Podcasts about mission driven

In this episode, we're joined by Eric Ries, creator of The Lean Startup, to discuss insights from his latest book, Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad… and How Great Companies Stay Great. Eric shares what inspired him to write the book and why we need to move beyond and redefine what true profit looks like. He shares the history behind businesses transitioning from serving public interests to shareholder primacy and why leaving behind a people-first business approach can actually reduce profitability. Additionally, Eric discusses financial gravity, the “harder is easier” principle, and how these practices connect to AI & current engineering leadership challenges.   ABOUT ERIC RIES Over the last two decades, Eric Ries's ideas about continuous innovation, long-term thinking, governance, and market reform have reshaped company building and management practices. He is the creator of the Lean Startup method, and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup; The Leader's Guide; and The Startup Way. As a founder, he has put his own ideas into practice with The Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE); Answer.AI, an AI R&D lab; Virgil, a legal services startup; and IMVU. On The Eric Ries Show, he talks with world-class technologists, thought leaders, and executives building for the long-term. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children.   Unblocked: The context engine your coding agents are missing. Give your coding agents the context your best engineers have. Your agents can read code, but they don't know how your team works. Rules and MCPs give access to information but not understanding. That's why you still have to tell them where to look and what to look for. Unblocked gives your agents the history, conventions, and decisions behind your code so they generate mergeable output without the back and forth. It automatically surfaces the right context for every task, so agents stay on track without the set up tax or the correction loops. getunblocked.com/elc   SHOW NOTES: The inspiration behind Eric's new book Incorruptible (5:22) What it means to redefine profit (8:03) Understanding profit considerations like externality, ethics, and inputs (10:44) Why human life / value can never be an input factor of production (12:31) The history behind business practices benefitting the public (15:00) When businesses transitioned to shareholder primacy over public interest (17:16) Navigating the tension between mission vs. fiduciary responsibility (21:01) The role of financial gravity & shareholder primacy in the Silicon Valley bank story (25:04) Using Eric's book to build a mission-driven roadmap (29:12) How committing to a principled way of business can drive profitability (31:15) An example of the principle “harder is easier” (33:40) How this connects to AI & emerging eng leadership challenges (36:53)   LINKS AND RESOURCES Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great - Drawing on two decades of work with founders, CEOs, and investors, best-selling author Eric Ries reveals the forces that make companies vulnerable to destruction from within and without. Then he offers solutions that safeguard against them for the long-term. Incorruptible is the blueprint for companies that will prosper and endure without losing their soul. Its lessons and tools are designed to help founders, executives, investors, and citizens of all kinds build organizations – and a society – truly aligned with human flourishing. https://news.theleanstartup.com/ - Eric's newsletter with ideas about how and why to build companies focused on human flourishing — and stories of the people who are doing it. The Eric Ries Show - Founder, entrepreneur, and best-selling author of The Lean Startup Eric Ries discusses how to build profitable companies for the long-term benefit of society. Ries talks with world-class technologists, thought leaders, executives, and others working to create a new ecosystem of trustworthy organizations with limitless potential for growth and a deep commitment to purpose. Together, they uncover the tools and methods to ensure the next generation of companies are designed to maximize human flourishing for generations.   This episode wouldn't have been possible without the help of our incredible production team: Patrick Gallagher - Producer & Co-Host Jerry Li - Co-Host Noah Olberding - Associate Producer, Audio & Video Editor https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-olberding/ Dan Overheim - Audio Engineer, Dan's also an avid 3D printer - https://www.bnd3d.com/ Ellie Coggins Angus - Copywriter, Check out her other work at https://elliecoggins.com/about/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this interview, Matt Pierce, co-founder and CEO of Immediate, shares the story behind the company and its mission to give employees early access to wages they've already earned through a simple, flat-fee alternative to payday and title loans. He discusses Immediate's growth since 2019 to nearly 700 employees nationwide, and how the company is staying mission-driven while scaling in a competitive earned wage access market. Matt also talks about how they're building alignment through shared ownership and stock education, shifting toward strategic partnerships and larger clients, and learning from a past hiring mistake in sales. He closes by reflecting on his own leadership growth, especially around delegation, coaching, and developing stronger leaders across the organization. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 3:10 Immediate's Earned Wage Access 4:38 Fighting Payday Loans 6:40 Growth With Purpose 11:31 Building True Ownership 15:48 Scaling Through Setbacks 20:30 Learning to Let Go Key Takeaways Fast growth only works when the mission is actively reinforced through stories, not just stated in strategy documents. At Immediate, customer impact stories (avoiding late fees, accessing earned wages) keep teams aligned and motivated. Ownership is strengthened by structure giving employees equity changes how they think, decide, and act. Rapid sales expansion without clear ICP or territories created inefficiency and overlap, requiring a strategic reset. The company shifted toward strategic partnerships to scale more efficiently and improve enterprise reach. Founder leadership must evolve from "doing the work" to "coaching the team" to avoid becoming a bottleneck. Trusting the team and stepping back is essential for sustainable scale. This episode is a must-listen for CEOs and executives looking to lead innovation with purpose, scale responsibly with AI, and build cultures where people feel empowered to think boldly and grow. About the Guest Matt Pierce is the co-founder of Immediate, an earned wage access company helping employees access wages they've already earned, offering a responsible alternative to payday lending. Under his leadership, Immediate has scaled rapidly while focusing on mission-driven growth and financial wellness for workers across the U.S. How to Connect with Matt Pierce: LinkedIn: Matt Pierce https://www.linkedin.com/in/piercmb/ Company Website: https://www.joinimmediate.com/ – to learn more about his work and platform Get In Touch with Matt: https://www.joinimmediate.com/contact-us Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at https://training.coreelevation.com/ to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance.

Host Pete Deeley welcomes instructor Vini Fonseca to The Jiu Jitsu Mindset to discuss how Gracie Jiu-Jitsu shaped Vini's confidence, boundaries, and identity through a gentle, game-based childhood introduction around the Gracie family, including Rickson, Royler, and Helio. Vini explains he began teaching about 10 years ago after studying engineering and running a surf business, then committed fully to preserving Rickson's interpretation of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu—fundamentals, "invisible" aspects, and life transformation. They explore teaching as deep personal attention and scanning students' needs, using self-defense to build humility, compassion, and confidence for kids, neurodivergent students, seniors, and even fighters. Vini shares a story of helping an autistic student change socially, reflects on competition as optional, and recounts memorable rolls with Chris Burns, Scott Burr, and Michael Casey.   00:00 Welcome and Sponsor Plug 00:57 Meet Vini Fonseca 01:55 How Jiu Jitsu Shaped Me 05:57 From Engineer to Instructor 07:22 A Gentle Introduction 10:44 Learning Through Observation 16:15 Teaching as Life Mission 19:31 Self Defense for Everyone 22:06 Connection and Care 25:08 Preserving True Jiu Jitsu 26:52 Serving Students With Care 27:42 Self Defense For Seniors 28:20 Roleplay Boundaries Training 29:53 Complete Academy Mission 31:48 Competition For Learners 33:21 Why He Doesn't Compete 36:12 Rolling Stories And Lessons 40:25 First Student Transformation 43:52 Maturity And Teaching Wisdom 47:16 Closing And Future Plans

Scott Bowman joins me for a conversation that starts in finance—but quickly turns into something much bigger.We unpack the transition from high-pressure investment banking to leading mission-driven companies focused on sustainability, second chances, and long-term impact.Scott spent years inside the world of constant travel, deal-making, capital raises, and relentless growth. The work was financially rewarding—but eventually the deeper question showed up:“What is all of this actually for?”That question ultimately led him away from the traditional “mercenary” side of finance and toward organizations trying to build something more meaningful.This episode explores the tension between profit and purpose—and why they don't have to be opposites.We talk about burnout, capitalism, leadership, private equity, sustainability, prison reform, supply chains, organizational culture, and the difference between creating value versus extracting it.One of the most interesting parts of the conversation is Scott's experience helping companies prove that mission-driven businesses can still grow, remain profitable, and scale successfully—without losing the human side of the work.This isn't a conversation about rejecting business.It's about redefining what successful business looks like.TL;DR• Burnout often hides behind ambition and achievement• Leadership becomes hollow when purpose disappears• Profitability and ethics can coexist• Sustainable companies think beyond short-term extraction• Great businesses create value instead of only maximizing returns• Mission-driven cultures create stronger long-term engagement• Second chances can completely change people's lives• Financial success means very little without meaning attached to itMemorable Lines“Money becomes a way to keep score.”“You can make money and still build something meaningful.”“The fastest way to make a lot of money is to steal it.”“You start to wonder if there's something more than chasing the next deal.”“Good businesses create value. Extractive businesses take it.”“Eventually you realize the work has to mean something bigger than yourself.”GuestScott Bowman — CFO with a background in investment banking and mission-driven consumer brandsFormerly worked in middle-market investment banking before transitioning into leadership roles focused on sustainability, organizational culture, and long-term impactCurrently helping lead businesses centered around ethical growth, human sustainability, and community-focused operationsWhy This MattersA lot of high performers spend years climbing toward success without ever stopping to define what success actually means.The external rewards keep growing.The internal fulfillment often doesn't.That disconnect creates burnout, disengagement, and the feeling that work has become purely transactional.What makes this conversation important is that it challenges the assumption that business must choose between profitability and humanity.It doesn't.Organizations can grow while still investing in people, communities, sustainability, and long-term thinking.But that only happens when leaders stop viewing business as a machine for extraction—and start viewing it as a system capable of creating lasting value.That shift changes not only how companies operate.It changes how people experience their work entirely. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.dougutberg.com

This Week:  Mission-Driven Mergers Dave LeVan shares the merger story of Water for Good and Lifewater International, to reveal how to lead a nonprofit merger in a resource-constrained environment, without sacrificing the mission. He explains the role of the board … Continue reading →

What happens when your dream of playing sports at the highest level gets interrupted by injuries? Do you quit… or build something even bigger?

