Faith Forward Leadership

“The naysayers were legion. But the Lord said, 'Who am I listening to? Them or Him?'" – David Simms, founder and managing partner of Talanton // “You have to stay on mission, because the one percent drift is enough to over time get you moving backwards. And so it starts in prayer."

What if your investments could create jobs, honor your faith, and still deliver meaningful returns?

Becca Spradlin talks with David Simms, founder and managing partner of Talanton, a faith-driven investment firm focused on sub-Saharan Africa. David traces his path from Wharton, Harvard, and Bain to founding Talanton in 2018. He explains why small and medium-sized businesses are the key to creating jobs at scale in Africa. He also shares how his team stays on mission through prayer, a public benefit structure, and a "quadruple bottom line" of financial, social, spiritual, and creation care impact. Along the way, he gives practical advice for leaders who want to be faithful in their calling.

“We need to be intentional. We need to look for those opportunities. And so, how do you get your team to continue on the mission? You have to be intentional with your words.” -Heather Lyn Wilson, co-founder and co-CEO of GiveSendGo // "The sooner you can realize that the enemy is a liar and he's going to mess with your thoughts and your emotions and your brain, and you can allow him to, or you can keep that intentional connection, so that you don't drift, that you understand what the truth is about who God says you are."

In this conversation, Heather Wilson, co-founder and co-CEO of GiveSendGo, shares how a crowdfunding platform became a practical expression of Christian hope. She and Becca Spradlin discuss the early startup years, building a mission into the product itself, and what it looks like to stay anchored when leadership gets messy.

They discuss how GiveSendGo has navigated growth, conflict, innovation, and personal spiritual rhythms while refusing to drift from its core purpose of sharing the hope of Jesus.

"Culture is your philosophy or religion externalized." - Pastor David Reece, business leader and private equity firm owner // David Reece shares about integrating Christian conviction, leadership, and private equity to preserve culture, build people, and steward businesses for the long haul.

We discuss how faith shapes daily rhythms, leadership decisions, company culture, and acquisition strategy across multiple industries. Reece shares how his path from real estate and ministry conviction led into manufacturing, acquisitions, and the Reece Fund. The heart of the episode is a practical framework for leading businesses with integrity, honor, and a multi-generational vision.

“Don’t assume that because people are watching what you’re doing that they understand what you’re doing.” - Dr. Richard Blackaby // What if the key to lasting leadership and faithfulness in your organization isn't driven by more effort, but by Jesus-centered obedience and abiding? Dr. Richard Blackaby reveals how embracing God's ways—especially in business and leadership—can transform your impact, prevent mission drift, and lead to a legacy of true influence.

In a candid conversation, Richard shares how his journey from pastor to discipler of business leaders, and the stories that shaped his understanding of God's presence in the marketplace, can inspire you to see your work as a divine calling. Discover how abiding in Christ isn’t just a spiritual discipline—it's a game-changer for making wise decisions, cultivating joy, and avoiding the subtle pitfalls that threaten organizations and families alike.

"God wastes nothing." - Joan Maxwell, president and co-founder of Regulator Marine

How did a history major and an agronomist end up founding a culture-rich, God-honoring, boat-building business? Listen to Joan Maxwell, president and co-founder of Regulator Marine, share how she and her husband started Regulator Marine in 1988. Learn how they intertwine faith and business to create a culture rooted in integrity, excellence, and stewardship. Four decades into leading Regulator, Joan shares personal stories, practical practices, and lessons learned about maintaining faith-driven values in a high-performance manufacturing environment.

“You need to be a Fear-Not Leader.” -Rusty Bland, president of KeHE Cares Foundation; "Performance and abiding are congruous." // Rusty Bland shares his 20+ year journey at KeHE, exploring how faith, leadership, and organizational culture intertwine. Discover practical frameworks for integrating faith at work, the importance of wholeness in leadership, and the vision for a kingdom-oriented business community.

"If you see a need, you have been called." – Christie Luther, founder and executive director of RISE Program // "Follow His voice, even if it looks crazy." // Discover how Christie Luther turned personal tragedy into a life-changing ministry empowering incarcerated women through cosmetology, faith, and community support. This episode highlights the power of faith-driven initiatives to foster healing, restore families, and create new vocational paths for justice-involved individuals.

“I used to worship my work and now I use my work as worship.” -Krystal Parker, President of the US Christian Chamber of Commerce // Becca Spradlin and Krystal Parker discuss the intersection of faith and business, focusing on the U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce. They explore the significance of Christian businesses in the U.S. market and the challenges faced by leaders in the Christian business community. Krystal shares her personal journey of transformation and the importance of rest and abiding in faith. The conversation emphasizes the impact of Christian businesses on society and the future vision for the Christian Chamber movement.

"Risk wisely. I don't think we take enough risk in our life." // "The start of a high impact life is really to understand we're not the owner, we're the steward. Really get that burned into your soul." // "Work diligently. Live simply. Give generously. Risk wisely. Love unconditionally." - Pete Ochs, Capital III

Pete Ochs shares his journey from success and significance to surrender, emphasizing the importance of stewardship, purpose, and faith-driven leadership. Discover practical insights on creating lasting legacy businesses that honor God and truly serve people. Learn about Purpose Trusts and other practices Pete has put in place to help enterprises maintain an enduring impact.

“We're never done as leaders. That's the tiring part. You get good, and then you lose sight of things… You’re never done.” // "If ministry and faithfulness only happen when you've got free time and margin, it won't happen.” // “My work was not a distraction or barrier to my intimacy with God. It was actually the context of me working it out.” – Mike Sharrow, CEO of C12

In this episode, Mike Sharrow and Becca Spradlin discuss the integration of faith and business, focusing on the concept of business as a ministry. They explore the challenges and opportunities of living out one's faith in the workplace, the importance of intentional leadership, and the impact of faith-driven business practices on company culture and community. The conversation also touches on the role of C12 Business Forums in supporting Christian business leaders globally.