Brandon Swoboda and Keisha Fowler are joined by industry leader Dr. Crystal Steen, Senior Vice President of Culture and Learning at Simmons Foods. In this compelling conversation, Crystal takes us on a journey spanning her upbringing on a Missouri family farm, her academic achievements, and her path through different industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and leadership development.

Together, they explore how faith and hard work have been central themes throughout Crystal’s life and career as she shares candid stories of navigating unexpected changes, trusting in God’s plans even when the next step isn’t clear, and witnessing the impact of living out faith in the workplace. You’ll hear how she avoided tying her identity to job titles and instead focused on being open to where God was leading her.

This episode also provides an insider’s look at the culture at Simmons Foods, where putting people first and supporting holistic well-being are top priorities. Additionally, Crystal and Keisha discuss how workplace culture is shaped not just by leadership, but by everyone who shows up and cares for their teammates.

Whether you’re a leader, team member, or just someone striving to integrate faith and purpose into your daily work, this conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice for creating positive change within any organization. Tune in to hear honest reflections on resilience, leadership, and the purpose of work in our lives!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

02:04 Crystal’s Background and Journey

09:36 Building Leadership Through Connection

16:36 Putting People First Holistically

21:31 Simmons Foods’ Culture of Caring

28:26 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Keisha Fowler

Workmatters

Dr. Crystal Steen

Simmons Foods

This week on The Workmatters Podcast we are joined by Manuel Barrantes, director of Spark Shopper Experience at Walmart, a United Nations Resolution Fellow, and a dedicated storyteller for the Workmatters Institute.

Growing up in Nicaragua, he was shaped by hardship and the belief that education and hard work could unlock a better future. Winning the Walton Family Scholarship changed everything, bringing him to the U.S. with zero English and opening the door to new opportunities and a transformative way of seeing faith. For Manuel, faith wasn’t just a set of rules; it evolved into a relationship, influencing how he leads at work and supports his family.

In this episode, Manuel talks about overcoming language barriers, adapting to new cultures, and the immense challenge of bringing his extended family to the States. He shares how launching multiple family businesses helped his loved ones find dignity and purpose in their new home, and how his experiences at Harding University helped re-frame his view of spirituality.

Moreover, you’ll hear candid discussions on balancing ambition with authenticity, learning from adversity, and stewarding resources to be a blessing to others. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, an established professional, or simply seeking inspiration, Manuel’s story is a testament to resilience, generosity, and transforming work into worship!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

05:42 Growing Up in Church of Christ

07:22 Finding Faith in New Perspectives

13:40 Supporting His Sister with a Food Truck

17:22 Growth Through Trusted Leadership

22:53 Why Energy Matters in Relationships

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Darrel Harvey

Workmatters

Manuel Barrantes

Workmatters Institute

Walmart

Welcome to The Workmatters Podcast! Our host Brandon Swoboda is joined by Donnie Smith, a longtime friend, mentor, and the former CEO of Tyson Foods, now leading impactful work as the chairman of the African Sustainable Agricultural Project. Donnie’s story is one of authentic faith in action, from his early career days on chicken farms to leading one of America’s largest food companies, and now empowering communities in Rwanda.

In this conversation, Donnie opens up about how faith became real in his work life, learning to lead with integrity and compassion, and the deeply practical ways he lived out his beliefs, like having a Bible on his desk and taking time to know and care for the people he worked with. Together, Brandon and Donnie talk about what it’s really like for your faith to be tested, not just in church, but in the rough and tumble of daily work, business setbacks, and high-stakes leadership.

Donnie also shares his passion for Africa, where he’s building sustainable food systems that bring hope and dignity to those living on less than a dollar a day. Whether you’re new to your career or a seasoned leader wondering how your faith can shape your work, Donnie’s insights into honoring God with excellence, building up others, and blooming where you’re planted are sure to inspire and challenge you!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

04:57 Leadership and Responsibility in the Workplace

11:56 Faith Challenges in Leadership Transitions

16:55 Experiencing Faith Being Challenged at Church

20:22 God’s New Assignment for You

26:59 Building Food Systems and Leaders

31:16 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Workmatters

Donnie Smith

African Sustainable Agriculture Project

Welcome to another episode of The Workmatters Podcast! This week, hosts Darrel Harvey and Brandon Swoboda sit down with Cheryl Bachelder, former CEO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and a leader with a remarkable track record across several iconic brands, including Chick-fil-A and Domino’s Pizza. Cheryl shares her journey from passionate leadership to discovering how deeply work matters to God, and how faith can fully integrate with professional life, no matter what industry you’re in.

