Faith-Driven Leader

Hosted by Ann Eileen Thompson

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Jun 2026

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The FDL podcast equips and emboldens listeners to build a life and career on deep trust in our good Father God. I'm Ann Eileen Thompson. I find inspiration from incredible guests who are letting their faith drive their leadership in life, family, ministry, and the marketplace. We'll hear how Faith-Driven leaders navigate leadership decisions in a world where everyone seems to be deciding for themselves what’s “right.” We’ll be encouraged by their often unexpected career paths and how God has shown up when they most needed Him. Instagram | @anneileenthompson

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June 2, 2026Episode 6051 min

Trusting God When Your Life—and Career—Don’t Go as Planned with Debbie Simmons

What do you do when your life takes a turn you never would have chosen?In this episode, I sit down with Debbie Simmons—keynote speaker, bestselling author, and founder of Anchor Point—for a deeply honest conversation about trust, surrender, and what it looks like to follow God when your plans fall apart.Debbie’s story is powerful. From a successful career in engineering to walking through profound personal loss, to leading a multi-million dollar nonprofit and equipping leaders around the world—her journey is anything but linear.But that’s exactly what makes this conversation so relevant.Because so often, our careers don’t unfold the way we expected. And the real question becomes: how do we trust God with what we didn’t choose?If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or asked “why is this happening in my work or career?”—this conversation will meet you there.🔑 What We Talk AboutDebbie’s early career as a mechanical engineer—and the mindset that shaped her definition of successThe unimaginable loss that changed the direction of her life and callingWhy the question “why?” can keep us stuck—and what to ask insteadThe shift from surviving to thriving (and how to walk that out practically)How to trust God when your career path doesn’t make senseThe tension between control, hustle, and true trust in leadershipDebbie’s frameworks: Architecture of Trust™ and the role of trust under pressureWhy surrender, humility, and obedience are essential for growthHow your past experiences (even painful ones) shape your leadership and impactWhat it really means to build a legacy—starting right now🧠 Key Takeaways1. What got you here won’t get you there.Growth requires change. In your career and leadership, the habits and patterns that once worked may not be what God is asking you to carry forward.2. Stop asking “why”—start asking better questions.The question “why?” often keeps us stuck. Instead, ask:How do I survive this season?What’s my next best step?How might God be inviting me to thrive?3. Trust is revealed under pressure.We say we trust God—but pressure exposes what we actually rely on. Pay attention to your default response (control, hustle, avoidance) and begin making small shifts toward trust.4. Breathe—and take the next best step.You don’t need the full plan. Just the next step. God meets you in movement, not perfection.5. You leave a legacy by living one.Legacy isn’t something you build later. It’s shaped in how you live, lead, and trust God today.🔗 Resources & Links🌍 Learn more about Debbie’s ministry:Anchor Point: https://www.anchorpoint.us📘 Get Debbie’s book (FREE):The Heart of Legacy: https://www.theheartoflegacy.com🎤 Connect with Debbie (speaking, coaching, and leadership frameworks):https://thedebbiesimmons.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thedebbiesimmons/

May 5, 2026Episode 5950 min

Authentic Leadership: Purpose, Pressure, and the Work Behind the Scenes with Dan Owolabi

