The Called to Flourish Podcast

Your People Aren't Burned Out—Their Work May Be Draining the Life Out of Them — Jay Bransford, Best Christian Workplaces 29.06.2026 37min

Many leaders assume disengagement is primarily a motivation or performance problem. But what if the real issue is that people no longer experience their work as life-giving? In this episode, Jay Bransford, President & CEO of Best Christian Workplaces, explores why Life-Giving Work is the second most powerful driver of employee engagement. Drawing from decades of workplace culture research, he explains how leaders unintentionally drain meaning from work, why role alignment matters, and how connecting daily tasks to mission can dramatically increase engagement and ownership. You'll gain insight into: • Why Life-Giving Work is one of the strongest drivers of engagement • How leaders unintentionally drain meaning from work • What happens when employees are in the wrong seat • Practical habits that create energized, flourishing teams 👉 Subscribe to Called to Flourish and share this conversation with a fellow leader. Access full show notes, resources, and transcript at: https://workplaces.org/podcast/your-people-arent-burned-out-their-work-may-be-draining-the-life-out-of-them

The Strongest Ministries Don't Ignore the People Closest to Them — Michael Martin, ECFA 15.06.2026 32min

Many Christian-led organizations are passionate about serving people externally—but struggle to care for the health of their own teams internally. In this episode, Michael Martin, President & CEO of ECFA, explains why flourishing cultures require intentional stewardship, leadership rhythms, and a deep commitment to caring for people well. Drawing from ECFA's experience building a 100th-percentile workplace culture, he shares how mission clarity, collaboration, employee voice, and healthy leadership practices strengthen both culture and Kingdom impact. You'll gain insight into: • Why ECFA made culture one of its core strategic goals • How mission clarity creates stronger employee engagement • What leaders miss when they focus only on external ministry impact • Practical rhythms that help teams stay healthy and connected 👉 Subscribe to Called to Flourish and share this conversation with a fellow leader. Access full show notes, resources, and transcript at: https://workplaces.org/podcast/the-strongest-ministries-dont-ignore-the-people-closest-to-them

You Can't Build External Trust on Internal Instability — Dr. Rob McKenna, WiLD Leaders 01.06.2026 45min

Trust problems rarely begin with strategy. More often, they begin with fear, self-protection, and leaders trying to create stability externally while struggling internally. In this episode, Dr. Rob McKenna—CEO of WiLD Leaders and bestselling author of Whole Leaders, Wild Trust—shares why trust grows through honesty, vulnerability, and truth-telling rather than perfection. He explains how internal formation shapes team trust, why self-protection quietly destroys cultures, and what leaders can do to build environments where people feel safe enough to tell the truth. You'll gain insight into: • why trust begins with personal formation before organizational transformation • how self-protection quietly erodes team trust • the three questions employees are silently asking every day • why high-trust teams confront reality faster 👉 Subscribe to Called to Flourish and share this conversation with a fellow leader. Access full show notes, resources, and transcript at: https://workplaces.org/podcast/you-cant-build-external-trust-on-internal-instability

Engagement Hit a 15-Year High. So Why Are 39% Still Disengaged? — Dr. Doug Waldo, Best Christian Workplaces 18.05.2026 26min

Employee engagement across Christian-led organizations has reached its highest level in 15 years. Yet nearly 4 in 10 employees still cannot bring their best to work each day. In this episode, Dr. Doug Waldo, Research Director and Senior Consultant at Best Christian Workplaces, explains what the 2026 State of the Christian Workplace Report reveals about trust in leadership, employee voice, and the organizational barriers that still limit engagement—and what leaders can do about them. You'll gain insight on: • why 61% engagement represents meaningful progress across Christian workplaces • how disengagement quietly reduces organizational capacity • the trust signals employees are looking for from leaders today • why giving staff a stronger voice improves engagement outcomes 👉 Subscribe to Called to Flourish and share this conversation with a fellow leader. Access full show notes, resources, and transcript at: https://workplaces.org/podcast/engagement-hit-a-15-year-high-so-why-are-39-still-disengaged

Diversity Isn't the Problem—Disconnection Is — Dr. James Borishade, Circle Urban Ministries 04.05.2026 33min

Many leaders assume diversity creates tension on teams. But the deeper threat to engagement isn't difference—it's disconnection. In this episode, Dr. James Borishade of Circle Urban Ministries explains how leaders can create psychological safety across differences so teams remain unified around mission. He shares practical lessons on listening well, modeling humility, and repairing trust when leadership decisions unintentionally silence team voices. You'll gain insight on: • recognizing when withdrawal signals relational unsafety • inviting meaningful input before decisions are finalized • repairing trust through humility and accountability • creating space for diverse perspectives without losing alignment 👉 Subscribe to Called to Flourish and share this conversation with a fellow leader. Access full show notes, resources, and transcript at: https://workplaces.org/podcast/diversity-isnt-the-problem-disconnection-is

Ask for Feedback Before the Decision: How DiscipleMakers Built a 100th Percentile Ministry Culture — Peter Krol and Tom Hallman, DiscipleMakers 20.04.2026 30min

What happens when leaders invite feedback before decisions are finalized instead of after they're announced? In this episode of Called to Flourish, Peter Krol, President, and Tom Hallman, Vice President of DiscipleMakers, share how their ministry built one of the most engaged workplace cultures in their sector by creating clear rhythms of listening, collaboration, and shared ownership. Rather than relying on top-down decision-making, they developed practical ways for staff to contribute input early—strengthening alignment as the organization expanded from 11 to 26 campuses. Their experience offers a compelling model for ministry leaders who want to grow without losing mission clarity or cultural health. You'll gain insight on: • Why inviting feedback early strengthens trust across teams • How shared fundraising builds unity throughout an organization • How engagement surveys help leaders detect culture drift sooner • What it takes to scale ministry while protecting mission alignment 👉 Subscribe to Called to Flourish and share this conversation with a fellow leader. Access full show notes, resources, and transcript at: https://workplaces.org/podcast/ask-for-feedback-before-the-decision-how-disciplemakers-built-a-100th-percentile-ministry-culture

Data-Driven Leadership: How Facing the Truth About Culture Builds Trust and Strengthens Your Church — Brad Cooper, NewSpring Church 06.04.2026 30min

What happens when leaders stop guessing about culture and start listening to what their teams are actually experiencing? In this episode of Called to Flourish, Brad Cooper, Lead Pastor of Culture and Direction at NewSpring Church, shares how honest feedback and engagement surveys helped their leadership team face cultural blind spots, respond to a season of challenge, and build deeper trust across staff. Instead of relying on assumptions, they used data to clarify reality and strengthen alignment across the organization. This conversation offers practical insight for pastors and ministry leaders who want to build healthier teams through transparency, shared ownership, and intentional listening. You'll gain insight into: • Why facing the truth about culture is essential for building trust • How engagement surveys help leaders see what they might otherwise miss • What team-based leadership looks like in a healthy church culture • How consistent listening strengthens staff alignment over time 👉 Subscribe to Called to Flourish and share this conversation with a fellow leader. Access full show notes, resources, and transcript at: https://workplaces.org/podcast/data-driven-leadership-how-facing-the-truth-about-culture-builds-trust-and-strengthens-your-church

Forgiveness in the Workplace: How Leaders Build Trust and Heal Culture — Tara VanderSande, Best Christian Workplaces 23.03.2026 35min

