The Better Samaritan Podcast Wheaton HDI

Have you ever thought that entrepreneurship could be more than just starting businesses? Our special guest, Denise Daniels, the Hudson T. Harrison Professor of Entrepreneurship at Wheaton College, does. In this episode, she talks about how innovation and design thinking can change the game in business and why an entrepreneurial mindset thrives on curiosity and practice.
Christians in the marketplace often wonder how faith fits into work. Denise challenges the old-school idea of putting shareholder value above all else; instead, she suggests aiming for social good and human flourishing. We also dive into the concept of sphere sovereignty, debunking the myth that Christian service is just for ministry or non-profits.
Finally, Denise shares insights from her study with Elaine Howard Eklund, breaking down how we can see our jobs as vocations filled with purpose. Whether through intrinsic satisfaction, societal impact, or workplace relationships, Denise shows us how faith and work can beautifully intertwine.

Bio:

Denise is the inaugural Hudson T. Harrison Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship at Wheaton College (IL). Previously, she was a Professor of Management at Seattle Pacific University. She earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the University of Washington.  Her scholarly interests include meaningful work, Sabbath, leadership, gender, and motivation.

Denise is also the co-principal Investigator on a $1.8M research project funded by the Lilly Endowment, which examines how people in the United States understand and engage their faith at work. She serves on the corporate board of a FinTech company and the board of two non-profit organizations. 

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The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College. The institute offers an M.A. in Humanitarian and disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. Visit our website to learn more and apply.
Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.
This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 
Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS
Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan
Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi
(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)
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Looking to harmonize your career aspirations with a soul-fulfilling mission? If so, you’ll want to listen to this latest episode featuring Neal Joseph of Mission: Leadership. 

As part of our ongoing “Vocation” series, Neal joins us to talk about the art of faith-based executive recruiting, where aligning spiritual values with the heart of an organization isn't just ideal—it's imperative. Neal, who shifted from the music industry to Christian ministry, shares valuable insights from his journey. We discuss his varied experiences—from working with famous musicians to leadership in global ministries—as well as how to align your career with your true calling.
Neal notes the importance of grabbing opportunities and mastering communication within nonprofit leadership. He also gives practical tips on thriving in your current role and preparing for future advancement, making this episode particularly helpful for anyone looking to change paths or reach their vocational goals.

Bio:
Neal Joseph brings more than 35 years of senior-level leadership experience in the corporate, church, and nonprofit worlds to his role as Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Mission: Leadership, a faith-based executive recruiting firm. 
 
Before this, he served as Vice President of Nonprofit Recruiting at Slingshot Group, Senior Vice President of International Partnerships at Compassion International, megachurch Executive Pastor, Chief Operating Officer at Generous Giving, Label President at Warner Bros. Records, and Vice President of A&R and Marketing at Word Records. In addition to A.C.T. International, Neal also serves on the boards of American Leprosy Missions, the Accord Network, and Free Guitars 4 Kids.


Resources:
Mission: Leadership
Spiritual First Aid
Download your free copy of our Called to Serve: Navigating Your Christian Vocation in Humanitarian, Disaster, and Development Work e-book, which includes articles full of practical advice, insight, and encouragement. Each of the three sections concludes with thought-provoking questions and a prayer. We hope this e-book informs and also guides you toward reflection, prayer, and next steps. 
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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 
Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS
Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan
Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi
(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)
The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.
Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

About the episode:

As part of our Innovation series, Ryan Russell, Vice President of Innovation and New Products at Compassion International, joins us in unraveling the intricacies of service-oriented innovation. Together, we discuss how innovation doesn’t have to be huge to make an impact. Each step forward is rich with opportunities to learn.

Ryan talks about the passion and humility we need towards our customers, employees, and/or clients. We also explore the intersection of creativity and connection in non-profit innovation, delving into Compassion International's multifaceted crusade against child poverty and how innovation forges new (and unconventional) pathways for connection and support. 

Ryan's wealth of diverse career experiences underscores the transformative influence of a dedicated innovation team. This episode is an invitation to embrace the spirit of innovation in our everyday actions and in companies and organizations.

Bio:

Ryan Russell is Vice President of Innovation at Compassion International. He joined Compassion in July 2023 to lead the Compassion of Tomorrow team and grow Compassion’s innovation function. Before Compassion, Ryan served as the Senior Vice President of Design and User Experience (UX) at Hinge Health and spent nine years at Amazon as the Director of Design & UX for Amazon Glow. Under his leadership, the team grew from two people to over 135 across five studios in the U.S. Before Amazon, he led McAfee’s Design Studio, launched Cohdoo Highlight, an award-winning audio recording app, and designed novel consumer computing experiences at Intel.