What if the moments that feel like detours in your career are actually the ones shaping you most?In this episode, I sit down with Dan Owolabi—CEO of Branch Leadership, leadership consultant, and author of Authentic Leadership—for a conversation that gets to the heart of what it really means to lead with authenticity.Dan brings both depth and practicality as we talk about how God uses every season (even the hard ones), why insecurity shows up more than we think in leadership, and how to navigate tension, conflict, and growth without losing yourself in the process.If you’ve ever felt like something is “off” in your work…or you’re being stretched in a way you didn’t expect…this conversation will meet you there.🔑 What We Talk AboutHow a basketball injury became a turning point in Dan’s identity and leadership journeyWhy insecurity is often the hidden driver behind leadership challengesHow to recognize your fears—and what they reveal about youThe concept of being a “velvet brick” (and why great leaders need both care and conviction)Navigating conflict through both invitation and challengeWhat to do when something feels off in your role or careerThe difference between “beef” and “baby” work—and why purpose mattersWhy authentic leadership starts with your backstage, not your front stageHow challenging yourself leads to deeper self-awareness and growth🧠 Key Takeaways1. Nothing is wasted. God uses every role, every season, and even the painful moments to shape you. The question is—are you paying attention to what He’s teaching you?2. Lead with both care and conviction. The best leaders are “velvet bricks.” They lead with empathy and relationship and are willing to challenge, correct, and call others forward.3. When something feels off—pause and realign. Don’t ignore that signal. Go back to purpose. Ask what’s shifted, and where God may be inviting you to adjust.4. Your backstage matters more than your front stage. Who you are when no one is watching shapes how you lead when everyone is.5. Growth requires intentional challenge. If you want to know yourself—and lead authentically—you have to be willing to stretch beyond what’s comfortable.🔗 Resources & Links📘 Get Dan’s book: Authentic Leadership🌍 Learn more about his work: Branches WorldwideBranches ConsultingDan Owolabi🎤 Global leadership development: Global Leadership Network

April 7, 2026Episode 5844 min

Courageous Obedience in a Non-Linear Career: A Conversation with Megan Milar

Careers rarely unfold in straight lines.Sometimes they look more like roller coasters—full of unexpected turns, bold decisions, and moments where the next step only becomes clear after we take it.In this episode of the Faith Driven Leader podcast, Ann Thompson sits down with Megan Milar, co-owner and COO of The Garage Group, to talk about what it looks like to follow God through a career that doesn’t follow the traditional script.Megan’s journey has included corporate work at Procter & Gamble, entrepreneurship, franchise ownership, living with her young family in India, launching a social enterprise, and eventually stepping into leadership at The Garage Group.What connects those chapters is a deep commitment to trusting God with the next step—even when the path isn’t clear.In this conversation, Ann and Megan explore how courage shows up in everyday leadership, why God often forms us through unexpected seasons, and what it means to move forward faithfully when life feels uncertain.In This EpisodeAnn and Megan discuss:Megan’s non-linear career journey, from P&G to entrepreneurship to leading The Garage GroupThe bold prayer that led Megan and her family to move to India with three young childrenHow God often uses unexpected seasons to shape our callingWhy courage isn’t about fearlessness—but about taking action in the presence of fearHow introverted leaders can build rhythms that protect energy and create space to rechargeThe importance of solitude, reflection, and listening to God’s directionWhat courage looks like in everyday life—from big career moves to simply showing up faithfully each dayThree Takeaways from This Conversation1. Courage often looks like faithfulness in the present moment.While planning matters, courage often means trusting God with what today brings rather than trying to control the entire path.2. Courage looks different for everyone.As Megan puts it, courage is like choosing a flavor of ice cream—there isn’t one right answer. The courageous step is simply the one God is inviting you to take today.3. God rarely wastes a chapter.What may look like a zigzag career path often becomes the very preparation God uses to shape our calling.Resources MentionedEntrepreneurs' Organization (EO)https://www.eonetwork.orgGallup (CliftonStrengths / StrengthsFinder)https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengthsDiSC Assessmenthttps://www.discprofile.comConnect with MeganLearn more about Megan and her work:LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganmilar/The Garage Group:https://www.thegaragegroup.comConnect with AnnIf this episode resonated with you and you’re navigating a career transition or leadership challenge, Ann would love to walk alongside you.Learn more about coaching or schedule a conversation:https://calendly.com/anneileenthompsoncoaching/executive-coaching-free-initial-consultation

March 3, 2026Episode 5750 min

Letting God Set the Pace: Calling, Seasons, and the Courage to Pause — A Conversation with Chuck Mingo

