You are still here because what your life is meant to do is bigger than what tried to stop you. The struggle did not happen because you were weak. It happened because what you carry matters. In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with Dr. Robert Bess, Christian author of PRESERVED, entrepreneur, and Kingdom leader, to explore what it means to be sustained by faith through trauma, leadership, and calling. Dr. Bess shares his extraordinary survival story, including a childhood marked by abuse, thirteen near-death experiences, and the faith that carried him through seasons of pain, responsibility, and rebuilding. He opens up about building and leading multiple businesses, raising his children as a single father, and learning how to get things done without sacrificing integrity, faith, or family. Through honest reflection, Dr. Bess unpacks lessons on resilience, decision-making, letting go of perfection, and leading with trust and discipline. This conversation is a powerful reminder that preservation is never accidental. It is preparation for purpose, and every scar can point someone back to hope. Topics Covered: 01:33 – Welcoming our guest, Dr. Robert Bess 03:08 – A childhood shaped by trauma and survival 05:50 – Faith is the foundation for resilience and success 07:11 – How to approach big goals one step at a time 08:43 – Compartmentalizing life to avoid chaos and burnout 10:04 – Managing stress and keeping negativity in its place 11:30 – How do you know what to prioritize? 14:16 – Trusting teams, releasing pride, and allowing failure 17:17 – How do you know when your work is good? 19:20 – Understanding your “why” before taking action 21:10 – How to observe competition without copying or comparing 23:13 – Identifying blockers before they stop your progress 27:00 – Making decisive leadership decisions 29:24 – Why supporting growth builds stronger teams 32:26 – How do you know you made the right decision? 34:13 – How to set goals that actually keep people motivated 38:37 – Integrity, conviction, and standing firm in your values 40:56 – Why testimonials matter in building trust and brand 41:47 – Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 43:19 – Don’t believe the lies 44:27 – How spilled lanes create chaos and stress 45:40 – Success is obedience, purpose, and kingdom impact Connect with Dr. Robert Bess: Web: https://drrobertbess.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@DrRobertBessX: https://x.com/DrRobertBessFB: https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertBessIG: https://www.instagram.com/Dr.RobertBess/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drrobertbess/Connect with Erica: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr Email: ericalemarr@gmail.com