Holy Business

Hosted by Candice Hilse

Business Religion Spirituality Christianity

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Sep 2026

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About the show

The Holy Business podcast exists to share the stories of those leading faith forward. Join us to grow and share your story. Share your questions, comments and hear from people who have grown through leading faith forward in business.Talk soon!

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45 recent

September 30, 202645 min

Janon German: A Dream, a Kitchen, and the Faith to Build Heart of the Home

Guest: Janon German, Charleston Realtor and Creator & Host of Heart of the Home Scriptures referenced: Philippians 4:6–7 ("Be careful for nothing…" and the peace of God that guards our hearts and minds) Episode Summary Janon German is a Charleston native whose family roots in the Lowcountry go back generations. As a new realtor in a crowded market, Janon prayed for God to show her lane. Soon after, she had a vivid dream of showing off a beautiful kitchen while a chef cooked, then sitting down to share the meal. That dream became Heart of the Home , a show that blends food, design, local artists, history, and community. She held onto the idea quietly for a year or two, until a producer friend told her it "has legs" and pushed her to pursue it. Janon and Candice talk honestly about what it takes to follow a God-given vision: holding it with an open hand, trusting that "provision follows purpose" while self-funding the project, and learning to delegate after years of struggling with control. Janon shares how Philippians 4:6–7 has carried her through anxiety since she was a teenager. She also talks about using curiosity to overcome imposter syndrome in rooms full of established leaders. She closes by reflecting on legacy, including her grandmother's basket stand, her father's stories, and a grandfather who lived to 100 in Mount Pleasant. She wants to preserve the everyday, family-rooted Charleston she grew up in. In This Episode The dream that launched Heart of the Home and the friend who wouldn't let her sit on it How she listens to God's voice: quiet nudges, confirmed through trusted people Protecting the core of a vision while letting go of how it unfolds Philippians 4:6–7 and walking through anxiety with faith "Provision follows purpose": planning, preparing, and moving forward before full funding Leading a volunteer team of talented creatives, and learning to let them in Curiosity as the antidote to imposter syndrome Honoring Charleston's heritage and legacy through the stories she tells Where to watch: all 10 Season 1 episodes release late fall on YouTube, with trailers and behind-the-scenes content available now

September 22, 202653 min

Third-Gen Leadership, Legacy, and Faith with Mason West

Guest: Mason West, Third-Generation Owner & CEO, West Law Firm Scriptures referenced: Joshua 10:12 (Joshua's prayer for the sun and moon to stand still) · 2 Kings 6:15–17 (Elisha's servant and the chariots of fire) Episode Summary Mason West is the third-generation owner and CEO of West Law Firm, a South Carolina firm founded in 1945 by his grandfather and carried forward by his father before him. In this episode, Mason shares the path that brought him back to the family business — from a congressional internship in D.C. that convinced him big-city life wasn't for him, to law school at South Carolina, to a formative stint in the solicitor's office prosecuting criminal cases, and finally the phone call from a mentor that pulled him into private practice and personal injury law. Mason pushes back on the word "handoff" — his dad taught him to drive, he says, but never just handed him the keys. When Mason left the prosecutor's office to join the firm, his father told him plainly: he'd have a job, but no paycheck. That "eat what you kill" arrangement, Mason says, is what taught him to hustle and build his own client base from scratch. Mason describes an "epiphany" reading the book Sun Stand Still and returning to Joshua 10 — the story of Joshua's bold prayer for the sun and moon to stand still in battle. That study reframed how he saw his debt, his team, and his clients: not as costs, but as investments. He connects that same shift to a second turning point, tied to the story of Elisha's servant and the chariots of fire and realizing he wasn't meant to carry the whole business alone, and beginning to delegate: hiring an associate, an in-house marketing director, an intake manager, and a fractional CFO alongside an in-house finance director. Mason and Candice also dig into two "hot take" topics: AI and Private Equity. In This Episode How a D.C. internship convinced Mason his future was in South Carolina, not a big city Why Mason calls his path into the family firm a "teaching," not a "handoff" The "eat what you kill" deal he learned from dad and why he'd do the same for his own kids The Joshua 10 prayer and Sun Stand Still moment that turned student debt into an investment mindset The Elisha/chariots-of-fire moment that pushed delegation Mason's hot takes on AI in insurance claims and private equity buying into personal injury law The "bread on the water" story: generosity over transactional marketing How Mason keeps his wife and four kids part of the business, even the hard parts

