The Leading Lounge

Nathan is the Senior Director, Financial Institutions Strategic Partner Management for Heartland Payment Systems. His leadership path, however, was anything but conventional. The son of a Community College President, Nathan chose to attend Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Clown College after graduating high school (yes, you read that right). After spending a few years as a circus clown, he went into food distribution sales and spent several years as an entrepreneur in North Carolina. He found himself chasing money and success and experienced a crisis where he nearly lost his family in pursuit of professional goals. A wise and thoughtful leader, Nathan talks about his journey to success, his relationship with God, and how he now leads from a place of identity in God rather than his paycheck or title.

Kurt Mueller is a Chaplain (Colonel) in the Hawaii National Guard. He has also served as a Finance & HR Officer with the Army on Active Duty and in the Reserves. A veteran of multiple combat deployments, Kurt is a living example of what trusting God with your life looks like, through all its unexpected twists and turns. As his military career winds down, he took his first pastorate of a church in Pensacola, FL. If you're struggling with God's will and direction for your life, and how to respond to it, listen to Kurt. He's also a great storyteller and easy to listen to!

Paul Stallsworth is a faithful, committed, and principled leader. After serving in New York City with Richard Neuhaus for 6.5 years, Paul founded LifeWatch. LifeWatch is a pro-life witness dedicated to the importance of issues surrounding the sanctity of life and human sexuality. Paul has also served for decades as a minister with the United Methodist Church. Paul provides excellent and God-honoring insight into bring unity into division and thoughtfulness into your leadership role. More info about LifeWatch can be found at www.lifewatch.org

After working in architecture, Justin moved into the film industry about 12 years ago. He currently works as an Art Director and has worked on projects such as Gran Turismo, Black Adam, First Man, Obi Won Kenobi, Tenet, and many others. He also owns his own independent film company (www.alchemyset.com). In this interview, he opens up about leading different teams of people on different projects and in very fluid, high-stress environments. He is a thoughtful, humble, wise, and transparently reflective leader.  

Joey Greer is the Co-Owner & President of Mailbox Project in the Metro Atlanta, GA area. Joey's father started the business in 1996 and died tragically and unexpectedly in 2020. Joey and his sister immediately took the reigns of the company and in the past 2 years have doubled the company's size and number of employees. A thoughtful leader with wisdom beyond his years, Joey shares wisdom and insight which will especially help small business owners and leaders.

David Mann recently retired from over 34 years of service in the United States Army Reserves. He served as a Commander with both Special Forces and Special Ops. A combat veteran and Airborne Jumpmaster, COL Mann's wisdom is rooted in seasoned experience and significant education and self-reflection. I served for 2 years as his chaplain and am a personal beneficiary of his exemplary leadership. 

Brodie Cooper is the Executive Director for Blast & Cast Ministries. Blast & Cast seeks to reach outdoorsmen with the Gospel of Jesus by bringing it to where they are: the outdoors. Brodie led as a volunteer for 15 years before being paid for his role. A fascinating and thoughtful leader, Brodie shares his wisdom about leading a diverse group of people, a growing organization, and how to affirm, support, and bring out the best in your people. More information can be found at blastandcast.org

Carlos currently serves as the HHC First Sergeant for the 7th Psychological Operations Group. He joined the Army in 2004, completed the Ranger Indoctrination Program, and served with the 75th Ranger Regiment. He is a veteran of multiple deployments and has served in both Active Duty and the Army Reserves. An amazing leader, he shares lessons learned from Ranger School and both his Active & Reserve experience. Leaders from any walk of life can learn from listening to this episode.

David Gomez serves as the District Superintendent for the Alliance South Central. He oversees 50 churches spread over 4 states, including Texas. He previously served as a pastor in South Texas for 20 years. He is a visionary who loves to be with the people he leads. He is always thoughtful, insightful, and full of wisdom. Find out more about David and the ASC at www.alliancesouthcentral.com

Jeremy & Javonna are a married couple who have been working at Chick-Fil-A for almost 25 years. Javonna is the Operating Partner for two stores and Jeremy runs one of those stores. Altogether, they lead 170 team members. They not only have to deliver high quality products in fast-paced customer service environment, but they also have to communicate with and support their employees. Since they are married, we dove into effective interpersonal communication and a healthy work-life balance. They are always encouraging, full of insight, and have cultivated a great atmosphere.