The Purpose Matrix

Hosted by Phil Moeller

Business Investing

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151

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Purpose Matrix, where your business and personal life come together so you can live with clarity, confidence and peace. Hosted by Phil Moeller, a business leader, real estate investor, husband, and father, this podcast is designed to equip and inspire you to pursue your God-given purpose in every area of life. If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone, overcome fear, and live with purpose, hit subscribe and join us on this journey!

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60 recent

October 27, 202649 min

If We Don’t Fight for It, We’ll Lose It | Father Nate on West Central Ohio Values

Father Nathan Cromly, founder of St. John Institute and author of Coached by the Apostle Paul , joins me to talk about what real greatness looks like in business and in life. Your work isn't who you are. It's how you express who you are. We dig into why your workplace culture becomes your city's culture, why self-awareness is a leadership issue and not a soft skill, and why humility has to come before greatness. We also talk about wealth and how to have it without letting it have you. Father Nate also shares one small step any leader can take in the next 30 days to bring faith into the workplace. If you lead a team, run a business, or are trying to get faith, family, and work pointed in the same direction, this one's for you. Learn more about Father Nate at daregreatthings.org and saintjohninstitute.org. Subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Please rate us 5 stars so we can keep spreading our message to more people. Thank you for listening! 00:00 Introduction to Father Nathan Cromly 01:11 The Arena of Leadership and Criticism 03:32 Defining Success and Greatness 06:19 Identity and Work: Who We Are 11:55 The Impact of Workplace Culture 15:44 Faith, Family, and Community Values 18:29 Leadership and Authenticity 24:12 The Role of Leadership in Achieving Common Goals 25:10 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership 27:32 Perception and Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 30:26 The Essence of Leadership: Influence and Followership 33:18 Greatness and Humility in Leadership 34:46 The Distinction Between Normal and Christian Leadership 38:10 Building a Ministry and Practical Faith 43:15 Learning from Saint Paul: Leadership Lessons 46:19 Wealth: A Tool for Blessing Others

October 20, 202641 min

Seeing the Person, Not the Injury | Dr. Jeff Otte on Calming the Broken

Dr. Jeff Otte is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with the Orthopedic Institute of Ohio, serving patients from Sidney to Tiffin. He's also my neighbor. Fourteen years of school. Quitting never felt like an option. And he still isn't sure how he got here. We talk about being present and calm when someone is hurt, why he trains while everyone else is asleep, and how Exodus 90 reshaped his mornings with prayer and silence. We get into the power of honest fellowship, and why your work can be your ministry, no matter what you do. Jeff also opens up about the cost of the job: time away from his family, and the drives home from residency when he couldn't hold it together. It's hard, and it's okay to not be okay. But if you're pursuing what you're called to do, you can be at peace. Subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Please rate us 5 stars so we can keep spreading our message to more people. Thank you for listening! 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jeff Audi 02:47 The Journey to Becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon 05:57 The Importance of Physical Fitness in Medicine 08:54 Balancing Life's Responsibilities 12:00 Influential Figures in Dr. Audi's Life 15:08 Calmness in Crisis: The Role of a Surgeon 18:03 The Power of Presence in Leadership 21:06 Navigating Self-Perception and Confidence 23:17 The Impact of Spiritual Practices 25:58 Continuous Education and Personal Growth 27:32 The Importance of Fellowship and Vulnerability 29:53 Connecting Career and Ministry 32:10 Finding Purpose in Work 35:00 Reflections on Blessings and Challenges 39:43 Embracing Humanity in Professional Life

October 13, 202651 min

Friday Nights With Athletes or My Own Kids? | Andy Lynch on the Career Change He Fought for Years

Andy Lynch spent 13 years as a Lima sports reporter, on TV every Friday night covering the MAC. Then he walked away from a career he loved to become a pastor. We talk about why kids need adversity, and why he's rooting for it as a goalie dad. We get into what makes MAC families raise athletes who handle pressure. We also cover guilt versus shame and what it means to "clear the pipe" with God. He shares how he found the courage to make his move after fighting it for years, and how you can find your God-given gifts. At the end, he talks about being an awkward kid and what he'd tell anyone who feels that way. It's a message we all need to hear. Are you fighting a move you already know you need to make? Subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Please rate us 5 stars so we can keep spreading our message to more people. Thank you for listening! 00:00 Introduction to Andy Lynch 01:11 Career Journey: From Sports Reporting to Pastoral Work 04:04 Life in Alaska: Unique Experiences and Challenges 09:02 Transitioning from TV to Faith-Based Work 12:05 The Resurgence of Faith Among Young People 14:54 The Importance of Family and Community in Sports 20:10 Lessons from Adversity in Sports 24:06 The Decision to Leave Lima: A Personal Reflection 24:52 Reflections on a Sports Career 27:05 The Transition to Family Life 29:25 Navigating Career Changes with Faith 32:59 Embracing New Seasons of Life 36:40 Finding Purpose Beyond Career 41:06 The Impact of Serving Others 45:42 Embracing Awkwardness and Authenticity

