11 Ten Leadership

David and Rob discuss leadership, faith, and culture with Tim Spence, CEO of BSA LifeStructures. Tim shares his leadership journey, the importance of being faithful in small things, and how to foster a culture that prioritizes people and purpose. He recounts his transition into the CEO role, emphasizing trust, empowerment, and development. Tim also discusses his company's mission to improve lives through innovative architectural designs for healthcare, education, and science sectors. Listeners are encouraged to explore the deeper 'why' behind their leadership and the impact they can make on others’ lives.00:00 Introduction and Faithfulness in Small Things00:31 Welcome to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast01:35 Celebrating Milestones and Guest Introduction02:07 Interview with Tim Spence: Leadership Journey05:00 Tim Spence's Role and Responsibilities as CEO08:08 Challenges and Surprises in Leadership13:51 Balancing Work and Rest17:38 Empowering Teams and Community Impact21:29 The Importance of Purpose and Culture34:37 Closing Thoughts and Bottom Line44:19 Outro and Additional Resources

Rob and David are joined by Ryan O'Donnell, co-founder and CEO of Sunlight, a tech startup focused on improving the foster care system. Ryan shares his journey from launching tech startups to using technology for social good, driven by his personal experience as a foster parent. The discussion dives into the complexities of the foster care system, common misconceptions, and how Sunlight's product, 'Your Case Plan,' is working to reduce the time children spend in foster care by improving communication and coordination among stakeholders. Ryan also reflects on the importance of leaders working at the intersection of purpose, joy, and justice and challenges other leaders to cultivate similarly motivated leaders within their teams.00:00 Introduction: Purpose, Joy, and Justice00:39 Welcome to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast01:29 Post March Madness Chat03:39 Introducing Ryan O'Donnell08:29 Ryan's Journey: From Food Drives to Tech Startups12:43 The Birth of Sunlight and Tackling Foster Care19:16 Challenges and Successes in Foster Care Tech25:10 How to Get Involved and Support33:52 Final Thoughts and Closing RemarksResourcesSunlightYour Case Plan

Rob and David engage with Jesse Marble, entrepreneur and General Partner at Wildwood Ventures. Jesse shares his thoughts on the nature of challenges, stating that hard tasks don't necessarily indicate you're in the wrong situation. The team discusses the intersection of leadership, faith, and culture. Jesse details his unique approach to venture capital that emphasizes human-centered relationships and holistic support for founders. He also highlights the importance of being present and still in both professional and personal realms. The conversation touches on the purpose of investing in businesses that promote human flourishing, including mental and physical health, underscoring the value of perseverance and vulnerability in leadership.00:00 Introduction: Embracing Challenges00:32 Welcome to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast00:40 Meet the Hosts: Rob Shields and David Spickard00:49 Proverbs 11:10: A Vision for Leadership01:19 Casual Banter: Setting the Scene02:09 Excitement for Today's Guest02:35 Introducing Jesse Marble03:37 Jesse Marble's Background and Ventures06:19 The Venture Capital Space10:35 Philosophy of Leadership11:57 The Importance of Warmth in Leadership17:00 The Role of Vulnerability and Failure17:55 Jesse Marble's Journey with Failure19:21 Fundraising and Resilience20:42 Big Ideas Attract Big Talent21:37 Thrive Assessment from 11 Ten Leadership22:16 Introduction to Leadership Support22:34 Jesse's Journey with Wildwood Ventures23:09 Wildwood's Unique Approach to Venture Capital25:44 Human-Centered Relationships in Venture Capital28:08 Wildwood's Hands-On Model31:23 Advice for Founders and Leaders37:30 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights42:47 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResourcesWildwood VenturesThe School of Life YouTube channelFree Solo movieGrit by Dr. Angela DuckworthThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