What happens when unforgiveness quietly shapes your workplace culture? In this episode of Called to Flourish, Tara VanderSande, Senior Engagement and Talent Consultant at Best Christian Workplaces, explores why forgiveness is not just a personal spiritual practice—but a leadership discipline that directly impacts trust, innovation, and organizational health. Drawing from engagement survey data, Scripture, and real-world leadership experience, Tara explains how unresolved offenses create fear, secrecy, and disengagement within teams. This conversation offers practical and spiritual guidance for leaders who want to build cultures marked by humility, accountability, and freedom. You'll gain insight on: • How unforgiveness affects trust and collaboration • The difference between forgiveness and reconciliation • How leaders balance grace with accountability • Practical rhythms for building awareness and addressing offense 👉 Subscribe to Called to Flourish and share this conversation with a fellow leader. Access full show notes, resources, and transcript at: https://workplaces.org/podcast/forgiveness-in-the-workplace-how-leaders-build-trust-heal-culture-and-strengthen-teams

Fantastic Teams: Why Flourishing Is a "We," Not a "Me" — Jay Bransford, Best Christian Workplaces 09.03.2026 22min

Why do some teams flourish while others stall — even under strong leadership? In this episode of Called to Flourish, Jay Bransford, President & CEO of Best Christian Workplaces, explores why thriving cultures are built on unified teams aligned around shared mission and trust. Drawing from Scripture and decades of research-backed insight, Jay explains how fantastic teams handle conflict, cultivate psychological safety, and move from "me" thinking to "we" collaboration. This conversation offers practical and biblical clarity for leaders who want to build teams that accomplish more together than any individual could alone. You'll gain insight on: • Why flourishing was never designed to be a solo endeavor • How healthy teams handle conflict without losing trust • The leader's role in shaping collaboration and culture • Why unity multiplies organizational impact 👉 Subscribe to Called to Flourish and share this conversation with a fellow leader. Access full show notes, resources, and transcript at: https://workplaces.org/podcast/fantastic-teams-why-flourishing-is-a-we-not-a-me

Becoming the Kind of Leader People Want to Follow — Jim Brown, OrgHealth 23.02.2026 39min

What makes people truly want to follow a leader — not out of obligation, but out of trust and belief? In this episode of Called to Flourish, Jim Brown, Founder of OrgHealth and leadership coach, challenges the myth of perfect leadership and shares why authenticity, humility, and curiosity are the real foundations of influence. Drawing from decades of coaching executives and leadership teams, Jim explains how trust deepens when leaders stop pretending, invite honest conversation, and prioritize people over image. This conversation offers practical wisdom for leaders who want to build cultures where trust grows and leadership becomes worth following. You'll gain insight on: • Why "perfect leadership" undermines trust • How vulnerability and authenticity strengthen influence • Why great leaders ask better questions instead of having all the answers • How healthy culture multiplies organizational performance 👉 Subscribe to Called to Flourish and share this conversation with a fellow leader. Access full show notes, resources, and transcript at: https://workplaces.org/podcast/becoming-the-kind-of-leader-people-want-to-follow

How ACSI Built a High-Trust Culture That People Want to Stay In — Dr. Larry Taylor, ACSI 09.02.2026 40min

What does it take to build a workplace culture where people genuinely trust leadership—and want to stay? In this episode of Called to Flourish, Dr. Larry Taylor, President & CEO of ACSI, shares how ACSI strengthened organizational trust through intentional listening, leadership transparency, and faith-centered culture practices. Larry offers practical insight on turning employee feedback into action, involving executive leadership, and sustaining long-term culture momentum. You'll gain insight on: • Why trust is foundational to a healthy workplace culture • How leaders can move from feedback to meaningful action • What it takes to sustain engagement over time • How faith-informed leadership shapes organizational health 👉 Subscribe to Called to Flourish and share this conversation with a fellow leader. Access full show notes, resources, and transcript at: https://workplaces.org/podcast/how-acsi-built-a-high-trust-culture-that-people-want-to-stay-in

Is Your Business Also Your Ministry? Kingdom Leadership at Work — Barry Slauenwhite, Best Christian Workplaces 26.01.2026 22min

What if your business is more than profit — or even social good? In this episode of Called to Flourish, Barry Slauenwhite and Robert Wachter explore how Christian leaders can see the marketplace as a mission field, using daily business decisions to advance eternal purpose. From "return on eternity" to leading with integrity, generosity, and kingdom lenses, this conversation reframes what faithful leadership looks like in the workplace. You'll walk away with practical insights on: integrating faith and work, leading with purpose beyond profit, and making a lasting spiritual impact through business leadership. Guest: Barry Slauenwhite, Canadian Regional Director at Best Christian Workplaces & former President of Compassion Canada. 👉 Subscribe to Called to Flourish and share this conversation with a fellow leader. Access full show notes, resources, and transcript at:https://workplaces.org/podcast/when-business-becomes-ministry-how-christian-leaders-foster-eternal-impact-at-work

Called to Flourish: God's Original Design for Fruitful Life and Leadership — Jay Bransford, Best Christian Workplaces 12.01.2026 34min

What does it truly mean to flourish—and why does Scripture present flourishing as God's original design, not a modern ambition? In this opening episode of Called to Flourish, Robert Wachter, Global Marketing Director, sits down with Jay Bransford, President & CEO of Best Christian Workplaces, to explore God's heart for human flourishing. Drawing from Genesis and the words of Jesus, Jay reflects on how true flourishing flows not from striving, but from abiding in Christ—and how leadership is ultimately a shepherding calling shaped by humility, integrity, and trust in God's work. You'll gain biblical insight on: • God's original design for flourishing • Why flourishing begins with abiding in Christ • How grace—not self-effort—leads to lasting fruit • What faithful leadership looks like in God's economy 👉 Subscribe to Called to Flourish and share this conversation with a fellow leader. Access full show notes, resources, and transcript at:https://workplaces.org/podcast/called-to-flourish-gods-original-design-for-fruitful-life-and-leadership

Called to Flourish — A Fresh Podcast for Leaders Seeking Healthy, Christ-Centered Cultures 17.12.2025 1min

A new chapter is beginning at Best Christian Workplaces. In early January, we're launching the Called to Flourish Podcast—a new conversation space designed to equip Christian leaders to build healthy, Christ-centered workplace cultures across churches, ministries, nonprofits, and faith-driven businesses. In this short teaser, host Robert Wachter shares why we're launching Called to Flourish, what leaders can expect, and how this podcast will inspire and equip you to create a workplace where people and mission flourish. What you can expect from Called to Flourish: Insightful conversations with seasoned Christian leaders Research-backed guidance grounded in our FLOURISH model Practical tools to strengthen trust, engagement, and leadership Real stories of transformation from workplaces around the world If you're committed to cultivating a thriving, Christ-centered culture, this podcast will encourage, challenge, and equip you for the journey. 👉 Subscribe today so you don't miss the first episode in January!

458: How Is It with Your Soul? Strengthening Leadership from the Inside Out // Ruth Haley Barton, Transforming Center 01.09.2025 30min

Join us for this encore episode with Ruth Haley Barton, founder of the Transforming Center, as she explores the critical question every leader must face: 'How is it with your soul?' Discover why leaders who neglect their inner spiritual life risk losing themselves, and how cultivating spiritual disciplines can transform both your leadership and your organization's culture. Find full show notes here: https://workplaces.org/podcast/458-how-is-it-with-your-soul-strengthening-leadership-from-the-inside-out Share the love. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it on Apple Podcasts and write a brief review. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flourishing-culture-podcast/id1060724960?mt=2 By doing so, you will help spread our podcast to more listeners, and thereby help more Christian workplaces learn to build flourishing cultures. | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on X https://twitter.com/allopus | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/allopus/ | Email our host at al@workplaces.org

457: Moving Through the Tunnel: A Harvard Expert's Guide to Difficult Conversations // Sheila Heen, Triad Consulting Group 25.08.2025 46min