Imagine a world where AI becomes a facilitator for solving the world's hardest challenges, but if we choose to shape it with care.   Raising both opportunities and concerns, AI is quickly reshaping the world of nonprofit and higher education sectors. In the process of adopting AI, organizations face pivotal decisions regarding ethics, agency, and creativity. Leaders can guide AI use toward a future rooted in human dignity and innovation by balancing optimism with healthy skepticism and anchoring choices in personal and organizational values.    In this episode of the Fundraising AI podcast, Nathan is joined by Rafeel Wasif, director of the Nonprofit Institute and Assistant Professor of Public Administration at Portland State University. His work is a combination of research, practice, and leadership development in the nonprofit and public sectors. Other than focusing on responsible AI adoption, he is guiding leaders to understand not only what emerging technologies are capable of, but also how they can be governed effectively. He joined Nathan to explore the evolving relationship between AI and the nonprofit sector.  HIGHLIGHTS    [03:12] The Nonprofit sector and its evolution in approaching AI.   [06:52] Introduction and background to Rafeel Wasif.   [11:33] Rafeel's purpose in writing his new book.   [18:06] AI as a research partner.  [20:41] The growing trend in academia in structured nonprofit leadership education.  [23:48] Ethical adoption, transparency, and grounding AI use in human values.  [28:50] Knowing and articulating your values before AI adoption.  [33:18] Staying curious, balancing optimism with healthy skepticism, and being mindful when bringing humanity into every tech decision.  RESOURCES    Rafeel Wasif  pdx.edu/profile/rafeel-wasif     Website - rafeelwasif.com/    LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/rafeel-wasif-ph-d-b617a54b/  

Caitlin Baron In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Caitlin Baron, CEO of the Luminos Fund, to discuss how nonprofit leaders can sustain long-term impact while scaling mission-driven work. Caitlin shares her personal journey from growing up in Brooklyn, where she saw firsthand how education changes opportunity, to leading international education initiatives that help children who have been denied access to school. Caitlin explains how the Luminos Fund creates second-chance education programs for out-of-school children across Africa, helping students cover three years of learning in just one year. She also shares practical leadership insights on scaling impact, building strong partnerships, staying focused on mission, cultivating joyful learning environments, and growing as a leader while an organization expands. Key Topics Include: How the Luminos Fund helps out-of-school children catch up and reenter school with peers their own age Why nonprofit leaders should focus on community assets instead of only looking at needs or deficits How Luminos scales impact through African-led community-based organizations and government partnerships The importance of open-source tools, teacher guides, and the Luminos Method for expanding education access Why joyful learning, play-based instruction, and safe classroom environments accelerate academic outcomes How Caitlin's leadership evolved from hands-on program builder to steward of strategy, culture, hiring, and risk management Why nonprofit CEOs must stay in dialogue with the external environment while keeping internal teams aligned Mentioned in This Episode: Luminos Fund: https://luminosfund.org The Luminos Method: https://luminosfund.org/luminos-method Luminos Method on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob's website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

This episode of the How to Succeed Podcast features long-time Sandler Trainer, Sean Coyle interviewing retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph "Doc" Morgan about aligning Sandler's attitudes, behaviors, and techniques with the military's ends, ways, and means. Morgan emphasizes prioritizing will over skill, arguing that attitude and disciplined behaviors enable techniques to be learned through deliberate practice, "reps and sets", and realistic simulations. Joe shares a recruiting command case where a clear, emotionally resonant mission and targeted "bird-dog" prospecting transformed his Air Force Recruiting Squadron from near-bottom to top-ranked nationally. The discussion stresses planning, readiness, and having resources prepped ("go bag" mindset), plus the importance of emotional commitment to goals, accountability partners, and consistent execution. Morgan closes with the "challenge coin" and a "wolf-pack" ethos to illustrate trust, shared standards, and long-term professional bonds that drive performance. Chapter 1: Framing Success: Sandler's Triangle and Military Parallels 00:00:02 – 00:04:20 Sandler's Executive Chairman, David Mattson sets the stage with Sandler's success triangle—attitudes, behaviors, and techniques—before host Sean introduces Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph "Doc" Morgan. They tee up a discussion connecting Sandler's framework with the military's ends, ways, and means, hinting at friendly debate and practical crossover. Chapter 2: Will vs. Skill: Hiring, Leading, and Learning 00:04:20 – 00:07:43 Joe equates attitudes/behaviors to will and techniques to skill, emphasizing that will is far harder to teach than skill. He shares leadership lessons from deployments and the private sector: consistent reps, realistic practice, and feedback-driven improvement are the true foundations of adaptability. Chapter 3: Ends, Ways, Means: A Strategic Lens 00:07:43 – 00:11:34 They map Sandler to strategy: ends as objectives, ways as methods, and means as resources—including people. Joe stresses feasibility and alignment, mentoring others to balance ambition with effort, and spotting risk when high goals aren't matched by planned behaviors and resources. Chapter 4: Mission Clarity Drives Performance 00:11:34 – 00:16:57 Joe recounts transforming a low-ranked Air Force recruiting squadron by setting a compelling end state: "be bird dogs," not farmers, and source the talent the nation needed. With a clear, higher-purpose mission and tailored incentives, the squadron rose to top rankings nationally. Chapter 5: Ideal Profiles and Emotional Buy-In 00:16:57 – 00:20:29 Sean links mission clarity to sales by defining ideal client profiles and focusing effort where success likelihood is higher. Joe explains adapting targets by territory demographics, aligning incentives, and reinforcing that emotional connection to purpose sustains consistent, high-value prospecting. Chapter 6: Reps and Sets: Practice Like It's Real 00:20:29 – 00:23:59 Drawing on weapons school and special operations, Joe explains that realism and repetition build reflexes and excellence. The same principle applies to sales and life: role-plays, simulations, and deliberate practice—done often and with rigor—raise performance under pressure. Chapter 7: Preparedness: Plan, Stage Resources, Execute 00:23:59 – 00:28:27 They distill readiness into practical habits: plan tomorrow today, stage a "go bag," and know top targets and call objectives. Joe reinforces that plans are thinking tools to prepare for deviations; commitment matters because meaningful objectives require sacrifice and risk. Chapter 8: Commitment, Accountability, and Consistency 00:28:27 – 00:30:33 The conversation turns to conviction versus aspiration, noting how quickly resolutions fail without behavior change. Joe recommends accountability partners or "wingmen" to bolster consistency, while reminding that the deepest commitment must ultimately be to oneself. Chapter 9: The Wolf Pack: Tradition, Trust, and Team 00:30:33 – 00:33:19 Sean triggers a challenge coin moment, and Joe explains the tradition as a symbol of mutual commitment and readiness. The squadron motto—strength of the pack and the wolf—underscores lasting professional bonds, instant trust, and collective performance. Chapter 10: Close and Credits 00:33:19 – end Sean thanks Joe and the audience, noting how the coin forged new connections. The episode closes with credits and a pointer to Sandler services and resources.  

In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes back Phil Purcell, Director of Planned Giving for the Central Territory of The Salvation Army, a veteran faculty member at The Fund Raising School, and nationally recognized expert on planned giving, nonprofit law, and charitable organizations. Phil joins the conversation fresh from leadership roles with the American Bar Association's charitable giving and organizations work, where he helps advance legal understanding across the nonprofit sector. Together, Bill and Phil tackle a topic that gets plenty of conference-room chatter but not always enough action: nonprofit collaboration, partnerships, and mergers. As Bill notes, everyone loves to say, “Those organizations should work together,” but actually making it happen can feel like trying to assemble IKEA furniture during a thunderstorm. The conversation begins with why nonprofits pursue partnerships or mergers in the first place. Phil explains that financial pressure is often one driver, especially when an organization has strong programs but a fragile bottom line. Grassroots organizations may also seek fiscal sponsorships or other partnerships because they have mission energy but not yet the fundraising base to sustain themselves. Other collaborations emerge from strategic opportunity, such as organizations with different strengths coming together to address a complex community challenge, or 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations coordinating around advocacy and public policy. Bill adds that donors can be powerful catalysts, sometimes asking why two organizations serving similar missions, neighborhoods, or populations are operating separately when a combined effort might produce greater impact. Bill and Phil then move into the human side of mergers, where the spreadsheets meet the feelings, and sometimes the feelings bring snacks and a lawyer. Phil emphasizes that while boards ultimately decide whether a merger or partnership moves forward, the idea may come from staff, board members, volunteers, thought leaders, or major donors. Still, staff may understandably feel anxious about redundancy, job security, and organizational change. Phil stresses that mission alignment and culture must be addressed before the legal documents arrive on the scene wearing sensible shoes. Work styles, leadership expectations, office norms, governance habits, and organizational identity all matter. Outside consultants can help by conducting interviews, assessing cultural fit, facilitating strategic conversations, and helping leaders determine whether the whole really can become greater than the sum of its parts. The episode closes with Phil outlining the legal and structural issues nonprofits must consider once collaboration becomes serious. He advises organizations to start by understanding exactly who they are legally: their true legal name, articles of incorporation, bylaws, tax-exempt status, state and federal standing, and any unusual provisions that may have been forgotten in the filing cabinet of history. From there, a merger may require a plan of merger, articles of merger, decisions about which entity survives, and attention to state law differences. Phil also explains alternatives to full mergers, including fiscal sponsorships and supporting organization structures, each with its own responsibilities, agreements, and governance questions. Above all, he reminds listeners not to overlook donor intent, restricted gifts, leadership structure, and stakeholder trust. The takeaway is clear: nonprofit collaboration is complicated, emotional, legal, financial, and cultural; but when it strengthens mission, it can be well worth the work.

What happens when the drive that built your firm starts costing you the life you wanted it to support? In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael and Jessica Mogill answer three questions from firm owners who built real success but then realized the business was taking a toll on their health, marriage, and personal lives. Michael Mogill shares how he thinks about separating who you are from what you run, how to stay demanding without becoming unapproachable, and how to stay motivated when the old underdog story stops working. Here's what you'll learn: How to rethink “starting over” when the business is consuming your time and attention How to keep high standards while creating a culture where your team is not afraid to challenge you How to find a new source of drive when you have already achieved what used to motivate you If you want a business that supports your life, you have to build it so it does not require you for everything. (00:00:00) Introduction (00:02:04) Where to Find the Psychos at 6 AM (00:04:40) When's the Last Time You Jumped? (00:05:22) The Van Damme Volvo Commercial (00:07:13) Stacking Wins Builds Confidence (00:08:54) Q1: I Lost Myself in My Firm (00:09:38) You Are Not Your Business (00:12:42) "What Do You Actually Want?" (00:14:12) Q2: Intense vs. Intimidating Leader (00:17:18) Approachability Is a Superpower (00:20:07) Feedback Is a Gift, Not a Threat (00:22:34) Q3: Staying Driven After Survival (00:24:10) "Money Alone Won't Sustain You" (00:26:45) Mission-Driven vs. Money-Driven (00:30:15) Comfort Is the Enemy of Growth (00:32:00) Closing Thoughts ---- Links & Resources: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs "The Epic Split" Rocky III ---- Learn what sustainable growth can look like for your firm at crispcoach.com. ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O'Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 434. AMMA — Unconditional Love and Other Business Disasters 423. AMMA — How to Actually Scale Your Standards 383. AMMA — Why Comfort Will Quietly Destroy Your Law Firm

Brad Wilson, CEO of STEM Solutions, joins us to talk about building a mission‑driven cleared career in government contracting and why you should treat your job search like a sales process. Brad walks through the cleared roles STEM Solutions hires across IT support, engineering, acquisition, program management, and mission support. He also dives into STEM's deep investment in transitioning service members through SkillBridge and Virginia Values Veterans, then closes with concrete, real-world job search playbooks—from targeted outreach and “mind-mapping” companies to two case studies of candidates who landed cleared roles through responsiveness, persistence, and continuous upskilling.Find complete show notes at: https://clearedjobs.net/stem-solutions-cleared-careers-and-sales-savvy-job-search-podcast_This show is brought to you by ClearedJobs.Net. Have feedback or questions for us? Email us at ajones@clearedjobs.net.Create a cleared job seeker profile on ClearedJobs.Net.Engage with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, or YouTube._

Connect to John Gilroy on LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gilroy/ Want to listen to other episodes? www.Federaltechpodcast.com The Veterans Administration is a system with nine million enrolled veterans across 1,300 facilities. In a system like that, downtime is not an option. Today, we look at how a company successfully reduced documentation time, increasing adoption in one part of this massive system. We sat down with Nilanjan Sengupta from Thoughtworks to learn which methods proved successful. He began by stating the focus must not be on bits and bytes, but on mission outcomes. For example, for years, clinicians spent 10–20 minutes per patient on documentation, often taking 2 or more hours to leave their shift. Sengupta highlights a successful pilot of AI ambient scribe technology at the VA to address this issue. It was so successful that it achieved an 86% adoption rate among primary care providers. During the interview, Sengupta outlined topics such as the importance of data governance, trust infrastructure, and a responsible AI strategy. He emphasized the need for a well-governed data discovery process and a cultural shift towards treating data as a mission-critical product.  