She brings powerful insights on servant leadership, the importance of listening and caring, and the simple yet profound practice of joining God in the work right where you are. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a mentor, or just starting your career, Cheryl’s wisdom on purpose, calling, and creating a kingdom impact through everyday work will leave you inspired.

Plus, she touches on mentoring younger generations, the role of courage and humility, and why, no matter the cultural moment, our hope rests in God’s continuing work. Get ready for an uplifting and practical conversation about finding meaning, serving well, and flourishing at work!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

04:27 Exploring Work as a Divine Trust

08:36 Transforming Leadership Through Listening

11:12 Life’s Purpose: It’s Not About You

15:07 Faithful Action in Familiar Places

18:35 Mentoring Leaders Across Generations

21:36 Soul Health in Modern Times

28:25 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Darrel Harvey

Workmatters

Cheryl Bachelder

US Foods, Chick fil A Corporate

Hosts Keisha Fowler and Brandon Swoboda sit down with Dr. Libin Abraham, lead pastor of Bent Tree Bible Fellowship in Carrollton, Texas, for an inspiring conversation about how faith comes alive in the workplace. Drawing on his own journey from Kerala, India, to Texas and his deep experience in pastoral ministry, Dr. Abraham shares powerful insights into why our jobs are more than just places of employment; they are mission fields where faith is truly activated.

Together, they explore the shift from viewing work as simply a means to an end to understanding it as an opportunity for discipleship and worship. Dr. Abraham discusses the biblical foundation for marketplace ministry, the importance of seeing ourselves as sacred carriers of God’s presence at work, and the practical ways anyone can live out faith—even in places that feel more like Athens than Jerusalem. Whether you’re in an office, on a job site, or working from home, this episode is filled with real encouragement and practical wisdom for making every space sacred.

Tune in to discover how embracing holy discontent, listening well, and showing genuine care to those around you can transform your daily work into meaningful ministry!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

04:48 Representing Church Beyond Sundays

07:47 How Discipleship Includes Mission

11:27 Analyzing Workplace Brokenness and Hope

14:04 An Athens vs. Jerusalem Mentality

19:15 Embracing an Exilic Identity

26:11 Viewing the Workplace as a Mission Field

30:36 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Keisha Fowler

Workmatters

Dr. Libin Abraham

Bent Tree Bible Fellowship

Welcome to another episode of The Workmatters Podcast! In this episode, Brandon Swoboda and Darrel Harvey sit down with Alex Fittin, an Enneagram coach and trainer whose passion is helping individuals, teams, and organizations thrive by understanding the core motivations that drive us. Drawing from her trauma-informed practice, Alex shares how the Enneagram goes below the surface of what we do to uncover why we do it, and how this deeper self-awareness can foster more effective, resilient, and faith-anchored workplaces.

Alex opens up about her journey from being a people person to becoming an expert in interpersonal communication, adoption advocacy, and trauma support. She unpacks the holistic approach of the Enneagram, how it differs from other personality systems, and why understanding your true self is essential for both personal growth and organizational health. 

Whether you’re new to the Enneagram or a seasoned enthusiast, Alex offers practical insights on integrating faith and work, embracing your unique God-given design, and building sustainable, purpose-driven teams. Tune in to discover how the Enneagram can transform the way you see yourself and those around you—at work, at home, and in your community!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

04:36 Enneagram Coaching for Healing Trauma

06:26 Embracing Unique Strength with the Enneagram

12:43 A Holistic Approach to Personal Growth

22:27 Embracing the Peacemaker’s Journey

29:53 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Darrel Harvey

Workmatters

Alex Fittin

Gap Relief

Welcome to another episode of The Workmatters Podcast! In this episode, our hosts Keisha Fowler, Darrel Harvey, and Brandon Swoboda sit down for an honest conversation about one of the most influential forces in our lives: the stories we tell ourselves about work. Starting from ancient narratives in Genesis, they dive into how our work stories shape our attitudes, relationships, and sense of purpose in the workplace, often without us even realizing it.

Together, they explore common half-truths we believe about work, like “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” or “work is something to get through before life starts,” and wrestle with how these narratives affect not just our own well-being but also our interactions with coworkers and teams. Drawing from faith, personal experience, and thought-provoking quotes, the hosts challenge us to rethink where our stories about work begin, moving from a lens of brokenness and competition to one of creation, redemption, and renewal.

You’ll hear practical ideas on how to recognize unhealthy narratives, connect with mentors who model joy and purpose, and build reminders into your daily life that help you see work as a meaningful, eternal collaboration with God. Plus, the hosts share their favorite books, coffee habits, and local activities, giving listeners a glimpse into their lives beyond the office.