David and Rob engage in a profound conversation with David Swanson, an author and pastor with a deep commitment to justice and reconciliation. They explore the themes of Swanson's book, Rediscipling the White Church, and its impact over the past five years. The discussion delves into the current cultural backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and the importance of understanding the deeper roots of greed and fear in addressing systemic injustices. Swanson emphasizes the need for leaders to embody the principles of the kingdom of God, focusing on abundance, playfulness, and a deep connection to their local places. The conversation also highlights the crucial role of repair in achieving wholeness and justice and the significance of mustard seeds and yeast as metaphors for small but impactful actions. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of knowing one's 'why' in the face of opposition and staying committed to living out kingdom values.00:00 Introduction to the Kingdom of God00:46 Welcome to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast01:38 Snow Day Realities02:31 Introducing David Swanson02:59 David Swanson's Journey and Impact08:11 The Cultural Moment of 202015:59 Understanding the Backlash24:46 Belonging to Our Place and Story26:53 Challenges of Justice Work28:50 Transformative Leadership and Cultural Competence36:25 The Theology of Repair41:48 Small Acts of Repair and Faithfulness47:53 The Importance of Knowing Your Why50:26 Closing Remarks and ResourcesResourcesRediscipling the White Church: From Cheap Diversity to True SolidarityPlundered: The Tangled Roots of Racial and Environmental InjusticeDavid W. Swanson's (Occasional) Newsletter

David and Rob engage in a profound conversation with Gregory Thompson, a scholar, writer, and creative strategist. Greg discusses the nature of effective Christian ministry through the renunciation of control and the importance of repairing harm in the context of racial justice. The episode delves into Greg's transformative experiences in Memphis, his book Reparations: A Christian Call to Repentance and Repair, and the theological foundations of repair. Highlighting themes of proximity to the poor, relinquishing power, and embracing Christ in places of pain, this episode provides a powerful narrative on leadership that prioritizes justice and wholeness for all.00:00 Introduction: The Illusion of Control in Christian Ministry00:43 Welcome to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast01:30 Casual Catch-Up: Renovations and Summer Plans03:43 Juneteenth and Introducing Greg Thompson07:21 Greg Thompson's Journey and Work on Reparations18:03 The Theology of Repair and Its Importance22:47 Introduction to Leadership and Thrive Assessment23:44 The Importance of Proximity and Leadership25:23 Renunciation of Control in Christian Ministry28:53 Reorienting Leadership Towards the Margins33:28 Embracing the Darkness and Following Christ39:24 Projects and Future Endeavors42:49 Final Thoughts and EncouragementResourcesBook: Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair Article Series: "Becoming a People of Repair"

Rob and David engage in an insightful discussion with Lauren Gill and Missy Wallace, co-authors of Faith and Work: Galvanizing Your Church for Everyday Impact. The conversation explores how work matters deeply to God and how it plays a crucial role in His unfolding plan for the world. The episode focuses on the importance of integrating faith into one's work, practical tools for pastors, and the personal and systemic changes needed to align one's work with God’s mission for the redemption of all things. The guests share valuable frameworks and personal experiences that highlight the significance of being a redemptive presence in one's industry. Listeners are encouraged to pick up a copy of the book and to be proactive in making small, restorative actions in their daily work life.00:00 Introduction: The Intersection of Leadership, Faith, and Culture00:36 Meet the Hosts: Rob Shields and David Spickard01:45 Special Guests: Lauren Gill and Missy Wallace01:55 Faith and Work: Integrating Faith into Everyday Impact02:49 Guest Bios: Lauren Gill and Missy Wallace04:16 The Importance of Faith in Work13:15 The Sunday to Monday Gap17:32 Practical Tools for Pastors and Leaders20:44 Frameworks for Addressing Brokenness30:38 The Role of Business in God's Plan36:35 Encouragement for Leaders: Being a Restorative Presence40:23 Conclusion and ResourcesResourcesFaith and Work: Galvanizing Your Church for Everyday ImpactThe Missional Disciple: Pursuing Mercy & Justice at WorkGo Forth: God's Purpose for Your Work

David and Rob sit down with Jared Korver, a wealth manager and advocate for just leadership. They delve into the concept of "artificial poverty," how money can paradoxically lead to anxiety, and the importance of generosity and community. Jared shares his journey from dissatisfaction in a high-demand job to finding purpose in wealth management. He explains his philosophy shaped by his humble upbringing and how he aims to help clients and employees find balance and contentment. The episode also touches on the role of leadership assessments and the importance of communal support in navigating the complexities of wealth. Finally, Jared offers a profound closing thought on finding contentment and recognizing God's abundant provision in everyday life.00:00 Introduction to Artificial Poverty00:38 Welcome to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast01:31 Listener Feedback and Show Format02:02 Introducing Jared Korver02:43 Jared Korver's Background and Philosophy on Money04:22 The Trap of Wealth and Artificial Poverty10:26 Navigating Wealth Management with a Christian Ethic23:12 The Role of Vulnerability in Financial Planning27:28 Beacon's Vision and Impact35:47 The Just Leadership Journey39:55 Final Thoughts and Bottom Line43:10 Closing Remarks and Resources

