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The Called to Flourish Podcast

The Called to Flourish Podcast

Robert Wachter 467 Episodes Jun 29, 2026

The Called to Flourish Podcast from Best Christian Workplaces equips and inspires Christian leaders to transform their workplaces into beacons of hope where faith comes alive, people and organizations flourish, and the Gospel shines through flourishing culture.

Episodes

Your People Aren't Burned Out—Their Work May Be Draining the Life Out of Them — Jay Bransford, Best Christian Workplaces Jun 29, 2026 37:48 Many leaders assume disengagement is primarily a motivation or performance problem. But what if the real issue is that people no longer experience their work as life-giving? In this episode, Jay Bransford, President & CEO of Best Christian Workplaces, explores why Life-Giving Work is the second most powerful driver of employee engagement. Drawing from decades of workplace culture research, he expl
The Strongest Ministries Don't Ignore the People Closest to Them — Michael Martin, ECFA Jun 15, 2026 32:34 Many Christian-led organizations are passionate about serving people externally—but struggle to care for the health of their own teams internally. In this episode, Michael Martin, President & CEO of ECFA, explains why flourishing cultures require intentional stewardship, leadership rhythms, and a deep commitment to caring for people well. Drawing from ECFA's experience building a 100th-percentile
You Can't Build External Trust on Internal Instability — Dr. Rob McKenna, WiLD Leaders Jun 1, 2026 45:17 Trust problems rarely begin with strategy. More often, they begin with fear, self-protection, and leaders trying to create stability externally while struggling internally. In this episode, Dr. Rob McKenna—CEO of WiLD Leaders and bestselling author of Whole Leaders, Wild Trust—shares why trust grows through honesty, vulnerability, and truth-telling rather than perfection. He explains how internal
Engagement Hit a 15-Year High. So Why Are 39% Still Disengaged? — Dr. Doug Waldo, Best Christian Workplaces May 18, 2026 26:33 Employee engagement across Christian-led organizations has reached its highest level in 15 years. Yet nearly 4 in 10 employees still cannot bring their best to work each day. In this episode, Dr. Doug Waldo, Research Director and Senior Consultant at Best Christian Workplaces, explains what the 2026 State of the Christian Workplace Report reveals about trust in leadership, employee voice, and the
Diversity Isn't the Problem—Disconnection Is — Dr. James Borishade, Circle Urban Ministries May 4, 2026 33:18 Many leaders assume diversity creates tension on teams. But the deeper threat to engagement isn't difference—it's disconnection. In this episode, Dr. James Borishade of Circle Urban Ministries explains how leaders can create psychological safety across differences so teams remain unified around mission. He shares practical lessons on listening well, modeling humility, and repairing trust when lead
Ask for Feedback Before the Decision: How DiscipleMakers Built a 100th Percentile Ministry Culture — Peter Krol and Tom Hallman, DiscipleMakers Apr 20, 2026 30:52 What happens when leaders invite feedback before decisions are finalized instead of after they're announced? In this episode of Called to Flourish, Peter Krol, President, and Tom Hallman, Vice President of DiscipleMakers, share how their ministry built one of the most engaged workplace cultures in their sector by creating clear rhythms of listening, collaboration, and shared ownership. Rather than
Data-Driven Leadership: How Facing the Truth About Culture Builds Trust and Strengthens Your Church — Brad Cooper, NewSpring Church Apr 6, 2026 30:06 What happens when leaders stop guessing about culture and start listening to what their teams are actually experiencing? In this episode of Called to Flourish, Brad Cooper, Lead Pastor of Culture and Direction at NewSpring Church, shares how honest feedback and engagement surveys helped their leadership team face cultural blind spots, respond to a season of challenge, and build deeper trust across
Forgiveness in the Workplace: How Leaders Build Trust and Heal Culture — Tara VanderSande, Best Christian Workplaces Mar 23, 2026 35:11 What happens when unforgiveness quietly shapes your workplace culture? In this episode of Called to Flourish, Tara VanderSande, Senior Engagement and Talent Consultant at Best Christian Workplaces, explores why forgiveness is not just a personal spiritual practice—but a leadership discipline that directly impacts trust, innovation, and organizational health. Drawing from engagement survey data, Sc
Fantastic Teams: Why Flourishing Is a "We," Not a "Me" — Jay Bransford, Best Christian Workplaces Mar 9, 2026 22:56 Why do some teams flourish while others stall — even under strong leadership? In this episode of Called to Flourish, Jay Bransford, President & CEO of Best Christian Workplaces, explores why thriving cultures are built on unified teams aligned around shared mission and trust. Drawing from Scripture and decades of research-backed insight, Jay explains how fantastic teams handle conflict, cultivate
Becoming the Kind of Leader People Want to Follow — Jim Brown, OrgHealth Feb 23, 2026 39:06 What makes people truly want to follow a leader — not out of obligation, but out of trust and belief? In this episode of Called to Flourish, Jim Brown, Founder of OrgHealth and leadership coach, challenges the myth of perfect leadership and shares why authenticity, humility, and curiosity are the real foundations of influence. Drawing from decades of coaching executives and leadership teams, Jim e
How ACSI Built a High-Trust Culture That People Want to Stay In — Dr. Larry Taylor, ACSI Feb 9, 2026 40:01 What does it take to build a workplace culture where people genuinely trust leadership—and want to stay? In this episode of Called to Flourish, Dr. Larry Taylor, President & CEO of ACSI, shares how ACSI strengthened organizational trust through intentional listening, leadership transparency, and faith-centered culture practices. Larry offers practical insight on turning employee feedback into acti
Is Your Business Also Your Ministry? Kingdom Leadership at Work — Barry Slauenwhite, Best Christian Workplaces Jan 26, 2026 22:52 What if your business is more than profit — or even social good? In this episode of Called to Flourish, Barry Slauenwhite and Robert Wachter explore how Christian leaders can see the marketplace as a mission field, using daily business decisions to advance eternal purpose. From "return on eternity" to leading with integrity, generosity, and kingdom lenses, this conversation reframes what faithful

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