The Workmatters Podcast

Workmatters
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Christianity

The conversations on The Workmatters Podcast inspire, equip, and empower Christians to embrace work as one of the most fertile fields for spiritual transformation. You will hear powerful stories from practitioners on how they have been formed into the image of Christ in their work, at their work, and through their work.

  1. Jul 6

    From Prison to Purpose: How Faith Transformed a Family Business with Dave Hataj and sons

    He swore he'd never come back to the family business. 34 years later, Dave Hataj — along with his sons Jason and Caleb — is running Edgerton Gear as a place where faith and work aren't separate at all. In this episode of the Work Matters Podcast, Dave, Jason, and Caleb Hataj open up about generational dysfunction, burnout, a father-son surrender in the middle of the night, and what it actually looks like to bring God into a blue-collar machine shop every single day. 🔑 In this episode:- Why Dave initially refused to return to the family business- The 20-year wrestling match that finally broke in a moment of surrender- How burnout and health struggles reshaped Dave's leadership- Caleb and Jason's honest take on growing up in the shop- Breaking generational cycles of dysfunction- What "embracing the suck" really means- Three practical ways to bring your faith into your workday ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:41 – Meet Dave, Jason & Caleb Hataj01:24 – Introducing Edgerton Gear & Craftsman with Character02:23 – When faith and work first clicked for Dave03:08 – Regent College and the calling he tried to run from03:45 – The vocational test that sent him home04:29 – Wrestling with God for 20 years05:33 – The bedroom surrender that changed everything06:54 – From "prison" to "happy place"07:31 – Burnout, health issues & changing the culture08:37 – Losing employees who wanted "the old Dave" back10:34 – Caleb's winding path back to Edgerton Gear12:23 – Jason's story & Dave's dinner-table faith lessons13:56 – The Isle Royale trip and healing as a family15:56 – Discipleship of work & breaking generational cycles17:52 – "Embrace the suck": what stress reveals in us19:46 – What it's really like working together as family21:07 – Advice for young people starting their careers22:11 – Why work itself is good — not just a means to an end23:40 – Jason's honest struggle to keep God in focus daily25:45 – Encouragement for every listener26:17 – 3 practical ways to practice your faith at work29:12 – Recap: awareness, brokenness, influence29:46 – Where to find Edgerton Gear & Craftsman with Character30:29 – Closing thoughts & final encouragement 🔗 CONNECT WITH DAVE, JASON & CALEBEdgerton Gear: https://edgertongear.comCraftsman with Character: https://www.cwcharacter.org/Dave's book: "Good Work: How Blue Collar Business Can Change Lives, Communities, and the World" 🎓 TAKE THE NEXT STEPReady to connect your Sunday faith to your Monday work? Join the Work Matters Institute — a transformational 10-session course covering practical teaching, spiritual formation, leadership development, and workplace discipleship.👉 Learn more: https://workmatters.org 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, leadership, and finding purpose in your work. #WorkMattersPodcast #FaithAndWork #ChristianLeadership #BlueCollar #FamilyBusiness #EdgertonGear #CraftsmanWithCharacter #WorkplaceCulture #ChristianEntrepreneur #PurposeDrivenWork

  2. Jun 22

    Why I Quit Chasing Success: The Surprising Secret to Authentic Faith at Work with Idalia LeJune