Whether you’re in business, education, tech, or any field, this episode helps you reflect on your own work story and offers a fresh perspective to find fulfillment, impact, and faith in the work you do every day!

In this episode of The Workmatters Podcast we talk with Sheeba Philip, a dynamic leader whose passion for purpose-driven work is both inspiring and practical. Joined by hosts Brandon Swoboda and Darrel Harvey, the discussion delves deep into what it means to build organizations and lives centered around authenticity and impact.

Sheeba shares her journey, highlighting pivotal moments that shaped her philosophy on leadership and purpose. Drawing from personal experience, she offers valuable insights on how aligning business strategies with core values not only drives growth but also fosters long-term loyalty among both employees and customers. The conversation underscores that purpose is more than a buzzword; it’s a powerful catalyst for innovation and resilience in today’s ever-changing landscape.

Brandon, Darrel, and Sheeba explore the challenges organizations face when striving for authentic engagement and how transparent communication can bridge the gap between lofty mission statements and everyday operations. What stands out most in this episode is the emphasis on integrating purpose into every aspect of work. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned executive, Sheeba’s insights resonate, reminding us of the importance of staying true to our values even when the path isn’t always clear!

In this episode, host Brandon Swoboda sits down with Jordan Raynor, a bestselling author, speaker, and major voice in the faith and work movement. Jordan has inspired millions of Christians worldwide with books like The Sacredness of Secular Work, Redeeming Your Time, and The Creator in You, challenging believers to see their daily labor as integral to God’s greater story.

During their conversation, Jordan unpacks his own journey from successful tech entrepreneur and CEO to full-time writer and advocate for integrating faith with work. He recounts the pivotal moment when a mentor pushed him to rethink the division between secular and sacred, urging him to see entrepreneurship and business as a vital ministry. Together, Brandon and Jordan reflect on how scripture lays the foundation for embracing all kinds of work as sacred, not just traditional ministry roles.

Jordan shares practical stories from leading a tech company, wrestling with ethical versus redemptive business decisions, and becoming a parent who is intentional about discussing faith and work at home. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to turn your Monday-to-Friday grind into a God-honoring calling, or how you can model this mindset for your family, this episode offers encouragement and actionable insights. Get ready to challenge the idea of secular work, ignite a renewed sense of purpose in your career, and hear why showing up and being present in your workplace might be the most spiritual act of all!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

04:17 The Divine Purpose of Creation

07:57 Transforming Contractors to Employees

11:49 Choosing a Unique Path

17:26 Promoting Positivity About Work

23:37 Christian Approach to Goal Setting

26:02 Jesus: The Carpenter’s Purpose

27:23 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Workmatters

Jordan Raynor

Hosts Darrel Harvey and Brandon Swoboda are joined by Becky Shaffer, founder and executive director of Saving Grace NWA, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women who, like her, have faced unimaginable hardships.

In this heartfelt conversation, Becky shares her deeply personal story of growing up in the foster care system, navigating a difficult childhood marked by abuse, and ultimately finding healing through forgiveness and faith. Drawing from her own experiences, Becky reveals how her journey shaped the vision behind Saving Grace. Through safe relationships, coaching, and hands-on opportunities on a beautiful farm, Saving Grace offers its participants a path toward generational transformation and renewed hope.

Throughout the episode, Becky expands on how nature and simple rhythms, like time with animals or swinging beneath an old oak tree, play a role in healing. She discusses the dignity and purpose found in meaningful work, the importance of instilling grit and curiosity, and the need for both self-care and soul care for those on the front lines of ministry. Becky also reflects on her evolution as a leader, highlighting the value of humility, a teachable heart, and relying on a team whose strengths complement her own.

Whether you're seeking encouragement for your faith journey, inspiration to lead with compassion, or insight into the transformative work happening at Saving Grace, this conversation offers wisdom and hope. Stick around as we dive deep into stories of redemption, the power of mentorship, and what it truly means to trust God with the outcomes of our work!

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

05:49 Becky’s Forgiveness Journey

07:18 How Nature Heals Through Positive Experiences

12:37 Faith’s Growth and Challenges

14:46 Balancing Self-Care and Soul Care

16:33 The Unseen Strength of Homeless Women

21:32 From Naive Leader to Learner

24:16 Lifesaving Mentorship Bonds

26:31 Closing Thoughts

Links

Brandon Swoboda

Darrel Harvey

Workmatters

Becky Shaffer

Saving Grace, Inc.