Prosper: Where serial entrepreneur (and bodyguard to St. John Paul II) Andreas Widmer and his friends navigate business challenges in the light of faith. Learn to live as a Principled Entrepreneur. Spiritually and professionally, we want to help you prosper!
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June 10, 202643 min
Encore of Taking the Risk Out of African Investment
Enjoy our encore presentation from Season 4, Taking the Risk Out of African Investment with Matt Hangen.In this episode of Prosper, host Andreas Widmer and Rebecca Teti welcome Matt Hangen, CEO of Water4, to discuss his journey from a troubled youth in Alabama to leading a project that provides sustainable piped water solutions in Africa. The conversation explores the innovative business model of Water4, which combines philanthropy with entrepreneurship and the power of the free market to overcome the limitations of conventional NGO approaches while uplifting women and families. You won't want to miss this powerful episode. Learn more about the innovative work of Water4.org. Matt Hangen is reading The Courage to Be. Join us for the Fall Meeting of the Family Business Consortium. Find out what the Ciocca Center can offer you at cioccacenter.com
June 4, 202650 min
Encore of Business Solutions for Women in the Workplace (ft. Regina Bethencourt)
As we gear up for Season 5, we thought we'd like to revisit some of our "greatest hits" over the last few seasons. All the way back in Season 2, we were joined by Regina Bethencourt, CEO of Tenuto Consulting. We discussed risk-taking, the journey of the entrepreneur, and support systems that help to build better work environments for everybody. Check out this great conversation and the rest of Prosper's library while Season 5 is in the works.Guest Regina Bethencourt, CEO of Tenuto, details how, not liking what she saw at a top NY marketing firm, she created her own company to provide a flexible work environment catering to the needs of parents, particularly mothers, who want to do challenging, excellent work as they care for their growing families. You'll also hear insights on building a competitive advantage in business through human connection and finding the right talent for flexible work. The discussion also touches on the entrepreneurial journey, the importance of taking risks, and the support systems that can help individuals succeed and build a more humane workplace for everyone. To register for the Dan Cellucci presentation on Feb. 27, 2025, please follow this link. To learn more about The Busch School of Business' unique approach to Human Resources, please contact Prof. Tracy Phillips: phillipstr@cua.eduContact Regina's company at tenutoconsulting.com Find out more about the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at Catholic University's Busch School of Business at CioccaCenter.comResources mentioned in the conversation: Regina mentions The Five Hour Work Week. Find more about Patrick Lencioni at workinggenius.com. Rebecca mentions Regine Pernoud's Women in the Days of the Cathedrals Prosper Podcast is a production of theCiocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at Catholic University of America
May 27, 202646 min
Encore of Entrepreneurship & Low Income Communities
This week, we give thanks for the life of our friend Robert L. Woodson, Sr., who passed away on May 19. Of the many pieces of wisdom he shared with us, telling stories of radical grace and forgiveness in order to help form solutions to our culture’s problems was among the most profound. Revisit our episode with him from Season 4 today.Meet Robert L. Woodson Sr., the founder of the Woodson Center, a veteran of the American Civil Rights Movement, and an advocate of poverty alleviation and disadvantaged communities. From growing up in segregated Philadelphia to building a national movement for change, Woodson invites us to see people not as problems, but as untapped potential ready to prosper. We explore how business, virtue, and redemption can transform lives and communities. Mr. Woodson is currently reading The Future Once Happened Here: New York, D.C., L.A., and the Fate of America's Big Cities: Siegel, Fred. He is an accomplished writer of many good books, including The Triumphs of Joseph: How Todays Community Healers Are Reviving Our Streets and Neighborhoods , Lessons From the Least of These: The Woodson Principles Red, White, and Black: Rescuing American History from Revisionists and Race Hustlers His number one bestseller is called A Pathway to American Renewal: Red, White, and Black Volume II. You can learn more about the wonderful work done by the Woodson Center, as well as view informational cartoons, at Woodson Center, as well as view informational videos produced by The Woodson Center at https://www.youtube.com/@WoodsonCenter/shorts Check out this article, recommended by Mr. Woodson, about Piney Woods by Jason Riley, The Enduring Success of Piney Woods School - WSJ Find out what the Ciocca Center can offer you at The Ciocca Center.
March 18, 2026Episode 1253 min
Business and Identity
Meet Fr. Corwin Low OP, tech pioneer, former IBM entrepreneur, president of the International Dominican Foundation, leads Apostolate to Evangelize Silicon Valley, and is director of mission advancement for the Angelicum in Rome. Father Corwin shares his journey from co-authoring the Internet Starter Kit for Windows 95 and working with Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen to discovering the Catholic faith through a series of providential encounters in Rome. He offers profound insights on integrating faith into a modern corporate culture, the importance of reclaiming one's identity in the workplace, and the current revival of Thomistic philosophy at the Angelicum in Rome.Learn more about Fr. Corwin Low's ministry at the Angelicum. Find out what the Ciocca Center can offer you at The Ciocca Center. Join us for Spring 2025 Meeting: Family Business Consortium - The Busch School of Business.