When the team is thriving but the leader isn’t, something has to shift. In this episode, Jesse Jones, founder of Fourscore Business Law, shares how executive coaching helped him rediscover purpose, rebuild culture, and step into the hard but holy work of leading with clarity, courage, and conviction.0:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles00:52 Welcome to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast01:44 Wedding Weekend and Speech Writing03:58 Introducing Jesse Jones05:13 Jesse's Leadership Journey and Values13:33 Personal Mission Statement and Cultivating Culture17:11 The Thrive Assessment and Executive Coaching18:53 Reflecting on Leadership Challenges19:34 The Turning Point: Thrive Assessment22:01 Embracing Continuous Improvement26:18 Implementing the Thrive Framework30:22 Navigating Post-Covid Hybrid Work33:40 Balancing Team Culture and Accountability38:28 The Importance of Coaching and Peer Groups39:42 Conclusion and Resources

David and Rob are joined by Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience across military, government, church, academic, and nonprofit sectors. Dr. Robinson shares her deep personal and professional journey, touching on her experiences as a black woman in leadership and her commitment to intentional discipleship, mentorship, and justice work. Highlighting the intersectionality of being marginalized for race and gender, Dr. Robinson discusses the importance of lament, community, and joy in leadership. The conversation also delves into her work with Leadership LINKS, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring young black girls and women, and her latest book Voices of Lament, a collective work reflecting on Psalm 37. Practical advice for sustaining spiritual and physical health as a leader is also provided.00:00 Introduction: Leading Through Lament00:39 Welcome to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast01:29 Season Two Kickoff02:41 Introducing Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson06:06 Natasha's Leadership Journey09:13 Faith and Leadership13:59 The Role of Suffering in Leadership16:07 Advocating for Justice and DEI18:12 Theological Foundations of Justice20:45 Cultural Formation and Leadership21:47 Thrive Assessment: Enhancing Leadership22:55 Mentorship and Community in the Context of DEI24:55 The Importance of Collective Leadership27:36 Mentorship Models and Peer-to-Peer Mentorship28:52 Empowering Young Women of Color32:55 The Role of Lament in Leadership39:00 Practices for Staying Grounded and Healthy40:59 Final Thoughts and Ways to Get InvolvedResourcesLinks to Natasha’s books, podcast, Substack, and events can be found at https://www.natashasrobinson.com. Learn more about Leadership LINKS at https://www.leadershiplinksinc.org.

David and Rob address the current challenges and shifts around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within a leadership context. They emphasize staying grounded in faith and conviction rather than being swayed by cultural trends. The conversation bridges practical guidance on maintaining daily rhythms, like those of Biblical figure Daniel, to support just leadership. Additionally, they delve into the intricacies of compliance versus conviction in hiring practices and organizational policies. The episode aims to provide leaders with actionable insights to navigate these nuanced and dynamic times faithfully.00:00 Introduction and Mission Statement00:35 Meet the Hosts01:21 March Madness and Personal Insights03:15 Current Events and DEI Discussion10:13 Biblical Lessons for Leaders18:24 Legal Compliance and Leadership Convictions21:07 Practical Leadership Advice27:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

David and Rob explore the critical distinction between culture fit and culture add in leadership. Using the recent surprising trade between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers as a case study, they delve into what it means for leaders to hire individuals who not only fit but add to and enhance organizational culture. The discussion extends to the challenges of change management, building trust, and strategies for correcting a toxic workplace culture. Listeners will also learn about tools like the Thrive Assessment to measure and foster a thriving work environment.00:00 Introduction to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast00:48 Casual Coffee Chat02:26 Inventions and Missed Opportunities04:51 Special Bonus Episode Announcement05:32 The Mavericks-Lakers Trade08:46 Culture Fit vs. Culture Add13:51 Leadership and Culture Transformation18:16 Leadership and Culture: The Role of the Leader19:39 Creating a Sense of Belonging in Teams20:42 Balancing Leadership Styles23:08 Handling High Performers Who Don't Fit the Culture29:38 Change Management Strategies32:48 Identifying and Correcting Toxic Cultures37:35 Measuring a Thriving Workplace Culture40:07 The Importance of Diverse Leadership42:01 Conclusion and Next StepsResourcesTake the Thrive Assessment!11 Ten newsletter article discussing Mavericks-Lakers Trade

