What difference does faith make when leaders face the highs and lows of entrepreneurship? In this episode, Ann sits down with Dr. Brett Smith—professor at Miami University’s Farmer School of Business and founding director of the L.I.F.E. program (Leading the Integration of Faith & Entrepreneurship).

Brett shares how his own college story fuels his passion for equipping students to live out their faith in business, why identity can be more vulnerable in seasons of success than failure, and how rhythms of rest and resilience help leaders stay grounded. He also unpacks insights from global research on faith-driven entrepreneurship and where this growing movement is headed next.

Whether you’re leading a startup, a team inside a corporation, or simply seeking to bring your whole self to work, this conversation will encourage you to anchor your identity in Christ and see entrepreneurship through a bigger lens.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why identity in Christ steadies leaders through both wins and setbacks

• How success can be spiritually riskier than failure—and what to do about it

• The role of “permission” in creating space to think, rest, and reset

• What global research reveals about faith-driven entrepreneurs

• Where the integration of faith and business is growing worldwide
  

Links & Resources:

📘 Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

📘 Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller

📱 Hallow App – prayer and meditation app

🌐 Praxis – redemptive entrepreneurship community

🌐 Ocean Programs – faith-driven founder accelerator

🌐 Faith Driven Entrepreneur / Faith Driven Investor

🌐 Sovereign’s Capital and 11 Tribes Ventures – faith-aligned investment funds

Connect with Ann:

💻 anneileenthompson.com

🌐 Connect with Ann on LinkedIn

📘 Join the Faith at Work Book Launch Team: Sign up here 📅 Book a Coaching Consultation

Let’s Stay Connected: If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a friend, leave a review, or reach out. We’d love to hear what resonated with you.