Many believe that school growth requires sacrificing uniqueness, but Dr. Eric DeVries shows how Hill Country Christian School is expanding while maintaining its core identity. By fostering a vibrant, Christ-centered culture, the school thrives even as enrollment surpasses 700 students.With over 17 years of experience in leading classical Christian schools, Dr. DeVries shares insights into how strategic clarity and a commitment to moral and spiritual formation drive growth in North Austin. He explores balancing rigorous academics like STEM with the timeless virtues of classical education, all while staying true to the school's faith-driven mission.Discover:How to maintain a church-integrated culture in a growing secular-style schoolStrategies to prevent mission drift while pursuing enrollment goalsBalancing classical humanities with pioneering STEM programsThe role of clear messaging in reinforcing school identityReal student stories showcasing the transformative power of classical educationIn an era where many schools chase numbers at the risk of losing their soul, Dr. DeVries argues that sustainable growth relies on clarity, conviction, and a deep commitment to core principles. This episode is essential for school leaders, parents, and educators passionate about preserving educational integrity amid expansion.Dr. Eric DeVries, head of Hill Country Christian School of Austin, leads a thriving community that prioritizes faith, excellence, and joy in learning. His leadership offers.1:01 - Introduction by Soren Schwab, welcoming Dr. Eric DeVries.3:19 - Dr. DeVries discusses his educational background and journey into school leadership.5:39 - Discovery of classical education and transition to becoming a classical educator.8:44 - Overview of Hill Country Christian School and its unique aspects.11:38 - Dr. DeVries shares what drew him to Hill Country Christian School.15:21 - Balancing classical education with tech and STEM programs.21:44 - Strategies to prevent mission drift while growing enrollment.24:44 - Impact of classical Christian education on families and students.28:35 - Discussion on the benefits of CLT testing and data analysis.35:45 - Dr. DeVries shares influential books in his life.#ClassicalEducation, #SchoolLeadership, #FaithInLearning, #MissionDriven, #EducationalGrowth, #ChristianSchools, #STEMEducation, #CulturalIdentity

Host John Duffin welcomes Josh Klaris, Executive Director of North 10 Philadelphia, to discuss leadership, nonprofit strategy, and place-based community revitalization in Hunting Park/East Tioga (often a neglected neighborhood in Philadelphia). I've personally attended several North 10 Philadelphia events and have seen firsthand the critical work being done. While I interviewed Josh, you'll hear the passion, mission, and purpose in Josh's voice. You'll also hear just how difficult (and gratifying) it is to wear ALL of the hats of the Executive Director. Klaris traces his path from volunteer mentoring in rural St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, where teaching kindergarten to Vietnamese refugee children shaped his worldview and led him to earn a master's in teaching English as a second language. He later helped build Dream Charter School in Harlem with a holistic, co-teaching model and learned the operational realities of hiring, metrics, and sustainability. In Philadelphia, the opportunity arose to implement a neighborhood-improvement blueprint inspired by Purpose-Built Communities and Harlem Children's Zone, emphasizing disciplined strategic planning, saying no, surrounding yourself with the right people, and building trust-based collaborations. Place Matters.The conversation highlights North 10's fight and the ongoing need for sustainable funding and collective action- especially in neglected neighborhoods. To learn more about Josh Klaris, the critical work being done by North 10 Philadelphia, or to lend a hand, check out the links below. https://north10phl.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jklaris/00:00 Intro- Welcome, Josh Klaris00:46 Podcast Welcome And Guest Intro03:53 Why Education Chose Him06:40 Teach For America in Louisiana09:59 Back To New York And Training11:55 Work Ethic From Family And Mentors15:23 Music Lessons And Team Culture16:32 Dream Charter School Leadership20:31 Nonprofit Sales And Fundraising25:00 Moving To Philadelphia26:45 Leaving Schools For Place-Based Work27:58 North 10 Origin Story29:27 Why Place Matters31:41 Strategic Plan Discipline33:27 Design Principles Culture37:49 Dumping Fight Strategy40:47 Funding Collaboration Challenge44:53 Pushing Back With Trust47:16 Sustainability And Health Gaps52:55 How To Get Involved54:06 Closing

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Daniel Puder — undefeated MMA fighter and $1M WWE Tough Enough winner — shares how he transitioned from professional sports into building purpose-driven, profitable businesses that are transforming lives.After gaining national attention for standing up against bullying, Daniel built a nonprofit that evolved into a government-funded initiative training law enforcement, educators, and military personnel. He then scaled that mission into a private, state-funded school network serving some of the most underserved communities in America — including foster care youth, formerly incarcerated students, and homeless children.With a 97% graduation rate across micro-schools in multiple states, Daniel breaks down how combining impact with strong business fundamentals can create both meaningful change and scalable returns.He also shares:Why “significance breeds success” is his core philosophyHow he structures investment opportunities in educationThe future of school choice and private education modelsHis approach to mindset, family, and long-term fulfillmentThis is a powerful conversation on building businesses that generate both profit and purpose — while solving real societal problems.https://familyoffices.com/

Children's nutrition is evolving fast as parents question plastics, processed foods, and gut health risks—this episode explores practical solutions for safer, smarter baby feeding.Children's nutrition and early gut health are becoming major concerns for modern families, and this episode explores how one parent turned frustration into innovation. John Westerhaus shares how his personal experience with his son's feeding challenges led to the creation of safer, non-toxic baby mealtime solutions designed to support healthier development.Listeners will learn how plastic packaging, processed baby foods, and convenience-driven habits can impact early gut development, and why the first five years are critical to long-term health. John also breaks down how thoughtful product design, patented innovations, and mission-driven entrepreneurship helped launch a growing children's wellness brand built around real-world parenting needs.John Westerhaus is the founder of Low Country Littles, a children's wellness brand focused on non-toxic baby mealtime products and gut-friendly nutrition solutions. He launched the company in 2023 alongside his wife, Anna, after their son experienced feeding challenges that led them to research early childhood nutrition and gut microbiome health.Through hands-on product innovation, John developed patented reusable baby food pouches and complementary products made from premium platinum silicone, designed to support whole nutrition while reducing exposure to harmful materials. His work centers on improving early childhood wellness through smarter product design and education around gut health development.

Full show notes + links mentioned in this episode:

Building a business from your story doesn't always start with a business plan. For Shelby Perry, it started with a snowboarding accident, months of surgeries, and a forced stillness that turned into the most productive season of her life. Shelby is the founder of Eyehesive — a global, women-led platform dedicated to empowering people living with one eye. After losing her right eye in a snowboarding accident, she built a community, launched a physical product line of sleek adhesive eye patches, and is now hosting a retreat in Tulum. She did all of this while navigating sobriety, surgeries, recovery, and the very real doubt that comes with building something from nothing. This conversation is for every woman who has ever wondered whether what she's been through is enough to build something real. The answer is yes. And Shelby shows you exactly why. Here's what we cover: how Shelby turned a life-altering injury into a thriving mission-driven business, why following your intuition is actually a strategy, how she handles self-doubt and slow sales the same way she handled losing her eye, why your story doesn't need to be the most dramatic one in the room, and what to do on the days you want to quit.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN → Why building a mission-driven business from your story doesn't require the most dramatic experience in the room — and what actually matters more → How Shelby built Eyehesive one intuitive step at a time — from social media journal entries to a physical product launch, four and a half years in the making → The reframe she applies to slow sales weeks, low engagement, and hard seasons — the same one she used when she lost her eye → Why your lived experience carries wisdom, gold, and lessons that someone out there needs — and why sharing it is a responsibility, not a risk → What to do on the days you want to quit (this one is simple, and it works) CONNECT WITH SHELBY PERRY Website: https://eyehesive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyehesive/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Eyehesive   ABOUT SHELBY PERRY Shelby Perry is the founder of Eyehesive, a global, women-led platform dedicated to empowering people living with one eye. After losing her right eye in a snowboarding accident, Shelby experienced firsthand the lack of support and adult-friendly solutions for eye loss. She turned that challenge into purpose by creating Eyehesive — offering sleek, functional adhesive eye patches and a thriving community focused on visibility, confidence, and connection. Shelby is passionate about building mission-driven businesses that combine innovation, advocacy, and community impact.   READY TO BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE? Book a free 15-min call with Sarah to talk about where you are in your business and see if working together feels right. Schedule here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=13047670&appointmentType=34706781   FREE GIFT FROM SARAH Get Sarah's Freedom Calculator and discover how much your business needs to make to finally be free. Download at https://sarahwalton.com/freedom   LEARN FROM SARAH Explore Sarah's online courses and free resources to start building your business with confidence. Online Courses: https://sarahwalton.com/online-courses Free Resources: https://sarahwalton.com/free-resources   CONNECT WITH SARAH Website: https://sarahwalton.com/podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSarahWalton Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesarahwalton   ABOUT SARAH WALTON Sarah Walton is a business coach, podcast host, and mentor who helps women entrepreneurs build businesses they love. Her mission is simple: to put more money in the hands of more women. She's the creator of the Abundance Academy, The Art of Receiving, and the Game On Girlfriend® podcast. Sarah teaches authentic, heart-centered business strategies because when women have more financial power, they don't just keep it — they use it to take care of their families, support their communities, and build something bigger than themselves.   RELATED GAME ON GIRLFRIEND® EPISODES YOU'LL LOVE Episode 231: Finding Your Purpose After Hitting Rock Bottom with Jacki Semerau Tait — https://sarahwalton.com/rock-bottom-to-success/ Episode 309: Scale Your Business Without Burning Out with Sarai Martinez — https://sarahwalton.com/women-entrepreneurs-building-confidence-episode-309/ Episode 253: Ready to Reinvent Yourself? A Conversation With Anita Rombough — https://sarahwalton.com/reinvent-yourself/   LOVE THE SHOW? LEAVE US A REVIEW! Thank you so much for listening. I'm honored that you're here, and I'd be grateful if you could leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here, scrolling to the bottom, and clicking "Write a review." Your reviews help other women entrepreneurs find the show and get the support they need to build businesses they love. Thank you for being part of the Game On Girlfriend® community! (If you're not sure how to leave a review, you can watch this quick tutorial.)  

