Faith Ventures welcomes Ryan Paterno, Vice President of Facilities at EOS Fitness, to unpack what it means to be a manager led by the spirit of God. Ryan brings a remarkable blend of career experience and faith-based leadership to the table. From his beginnings in retail and property management to his current role overseeing operations at one of the largest corporately owned fitness companies in the U.S., Ryan's journey is a testament to the power of servant leadership and radical candor. Ryan shares invaluable insights into balancing company operations with genuine customer feedback, a practice rooted in his extensive background in sales and member-facing roles. He recounts his personal experiences to illustrate the importance of responsiveness and treating customers with Christ-like love. Ryan also opens up about his progression from a volunteer role to Church Administrator, and how his faith has guided him through various leadership positions at his church and at EOS.

We’ll dive deep into his belief in universal leadership principles, demonstrating how skills and lessons learned in one sphere can seamlessly apply to another, whether it's managing a team during a crisis or setting up systems that empower others to succeed independently. Ryan also stresses the importance of radical candor, servant leadership, and using one's strengths across different industries to create a cohesive, high-functioning team. Moreover, he draws from biblical parables and figures to emphasize accountability, integrity, and the practical application of faith in leadership. Join us as we explore how Ryan's commitment to "Love God, love people" translates into effective team dynamics and personal growth. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to improve your managerial skills, today's episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice, bound to resonate and inspire.

Faith Ventures welcomes Matthew Potter, co-founder of Pray.com, to explore the intersection of faith, technology, and entrepreneurship. They delve into the intricate journey behind the seemingly "overnight success" of Pray.com, which took nearly eight years to materialize, and how unconventional beginnings and innovative approaches fueled its growth. Matthew shares his compelling backstory, highlighting formative experiences with tech icon Steve Jobs and prior entrepreneurial ventures like HomeStack before founding Pray.com. The conversation emphasizes Pray.com's mission to create a legacy of helping others, focusing on expanding access to mental and spiritual health resources and deepening the global reach of Christian content. Listeners will gain insights into the meticulous research process that involved engaging thousands of religious leaders and congregants to understand their needs, leading to a robust platform that today boasts 152 million shares, 17 million downloads, and over 2.5 billion listening minutes. They’ll also hear about the app’s user-centered design, tools like the "mom test" for genuine feedback, and the drive to integrate technology for enhancing faith practices—particularly critical in regions with restricted access to religious content. Norman and Matthew also touch on the integration of scientific research in app development, the significance of building a strong company culture, and the ongoing challenge of balancing mission with profitable and purposeful growth. Tune in for an inspiring and informative episode, plus a special offer at the end!

Faith Ventures welcomes Jake Wiskerchen, professional counselor and entrepreneur helping others in the realms of mental health and emotional well-being. This episode dives deep into Jake's thought-provoking insights on the crucial role of core emotions in our lives, the power of vulnerability, and the significance of authentic connections within a spiritual framework. Jake, the founder of Zephyr Wellness, discusses how societal norms often suppress emotional expression, and explains the importance of exploring emotions like anger to achieve peace. He emphasizes that effective counseling should be goal-oriented and time-limited, not indefinite. (He even says he is trying to work himself out of a job!) Beyond his counseling endeavors, Jake shares the evolution of his mental health podcast "Noggin Notes," which started as an app and pivoted into a global platform addressing mental well-being in areas that have not typically been receptive to such ideas. He also sheds light on his involvement with "Walk the Talk America," a unique initiative bridging the gap between firearms ownership and mental health care. We delve into Jake's personal journey, his past experiences, and how his deep faith and Christian values influence his professional life. From his insights on integrating psychology with spirituality to advocating for mental health within church communities, Jake's story is one of holistic healing and community service.