Practicing The Art Of Faithful Presence

Podcast Name: Practicing the Art of Faithful PresenceEpisode 24: Cheryl Bachelder – A CEO whose Recipe for Success is Serving Others

In this episode, podcast host Dr. David Wright speaks with Cheryl Bachelder, a restaurant industry executive and former CEO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.

At the outset, Cheryl explains the story of how she became the CEO of Popeye’s Louisiana Chicken. As a member of the board of directors for Popeye’s, she was serving on the search committee to replace a recently departed CEO. After offering the job to two executives who declined, Cheryl’s fellow board members ask her to fill the role.

She notes the significance of this by explaining that she was fired as the CEO of Kentucky Fried Chicken. She suspected she would never be a CEO again. But the lessons learned from that failure produced the confidence needed to approach the role of CEO at Popeye’s in a very different manner. During her 10 years as CEO of Popeye’s, the restaurant was rebranded and resurrected from a tired organization with many unhappy employees to one of remarkable success. Profits doubled, 1,000 new restaurants were built and market share grew 75% making Popeye’s a fierce competitor in the quick-service restaurant market.

Cheryl shares her faith story which includes an incredible heritage of faith among her family. She tells of becoming a Christian at age 13, but also realizes that the journey as a Christian is one of continual learning and growing. She remarks that she is a very different kind of Christian today than she was when she was 13, or 22 or 42. It is a continuous journey of becoming more obedient to Christ.

Returning to the workplace, Chery talks about what it was like to lead as one of the few, or only, women at the executive leadership level. In addition, she felt called to be in the secular workplace. “I felt it was my call to be on the mission field of the marketplace – not to pass out information about Christianity, but to live in a fashion that would draw curiosity toward the Christian faith.” She speaks about her motivation for writing her book, “Dare to Serve” which provides a case study for how servant leadership can drive successful results. Many authors have written about servant leadership, but she wanted to write a book that explained how it was lived out – and worked.

In closing, Cheryl provides thoughts about the election (as this podcast was recorded the day before American voted), advice for young women leaders, and she answered the question of how best to nurture your hope and optimism for the future within the world today.

Learn more about Cheryl Bachelder. Learn more about Practicing the Art of Faithful Presence.Learn more about host David Wright.

In this episode, podcast host Dr. David Wright speaks with Todd Williams, one of the finest woodwind artists of today. His fame began when he became a member of the Wynton Marsalis Quintet, Septet and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra in the late 1980s. Since then, he has played with many of the world’s greatest musicians and in front of audiences all over the world.

As Dr. Wright and Todd begin their conversation, Todd explains the significance of jazz as a form of music in America. With Todd’s vast knowledge of this genre of music, he explains its connection to just about every music form in existence today. His is a unique perspective on jazz having played with some of the early pioneers of this type of music, such as members of the Duke Ellington orchestra when he became a member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.

Todd explains the story of how he met Wynton Marsalis and eventually became a member of his band. It was the solos he learned that earned him a spot in Wynton’s band. Dr. Wright asked if Todd could play an example, which he does.

As the story continues, Todd explains the good parts and the bad parts of fame and being part of a top jazz band traveling the world. He speaks candidly about the temptations and his personal struggle to reconcile the faith he knew as a child with the life he was leading during these years on the road.

In 1990, he came to a crossroads and determined to seek the Lord, “come what may”. He earned the nickname “The Deacon” from Wynton and the other band members as he boldly proclaimed his love for Jesus. Eventually, Todd left the band and began to pursue other ways of putting his musical talents to good use.

Following the playing of a song from his most recent CD, Todd shared about his passion for teaching college students today, ending with advice for students of today.

Learn more about Todd Williams.Find Todd Williams music on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, at Wynton Marsalis, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and Times City Church.Learn more about Practicing the Art of Faithful Presence.Learn more about host David Wright.

Podcast Name: Practicing the Art of Faithful PresenceEpisode 22: Dawn Brown – Philanthropist at the Intersection of Generosity and Systemic Poverty

In this episode, podcast host Dr. David Wright speaks with Dawn Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Community Foundation of Grant County, Indiana. 