Resources:
Compassion International
https://www.designkit.org/index.html - This is a site full of content to help anyone innovate and work backwards from the neighbors they are serving. The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design (https://www.designkit.org/resources/1.html) available on the site offers is a great step-by-step resource to design thinking and innovation.
Get our new FREE 56-page e-book, Called to Serve: How to Navigate a Christian Vocation in Humanitarian, Disaster, and Development Work.
Spiritual First Aid
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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 
Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS
Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan
Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi
(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)
The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.
Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For this episode, Carol Bremer-Bennett, the executive director of World Renew, shares her story of navigating the confluence of vocation, heritage, and service. From the greenhouses of her youth to the global stage of community development, Carol's path offers a unique perspective on embracing life's vocational shifts. With a spirit deeply rooted in her Navajo heritage and a heart committed to prayerful guidance, she unveils the connections between her work with the Navajo people and the broader challenges communities worldwide face. In education and community resilience, Carol imparts her wisdom on the critical role of holistic approaches in healing and strengthening societies. 

The episode focuses on the virtues of communal partnerships, the teachings of mutual support found in indigenous and biblical contexts, and the rich tapestry of lessons drawn from a lifetime of empathetic service. Listeners are invited to look at success through the lens of community fortification and interconnectedness, echoed by the harmonious blend of corn, beans, and squash in traditional planting. Carol’s journey underscores the significance of mentorship on our personal and professional growth and reminds us that our work can be a profound act of worship.

Bio:

 Carol Bremer-Bennett is World Renew’s U.S. Executive Director. As director, she oversees their work in 30 countries around the globe in poverty & hunger alleviation as well as disaster response. She is born to the To’aheedliinii (Waters Flow Together) Clan and to the Todich’iinii (Bitter Water) Clan of the Navajo Nation. Bremer-Bennett is an educator by training, with a B.A. from Calvin College and an M.A. from Western New Mexico University. Her extensive experience in Christian ministry spans more than 30 years of organizational leadership, leadership development, and administration.

Resources:
World Renew’s website
Spiritual First Aid

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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 
Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS
Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan
Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi
(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction– especially in our blind spots.)
The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.
Jamie Aten, Ph.D, and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The Better Samaritan, Leah Kral, Senior Director of Strategy and Innovation at the Mercatus Center, joins us to discuss her transition from the profit-driven marketplace to a life enriched by service and social progress. 

Our conversation with Leah explores effective leadership and the role of innovation within the nonprofit realm. Leah shares six principles from her book that—when followed—allow organizations to dream big, start small, and foster a culture where collaboration and empowerment thrive. Her stories, filled with successes and challenges, reveal the complex yet rewarding nature of sparking actual societal change.

As we discover, the journey to progress through innovation isn't without its stumbles; failure and faith often walk hand in hand. Through this candid conversation about the necessity of risk-taking and the nuanced role of faith in leadership, we're reminded that the road most worth taking is one paved with humility and curiosity.

Bio:
Leah Kral is an expert facilitator and author who helps nonprofits innovate and further social change. As senior director of strategy and innovation at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, Leah Kral provides tailored workshops and consulting to internal teams and a network of nonprofit partners nationwide. For decades, she has been helping teams to break out of the busy daily routine and draw out their best creative thinking. She is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Jamaica ‘02-’04) and continues to serve as an active volunteer in her community. 

Resources:

Leah’s website

Leah’s book, Innovation for Social Change: How Wildly Successful Non-Profits Inspire and Deliver Results
HDI’s MA in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership degree
Spiritual First Aid Certification Course
------------
This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 
Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn 
Follow us on LinkedIn: /jamieaten | /kentannan
Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco | @wheaton_hdi
(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to do better involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction– especially in our blind spots.)
The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.
Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

(Note: this episode is part of both our Innovation and Vocation series.)

Unlock the transformative power of weaving faith and creativity with business as we feature a fellow member of the Wheaton family, Tommy Lee. Tommy combines a heart of service with a love for equipping leaders and fostering collaboration. The episode is filled with actionable insights and practical wisdom for anyone wanting to grow professionally.

As we trace his career evolution, our discussion sheds light on the importance of discipline, passion, and the pursuit of joy. Tommy shares the story of one woman's ingenious use of her family's ships to aid Indonesian islands—a testament to the boundless potential of innovation for the greater good. 

He also urges listeners to learn from each person they meet, remain open to new ideas (and God’s surprising detours), and be unfailingly generous with their contacts and expertise. 

Listen now to be encouraged in your vocational journey.

Bio:

Tommy Lee has extensive experience in faith and work integration, organizational development, and building networks. Currently, he leads Resource Global, the Center for Faith and Innovation (CFI) at Wheaton College, and TogetherLA. As the Executive Director of CFI, he develops initiatives that engage marketplace leaders and provide training on integrating faith and work for students. As the Founder and President of Resource Global, Tommy has successfully launched cohorts of young Christian marketplace leaders in 13 cities around the world.  He is also the President of CreatePossible, where he has developed and managed corporate visions and strategic plans for client organizations, created new companies, and implemented funding strategies. Tommy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to empower leaders to align their faith with their work, create positive change, and make a lasting impact.
 

Resources:

Wheaton College’s Center for Faith & Innovation
HDI’s MA in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership degree
Apply now to join our MA program
Spiritual First Aid Certification Course
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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 
Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS
Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan
Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi
(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction– especially in our blind spots.)
The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.
Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices