The Called to Flourish Podcast

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 ex...

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-percentil...

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 interna...

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 th...

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 lead...

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...

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 acr...

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,...

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, cultiva...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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, wha...

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 he...

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: ht...

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/...

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/45...

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://work...

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/pod...

What happens when a president leads with intentional communication and a heart for spiritual impact? In this encore episode, Troy Meachum , President of ACR Supply Company , shares how trust, stewardship, and a people-first approach have shaped a flourishing workplace culture. Find full show notes here: https://workplaces.org/podcast/452-how-one-companys-culture-transformation-drove-engagement-and...

Compensation is one of the most tangible ways organizations demonstrate value and care for their people. In this encore episode, we revisit a conversation with Susan Griffith Byers , Founder of Church Compensation Services , to explore how fair, strategic pay practices can strengthen culture and support a flourishing workplace. Find full show notes: https://workplaces.org/podcast/451-3-keys-to-dev...

In this episode, Al Lopus and Giselle Jenkins unpack the eight-factor FLOURISH Model—a powerful framework for building a Christ-centered workplace where people truly want to stay. Find full show notes here: https://workplaces.org/podcast/450-eight-drivers-of-a-flourishing-workplace-culture Share the love. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it on Apple Podcasts and write a brief review. https...

What if the most effective, transformative workplaces in the world were led by Christians? In this final episode as host of the Flourishing Culture Leadership Podcast, Al Lopus reflects on over a decade of powerful conversations with Christian leaders who have turned that vision into reality—through intentional leadership, culture change, and the redemptive work of Christ in the workplace. Find fu...

In this episode, as Al Lopus, host of the Flourishing Culture Leadership Podcast, closes his time as the host, he welcomes back one of his very first guests, Doug Mazza . From leading Hyundai Motor America to expanding the global reach of Joni and Friends , Doug shares how Christ-centered leadership can shape a flourishing workplace culture that leaves a lasting legacy. Find full show notes here:...