Kingdom Work: Activating Communities

In this illuminating episode, Regional Advocate Ashley Aucker, shares HELP ONE NOW's unwavering mission to tackle severe poverty in the world's poorest countries. Echoing the proverbial wisdom of "teaching a man to fish", their mission is anchored in empowering families and communities through education and entrepreneurship. Listen in as Ashley shares how engaging with the daily spiritual disciplines allows her to remain "connected to the vine" and in communion with God amidst her demanding fundraising and business development responsibilities.

Transforming the workplace one Bible study at a time - DONATE today!

CONNECT WITH US:

B-B-T.org | News | LinkedIn | Instagram

Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

Meet Susan Harris, BBT’s newest board member! As a risk management executive at Edward Jones, Susan sees only upsides in bringing her faith to the workplace. In this podcast episode, Susan shares how her professional journey reflects her passion for integrating (not balancing) faith and work. Living her faith at work involves ethical decision making, leading with integrity, and modeling compassion for others as Christ did. These passions explain how a serendipitous encounter with Lori Drury, BBT’s Executive Director, led Susan to an easy and enthusiastic “yes” to help champion BBT's mission. In her own words, joining forces with BBT is simply a “win-win” for God’s Kingdom.

Transforming the workplace one Bible study at a time - DONATE today!

CONNECT WITH US:

B-B-T.org | News | LinkedIn | Instagram

Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

In a world that sometimes feels disconnected, BBT board member Kim Plank is on a mission to make connections! Kim’s vast, economic development career spans the corporate, civic, entrepreneurial, and philanthropic industries. Yet there is a common thread that weaves throughout her professional tapestry: a deep love for people, a desire to bridge economic gaps, and a willingness to spark courageous conversations in order to create sustainability in the communities that she serves. Kim’s experiences have taught her the power of empathy, community engagement, and the eternal impact leaders can make beyond the balance sheet. Her own faith in God is integral to it all.

Transforming the workplace one Bible study at a time - DONATE today!

CONNECT WITH US:

B-B-T.org | News | LinkedIn | Instagram

Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

For the past six years, Jordan Dollar has served as the BBT Coach, guiding and equipping our group leaders to build community and apply Biblical principles at work as they study the Bible together. In this podcast, we say ‘farewell’ to Jordan, as he passes the Coach’s and Podcast-host torch to his predecessor Jarrod (Jay) Strydom! Jay, a South African native who recently relocated to the United States with his family, shares BBT’s passion for working at the intersection of business and ministry and looks forward to impacting BBT’s business leaders with his ministry background and strong corporate experience. In “Passing the Mic,” Jay and Jordan remind us that life is a journey filled with beginnings and ends, but obedience to God will lead to unexpected and rewarding destinations. Welcome Jay, and thank you Jordan for your faithful service to BBT!   

About Jay

Personable, quick thinking, and versatile Jay brings passionate leadership skills to further the global expansion of BBT’s mission. He joined the team in 2023 after moving to the US from South Africa where he led a non-profit village for orphaned and vulnerable children. Born and raised in South Africa, Jay brings a global perspective and knowledge of multiple languages that will further support the BBT community. Jay has a MBA - Jack Welch Management Institute and a bachelor’s in theology - South African Theological Seminary. His strength in sharing the “why” encourages those with whom he works to love learning like he does and be inspired to expand their perspectives.

Jay, his wife and son are now living in Hot Springs, Arkansas and continue to adjust to life in the States.

Podcast Home | About BBT | Join the Movement | Donate

Transforming the workplace one Bible study at a time - DONATE today!

CONNECT WITH US:

B-B-T.org | News | LinkedIn | Instagram

Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

In 2008, Brandon Mann, visionary founder of BBT, could not have imagined that one small step of obedience to God would lead to a global movement! Now in year fifteen, the harvest has been plentiful! Brandon never imagined simply starting a Bible study at work would explode into a ministry that serves hundreds of Christians around the globe learning and living out Biblical principles in their workplaces. Be inspired and motivated as Brandon shares riveting recollections of BBT’s humble beginnings, inspiring moments and people, and insights that he's gained through his trailblazing journey.  

About Brandon

Brandon Mann is the Co-Founder, Managing Partner and CEO of Kingdom Capital, a values-driven private investment and philanthropic firm that seeks to transform the world through a virtuous cycle of capital.

Brandon serves as an advisor to the Board of Directors of World Wide Technology, a global technology solutions firm. Brandon is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Biblical Business Training, a global non-profit ministry that helps people apply Biblical principles at work. He is the co-author of Leadership By The Good Book: Timeless Principles for Making an Eternal Difference.

Originally from Hannibal, Missouri, Brandon is married to his high school sweetheart, Lisa, and they are blessed with three children: Logan, Kaitlyn, and Gavin.