To begin, Dawn shares the story of how she found her first job after graduating from Ball State University with a degree in education. She researched the best school district in the country and learned it was located in Plano,TX.  Wanting to start her career in the best district, she drove to TX (in a car without air conditioning) and tried to apply for a teaching job.  She was immediately met with reality when she learned that everybody wanted to work at the best school district in the country and their district was not taking applications.  Dawn explains how God intervened in a miraculous way to provide a job within that district.  

After years of teaching, Dawn transitioned to leadership, and eventually to a thriving career in philanthropy in 2005 when she joined the Community Foundation.  Dawn explains her back story.  She grew up in a clean and orderly home with two siblings and a single mother who worked 2nd shift in a factory.  Her family was poverty stricken and living in a ‘not thriving’ neighborhood.  Dawn describes a childhood where many people poured into her and continually fed her inborn ray of hope.  She became a believer because of a friend who invited her to church and also church camp.  She was the first to go to college in her family--even going on to obtain a master’s degree was truly remarkable considering the circumstances of her childhood.

Dawn describes her work at the Community Foundation.  Her explanation of the formation of the foundation is fascinating and her passion for the work is evident.  She further explores the #1 problem of Grant County—systemic poverty.  Dawn describes the work the foundation is doing to try to solve poverty issues in Grant County and includes valuable lessons learned in the years she has been involved in philanthropy.

While the work is challenging and change comes about slowly, Dawn’s faith provides fuel and reminds her that God has her in this role for a specific reason.  She is faithfully using the gifts that God has given her ‘each and every day’ to try to make the world a better place.

Follow Community Foundation of Grand County on all social media platforms @givetograntLearn more about Community Foundation of Grant County Indiana, Inc.Learn more about Practicing the Art of Faithful Presence.Learn more about host David Wright.

Podcast Name: Practicing the Art of Faithful PresenceEpisode 21: Steve Edmondson – Upending Desperate Poverty in Haiti

In this episode, podcast host Dr. David Wright speaks with Dr. Steve Edmondson, Family Practice doctor and founder of Starfysh, a non-profit organization working to fight the devastating effects of poverty in the lives of the Haitian people.

Dr. Edmondson gently unfolds the events that took place in the early years of his career as a family physician in West Michigan to get him to visit Haiti for the first time. In his wildest imagination, he never could have guessed the way that God would lead in his life to allow him to be a part of a long-term project to help the people of this country.

To begin, Dr. Edmondson went to Haiti once a year, then twice a year for many years. He became known as “the guy who goes to Haiti” and people expressed an interest in going along or sending help to the Haitian people. When Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti in 2010, Dr. Edmondson was invited by Haiti – a country that was closed to the entire world – to come and help. He brought a commercial airplane full of doctors, nurses, pastors, psychologists and interpreters to help in the initial aftermath of that storm. He describes the situation at that moment in time that prompted so many people to give.

Rather than continuing to accept gifts from people that he then used to purchase things like tarps for the quickly assembled refugee cites, Dr. Edmondson created a non-profit organization called Starfysh. Initially, Starfysh was a clever way to provide receipts for donations. With time, this organization has grown to be so much more.

Starfysh runs three elementary schools with 125-150 students in each, they work to provide clean water and they have created a signature garden where they teach Haitian people how to succeed in farming and growing coffee plants. Through all of these projects they are providing means for economic development.

Dr. Edmondson speaks about the lessons they have learned over the years and briefly explains why he wanted be a medical doctor.

If you have an interest in connecting with Dr. Edmondson, you can contact him through the Starfysh website. If you have an interest in helping their work, you can buy coffee through either the Starfysh website or the Life Garden Coffee website.

 

Learn more about Starfysh.

Learn more about Life Garden Coffee.

Learn more about Practicing the Art of Faithful Presence.

Learn more about host David Wright.

Podcast Name: Practicing the Art of Faithful PresenceEpisode 20: James S. Poore, II – A People Loving McDonald’s Owner/Operator

In this episode, podcast host Dr. David Wright speaks with James S. Poore, II, an owner/operator of four McDonald’s restaurants in Indianapolis, Indiana. James explained that his earliest wish was to be a small business owner - a seed that was planted at his first job, a landscaping business.

