Send a text

William Holmes, also known as "Will Keeps," hails from Chicago, Illinois. His childhood was shattered at the young age of seven when he suffered sexual abuse at the hands of his stepfather. The once safe haven of his home transformed into a place devoid of security and love. This trauma left Will confused, angry, and desperately searching for answers in the years that followed. His yearning was simple: a loving and protective family.

Unfortunately, many young boys facing similar circumstances struggle to find solace in their homes. Like countless others, Will sought a sense of belonging and protection in a gang. At 13, he joined the gang in Chicago, believing he'd found the "love" and "protection" he craved. Gang life initially offered a feeling of power, care, and security. However, this illusion quickly faded as Will witnessed the harsh realities of gang violence. At the tender age of 15, he watched a rival gang murder a friend. The trauma continued when a jammed gun spared him from immediate death, only to be brutally beaten and left for dead.

Miraculously, Will survived this horrific ordeal. It marked a turning point, igniting a passion for saving others from a similar fate. In his 20s, he moved to Des Moines, seeking a fresh start and a chance to shape his future and legacy. He envisioned a world where young people wouldn't have to endure the pain of neglect and insecurity. Determined to make a difference, Will began dedicating himself to his community and at-risk youth facing similar circumstances. He became a daily mentor through the ManUp Iowa program, empowering these young people to choose a better path – a path he wished he could have taken.

Will is the founder of Starts Right Here in Des Moines, Iowa, a program designed to serve youth in a supportive, empowering environment. All young people deserve a chance to rise above the circumstances they were born into and to reach their mental, emotional, physical, and economic potential.

https://startsrighthere.org/

http://shop.btpubservices.com/Title/9781947305779

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send a text

     Mamadou Baldé is the esteemed Market Leader and Managing Director for CBRE's Pittsburgh, PA, and West Virginia operations. In his role, he is responsible for overseeing real estate sales and support professionals across Pittsburgh, PA, and Charleston, WV. His strategic management encompasses all Advisory Services lines of business, including Property Management, Advisory & Transaction Services, Capital Markets, Occupier Outsourcing, Project Management, and Valuation & Advisory Services.

     Mr. Baldé's leadership is pivotal in driving growth within the Pittsburgh office, fostering a positive workplace culture that reflects CBRE's core values. He manages business operations, client relations, new business development, and related services for the market.

     Prior to his tenure at CBRE in 2021, Mr. Baldé held significant positions such as President of Fulani Millwork, Inc., Developer-In-Residence with ACTION-Housing, and Vice President and In-House Counsel at the Pittsburgh office of an International Commercial Real Estate Services Company. His diverse background also includes practicing law at a regional law firm in Pittsburgh.

     Mr. Baldé is a graduate of Liberty University School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate and a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He is actively involved in the Pittsburgh community, serving on the Board of the City of Bridges Community Land Trust, American Diabetes Association, and is a past board member of The First Tee Pittsburgh. Married to Kelsie with a growing family, Mamadou is not only a strong leader at CBRE but also a mentor who is committed to making a positive impact both professionally and in his community.

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send a text

Sarif Hossain is a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist, currently serving as the Owner and Director of Pataka Group of Companies, a conglomerate renowned for its consumer goods, tea, and silk products in India. With a portfolio of prestigious academic credentials, including a PGDip in Organizational Leadership from the University of Oxford and an MSc in Marketing & Strategy from the University of Warwick, Sarif brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. He is a polyglot, fluent in English, Bengali, Hindi, Italian, and Arabic, and possesses expertise in governance, strategy, corporate team management, and marketing.

Sarif's business acumen has taken him to nearly 40 nations, where he has developed a keen interest in the analytical applications of culture and meta-analysis of global events. He is an active member of various prestigious organizations, including the Family Business Network and the Indo-British Scholars Association, and has contributed significantly to academic research and student support through his volunteer work and donations.

At Pataka Industries, Sarif has played a pivotal role in corporate rebranding and strategic planning, leading the company to become a major employer in India. He has also spearheaded product development and international client relations at East End Silks, earning recognition for outstanding achievement. In addition to his business endeavors, Sarif is dedicated to social responsibility, overseeing academic foundation monitoring and partnership maintenance for various CSR Trust Foundations, providing support to mission schools and students.

Sarif's multifaceted career and commitment to excellence make him a dynamic and inspiring figure in the business world.

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send a text

Wayne Williams is a seasoned entrepreneur and innovative leader in the telecommunications industry, best known for his role as the former CEO of Telect, a leading manufacturer of telecommunications equipment based in Spokane, Washington. With a career spanning over three decades, Wayne has been 
instrumental in driving technological advancements and shaping the telecommunications landscape. His visionary leadership and commitment to excellence have not only propelled Telect to new heights but also made a significant impact on the industry as a whole. On the Courageous Crossroads podcast, Wayne shares his journey of faith, resilience, and the lessons learned from navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and leadership.