Podcast Home | About BBT | Join the Movement | Donate

Transforming the workplace one Bible study at a time - DONATE today!

CONNECT WITH US:

B-B-T.org | News | LinkedIn | Instagram

Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

What happens when faith and the business world intersect? C-Suite for Christ founder Paul Neuberger believes the workplace is the greatest ministry field on earth. He is passionate, unashamed, and unapologetic about his mission to “Cover the World in Christ”. Paul especially understands the unique challenges faced by senior-level executives in embracing this truth. Discover how C-Suite chapters across the world serve as “filling stations” for executives who desire to make a non-negotiable commitment to the Gospel, lead by Christian values, and shape their organization's culture boldly and authentically through faith.

ABOUT PAUL:

Paul M. Neuberger began his career as a keynote speaker by nearly killing himself. Seriously.

Then again, there’s nothing conventional about Paul, a man who relishes the concept of punching conventional wisdom in the face. His motto is “Making the impossible, possible.” Getting a clearer picture?

A devout Christian, Paul didn’t buy the (supposedly) tried-and-true notion of “keep religion and business separate.” He founded C Suite for Christ, a faith-based fellowship for professionals, which boasts international reach and a social media following in the tens of thousands.

An accomplished sales trainer, Paul first made a name for himself as The Cold Call Coach. Cold calling? You mean the sales practice that everyone dreads? Yes indeed. Paul actually likes cold calling, has been very successful at it, and teaches others how to do so fruitfully. His book, “The Secrets to Cold Call Success,” is an Amazon best-seller.

A free thinker and truth seeker, Paul spearheaded the creation of Young Guns, a movement that encourages entrepreneurs and professionals to speak up, be real, and share the most authentic version of themselves. The world is a fast-moving place. They’re changing how business gets done.

In between, Paul lives in Colgate, Wis., with his wife, Tanya, and their three children. The most important part of his unconventional life is the most conventional of all. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

A few years ago, Paul nearly worked himself to death. He was a mess, stressed out and alienated from those who meant the most to him. God stepped in. Paul let Him take charge. Paul’s career took off, and he was soon speaking to audiences in the tens of thousands, inspiring and empowering people to use their unique qualities for success and fulfillment.

A slightly unconventional path? Maybe so. For Paul, it’s the only one to follow.

Transforming the workplace one Bible study at a time - DONATE today!

CONNECT WITH US:

B-B-T.org | News | LinkedIn | Instagram

Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

Inspired by CEO Frank Harrison's audacious goal to develop 17,000 servant leaders, Mark Whitacre and Melissa Blaylock are leading the charge to operationalize this vision throughout Coke Consolidated and around the globe. Listen in as they describe how the Chaplaincy program, t-Factor and other initiatives are helping both internal and external leaders to integrate faith into the workplace and transform workplace cultures.

Mark Whitacre currently serves as Vice President of Culture and Care of Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.   Mark joined the t-factor initiative at Coca-Cola Consolidated as Executive Director in 2019.  Prior to joining Coke Consolidated, Mark served as the COO of Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC).  He was the COO and Chief Science Officer from 2006 to 2013 at Cypress Systems, Inc., a California biotechnology company where Mark still serves on their advisory board today.  After completing his B.S. and M.S. degrees at Ohio State University, Mark earned his Ph.D. degree at Cornell University in biochemistry.  He worked as an executive for three Fortune 500 companies, including Ralston Purina (now Nestle), Degussa (Evonik), and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).  He was recruited at ADM when he was 32 as the President of the Biotech Division in 1989.  Mark has extensive international business experience, having lived in Germany for four years working for Evonik at their world headquarters in Frankfurt.

Mark and his wife Ginger reside in Florence, KY.  They have been married 43 years and have three adult children.

Melissa Blalock is the Director of Operations of the t-factor initiative, Business Culture Manager and Chaplaincy Liaison at Coca-Cola Consolidated.  Melissa joined the company in 2004 as the Executive Assistant to the former President & COO of Coke Consolidated.  She served as Manager of Corporate Affairs for five years wherein she supported various community, sustainability, communication and government relation projects and initiatives.  She has over three decades of experience in supporting high-level executive leadership roles and managerial experience in both the corporate and legal industries.  
 
Melissa and her husband Allan reside in Waxhaw, North Carolina.

Transforming the workplace one Bible study at a time - DONATE today!

CONNECT WITH US:

B-B-T.org | News | LinkedIn | Instagram

Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

Before joining Coke Consolidated to lead their t-Factor initiative, Mark Whitacre found redemption and purpose in an unlikely place: prison. Listen in as Mark shares his remarkable journey from selfish leadership to servant leadership, and how he and Melissa Blalock disciple and inspire corporate executives worldwide to do the same.