Following college where he played football on a full athletic scholarship, he began his professional career with Monsanto. During that time, he got his MBA at Indiana Wesleyan University. He left Monsanto to be a Vice President and Director of Marketing at a bank. All the while, he continued serving in his church, Eastern Star.

As James likes to say, “it all starts at the church” because that is where he met his wife, grew tremendously in his faith and was initially invited to join the McDonald’s owner/operator business. He was teaching a class at church when a student approached him about the idea. From that point, it took four years before James and his wife Pam bought their first McDonalds restaurant.

James also speaks about the source of his hope in life. As an African American man, the events of this year certainly have their impact on him and many others. James speaks about the support system that he has had all of his life – from his parents, to coaches, fellow players, aunts and uncles, pastors. They have all played a very important part in his life. So many people saw things in him that he did not see in himself. He has made a point of going back to those many people who have invested in his life to thank them.

When speaking of the lessons he has learned in his business career, the number one value that has emerged for James is the importance of loving people. When you love people, it makes a world of difference. It is not just about what they can do for you, but who they are and wanting to help them. For the Poores, the McDonalds restaurants they own and the people they employ become their extended family.

James explains the ins and outs of owning a McDonalds restaurant, the impact that COVID-19 has had upon their restaurants and how the owner/operators interface with corporate and the many McDonalds suppliers.

With great passion, James speaks about the realities of the day when it comes to racial injustice. As a leader in Indianapolis, he gets asked often for advice from peers and youth. He is thankful for the businesses he owns that gives him a platform to be an influence and to have impact in his community. He speaks of the importance of having conversations between people who are different and holding to peaceful protests to make our voices heard. In the end, he believes that if we can focus on what we agree on, we can have a much better relationship with one another. It is also important to address educational and digital divides that have become highlighted during this pandemic.

Learn more about James S. Poore, II

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Podcast Name: Practicing the Art of Faithful PresenceEpisode 19: Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Michael Carmichael – Being Jesus in the Hospital

In this episode, podcast host Dr. David Wright speaks with renowned Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Michael Carmichael. To begin, Dr. Carmichael explains how it came about that he decided to pursue a career as a medical doctor, and specifically as a surgeon. His mother and father noted the talent he had with his hands and suggested he be a pianist or a physician.

Early on in his life, he was allowed to be in an operating room and nearly passed out watching an orthopedic surgeon at work. He decided to get a job working in an operating room as a surgical tech to confirm if this would be a path he should really take. It took a bit of time, but eventually he did get accustomed to watching surgery, even to the point of doing it himself.

Dr. Carmichael explains the enormous amount of growth that has taken place in the world of thoracic surgery. While the operations themselves have not changed in 40 years, the approach to the heart has changed dramatically as doctors have sought to find minimally invasive ways to do life-saving surgeries.

Alongside a thriving surgical career in the United States, Dr. Carmichael began taking medical mission trips to China in 1992. The number one cause of death for the Chinese male is coronary heart disease. While the Chinese people are thin and eat healthy, they often start smoking in their teen years. When Dr. Carmichael started doing open heart bypass surgeries in China, less than 50 surgeries were done per year with a 50% survival rate. As a result, not many people were interested in having open heart surgery. This was an avenue for Dr. Carmichael to go to China and help the people and share the love of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As time passed, the hospitals in China made invitations directly to Dr. Carmichael to come work in their hospitals. For a time, Dr. Carmichael invited doctors and nurses to come to the US to live with him and train in America. Many put their trust in Jesus during their stay in the US. For the last two and a half years, Dr. and Mrs. Carmichael have been living in China six to eight months per year allowing Dr. Carmichael to teach cardiac surgery. Now the mortality rate for the over 2,000 open heart surgeries performed each year in China is .07%.

Dr. Carmichael tells tales of his first open heart surgery in China in 1992, he explains what it is like to be a Christian living there and he offers his perspective on the people of China and the coronavirus outbreak in 2020.

 

Learn more about Dr. Michael Carmichael.

