In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Ann sits down with Rebecca Czerwonka—educator, writer, and certified Emotional Health Life Consultant through The Compassion Method. Together, they unpack the connection between emotional health, faith, and leadership—and how learning to meet pain with compassion can transform not only our personal lives but how we lead others.

Rebecca shares her own journey from living in a constant triggered state to discovering what it means to move from survival to abundance. You’ll hear practical wisdom on identifying triggers, understanding the four stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn), and learning to lead from a place that’s clear-minded, tender-hearted, and at peace.

This conversation is for every leader who’s tired of managing reactions and ready to experience freedom, peace, and wholeness in how they lead and love.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Triggers aren’t failures—they’re invitations to healing.

• Compassion bridges the gap between what we know to be true and how we show up.

• True leadership starts from the inside out: clear-minded, tender-hearted, and at peace.

  
  

🔗 Resources & LinksLearn more about The Compassion Method
Listen to the Triggered & True Podcast with Laura Duncan and Brian Freise 

Connect with Rebecca Czerwonka or book a session
Connect with Ann Eileen Thompson or schedule a coaching consultation

🙌 Connect with Ann

• Website

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Join the Launch Team for Faith at Work: A Practical Guide to Aligning Your Career with Who God Created You to Be → Sign up here

What difference does faith make when leaders face the highs and lows of entrepreneurship? In this episode, Ann sits down with Dr. Brett Smith—professor at Miami University’s Farmer School of Business and founding director of the L.I.F.E. program (Leading the Integration of Faith & Entrepreneurship).

Brett shares how his own college story fuels his passion for equipping students to live out their faith in business, why identity can be more vulnerable in seasons of success than failure, and how rhythms of rest and resilience help leaders stay grounded. He also unpacks insights from global research on faith-driven entrepreneurship and where this growing movement is headed next.

Whether you’re leading a startup, a team inside a corporation, or simply seeking to bring your whole self to work, this conversation will encourage you to anchor your identity in Christ and see entrepreneurship through a bigger lens.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why identity in Christ steadies leaders through both wins and setbacks

• How success can be spiritually riskier than failure—and what to do about it

• The role of “permission” in creating space to think, rest, and reset

• What global research reveals about faith-driven entrepreneurs

• Where the integration of faith and business is growing worldwide
  

Links & Resources:

📘 Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

📘 Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller

📱 Hallow App – prayer and meditation app

🌐 Praxis – redemptive entrepreneurship community

🌐 Ocean Programs – faith-driven founder accelerator

🌐 Faith Driven Entrepreneur / Faith Driven Investor

🌐 Sovereign’s Capital and 11 Tribes Ventures – faith-aligned investment funds

Connect with Ann:

💻 anneileenthompson.com

🌐 Connect with Ann on LinkedIn

📘 Join the Faith at Work Book Launch Team: Sign up here 📅 Book a Coaching Consultation

Let’s Stay Connected: If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a friend, leave a review, or reach out. We’d love to hear what resonated with you.

What does it mean to lead with humility, courage, and purpose? In this episode, Ann sits down with Lisa Nichols—CEO and co-founder of Technology Partners, host of the Something Extra podcast, and author of the brand-new book Something Extra: Uncover Your Strengths. Unlock Your Potential. Unleash Your Impact.

Lisa shares why she defines leadership as stewardship, the pivotal moment when God whispered, “When are you going to call me?”, and how leaders can shape lives through prayerful decisions, servant leadership, and eternal perspective.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a faith-driven professional longing to align your work and your values, this conversation will encourage you to lean into God’s call and discover the “something extra” He’s placed in you.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why leadership is really about stewardship and influence

• How prayer can move from last resort to first response in decision-making

• Why humility, courage, and purpose are at the heart of lasting leadership

• How Lisa integrates faith into her leadership at Technology Partners

• Stories from her podcast and book that reveal timeless lessons for leaders
  

Links & Resources:

📘 Pre-order Lisa’s book: Something Extra: Uncover Your Strengths. Unlock Your Potential. Unleash Your Impact

🎙️ Listen to Lisa’s podcast: Something Extra

💎 Explore Lisa’s daughters’ jewelry business: Kindred Spirits

🌐 Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn

Connect with Ann:

💻 anneileenthompson.com

🌐 Connect with Ann on LinkedIn

📘 Join the Faith at Work Book Launch Team: Sign up here

📅 Book a Coaching Consultation

Let’s Stay Connected: If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a friend, leave a review, or reach out. We’d love to hear what resonated with you.