October 6, 202655 min

From Athlete to Warrior | Neil & Angie Schmitz on Suffering, Faith, and Showing Up Every Day

In October 2023, Neil Smith walked into a hospital — and didn't walk back out. What began as unexplained pain on a family vacation turned into a rare neurological diagnosis, months of chemo, and a total rebuild of everything he thought defined him. On this episode, Neil and his wife Angie share the real, unfiltered story of walking through suffering: the fear, the identity crisis, the marriage strain, and the small Ohio community that carried them when they couldn't carry themselves. They talk about what it means to find freedom instead of fear, how physical health is tied to mental and spiritual health, and why redefining your identity might be the hardest — and most important — work you'll ever do. If you've ever faced a season that stripped away everything familiar, this conversation will show you what it looks like to find peace on the other side. Subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Please rate us 5 stars so we can keep spreading our message to more people. Thank you for listening! 00:00 Introduction to Neil and Angie Schmitz 03:18 The Beginning of a Health Journey 09:13 Community Support and Family Dynamics 12:52 Current Life and Daily Challenges 18:42 Faith and Personal Growth Through Suffering 23:24 Finding Meaning in Adversity 25:19 The Power of Perspective 28:01 Coaching and Life Lessons 29:34 Celebrating Small Victories 32:12 Mind, Body, and Spirit Connection 35:33 Living in the Moment 39:18 Fear vs. Freedom 41:13 Youth and Faith Today 45:02 Strengthening Relationships 48:22 Messages for the Next Generation

September 29, 202652 min

What We Do In Life Echoes In Eternity | Honoring Tim Kight and the Mindset He Built, Taught & Lived

Originally recorded two years ago, the late Tim Kight, founder of Focus 3 and longtime leadership coach for Ohio State football, was and still is a major influence on Phil's leadership journey, and this conversation is a fitting reminder of that impact. In it, Tim breaks down the R Factor, a simple equation (Event + Response = Outcome) that shaped leaders across sports, business, and his own life. He and Phil dig into the mindset cycle that drives every human reaction, why discipline beats default, and how the same tool that fixes a bad commute carried Tim through his own cancer diagnosis. Tim explains the Performance Pathway connecting leadership, culture, behavior, and results, and introduces "20 square feet" — the idea that everyone owns a piece of the outcome, no title required. The conversation closes on identity and purpose: why values have to be chosen, not absorbed, and why timeless principles matter more than trends. Subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Please rate us 5 stars so we can keep spreading our message to more people. Thank you for listening!

September 22, 202651 min

From Drug Busts to Make-A-Wish | Nick Schulze's Life of Service

26 years in law enforcement, thousands of lives touched. From the DARE program to CASA, Make-A-Wish, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Nick Schulze has spent his life showing up for people nobody else would. In this episode, Phil sits down with the Mercer County law enforcement veteran, probation officer, and community advocate to talk about faith, fellowship, and the power of surrounding yourself with the right people. Nick shares the story behind a Make-A-Wish family's heartbreaking request, why FCA is changing the way young people talk about faith, and what happened when he opened his home to priests, brothers, and sisters from around the world for seven straight years. If you've ever wondered whether one person's willingness to serve can actually change a community, this episode is your answer. Subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Please rate us 5 stars so we can keep spreading our message to more people. Thank you for listening! 00:00 Nick Schulze's Journey of Service 00:57 Introduction to Nick Schulze's Experience 12:39 The DARE Program and Its Impact 15:48 Involvement with FCA and Youth Engagement 21:47 Building Community Through Faith and Support Groups 27:44 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 28:38 The Role of FCA in Community Engagement 30:26 Embracing Fear and Seeking Growth 33:25 Setting Goals and Looking Forward 36:47 The Impact of Community and Faith 42:19 Serving Others: CASA and Make-A-Wish 49:24 Reflecting on a Life of Service

September 15, 202638 min

Managing Money & Priorities to Live Your Life Well | Mark Hoge

Phil and Mark dig into the tax strategies most business owners miss, R&D credits, cost segregation, and cash-basis accounting, before shifting into what actually separates financially successful business owners from everyone else: knowing your numbers. The conversation moves into real leadership territory as Mark opens up about his own transition from technician to managing shareholder, comparing it to becoming a first-time dad. The back half covers estate planning (why "winging it" with an outdated will is a real risk), staying grounded during tax season, and Mark's own hierarchy of faith, family, and work, and how that order shapes decisions at his firm. Subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Please rate us 5-stars so we can continue spreading our message to more people. Thank you for listening! Tax Planning by Age: 22 to 42 — what to prioritize at each career stage The R&D Tax Credit Most Businesses Miss Cost Segregation & Bonus Depreciation Explained Cash Basis vs. Accrual: The Deferral Opportunity Year-End Moves: Roth Conversions & Charitable Giving What Separates Successful Business Owners — financial acumen vs. hustle From CPA to Managing Shareholder — Mark's "new dad" leadership analogy Self-Awareness as a Leadership Skill — "the problem isn't not knowing; it's not knowing what you don't know" Estate Planning 101: Wills vs. Trusts Does Tax Season Ever Get Easier? — how Mark protects family time in Q1 Faith, Family, Work: Mark's Hierarchy — and how it filters decisions