In this thoughtful return conversation, Ann sits down again with Chuck Mingo, teaching pastor at Crossroads Church, to explore what it looks like to follow God faithfully through seasons of transition—and to trust Him not just with direction, but with pace.Chuck reflects on his non-linear vocational journey, spanning the marketplace at Procter & Gamble, ministry leadership, nonprofit work as a co-founder of Undivided, and his return to the local church. Rather than framing these moves as a carefully plotted plan, Chuck shares how each season required surrender—sometimes of role, sometimes of title, and often of timing.Together, Ann and Chuck unpack the difference between calling and seasons, why God’s faithfulness doesn’t require rigid or linear career paths, and how discernment so often comes through slowing down rather than pushing ahead. This episode is especially encouraging for anyone feeling restless, uncertain, or quietly resistant to the pace God seems to be setting.🔑 Three Key Takeaways1️⃣ Your calling is bigger than your current season—and God doesn’t waste any of it. Calling is the through-line of how God has wired you; seasons are the assignments where that calling gets expressed. When a season shifts, it doesn’t mean you missed something—it often means God is still faithfully at work, using every chapter to form you.2️⃣ God is steady and faithful—and He invites us to hold our plans with open hands. God’s character doesn’t change, but the ways He leads us often surprise us. When we release the pressure to make everything linear or predictable, we create space to experience God’s faithfulness in deeper, more personal ways.3️⃣ God cares about the pace of your life—not just the direction. What feels like slowing down may actually be God’s kindness—protecting what matters most and shaping you for what’s ahead. Discernment often comes not through pushing harder, but through pausing long enough to let God lead the timing as well as the path.📚 Resources & MentionsUndivided — the nonprofit Chuck co-founded focused on racial healing and justiceKings and Priests— a book referenced in the conversation exploring leadership, authority, and vocationFaith at Work: A Practical Guide to Aligning Your Career with Who God Created You to Be by Ann Eileen Thompson🎧 Listen & Share If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with a friend or colleague who’s navigating a season of transition, restlessness, or discernment.Subscribe to Faith Driven Leader wherever you listen to podcasts—and keep leading with faith, clarity, and courage.

February 3, 2026Episode 5423 min

Who Is the Author of Your Career? A Faith-Driven Leader Reflection

In this solo episode of the Faith-Driven Leader Podcast, Ann Eileen Thompson invites you into a deeper question than career strategy or next steps:Who is actually authoring your career—you, or God?Drawing from her own winding professional journey—from early leadership roles, to Procter & Gamble, entrepreneurship, failure, rebuilding, and discernment—Ann reflects on how easily care for our work can turn into control, and what changes when we release authorship back to God.This episode isn’t about career advice or formulas. It’s about trust. Identity. And learning to see your work as part of a larger story God is already writing.If you’ve ever felt successful and grateful—yet still unsettled—this reflection is for you.In This Episode, We ExploreWhy the pressure to “get your career right” often creates anxiety instead of peaceHow ambition and faith can quietly drift into controlLessons from Ann’s career across retail, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurshipA defining dream that reshaped how she understood trust, abundance, and callingWhat changes when you stop trying to author your career and let God lead the storyWhy discernment often matters more than momentumHow recognizing the season you’re in can bring clarity—even before actionA Key ReflectionYour career isn’t something you have to solve—it’s a story God is telling.When we loosen our grip on control and return authorship to Him, clarity doesn’t always come faster—but peace often does.About the BookThis episode also marks the release of Ann’s new book, Faith at Work: A Practical Guide to Aligning Your Career with Who God Created You to Be.Written as a companion rather than a prescription, the book helps readers:Identify the season of career transition they’re inDiscern God’s voice amid ambition, fear, and uncertaintyNavigate decisions around roles, networking, interviewing, and next steps with faith and clarityAt its core, the book returns to a simple but grounding truth: God is not absent from your work—He is deeply invested in it.Resources & Links📘 Get the Book: Faith at Work → [Click here]🧭 Career Transitions Quiz: Not sure what season you’re in? This short quiz can help you name it. → [Take the Quiz here]🌐 Learn More About Ann’s Work: → [Click here]📬 Connect or Reach Out: → [Book here]A Final InvitationAs you listen, consider this question: Where might you be carrying responsibility for your career that God never asked you to hold?Whether you’re striving, waiting, wondering, or preparing to step forward, you’re not alone. The Author of your story sees the whole path—even when you can only see the next step.Thanks for listening to the Faith-Driven Leader Podcast.

