Guest

Kerry O'Neill - Sports Ministry Leader & Faith in the Marketplace Advocate

Episode Overview

A powerful conversation exploring the intersection of faith, fear, and influence in everyday life. Kerry shares his journey from a broken home to finding faith through sports ministry, and how that shaped his understanding of living out Christian values in secular spaces.

Key Topics Discussed

Kerry's Background & Faith Journey

1. Grew up in small-town Iowa as the youngest of 10 children
2. Father left after 10 kids, creating a "father hunger" that influenced his spiritual journey
3. Found faith through Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in public high school
4. Initially attended for "free donuts and girls" but encountered personal, relational faith
5. Played college basketball on full scholarship
6. Spent 9 years in sports ministry with FCA in Houston, Texas

Faith in Education vs. The Workplace

1. Kerry's faith began in public school context, making it easier to see "church" outside traditional walls
2. Discussion of declining faith presence in UK schools (Church of England schools vs. modern secular education)
3. Universities offer more faith fellowship opportunities than high schools
4. The challenge of blending faith and work when not explicitly encouraged

Gratitude & Personal Reflections

1. Kerry: Reconnecting with a friend after two years - the blessing of deep, lasting relationships
2. Simon: Trip to Florence, Italy with his wife Angela (who is questioning faith) - exposure to crucifixion imagery sparked conversation about Christ's personal sacrifice

Wrestling with Fear

1. Kerry's ongoing battle with fear and the question: "What would you do if you weren't afraid?"
2. Reading Mark Batterson's In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day
3. Most deathbed regrets are about what people didn't do, not what they did
4. Key insight: Courage only exists in the presence of fear - it's not fearlessness, but acting despite fear
5. Healthy vs. unhealthy fear: protection mechanism vs. controlling grip

Overcoming Fear Through Faith

1. Biblical examples: David vs. Goliath, Moses overcoming speech impediment, Daniel in the lion's den
2. Reference to Casting Crowns song "Crazy People" - those who do "crazy things" overcome fear through faith
3. The three Cs: Compassion → Courage → Confidence

Ministry &...

Guest

Claudine McDaniel - Founder of Beyond Conquerors, Inc., author of More Than Conquerors, and immigrant from Togo who came to the United States with only $13. She empowers women through education, training, and employment opportunities while serving her community through faith-based nonprofit work.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Simon welcomes Claudine McDaniel to discuss trusting God through the darkest seasons of business. Claudine shares her powerful journey from immigrating with $13 to founding a nonprofit that has fed 9,000 meals to families in need. The conversation covers surrendering control to God, recognizing spiritual attacks during breakthrough moments, discerning true opportunities from distractions, and the critical importance of prayer as a business strategy.

Key Topics Discussed Surrendering Control to the Holy Spirit

1. The challenge of letting go when you want to control your business
2. Discerning between your own voice and God's leading
3. God's plans are often different than what we envision
4. The importance of spending time in prayer before each week begins
5. Putting your business plans into God's hands daily

Navigating Dark Seasons in Business

1. The Peter Principle: Keeping your eyes on Jesus, not the storm
2. When Peter looked at Jesus, he walked on water
3. When he focused on the storm, he began to sink
4. Dark places are often preparation for God's breakthrough
5. The enemy attacks hardest when you're closest to your destiny
6. God does His best work in the darkness
7. Stay in prayer until you hear from Him—even when it's difficult

Personal Journey: From $13 to Beyond Conquerors

1. Receiving Christ at age 13 as a sick child in Togo
2. Trusting God completely when immigrating with only $13
3. Spending 7 years earning a bachelor's degree in accounting
4. God's call to start a nonprofit instead of a lucrative accounting business
5. Operating from personal savings for 4 years without pay
6. Receiving prophetic word: "You are pregnant" → giving birth to the education program

The Enemy's Strategy Against Business Owners

1. Satan wants to make God's people liabilities, not blessings
2. He attacks to prevent you from being respected and effective
3. He wants to delay your breakthrough and make you give up

Guest

Herbert Addison Burns (Herb) - Faith-based business consultant and former prison chaplain from Northeast Ohio who helps business owners align their practices with biblical principles.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Simon welcomes Herb Burns to discuss how to run a business according to Holy Scripture. Herb shares practical wisdom on integrating biblical principles into everyday business decisions, from employee relations to financial practices. The conversation covers meditation on Scripture, dealing with grief through faith, breaking worldly business habits, and finding God's guidance in both personal and professional challenges.