February 11, 202651 min

Own the Room: Faith, Frameworks, and the Mind Mechanics of Leadership with Jake Stahl

In this episode of Holy Business , Candice sits down once again with Jake Stahl , known as the Mind Mechanic , to unpack what it truly means to own the room as a leader—without compromising faith, integrity, or calling. Jake returns with a powerful personal story and a practical framework shaped by years of experience, faith, and transformation. He shares the heart behind his new company, Orchestraight , and introduces the STRATA procedure , a leadership tool designed to help leaders bring clarity, confidence, and intentional presence into high-stakes moments. This conversation goes beyond tactics. Jake opens up about how God used his journey—both the breakthroughs and the hard seasons—to refine his leadership, sharpen his message, and realign his work with purpose. Whether you're a founder, executive, pastor, or emerging leader, this episode will challenge you to lead from conviction, steward influence wisely, and step fully into the rooms God has prepared for you. Connect with Jake's work: https://orchestraight.com/

January 28, 2026Episode 21 hr 28 min

Addiction, Recovery, and Calling: A Faith-Driven Entrepreneur Story

What happens when God redeems even the darkest chapters of your story? In this powerful episode of the Holy Business Podcast , I interview the wonderfully candid Mark Krancer , founder of K ram Kran Photo , who shares his journey from drug addiction and destructive habits to building a thriving photography business rooted in faith and purpose. Mark opens up about how a simple bike ride to work—and taking photos on a cell phone—became the turning point that changed his life. Through landscape photography, discipline, and renewing his mind, he discovered God's beauty, healing, and calling. This episode covers: Addiction recovery and faith-based transformation Finding purpose after failure Turning creativity into a business Renewing your mind and moving forward after brokenness Seeing God's beauty in everyday life If you're rebuilding your life, pivoting your career, or wondering how God can use your past, this conversation will encourage you to keep going. 👉 Connect with Mark and his work: KramKranphoto.com 👉 Subscribe for faith-driven conversations on leadership, business, and calling 👉 Watch more episodes on YouTube.com/@HolyBizPod Chapters: 0:00 – Mark's story begins 2:10 – Life before recovery 6:45 – The moment everything changed 11:30 – Discovering photography & God's beauty 18:00 – Turning creativity into a business 25:40 – Renewing your mind and moving forward 32:10 – Encouragement for anyone rebuilding

January 14, 2026Episode 157 min

From CEO to Calling: Finding God's Purpose

In thisepisode, Candice sits down with renowned Atlanta interior designer and former Fortune-level CEO Steve McKenzie for an honest conversation about faith, leadership, loss, and calling. Steve shares his journey from corporate executive leadership—to an unexpected career pivot. What followed was a season of grief and spiritual reckoning that ultimately led him into entrepreneurship, creativity, and the work he believes God uniquely prepared him to do. Together, they explore what it means to lead with integrity when outcomes feel unfair, how faith sustains leaders through uncertainty, and why servant leadership, values-based decision-making, and long-term vision matter more than ever. Steve also reflects on marriage, hard conversations, vocational transitions, and how honoring people of all beliefs has shaped both his business and his witness. This episode is a powerful reminder that God's providence is often clearer in hindsight—and that our deepest setbacks may be the very things that position us for our truest work. McKenzie Design LLC

January 8, 20265 min

Holy Business has a Big Why

A new season is coming and God has something for you in it. The stories of the guests are for you!

October 28, 2025Episode 425 min

Giving with Purpose: How Faith-Filled Leaders Build a Generosity Strategy

In this episode of Holy Business, Candice unpacks a practical, faith-forward framework for charitable giving as a business leader. Drawing from scripture—Proverbs 3:9, Hebrews 13:16, Acts 20:35, and more—she explores how generosity isn't just a moral calling but a strategic part of leadership and stewardship. Candice walks through how to create a clear giving plan for your organization: aligning charitable efforts with your company's mission, developing a financial stewardship strategy, designing a diverse portfolio of impact, and empowering your team to serve with purpose. Whether you lead a small business, a ministry, or a growing organization, this episode will help you move from reactive giving to intentional generosity—turning confusion and burnout into clarity, alignment, and joy in stewardship.

