy John, the underwear brand, and how faith has played a crucial role in navigating those challenges. Tom discusses the significance of working alongside his wife and the alignment of their values in both their personal and professional lives. The conversation highlights the integration of faith and business, the lessons learned through adversity, and the importance of intentionality in pursuing one's purpose.
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In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast, Justin Forman and Lara Casey Isaacson discuss the launch of Faith-Driven Students, an initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through faith. They explore Laura's entrepreneurial journey, the importance of pruning in business, and the significance of storytelling and imagination in shaping young minds. The conversation emphasizes the need for a supportive community and the role of parents in guiding their children towards their calling. They also highlight the changing landscape of entrepreneurship and the trust placed in business leaders by the younger generation.
Faith-driven entrepreneurship is about aligning business with God's purpose.Pruning is essential for growth in both business and personal life.Building a supportive team is crucial for new initiatives.Empowering students to discover their gifts is a key focus.Imagination plays a vital role in learning and growth.Storytelling can inspire and change lives.Parents have a significant role in guiding their children's faith journey.The younger generation is increasingly interested in entrepreneurship.Trust in entrepreneurs is higher than in politicians or churches.Planting seeds of faith can lead to significant impact over time -
In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, hosts Justin Forman and Dan Owolabi are joined by Chip Ingram to discuss the transformative intersection of pastoral ministry and entrepreneurship. Coming off their experiences at the recent Lausanne Conference in Seoul, they explore how the church landscape is changing and the unique opportunity this presents for deeper collaboration between pastors and entrepreneurs.
Key Topics Covered:
The shift in church dynamics post-COVID and the need for new modelsWhy traditional metrics of church success need to be reconsideredRecent Barna research showing 91% of entrepreneurs feel purposeful in their workThe importance of long-term commitment in ministry and businessHow pastors can better engage and empower entrepreneurs in their congregationsPractical steps for entrepreneurs to build bridges with their pastorsDiscussion of the upcoming Pastors & Entrepreneurs Conference (February 20th) -
This episode delves into the critical issue of online sexual exploitation and human trafficking, exploring innovative approaches to combat these pervasive problems. Dr. Lisa Strohman, a clinical psychologist with FBI experience, and Wes Lyons, a venture capitalist, offer their expertise and insights into this complex challenge.
The discussion begins with Dr. Strohman shedding light on the alarming tactics used by the pornography industry to target children through seemingly innocuous platforms like educational apps and online games. She emphasizes the urgent need for better education and awareness to protect young minds from early exposure and potential addiction.
Wes Lyons then introduces a unique perspective on fighting human trafficking by treating it as an economic problem. He explains how his fund, Eagle Venture Fund, invests in technologies designed to disrupt the business model of trafficking networks. The conversation explores various innovative solutions, from AI-powered tools that detect suspicious activities to platforms that help businesses avoid inadvertently supporting trafficking operations.
The episode also addresses emerging challenges posed by artificial intelligence and deepfakes, highlighting real-world cases that demonstrate the evolving nature of online exploitation. Throughout the discussion, both guests stress the importance of collaboration between technology developers, businesses, and advocacy groups in creating effective solutions.
Despite the gravity of the subject matter, the conversation concludes on a note of cautious optimism. Our guests share encouraging developments in the fight against exploitation, including the power of educating youth and the potential for technology and business strategies to make a significant impact.
This episode offers listeners a comprehensive look at the intersection of technology, business, and social responsibility in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time. It challenges us to consider how we can all play a part in protecting the vulnerable and creating a safer digital world.
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In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, hosts Henry Kaestner and Justin Forman reflect on the recent Faith Driven Entrepreneur conference and introduce a powerful message from Derwin Gray, former NFL player and pastor.
