Faith-Driven Leader

Ann Eileen Thompson
  • 5.0 (29)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The FDL podcast equips and emboldens listeners to build a life and career on deep trust in our good Father God. I'm Ann Eileen Thompson. I find inspiration from incredible guests who are letting their faith drive their leadership in life, family, ministry, and the marketplace. We'll hear how Faith-Driven leaders navigate leadership decisions in a world where everyone seems to be deciding for themselves what’s “right.” We’ll be encouraged by their often unexpected career paths and how God has shown up when they most needed Him. Instagram | @anneileenthompson

  1. Letting God Set the Pace: Calling, Seasons, and the Courage to Pause — A Conversation with Chuck Mingo

    MAR 3

    Letting God Set the Pace: Calling, Seasons, and the Courage to Pause — A Conversation with Chuck Mingo

    In this thoughtful return conversation, Ann sits down again with Chuck Mingo, teaching pastor at Crossroads Church, to explore what it looks like to follow God faithfully through seasons of transition—and to trust Him not just with direction, but with pace. Chuck reflects on his non-linear vocational journey, spanning the marketplace at Procter & Gamble, ministry leadership, nonprofit work as a co-founder of Undivided, and his return to the local church. Rather than framing these moves as a carefully plotted plan, Chuck shares how each season required surrender—sometimes of role, sometimes of title, and often of timing. Together, Ann and Chuck unpack the difference between calling and seasons, why God’s faithfulness doesn’t require rigid or linear career paths, and how discernment so often comes through slowing down rather than pushing ahead. This episode is especially encouraging for anyone feeling restless, uncertain, or quietly resistant to the pace God seems to be setting. 🔑 Three Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Your calling is bigger than your current season—and God doesn’t waste any of it. Calling is the through-line of how God has wired you; seasons are the assignments where that calling gets expressed. When a season shifts, it doesn’t mean you missed something—it often means God is still faithfully at work, using every chapter to form you. 2️⃣ God is steady and faithful—and He invites us to hold our plans with open hands. God’s character doesn’t change, but the ways He leads us often surprise us. When we release the pressure to make everything linear or predictable, we create space to experience God’s faithfulness in deeper, more personal ways. 3️⃣ God cares about the pace of your life—not just the direction. What feels like slowing down may actually be God’s kindness—protecting what matters most and shaping you for what’s ahead. Discernment often comes not through pushing harder, but through pausing long enough to let God lead the timing as well as the path. 📚 Resources & Mentions Undivided — the nonprofit Chuck co-founded focused on racial healing and justice Kings and Priests— a book referenced in the conversation exploring leadership, authority, and vocation Faith at Work: A Practical Guide to Aligning Your Career with Who God Created You to Be by Ann Eileen Thompson 🎧 Listen & Share If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with a friend or colleague who’s navigating a season of transition, restlessness, or discernment. Subscribe to Faith Driven Leader wherever you listen to podcasts—and keep leading with faith, clarity, and courage.