David and Rob celebrate reaching over 75 episodes and announce a shift to a seasonal format for future episodes. The hosts reflect on the podcast's growth, the invaluable input from various guests, and how this new format will allow for more intentional content creation. Stay tuned for more insightful and thought-provoking conversations aimed at developing leaders who make their cities rejoice.00:00 Introduction to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast01:14 Special Announcement: Shifting to a Seasonal Model01:49 Reflecting on the Journey and Future Plans04:20 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

David and Rob discuss engaging employees, tackling the "Great Detachment," and the significance of regular feedback and recognition. They explore hybrid work challenges, how to foster meaningful collaboration, and the crucial role of organizational culture. This episode offers practical strategies for leaders aiming to reconnect their teams to their mission and values, ultimately leading to thriving organizations and communities.00:00 Introduction to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast00:49 Casual Catch-Up: Personal Updates and Superbowl Talk03:18 Diving into 2025 Leadership Themes03:34 Gallup's Seven Workplace Challenges05:18 The Great Detachment and Employee Engagement06:44 Importance of Recognition and Feedback07:00 Navigating Hybrid Work Environments29:16 Building a Thriving Organizational Culture35:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement38:55 Closing Remarks and Resources

David and Rob celebrate their 75th episode with a special crossover episode from the Denver Institute for Faith and Work. This episode features an in-depth conversation between Jeff Hoffmeyer and theologian Andy Crouch on the intersection of artificial intelligence, faith, and work. They explore key assumptions about AI, its ethical considerations, and the potential for AI to be used redemptively. Crouch discusses the importance of preserving human agency, the risks and benefits of AI, and the need for technology to advance human flourishing while maintaining personal responsibility. The episode concludes with a hopeful vision for the future, emphasizing that AI should serve and elevate humanity rather than replace or diminish it.00:00 Introduction to Human Instinct and AI00:28 Welcome to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast01:15 Celebrating the 75th Episode02:12 Special Crossover Episode with Andy Crouch03:29 Introduction to the Faith and Work Podcast05:12 Conversation with Andy Crouch on AI07:02 Understanding Artificial Intelligence08:18 Praxis Labs and Redemptive Imagination17:04 Theological Implications of AI18:56 Ethics and Risks of AI25:31 Praxis's Assumptions on AI29:03 Collaborative Process and Community Engagement29:52 Introducing the FOR Campaign31:08 Navigating AI and Christian Formation38:46 Ethical Use of AI in Decision Making41:54 Redemptive AI Principles47:13 Hope for the Future of AI52:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

David and Rob welcome Katrece Boyd, Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development at North Carolina Central University. They explore how each generation reflects the values of the previous ones and discuss the unique characteristics of Gen Z in the workforce. Key topics include the importance of meaningful work for Gen Z, the challenges they face in resilience and communication, and practical advice for leaders on how to engage and support this emerging generation. Katrece shares her personal journey in entrepreneurship and offers invaluable wisdom on fostering a healthy and productive environment for young professionals.00:00 Introduction: Reflecting on Generational Values00:18 Welcome to the 11 Ten Leadership Podcast00:26 Meet the Hosts: Rob Shields and David Spickard02:11 Special Guest Introduction: Katrece Boyd02:20 Katrece's Background and Expertise03:40 The Importance of Entrepreneurship and Economic Mobility04:30 Diving into Gen Z and Young Entrepreneurs05:09 Katrece Joins the Conversation05:38 Personal Connection and Shared History06:44 Katrece's Journey and Insights15:27 Challenges and Opportunities for Gen Z Entrepreneurs16:36 Statistics and Realities of Gen Z in the Workforce19:34 Katrece's Perspective on Gen Z20:21 The Quest for Meaningful Lives21:21 Surprising Boldness and Timidity21:48 Introducing the Thrive Assessment22:58 Facing Reality and Building Resilience26:12 Engaging the Next Generation27:42 Leadership in Service to People33:07 Patience, Resilience, and Critical Thinking34:54 The Importance of Physical Books37:09 Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leadership37:55 Final Thoughts and Wisdom40:03 Closing Remarks and Resources