First & Focused

Mark Greaves

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. 4d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Jun 26

    Leading Across 7 Countries: Radical and Transformational Leadership with Paddy McBane

    Send us Fan Mail What does leadership development look like in Africa, South America, and beyond? Paddy McBane — founder of Marketplace Solutions and Lead Global Trainer for Transformational Leadership has led initiatives across 7 countries and 16 international trips, and he’s just getting started. With 20 years of business behind him, a 45-year marriage to Leslie, and a college degree in Music Performance (you read that right), Paddy brings wisdom, humor, and genuine faith to every conversation. If you’re a leader trying to figure out how your faith and your work actually belong together — this one’s for you. Key Topics Covered •         What’s drawing Paddy to international leadership development and how it started •         Similarities and differences between leaders abroad and leaders in the U.S. •         Stories of God’s provision on international trips •         What it truly means to be “transformed” as a leader •         How Paddy’s relationship with Jesus has changed him — and what’s still being refined •         20 years of building Marketplace Solutions — biggest lessons learned •         What he’d tell his 20-years-younger self •         The secret to 45 years of strong marriage (and whether Leslie approves of all these trips) •         His surprising college major: Music Performance •         What to say to the leader who still keeps faith and work completely separate Connect & Links Marketplace Solutions: https://transformlead.com/marketplace-solutions/ Transformational Leadership (Ford Taylor): https://transformlead.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

  5. Jun 19

    A Super Bowl Champion's Dream to Let Fathers Speak Into Their Kids’ Futures w/ Jake Ballard + Brian Canavan

    Send us Fan Mail What would you say to your kids if you knew today might be your last day? Super Bowl Champion and former Ohio State Tight End Jake Ballard joins nonprofit fundraising leader Brian Canavan to talk about “Hey Dad” — a groundbreaking app that lets fathers record video messages that unlock at key moments throughout their children’s lives. From Jake’s ACL tear in the Super Bowl to Brian’s near-fatal car accident, these two men share how life’s unexpected turns deepened their faith and sharpened their mission as men of faith ad as fathers. Whether you’re a dad, had a great dad, or are still looking for that voice — this episode will move you. Key Topics Covered •           Jake’s relationship with his own father growing up •           Moving beyond a Super Bowl career to build something new in business •           The “Hey Dad” app — what it is, why it matters, and who it’s for •           Brian’s close call in a serious car accident and why it made him rethink legacy •           Jake’s ACL tear in Super Bowl XLVI — realizing a dream and losing it in the same moment •           The role of faith in navigating loss, change, and fatherhood •           What Brian sees in the nonprofit space — and how more men of faith can engage •           Where “Hey Dad” is going — beyond an app to a platform for dads to connect •           Encouragement for those without a father figure — or dads carrying regrets Connect & Links Hey Dad App: https://heydad.pro/ Jake Ballard on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jake_ballard_1/ North Star Impact Group (Brian Canavan): https://www.nstar.group/  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

  6. Jun 12

    Leading a Blue-Collar Business for Christ with William Cox

    Send us Fan Mail Enviro Construction co-owner William Cox joins First and Focused to talk about leading a blue-collar business with bold Christian conviction at just 26 years old. William shares stories from growing up around construction, finding deeper surrender to Jesus during college, working as a ranch hand in Wyoming, and ultimately returning to Ohio where he saw God clearly direct his path into business leadership and ministry influence. This episode dives into faith in the workplace, surrounding yourself with the right people, weathering difficult business seasons, and what it means to glorify God through everyday work. Key Themes · Christian entrepreneurship · Blue-collar leadership · Young men and faith · Purpose-driven business · God’s timing · Community and influence To connect with William: williamcx27@gmail.com To work with Enviro Construction: https://www.enviro-construction.com/ To connect with Mark: https://www.markgreaves.com/

  7. Jun 5

    Following God into Surprising Places with Pastor Ben Douglass

    Send us Fan Mail Faith Community Church Lead Pastor Ben Douglass joins First and Focused to share his journey from engineering ambitions to pastoral ministry in the heart of Columbus’ westside. Pastor Ben discusses growing up in an urban environment, hearing God’s call into ministry, pastoring through the challenges of COVID and social unrest, and helping launch Westside Christian School to bring Christ-centered education to local families. This conversation is filled with wisdom on perseverance, surrender, leadership, marriage, parenting, and staying in step with the voice of God even during difficult seasons. Key Themes Urban ministry leadership Christian education Hearing God’s voice Perseverance through crisis Marriage and ministry Kingdom impact in local communitiesTo connect with Pastor Ben click here: ben@wc.school To connect with Faith Community Church: https://www.faithcommunitywest.com/ To learn more about Westside Christian School: https://www.wc.school/ To connect with Mark: https://www.markgreaves.com/

  8. May 29

    Finance, Politics, and the Church: An Intersected Life with Chris Lightfoot

    Send us Fan Mail Center for Christian Virtue’s Church Ambassador Network Director Chris Lightfoot joins First and Focused for a conversation on leadership, obedience, generosity, and following God through unexpected transitions. From financial advising to the National Christian Foundation and now serving pastors and churches across Ohio, Chris shares lessons learned from walking closely with the Lord through every stage of life and leadership. This episode explores faith in the public square, unity within the Church, raising a family while leading at a high level, and how to move forward when fear and doubt try to hold you back. Key Themes Faith-driven leadership Generosity and stewardship Church and culture Courageous obedience Parenting and priorities Christian unityTo connect with Chris click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lightfoot/ To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue: https://www.ccv.org/ To learn more about the Church Ambassador Network: https://www.ccv.org/can To learn more about National Christian Foundation: https://www.ncfgiving.com/ To connect with Mark: https://www.markgreaves.com/

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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
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 First & Focused
  • Show Website
    First & Focused