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Podcast Name: Practicing the Art of Faithful PresenceEpisode 18: Rick Chamberlin, University of Dayton Head Football Coach

In this episode, podcast host Dr. David Wright speaks with University of Dayton head football coach, Rick Chamberlin. Coach Chamberlin has led the football program for 13 years, and served as an assistant coach for the previous 29. He graduated from the University of Dayton following a very successful career as a player on the field.

It is evident from the outset that Coach Chamberlin loves coaching football, and he loves coaching football at his alma mater. He explains the uniqueness of the University of Dayton football program that offers no athletic scholarships. His players who receive aid qualify based on need or academics. They are students who simply love the game – and they are smart. They also love being part of a winning program. Coach explains the impact of his toughest opponent yet – COVID-19 – on the University of Dayton football program. Their entire 2020 season has been cancelled but they are approaching conditioning and practicing with safety as their first priority. He adds that their players have had great attitudes through it all.

Coach provides his insights on how playing the game of football during college impacts the men who play on his team. It helps them learn to work with others. They have to be very disciplined people to play this game. They gain something more than just winning – they are learning about themselves and they are connected to something bigger than themselves. The coaches, alumni and players of University of Dayton football are a family.

Dr. Wright asks Coach Chamberlin to share his testimony and to explain how it works to be a person of faith and a head football coach. Coach begins with the fact that his life has always been special – he was adopted. He grew up in a loving family with a Christian mother. The seeds of the gospel were planted from an early age. He married, had children, began coaching and explained what a perfect life he had at age 23. The Chamberlains visited a Wesleyan church where they saw people who exemplified the joy of serving the Lord. He said he looked at his wife and said “I want that.” That night they committed their lives to the Lord together.

Coach answers questions about how playing football, a rough and tumble game, can be compatible with being a Christian. He describes how he perceives this generation of young men. Where previous generations simply ‘did what the coach said’, this generation needs a reason why. He sees a generation that really wants something of substance to hold onto – something they can truly count on.

The conversation ends with Coach sharing his wisdom on leadership and the thing he would tell himself if he could speak to his 20-year-old self. Most of all, he would tell the young Rick Chamberlain to take everything in – to listen to everyone around you. There is so much to learn in life.

 

Learn more about Rick Chamberlin

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In this episode, podcast host Dr. David Wright speaks with Darren Campbell, CEO and founder of Tree of Life Bookstores and CampusEDU. Darren is an entrepreneur who builds successful companies in the midst of competitive, challenging landscapes. Darren has a passion to dream big and bring unique solutions to the forefront.

At the outset of the conversation, Darren explains the origin of his entrepreneurial spirit. It started with a car he wanted to buy but his father stood in the way. He wanted to prove to his dad that he could take risks and it would be ok. Darren is quick to add that he loves his dad and that his dad passed on many wonderful things, but this one experience fueled his passion to want to prove that you could succeed even while taking risks.

Darren explains his path from business student at IWU to ordained minister to bookstore/coffee shop owner to the Tree of Life Bookstore business which will do $40 million in sales this year. He talks openly about how he saw opportunity in the textbook business even when a formidable competitor like Amazon joined the scene.

Tree of Life Bookstores is a family owned business shared by four family units and led by Darren. He talks about the positives and negatives of being in business with family. “The only thing worse than being in business with your family is NOT being in business with your family.” One significant positive he notes is that families have a long-term view rather than just a focus on the next quarter’s earnings.

The conversation turned to CampusEDU, Darren’s newest venture. He explains the opportunity for a fully redesigned online educational opportunity. His dreams for this venture will meet a need in education that has yet to be fulfilled – one that also comes with a lower price point. His belief is that students want an integrated faith-based educational experience but many cannot afford it. He sees an opportunity to create a fully viable low cost online educational option for students and Christian institutions.

Returning to his dad, Darren explained how his Dad led him to faith in Christ. He speaks about his own ability to take big risks because of the fear of the Lord – a truth rooted in the book of Proverbs. Darren believes the book of Proverbs is the best business book ever written, the best marriage book – the best parenting book – the best guide for pastors, CEO’s, or any job. He explains his mindset when going into a new business ventures and how truths learned by reaching the book of Proverbs guide his thinking.