    51 min
  2. Who Is the Author of Your Career? A Faith-Driven Leader Reflection

    FEB 3

    Who Is the Author of Your Career? A Faith-Driven Leader Reflection

    In this solo episode of the Faith-Driven Leader Podcast, Ann Eileen Thompson invites you into a deeper question than career strategy or next steps: Who is actually authoring your career—you, or God? Drawing from her own winding professional journey—from early leadership roles, to Procter & Gamble, entrepreneurship, failure, rebuilding, and discernment—Ann reflects on how easily care for our work can turn into control, and what changes when we release authorship back to God. This episode isn’t about career advice or formulas. It’s about trust. Identity. And learning to see your work as part of a larger story God is already writing. If you’ve ever felt successful and grateful—yet still unsettled—this reflection is for you. In This Episode, We Explore Why the pressure to “get your career right” often creates anxiety instead of peace How ambition and faith can quietly drift into control Lessons from Ann’s career across retail, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship A defining dream that reshaped how she understood trust, abundance, and calling What changes when you stop trying to author your career and let God lead the story Why discernment often matters more than momentum How recognizing the season you’re in can bring clarity—even before action A Key Reflection Your career isn’t something you have to solve—it’s a story God is telling. When we loosen our grip on control and return authorship to Him, clarity doesn’t always come faster—but peace often does. About the Book This episode also marks the release of Ann’s new book, Faith at Work: A Practical Guide to Aligning Your Career with Who God Created You to Be. Written as a companion rather than a prescription, the book helps readers: Identify the season of career transition they’re in Discern God’s voice amid ambition, fear, and uncertainty Navigate decisions around roles, networking, interviewing, and next steps with faith and clarity At its core, the book returns to a simple but grounding truth: God is not absent from your work—He is deeply invested in it. Resources & Links 📘 Get the Book: Faith at Work → [Click here] 🧭 Career Transitions Quiz: Not sure what season you’re in? This short quiz can help you name it. → [Take the Quiz here] 🌐 Learn More About Ann’s Work: → [Click here] 📬 Connect or Reach Out: → [Book here] A Final Invitation As you listen, consider this question: Where might you be carrying responsibility for your career that God never asked you to hold? Whether you’re striving, waiting, wondering, or preparing to step forward, you’re not alone. The Author of your story sees the whole path—even when you can only see the next step. Thanks for listening to the Faith-Driven Leader Podcast.

    23 min
  3. When God Leads You Through A Career Adventure: A Conversation with Dr. Jen Bennett

    JAN 6

    When God Leads You Through A Career Adventure: A Conversation with Dr. Jen Bennett

    In this inspiring episode, Ann sits down with Dr. Jen Bennett, an educator, author, and host of She Impacts Culture, whose career has been anything but linear. From youth ministry to entrepreneurship, from the classroom to higher education leadership, Jen’s story is a beautiful reminder that God’s calling rarely follows a straight line. Together, Ann and Jen unpack how to recognize God’s hand in the unexpected turns of your career, the importance of rooting your identity in Christ rather than your title, and why fear often signals that you’re standing on the edge of something holy. Jen shares practical tools for discerning next steps, including a journaling exercise that can help you quiet the noise and hear God’s direction more clearly. Whether you’re in a season of uncertainty, transition, or possibility, this conversation will remind you that God’s plans are always purposeful—and that your pivots might just be His preparation. 🔑 Three Key Takeaways1️⃣ Your career path doesn’t have to be straight to be sacred. God uses every detour, delay, and pivot to shape your character and calling. 2️⃣ Your identity isn’t your job title. When your worth is grounded in who—and Whose—you are, you can take risks without losing yourself. 3️⃣ Peace is often the green light. You may not have all the answers, but you can have peace. Trust it more than certainty. ✍️ Quote Worth Remembering“I never want to get to the end of my life and wonder what could have been if I hadn’t let fear stop me.” — Dr. Jen Bennett 📚 Resources & Mentions #BeWorthFollowing by Dr. Jen Bennett She Impacts Culture Podcast Miami University’s Center for L.I.F.E. — Leading the Integration of Faith & Entrepreneurship Faith at Work: A Practical Guide to Aligning Your Career with Who God Created You to Be by Ann Eileen Thompson 🎧 Listen & Share If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or colleague who’s navigating a transition or discerning a new direction. Subscribe to Faith-Driven Leader wherever you listen to podcasts—and keep leading with faith, courage, and purpose.