    Finding purpose at work — Idalia LeJune shares how a career plateau and season of burnout led her from a "check-the-box" faith to a genuine relationship with God that transformed how she shows up in the workplace every day. A first-generation Mexican-American and senior relationship manager in the financial industry, Idalia spent over 25 years chasing achievement before discovering that true purpose at work isn't about the next title or paycheck. In this episode, she opens up about choosing obedience over optics when she stepped back in her career, the workplace conflict that cracked her open to a new way of leading, and how integrating faith at work became her personal mission field — no overseas trip required. ⏱️Chapters [00:00] Intro[00:45] Meet Idalia: Senior Relationship Manager & 2025 Rising Star [02:09] Her Dad's Work Ethic and What Drove Her Early Career [04:59] When Faith Was Just a "Check the Box" [05:55] The 2023 Breaking Point — Career Plateau, Unbalanced Life [07:03] The Trifecta: How She Reset Her Spirit, Body, and Mind [07:37] The Biggest Career Decision She Ever Made [09:36] How She Found Work Matters and Said Yes to the Conference [13:34] What Happened in the Parking Lot After the Conference [15:37] A Workplace Conflict That Changed Everything [17:16]Faith at Work Without Leaving Your Job [20:41] What God Is Doing in Her This Year: Obedience and Listening [22:07] The Airplane Story — When God Nudged Her Toward a Stranger [29:09] Advice for Anyone Feeling the Stirring Right Now 🔗Resources & Links https://www.workmatters.org/ https://www.corebridgefinancial.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonswoboda/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrel-harvey-80703a60/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/idalia-salazar-lejune-98352321/ If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your pastor or a coworker who needs to hear it.

  3. Jun 8

    Pastoring for Monday: Discipling Your Church for the Workplace with Matt Rusten

    What happens between Sunday morning and Monday morning? For most Christians, there's a significant gap, and it's costing them in the workplace.  In this episode, we sit down with Matt Rusten, President of Made to Flourish and author of the new book Pastoring for Monday, to talk about one of the most overlooked areas of discipleship in the local church: work. In this episode, you'll learn: The current state of faith and work discipleship in local churches — and the three most common gapsWhy most pastors resist adding "one more thing" — and how to reframe the conversationHow Made to Flourish comes alongside churches through ideas, training, and multiplying leadersAnd more! ⏱️Chapters 00:00 — The Sunday-to-Monday Gap: Why Most Christians Feel Alone at Work  01:02 — Introducing Matt Rusten & Pastoring for Monday  03:08 — The Current State of Faith & Work in the Local Church  05:28 — Why Pastors Resist (And How to Change the Conversation)  09:24 — What Is Made to Flourish? Ideas, Training & Multiplying Leaders  14:20 — What Happens When a Church Says Yes to Workplace Discipleship  18:29 — The "Missionary Elevation" Problem & How It Hurts Workers in the Pew 20:10 — How Work Spiritually Forms Us (Including Through Struggle)  22:16 — Matt's Five S's: A Simple Commute Practice to Meet God at Work  26:19 — How YOU Can Help Your Church Disciple People for the Workplace 🔗Resources & Links Pastoring for Monday by Matt Rusten — available on Amazon and major book retailersMade to Flourish: madetoflourish.orgCommon Good Magazine — subscribe at madetoflourish.orgConnect with Matt - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-rusten-95000940/ — Want to go deeper? Take the Workmatters Institute Course — a 10-session online course connecting Sunday faith to Monday work. Visit https://www.workmatters.org/our-courses to get started. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your pastor or a coworker who needs to hear it.

    Pastoring for Monday: Discipling Your Church for the Workplace with Matt Rusten

  4. May 11

    How Faith Shaped Nike Shoes with Wilson W. Smith III

    Summary What happens when creativity, faith, and purpose collide in a lifelong career? In this episode of The Workmatters podcast, listeners are invited into the rich, heartfelt journey of renowned designer Wilson W. Smith III, a man whose forty-one-year career at Nike was defined by more than just legendary footwear. Guided by hosts Brandon Swoboda and Darrel Harvey, the conversation dives into the real stories behind Wilson’s path from aspiring architect to design director at Nike, his unexpected entry into footwear, and the early days of collaborating with icons like Michael Jordan and Serena Williams. But what truly sets this episode apart is how Wilson intertwines his creative challenges and breakthroughs with his evolving faith, sharing candidly about moments where doubt turned into inspiration through prayer, mentorship, and the belief of others. Listeners will be inspired by the “Spark” acronym Wilson developed for encouraging students at Liberty University—story, passion, art, reflection, and knowledge that leads to action—all centered around living out one’s unique calling. Personal anecdotes, like his influential design of the Jordan 17 and the powerful impact of community projects such as the Doernbecher Freestyle Program, offer insights not just into the world of design, but into what it means to integrate faith, creativity, and work. For anyone longing to see their professional life as a place of purpose and calling, this episode is a blueprint for letting creativity and faith work together in shaping not just products, but lives.  Listen today!   Show Notes 00:00 Wilson’s Career and Achievements 03:17 Growing Up with Faith and Religion 12:11 Wilson’s Early Career at Nike 14:06 Designing for Michael Jordan 17:00 Facing Self-Reflection and Identity Challenges 21:40 Creating Music for Michael Jordan Sneakers 27:12 How Design Philosophy and Ministry Intersect 32:29 Serena Williams’ Design Crew 40:14 Closing Thoughts Links Workmatters Invite Brandon or Darrel to Speak  Wilson W. Smith III What should we discuss next?