October 13, 202546 min

Founded on Artisanship and Faith with Emilie Dulles

Show Notes Daily scripture recitation can ground one's faith. Overcoming personal valleys often leads to deeper faith. Integrating faith into business can enhance client relationships. Client relationships are built on trust and understanding. Balancing work and personal life is essential for well-being. Marriage requires daily attention and care to thrive. Design should reflect the client's unique identity. Personal touch in business fosters deeper connections. In this conversation, Candice Hilse and Emilie Dulles explore the intersection of faith, work, and personal growth. They discuss the challenges of parenting in a technology-driven world, the importance of daily spiritual practices, and how to integrate faith into business. Emilie shares her journey through personal valleys and the role of marriage in her life, emphasizing the need for intentionality in relationships. The discussion also highlights the significance of client relationships and the value of a personal touch in business, culminating in reflections on the beauty of marriage and the importance of creativity in everyday life. Sound Bites "Technology can be both a tool and a distraction." "Balancing work and personal life is essential." "Marriage requires daily attention and care." Chapters 00:00 Exploring Wyrmwood and Personal Insights 02:51 Navigating Technology and Parenting Challenges 05:56 Faith and Daily Practices 08:56 Overcoming Personal Valleys and Finding Faith 11:51 Integrating Faith into Work and Business 14:46 The Importance of Client Relationships 17:55 Balancing Work and Personal Life 20:41 The Role of Marriage in Personal Growth 23:33 Creating Meaningful Designs 26:29 Navigating Business Growth and Client Expectations 29:21 The Importance of Personal Touch in Business 32:28 The Beauty of Marriage and Relationships 35:24 Final Thoughts on Faith and Work

September 29, 2025Episode 21 hr 26 min

Building Trust in Church Communities

Summary In this conversation, Candice Hilse and Garry Abbott explore the challenges and opportunities within church leadership, focusing on the importance of community, trust, and authenticity. They discuss the role of Vital Church in supporting congregations through diagnostics and pastoral care, emphasizing the need for healthy governance and open communication. The dialogue highlights the significance of addressing institutional mistrust and engaging with current issues while maintaining a focus on Jesus' teachings and the mission of the church. Takeaways Institutional mistrust affects perceptions of the church. Healthy governance structures are essential for church success. Community engagement is vital for spiritual growth. Difficult conversations can lead to healing and understanding. Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and connection. Congregational involvement is crucial in decision-making processes. Navigating current issues requires careful consideration and compassion. Church health is supported through diagnostics and pastoral care. Leaders must balance production with authenticity in worship. Setting boundaries is important for effective leadership. A Special Thanks to Our Guest: Garry Abbott, Executive Director, Vital Church Ministry Go and Give: Vital Church Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of Institutional Mistrust 02:42 The Role of Vital Church in Community Health 04:19 Navigating Isolation and Fellowship in Church Leadership 04:52 The Diagnostic Process of Vital Church 05:48 Engaging Congregations in Change 06:41 Leadership Lessons from Personal Experience 08:56 Authenticity and Vulnerability in Leadership 10:06 Scriptural Foundations for Leadership 10:41 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement 16:14 Engaging in Community and Leadership Challenges 18:42 Navigating Preferences and Convictions in Leadership 20:37 Handling Conflict and Pain Points in Ministry 22:17 Healthy Governance Structures in Churches 24:47 Balancing Social Issues and Spiritual Messaging 27:43 Defining the Line Between Production and Relationship 30:13 Establishing Boundaries and Healthy Conversations 34:47 The Role of Vital Church in Healing Communities

September 19, 2025Episode 119 min

Leading with Prayer, Not Panic

In this solo episode of Holy Business , Candice dives into the story of King Saul as a cautionary tale for leaders today. Drawing from 1 Samuel, she unpacks how Saul's fear, insecurity, and need for control warped his leadership and ultimately cost him his place. Candice explores the danger of clinging too tightly to roles that aren't ours, the temptation to control out of anxiety, and the destructive cycle of fearing when others outgrow us. She contrasts Saul's pride and panic with David's humility and reliance on prayer, challenging leaders to choose faith and obedience over insecurity and micromanagement. With practical parallels for CEOs, pastors, and entrepreneurs, Candice encourages listeners to celebrate rising leaders, pause before reacting out of fear, and remember that healthy leadership is rooted in surrender to God—not in control.