As a dad, there’s nothing more terrifying than watching your child face death—and nothing more humbling than seeing God’s hand carry him through it. In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of my son’s survival through three near-death experiences: a childhood fire, teenage seizures, and a recent 60 mph car crash. These moments shattered my illusion of control and forced me to confront the fragility of life, the power of prayer, and the sovereignty of God. What emerged wasn’t just survival—it was transformation.

This isn’t just a story about pain; it’s a testimony of purpose. I unpack 10 life-changing lessons that shaped me as a father and a believer—lessons rooted in Scripture and forged in crisis. If you’ve ever questioned why storms come or how to hold onto hope when everything feels broken, this episode is for you. It’s raw, it’s real, and it might just change how you see your own story, your faith, and the God who never lets go.

Songs: Whom Shall I Fear – Chris Tomlin / God Story – Anne Wilson

In this powerful episode, we explore what it truly means to lead with unwavering conviction and Christ-centered grace. This theme runs throughout the stories and insights shared—from Jack Phillips’ courageous stand for religious freedom to Deborah Dishong’s transformative message on countercultural leadership.

Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, opens the episode with a keynote that’s both sobering and inspiring. His business became the center of a Supreme Court case after he declined to design a custom cake for a same-sex wedding, citing his religious beliefs. Jack’s story is not one of exclusion, but of integrity—he offered other services, but couldn’t cross a line that violated his conscience. The Supreme Court’s 7-2 ruling in his favor affirmed that the government cannot compel artists to express messages they don’t believe in. Jack’s journey reminds us that leadership often demands courage, especially when the stakes are high.

We then hear from Deborah Dishong, whose session on countercultural leadership challenges us to live and lead with Christ at the center. She breaks down her message into three powerful principles: live like Christ, lead others to their God-given potential, and leave a legacy that reflects Him. Her insights are practical and profound—balancing grace and truth, coaching with intention, and making decisions that echo into eternity.

Lead with Conviction & Compassion is more than a title—it’s a call to action. Whether you’re navigating tough decisions, mentoring your team, or shaping your workplace culture, this episode will inspire you to lead with purpose, grace, and eternal perspective.

Links:

Impact Conference 2025 – Cedarville University 

Jack Phillips Story 

Email [email protected] if you need prayer. 

Kathy Panaro, founder and CEO of Panaro Group, who’s marking an incredible milestone: 30 years in business. From launching her company with nothing but a newborn in her arms and a vision in her heart, Kathy has built more than just a business—she’s built a legacy rooted in purpose.

Her personal mantra, “People Before Profits,” isn’t just a slogan—it’s the foundation of every decision she makes. Kathy leads with empathy, always pulling back to reflect on culture, values, and the people who make it all possible. When one of her employees lost a spouse, the entire company paused—not to chase more business, but to support each other through grief. That moment wasn’t just about compassion—it was a living example of how love and leadership can coexist in a high-performance culture.

What started as a bold leap into entrepreneurship has grown into a thriving, 100% woman-owned firm in the tech space for manufacturing and construction. Kathy’s journey is one of resilience, learning, and leadership. She’s not just a recruiter—she’s a culture builder, a mentor, and a champion of meaningful impact.

In this episode, we’ll explore what it means to build something from scratch, the power of asking the right questions, and how Kathy’s leadership philosophy has shaped lives—both inside and outside her company. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Kathy’s insights will inspire you to lead with heart, live with intention, and never forget why you started.

Welcome to today’s episode of Finding Your Anchor In The Sea of Chaos.

Just like an anchor holds a boat steady in turbulent waters—keeping it from drifting, grounding it in place, and providing security—Christ is our anchor in life’s storms. When everything around us feels chaotic, uncertain, or overwhelming, He offers stability, peace, and unwavering hope. An anchor doesn’t remove the waves, but it keeps the vessel from being lost to them. In the same way, Christ doesn’t always calm the storm immediately—but He keeps us from being overcome by it.

So today, we’re diving into a powerful devotion that challenges us to respond supernaturally when life feels out of control. Instead of reacting with frustration or complaints, what if we chose trust and gratitude—even when it feels irrational?

We’ll unpack how these counterintuitive responses can lift us above our circumstances, reverse the downward spiral of negativity, and lead us into a place of peace and clarity. You’ll hear personal stories, practical takeaways, and action steps that will help you lead yourself—and others—with resilience and faith.

Whether you’re facing pressure at work, tension at home, or just the weight of uncertainty, this episode will equip you to respond with strength and purpose. Let’s talk about how supernatural leadership begins with supernatural choices.

Let’s get anchored!

Resources:

Jeremiah 29:11-13 

Songs: Anchor (Hillsong) | In Jesus Name (Katy Nichole) | Control (Tenth Avenue North) | Battle Belongs (Phil Wickham)

Books: Jesus Calling | Jesus Listens | Bible (ESV) | Personal Journal For Prayers

Six weeks ago, I hit a wall. Not a physical one, but a spiritual one. I looked at the man in the mirror and saw someone I swore I’d never become. I was short-tempered, frustrated, and joyless. My family felt it. My wife felt it. My kids felt it. And deep down, I knew it too.

I had let stress and frustration steal my joy. I justified my anger. I blamed others. I wanted to be heard—but not with love. I wanted control. I wanted to send a message: I’m in charge. But the message that came through was pain. My kids felt spoken down to. My wife and I couldn’t communicate. And the truth? I wasn’t leading—I was hurting.

