First & Focused

Mark Greaves
  • 4.8 (16)
  • Business

Join host Mark Greaves as he sits down with current business owners, nonprofit directors, and industry leaders to discuss how they place Christ at the center of their calling. With guests from multiple industries, including music industry CEOs, leaders in Christian education, pioneers in the medical field, and more, Mark takes a holistic view of how to honor God regardless of one’s profession. Each episode is packed with wisdom, honesty, and encouragement, covering lessons learned, challenges faced, and victories won while showcasing real stories and faith in action. Tune in and be inspired to live First and Focused, putting God first in your life, leadership and daily walk.

  1. 1d ago

    Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Prove: Leading With Authenticity and Faith | Dr. Dan Owolabi

    Send us Fan Mail What does it look like to lead with nothing to hide, nothing to prove, and nothing to lose? In this episode of First & Focused, Mark Greaves sits down with Dr. Dan Owolabi, founding CEO of Branches Worldwide, a global leadership development organization that has equipped executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners across 35 countries to build companies that transform their communities. Dan's leadership journey is anything but ordinary. From playing college basketball, to becoming a pastor, to earning a Ph.D. in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, Dan has spent his life investing in people and developing leaders. Now, through Branches Worldwide, he is helping leaders around the world pursue authentic leadership and build organizations that make an impact far beyond their bottom line. Dan shares the story of coming to Christ, the leadership lessons he learned during his decade as a pastor, and how those experiences ultimately led him into global leadership development. Mark and Dan also unpack the story behind Branches, the vision that started with an ambitious goal of developing 30 leaders in 30 countries over 30 years, and the ways God has continued to provide signs along the way that Dan is on the right track. They dive into Dan's book Authentic Leadership and one of its central questions: How many leaders are actually leading from authenticity, rather than fear, ego, or the need to prove themselves? Despite living in a smaller Ohio community, Dan's influence now reaches leaders around the world. The conversation explores how he stays focused amid constant ideas and opportunities, how he leads himself, and how he protects his marriage and family while pursuing a global calling. This is a conversation about authentic leadership, investing in people, following God's direction, and having the courage to lead without fear. In This Episode Dan's college basketball career—and whether he can still dunkHis journey to faith in ChristA decade of lessons learned as a pastorHow Branches Worldwide came to lifeThe vision behind developing leaders around the worldWhat it means to lead with “nothing to hide, nothing to prove, and nothing to lose”Authentic leadership versus fear, ego, and insecurityHow God has confirmed Dan's calling along the wayLeading globally while living in a small Ohio communityHow Dan stays focused when new ideas and opportunities constantly ariseProtecting marriage and family while pursuing a global missionIntegrating faith into leadership and workTo connect with Dr. Dan Owolabi: https://www.dan-owolabi.com/ To buy the book “Authentic Leadership”: https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Leadership-Lead-Nothing-Prove/dp/1735047309/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 To connect with Mark Greaves: www.markgreaves.com

  2. Aug 28

    Walking in Obedience: Faith, Leadership & Women in the Marketplace | Trina Ryan

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when you stop asking, "What do I want to do?" and start asking, "What is God calling me to do?" In this episode of First & Focused, Mark Greaves sits down with Trina Ryan, Regional Vice President for Shaw Industries and leader of Women of Good Work, to talk about faith, leadership, motherhood, obedience, and bringing the Gospel into the workplace. Trina has spent 14 years growing as a business leader at Shaw Industries while also becoming an influential voice in Marketplace Ministry throughout Central Ohio. Her passion has now led her to help build Women of Good Work, a movement focused on helping women live out their God-given calling and experience greater purpose in their work. Trina shares her faith journey, the moment she began feeling the tug of the Holy Spirit to integrate faith and work, and a powerful story of simply living out her faith in an ordinary business relationship. Mark and Trina also talk about one of the most important roles in her life: being a mother. They explore the lessons motherhood has taught her about leadership, influence, and herself. The conversation eventually turns toward Women of Good Work, why the movement was launched specifically for women, the overwhelming response to its first event, and why more business professionals are looking for ways to integrate their faith into every part of their lives. This is a powerful conversation about obedience, purpose, influence, and having the courage to follow God's leading in the marketplace. In This Episode Trina's faith journey and when Jesus became first in her lifeRecognizing the Holy Spirit's prompting to integrate Faith + WorkA powerful testimony from the Tithe Foundation eventWhat motherhood has taught Trina about leadership and influenceWhy Women of Good Work was createdThe incredible response to the organization's first eventThe future vision for expanding Women of Good WorkWhy professionals are increasingly integrating faith into their workEncouragement for believers who are hesitant to let faith lead every area of lifeTo connect with Trina Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trina-ryan-2b382844/ To connect with Women of Good Work: https://www.womenofgoodwork.org/ To connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-greaves-6581078/

