Faith Ventures welcomes Dean Zarras, serial entrepreneur and the Founder-CEO of ClearFactor. Join us for a fascinating discussion about the "hockey stick" effect in societal progress and the crucial role of cultural respect and innovation. The conversation touches on thought-provoking books, the misconceptions about markets, sharing ideas within our church communities, Artificial Intelligence, and truth-seeking. Dean emphasizes the importance of courage, shares his career journey from software development to Wall Street, and recounts the founding of ClearFactor as the outgrowth of a decade's worth of work. He also reflects on the influence of faith on his professional life and the challenges of balancing courage with respect for others. Throughout the episode, Dean provides personal anecdotes and wisdom gained from his remarkable career path, including lessons learned in the liberty movement, AI "hallucinations," and the inspiring ways in which faith has guided his entrepreneurial ventures.

Faith Ventures welcomes Ryan Paterno, Vice President of Facilities at EOS Fitness, to unpack what it means to be a manager led by the spirit of God. Ryan brings a remarkable blend of career experience and faith-based leadership to the table. From his beginnings in retail and property management to his current role overseeing operations at one of the largest corporately owned fitness companies in the U.S., Ryan's journey is a testament to the power of servant leadership and radical candor. Ryan shares invaluable insights into balancing company operations with genuine customer feedback, a practice rooted in his extensive background in sales and member-facing roles. He recounts his personal experiences to illustrate the importance of responsiveness and treating customers with Christ-like love. Ryan also opens up about his progression from a volunteer role to Church Administrator, and how his faith has guided him through various leadership positions at his church and at EOS.

We’ll dive deep into his belief in universal leadership principles, demonstrating how skills and lessons learned in one sphere can seamlessly apply to another, whether it's managing a team during a crisis or setting up systems that empower others to succeed independently. Ryan also stresses the importance of radical candor, servant leadership, and using one's strengths across different industries to create a cohesive, high-functioning team. Moreover, he draws from biblical parables and figures to emphasize accountability, integrity, and the practical application of faith in leadership. Join us as we explore how Ryan's commitment to "Love God, love people" translates into effective team dynamics and personal growth. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to improve your managerial skills, today's episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice, bound to resonate and inspire.

Faith Ventures welcomes Matthew Potter, co-founder of Pray.com, to explore the intersection of faith, technology, and entrepreneurship. They delve into the intricate journey behind the seemingly "overnight success" of Pray.com, which took nearly eight years to materialize, and how unconventional beginnings and innovative approaches fueled its growth. Matthew shares his compelling backstory, highlighting formative experiences with tech icon Steve Jobs and prior entrepreneurial ventures like HomeStack before founding Pray.com. The conversation emphasizes Pray.com's mission to create a legacy of helping others, focusing on expanding access to mental and spiritual health resources and deepening the global reach of Christian content. Listeners will gain insights into the meticulous research process that involved engaging thousands of religious leaders and congregants to understand their needs, leading to a robust platform that today boasts 152 million shares, 17 million downloads, and over 2.5 billion listening minutes. They’ll also hear about the app’s user-centered design, tools like the "mom test" for genuine feedback, and the drive to integrate technology for enhancing faith practices—particularly critical in regions with restricted access to religious content. Norman and Matthew also touch on the integration of scientific research in app development, the significance of building a strong company culture, and the ongoing challenge of balancing mission with profitable and purposeful growth. Tune in for an inspiring and informative episode, plus a special offer at the end!