How can simple TikTok content lead to real school partnerships and unexpected business growth? This episode breaks down how authentic student storytelling turned into real-world demand.In this episode of The Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith speaks with Nawal Aoude, founder of Studious Monday, about how organic TikTok content helped her school uniform brand gain unexpected traction. The conversation focuses on a surprising moment when a school in Arkansas discovered the brand through short-form videos featuring students sharing their personalities while wearing uniforms.Rather than relying on traditional outreach alone, this episode explores how authentic, low-production content can outperform polished marketing when it comes to building trust and visibility. Nawal explains how showcasing real student experiences created emotional connection and led to inbound interest from new school partnerships outside her immediate market.This episode is especially valuable for founders, marketers, and brand builders looking to understand how TikTok and organic social content can drive discovery, credibility, and real business opportunities.Nawal Aoude is the founder of Studious Monday, a school uniform brand focused on creating apparel that reflects student identity, comfort, and individuality within structured school environments. Her work addresses gaps in traditional uniform offerings by emphasizing inclusivity, representation, and functionality.Through TikTok and organic social media content, she has showcased real students and their everyday experiences, helping the brand gain visibility beyond its local market and attract interest from schools across the United States.

At the 2026 Hunter Conference, Raines Co. CEO Grey Raines joins CoStar News' Natalie Harms to discuss the company's Lantern Hotels and why adaptive reuse, inclusive hiring and curated experiences are outperforming traditional development.

With the Artemis II mission underway, this week on Monday Morning Radio, we're joined by Mark L. Fox—former Chief Engineer for NASA's Space Shuttle program and a legendary instructor at Wizard Academy. In a conversation recorded just 24 hours after the Artemis launch, Mark bridges the gap between lunar missions and terrestrial entrepreneurship. He discusses his latest venture, Resona Health, and how he's using PEMF (targeted electromagnetic pulses) to treat pain, depression, mild cognitive impairment, and dozens of other ailments — without pills or invasive procedures. Mark taught the popular Wizard Academy course, DaVinci and the 40 Answers, on creativity and problem-solving for businesses. Among the insights he shares this week: how to think unconventionally, why simplicity often beats complexity, and how to turn setbacks — including near-catastrophic ones — into momentum. These are down-to-earth insights that every entrepreneur and business owner can put into action. The countdown to greater business success begins the moment you arrive at MondayMorningRadio.com. Books by Mark L. Fox DaVinci and the 40 Answers: A Playbook for Creativity and Fresh Ideas Go Find Joy: The Science of Calm: Erasing Anxiety with Energy Therapy What On Earth Are We Doing To Our Health: A Rocket Scientist Investigates Out Of This World Therapies Monday Morning Radio is hosted by the father-son duo of Dean and Maxwell Rotbart. Photo: Mark Fox, Resona HealthPosted: April 6, 2026 Monday Morning Run Time: 1:02:48 Episode: 14.40

On Created for This, I interview Anton Krecic, founder and CEO of Seven Weeks Coffee, a pro-life e-commerce coffee company that donates 10% of every sale to local pregnancy resource centers and has raised over $1.5 million for more than 1,000 pro-life organizations across all 50 states.   Anton shares how value-based brands are growing as companies increasingly take social and political stances, and explains that a successful mission-driven business requires both an excellent product and a clear mission. He outlines practical growth strategies including digital ads, podcast partnerships, conferences, and partnerships with pro-life organizations and conservative influencers, emphasizing benefit-driven messaging to reach customers.   We discuss handling backlash and controversy, including disagreements within the pro-life movement, and highlight current advocacy around preventing renewed Planned Parenthood funding. The host closes by encouraging church involvement, volunteering, starting ministries when needed, and pursuing boldness through prayer, Scripture, and spiritual readiness.   Note on this episode - The audio for Anton didn't record about three-forths of the way through. I apologize. I hope you find benefit in this episode.   00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:37 Meet Anton 02:06 Mission Driven Brands 05:20 Marketing Growth Playbook 07:14 Finding Right Influencers 10:18 Handling Backlash 12:23 Shifting Culture Pro Life 15:52 Pregnancy Center Needs 17:58 When Culture Hates You 20:35 Wrap Up And Next Steps 24:07 Spiritual Warfare And Boldness 26:21 Final Thanks And Review   To order your own coffee, visit their website. You can also follow along with them on Instagram or Facebook.   Please contact your representatives, and tell them you don't want Planned Parenthood funded. Be an active voice for the unborn! At the time this was recorded late 2025, this funding for 2026 wasn't approved. I believe it has since been funded. There's no time like the present to make our voices heard.

Send us Fan MailLooking to build a nonprofit strategic planning framework that delivers real results? This episode delivers a practical blueprint for nonprofit leaders to build strategy, avoid mission drift, and drive measurable impact through disciplined, business-minded operations.  Dawn S. Reese, CEO of The Wooden Floor, shares how her organization integrates empathy, data, and long-term vision into a scalable nonprofit strategy. By combining arts education, academic support, and family services, her team has achieved a 100% college enrollment rate among graduates—proof that intentional strategy leads to measurable outcomes.Dawn emphasizes a powerful leadership mindset: “I lead with empathy… not as a soft skill, but as a hard skill.” This perspective drives everything from program design to strategic planning, ensuring that decisions are grounded in real community needs.At the core of their success is a clearly defined theory of change, which Dawn describes as the nonprofit equivalent of a business plan. It aligns staff, board members, funders, and stakeholders around a shared vision while guiding execution and measurement. As she explains, “Nonprofits are businesses. They don't run like a business—they are a business.”This conversation highlights practical strategies nonprofit leaders can apply immediately:Building a long-term strategic vision while adapting in real timeUsing data and feedback loops to refine programsAvoiding mission drift through disciplined decision-makingStructuring programs for measurable, scalable impactCommunicating outcomes differently to funders vs. community stakeholdersIf you're leading or growing a nonprofit, this episode challenges you to rethink how strategy, leadership, and execution come together to drive sustainable success. 00:00:00 Introduction to Strategy, Youth & Mental Health 00:02:55 A Masterclass in Nonprofit Messaging 00:07:30 Leading with Empathy as a Strategic Skill 00:09:40 Building a 10-Year Strategic Vision 00:12:00 Mission-Driven, Business-Minded Organizations 00:14:10 What Is a Theory of Change? 00:17:10 Avoiding Mission Drift with Strategic Discipline 00:19:50 Scaling Programs Through Data and Partnerships 00:22:00 How to Get Donors to Care (Storytelling Strategy) 00:24:10 Aligning Students, Parents, and Staff for Success 00:27:00 Final Leadership Lessons for Nonprofits Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

In this first episode of Season 6 of Mindset Unlimited, host and leadership coach, Valerie Friedlander, introduces the season's focus on mission-driven Chicago women. She unpacks what “mission-driven” means, highlighting the importance of creativity, possibility, and staying connected to your values in a world that often pulls you into judgment and survival mode. Valerie also reflects on embracing her own non-linear process and invites listeners to explore how they relate to their own way of thinking, creating, and building their mission. Throughout the episode, she lays the groundwork for upcoming conversations with entrepreneurs, community organizers, and artists who are actively shaping the future they want to see.Some of what Valerie explores in this episode:What you can expect this seasonWhat it means to be mission-drivenCultivating a creative mindsetEmbracing your processRequest for listener input Have thoughts or questions about this episode? Share them with me!Send me a voice memo: https://www.speakpipe.com/MindsetUnlimited LINKS TO REFERENCES MADE IN THIS EPISODE:Where Do We Go From Here – Reflections on this Podcast & Layoff Uncertainty CONNECT WITH VALERIE:Ask Valerie (anonymous form)Sign up for Valerie's newsletterApply to be coached on the podcastSchedule an exploration call This podcast was produced by Valerie Friedlander CoachingProud member of the Feminist Podcasters CollectiveSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Welcome to The Profit Talk! In this show, we're going to help you explore strategies to help you maximize profits in your business while scaling and creating the lifestyle that you want as an entrepreneur. I am your host, Susanne Mariga! I'm a CPA, a Fractional CFO, and a Certified Profit First Professional Mastery Level providing tax strategies to 7 and 8-figure entrepreneurs. Let's dive into strategies to maximize profits in your business!  In this episode of The Profit Talk Show, host Susanne Mariga welcomes Laravetta Lofton, founder of L3 Agency and a master of mission-driven marketing and brand storytelling. Laravetta has built a career helping businesses—from seven-figure startups to nine-figure enterprises—create authentic, impactful brand stories that connect with audiences and drive measurable results.  Together, we tackle a critical topic—how to evolve your marketing strategy, build strong infrastructure, and leverage authentic storytelling to grow your business and make meaningful impact. This conversation is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs and marketing leaders looking to scale profitably while staying mission-driven.  What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Career Evolution – How Laravetta shifted from journalism to marketing and launched her entrepreneurial journey in March 2000. ✅ Mission-Driven Brand Strategy – How L3 Agency focuses on brands that address human needs, including energy efficiency education reaching marginalized communities. ✅ Marketing Infrastructure Essentials – Why seven to nine figure businesses need professional bios, websites with data capture, newsletters, and consistent content systems before scaling. ✅ Agency as a Partner – How L3 Agency supports long-term client success through strategy sessions, media management, and continuous optimization. ✅ Leadership Philosophy – Defining personal success, persistence, making quick decisions, and "firing fast" to drive sustainable growth. ✅ Engagement Channels – How multi-channel communication, including newsletters, social media, and the podcast Black Businesses Matter, builds authentic connections.  Memorable Quotes:

What does it really take to build a purpose-driven brand that lasts?In this episode of Logistics with Purpose®, presented by Vector Global Logistics and Supply Chain Now, hosts Kristi Porter and Enrique Alvarez sit down with Alastair Dorward, a seasoned entrepreneur and brand builder who has helped scale mission-driven companies from startup to global success.From launching refrigerated soup routes to helping build Method into a billion-dollar business, Alastair shares candid lessons on resilience, leadership, and what it really takes to win in competitive consumer markets.The conversation dives into the power of purpose-driven brands like Dropps, the importance of design and sustainability, and how supply chain excellence enables companies to deliver both impact and profitability.Along the way, Alastair opens up about near-failure moments, leadership transitions, and why understanding the consumer—deeply—is still the ultimate competitive advantage.What You'll Learn:Why purpose-driven brands win (when they eliminate trade-offs)How packaging, design, and sustainability shape consumer behaviorThe real role of supply chain in enabling mission + marginHow to spot “riches in the niches” and build winning productsLeadership lessons from scaling brands through uncertaintyWhy resilience—and not perfection—defines entrepreneurial successWhether you're a founder, operator, or supply chain leader, this episode delivers practical insights on building brands that create both impact and long-term value.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Alastair: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairdorward/Learn more about Dropps: https://www.dropps.com/Learn more about Logistics with Purpose: https://supplychainnow.com/program/logistics-with-purposeLearn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listenThis episode is hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/purpose-products-persistence-building-mission-driven-brands-last-lwp152