    50 min
  4. Are You Easy to Follow? A Conversation with Lyle Wells

    12/02/2025

    Are You Easy to Follow? A Conversation with Lyle Wells

    In this powerful and practical episode, Ann sits down with Lyle Wells, president of Integrus Leadership, former pastor and college basketball coach, and author of the new book Easy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Love of Christ. Lyle shares a refreshingly simple framework: leadership isn’t a title—it’s a behavior that influences others and creates outcomes. Together, Ann and Lyle unpack what it truly means to lead like Jesus, exploring how diligence, humility, and service shape leaders who are both faithful and effective. They also dive into why servant leadership is about helping others learn, grow, dare, and change, how to craft an 8–10 word mission statement that actually guides your decisions, and how to become a lighthouse leader—someone who brings direction, connection, and protection to those they lead. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to model your leadership after Jesus in today’s world, this conversation will equip and challenge you to start right where you are. 🔑 Three Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Leadership is behavior, not position. The way you act—not your title—determines your influence and impact. 2️⃣ God measures diligence and service, not perfection. Faithful, persistent service is the true mark of leadership that pleases Him. 3️⃣ Clarity beats complexity. A short, memorable mission statement—what Lyle calls your “tweet or tattoo”—keeps your leadership grounded and consistent. ✍️ Quote Worth Remembering: “Jesus was easy to follow—but He wasn’t easy on His followers.” — Lyle Wells 📚 Resources & Mentions Easy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Love of Christ by Lyle Wells Integrus Leadership — leadership training, coaching, and resources The Five-Day Leader by Lyle Wells StoryBrand by Donald Miller Scripture references: Deuteronomy 3:28 and Luke 9:51–56 Bob Goff’s Writing Workshops 🙌 Connect with Ann ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Join the Launch Team⁠ for Faith at Work: A Practical Guide to Aligning Your Career with Who God Created You to Be → ⁠Sign up here

    45 min
  5. Healing the Triggers That Hold You Back: A Conversation with Rebecca Czerwonka

    11/04/2025

    Healing the Triggers That Hold You Back: A Conversation with Rebecca Czerwonka

    In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Ann sits down with Rebecca Czerwonka—educator, writer, and certified Emotional Health Life Consultant through The Compassion Method. Together, they unpack the connection between emotional health, faith, and leadership—and how learning to meet pain with compassion can transform not only our personal lives but how we lead others. Rebecca shares her own journey from living in a constant triggered state to discovering what it means to move from survival to abundance. You’ll hear practical wisdom on identifying triggers, understanding the four stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn), and learning to lead from a place that’s clear-minded, tender-hearted, and at peace. This conversation is for every leader who’s tired of managing reactions and ready to experience freedom, peace, and wholeness in how they lead and love. 🗝️ Key Takeaways Triggers aren’t failures—they’re invitations to healing. Compassion bridges the gap between what we know to be true and how we show up. True leadership starts from the inside out: clear-minded, tender-hearted, and at peace. 🔗 Resources & LinksLearn more about The Compassion MethodListen to the Triggered & True Podcast with Laura Duncan and Brian Freise  Connect with Rebecca Czerwonka or book a sessionConnect with Ann Eileen Thompson or schedule a coaching consultation 🙌 Connect with Ann Website Instagram LinkedIn Join the Launch Team for Faith at Work: A Practical Guide to Aligning Your Career with Who God Created You to Be → Sign up here

    41 min
  6. Faith, Identity, and Resilience: A Conversation with Dr. Brett Smith

    10/07/2025

    Faith, Identity, and Resilience: A Conversation with Dr. Brett Smith

    What difference does faith make when leaders face the highs and lows of entrepreneurship? In this episode, Ann sits down with Dr. Brett Smith—professor at Miami University’s Farmer School of Business and founding director of the L.I.F.E. program (Leading the Integration of Faith & Entrepreneurship). Brett shares how his own college story fuels his passion for equipping students to live out their faith in business, why identity can be more vulnerable in seasons of success than failure, and how rhythms of rest and resilience help leaders stay grounded. He also unpacks insights from global research on faith-driven entrepreneurship and where this growing movement is headed next. Whether you’re leading a startup, a team inside a corporation, or simply seeking to bring your whole self to work, this conversation will encourage you to anchor your identity in Christ and see entrepreneurship through a bigger lens. What You’ll Learn: Why identity in Christ steadies leaders through both wins and setbacks How success can be spiritually riskier than failure—and what to do about it The role of “permission” in creating space to think, rest, and reset What global research reveals about faith-driven entrepreneurs Where the integration of faith and business is growing worldwide Links & Resources: 📘 Slow Productivity by Cal Newport 📘 Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller 📱 Hallow App – prayer and meditation app 🌐 Praxis – redemptive entrepreneurship community 🌐 Ocean Programs – faith-driven founder accelerator 🌐 Faith Driven Entrepreneur / Faith Driven Investor 🌐 Sovereign’s Capital and 11 Tribes Ventures – faith-aligned investment funds Connect with Ann: 💻 anneileenthompson.com 🌐 Connect with Ann on LinkedIn 📘 Join the Faith at Work Book Launch Team: Sign up here 📅 Book a Coaching Consultation Let’s Stay Connected: If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a friend, leave a review, or reach out. We’d love to hear what resonated with you.