What does it look like to lead with your whole self—body, mind, and spirit? In this episode, Ann sits down with Dr. Dave DeMarco, a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician who left traditional practice to launch DexaFit Cincinnati. They explore how faith and health intersect, why restoration is central to both, and what it takes to leave your comfort zone and build something new.

Whether you’re a faith-driven professional curious about stewarding your health differently or someone sensing a nudge to pivot into your passion, this conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and wisdom.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why your physical health is deeply connected to your faith and leadership
  

• How lifestyle medicine offers a proactive, personalized approach to care
  

• What it means to live a restored life—and help others do the same
  

• The power of seeing yourself as the project, not just the leader
  

• What stepping into your calling might require—even if it means letting go of safety
  

Links & Resources:

• 🌐 DexaFit Cincinnati – Book a scan or consultation
  

• 📸 Follow DexaFit Cincinnati on Instagram
  

• 🔗 Connect with Dr. Dave on LinkedIn: Dr. David Demarco
  

• 📘 Learn more about the 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine: American College of Lifestyle Medicine
  

Connect with Ann:

• 💻 anneileenthompson.com
  

• 🎙️ Faith Driven Leader Podcast
  

• 📅 Book a Coaching Consultation
  

Let’s Stay Connected: If this episode encouraged you to think differently about your leadership, your health, or your calling, share it with a friend, leave a review, or drop us a note. We’d love to hear what resonated.

What does it really mean to be called—and how do we live that out through the complex demands of modern life?

In this powerful episode, Ann sits down with Joanna Meyer, author of Women, Work & Calling and Director of Public Engagement at the Denver Institute for Faith & Work, to explore what faith-driven leadership looks like when it’s honest, integrated, and shaped by God over time.

Together, they dive into key themes like:

• The freedom of knowing your calling is formed, not found
  

• How to cultivate vocational imagination in any season or role
  

• Why relational generosity is one of the most important gifts leaders can give
  

• And how Christian leaders can respond with grace to the real tensions of work, home, aging parents, and an ever-changing workplace
  

Whether you're stepping into leadership, navigating a transition, or simply wondering what’s next, this episode will give you both theological insight and practical encouragement.

💡 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How to reframe calling as a lifelong journey, not a one-time decision

• Why imagination matters for impact in both big and small ways

• How to live generously in your relationships, career, and leadership

• Encouragement for women—and men—who want to lead with integrity and faith

• Joanna’s book: Women, Work & Calling

• Joanna’s initiative: womenworkandcalling.com

• Denver Institute for Faith & Work: denverinstitute.org

• Connect with Ann: anneileenthompson.com

• Book a coaching call: Schedule Here

Every leader has a culture, even if they haven't defined it. And as Jenni Catron reminds us in this powerful episode, “Your culture isn’t as good as you think it is.”

In today’s conversation, Jenni joins Faith Driven Leader to share how faith and leadership intersect when it comes to building healthy, mission-aligned teams. We unpack practical strategies from her book Culture Matters, discuss the role of clarity in trust-building, and explore why intentional culture work is a spiritual act of stewardship.

Whether you're leading a team of two or two hundred, this conversation will help you reframe culture as more than just a vibe—it’s a leadership tool worth investing in.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How to define culture in a way that aligns with your mission and faith

  
  

• Why clarity is the foundation of trust and engagement

  
  

• How to assess your current culture—and what might be missing

  
  

• The surprising connections between Galatians 6 and workplace leadership
  

• Jenni’s book: Culture Matters

• Free Culture Assessment: get4sight.com

• Follow Jenni on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennicatron

• Learn more about The Foresight Group: get4sight.com

• Connect with Ann: anneileenthompson.com

• Book a coaching call: Schedule Here

• Follow Ann on Instagram: @faithdrivenleader

• Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:📚 Resources Mentioned:🔗 Stay Connected:

What does it look like to lead with conviction and compassion? In this episode of The Faith Driven Leader, I sit down with Edgar Sandoval Sr., President and CEO of World Vision, to talk about vision, authenticity, and faith-driven leadership.

Edgar’s journey—from arriving in the U.S. with $50 and no English to leading one of the world’s largest Christian humanitarian organizations—is as inspiring as it is humbling. We explore the layers leaders wear, how to slow down decisions when it matters most, and why obedience to God is a more powerful measure of success than any metric.