This week on Monday Matters, we are taking time to learn from Dr. Trevor Timmerberg, who serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Louisville, where he supports principals and school leaders in advancing Catholic identity, academic excellence, and mission-driven leadership across the district.  A former principal of Saint Mary Academy, Dr. Timmerberg helped lead the school to become a nationally recognized Model PLC at Work campus and is regarded for his commitment to forming disciples through collaborative, faith-centered school cultures. His background spans educational leadership, teacher formation, strategic planning, and governance, and he is passionate about helping Catholic educators integrate the Gospel mandate with the best of professional practice. Dr. Timmerberg was also an Army officer and is a practicing Catholic whose work is rooted in service, stewardship, and developing leaders who inspire others to holiness and excellence. In this episode of Monday Matters, Will Parker sits down with Dr. Trevor Timmerberg, Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Louisville, for a rich conversation about leadership, service, and growth. At the heart of the conversation is the idea that leadership is not about doing the work alone, but about building the capacity of others so the mission can thrive. Trevor reflects on his years as principal of St. Mary Academy, where he helped lead the school to recognition as a Model PLC at Work campus. One of his biggest lessons from that experience is that a leader is only as strong as the team around them. Rather than centering leadership on one person, he emphasizes shared ownership, distributed responsibility, and the importance of developing teacher leaders, assistant principals, and other members of the school community. For Trevor, the role of the leader is not simply to solve problems personally, but to create the conditions for others to lead well. A major theme throughout the episode is servant leadership. Trevor explains that although education, military service, and faith may seem like very different spheres, they all point him back to the same foundational principle: leaders exist to serve. He talks about stewardship, modeling expectations, and helping others see both the purpose of their work and their place in it. Drawing from military leadership, he describes how strong leaders provide the what and the why, while empowering others closest to the work to determine the how. That kind of trust, he explains, creates both ownership and momentum. Will and Trevor also discuss what it means to support a system of schools rather than a traditional school system. Trevor explains that the Archdiocese of Louisville operates with both shared mission and some local autonomy, which makes influence, collaboration, and credibility especially important. He describes the intentional ways their system supports leaders through regular meetings with principals, assistant principals, counselors, and learning coordinators, along with professional development for teacher leaders and staff. What stands out is that these meetings are not simply held for the sake of meeting. They are designed to advance the mission of the schools and help leaders meet the needs of students. Another highlight of the episode is the conversation around the Grow Leadership Academies and Mastermind groups that Trevor and Will help facilitate together. Trevor shares what it was like first to participate in one of these academies as a principal and now to co-facilitate leadership development for others. One of the key phrases that has stayed with him is, “The smartest person in the room is the room.” That belief reflects the deep value of collaboration and reinforces the idea that continuous improvement is strongest when leaders learn alongside one another. In these spaces, leaders are not isolated. They are challenged, encouraged, and sharpened by peers who understand the realities of the work. When describing the difference between the Grow Academy and the Mastermind experience, Trevor notes that the mastermind format especially highlights the value of reflective questioning. Instead of rushing in with answers, leaders are invited to process real challenges with the support of thoughtful peers. He points out that some of the best leadership growth happens not when someone gives advice, but when the right questions help a leader discover the next best step on their own. That reflective practice, grounded in trust and confidentiality, helps leaders become more thoughtful, self-aware, and effective in the face of difficult decisions. For leaders who may not have access to a strong support system, Trevor offers encouragement to keep growing anyway. He talks about the abundance of resources available through books, podcasts, courses, and professional networks, and he encourages leaders not to limit themselves only to education content. Sometimes, he says, the most valuable leadership insights come from outside the field, whether from business, ministry, the military, or even fiction. Curiosity matters. So does finding someone else to learn with, whether formally or informally, because growth is almost always stronger in community than in isolation. The episode closes with a strong word of encouragement for school leaders. Trevor reminds listeners that leadership can be expressed from any role and that those serving in schools are doing deeply important work. He especially affirms principals and assistant principals, acknowledging how demanding their work can be while encouraging them to keep the main thing the main thing. Students matter, and so does the leadership required to support them well. Will closes the episode by reminding listeners that their mission matters and that continued investment in their own growth is what makes it possible to fulfill that mission with greater impact. Staying Connected: You can stay connected with Trevor Timmerberg via the following channels: Trevor's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-trevor-timmerberg-544675209/ Email: ttimmerberg@archlou.org The post MONDAY MATTERS – Mission-Driven Leadership with Trevor Timmerberg appeared first on Principal Matters.

Most people who want to change the world start with a cause, not with Chris Lambert, ‘coz he started with a crisis…Chris Lambert, Founder & CEO of Next Level Nonprofit, grew up in a small town in northern Indiana, gave his faith the finger at 16, then spent six years chasing whatever he thought would make him happy, but no, it didn't, then there became a chance encounter at a church service in Australia, and when he came home, he wasn't the same person who'd left.We covered:→ How Chris's faith journey, from a small-town kid to a mud hut in Liberia, shaped everything he built after→ What Life Remodeled actually did in Detroit and why the Gallup results shocked even him→ The $300,000 check that completely rewired how he thinks about fundraising and donor relationships→ How Indiana University's 16-0 season explains the one principle that separates great organizations from struggling onesThere's a line Chris said that I keep thinking about, that is "Sometimes you just have to take the step forward even if you don't really know where it's going." He's done that more times than most people would be comfortable with, and it's produced something remarkable every single time!Chris, thank you for being so open about the whole journey, not just the wins. The stories you brought into this room were the kind that stay with you.Chapters0:00 - Introduction & How Chris and Dillon Connected2:16 - Who Is Chris Lambert? Defining Himself3:01 - Faith Journey: Growing Up in Small-Town Indiana4:06 - Walking Away from Faith at 164:34 - The Encounter in Australia That Changed Everything9:21 - Returning to Indiana, Seminary, and the Call to Detroit11:39 - Living in a Mud Hut in Liberia13:25 - Moving to Detroit and Starting a Church14:02 - The Birth of Life Remodeled (2010)18:43 - What Life Remodeled Actually Does21:35 - $56 Million, 87,000 Volunteers, and the Gallup Study26:59 - Writing Next Level Nonprofit and Leaving Life Remodeled33:07 - Why He Finally Wrote the Book (And Did It in 45 Days)36:43 - Right People, Right Seats: The IU Football Story44:00 - The $300,000 Check That Changed His Fundraising Mindset47:50 - How to Actually Raise Money: Donations vs. Investment55:06 - Building Capital for a For-Profit Studio: Dillon's Story57:34 - Final Thoughts and Where to Find ChrisConnect with ChrisWeb: https://www.nextlevelnonprofit.org/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nextlevellambertBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dillon-england-show--6370921/support.*Connect with Dillon*https://www.instagram.com/thedillonenglandshow/https://twitter.com/imdillonenglandhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dillonmengland/https://www.facebook.com/dillon.england.5*Sponsor — Broadcast Brew (Low-Acid Coffee)*Order our LOW ACID COFFEE “THE BROADCAST BREW”Thank you to Cool Beans Coffee Brewery for your partnership.https://www.coolbeanscoffeemi.com/product-page/broadcast-brew-low-acid-blend*ABOUT THE DILLON ENGLAND SHOW*Authentic conversations with interesting people across personal growth, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle — direct, faith-forward, Detroit grit.Subscribe for full conversations and weekly clips.Share this with someone on your leadership team.Comment your biggest takeaway.

Demonstrating genuine love means that you are mission driven. What does that look like? Find out as Patrick Dennis shares.Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

