UpNext with Tommy Lee

In this conversation, Tommy Lee speaks with Mark Matlock about his new role leading Urbana for InterVarsity and the evolving landscape of global missions. They discuss the importance of understanding the global South, the insights gained from studying Gen Z, and the changing perceptions of church engagement. Mark shares his journey from being a magician to a leader in ministry, emphasizing the nee...

In this episode, Tommy Lee sits down with Niki V. Santo, CEO and co-founder of Swaza , a biotechnology company pioneering oxygen-based nanotherapeutics. Niki shares her inspiring journey from two decades of executive leadership across academia and business to leading in the biotech field, fueled by personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation explores the challenges and less...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we talk with Sam Chan, Lead mentor and trainer at EVQ School of Evangelism. We discuss the evolution of evangelism, the role of public evangelists, and the changing landscape of faith conversations in contemporary society. We also explore personal journeys, the search for purpose among different demographics, and the importance of relational concepts in ev...

In this two-part interview, Tommy chats with co-authors, Lisa Pratt Slayton and Michaela O'Donnell about their backgrounds, leadership roles, and the journey of writing their book 'Life in Flux.' They discuss the importance of vocation, personal experiences, and the integration of faith in the workplace. The conversation highlights the significance of inner work and community in navigating life's...

In this two part interview, Tommy chats with co authors, Lisa Pratt Slayton and Michaela O'Donnell about their backgrounds, leadership roles, and the journey of writing their book 'Life in Flux.' They discuss the importance of vocation, personal experiences, and the integration of faith in the workplace. The conversation highlights the significance of inner work and community in navigating life's...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we talk with Steve Prawiromaruto, an Investment Associate at The Radical Fund . They discuss Steve's experiences in the tech industry, and the importance of community and vulnerability in personal and professional growth. They explore the cultural adjustments Steve faced, his reflections on faith, and the lessons learned through various work experiences. A...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we talk with Marissa Maren, President Director and Commissioner of Busana Apparel Group. We talk about her experiences as a woman in leadership, the cultural differences in work environments across the globe, and the lessons learned from her time at various jobs. Marissa shares insights on surrendering control to God, the importance of daily abiding in fai...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we talk with Dr. Paul Hoffman, exploring his journey from church planting in Denver to his current role as a pastor in Newport, Rhode Island. We discuss the challenges of balancing pastoral duties with family life, the impact of COVID-19 on church operations, and the importance of unity and reconciliation in preaching. Dr. Hoffman also shares insights on n...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we talk with Dr. Felicia Thompson, Adjunct Professor of Formation, Northern Seminary. We discuss the nuances of spiritual formation across different cultures, the challenges faced by minority leaders in predominantly white spaces, and the importance of mentorship and community support. Check out the⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ video⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ version of this episode on ⁠YouTube⁠!...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we talk with Brand Leadership Expert, Denise Lee Yohn. We explore the intersection of faith and work, discussing Denise's journey in establishing the Bay Area Center for Faith, Work, and Tech. We also delve into the evolution of the faith and work conversation, the importance of integrating faith into professional life, and the challenges and opportunities...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we chat with Wes Lyons, General Partner at Eagle Venture Fund, where he leads Eagle's investment themes of combating human trafficking and economic opportunities for the poor. He discusses the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit in decision-making, the role of business in solving social problems, and how faith influences his work. Wes also emphasize...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we chat with Pastor Steve DeWitt, Senior Pastor at Bethel Church in Crown Point, Indiana. We talk about his experience as a pastor, and the inspiration behind his book ' Loneliness: Don't Hate it or Waste it. Redeem it. ' Steve expounds on the concept of loneliness and how it doesn’t have to be our enemy. It can be the path God uses for our souls to experi...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we talk with JuneAn Lanigan, Sr. Partner, Chief Operating Officer, WellSpring, and former IT Senior Executive. We learn about her journey from studying social psychology to finance to data management and her passion for understanding how people work. She elucidates the importance of being curious, having a broad perspective, and finding one's niche, and di...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we sit down with Author and Board Chair of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Uli Chi, to discuss his book ' The Wise Leader ' and the importance of humility and vulnerability in leadership. Uli shares with us his personal journey as a leader, his multicultural background, his career in technology and healthcare governance, and the significance of identity...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we speak with Sarah Martel Lee and Tanya Hageman of ALS Family of Faith , an organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by ALS.  We discuss the challenges faced by those diagnosed with ALS, the importance of providing emotional and spiritual support through care partners, and the need for raising awareness about ALS in our commu...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we chat with Chris Rappazini , Associate Professor of Leadership at Anderson University. We discuss the importance of self-reflection, humility, and forgiveness in leadership, explore the concept of moving forward after making mistakes, and discuss the need for leaders to admit and learn from their failures. Chris also shares insights from his book, Moving...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we sit down with Andy Wasynczuk, senior lecturer of Harvard Business School. We talk about his personal and professional journey, the lessons he’s learned along the way, how he prioritizes and amalgamates his faith with his work, and his life experiences as the former COO of the New England Patriots⁠ of the NFL. Tune in now to be encouraged and challenged!...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we sit down with Emily Harburg, CEO and co-founder of PairUp. We talk about her journey as an entrepreneur, the transition of PairUp from being a mentorship-based startup to an AI-powered workplace knowledge-sharing tool, and her goals for the future. We also explore the challenges of adapting to changing market needs, the importance of listening to custom...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we talk with Nico Duursema, President and CEO of the Cerilon Group of companies. We talk about his entrepreneurial and faith journey, his work globally, defining moments in our faith, and embracing who we are in Christ. He also shares his wisdom for young leader on amalgamating faith and work, the significance of ownership, leadership, stewardship, and exc...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we sit down with Larry Smith, a veteran of the semiconductor industry and Board Chair of nonprofit organization, Mobile Loaves & Fishes. We discuss his career journey, the importance of mentorship and humility in leadership, and his work with Mobile Loaves & Fishes. Mobile Loaves & Fishes have established a unique "Community First! Village...

In this week’s episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, our guest host, Bob Doll, talks with Barry Rowan , author of " The Spiritual Art of Business .” They discuss Barry's journey of surrendering his life to Christ, which led to profound spiritual growth and insights into the intersection of faith and work. Through experiences of crisis, surrender, and compassion, Barry shares valuable lessons...

In this week’s episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we talk with Ethan Park, Partner, COO/CFO of Extract Capital. Ethan shares his journey from being born in South Korea, moving to Indiana, transitioning to Toronto, and embracing new challenges with faith and determination. Ethan's career trajectory took unexpected turns, from pursuing a degree in chemistry to venturing into investment banking. D...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we talk with Lu Dong , an entrepreneur based in Tokyo. We talk about his life journey and entrepreneurial experiences, life in Tokyo, his startup app, TakeMe, that connects tourists with the best restaurants in Japan, the challenges he faced during his entrepreneurial journey, and his deep reflection on faith and purpose in life. His journey epitomizes the...

In the ever-evolving landscape of ministry leadership, sustaining strength requires a multifaceted approach. Our guest this week, Cary Schmidt , senior pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, offers invaluable guidance and inspiration for embracing the adventure of faith with unwavering trust and steady strength. We talk about Pastor Cary’s latest book, Steady Strength: Reversing Ministry’s Dangerous D...

In this episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, we talk with Jalon Chan, English Pastor at Chinese Christian Fellowship Church, and Jonathan Mann, College and Young Adult Pastor at San Jose Christian Alliance Church. We delve into various topics, including navigating the complexities of cultural identity and community dynamics, dealing with life’s unexpected twists and turns, and pastoral ministry. Thro...