  3. Aug 21

    From Crisis to Clarity: Leading With Intention and Finding Jesus | Jon Giganti

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when a driven, successful leader realizes that achievement alone isn't enough? In this episode of First & Focused, Mark Greaves sits down with Jon Giganti, founder and leader of Giganti Group, to talk about leadership, anxiety, entrepreneurship, intentional living, fatherhood, and the moment faith changed the trajectory of his life. Jon spent 25 years with CCC Intelligence Solutions, where he led national accounts and developed leaders before launching Giganti Group. He's also a USA Today bestselling author of With Intention, a book built around helping leaders and organizations become more intentional in how they lead. But behind the executive, entrepreneur, author, and former Division 1 soccer player is a story of uncertainty, pressure, and ultimately finding Jesus. Jon shares what he learned through the challenges of college athletics, a 25-year corporate career, the burdens of life before faith, and his experience coming to Christ in 2015. Mark and Jon also explore what it means to live intentionally, build yourself so you can better serve others, lead with faith, and bring Christ into every area of life. This is a conversation about moving from crisis to clarity, achievement to purpose, and leading on your own strength to following Jesus. In This Episode Jon's experience as a Division 1 soccer player and the anxiety he facedThe unexpected twists and turns of a 25-year corporate careerLeadership and the Built to Lead frameworkWhat life looked like before JesusJon's powerful faith journey in 2015The message behind With IntentionPractical ways to become more intentionalBuilding rhythms that strengthen yourself and allow you to serve othersFatherhood and lessons learned from raising childrenThe difference faith makes in a leader's lifeWhat it looks like to integrate Faith + WorkEncouragement for believers who are hesitant to let their faith leadTo connect with Jon Giganti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jongiganti/ Click here to Buy the Book “With Intention”: https://www.amazon.com/Intention-Uncommon-Unleashed-Influence-Fulfillment/dp/1636801056/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1AFBEI83ESOZH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.x91kmmvdbeaM1n5HcI70NcVLhOn4mhlOVOQiC63nKTA.IMqg46RWSfbjP_gDcfkXJZwIwN4Dmu1k8isJ9Q_XL24&dib_tag=se&keywords=With+Intention+Jon+Giganti&qid=1786645916&sprefix=with+intention+jon+giganti%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1 To connect with Mark Greaves: www.markgreaves.com

  4. Jul 31

    What Is Your Holy Ambition? Sam Koon on Faith, Business & Kingdom Purpose

    Send us Fan Mail What if your career could become one of the greatest tools for Kingdom impact? In this episode of First and Focused, we sit down with Sam Koon — founder and President of Sam Koon and Associates, a leading Real Estate and Business Appraisal firm in Central Ohio, and local leader for PrimeMovers, a ministry founded by Pastor Chip Ingram through the Living on the Edge Umbrella. For decades, Sam has quietly mentored hundreds of men, helping them discover their "Holy Ambition" and channel their work and energy into Kingdom-building enterprises. In this conversation, we cover: What a "Holy Ambition" is — and why everyone should find theirsHow Sam discovered his own Holy Ambition and pursued itSam's upbringing and the path that shaped his wisdom and worldviewWhat sparked his decades-long career in real estate and appraisalWays he's seen God move in and through his workBlending PrimeMovers with his primary businessThe #1 reason men join PrimeMovers — and what holds men back after they've heard from GodOpportunities Sam sees for a renewed generation of Kingdom-minded leadersA deeply personal reflection on a family accident involving his grandson, and what it taught him about faithA conversation full of quiet wisdom for anyone wanting to align their ambition, work, and faith. Connect with Sam Koon: https://www.samuelkoon.com/ Learn More about PrimeMovers: https://livingontheedge.org/primemovers/ Connect with Mark: www.markgreaves.com  #HolyAmbition #PrimeMovers #ChipIngram #KingdomLeadership #FirstAndFocused