Lisa Jacobs is the President of US eCential Robotics and the Founder of STRIPES Women in MedTech. Lisa shares how her path evolved from registered dietitian, ballerina, gymnast, and NFL cheerleader into a two-decade MedTech commercialization career focused on bringing surgical technology—robotics and navigation—from concept to clinical adoption. She explains her consulting-based approach to sales centered on solving surgeons' real problems, and her leadership philosophy of creating clarity, trust, accountability, and momentum without being a “know-it-all.” Lisa also unpacks why she founded STRIPES, a global nonprofit with 3,000 members offering mentorship, networking, and education to support women navigating growth, career transitions, and negotiation.  Guest links: https://www.stripes.network/  Charity supported: Safe Horizon Interested in being a guest on the show or have feedback to share? Email us at theleadingdifference@velentium.com.  PRODUCTION CREDITS Host & Editor: Lindsey Dinneen Producer: Velentium Medical   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Episode 076 - Lisa Jacobs [00:00:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Hi, I'm Lindsey and I'm talking with MedTech industry leaders on how they change lives for a better world. [00:00:09] Diane Bouis: The inventions and technologies are fascinating and so are the people who work with them. [00:00:15] Frank Jaskulke: There was a period of time where I realized, fundamentally, my job was to go hang out with really smart people that are saving lives and then do work that would help them save more lives. [00:00:28] Diane Bouis: I got into the business to save lives and it is incredibly motivating to work with people who are in that same business, saving or improving lives. [00:00:38] Duane Mancini: What better industry than where I get to wake up every day and just save people's lives. [00:00:42] Lindsey Dinneen: These are extraordinary people doing extraordinary work, and this is The Leading Difference. Hello, and welcome back to another episode of The Leading Difference podcast. I'm your host, Lindsey, and today I'm delighted to welcome my guest, Lisa Jacobs. Lisa is the president of US eCential Robotics, as well as the CEO of STRIPES, which is a networking organization for women in MedTech. With expertise in medical device sales, she's a high performing executive sales leader, known for formulating and executing scalable strategies to accelerate business expansion, revenue generation, and team development in startup turnaround and rapid growth environments across domestic and global markets. All right, Lisa, welcome to the podcast. Thank you so much for being here today. [00:01:30] Lisa Jacobs: Thank you so much for having me. [00:01:32] Lindsey Dinneen: Of course. I'd love if you would start off by sharing a little bit about yourself, your background, and what led you to medtech. [00:01:40] Lisa Jacobs: Of course. Yeah. So I've been a medtech executive and commercialization leader for more than two decades. My experience has been in bringing surgical technology from concept to widespread clinical adoption. Also, my career is really focused on startups with high growth and complex environments. Everything from early stage robotics to scaling global platforms across the US market. Today I serve as president of North America for eCential Robotics, where I oversee commercialization, surgeon adoptions, partnerships with implant partners, market strategy, and open platform surgical navigation ecosystem. In parallel, I'm the founder of STRIPES Women in Medtech, which is a global non-profit, created a support, connect and elevate women across the industry. I spent my career sitting at the intersection of innovation, people, and execution, and I care deeply about building businesses that are both high performing and human centered. [00:02:47] Lindsey Dinneen: Very nice. Okay, so going back to, let's say growing up, did you always think that you might an interest in or a future career in healthcare, health techs, things like that? Or did this sort of evolve over time? [00:03:03] Lisa Jacobs: It evolved over time, actually. My degree, I'm a registered dietician by trade. And I was a ballerina, so I always thought I was gonna open a dance studio. So it's been, it was a complete pivot from what I went to college for and what I thought I was gonna do growing up. [00:03:21] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay. Yeah. All right. Well, we have to dive into the ballerina aspect, obviously, since I am too. So, so did you dance all the way through high school, college, beyond? [00:03:32] Lisa Jacobs: Yes, I danced through high school and college. I was also a gymnast. And then I became an NFL cheerleader in my, when I was 18 years old for the Patriots. So that's kind of where it took me. So then, you know, when I, after college, I decided I was gonna be a starving ballerina, but it's always been my passion and love. So I'm still very into fitness and wellness and definitely do Pilates and yoga and try to keep that part of my life alive. But I always miss dancing and wonder what would've happened if I went down that path, yeah. [00:04:08] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, of course. Well, the good thing is you can always still do some kind of dancing or support it or however you, so it's it's not gone. [00:04:19] Lisa Jacobs: Yep. It's around my house. Yeah. Yeah, [00:04:22] Lindsey Dinneen: Exactly. Okay. And so nutrition. Okay, so did that evolve because you were a dancer and interested in that kind of wellness aspect or? [00:04:32] Lisa Jacobs: It was, you know, I'm Portuguese, so there is obesity in my family and I had to work really hard to stay thin for dance, gymnastics and, you know, cheerleading. So, you know, at cheerleading I used to get weighed in, so I was always exercising and trying to find what was right to eat and I didn't wanna hop on the diet fat. So I studied nutrition because of that. And throughout my dance career, I found a lot of girls who were either anorexic or bulimic or a combination of both. And it really, and one of my friends did die from anorexia, so I dove in deep into the study of that and how to help people. [00:05:22] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. And you're still helping people all the time. You're in medtech and you're doing amazing work. So do you mind sharing a little bit about, yeah, your current role and maybe sort of the leadership journey that took you there? [00:05:36] Lisa Jacobs: Sure. My current role is with an open platform, which was based out of France. And I'm bringing, I just opened an office in Franklin, Tennessee. It's just been a year to this month. So, our technology is differentiating in robotics and navigation. And I remember earlier in my career when I stood in the operating room watching a surgeon place a complex implant using a navigation system I helped bring to market, I realized my work was directly impacting patient outcomes, but also easing the mental load of the surgeon with navigation. And still today you hear that surgeons want navigation to decrease their mental load and robotics to decrease their physical load. So that moment crystallized something for me. I didn't wanna just sell products. I wanted to build platforms that changed possibility in medtech to give a rare opportunity to blend science, engineering, technology, and give experience to surgeons that would help them directly to help patients. So it's hard to imagine doing anything else now that has such an impact. [00:06:54] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, I I can, I understand how-- it's really cool to be a part of mission-driven organizations, which is something that I actually wanted to talk with you about because I know that you are very mission-centric and you care a lot about making a difference and and being helpful and and so I was just wondering where did that come from, was this a core belief of yours sort of throughout your whole life, or how did that evolve too? [00:07:22] Lisa Jacobs: I think it was embedded with me, with my parents. Both of my parents were incredibly helpful to neighbors, community, family. I come from a big family and my father would always go out and help anyone who needed it. And my mother was the same, you know, all of my friends wanted to come to my house to hang out with my mother 'cause she would take care of everyone, drive them to any games or anything they had. So, it was just, I think a core belief with the way I was raised. [00:07:54] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Okay. That makes a lot of sense. And then it's something that, I think, is so helpful 'cause it continues to drive and motivate as you go along throughout your career and you've had such a wide variety of experiences. So tell us a little bit more about your approach to selling. I was, I was reading a little bit on your LinkedIn profile and it mentioned that you prefer to have kind of a consulting approach, I think to, to selling. And I was curious if you could expound on that a bit? [00:08:24] Lisa Jacobs: Yeah, absolutely. So a lot of salespeople are taught to sell on features and benefits, right? You go in, you have a widget. You're talking about your widget. You're trying to get them to use whatever you're trying to sell, but they don't listen to the surgeon's need and ask doctor, surgeon-- whoever you're selling to-- your client's needs about what are their problems they currently have? How do you solve for their problems? What are you bringing to the table to help them either in the operating room or in their clinic. And I think it has to be more natural and more conversational instead of selling on features and benefits. You need to know who you're talking to and do your homework before you enter the room or even try to sell to that person. But what problem are you trying to solve for? And I think too many times people go to sales training and you learn your surgical technique. You learn your features and benefits and you learn your pitch, but it's not conversational and it's not natural. And I think whoever you're selling to gets very turned off by that type of selling. [00:09:38] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, I, I have found that it's actually being-- I I don't like being sold to, I suppose most people don't in some way, and it, and, you know, especially that tactic of sort of, yeah, just kind of coming in uh, maybe assume it-- well, the way that it comes across is assuming that they know exactly what I'm dealing with or that all the problems are the same regardless. And you know, that might be true, but I think you're right. Having that very human moment of curiosity and connection can make all the difference in terms of how I feel about, well, the salesperson and the product or the service. So yeah, that's, that makes a lot of sense. So, okay. When you became a leader, this is of course a, a journey and a pathway, but what are some of the things that you knew, you know, "Yes, I want to be like this" and "No, I don't want to be like this." Like what, did your your own leadership style develop? [00:10:39] Lisa Jacobs: Yeah, I think leadership is about the ability to create clarity for an organization, alignment as a team, and momentum, you know, especially in uncertainty. And it's not about having all the answers. I know I don't wanna be a know-it-all, right? And only my way, and the way I sell and I approach is the only way. I think it's about building trust, setting direction and empowering people to do their best work. I think that great leaders definitely create environments where people feel safe to think, challenge, and grow, while also being held accountable to share a mission. Right? So, I don't like working for leaders that are know-it-all and if you don't follow exactly their, their rules, then you know you're not gonna win. And then it's always about your, who are you in your next sale? And don't listen to the people who are forward facing, their feedback, and able to pivot. [00:11:42] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. That's, that's great. That, and I, I definitely know what you mean-- know-it-all and it's my way or the highway, and not usually, not very pleasant to work with. [00:11:53] Lisa Jacobs: Yeah. [00:11:54] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay, so let's talk about STRIPES. What made you realize there was a gap, a need for this organization, and how did all of that come about? [00:12:07] Lisa Jacobs: So I was getting, I was teaching some courses at Medical Sales College and speaking there, and I was getting an outpouring of women on LinkedIn asking for advice and asking for help, not only from med device school, but from other women who are trying to become the Area Director or VP of Sales and were hitting some roadblocks. So, I really felt compelled to help, but I didn't have the bandwidth to help. So, at the time I brought a bunch of girls, I worked together in a room and said, "Guys, I have this idea." And I think half of them thought I was crazy. And, you know, "Lisa, you don't have time to do this." But it was really important to me to give back to a career that gave so much to me. And I know there's a unique set of problems and situations that women have in medtech that. It's not always comfortable to speak to either a coworker or a male counterpart about, so I wanted to create a safe place where we could learn, grow, and network together. And I got very tired of hearing women say, "You know, I didn't get that job because it's a good old boys network at a good old boys club." So change it. Let's do something about it and let's do it. Let's do it better. So that was the reason for STRIPES. [00:13:25] Lindsey Dinneen: Nice. Okay. That's excellent. And like you said, very needed. So I'm so thankful, you know, you've, you've put love into the organization. Alright, so you host monthly networking events, virtual and sometimes in person, right? [00:13:41] Lisa Jacobs: Right. Live networking events across the country. Yep. [00:13:44] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay. Uh, So I definitely wanna hear a little bit about those and maybe some of the impact that has that you have already seen happen, 'cause the organization is how old now? [00:13:55] Lisa Jacobs: About two years. [00:13:56] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, nice. [00:13:58] Lisa Jacobs: We have 3000 members. So, grew really fast, which was great. But what, so we offer mentorship programs. So you can be a mentor or mentee. We have what we call WIne Down Wednesdays, which is really a networking event where we talk about anything that anyone is in the group, whether they're interviewing or looking for a job or negotiating a contract or just need a safe place to talk through a issue that they're having at work. Then we also have Women in Career Transition. This kind of happened organically. We had office hours and there was a group of women who were always joining who were looking for jobs and wanted help by recruiters, by resume writers. So we evolved that group. And we have live networking events around the country. And then we have a monthly webinar for education. So that's what we currently offer. And we just opened a Slack channel where people can network together and we're having a bunch of different books and different clubs join as well. So we are, we're growing rapidly and the goal for '27 is to have one big national meeting together. [00:15:08] Lindsey Dinneen: Ooh. Oh, I'm so excited about that. That's great. Excellent. Well, yeah, it, that is no small feat to grow it so quickly and clearly there's, there's a need for it and a hunger for it. So that's excellent. And I am wondering, with your webinars, what kinds of topics have you covered that you've realized, you know, "Oh goodness, we we really needed to tackle this." [00:15:30] Lisa Jacobs: Yeah. One was about communication style. So speaking with confidence is one actually that we're having this Thursday. We're bringing it back. One was about contract negotiation that women you know, really need to understand how to negotiate shares, how to negotiate time off, and we don't get a lot of understanding of once you get to a certain level how to negotiate those type of scenarios, right, with different shares and equity and what it means. Something I wish I knew younger. So, and then we also are having some webinars. Omar talked about building your brand and who you are. So those are some of the big ones. But I realize I didn't answer your previous question of what has it brought to some women, and we've seen women, a lot of women get hired, change careers drastically, and open their own consulting. Seeing people who were in sales go into product management and understand, you know, what classes and what education they needed to have. And people who were always scared to post on social media about building their brand and who they are. So it's been really beautiful to see the evolution of some of our, and the testimonials from some of our women. We also have people who are breaking into med device and finding jobs through others. So, it's been a beautiful evolution. [00:16:54] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, that's exciting. Yeah. Oh, I love those stories And and it sounds to me like, or one of the things that I've kind of observed is, is even to your point of showing up on LinkedIn, I think that there's some of the women that I know are part of the network, uh, I follow, they are continuously, I feel like becoming more and more confident in how they speak. And it's really fun to see even that evolution too. And, I, I am, and those are things that you talk about too, in the, the Wine Down Wednesdays, right, where we, you know, you can kind of tackle some of those if you're feeling a little anxious about it, maybe get some advice from someone who's confident in that. [00:17:34] Lisa Jacobs: Yeah. Absolutely. Yeah. [00:17:37] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay, um, I, so it was I, I really enjoyed reading some, um, recommendations that are on your LinkedIn profile, and there were a couple of things that's kind of stood out to me. So, one person said that he particularly appreciated your "resiliency, character, and performance in leadership" and I'd love to hear a little bit about that. The other, another one that I, that stood out was that you were the "definition of integrity," and those are beautiful endorsements. And so I'm wondering where did your, you know, character development, integrity, focus, resiliency, where did that all come from and develop? [00:18:18] Lisa Jacobs: Yeah, I think that I changed becoming a mother, and I was a single mom for many years when I started my career in med device, and I wanted to be a huge role model to my sons. So I think that my integrity and trying to always be honest and be the best person I can, especially in such a competitive environment in spine and orthopedics, really I wanted to stand out in a different way and it truly is the root core of who I am. So I do believe in building things that matter, doing things the right way, even if it takes longer, and building that trust and relationships. And I think that's why I've had such a wonderful career and have so many friendships, you know, with that. And when, and the resilient-- I don't think I've even read these recommendations, so thank you for bringing 'em to me-- and being resilient. You know, when I was a VP of Sales, I went through Hurricane Ian lost everything I had, and we were going through a really hard financial time at the time, and I think that you just have to get up and keep on moving and keep on going. And I think a true character is showed in tough times and a true leader keeps on leading in those tough times. So, again, being a mom, I think, you know, my boys are my everything. They're the my reason. So I always wanted to be a good person for them. [00:19:50] Lindsey Dinneen: I love that. Yeah, and I think you're absolutely right. Character is developed and tested during some of the toughest seasons. [00:20:00] Lisa Jacobs: Yeah. [00:20:00] Lindsey Dinneen: But, but when you can come out of them on the other side, and also, I don't know if you agree with this or not, but one thing that I've personally found when you're looking back, and it can be tempting to kind of have the "why me," you know, sort of feeling and if, yeah, can, if you can look at a situation or a season and go, "Yes, but I also learned X, Y, and Z," or "I built my resilience up," or "I, you know, learned that I actually can handle," and I think one thing for me too is that, without getting too far off the subject here, is that it builds empathy for others. Yeah. Then you're, you're more able to say, "I understand what this is like." And think that that makes a huge difference as a leader specifically? [00:20:55] Lisa Jacobs: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. And then always, yeah, staying humble. [00:20:59] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah. [00:21:00] Lisa Jacobs: You know, because you can have a really successful career and things that of your control can happen and you could, you know, next year we may not be the same. So I think you always have to be humble, as well. [00:21:14] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Uh, Yes. Humble, resilient, character led. [00:21:20] Lisa Jacobs: Yeah. [00:21:21] Lindsey Dinneen: Makes for a good leader. Excellent. Okay, pivoting the conversation a little bit just for fun. Imagine that you were to be offered a million dollars to teach a masterclass on anything you want. It could be within your industry, but it doesn't have to be. What would you choose to teach? [00:21:37] Lisa Jacobs: I think I would teach a masterclass on building confidence through competence. I think so many people, especially women, are taught to seek confidence first, and in reality, confidence comes by mastering hard things, making decisions, and surviving failure. I would teach how to build technical, financial, and strategic competence so that confidence becomes natural byproduct, and you don't have to fake it. I don't like the term "you fake it until you make it." I think it's quite the opposite. You have to go through the trenches to gain that confidence. So, there's no easy path. You have to go through it. [00:22:19] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. And-- well, first of all, that would be a great masterclass. And secondly, I think when you go through it too, again, you are also, how do I put this, building up the sort of credibility within not just your own mind, which I think does help build confidence, but with others as well. So love that. Okay. And then how do you wish to be remembered after you leave this world? [00:22:46] Lisa Jacobs: I wanna be remembered for being compassion and opening doors for other people who didn't see in themselves characters that, and qualities that they had. You know, whether it's through my work in med device by creating change and creating better platforms, but helping people step into their potential because I was willing to stand in their corner is what I wanna be remembered for. [00:23:13] Lindsey Dinneen: That is beautiful. That's a wonderful legacy. Love that. Yes. And you're already doing it all the time, through STRIPES and through your other mentorship and love that so much. Oh, excellent. All right. And then final question, what is one thing that makes you smile every time you see or think about it? [00:23:32] Lisa Jacobs: My sons, Kent and Ryan, you know, especially now that they're in college, one just graduated. I don't get to see them as often, so they were here for the holidays and just hearing their voice or seeing them just makes me smile. [00:23:46] Lindsey Dinneen: I love that. I, I wondered if that was gonna be your answer when you were talking about them earlier. Excellent. Excellent. Well, this has been a fantastic conversation, Lisa. Thank you so much for joining, and thank you for just everything you're doing to leave the world a little bit better than you found it. I think a lot better. I just wish you the most continued success as you work to change lives for a better world. And we are so honored to be making a donation in your honor and as a thank you for your time today to Safe Horizon, which is the largest victim service organization in the country. Every year, over 250,000 people seek safety through their services. So thank you for choosing that organization to support. [00:24:32] Lisa Jacobs: Thank you so much. It's been a pleasure. [00:24:34] Lindsey Dinneen: Absolutely. Thank you. [00:24:37] Dan Purvis: The Leading Difference is brought to you by Velentium Medical. Velentium Medical is a full service CDMO, serving medtech clients worldwide to securely design, manufacture, and test class two and class three medical devices. Velentium Medical's four units include research and development-- pairing electronic and mechanical design, embedded firmware, mobile app development, and cloud systems with the human factor studies and systems engineering necessary to streamline medical device regulatory approval; contract manufacturing-- building medical products at the prototype, clinical, and commercial levels in the US, as well as in low cost regions in 1345 certified and FDA registered Class VII clean rooms; cybersecurity-- generating the 12 cybersecurity design artifacts required for FDA submission; and automated test systems, assuring that every device produced is exactly the same as the device that was approved. Visit VelentiumMedical.com to explore how we can work together to change lives for a better world.