Key Topics Discussed

Scripture Retention & Meditation

1. Practical tip: Cut out distractions (turn off the radio) to focus on the Holy Spirit
2. Psalm 1:2
3. The power of meditating on God's word day and night
4. Don't just read Scripture—digest it and allow it to enter your inner being
5. Meditation removes anxiety, stress, and lower emotions

Personal Journey: Faith Through Loss

1. Herb shares his experience losing his youngest son nearly three years ago
2. Joshua 1:9
3. God's promise of strength and courage through challenges
4. The story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 5) and remembering the positive
5. Turning to God for strength in both personal life AND business

Common Business Pitfalls

Habits and Traditions vs. Biblical Principles:

1. "At-will" employment contracts and biblical oppression
2. Ephesians
3. No respect of persons (treating all employees equally)
4. The "good old boy network" and partial treatment
5. Leaning on your own understanding vs. seeking God's wisdom

Biblical Business Practices

1. Pull underperforming employees aside privately (show mercy like Christ)
2. Give people a chance to improve before reprimanding
3. Pray for the wisdom of Solomon when facing difficult decisions
4. Recognize when God's voice comes through others as an act of mercy

The Danger of Pride in Business

1. Proverbs 3:5
2. "Lean not on your own understanding"
3. Proverbs 28:25-26
4. Trusting your own heart makes you a fool

In this episode of the 'Business As A Christian' podcast, host Simon Meadows speaks with Wez Hone, a leading Australian thinker on faith in business. Wez elaborates on his journey from building and selling nine companies to founding Kingdom Business Global, an organisation supporting Kingdom entrepreneurs.

The discussion highlights the importance of integrating faith into business practices, understanding spiritual warfare in the marketplace, and the concept of Christians in business acting as full-time ministers. Wez also shares the significance of the Kingdom Business Summit, emphasising the role of business in serving God's Kingdom beyond just financial contributions.

Finally, they explore practical steps listeners can take to align their business decisions with their faith.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:19 Meet Wez Hone: A Leading Faith in Business Thinker

01:10 Wez's Journey and Vision for Kingdom Business

02:38 Personal Reflections and Christian Journey

03:46 The Birth of Kingdom Business Global

05:35 Simon’s Personal Story and Church Involvement

09:09 Wez's Early Life and Move to Australia

10:39 Discovering Faith and Starting a Training Academy

12:11 Challenges and Rewards of Following God's Plan

14:47 Integrating Faith and Business

22:57 The Spiritual Battle We Face

24:09 Understanding Dominion and Authority

24:59 Engaging in Spiritual Warfare

28:06 Practical Applications for Business

31:22 The Role of Business in God's Kingdom

35:28 Kingdom Business Summit in Nashville

39:34 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

44:57 Closing Prayer and Farewell

Let’s Connect:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wezhone/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wezhone

Website: https://kingdombusiness.global/

Living a life filled with joy through the spirit of God is like discovering a wellspring of happiness that never runs dry. When we serve the Lord, we find fulfilment beyond measure. Every act of kindness, every moment of service, brings a deep sense of joy, knowing that we are aligning ourselves with God's purpose for our lives. It is not just about what we do but the attitude with which we do it, knowing that we are spreading love and joy in the world.

In this episode, Troy Bravenboer and I discuss the power of living and doing business with the joy of God’s Spirit in us. Troy Bravenboer is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and president of Brave Freight. He previously worked as a Marketing rep at Vivint and attended River Bible Institute.

