What happens when faith, engineering, and innovation come together to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges?

On this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Greg Bixler, PhD, PE, Co-Founder and CEO of Design Outreach.

After witnessing extreme poverty firsthand in Central Asia, Greg realized he could use his background in engineering to help alleviate suffering and create sustainable solutions for communities around the world.

From reliable water systems to medical technology, Greg shares his journey, lessons from failure, the challenges of leadership, and how faith continues to shape his work.

His work has taken him to over 30 countries across five continents, and his story is a powerful reminder that our skills and passions can be used to make a meaningful impact.

Tune in to hear this inspiring conversation about faith, innovation, leadership, and engineering hope!

#UpNextPodcast #DesignOutreach #Engineering #Innovation #FaithAndWork

In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Floyed Mabasa of Triga Ventures in Stellenbosch, South Africa, to explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, faith, discipleship, and the Kingdom of God.

Floyed shares how his journey through Campus Outreach shaped his approach to mentoring entrepreneurs and why he believes Christian entrepreneurs have an important role to play in restoring human dignity through meaningful work and economic opportunity. Tommy and Floyed also discuss the changing role of technology and AI, the influence of Silicon Valley, and the importance of building businesses that are rooted in the cultures and communities they serve.

The conversation goes deeper into the challenges of money, power, success, and insecurity, and why discipleship and genuine relationships are essential for entrepreneurs who want to lead faithfully. They also explore what it means for people from outside Africa to partner with local entrepreneurs with humility, patience, and a willingness to listen.

Tune in now to hear how faith-driven entrepreneurs can build for good, lead with humility, and use their work to contribute to the flourishing of others.

What happens when we take a fresh look at the women of Scripture?

In this week's episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Joyce Dalrymple and Ingrid Faro to discuss their book, Redeeming Eden: How Women in the Bible Advance the Story of Salvation, and the often-overlooked women whose faith and courage helped shape God’s redemptive story.

They explore how Hebrew language, historical context, and deeper study of Scripture can reveal perspectives we may have missed, including fresh insights into Eve, Tamar, Rahab, and Bathsheba. They also discuss the power of collaboration, the importance of recognizing the dignity and gifts of both women and men, and the recurring theme of God’s “great reversal” throughout Scripture.

Listen in for a thoughtful conversation about Scripture, faith, and seeing the stories of women in the Bible with fresh eyes!

In this episode of UpNext, our host Tommy Lee sits down with Dr. James Borishade, CEO of Circle Urban Ministries and author of Connecting Across Differences, for a conversation about faith, leadership, failure, reflection, and learning to understand people who are different from us.

James shares how a professor taught him not simply what to think, but how to think, a lesson that has shaped how he leads his family, ministry, and organization. They discuss failing forward, immigrant family expectations, self-reflection, leadership, cultural differences, and the importance of understanding someone’s story.

Together, Tommy and James explore how the way we think shapes the way we lead, connect, and serve others, and why learning to ask better questions can transform our relationships and communities.

In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Heather Trumpfheller, Chief Community Officer at Switchboard, to explore how God uses every season of our lives to prepare us for His purposes.

Heather shares her journey from broadcast journalism and the corporate world to encountering Christ during the pandemic, discovering her calling, and helping believers use their professional skills to advance the Great Commission. Together, they discuss why careers are often more like a jungle gym than a ladder, how faithfulness matters more than achievement, and what it means to live with enough margin to be "interruptible" by God.

They also talk about mentorship, women in leadership, global perspectives on faith and work, and how every believer, whether an accountant, designer, entrepreneur, or stay-at-home parent, has a unique role to play in God's Kingdom.

Whether you're discerning your next step, feeling stuck in your career, or wondering how your work fits into God's mission, this conversation will encourage you to see your vocation through a Kingdom lens.

Politics can feel exhausting, divisive, and overwhelming. As Christians, should we engage, or step away entirely?

In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with political scholar and author David Koyzis to explore what faithful citizenship looks like in today's polarized world. Drawing from his book Citizenship Without Illusions, David shares why political ideologies often become idols, how Christians can engage politics without becoming cynical, and why lasting change often begins in our local communities.

Whether you're passionate about politics or prefer to avoid it altogether, this conversation offers a biblical perspective on navigating disagreement, serving your neighbors, and keeping your ultimate allegiance to the Kingdom of God.

Interested in exploring these ideas further? Check out David Koyzis' latest book, Citizenship Without Illusions: A Christian Guide to Political Engagement. Available from InterVarsity Press.

What happens when achieving success is no longer enough?

In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Dr. Vinh Chung, Founding Physician, Mohs Surgeon, and Dermatologist at Vanguard Skin Specialists, to explore his remarkable journey from escaping Vietnam as a refugee to becoming a Harvard graduate, physician, entrepreneur, and leader.

Dr. Chung shares how acts of generosity transformed his life, why success without purpose ultimately falls short, and how leadership begins by understanding what makes us truly human. Together, they discuss faith, work, parenting, identity, World Vision, and why the greatest leaders are driven not by achievement, but by a calling to serve.

In this conversation, you'll discover:- How a refugee journey shaped a lifetime of purpose- Why achievement alone never satisfies- The leadership lesson that changed his medical practice- How to build teams through trust instead of fear- Raising children to live with compassion and courage- Moving from success to significance

Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, ministry worker, or simply asking what comes after success, this conversation offers timeless wisdom on living a life that truly matters.

In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Nicholas Skytland, Vice President of AI at Gloo, and Former Chief Technologist at NASA, to discuss the future of artificial intelligence through a Christian lens.

Together, they explore Gloo's groundbreaking Flourishing AI research, the opportunities and challenges AI presents for churches, and why technology should never replace authentic relationships or spiritual formation.

Whether you're a ministry leader, entrepreneur, technologist, or simply curious about AI, this conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating an increasingly digital world with biblical conviction.

In this episode:

• Nicholas's transition from NASA to Gloo
• The Christian perspective behind Flourishing AI
• AI's strengths and its limitations
• Technology, discipleship, and human flourishing
• How churches can faithfully engage emerging technology

In this week's episode of UpNext with Tommy Lee, guest host Bob Doll, President, CEO & CIO of Crossmark Global Investments, sits down with Ram Gidoomal, entrepreneur, humanitarian, author of My Silk Road, and Chairman of the External ESG Advisory Board at SHEIN.

From becoming a refugee twice to leading global businesses and serving the worldwide Church, Ram shares the lessons that shaped his extraordinary journey. Together, Bob and Ram discuss faith, resilience, leadership, entrepreneurship, and how God uses every chapter of our lives for His purpose.

One of Ram's guiding principles says it all:

"Never let what you can't do stop you from doing what you can."

If you're looking for encouragement to lead with courage, live with purpose, and trust God through every season, this conversation is for you.

#UpNextPodcast #TommyLee #BobDoll #RamGidoomal #Leadership #FaithAtWork #ChristianLeadership

In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Leisle Chung, CEO of Vanguard Skin Specialists, to explore faith, leadership, purpose, and what it means to build an integrated life. A Yale graduate, who studied theology at the University of Edinburgh, earned her MBA from Harvard Business School, and spent nearly a decade at Bain & Company, Leisle shares how God has shaped her journey through business, family, and leadership. Together, they discuss the importance of Sabbath, building a mission-driven organization, leading with integrity, and pursuing success that points to God's glory.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or simply seeking to live out your faith more intentionally, this conversation offers practical wisdom and lasting encouragement!