Demonstrating genuine love means that you are mission driven. What does that look like? Find out as Patrick Dennis shares.Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

Luke Schneider is the Founder and CEO of Fire Department Coffee, a veteran-owned coffee company he launched in 2016 in Rockford, Illinois. A US Navy veteran and former firefighter-paramedic, Luke built the brand to combine his passion for high-quality coffee with a mission to support firefighters and first responders. Under his leadership, the company has grown from a small roasting operation into a nationally distributed brand. Luke also founded the Fire Department Coffee Charitable Foundation, which provides aid and resources to sick or injured firefighters and first responders. In this episode… Building a successful brand takes more than a great product — it requires a mission that resonates with both your team and your customers. When a company's purpose goes beyond profits, it can inspire loyalty, strengthen culture, and create a powerful brand identity. But what does it actually look like to build a purpose-driven business that fuels real growth? Luke Schneider's answer begins with clarity of mission. As a former firefighter-paramedic turned entrepreneur, he explains how aligning a company's purpose with a real community need can create deep authenticity and long-term motivation for teams. Rather than treating purpose as a marketing tactic, he emphasizes embedding it into daily operations, from hiring people aligned with the mission to creating content that reflects the community being served. Luke also highlights the importance of consistency: setting clear impact goals, integrating charitable initiatives into the company's budget, and staying intentional about how every initiative ties back to the mission. Ultimately, he explains that a purpose-driven brand works best when it's genuine, deeply rooted in the founder's values, and supported by a team aligned around the same goal. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle sits down with Luke Schneider, Founder and CEO of Fire Department Coffee, to discuss building a purpose-driven ecommerce brand. Luke discusses defining a mission-driven brand, embedding purpose into company culture and hiring, and setting measurable goals for charitable impact while scaling a growing business.

Welcome to the Podcast of Southwest Bible Fellowship in Tempe, Arizona. WHO ARE WE? • We are a group of people who are committed to living the grace life as set forth by the apostle of the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul. • We come together to study our Bibles, and yes, we believe we have God's perfect Word in the King James Bible. It and it alone is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice! • We do not come together and study our Bibles for the intent of being smarter than others. We understand that knowledge for the sake of knowledge is purely vain and serves no Godly purpose. • We do come together and study our Bibles for the intent of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. (Philippians 3:10) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that we have been crucified with Christ; nevertheless we live; yet not us, but Christ liveth in us: and the life which we now live in the flesh, we live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. (Galatians 2:20) • We do come together and study our Bibles to understand that because Jesus Christ shed His blood for us and we should not live for ourselves but for Him, who died for us and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15) • We do not claim to have attained to these lofty goals, but we press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) You can donate to this ministry through www.butnow.org and the PayPal button on the homepage.

Healthcare startups rarely fail because of bad technology. They fail because the system won't let them in.In this episode, Andreas speaks with Helen McShane, who leads the Innovation Lab at Young Lives vs Cancer, and Zoe Peden, Partner at impact venture firm Ananda, about a new experiment in healthcare innovation: a charity investing directly in startups.After more than 60 years supporting children and families affected by cancer, Young Lives vs Cancer has deep insight into where the system works — and where it doesn't. Through its Innovation Lab, the charity is now deploying mission capital to support startups building solutions for young cancer patients.Their first investment: £30,000 into Little Journey, a platform designed to help children prepare for medical procedures.Helen and Zoe explore how charities can combine institutional knowledge with venture discipline to help startups navigate complex healthcare systems and accelerate adoption where it matters most.In this episode:Why healthcare startups struggle with adoptionWhat “mission capital” means in practiceHow charities can support startup innovationWhy credibility and partnerships often matter more than cheque size

On this episode of Digital Voices, Edward Marx interviews Dr. Marlon Levy, CEO of VCU Health System. They discuss Dr. Levy's journey from a transplant surgeon to a hospital CEO and the role of leadership in fostering a mission-driven environment. Dr. Levy shares insights on personal growth, the challenges of healthcare technology, and the significance of listening in leadership. The conversation highlights the dedication of healthcare professionals and the transformative power of medicine.

JW Wiseman built Curious Elixirs before a non-alcoholic cocktail category even existed—and grew it without outside investors. By spotting overlooked demand and building real community around the brand, he turned a personal pain point into an eight-figure business.For more on Curious Elixirs and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

The Washington Post just announced it was laying off 30% of its workforce. 300 newsroom journalists told to put down their pens, entire sections gutted. How did we get here? What does it take to sustain a mission-driven media company? At the Owner's Box, we are interested in how ownership shapes a company's behavior and nowhere is that more interesting than in an industry with a mission to provide a public good.

What does it really take to build a mission-driven business that aligns with your faith, values, and season of life?In this conversation, Venessa Wood, founder of Ag Women Connect, shares the real, practical lessons she's learned while growing a purpose-centered community. From getting involved in rooms that stretch you, to letting go of the pressure to always be “on,” to trusting that not everyone is meant to stay in your circle, she gets real about what building from the ground up looks like.We talk about leadership, perspective, boundaries, and why sometimes the most powerful move you can make is simply getting back in the saddle.If you're building an equine business that's meant to make an impact — not just income — you'll love this conversation. Show Notes (also known as “Where to read a quick summary of what we talked about here and get links I mentioned.”) are over at Stormlily.com/206

Insurance is not glamorous. It is paperwork, premiums, and conversations most nonprofit leaders would rather avoid.But if you run a nonprofit long enough, you learn a hard truth.The moment you need insurance is the moment it is too late to start thinking about it.In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, host Stephen Garten sits down with Pamela Davis, Founder and CEO of the Nonprofit Insurance Alliance, a nonprofit insurer that serves roughly 26,000 to 27,000 nonprofits across California and 32 additional states. Pamela shares how a graduate school thesis turned into a 35 year mission, why traditional insurance markets fail nonprofits, and what new and small organizations need to know before a claim ever happens.Episode highlightsPamela Davis is the founder and CEO of the Nonprofit Insurance Alliance, a group of two nonprofit insurers built specifically to serve 501(c)(3)s. One entity insures nonprofits in California and the other insures nonprofits in 32 other states.Together, the organizations serve about 26,000 to 27,000 nonprofits and have grown to roughly $1 billion in assets.Stephen and Pamela also dig into the practical side of nonprofit coverage, what to buy first, how underwriting works for small budgets, and why advocacy has become a crucial part of keeping the nonprofit sector insurable.