This conversation will stretch your thinking and strengthen your resolve to lead with both purpose and love.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• God doesn’t just equip the called—He also calls the equipped.
  

• Big visions need clear, tangible wins to stay motivating.
  

• Authentic leadership invites others to bring their full selves to the table.
  

• Redefining success through obedience, not just outcomes.
  

• Strategic leadership sometimes means slowing down to truly listen.
  

💡 Your Leadership Challenge: What’s one decision you’re tempted to rush this week? Take a beat. Invite more voices. Ask God for wisdom. Slowing down might be the boldest move you make.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Connect with Edgar on LinkedIn: Edgar Sandoval Sr.
  

• Learn more or support World Vision: worldvision.org
  

• Book mentioned in this episode: Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton
  

🗓️ Want to grow as a faith-driven leader?

Let’s talk. Schedule a free coaching consultation with me here: 👉 Book a time with Ann

Welcome back, friends! After an unexpected break caring for my mom, I’m thrilled to return with an incredible episode featuring Kirk Perry. If you’re navigating career transitions or looking for wisdom on faith-led leadership, this conversation is for you!

Kirk has led at the highest levels—most recently as CEO of Circana, and before that, shaping global brands at Google and Procter & Gamble. However, what makes Kirk’s leadership stand out is his faith-driven approach. Whether in corporate boardrooms or coaching youth sports, he’s built a career on humility, authenticity, and a commitment to serving others.

🔥 Redefining Leadership Through Faith – Kirk shares a powerful definition of leadership, rooted in Jesus’ example. The “what” of leadership is casting vision, nurturing people, and executing for results. The “how”? Humility, authenticity, vulnerability, and resilience.

💡 Seeking and Acting on Feedback – Do your people feel safe giving you honest feedback? Kirk models a simple but transformative way to invite real input and course-correct as a leader.

🙏 Separating Identity from Profession – Is your sense of worth too tied to your career? Kirk’s insights will challenge you to root your identity in Christ, leading to greater clarity and peace in career decisions.

🛤 God’s Breadcrumbs in Career Transitions – From unexpected comments to divine nudges, Kirk shares how God’s guidance shaped his path—including the story of a flight attendant’s words that changed everything.

➡ Ask for feedback. If you’re not receiving critical input, it might be time to create a safer space for honest conversations.

Need help navigating this? Let’s connect for a free coaching consultation!

🎧 Listen now and be inspired by Kirk’s wisdom on leading with faith. 

✨ If this episode encouraged you, let us know with a ⭐ rating and a review!

🔗 Want to connect with Kirk? Reach out to him onLinkedIn.

🙏 Huge thanks to Kirk Perry for sharing his journey with us. More incredible faith-driven leadership stories to come!

Hi friends! I am Ann Eileen Thompson. Welcome back to the Faith Driven Leader Podcast, where we love to share the stories of amazing Faith Driven Leaders. 

Today, we are welcoming Alli Patterson back to the show!

Alli is a Teaching Pastor at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. After a successful career at Procter & Gamble, Alli stepped into ministry and a deep study of scripture. Her teaching and writing are authentic honest, and rooted in scripture. 

We had Alli on the show a while back to talk about her first book, Still Standing, where she equips readers to stay strong and hopeful no matter what comes with 3 simple, but powerful practices. [Listen to that episode here.]

Today, we’re talking about her new book, out later this month - preorder now here – Blueprint for Belonging: The 5 Relationships Jesus Needed and why you need them too.

Faith Driven Leaders, we need this book and this conversation. I’m betting that there are a few of these 5 types of relationships that are missing for you…understanding them and intentionally building each type will equip, encourage, and empower you as a leader, and as a human!

Want to take Alli’s quiz to see how you’re doing on the five relationships? Head over to the show notes to take the quiz.

Let’s dive into the conversation with Alli Patterson.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of my favorite topics: the end of the year and the beginning of the new one. This season is a beautiful time to step back, reflect, and prepare with intentionality for what’s ahead.

I’ll be sharing some of my favorite year-end practices for reflecting on the past year and planning for the next, with a focus on inviting God into the process. Together, we’ll explore how to:

Plus, I’ve created a free downloadable Year-End Reflection & New Year Planning Guide to help you walk through this process. You’ll find the link in the show notes!

Enjoy this episode? Please leave us a review and share the podcast with your friends. Wishing you a joyful and intentional start to the new year!

Resources Mentioned:

We’ll see you next time on the Faith Driven Leader Podcast. Happy New Year!