January 6, 2026Episode 5549 min

When God Leads You Through A Career Adventure: A Conversation with Dr. Jen Bennett

In this inspiring episode, Ann sits down with Dr. Jen Bennett, an educator, author, and host of She Impacts Culture, whose career has been anything but linear. From youth ministry to entrepreneurship, from the classroom to higher education leadership, Jen’s story is a beautiful reminder that God’s calling rarely follows a straight line.Together, Ann and Jen unpack how to recognize God’s hand in the unexpected turns of your career, the importance of rooting your identity in Christ rather than your title, and why fear often signals that you’re standing on the edge of something holy. Jen shares practical tools for discerning next steps, including a journaling exercise that can help you quiet the noise and hear God’s direction more clearly.Whether you’re in a season of uncertainty, transition, or possibility, this conversation will remind you that God’s plans are always purposeful—and that your pivots might just be His preparation.🔑 Three Key Takeaways1️⃣ Your career path doesn’t have to be straight to be sacred. God uses every detour, delay, and pivot to shape your character and calling.2️⃣ Your identity isn’t your job title. When your worth is grounded in who—and Whose—you are, you can take risks without losing yourself.3️⃣ Peace is often the green light. You may not have all the answers, but you can have peace. Trust it more than certainty.✍️ Quote Worth Remembering“I never want to get to the end of my life and wonder what could have been if I hadn’t let fear stop me.” — Dr. Jen Bennett📚 Resources & Mentions#BeWorthFollowing by Dr. Jen BennettShe Impacts Culture PodcastMiami University’s Center for L.I.F.E. — Leading the Integration of Faith & EntrepreneurshipFaith at Work: A Practical Guide to Aligning Your Career with Who God Created You to Be by Ann Eileen Thompson🎧 Listen & ShareIf this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or colleague who’s navigating a transition or discerning a new direction. Subscribe to Faith-Driven Leader wherever you listen to podcasts—and keep leading with faith, courage, and purpose.

December 2, 202545 min

Are You Easy to Follow? A Conversation with Lyle Wells

In this powerful and practical episode, Ann sits down with Lyle Wells, president of Integrus Leadership, former pastor and college basketball coach, and author of the new book Easy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Love of Christ.Lyle shares a refreshingly simple framework: leadership isn’t a title—it’s a behavior that influences others and creates outcomes. Together, Ann and Lyle unpack what it truly means to lead like Jesus, exploring how diligence, humility, and service shape leaders who are both faithful and effective.They also dive into why servant leadership is about helping others learn, grow, dare, and change, how to craft an 8–10 word mission statement that actually guides your decisions, and how to become a lighthouse leader—someone who brings direction, connection, and protection to those they lead.If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to model your leadership after Jesus in today’s world, this conversation will equip and challenge you to start right where you are.🔑 Three Key Takeaways1️⃣ Leadership is behavior, not position. The way you act—not your title—determines your influence and impact.2️⃣ God measures diligence and service, not perfection. Faithful, persistent service is the true mark of leadership that pleases Him.3️⃣ Clarity beats complexity. A short, memorable mission statement—what Lyle calls your “tweet or tattoo”—keeps your leadership grounded and consistent.✍️ Quote Worth Remembering: “Jesus was easy to follow—but He wasn’t easy on His followers.” — Lyle Wells📚 Resources & MentionsEasy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Love of Christ by Lyle WellsIntegrus Leadership — leadership training, coaching, and resourcesThe Five-Day Leader by Lyle WellsStoryBrand by Donald MillerScripture references: Deuteronomy 3:28 and Luke 9:51–56Bob Goff’s Writing Workshops🙌 Connect with Ann⁠Website⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Join the Launch Team⁠ for Faith at Work: A Practical Guide to Aligning Your Career with Who God Created You to Be → ⁠Sign up here