In this episode of The End in Mind, I sit down with Brian Thompson, founder of Brian Thompson Financial, to talk about building a profitable business that actually supports the life you want. Brian is a financial planner and former tax attorney who specializes in helping LGBTQ+ and mission-driven entrepreneurs gain clarity around their money, systems, and long-term growth. We discuss the difference between being good at your craft and knowing how to run a business, why financial clarity is foundational to impact, and how to align your mission, values, and profit goals. We also explore hustle culture, intentional growth, balancing mindset and money, and why entrepreneurship is a gift when you approach it with clarity and intention. If you're building a purpose-driven business and want your finances to support your vision — not stress you out — this conversation is for you. Connect with Brian:- Website: https://btfinancial.com- Instagram: @btfinancial- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianthompsonfinancial/- Podcast: Mission Driven BusinessIf this episode resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow entrepreneur building with purpose! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're a mission-driven leader, you don't usually have a motivation problem—you have a friction problem. Too many priorities. Too many people counting on you. Systems that reward urgency over integrity. And when that friction builds, something sneaky happens: you start confusing motion with progress. Today's Lunar New Year (Year of the Fire Horse) is a powerful “mile marker” you can use—no woo required—to cut through distraction, get discerning, and move forward with clean intention. Why this episode is worth your time You're not here for hype. You're here for clarity that holds up in real life. In this episode, I'll help you harness “new year energy” as a leadership tool, so you can stop spinning and start moving toward what actually matters. In this episode, you'll learn How to spot the friction patterns that keep you busy—but not advancing (especially over-caring and urgency loops) How to use the “Fresh Start Effect” (a real psychology concept) to create focus and follow-through at the right moment My 3-move reset to turn scattered effort into intentional action—without adding more to your plate Before you click away, I want you to do one thing: name what you're moving toward this season—not the whole master plan, just the direction. This episode is designed to help you choose the next right step with discernment, so your energy goes into progress—not just pressure. If this landed, follow the show so you don't miss next week's episode—and share this one with a mission-driven woman leader who's been carrying a lot. And leaving a quick review is the simplest way to help more of the right listeners find Heart Glow CEO. Until next week... breathe joy!

How do you build a mission-driven brand that survives beyond a single personality - and still create real enterprise value? On this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, I speak with Bob Bush, founder and CEO of Mutombo Coffee, about building a purpose-driven specialty coffee company rooted in relationships, disciplined execution, and long-term thinking. Bob traces the origin of Mutombo Coffee from his friendship with NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo to the development of a “commerce over charity” model designed to create sustainable economic opportunity - particularly for women coffee farmers. Drawing on his background in finance and supply chain management, Bob explains how operational discipline and mission alignment must coexist if a social enterprise is going to scale. We discuss: Launching a consumer brand during COVID and the realities of supply chain disruption Managing key-person risk following Dikembe Mutombo's passing The operational complexity of international sourcing and distribution Leadership lessons for founders building mission-centered businesses Aligning profit with purpose without compromising either Bob also shares the evolution of the product strategy - from single-serve sachets and K-Cups to stroopwafels and espresso martini offerings - along with partnerships that have supported growth, including the Houston Rockets and Temple University. This conversation offers practical insight for business owners and management teams navigating growth, brand identity, and enterprise resilience. It's a case study in building sustainable systems, listening to customers, and proving that purpose and profitability are not mutually exclusive - but must be intentionally engineered. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, management, impact investing, or the mechanics behind scaling a mission-driven brand, this episode delivers both strategic perspective and operational lessons. ** Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder listeners can get 20% off of their order by using the discount code BTN20 here: insert web address https://www.mutombocoffee.com/collections/all   About Our Guest Bob Bush is a senior investment executive with experience across industries, geographies (USA, Europe, China, Middle East, and Africa), as well as asset classes (venture capital, private equity, Islamic Finance). He has engaged in various financial and operating special projects for sovereign-related entities, family businesses, family offices, investment companies, corporations, and startups. Bob provides live television commentary and keynotes at global conferences on innovation, social impact, sustainability, global investing, and international trade. His unique experiences, love for learning and teaching, as well as an established network of relationships, fuel his interests in innovative business models, public-private partnerships, and entrepreneurship. Bob's international experiences with multinational corporations and government advisory as well as his love for learning and teaching have given him a unique perspective on solving global challenges. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.    He's on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people's contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company's most valuable asset.” Dave's book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He's also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.  

Julie Austin and Matthew Cain share their journey in leveraging their military backgrounds to assist veterans in transitioning to entrepreneurship through their podcast Dogtags to Ownership. We explore the definition of mission-driven businesses, the importance of community & networking, and the personal experiences that shaped their call to service. The discussion also touches on the significance of identity, the challenges faced during the Don't Ask, Don't Tell era and how their backgrounds influence their current endeavors. The episode concludes with insights on partnership dynamics and key takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs.   The Essence of a Mission-Driven Business   Julie defines a mission-driven business as one that embodies a deep sense of purpose and passion. It's not just about making profits; it's about waking up every day with a drive to make a difference. Both Julie and Matt share a commitment to helping veterans transition into fulfilling careers, which their podcast serves a vital role in. They help veterans find meaningful work instead of merely passing time in jobs that don't inspire them. A mission-driven business must not only fulfill its owner's passion but also create a positive impact in the community.   Lessons from Military Service   Julie and Matt share their experiences in the military, which have profoundly influenced their understanding of leadership and community service. In this episode they discuss how the skills and values learned during their service translate effectively into the business environment. For instance, the ability to lead diverse teams and navigate complex situations is invaluable for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference.   Finding Purpose Through Adversity   The discussion also touches on the challenges veterans face during their transitions. Julie candidly shares her experience with the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, which was a significant barrier for many LGBTQ service members. She reflects on the internal struggle of being true to oneself while serving in the military. However, the repeal of this policy allowed for greater openness and inclusion, fostering a more supportive environment for veterans today. This change parallels the mission-driven ethos of creating spaces where individuals can be authentic and contribute their best selves.   The Importance of Community and Connection   Emphasis on the importance of community was a big theme in our discussion. Their mission is to connect veterans with valuable resources and mentorship opportunities that can help them thrive in the civilian world. By sharing experiences and knowledge, they create a supportive network that empowers veterans to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions.   Resources + Links Newsletter Sign Up DogTags to Ownership: Website, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Follow Brian Thompson Online: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Forbes Follow & review the podcast: on Spotify and Apple Podcasts   About Brian and the Mission Driven Business Podcast Brian Thompson, JD/CFP®, is a tax attorney and Certified Financial Planner® who specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who run mission-driven businesses. The Mission Driven Business podcast was born out of his passion for helping social entrepreneurs create businesses with purpose and profit. On the podcast, Brian talks with diverse entrepreneurs and the people who support them. Listeners hear stories of experiences, strength, and hope and get practical advice to help them build businesses that might just change the world, too.

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In this episode, Ben Goodwin shares the inspiring story behind Olipop, a brand redefining healthier soda options while prioritizing science, quality ingredients, and societal impact. Tune in to learn about innovative formulations, the challenges of scaling a mission-driven company, and the future of health-focused beverages.Topics:The origin of Ben from personal health struggles and entrepreneurial passionHow Ben develops flavors that honor nostalgic tastes while delivering health benefitsThe science behind Ollipop's probiotic and fiber formulationsThe importance of clinical testing and transparent health claimsChallenges and opportunities in scaling a purpose-driven beverage brandThe role of marketing, branding, and consumer trust in a competitive marketFuture trends in health and wellness CPG, including regulatory and scientific standardsPractical advice for entrepreneurs entering the health and wellness space

Send a textA Yale-trained engineer shares how a family loss turned insurance into a mission, why identity is a choice, and how failure, fit, and focus shape real success. We get practical about interviewing the interviewer, combating lifestyle inflation, and building rituals that protect purpose.• shifting from engineering to client-centered insurance work• the financial lifeline of life insurance after sudden loss• captive versus independent models and client choice• interviewing the interviewer and vetting culture• planning for failure to reduce fear and act boldly• managing lifestyle inflation and choosing priorities• mentors with aligned values and whole-life success• finding purpose through quiet, service, and journaling• five pillars check-in: mental, physical, service, relationships, spirituality• rituals, accountability, and subtracting to focusHow to Reach out:Instagram: @iamedwardpritchettTikTok: @theedwardpritchettWebsite: PritchettAgency.com To Reach Jordan:Email: Jordan@Edwards.Consulting Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ejFXH1_BjdnxG4J8u93Zw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordan.edwards.7503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanfedwards/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanedwards5/ Hope you find value in this. If so please provide a 5-star and drop a review.Complimentary Edwards Consulting Session: https://calendly.com/jordan-edwardsconsulting/30min

What would it take for banks to move away from capital extraction and toward climate resilience, racial justice, and community wealth? Francis Janes, Senior Director of Industry Relations and Partnerships at Beneficial State Foundation, joins host Erin Axelrod to explore how banking can become a lever for social and environmental justice. Drawing on his work with banks and trade associations, Francis shares how mission-driven standards, corporate social responsibility, and stakeholder approaches can shift how capital is deployed in local economies. For full show notes, visit: https://www.lifteconomy.com/blog/francis-janes/

Join Fr. Anthony Messeh for part 2 of "REALationship Goals" a 4-part series at The Well.https://www.youtube.com/stsachurchhttps://www.stsa.church/the-well

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Shelly Garg, the founder of Wave Kids and a seasoned FDA attorney, as she shares her journey of creating the first kids' lifestyle and beverage brand focused on building better hydration habits. Shelly's passion for children's health shines through as she discusses her mission to provide a fun, trustworthy alternative to the sugary, artificial drinks that dominate the market. She offers profound insights into the "wave of change" she is spearheading, moving away from high-fructose corn syrup and hidden caffeine toward products that parents can feel good about and kids genuinely enjoy. Shelly explains how her background in food and drug law, combined with the raw reality of motherhood, fueled her desire to flip the traditional industry model on its head. Explore how Shelly is bringing magic to hydration through innovative, temperature-activated color-changing cans and playful artwork created by children themselves. She outlines the challenges of scaling a small business while remaining committed to accessibility, ensuring that healthy options aren't restricted by a family's socioeconomic status. Listen in as she discusses the future of Wave Kids, including plans to expand into national retail and introduce organic, fruit-flavored waters with natural electrolytes. The episode concludes with a poignant reflection on empowerment, where Shelly emphasizes the importance of living in alignment with one's values and the transformative power of choosing a bigger "why" for the sake of the next generation. Connect with Shelly:Website: www.wave-kids.com Instagram: @hellowavekids Let's keep the conversation going!Website: www.martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest  Watch my TEDx talk: www.martaspirk.com/keynoteconcerts      There's a reason Pitch Worthy is on every power founder's radar. It's the definitive PR book for women done with being overlooked. If you're ready for press, premium clients, and undeniable authority, this is your playbook. Buy your copy now at hearsayPR.com.