  5. Jul 24

    Building a Kingdom Barbershop, Beating Cancer, and Loving Life with Kevin Zeallear

    Send us Fan Mail Every hair on your head is numbered – Luke 12:7. That's the verse behind the name of Twelve 7 Barbershop. In this episode of First and Focused, we talk with Kevin Zeallear, co-founder and owner of Twelve 7 Barbershop in Worthington, Ohio, about building a business rooted in Scripture, ministering to clients one haircut at a time, and walking through a recent cancer battle that changed his perspective on life, faith, and marriage. Kevin got his start at Teck's Barbershop — the longest-running business on Ohio State's campus — before founding Classics Barbershop and eventually Twelve 7, inspired by Luke 12:7. Today, Twelve 7 Barbershop is home to nine successful barbers and was named the #1 Barbershop in Worthington for 2026. In this conversation, we cover: The story behind Luke 12:7 and how it shapes Twelve 7's cultureThe "God winks" Kevin discovered while building his businessGoing from zero to nine six-figure barbers in one yearWhat makes clients keep coming back — and how Twelve 7 won Worthington's top-rated barbershop awardMinistering to clients "in the chair" and living out full-time ministry as a barberKevin's cancer journey — the diagnosis, the fight, and ringing the bellWhat cancer taught him about marriage, faith, and what really mattersWhere his faith journey began and how it's matured through trialsEncouragement for anyone at "step zero" in their faithAdvice for business owners who want to integrate faith into their workThis is a powerful conversation about resilience, purpose, and building a business — and a life — around your faith. Connect with Kevin Zeallear: https://www.instagram.com/kevintwelve7/ Book at Twelve 7 Barbershop: https://www.twelve7barbershop.com/ Connect with Mark: www.markgreaves.com

  6. Jul 17

    Redefining Wealth: A Certified Kingdom Advisor's Journey with Mike Perez

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really look like to let your faith shape your financial decisions? In this episode of First and Focused, we sit down with Mike Perez — Certified Kingdom Advisor, leader of Embassy Wealth Advisors in Columbus, OH, and author of Faith and Finances: Embracing Biblical Principles for Financial Success and Generosity. With 35 years of experience in financial planning and advisory, Mike has helped countless families rethink their relationship with money — not just how they manage it, but how they give, build legacy, and steward it for God's purposes. In this conversation, we cover: Why most people need coaching to truly integrate faith into financial decisionsMike's 2004 "finding God" moment and how it reshaped how he runs his businessRedefining success: why true wealth isn't about material abundanceCommon beliefs about money that quietly contradict our faithNavigating the tension between faith and finance in a money-driven cultureHow Toastmasters helped Mike find his voice as a speakerThe launch of Mike Perez Speaks and his "Finishing the Race Strong" messageWhere hope — and the biggest barriers — lie in the future of faith and financeMike's love of cooking, his mentors, and practical advice for business owners wanting to integrate faith into their workWhether you're a business owner, an advisor, or just someone trying to steward your finances with purpose, this episode will challenge how you think about money, generosity, and legacy. Connect with Mike Perez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-perez-b26b25318/ Book Mike to speak: https://mikeperezspeaks.com/ More about Embassy Wealth Advisors: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/embassy-wealth-advisors/ Connect with Mark: www.markgreaves.com #FaithAndFinances #ChristianFinance #KingdomAdvisor #Stewardship #FirstAndFocused