Key points:
Gray compares spiritual warfare to animal hunting tactics, warning entrepreneurs about the devil's strategies to isolate and weaken them.He outlines three common temptations entrepreneurs face: performance ("I am what I do"), possession ("I am what I have"), and popularity ("I am what others think").Gray emphasizes the importance of adopting a wartime mindset and utilizing the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6.The hosts discuss the relevance of Gray's message to entrepreneurial challenges and the importance of recognizing spiritual battles in business.An upcoming prayer series based on Gray's teachings is announced, designed to equip entrepreneurs with spiritual tools for success.Discussion Questions:
How have you experienced the three temptations (performance, possession, popularity) in your entrepreneurial journey? Which one challenges you the most?In what ways can adopting a "wartime mindset" change how you approach challenges in your business?Derwin Gray emphasizes the importance of putting on the "armor of God." How can you practically incorporate this spiritual discipline into your daily routine as an entrepreneur?How can recognizing spiritual warfare in business help you make better decisions and maintain a stronger faith?What steps can you take to build a support network of fellow entrepreneurs to combat isolation and strengthen your spiritual defenses? -
"We're not just creating a job. We're creating a way that people have security and sustainability for them and for their family." - Keren Pybus
Job creation and upskilling have a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities, providing stability, security, and opportunities for growth.Donor agencies have shifted their focus from pure aid to trade facilitation and capacity building, creating more opportunities for job creation.Collaboration and partnership among competitors and different stakeholders are essential in addressing global challenges and creating sustainable solutions.Investors and entrepreneurs can make a positive impact by aligning their passion and skills, seeking God's wisdom, and connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations.Having faith-driven investors on board can provide support, encouragement, and prayer during the entrepreneurial journey.
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Joint Release
04:03 Introducing Solving the World's Greatest Problems
05:09 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds
07:00 The Importance of Job Creation and Upskilling
16:25 Changing Perspectives and Collaborative Approaches
23:36 Impact Stories: Transformation through Job Creation and Upskilling
28:40 Advice for Investors and Entrepreneurs
35:59 The Power of Faith-Driven Investors
38:00 Conclusion
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Join us for an inspiring discussion with Mark Batterson, Bill Job, and Justin Forman as they unpack the concept of "holy curiosity" in entrepreneurship. This episode takes listeners on a journey from the coffeehouse-turned-church in Washington D.C. to the factory floors of China, revealing how faith can drive innovation and risk-taking in business. Batterson introduces his new book on rediscovering everyday miracles, while Job shares powerful anecdotes about finding joy and purpose in unexpected places. Together, they challenge the notion of "safe" Christianity and encourage entrepreneurs to embrace the adventure of faith-driven business. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to integrate their spiritual life with their entrepreneurial pursuits.
Notable Quotes:
"Faith is spelled R-I-S-K." - Mark Batterson
"Never lose a holy curiosity." - Mark Batterson (quoting Albert Einstein)
"Joy isn't getting what you want. It's appreciating what you have." - Mark Batterson
"We aren't content with good ideas. We want God ideas." - Mark Batterson
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In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, hosts Henry and Justin discuss the recent conference and share a thought-provoking message from David Platt. Key topics include:
The idea that entrepreneurs are positioned "for such a time as this"How current technological and economic trends create unprecedented opportunitiesDavid Platt's perspective on the unique role of entrepreneurs in today's worldThe importance of seeking God's guidance in business decisionsBalancing professional success with spiritual growth and purposeThe potential for long-term impact beyond an entrepreneur's lifetime
Listeners will be inspired to view their entrepreneurial journey through a lens of divine timing and purpose, encouraging them to make the most of their unique skills and opportunities.
"God has sovereignly ordained your life and this time to play a unique part in the accomplishment of His purpose. Entrepreneur, God has not saved you to sideline you on this mission."
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In this episode of the Faith Driven Investor Podcast, join Justin Forman as he honors the life and legacy of Richard Garnett, a faith-driven entrepreneur and actor who recently passed away after a courageous decade-long battle with cancer.
This poignant episode features a powerful teaching from Richard himself, focusing on investing in what truly matters. As we reflect on Richard's recent passing, his message takes on new depth and urgency. Tune in for an inspiring exploration of intentional living, generosity, and the art of cherishing each moment.
- Visa fler