But God didn’t leave me there.

I got on my knees. I cried out. I said, “Lord, take this from me. Fill my heart with your joy. I know my circumstances won’t be easy, but I know you love me. You have a plan for my life—and I surrender to it.”

Then something beautiful happened.

Listen to the whole story now.

Song: In Jesus Name (Katy Nichole)

What happens when your dream job disappears overnight? When 600 people look to you for answers and you have none—yet? When the crisis you never saw coming forces you to lead with clarity, calm, and conviction?

This week’s interview is with Tim Hanley, a Milwaukee native & Titan 100 HOF whose career reads like a Hollywood script—until it didn’t. From rising to partner at Arthur Andersen to navigating the collapse of the firm during the Enron scandal, Tim faced a leadership crucible that tested everything he believed about trust, transparency, and tenacity.

But that wasn’t the end. Years later, after retiring from Deloitte, Tim stepped into another storm—this time as interim dean at Marquette University just as COVID shut down the world. What he thought would be a one-year commitment turned into a 4½-year mission to guide a business school through unprecedented uncertainty.

💡 This episode is a masterclass in resilience. Tim shares:

Whether you’re facing a setback, leading through change, or simply wondering how to model leadership at work and at home—Tim’s story will challenge and inspire you.

Because as Patrick’s dad says, “It’s not your fault, but it is your problem.” And how you respond makes all the difference.

Let’s dive in.

Podcast Sponsor: CCB Technology

Podcast Host: Patrick Booth (Husband, Father, Christian, 2nd Generation Family Business Owner, Titan 100 HOF WI)

This is part 2 with Travis Smith where we dig deeper into leadership!

Travis explains his four-step training method that he used to build his business.

This brings loyalty between the leader and the employee.

Peace of mind is the key to every decision that needs to be made even in the tough moments of trying to decide if an employee should stay or go.

Being present, direct, and consistent is how you can build a strong team under your leadership.

If you have ever struggled with trust, making the tough leadership decision or managing the weight of leadership – this episode is for you!

Podcast Sponsor: CCB Technology – #1 IT Managed Services Provider for Small Businesses & Nonprofits across the US

Podcast Host: Patrick Booth 

This week’s episode is titled Vision Boards & Pivot Points, where dreams collide with discipline, and transformation starts with a choice. In this episode, we sit down with Travis Smith—a national champion, resilient entrepreneur, and man of faith—to unpack a journey marked by setbacks, self-reflection, and spiritual grit.

From the locker room to the boardroom, Travis shares how losing a title led to gaining wisdom. We explore how he reimagined his future with a vision board and learned to pivot when life moved his cheese. This isn’t just about medals or milestones—it’s about who you become when the spotlight fades, the comparisons creep in, and the real work begins.

If you’ve ever hit a wall chasing success, felt crushed after doing the work, or wondered if your identity is tied too tightly to your achievements—this conversation is for you.

Travis reminds us that the gold isn’t the goal… faithfulness is.

And when you do your part, God gives the increase.

This week’s episode is titled: Overcoming Mental Burnout

Opening Hook: Imagine your iPhone in low power mode—screen dimmed, background apps paused, performance throttled. It’s not broken, just depleted. That’s burnout. And right now, it’s the #1 threat to mental health in leadership.

Why This Matters: Burnout isn’t just tiredness—it’s emotional and mental exhaustion. It’s disengaging from what you love, snapping at those you care about, and wondering, “Is this really me?” It’s a silent epidemic affecting leaders, parents, spouses, and teams. And it’s showing up in stress, anxiety, depression, strained marriages, family tension, grief, and loneliness.

Today’s Guest: Joining me is Steve, a leader who’s walked through burnout and come out stronger. He’s built teams, hired over 1,000 people, and learned how to lead with influence—not just authority. His keynote, The Intersection of Leadership & Mental Health, is reshaping how we think about performance and soul care.

What We’ll Explore:

Steve’s Wisdom:

“My greatest happiness is being able to control my day. I’ve built non-negotiables into my life—taking my kid to school, working out, connecting over coffee. That’s how I invest in my soul.”

Final Thought: 68% of leaders have never been trained for their job. No one’s coming with a script. Leadership is learned in the trenches—through presence, awareness, and influence. And today, we’re going to help you find your center line… so you don’t end up in the ditch.

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn 

Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn

Podcast Sponsor: CCB Technology – #1 Managed Services Provider (MSP) for Nonprofits & SMBs for 34 Years! 

What does it take to walk away from the corporate fast track and build something that truly matters? Today’s guest, Steve Baue, did just that—trading in boardrooms and burnouts for impact, innovation, and meaning.

After two decades of chasing traditional success, Steve had a moment of radical clarity: he’d been living someone else’s plan. So he rewrote his own. With his wife by his side, he invested everything they had into Employee Resource Center (ERC), a mental health benefits company based in Wisconsin.

Ten years later, Steve has not only led ERC in transforming over 200,000 lives—he’s also scaled the company’s reach, quadrupled its margins, and earned a reputation for operational excellence and human-first leadership. His vision has helped set new standards in virtual mental health care, trust-centered systems, and leadership culture.

Oh—and did we mention? He’s also a Wisconsin Titan 100 award winner, recognized as one of the region’s most accomplished and influential leaders in business.

In this conversation, we talk about courage, clarity, and the decision to build a business around what matters most.

You’re about to hear how one leader found his purpose—and is helping thousands more find theirs.