    How Faith Shaped Nike Shoes with Wilson W. Smith III

  5. May 4

    Redemptive Business: Putting People Before Profit with Erin Kiefer

    Summary Welcome to The Workmatters Podcast! In today’s episode, hosts Brandon Swoboda and Darrel Harvey sit down with Erin Kiefer, the chairman and owner of the Arkansas-based manufacturing company Kiefer Sage. Erin shares her journey of integrating faith and leadership in a family business, from her earliest memories growing up in a company that puts people first, to stepping into the CEO role during challenging times. You’ll hear Erin open up about the redemptive side of business, where putting people over profit isn’t just a philosophy, but a lived value that shapes every decision. She discusses the legacy of innovation and care seeded by her father, the unique challenges of working with family, and the powerful lessons in humility, rest, and reliance on God during seasons of crisis and growth. Whether you’re a business leader, a family employee, or someone looking to bring more meaning to your work, Erin’s insights on leading with heart, loving your team, and trusting God with your calling are sure to inspire. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!   Show Notes 00:00 Introduction 04:56 Family Relocation and New Beginnings 11:56 Balancing Career Growth and Family 19:57 Faithful Leadership Through Struggles 24:26 Supporting Employees with Compassion 27:54 Closing Thoughts Links Brandon Swoboda Darrel Harvey Workmatters Erin Kiefer Kiefer Sage *Jotto Desk has been rebranded to Tenhold.

    Redemptive Business: Putting People Before Profit with Erin Kiefer

  6. Apr 27

    Faith Unleashed: How Bold Moves Can Turn Workplace Culture Upside Down with Steve Blair

    Summary Welcome to another episode of The Workmatters Podcast, where we explore the intersection of faith and work through the real-life stories of everyday leaders. This week, hosts Brandon Swoboda and Darrel Harvey are joined by Steve Blair, the Chief People Officer at Fulcrum Collective, whose extensive background in leadership spans more than twenty-five years across renowned companies such as Procter & Gamble, Ghirardelli Chocolate, and Harvest Group. Not only is Steve a champion for creating work cultures people can love, but he is also a longtime chairman of the Workmatters board and the much-loved emcee of the organization’s annual conference. In this conversation, Steve takes us on a journey from his early faith experience to his discovery of what it really means to be authentic—not compartmentalizing his faith, but weaving it into every aspect of his professional life. He tells candid stories of what it was like to navigate workplace culture shifts, and how leaders and managers can empower teams by living out company values in practical, meaningful ways. Listeners will hear about the transformative power of values-based leadership, practical advice for influencing workplace culture at any level, and a simple yet profound framework for managers and teams: to see, know, meet, challenge, and celebrate the people around them.  Whether you’re an executive or just starting, Steve offers encouragement and tangible steps to make your work matter and to live out your calling every day. Join us as we dive into how you can bring renewal to your workplace, partner with others in faith, and let your life and leadership become a visible testimony of what you believe! Show Notes 00:00 Introduction 03:42 Balancing Faith and Career 14:10 Authentic Leadership Rooted in Faith 18:52 The Journey to Meaningful Work Connections 22:58 Aligning Personal and Company Values 24:30 Making Decisions Prioritizing Company Values 32:17 Understanding Company Values in Roles 44:43 Closing Thoughts Links Brandon Swoboda Darrel Harvey Workmatters Steve Blair Fulcrum Collective