  7. Jul 10

    The Rise of Faith in the Marketplace and How Men are Showing Up with Jared Weston

    Send us Fan Mail Jared Weston didn’t grow up as a man of faith — but a golf event at a Christian Business Men’s Connection gathering in Oklahoma changed everything. Now, as Area Director for CBMC, he’s on a mission to equip men in the marketplace to live with purpose, lead with faith, and show up fully for the people around them. From hosting elite events featuring Black Hawk Down veteran Jeff Strueker and Inner Excellence author Jim Murphy, to the simple discipline of handwritten thank-you notes — Jared models what it looks like to be genuinely invested in others. And this fall, CBMC brings its national conference — Merge 2026 — right here to Columbus. Don’t miss this one. Key Topics Covered •         How Jared came to faith through a CBMC golf event in Oklahoma — and how his life changed •         Where his genuine, others-first heart comes from •         Why he writes handwritten thank-you notes — and why it matters more than you’d think •         Hosting Jeff Strueker (Black Hawk Down) and Jim Murphy (Inner Excellence) — lessons in stepping into the calling •         The growing movement of Christian men integrating faith in the marketplace •         His faith leap from Handshake America to CBMC — the full story, including his wife’s response •         How prayer anchors everything Jared does •         Maintaining a healthy marriage through career risk and bold calling •         What Jared sees ahead for CBMC nationally and locally •         Merge 2026 — CBMC’s national conference coming to Columbus this fall Connect & Links CBMC — Christian Business Men’s Connection: https://www.cbmc.com Merge 2026 National Conference: https://anyregistration.com/register/nmc-merge2026/VZmEhm0Z Inner Excellence — Jim Murphy: https://www.innerexcellence.com Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com First and Focused on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstandfocused Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-focused/id1871452482

  8. Jul 3

    What It Actually Feels Like to Work Inside a Christian Business with Steve Greaves & Stephen Coan

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when a business puts faith at the center — not just on the wall, but in the way they work, pray, and serve? Steve Greaves and Stephen Coan, both mortgage professionals at Tithe Lending, flip the script on today’s episode. Instead of leaders in ministry or a Christian business owner, we’re going inside a Christian-led business to hear what it actually feels like from the inside. Steve Greaves made two massive career leaps — both toward companies that barely existed yet. Stephen Coan left full-time missionary work with CRU to enter the mortgage world, and now serves families through both Tithe Lending and My Village Ministries. Two different roads. One shared mission. This is one of the most practical faith-and-work conversations we’ve had. Key Topics Covered •         Steve Greaves’ two major leaps of faith — joining startups before they were 90 and 30 days old •         Stephen Coan’s journey from CRU missionary to mortgage — and what stayed the same •         What’s genuinely different about working inside a mission-driven company •         How prayer before meetings shifts the team dynamic and culture •         How the Tithe Lending mission changes relationships with customers •         Steve Greaves on faith integration and his work with Friends of the Josephinum •         How God’s relational gifting in Stephen Coan shows up at Tithe and My Village Ministries •         The most rewarding things made possible because they’re open about faith at work •         What they wish they had done differently in past secular roles •         Practical advice for Christians in the workplace who want to live more integrated lives Connect & Links Tithe Lending: https://www.tithelending.com My Village Ministries: https://www.myvillageministries.org Friends of the Josephinum: https://www.pcj.edu/friends-of-the-josephinum/ Connect with Mark Greaves: https://www.markgreaves.com First and Focused on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstandfocused Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-focused/id1871452482

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4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Join host Mark Greaves as he sits down with current business owners, nonprofit directors, and industry leaders to discuss how they place Christ at the center of their calling. With guests from multiple industries, including music industry CEOs, leaders in Christian education, pioneers in the medical field, and more, Mark takes a holistic view of how to honor God regardless of one’s profession. Each episode is packed with wisdom, honesty, and encouragement, covering lessons learned, challenges faced, and victories won while showcasing real stories and faith in action. Tune in and be inspired to live First and Focused, putting God first in your life, leadership and daily walk.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Greaves
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 First & Focused
  • Show Website
    First & Focused