The Purpose Matrix

Hosted by Phil Moeller

Business Investing

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142

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Aug 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

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

August 18, 202636 min

Your Leadership at Work Changes the Quality of Life for Your Team at Home | Chuck Huggins of Aileron

Phil Moeller talks with Chuck Huggins, Chief Growth Officer at Aileron, about the hidden burden many business owners carry: overwhelm, loneliness, and the tendency to hold onto too much. Chuck shares how Aileron helps owners shift from telling to asking, build stronger leadership teams, and create businesses that can function without the founder being present every day. The conversation also explores Aileron’s broader mission to improve quality of life through professionally managed organizations, plus the ripple effect that leadership has on employees, families, and communities. 00:00 "Business owners often feel overwhelmed and lonely." 10:42 "Effective delegation is crucial for growth." 16:43 "Leadership supercharges business fundamentals." 18:22 "Aileron provides a supportive community." 25:33 "Self-leadership is essential for positive influence." 27:43 "Asking questions is more influential than telling." 37:46 "The ripple effect of leadership impacts families." 38:15 "I get to go to work." Follow @PhilOnPurpose https://www.instagram.com/philonpurpose https://www.facebook.com/philonpurpose

August 11, 2026Episode 7140 min

Dependable, Humble, Thorough | Ben Miller & Matt Hibner on Building Culture and Communities

In this conversation, Phil Moeller interviews Ben Miller and Matt Hibner, principals at Garmann and Miller, discussing the company's growth, core values, and the importance of culture in leadership. They explore the challenges of expanding into new locations, the significance of partnerships, and the need for mental health support for employees. The discussion emphasizes the importance of adaptability, servant leadership, and the impact of their work on the community.

August 4, 2026Episode 7059 min

Broken & Rebuilt | Ben Hartings on Cancer, Loss, & the Question Every Wealthy Person Needs to Ask

Beyond Wealth: Faith, Family, and Purpose with Ben Hartings In this episode, Phil Moeller interviews Ben Hartings, a certified financial planner and faith-driven entrepreneur, about integrating faith and purpose into wealth management and life. They explore the impact of adversity, the importance of clarity in priorities, and how giving back and faith shape true success. This episode emphasizes the integration of faith, life, and financial stewardship, demonstrating that success extends beyond monetary wealth to purpose-driven living. Redemptoris Missio by Pope John Paul II Adgentes - Vatican II Document Catholic tradition resources Resources LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhartings/ Website - https://trinityfinancialadvisors.com Follow @PhilOnPurpose https://www.instagram.com/philonpurpose https://www.facebook.com/philonpurpose

July 28, 202621 min

Is Entrepreneurship Right for You? The Cycle of Growth in Business

In this conversation, Phil Moeller explores the challenging yet rewarding journey of entrepreneurship. He discusses the cycle of growth that includes suffering, endurance, character building, and hope. Moeller emphasizes the importance of facing adversity, finding a supportive community, and shifting focus from material goals to personal growth. He encourages listeners to embrace challenges and seek out relationships that foster growth and resilience. 00:00 Intro 02:51 Understanding the Cycle of Growth 06:01 Facing Adversity and Building Endurance 08:51 The Shift from Material Goals to Personal Growth 12:07 The Importance of Community and Support 14:55 Choosing the Hard Path for True Growth 18:10 Finding Peace Through Adversity Resources Mentioned: Follow @PhilOnPurpose https://www.instagram.com/philonpurpose https://www.facebook.com/philonpurpose

July 21, 202645 min

Not Only Financial Freedom, but True Freedom is the Goal: Tim Kelly

In this conversation, Tim Kelly shares his transformative journey from a U.S. Navy chief petty officer to a successful entrepreneur and high-performance coach. He discusses the concept of financial freedom versus true freedom, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and personal growth. Tim opens up about his struggles with identity, adversity, and mental health, highlighting the significance of community support and vulnerability in overcoming challenges. He encourages listeners to seek help and embrace their faith as a guiding force in their lives. In this conversation, Tim Kelly and Phil Moeller explore the complexities of freedom, responsibility, and personal growth. Tim emphasizes that financial freedom does not equate to a better life without the accompanying responsibility. They discuss the importance of accountability, the GROWS framework for personal development, and the transformative power of challenging adventures. The conversation culminates in a reflection on true freedom, which is rooted in peace and holistic living, rather than mere financial success. 00:00 Introduction to Tim Kelly's Journey 03:14 From Military to Financial Freedom 05:54 The Dichotomy of Freedom 08:59 Facing Adversity and Identity Crisis 11:53 The Darkest Times and Finding Faith 15:01 Reaching Out for Help and Vulnerability 18:05 The Importance of Community and Support 20:54 Defining True Freedom 23:43 The Burden of Freedom 25:12 Responsibility and Accountability 28:41 The GROWS Framework for Personal Growth 31:30 The Power of Accountability Groups 34:40 Adventures as a Path to Clarity 38:56 Finding Peace in Freedom 42:30 True Freedom vs. Financial Freedom Resources Mentioned: Follow @PhilOnPurpose https://www.instagram.com/philonpurpose https://www.facebook.com/philonpurpose

July 14, 20261 hr 1 min

Stop Trying to Do It Alone: Father Mark Hoying on Dependence, Humility, and True Fulfillment

We've been taught that success means becoming independent. Father Mark Hoying believes that's exactly backwards. After surviving a near fatal childhood accident that doctors believed he wouldn't survive, Father Mark's life gradually taught him that fulfillment comes through dependence on God, genuine community, and serving others. In this conversation with Phil, they explore the power of humility, why trying to be your best matters more than being the best, what farming taught Father Mark about vocation, lessons from New Zealand, and how tragedy can strengthen a community's faith. If you've ever felt like you're carrying life on your own, this conversation offers a better way forward. 00:00 Intro 03:41 Growing Up and Overcoming Tragedy 12:30 Finding a Vocation Through Farming 17:15 Seeking Inner Peace and Community 28:42 Independence vs. Dependence on God 33:02 Generational Shifts in Modern Faith 38:51 Lessons on Happiness from Abroad 42:35 Reconciling Tragedy and Rebuilding Community Resources Mentioned: Follow @PhilOnPurpose https://www.instagram.com/philonpurpose https://www.facebook.com/philonpurpose

July 7, 202634 min

Highlights and Lessons from the First Half of 2026

The best leaders didn't all share the same story, but a lot of them share the same principles. In this special midyear highlights episode, Phil revisits some of the most impactful conversations from the first half of the year, featuring business owners, athletes, military leaders, and men committed to building stronger families and communities. Together, they explore what it means to lead with character, respond well to adversity, build people instead of just businesses, and create cultures where everyone can grow. If there's one lesson that connects every conversation, it's that the way you lead yourself shapes everything and everyone around you. 0:00 Intro 0:30 Brian Seitz 5:06 Michael Durant 14:10 Forge Men’s Group 29:16 Kate Volman 32:20 Kyle Ahrens Resources Mentioned: ⚙️ Download The Purpose Matrix tool: https://www.thepurposematrix.com/ Follow @PhilOnPurpose https://www.instagram.com/philonpurpose https://www.facebook.com/philonpurpose