September 8, 202641 min

My Kids Don't Need a Wealthy Father, They Need a Courageous One | Alex Brau

Alex Brau built the career most people chase — CFO, mergers and acquisitions, a run helping build Inter Miami from the ground up. He had it all, or thought he did. Then his 15-year-old son started watching him a little differently, and Alex realized something that had nothing to do with finance: his kids didn't need a wealthy father; they needed a courageous one. This episode digs into what actually held him back for years — not strategy, not timing, but fear — and the underwater moment during a scuba certification that cracked it wide open for him. Phil and Alex talk about being aggressive with action but patient with results, why "having more to lose" in your 40s is mostly an illusion built on stuff that doesn't matter, and why regret from inaction outweighs regret from failure almost every time. It's a conversation for anyone sitting on a dream they've been circling for years, waiting for the "right time" that never quite comes. 00:00 Introduction to Alex Brau and His Journey 03:02 The Balance of Corporate Success and Entrepreneurial Passion 05:51 Navigating Fear and Courage in Business Decisions 09:00 Mindset and Daily Affirmations for Success 12:10 The Importance of Core Values in Business 14:46 Fractional CFO: Supporting Business Growth and Transitions 18:10 Overcoming Fear of Failure and Embracing Growth 21:00 The Role of Community and Accountability in Business 24:06 Looking Ahead: Opportunities in Business and Technology 26:57 Recommended Reading: Mindset by Carol Dweck Email: alex@thebayfrontgroup.com Phone: (786) 326-2255 Website: https://thebayfrontgroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbraucpa/

September 1, 202640 min

Two Gunshot Wounds, One Question: Who Are You When Athletics Is Taken Away? | Nate Bruns

Nate Bruns had the identity every small-town Midwest kid dreams of — state champion in football and basketball, all-conference at Findlay, top-five in program scoring history. Then two things stripped it all away: losing his best friend and teammate Ty Mescher his junior year, and getting shot twice in a random Columbus shooting two years later — one bullet two inches from costing him his leg. This episode is about what's left when the identity you built your whole life around gets taken from you, and what Nate found underneath it. Straight line to "Remember Who You Are" — and a direct challenge to leaders on why faith at work isn't a liability, it's an advantage for attracting the next generation. 0:51 – Welcome Nate, his athletic résumé at Marion Local and Findlay 3:00 – Junior year peak — academically, spiritually, on the court 5:00 – Losing Ty Mesher, what real leadership through energy looks like 10:00 – You don't have to be the loud one to lead — lead yourself first 14:00 – Senior year drift, questioning faith, "why would this happen to a great guy" 17:00 – Coach Ernst's leadership conversation — adapting style, not identity 25:00 – 2024 — the leadership shift starts to take root 27:00 – The shooting in Columbus — what actually happened 32:00 – Recovery, the infection scare, three weeks of surgeries 38:00 – Leaning into faith — the Romans 5:3-5 "God wink" moment 44:00 – Identity — athlete vs. who God made him to be 48:00 – Starting the Watch Men’s Group with Alex Kanapke 53:00 – Choosing your associations — the roommates story 57:00 – Closing challenge: faith at work is an advantage, not a risk

August 25, 202630 min

Connect First, Then Lead | Gary Lipsky on Building an Ownership Mindset so Your Team Goes the Extra Mile

Phil talks with Gary Lipske about entrepreneurship, leadership, and how to build real momentum by staying focused on one priority at a time. Gary shares how his early hustle, business experiments, and work across real estate, youth leadership, and creative projects all come back to the same core skill set: solving problems, creating value, and leading people well. They also dig into courage, mentorship, and why strong teams need ownership, clear communication, and genuine connection. Gary explains how those ideas shaped his work with thousands of K through 12 students and how they continue to guide his real estate leadership today. 03:34 - Why Gary focuses on one business at a time 05:57 - Finding the courage to leave safety behind 13:33 - How Gary got into youth leadership work 20:48 - Gary’s leadership philosophy in real estate and with staff 23:58 - Why communicating the “why” changes team performance 27:59 - People want to feel accepted, appreciated, and valued 30:12 - Building the right team so each person can play to strengths 31:12 - How Gary decides what to focus on next 32:43 - Creating win-win outcomes in real estate 34:33 - Crucial Conversations and the value of hard discussions 35:20 - Why he’s optimistic about multifamily real estate 36:09 - Where to learn more about Gary and his work Follow @PhilOnPurpose https://www.instagram.com/philonpurpose https://www.facebook.com/philonpurpose

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