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send a text

Dr. Everett Piper is a renowned author, educator, and commentator, best known for his national bestseller "Not a Daycare: The Devastating Consequences of Abandoning Truth." With a distinguished career as the former president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, he elevated the institution to national prominence over his seventeen-year tenure. Dr. Piper is a regular contributing columnist for the Washington Times, and his insights on religion, education, leadership, and politics are widely sought after in media outlets across the country. He has appeared on numerous national television programs, including Fox News, the Glenn Beck Show, and the 700 Club with Pat Robertson,
and has been a guest commentator on countless talk radio shows. A recipient of the 2016 Jeane Kirkpatrick Award for Academic Freedom, Dr. Piper's influential op-ed "This Is Not a Day Care. It’s a University!" was recognized as one of NBC's Today show's top ten news stories of 2015. He is a sought-after speaker, having addressed audiences at prestigious events such as the Values Voter Summit and the National Congress for Families. Dr. Piper continues to be a leading voice in advocating for academic freedom and the importance of truth in our society.

"Everett Piper's 'Not a Day Care' diagnosed the root cause of our social ills: immaturity. More and more Americans just don't want adult responsibilities. Now with 'Grow Up!', Piper prescribes the cure to the problems plaguing our country. Young Americans who want to lead happy and fulfilled lives should make it a national bestseller." —Dennis Prager, nationally syndicated radio talk show host and bestselling author of 'The Rational Bible’

Learn more at https://dreverettpiper.com/

Please contact Dr. Everett Piper via Lauren McCue at [email protected]

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send a text

Kory Ballard, an Iowa native, is a devoted husband to Lindsay and a proud family man. As the founder of Perficut, a leading lawn care company, and the president of Ballard Incorporated, which caters to the lawn care and landscaping industry, Kory has established himself as a highly successful entrepreneur. Known for his unparalleled work ethic, he has built a remarkable career rooted in hard work and determination. Kory's journey is one of redemption and transformation, inspiring others to pursue positive life changes. As a sought-after speaker, he shares his insights and experiences, advocating for the success and growth of fellow entrepreneurs.

You can find Kory on the podcast The Green Grind at
https://thegreengrindpodcast.libsyn.com/ site

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send a text

Gary is a highly experienced HR leader with a rich background across Ireland and the Middle East. He is deeply passionate about embedding the people agenda at the heart of business strategy. He dedicates his career to ensuring that organizational culture is a central pillar of performance rather than a peripheral concern. Gary's expertise centers on navigating the intricate dynamics of workplace culture, creating environments where talent can flourish, and ensuring employee objectives are in harmony with overarching business goals. Beyond his professional endeavors, Gary is a dedicated husband and a proud father to three daughters, placing utmost importance on family. His leadership style, characterized by a holistic approach and underscored by a commitment to growth, inclusivity, and empathy, resonates both within and outside the
professional sphere.

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send a text

Kadakwashe Chitanga is a distinguished legal professional, currently serving as the Regional Head of the Legal Department for First Quantum Minerals in the Sub-Saharan region. In his pivotal role, Kadakwashe excels in delivering a broad spectrum of in-house legal services, including corporate advisory, board advisory, as well as tax and human resources consulting. Renowned for his adept handling of litigation, he skillfully coordinates and oversees legal actions involving the company, addressing issues ranging from routine commercial disputes complex tax litigations and governmental confrontations.

Kadakwashe's expertise is not confined to the legal domain; he plays a crucial role in the
company's business development, focusing on transactions and deals with government entities. His efforts are instrumental in steering the company's strategic shift towards an increased reliance on renewable energy. This initiative has further expanded his responsibilities, placing  him at the forefront of the company's government relations.

Based in Zambia, Kadakwashe is a family man who brings a blend of professional acumen and a deep commitment to his community, ensuring that First Quantum Minerals not only thrives in its commercial endeavors but also aligns its growth with sustainable and community-friendly practices.

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send a text

Danica Wytcherley and her family of five moved to the Inland NW from Minnesota’s Twin Cities during the height of Covid. She co-lead the mom’s ministry at their former church in downtown Minneapolis for five years and has been a women’s Bible study leader at her local church for the past three years. Two years ago she would have identified herself as a reluctant homeschooler whose hand was forced and now sees God’s providence all over their new (and now much loved) home education adventure. She has three degrees, a B.S., Business; B.A., Theater Arts and Master’s in Library and 
Information Science- but if you ask her, she’d say she likes her MMA black belt education the most. And she loves books. Her husband may say she has a book
problem…

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send a text

Yael S. Simon LLM is an experienced global philanthropic strategist, specializing in funding development, strategic leadership, and advisory services across the UK, Europe, Israel, and other regions. Her work focuses on private family offices, high-net-worth individuals, governmental bodies, and non-profits. She excels in complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and creating effective solutions in philanthropy, with a strong track record in international collaborations, network building, and philanthropic field analysis.

Yael is renowned for her strong strategic planning, project due diligence, and analytical 
reporting, tailored to each client’s needs. Her approach emphasizes transparency, accountability, and ownership in philanthropic ventures, enhanced by her expertise in data analysis, project management, and impact metrics.

As a respected international leader, Yael is known for her excellent communication skills, integrity, and loyalty. She has contributed significantly to economic expansion research in Europe and the Middle East, particularly in healthcare. An accomplished writer and public speaker, she has been recognized for her efforts in promoting women’s leadership and has been honored by London’s Mayor for her contributions to the city.

Yael holds a certification from the London School of Economics, an LLM in International Business Law, and is completing a Masters in Organisational Leadership at Oxford University, focusing on AI in Philanthropy. Based in London, she is married with seven children and is a passionate advocate for workforce development, sustainability, ESG, net-zero initiatives, and social justice.

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!