Mark Whitacre currently serves as Vice President of Culture and Care of Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.   Mark joined the t-factor initiative at Coca-Cola Consolidated as Executive Director in 2019.  Prior to joining Coke Consolidated, Mark served as the COO of Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC).  He was the COO and Chief Science Officer from 2006 to 2013 at Cypress Systems, Inc., a California biotechnology company where Mark still serves on their advisory board today.  After completing his B.S. and M.S. degrees at Ohio State University, Mark earned his Ph.D. degree at Cornell University in biochemistry.  He worked as an executive for three Fortune 500 companies, including Ralston Purina (now Nestle), Degussa (Evonik), and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).  He was recruited at ADM when he was 32 as the President of the Biotech Division in 1989.  Mark has extensive international business experience, having lived in Germany for four years working for Evonik at their world headquarters in Frankfurt.

Mark and his wife Ginger reside in Florence, KY.  They have been married 43 years and have three adult children.

Melissa Blalock is the Director of Operations of the t-factor initiative, Business Culture Manager and Chaplaincy Liaison at Coca-Cola Consolidated.  Melissa joined the company in 2004 as the Executive Assistant to the former President & COO of Coke Consolidated.  She served as Manager of Corporate Affairs for five years wherein she supported various community, sustainability, communication and government relation projects and initiatives.  She has over three decades of experience in supporting high-level executive leadership roles and managerial experience in both the corporate and legal industries.  

Melissa and her husband Allan reside in Waxhaw, North Carolina.

Transforming the workplace one Bible study at a time - DONATE today!

CONNECT WITH US:

B-B-T.org | News | LinkedIn | Instagram

Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

This podcast explores a story of faith, courage and pursuit of purpose in the world of financial services.  Leaving behind the allure of their well-established careers with prominent corporations, Gary Baker and Dan Kraus joined forces and fused their expertise to create a financial services firm unlike any other. While their personalities, gifts, and skills are quite different and diverse, their vision is undivided: to create a company grounded in integrity and compassion and dedicated to helping families create an ”undivided" plan that aligns their finances with their deepest values.

Gary Baker is the President and Dan Kraus is the Chief Investment Officer at Undivided Wealth Management. Both are managing partners and passionate about a relational approach to financial management. They encourages decisions based on what is important to each individual client in order to achieve their financial goals.

Gary is a highly sought-after Thought Leader in the financial services industry. He serves on the Kestra Private Wealth Council and Fidelity Advisor Council. Gary received his B.A. in Personal Finance from the University of Missouri – Columbia and an M.B.A. from Washington University. Now, as an adjunct professor at Washington University, life has come full circle. 

Prior to joining Undivided Wealth, Dan was the Assistant Treasurer and primary Investment Officer of Anheuser-Busch. In addition to mergers, acquisitions and global cash management, he managed the retirement plans and charitable foundation with investments totaling over $5 billion. Dan is also a CPA, though not currently practicing, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Dan holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He received a B.A. in Accounting from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an M.B.A. from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Dan applies his training and institutional investment experience to help clients live their best possible lives and achieve their goals.

Transforming the workplace one Bible study at a time - DONATE today!

CONNECT WITH US:

B-B-T.org | News | LinkedIn | Instagram

Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

In this bonus episode, Cheri Garcia talks about how she prefers to roll -- often with the punches or on her skates! She shares about one of the most miraculous ways that God worked in her life and business in the midst of the COVID crisis and more about her sobriety journey.  Through her resiliency and desire to help others, she has learned to give herself enough grace to even find joy again! 

Cheri Garcia is a nationally-recognized recovery advocate and expert in second-chance hiring. She consults with companies ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations on second-chance hiring and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives.

For more than a decade, Cheri has worked to help formerly incarcerated people and those in recovery find meaningful full-time jobs. In 2016, she launched Cornbread Hustle, Inc., the first staffing agency focused on second-chance job opportunities. Cornbread Hustle has placed more than 2,500 eager workers in jobs around North Texas and the U.S.

In 2022, Cheri created the 12-Week Starting Over Program, an interactive video series available to inmates in prisons nationwide.

Cheri has vast experience as an inventor, entrepreneur, and public relations specialist. Cheri unashamedly shares her struggles with addiction to methamphetamine and alcohol, and how she overcame these challenges to serve and inspire others.

Support the show

Transforming the workplace one Bible study at a time - DONATE today!

CONNECT WITH US:

B-B-T.org | News | LinkedIn | Instagram

Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”

Transforming the workplace one Bible study at a time - DONATE today!

CONNECT WITH US:

B-B-T.org | News | LinkedIn | Instagram

Biblical Business Training (“BBT”) equips busy, working people to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and empowers them in small-group Bible study settings to apply Biblical principles to their every day lives - especially in the workplace. BBT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to help people develop their Christian “Faith for Work – Leadership for Life!”