    47 min
  7. Leadership as Stewardship: A Conversation with Lisa Nichols

    09/09/2025

    Leadership as Stewardship: A Conversation with Lisa Nichols

    What does it mean to lead with humility, courage, and purpose? In this episode, Ann sits down with Lisa Nichols—CEO and co-founder of Technology Partners, host of the Something Extra podcast, and author of the brand-new book Something Extra: Uncover Your Strengths. Unlock Your Potential. Unleash Your Impact. Lisa shares why she defines leadership as stewardship, the pivotal moment when God whispered, “When are you going to call me?”, and how leaders can shape lives through prayerful decisions, servant leadership, and eternal perspective. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a faith-driven professional longing to align your work and your values, this conversation will encourage you to lean into God’s call and discover the “something extra” He’s placed in you. What You’ll Learn: Why leadership is really about stewardship and influence How prayer can move from last resort to first response in decision-making Why humility, courage, and purpose are at the heart of lasting leadership How Lisa integrates faith into her leadership at Technology Partners Stories from her podcast and book that reveal timeless lessons for leaders Links & Resources: 📘 Pre-order Lisa’s book: Something Extra: Uncover Your Strengths. Unlock Your Potential. Unleash Your Impact 🎙️ Listen to Lisa’s podcast: Something Extra 💎 Explore Lisa’s daughters’ jewelry business: Kindred Spirits 🌐 Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn Connect with Ann: 💻 anneileenthompson.com 🌐 Connect with Ann on LinkedIn 📘 Join the Faith at Work Book Launch Team: Sign up here 📅 Book a Coaching Consultation Let’s Stay Connected: If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a friend, leave a review, or reach out. We’d love to hear what resonated with you.

    44 min
  8. Restoring Health, Living with Purpose: A Conversation with Dr. Dave DeMarco

    08/05/2025

    Restoring Health, Living with Purpose: A Conversation with Dr. Dave DeMarco

    What does it look like to lead with your whole self—body, mind, and spirit? In this episode, Ann sits down with Dr. Dave DeMarco, a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician who left traditional practice to launch DexaFit Cincinnati. They explore how faith and health intersect, why restoration is central to both, and what it takes to leave your comfort zone and build something new. Whether you’re a faith-driven professional curious about stewarding your health differently or someone sensing a nudge to pivot into your passion, this conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and wisdom. What You’ll Learn: Why your physical health is deeply connected to your faith and leadership How lifestyle medicine offers a proactive, personalized approach to care What it means to live a restored life—and help others do the same The power of seeing yourself as the project, not just the leader What stepping into your calling might require—even if it means letting go of safety Links & Resources: 🌐 DexaFit Cincinnati – Book a scan or consultation 📸 Follow DexaFit Cincinnati on Instagram 🔗 Connect with Dr. Dave on LinkedIn: Dr. David Demarco 📘 Learn more about the 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine: American College of Lifestyle Medicine Connect with Ann: 💻 anneileenthompson.com 🎙️ Faith Driven Leader Podcast 📅 Book a Coaching Consultation Let’s Stay Connected: If this episode encouraged you to think differently about your leadership, your health, or your calling, share it with a friend, leave a review, or drop us a note. We’d love to hear what resonated.

    51 min
See All (56)

5
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

The FDL podcast equips and emboldens listeners to build a life and career on deep trust in our good Father God. I'm Ann Eileen Thompson. I find inspiration from incredible guests who are letting their faith drive their leadership in life, family, ministry, and the marketplace. We'll hear how Faith-Driven leaders navigate leadership decisions in a world where everyone seems to be deciding for themselves what’s “right.” We’ll be encouraged by their often unexpected career paths and how God has shown up when they most needed Him. Instagram | @anneileenthompson

Information

  • Creator
    Ann Eileen Thompson
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ann Eileen Thompson
  • Show Website
    Faith-Driven Leader

You Might Also Like