The conversation ends with three thoughts – Darren explains a time of crisis of faith when a business venture didn’t work as planned. He explains his reasoning for making his business based in Marion, Indiana. And, he shares what he would say to the 20-year-old Darren Campbell if he had the opportunity.

Learn more about Tree of Life.Learn more about Practicing the Art of Faithful Presence.Learn more about host David Wright.

In this episode, podcast host Dr. David Wright speaks with Ed Bastian, the CEO of Delta Airlines. Since taking the helm in 2017, Delta has become the world’s most awarded airline. Bastian is a critical leader in Delta’s long-term strategy and champion of putting Delta’s shared values of honesty, integrity, respect, perseverance and servant leadership at the core of every decision.

The most natural place to start the conversation was the impact of COVID-19 on Delta’s business. Bastian shared that Delta was at 5% of their normal cash flow in April of 2020 (25,000 passengers per day vs. the usual 600,000). He explains the many facets of Delta’s response to the pandemic - how they are taking care of their employees, their customers and preparing for the future. “Tourism and travel” is one of the biggest industries and Bastian is confident it will come back one day. He intends for Delta to lead the way.

Bastian explains his upbringing and his journey to CEO of Delta, a position he never would have imagined he would hold. The unique Delta ‘servant leadership culture’ rooted in 95 years of history, was something that attracted Bastian to Delta. It is this culture that differentiates Delta from their competitors, a fact that gives Bastian great pride.

Turning to the subject of faith, Bastian describes his faith journey. Being the oldest of nine children raised in a Catholic family provided Bastian with a solid foundation. But, he strayed from his faith following college. During his early 30’s, Bastian met Dr. Bill Lawrence of Dallas Theological Seminary, a man who deeply impacted his life. Dr. Lawrence helped Bastian understand the gospel message and salvation through faith in Christ.

Returning to the Delta story, Bastian answers the question about the most important decision made by Delta to help the company to weather the current storm. Bastian explains the 15% profit sharing plan that is in place for Delta employees. In the last five years, Delta has paid in excess of $1 billion each year to their people just through profit sharing. Profit sharing has given employees a sense of shared ownership and allegiance to Delta. This culture of putting people first has translated into employees who put customers first because they have a vested interest in the success of the company. This is what makes Delta special.

Learn more about Ed Bastian.Learn more about Delta Airlines.Learn more about Practicing the Art of Faithful Presence.Learn more about host David Wright.

In this episode, podcast host Dr. David Wright speaks with Indiana’s 110th Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Christopher Goff. Justice Goff was appointed to the Indiana Supreme Court by Governor Eric Holcomb in June 2017 following a distinguished career as a trial lawyer, public defender and Wabash County Superior Court Judge.

In this conversation, Justice Goff provides an explanation as to how someone becomes a supreme court justice as well as illuminating the work of the five supreme court justices of Indiana. In a given year, between three and five thousand of the 1.3 million cases filed in Indiana go to the Indiana Court of appeals. From those, approximately 1,000 cases are brought to the Indiana Supreme Court justices for consideration. Within one year, this group of five justices will hear roughly 100 cases. Justice Goff explains the rationale for when and why a particular case is heard. He brings clarity to the purpose of this court, which ultimately serves to clarify the law.

He also speaks about his upbringing with a father who held a deep love of learning and a mother who stressed the importance of serving others. Following a firm profession of faith early in his law career, Justice Goff discusses the ways in which upholding the law marries well with many aspects of his faith. It is clear from his work to establish the Wabash County Drug Court, the Wabash County Family Recover Court, the Wabash County Reentry Court and his statements validating that every individual – even at their worst – is worthy of love and sacrifice, that Justice Goff truly cares about coming together with his fellow man to solve the problems of our day through work that is dignified and full of respect. “We have so much in common, that it is incumbent upon us in times like these to focus on those things as opposed to the things that tear us apart.”

Learn more about Justice Christopher Goff (https://www.in.gov/judiciary/supreme/2583.htm)

Learn more about Practicing the Art of Faithful Presence. (https://www.indwes.edu/faithful/)

Learn more about host David Wright (https://www.indwes.edu/about/administration/office-of-the-president)