In the episode, you will understand that trusting in God and living for Him extends beyond the walls of our churches and into every facet of our lives, including our businesses. When we prioritise God in our dealings, we find that doors open, opportunities arise, and success follows. This is not just luck or coincidence but a direct result of God's favour and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The joy of the Lord truly becomes our strength, and inner joy springs forth from a life lived in alignment with the spirit of God.

Let’s jump in!

[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Troy Bravenboer

[01:55] About Troy's backstory and what he does in his space

[03:13] Ministry and business breakthrough Troy is grateful for

[13:20] Troy’s outstanding times of spiritual growth

[21:47] The ripple effects of Troy relying on God to make decisions

[36:39] Scenarios that God has made Troy laugh

[49:06] Wrap up and call to action

• Sometimes, the best way to make decisions is to use the word of God.
• The joy of the Lord is our strength.
• Inner joy comes from the inside, the spirit of God.
• Over 70% of Americans are taking antidepressants or mental health medications in one form or another. It is the joy that comes from the Lord that can heal us.

1. https://revivaltoday.com/
2. Six Steps to Excellence In Ministry by Kenneth Copeland: https://www.amazon.com/Steps-Excellence-Ministry-Kenneth-Copeland/dp/1575621045
3. The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence: https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Presence-God-Brother-Lawrence/dp/0883681056/
4. Good Morning, Holy Spirit by Benny Hinn: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Morning-Holy-Spirit-Benny/dp/0785261265

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troybrave/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troybrave/

Sometimes, it may seem easy, but balancing faith and business can be very challenging, and navigating this intersection with wisdom is essential. Building your business on a solid foundation that reflects your values and principles is critical. Pursuing your entrepreneurial goals with dedication and diligence while staying true to your beliefs is important for every Christian business owner. However, it's equally important to draw a clear boundary between your faith and business pursuits. Avoid conflating the two to maintain integrity, focus, and success within each domain. Let your business thrive independently to create opportunities to help others and make a difference in line with your faith. By striking a balance between faith and business, you can navigate challenges with grace and achieve both professional success and personal fulfillment.

In this episode with Jasen Arias, we discuss the powerful intersection of faith and business. Jasen shares insightful strategies on how business owners can effectively harness their faith to drive success in their business. With over a decade of entrepreneurial experience and a strong foundation rooted in his own faith, Jasen provides practical advice on maintaining integrity, setting boundaries, and navigating challenges while staying true to one's beliefs. Whether it's leveraging expertise, creating opportunities, building meaningful connections, or fostering a culture of innovation, Jasen's wisdom offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs seeking to align their faith with their business pursuits.

Jasen is an accomplished entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in operations, marketing, and product management. As a co-founder of Go Big Formula, he helps experts and entrepreneurs build their "Abundant Lifestyle" businesses by leveraging their expertise and voice. Passionate about generating leads, growing audiences, and increasing impact, Jasen is also an audience growth strategist, assisting clients in reaching and engaging their ideal customers across various platforms. Known for his visionary leadership and problem-solving skills, Jasen's journey showcases his ability to innovate and take calculated risks. From tripling sales averages at photography studios to coaching prominent figures like Lisa Nichols and Grant Cardone, Jasen continues to make a significant impact in the business world, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.

Let’s jump in!

[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Jasen Arias

[03:03] About Jasen's backstory and his pursuit of success

[09:43] The rule of 3 when rescuing a dog

[11:13] How to be an employer and set the right expectations

[13:38] What Jasen is grateful for from the past weeks

[15:58] How to create more opportunities as an entrepreneur

[19:02] What Jasen has found working with Christian speaker entrepreneurs

[22:41] Storytelling: How you can be a great speaker

[29:30] About Go Big Formular and what they offer

[33:43] What is lacking in coaching and how Jasen is bridging the gap

[36:30] Takeaways on how business owners can harness their faith and business

[40:20] How to reach out, connect, or learn more about Jasen

[41:06] Wrap up and call to action

• Before you start your own podcast, be a guest on 100 other podcasts and promote your podcast.
• As a business owner and entrepreneur, you have to create your own opportunities.
• You have to create opportunities to find opportunities.
• When starting any kind of small business, you have to identify who your ideal audience is and where they are in their journey.
• Start your business and be successful with it to create the freedom you need to help...