    Faith Unleashed: How Bold Moves Can Turn Workplace Culture Upside Down with Steve Blair

  7. Apr 20

    She Prays with Customers: How Faith Can Transform Business with Jessica Uranga

    Summary Welcome to another episode of The Workmatters Podcast! Today, Brandon Swoboda and Keisha Fowler are joined by Jessica Uranga, founder and CEO of Purpose Brands 414, a missional nonprofit serving as a strategic parent organization for purpose-driven family brands and ministries, including the impactful Beautiful Lives Thrift Boutique. Raised as a missionary kid, Jessica watched her parents give up the American dream for a life of service in Mexico, an experience that deeply shaped her view of what it means to serve God both inside and outside the church. Jessica recounts pivotal childhood memories, from helping in her family’s peanut mill to cleaning houses as a teenager, where she first learned to see every job as an act of worship. She explains how her upbringing and entrepreneurial spirit propelled her to create dignified, hope-filled environments in the workplace—a journey that now blesses women, families, and whole communities through Beautiful Lives Thrift Boutique. Additionally, you’ll hear Jessica’s insights on leadership, the power of praying with and for customers, and the ways community and coaching help her teams thrive together. She offers practical steps for anyone wanting to infuse their everyday work with hope, prayer, and purpose, and reminds us that ministry isn’t confined to the walls of a church. Join us for a conversation filled with authenticity, actionable wisdom, and encouragement for your own faith-at-work journey. Don’t miss this episode as we discover what it really looks like to know God and make Him known in the marketplace, at home, and everywhere in between! Show Notes 00:00 Introduction 04:10 How Jessica’s Father Modeled Faith in Business 09:25 Jessica’s Entrepreneurial Mindset 16:18 Creating a Welcoming Thrift Experience 19:58 The Impact of Prayer and Testimonies 21:08 Balancing Innovation with Faith 30:37 Closing Thoughts Links Brandon Swoboda Darrel Harvey Workmatters Jessica Uranga Purpose Brands 414

    She Prays with Customers: How Faith Can Transform Business with Jessica Uranga

  8. Apr 13

    How One Bible Habit Changed Everything with John Rausch

    Summary Welcome to The Workmatters Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the story of John Rausch, native Arkansan, founder, chairman, and CEO of Rausch Companies. Raised in Fort Smith, John’s journey began under the deep mentorship of his grandfather, with hands-on lessons in construction and leadership that shaped both his faith and his business outlook. Together, Brandon Swoboda, Darrel Harvey, and John explore how John has integrated Biblical principles and values into building one of the region's most successful homebuilding companies and how the workplace can serve as a vital mission field. You’ll hear how mentorship, daily disciplines, and intentional company culture laid the foundation for Rausch Coleman Homes’ remarkable expansion into seven states, and why faith remains at the center of every decision, from daily routines to major business transactions. John also shares insights into the recent sale of his company, the discernment process behind it, and what’s next on his journey—continuing to influence the marketplace, invest in new ventures, and lead with purpose. Whether you’re wrestling with leadership, considering big career decisions, or seeking to integrate your faith into your work, this episode offers both inspiration and practical wisdom straight from a leader passionate about eternal impact! Show Notes 00:00 Introduction 03:26 Memorable Trips and Life Lessons 06:43 Founding Rausch Coleman Homes 12:51 Building a Strong and Supportive Team 17:08 Faith-Driven Business Philosophy 23:06 Focusing on Kingdom Impact 26:20 Understanding Faith and Discernment 31:34 Empowering Growth Across Generations 33:41 Closing Thoughts Links Brandon Swoboda Darrel Harvey Workmatters John Rausch Rausch Companies

    How One Bible Habit Changed Everything with John Rausch
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About

The conversations on The Workmatters Podcast inspire, equip, and empower Christians to embrace work as one of the most fertile fields for spiritual transformation. You will hear powerful stories from practitioners on how they have been formed into the image of Christ in their work, at their work, and through their work.

Information

  • Creator
    Workmatters
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Go Rogue X, LLC
  • Show Website
    The Workmatters Podcast

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