November 4, 2025Episode 5340 min

Healing the Triggers That Hold You Back: A Conversation with Rebecca Czerwonka

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Ann sits down with Rebecca Czerwonka—educator, writer, and certified Emotional Health Life Consultant through The Compassion Method. Together, they unpack the connection between emotional health, faith, and leadership—and how learning to meet pain with compassion can transform not only our personal lives but how we lead others.Rebecca shares her own journey from living in a constant triggered state to discovering what it means to move from survival to abundance. You’ll hear practical wisdom on identifying triggers, understanding the four stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn), and learning to lead from a place that’s clear-minded, tender-hearted, and at peace.This conversation is for every leader who’s tired of managing reactions and ready to experience freedom, peace, and wholeness in how they lead and love.🗝️ Key TakeawaysTriggers aren’t failures—they’re invitations to healing.Compassion bridges the gap between what we know to be true and how we show up.True leadership starts from the inside out: clear-minded, tender-hearted, and at peace.🔗 Resources & LinksLearn more about The Compassion MethodListen to the Triggered & True Podcast with Laura Duncan and Brian Freise Connect with Rebecca Czerwonka or book a sessionConnect with Ann Eileen Thompson or schedule a coaching consultation🙌 Connect with AnnWebsiteInstagramLinkedInJoin the Launch Team for Faith at Work: A Practical Guide to Aligning Your Career with Who God Created You to Be → Sign up here

October 7, 2025Episode 5247 min

Faith, Identity, and Resilience: A Conversation with Dr. Brett Smith

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 setbacksHow success can be spiritually riskier than failure—and what to do about itThe role of “permission” in creating space to think, rest, and resetWhat global research reveals about faith-driven entrepreneursWhere the integration of faith and business is growing worldwideLinks & 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 fundsConnect with Ann: 💻 anneileenthompson.com 🌐 Connect with Ann on LinkedIn 📘 Join the Faith at Work Book Launch Team: Sign up here 📅 Book a Coaching ConsultationLet’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.

September 9, 2025Episode 5244 min

Leadership as Stewardship: A Conversation with Lisa Nichols

What does it mean to lead with humility, courage, and purpose? In this episode, Ann sits down with Lisa Nichols—CEO and co-founder of Technology Partners, host of the Something Extra podcast, and author of the brand-new book Something Extra: Uncover Your Strengths. Unlock Your Potential. Unleash Your Impact.Lisa shares why she defines leadership as stewardship, the pivotal moment when God whispered, “When are you going to call me?”, and how leaders can shape lives through prayerful decisions, servant leadership, and eternal perspective.Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a faith-driven professional longing to align your work and your values, this conversation will encourage you to lean into God’s call and discover the “something extra” He’s placed in you.What You’ll Learn:Why leadership is really about stewardship and influenceHow prayer can move from last resort to first response in decision-makingWhy humility, courage, and purpose are at the heart of lasting leadershipHow Lisa integrates faith into her leadership at Technology PartnersStories from her podcast and book that reveal timeless lessons for leadersLinks & Resources:📘 Pre-order Lisa’s book: Something Extra: Uncover Your Strengths. Unlock Your Potential. Unleash Your Impact🎙️ Listen to Lisa’s podcast: Something Extra💎 Explore Lisa’s daughters’ jewelry business: Kindred Spirits🌐 Connect with Lisa on LinkedInConnect with Ann:💻 anneileenthompson.com🌐 Connect with Ann on LinkedIn📘 Join the Faith at Work Book Launch Team: Sign up here📅 Book a Coaching ConsultationLet’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.