Welcome to a special four-part podcast series titled “Thomas Edison on Leadership.” In this series, we’ll explore the surprising and insightful leadership principles of one of history’s most prolific inventors—principles that still speak powerfully to today’s leaders in business, ministry, and innovation.
Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931) was not only the mind behind the electric light bulb, the phonograph, and motion pictures—he was also the founder of 14 companies, including General Electric. Over the course of his lifetime, he was granted 1,093 patents, a staggering achievement that speaks to both his creativity and his tenacity. But what often goes unnoticed is Edison’s extraordinary ability to lead others, manage chaos, overcome failure, and build an enduring legacy of innovation.
Edison was an incredible leader, a tireless experimenter, and a shrewd entrepreneur. His Menlo Park and later West Orange labs were among the first true innovation hubs, long before the term became common.
In this second episode, we delve into the failures of Edison, failures he considered essential to success.
Resources:
Chaney & AssociatesThe Church Advisory PodcastUpward SportsUpward Sports: PickleballThomas Edison on Leadership – Part 1: Understanding the Mind of a Growth LeaderThomas Edison on Leadership – Part 3: The Incredible Lesson of Managed ChaosThomas Edison on Leadership – Part 4: The Powerful Lesson of Selected PersistenceThe Hope InitiativeChurch Answers MembershipFREE Research Report: New Surprising InsightsEpisode Sponsor:
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The Power of Partnership
Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities.
A Variety of Sports for Every Church
From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs.
Exciting News: Pickleball Has Arrived!
Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more.
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Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today.
Get Ahead for Fall Sports
Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader and Upward will support you with the rest.
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