Life is never linear, especially for believers. There will be ups and downs along the way. Jesus Himself told us that in this world, we will have trouble (John 16:33). Such tests, however, are necessary for our faith's growth and to show God that we are mature enough to be entrusted with greater blessings. Many believers, especially Christian entrepreneurs, are unaware that such testing can be a blessing prerequisite, opening more doors for business growth and networking. However, testing is only a blessing when you see yourself improving your character. You will never really know who you are, your level of happiness, or your maturity in your comfort area. Testing comes to expose yourself and let you gauge where you are. How you deal with those challenges and trust the Lord matters.

In this episode with Paul Aragones, we discuss trusting the Lord more during challenging times and using them to draw closer to Him and receive blessings. With over a decade of ministry and coaching experience, Paul Aragones shares insights. He spent eight years as a missionary and life coach for Cru, a campus ministry, mentoring young people about life and love for Jesus. Additionally, he served as a youth leader for four years in his church in the Philippines, guiding youth towards Jesus.

Recently, Paul transitioned into marriage coaching, specializing in mixed couples, aiding them in reducing stress and toxicity and nurturing more peaceful and intimate marriages. Paul, who is Asian, is married to Stephanie, who is Caucasian. Two of their children were born in China, while their daughter was born in Germany.

Let’s jump in!

[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Paul Kristian Aragones

[02:35] Paul’s completed eBook and a marriage masterclass that he is grateful for

[07:07] Paul’s journey of faith and his blend into business as a marriage coach

[12:02] Paul’s experience with God’s testing as a prerequisite for greater blessing

[17:34] Something Paul has recently had to do differently in business as a Christian

[28:17] Golden takeaways Paul shares from his experience in Christianity and business

[34:19] Words of encouragement from Paul that you can start implementing today

[36:38] Wrap up and call to action

• The wheel of life is about testing and blessing.
• Every testing you have as a believer gives you the grace for another level.
• Sometimes, when you are being tested, you feel as if the test is a blessing.
• Testing is only a blessing when you see yourself improving your character.

Booking a Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/p-aragones/clarity-call-with-paul

Seven Secrets to a Toxic-Free and Peaceful Marriage: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGBTw8tWSY/EjS3ddc9PSV2JfKR5bQgsQ/view?utm_content=DAGBTw8tWSY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

Christians are often pressured to make tough decisions, especially in business or corporate settings. Sometimes, these decisions may compromise the values of one's faith. As an entrepreneur, you have likely faced such dilemmas. Did you allow the Holy Spirit to guide your decision-making, or did you compromise to avoid losing a deal or missing out on an opportunity? Taking it to the Lord in prayer is always beneficial. During meetings, it is also important not to rush. Don't hesitate to request more time for reflection and prayer.

In this episode with Neville Solomon, we discuss our journeys as Christians and entrepreneurs and how the two blend for holistic living. Neville Solomon is a certified Business Coach with Ologycoaching and a certified DISC practitioner passionate about helping Christians understand their behavioural style through coaching. He has the skills to support SMMEs with various system tools to assist them in their KPIs and systems.

Let’s jump in!

[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Neville Solomon

[01:22] Neville’s background and a bit of what he does in his space

[05:00] What Neville is grateful for from the previous week

[07:00] His exposure to God & Christianity before giving his life to Christ at the age of 48

[12:47] Why do believers always struggle & non-believers always have good things in life

[18:20] Something Neville has had to question recently from a Christian standpoint

[26:50] Golden takeaway Neville shares from his experience as a Christian entrepreneur

[30:47] Words of encouragement from Neville to other Christian entrepreneurs

[32:04] Wrap up and call to action

• Christians are always pressured in business, especially when making decisions.
• If you are not at peace in making a decision, always take it to God in prayer.
• Business is tough, and it may never work out as you wanted it to, but keep going. Always involve the Holy Spirit in what you do.

1. The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins: https://www.melrobbins.com/5secondrule

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neville-solomon-b4b39929/