What if the way we give and receive feedback could unlock healthier relationships and stronger workplace cultures? In this conversation, Sheila Heen—Harvard Law School lecturer, co-author of Thanks for the Feedback, and expert on negotiation and communication—shares powerful insights into why feedback is so hard and how leaders can navigate it with wisdom and grace. Find full show notes here: https://workplaces.org/podcast/457-moving-through-the-tunnel-a-harvard-experts-guide-to-difficult-conversations Share the love. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it on Apple Podcasts and write a brief review. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flourishing-culture-podcast/id1060724960?mt=2 By doing so, you will help spread our podcast to more listeners, and thereby help more Christian workplaces learn to build flourishing cultures. | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on X https://twitter.com/allopus | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/allopus/ | Email our host at al@workplaces.org

456: How to Move Your Team from 63% to 81% Engaged in 12 Months // Brian Mosley, RightNow Media 18.08.2025 33min

Inspirational leadership has the power to shape culture, energize teams, and move an organization toward its mission with renewed passion. In this episode, RightNow Media president Brian Mosley shares how his multigenerational ministry story and commitment to using media for God's purposes offer fresh insights for building a flourishing workplace. Find full show notes here: https://workplaces.org/podcast/456-how-to-move-your-team-from-63-to-81-engaged-in-12-months Share the love. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it on Apple Podcasts and write a brief review. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flourishing-culture-podcast/id1060724960?mt=2 By doing so, you will help spread our podcast to more listeners, and thereby help more Christian workplaces learn to build flourishing cultures. | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on X https://twitter.com/allopus | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/allopus/ | Email our host at al@workplaces.org

455: From Crisis to Culture Change: How Prairie College Reversed a Downward Spiral // Mark Maxwell, Prairie College 11.08.2025 46min

Join Mark Maxwell, President of Prairie College, as he shares the inspiring story of how a struggling campus culture was transformed into a thriving, engaged community. In this conversation with Al Lopus, Mark reveals practical leadership lessons on building trust, valuing employees, and multiplying impact in Christian higher education. Find full show notes here: https://workplaces.org/podcast/455-from-crisis-to-culture-change-how-prairie-college-reversed-a-downward-spiral Share the love. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it on Apple Podcasts and write a brief review. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flourishing-culture-podcast/id1060724960?mt=2 By doing so, you will help spread our podcast to more listeners, and thereby help more Christian workplaces learn to build flourishing cultures. | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on X https://twitter.com/allopus | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/allopus/ | Email our host at al@workplaces.org

454: How Sustainable Strategy Unlocked a Thriving Workplace Culture at 4KIDS // Kevin Enders, 4KIDS 04.08.2025 39min

How does a culture of prayer, intentional strategy, and Christ-centered care transform not just an organization—but the lives of vulnerable children? In this encore episode, Kevin Enders, former president of 4KIDS, shares how sustainable strategy and a flourishing workplace culture came together to bring hope, homes, and healing to families across Florida. Find full show notes here: https://workplaces.org/podcast/454-how-sustainable-strategy-unlocked-a-thriving-workplace-culture-at-4kids Share the love. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it on Apple Podcasts and write a brief review. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flourishing-culture-podcast/id1060724960?mt=2 By doing so, you will help spread our podcast to more listeners, and thereby help more Christian workplaces learn to build flourishing cultures. | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on X https://twitter.com/allopus | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/allopus/ | Email our host at al@workplaces.org

453: Stories of Culture Transformation: From Courage to Flourishing // Cary Humphries, Giselle Jenkins, Best Christian Workplaces 28.07.2025 39min

In this special encore episode, two trusted voices from Best Christian Workplaces, Giselle Jenkins and Cary Humphries, reflect on standout moments from the podcast series focused on the FLOURISH Model. They revisit powerful stories and practical strategies that continue to equip leaders in building healthier, more effective workplace cultures. Find full show notes here: https://workplaces.org/podcast/453-stories-of-culture-transformation-from-courage-to-flourishing Share the love. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it on Apple Podcasts and write a brief review. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flourishing-culture-podcast/id1060724960?mt=2 By doing so, you will help spread our podcast to more listeners, and thereby help more Christian workplaces learn to build flourishing cultures. | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on X https://twitter.com/allopus | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/allopus/ | Email our host at al@workplaces.org