March 4, 2026Episode 1139 min
The "Poverty Trap" and breaking the cycle of poverty
Meet Michael Matheson Miller, the Chief of Strategic Initiatives and Senior Research Fellow at the Acton Institute, Director of the Center for Social Flourishing and the Poverty Cure Initiative, the Director and Producer of the award-winning documentary film, Poverty, Inc., and host of the Moral Imagination podcast. He deep dives into human dignity, faith, and the "enterprise solutions" that actually break the cycle of poverty. Mr. Matheson Miller also speaks on his new film, "Poverty Trap," which we are very excited about. He also discusses his real-world experiences and expert insight on poverty today. Specifically, failures of dependency to the restorative power of work. Michael Matheson Miller is currently reading Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses (Audible Audio Edition): Erik Varden, John Sackville, Bloomsbury Continuum. As well as A Student's Guide to Political Philosophy: Political Theory Guide (Guides to Major Disciplines). He is also reading Quo Vadis: Sienkiewicz, Henryk, Kuniczak, W.S.Find out more about Michael Matheson Miller by listening to his podcast, The Moral Imagination - Michael Matheson Miller. Check out Mr. Matheson Miller's film Poverty, Inc. Find out what the Ciocca Center can offer you at The Ciocca Center. Join us for Spring 2025 Meeting: Family Business Consortium - The Busch School of Business.
February 18, 2026Episode 1050 min
Business Is the Key to African Prosperity
Magatte Wade is on a mission to liberate African economies from the overregulation that holds them back. Hear her inspiring personal story and why she insists that jobs and energy are the true keys to a thriving Africa. Magatte Wade recommends our colleague Luke Burgis' forthcoming The One & the 99. Her book The Heart of a Cheetah is a blueprint for human flourishing in Africa. Tiossan Academy educates African children in virtue, character, entrepreneurship and business skills. Join us for The Busch School of Business' Spring Family Business Consortium meeting. Find out more about entrepreneurship at Catholic University of America at our website: CioccaCenter.com
February 4, 2026Episode 949 min
"Right Proper" & Radical Transparency
Meet the co-owner of Right Proper Brewing Company, Thor Cheston. He engages in deep conversation about his journey from a liberal arts graduate to a successful entrepreneur in the craft beer industry. As well as discussing the challenges faced in the competitive market, the importance of adapting business strategies, and the implementation of radical transparency through open book management. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding customer needs, financial literacy, and effective leadership in achieving business success.Thor Cheston is currently reading Andreas Widmer's book The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship: Creating Enduring Value. He's also reading Good Profit: How Creating Value for Others Built One of the World's Most Successful Companies. And Saved in Hope: Spe Salvi: Pope Benedict XVI. He is a big fan of the book The Great Game of Business, Expanded and Updated: The Only Sensible Way to Run a Company. You can learn more about Thor Cheston and his wonderful brewery at Right Proper Brewing Company. Visit the Brew Pub at Shaw — Right Proper Brewing Company. Thor mentions "EBITDA" earnings: Earnings Before Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. Register for the Family Business Consortium at familybusinessconsortium.org. Find out more about entrepreneurship at The Busch School of Business by visiting cioccacenter
January 21, 2026Episode 849 min
How Entrepreneurs Can Aid the Justice-Involved
Meet the Fintech pioneer Brian Hamilton. He shares his journey from growing up in modest circumstances to co-founding Sageworks, one of the first financial technology firms in the U.S. He reflects on the challenges of a startup, building success through perseverance, and the lessons learned along the way. Today, Hamilton leads the nonprofit Inmates to Entrepreneurs, helping people with criminal records start their own businesses and rebuild their lives. Through stories of faith, failure, and second chances, he reminds listeners that real success is measured not just by profit, but by purpose.Brian Hamilton is reading A Season on the Brink: A Year with Bob Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers (A Gift for Basketball Fans): Feinstein, John: 9781451650259. Learn more about Brian Hamilton and his wonderful work at Brian Hamilton Foundation. Learn more about some of Brian Hamilton's work with Inmates to Entrepreneurs. Find out what the Ciocca Center can offer you at The Ciocca Center.
January 7, 2026Episode 745 min
Entrepreneurship & Low Income Communities
Meet Robert L. Woodson Sr., the founder of the Woodson Center, veteran of the American Civil Rights Movement, and advocate of poverty alleviation and disadvantaged communities. From growing up in segregated Philadelphia to building a national movement for change, Woodson invites us to see people not as problems, but as untapped potential ready to prosper. We explore how business, virtue, and redemption can transform lives and communities. Mr. Woodson is currently reading The Future Once Happened Here: New York, D.C., L.A., and the Fate of America's Big Cities: Siegel, Fred. He is an acomplished writer of many good books, including The Triumphs of Joseph: How Todays Community Healers Are Reviving Our Streets and Neighborhoods Lessons From the Least of These: The Woodson Principles Red, White, and Black: Rescuing American History from Revisionists and Race Hustlers His number one bestseller is called A Pathway to American Renewal: Red, White, and Black Volume II. You can learn more about the wonderful work done by the Woodson Center, as well as view informational cartoons, at Woodson Center, as well as view informational videos produced by The Woodson Center at https://www.youtube.com/@WoodsonCenter/shorts Check out this article, recomended by Mr. Woodson, about Piney Woods by Jason Riley, The Enduring Success of Piney Woods School - WSJ Find out what the Ciocca Center can offer you at The Ciocca Center.
December 17, 2025Episode 643 min
The Economics and Morals of It's a Wonderful Life
Frederic Sautet joins us for this Christmas episode of Prosper. He is a scholar of economics and entrepreneurship who brings a thoughtful conversation on vocation, virtue, and the deeper meaning of business. He discusses his path from France to the Ciocca Center, his academic influences, and the spiritual dimension of work. As well as a rich economic and moral discussion of the movie, It's a Wonderful Life. Examining entrepreneurship, community, sacrifice, and the tension between false and authentic individualism in one of America’s most beloved films.Frederic Sautet is currently reading: Fire Within: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross and the Gospel-On PrayerVindicating the Founders: Race, Sex, Class, and Justice in the Origins of America
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