Steward Leaders: Not About Us

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Katherine Leary Alsdorf about the theology of work, the biblical narrative behind vocation, and insights from the book Every Good Endeavor. They explore how faith reshapes our understanding of work, why work often feels broken, and how the gospel provides a framework for meaningful vocation. The biblical narrative of creation, fall, and redemption provides the framework for understanding work. Work carries dignity because humans are created in the image of God and called to steward creation. The concept of common grace explains how God works through all people to contribute goodness to the world. One of the clearest marks of a Christian in the workplace may be humility—owning mistakes and apologizing readily. Katherine Leary Alsdorf is the co-author with Timothy Keller of Every Good Endeavor. A former Silicon Valley CEO, Katherine founded and was the former executive director of the Center for Faith and Work at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. She presently speaks regularly and serves as Senior Advisory Board Member of The Global Faith & Work Initiative. For more about Eric: ericralexander.com   stewardleaderspodcast.com   sixarrowsconsulting.com Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever. See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune). 

In this episode, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Julie Schniers about the power of recognition and appreciation in shaping healthy workplace culture. They explore how leaders can create meaningful engagement through personalized recognition and connection. Recognition and appreciation are key drivers of employee engagement and retention. Effective leaders tailor recognition to individual personalities and needs. Peer-to-peer recognition strengthens trust and collaboration. Strong culture depends on valuing contributions at every level of the organization. Julie Schniers is an inspiring speaker, consultant, and coach for businesses and school districts that want to increase their ability to make an impact. Helping organizations reach goals as a team, increase success, and create a culture that helps people thrive is her mission. From hospitals to fast food and small schools to large corporations, there is no space she hasn’t inspired. The tie that binds them all is people. People are her passion. More about Julie: julieschniers.com. For more about Eric: ericralexander.com   stewardleaderspodcast.com   sixarrowsconsulting.com Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever. See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune). 

In this episode, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Dory about stewardship leadership and risk management in community banking. They explore how a long-term perspective, humility, and running toward problems shapes resilient institutions and healthy organizational culture. Stewardship means building an organization that thrives beyond the individual leader. Banks are uniquely trained to manage risk and adapt to constant change. Legacy leadership requires separating family identity from organizational mission. Great leaders run toward problems rather than away from them Dory A. Wiley, CFA, CPA, CVA is President & CEO of Commerce Street Holdings, the holding company for broker/dealer and investment advisor funds specializing in financial institutions, retirement plans, institutional portfolio management, and small to midsize buyouts. Mr. Wiley has over 35 years of experience in commercial and investment banking and investment management, and he is frequently quoted in the media and regularly speaks at universities, conferences, and seminars regarding stocks, corporate finance, and related topics. He is also a frequent contributor on Fox Business News, Fox News, and CNBC.  Mr. Wiley serves on various boards, investment committees, and advisory boards of community banks. He received a BBA in Finance and Accounting from Texas Tech University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University. More about Commerce Street: commercestreetholdings.com. For more about Eric: ericralexander.com   stewardleaderspodcast.com   sixarrowsconsulting.com Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune). 

In this brief episode, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Matt Bumstead about stewardship as the defining framework for biblical and ethical leadership. They explore how humility, responsibility for others, and wise risk-taking shape faithful leadership, particularly in financial decision-making. Stewardship reframes leadership away from ego and toward serving something greater than oneself. True leaders view people as entrusted to their care and seek their flourishing, not just results. Financial stewardship requires balancing prudence with responsible risk-taking rather than fear-driven caution. The Parable of the Talents illustrates that faithfulness includes initiative, not just preservation. Matt Bumstead is the CEO in Residence for the College of Business at Lubbock Christian University, where he has taught since 2016, and where he also served as Dean. Matt spent twenty years at United Supermarkets, where, as a fourth-generation member of family ownership, he served as Co-President and a member of the Board of Advisors. He served on the Board of Directors of Happy State Bank during the period when Eric was on the bank’s executive team. This conversation with Matt was originally released as a Six Arrows Consulting video on YouTube in February 2024. For more episodes and additional information about the show: stewardleaderspodcast.com  For more about Eric:  ericralexander.com   sixarrowsconsulting.com See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders  Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune). 

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Chris Kelley and Byron Earnheart about stewardship, leadership development, and the responsibility of bankers to serve their communities. Leadership begins with self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Community bankers must balance technical expertise with people-centered leadership. Stewardship frames banking as care for people, not just money. Developing leaders requires understanding individual strengths and limits. Chris Kelley has been the Executive Director & President of the Barret School of Banking in Memphis, TN since 2003. Chris regularly speaks at banking conventions and events across the US. He is a graduate of the Barret Class of 2000, and served as the Alumni Association President. Chris was a Board member prior to becoming the Executive Director. He began his banking career in 1995 in a management trainee position with National Bank of Commerce in Memphis. His final role was Senior VP in Branch Administration. Prior to starting his banking career, Chris played professional baseball for the Texas Rangers. Chris has an undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Tennessee, where he played baseball, and received his MBA from Christian Brothers University. He was born and raised in Andalusia, Alabama, and moved to Memphis in 1995. He is married with two children.  Chris has served for a number of civic organizations in the Memphis area, including board member of Leadership Memphis and the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis. He has served on the PTA of his children’s schools for more than 10 years. He has been a volunteer youth sports coach for the past 15 years Byron Earnheart is the Programming Director for the Barret School of Banking and the host of the “Main Street Banking” podcast.  He has nearly 25 years of experience in the financial services industry; 11 of which have been in banking in various roles from teller work to branch management to lender and all points in between.  He spends his time playing guitar and singing in Delta Heart (the “house band of the Mississippi Delta”), songwriting, cooking, reading, teaching Sunday School and enduring the University of Tennessee Volunteers athletic seasons.  You can hear his original music on iTunes, Spotify, or any musical streaming service.  He is married to his wife Kelly of 17 years and has two children, John Aubrey (15) and Mary Laura (12). More about the Barret School of Banking:  Barret School of Banking More about the Main Street Banking podcast: Main Street Banking For more episodes and additional information about the show: stewardleaderspodcast.com  For more about Eric:  ericralexander.com   sixarrowsconsulting.com See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune). 

In this episode, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Sam Silverstein about accountability as a relational commitment rooted in stewardship rather than control. Their conversation explores how leaders create high-performance cultures by prioritizing people, relationships, and lived values over tactics alone. Accountability is not about responsibility or control, but about keeping commitments to people through strong relationships. Leaders are stewards of the safety and success of those they lead, which raises leadership to a higher moral and relational standard. Research shows culture and lived values drive performance more than policies or slogans. True influence does not require a title; it is demonstrated by showing up for others when it matters most. Sam Silverstein is an internationally recognized authority on accountability, leadership, and workplace culture. As the founder of The Accountability Institute and creator of the Certified Accountability Advisor program, Sam has dedicated his career to helping organizations and individuals build cultures where people thrive and leaders inspire. He is an author of 14 books and speaks regularly to audiences around the world. More about Sam: samsilverstein.com For more episodes and additional information about the show: stewardleaderspodcast.com  For more about Eric:  ericralexander.com   sixarrowsconsulting.com See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).