The Shepherd at Work

Marc Radio

The Shepherd At Work is a weekly program to help you learn how to live your Christian faith in every place you work and live. Host Krystal Parker introduces you to individuals who are successfully and effectively engaging in marketplace ministry – and gives you the tools you need to do the same. The Shepherd At Work is sponsored by the Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce.

  1. 6D AGO

    From Sunday to Systems — Chris Young on Building a Kingdom Operating System for Your Business. (S5E14)

    Many people attend church every week… but never fully understand how to apply what they’ve learned to their business. What if you could? What if the principles you hear on Sunday actually shaped how you lead on Monday? In this episode, Krystal sits down with Chris Young, President of The Good Place Institute, for a conversation that will completely reframe how you think about business, culture, and Kingdom impact. Because here’s the truth: Most leaders don’t lack faith. They lack a framework. Chris has spent over two decades developing what many leaders have been missing—a Kingdom-focused operating system that integrates biblical principles directly into how organizations are built, led, and sustained. Not sprinkled on top. Not added later. Fully integrated. Through the Good Place Operating System, Chris helps leaders build organizations where: People truly flourish Businesses thrive economically Communities are impacted in meaningful ways He calls these “Good Place organizations.” And once you understand what that means—you’ll never look at business the same way again. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why most leaders struggle to apply faith in practical business settings What it actually looks like to build a Kingdom-driven culture How to create an organization where people and performance both thrive Chris brings deep experience across leadership, strategy, and organizational design—serving in senior roles across for-profit and nonprofit organizations, both domestically and internationally. He is also co-author of The Good Place Organization and has helped leaders build businesses that align with God’s design for work, people, and community. This isn’t theory. This is a system. Because business was never meant to be separate from calling. It was meant to be a place where people flourish, communities prosper, and God’s Kingdom is advanced. If you’ve ever felt like there’s more to your work… If you’ve struggled to connect your faith to your leadership… If you’re ready to build something deeper— This episode will open your eyes. You’ll have the opportunity to meet Chris Young and his team in person at SWC 2026—and experience what it looks like to build a truly integrated, Kingdom-driven organization. Join us in Orlando, April 22-24 - https://uschristianchamber.com/swc-2026/ Learn more and Connect with The Good Place Institute - https://goodplaceinstitute.com/ Listen. Integrate your faith. Build a Good Place.

    25 min
  2. MAR 28

    What If Your Bank Tithed? — Paige Whitaker & Rey Feliciano on Money, Trust, and Kingdom Impact. (S5E13)

    What if your bank wasn’t just holding your money… but helping multiply your impact? Let’s be honest—when most people think about banks, they don’t think purpose. They don’t think trust. And they definitely don’t think Kingdom impact. But what if that’s exactly what’s possible? In this episode, Krystal sits down with Paige Whitaker and Rey Feliciano from 316 Financial for a conversation that will challenge how you think about money, stewardship, and everyday banking. Because here’s the truth: Money isn’t evil. It’s a multiplier. And when it’s stewarded well, it can fuel impact far beyond what you could ever do alone. 316 Financial is built on a bold conviction: Banking shouldn’t just grow your balance. It should grow your impact. As a division of Primis Bank, 316 Financial offers the same secure, FDIC-insured banking experience you expect—but with one powerful difference: They tithe 10% of their profits. That means your everyday banking—spending, saving, managing your business—becomes part of a larger story of generosity, stewardship, and Kingdom advancement. No extra effort. No added complexity. Just multiplied impact. In this episode, you’ll hear: How “banking with purpose” actually works in real life Why your financial decisions carry more influence than you think How churches, ministries, and businesses can align money with mission Paige brings a fresh, next-generation perspective—helping people see money not just as a resource, but as a tool for good, making banking feel simple, honest, and human. Rey brings deep experience working alongside churches and ministry leaders, understanding the real needs of faith-driven organizations—while also serving active duty in the U.S. military with a heart for service and trust. Together, they represent a new kind of financial leadership— one that believes faith and finance were never meant to be separate. Inspired by John 3:16, 316 Financial is building a model where generosity is not an afterthought—it’s built into the system. You’ll have the opportunity to meet 316 Financial in person at SWC 2026—and experience firsthand what it looks like to align your money with your mission. 👉 Join us in Orlando, April 22–24: https://uschristianchamber.com/swc-2026/ 👉 Learn more and connect with 316 Financial: https://bank316.com/ This episode will challenge how you think about money. Because the goal isn’t just more. It’s meaningful more. Listen. Rethink your money. Multiply your impact.

    26 min
  3. MAR 20

    AI Is Not the Enemy — Mike Burkesmith on Faith, Ethics, and the Future of Intelligent Tools. (S5E12)

    Is artificial intelligence a threat… or a tool? And what does God say about it? In this thought-provoking episode, Krystal sits down with Mike Burkesmith, Founder and CEO of BestResults.AI, to explore one of the most important leadership questions of our time: how believers should approach AI in business, innovation, and the future of work. Many people fear AI will replace humans. Mike challenges that narrative. AI is not about takeover—it’s about acceleration. When used wisely, AI becomes a powerful tool that frees people to do their highest-value work, expands creativity, and multiplies the impact of mission-driven organizations. In this conversation, Mike explains why large language models are so powerful—having effectively “read” vast libraries of human knowledge across millions of books, publications, and data sources—and why ignoring this technology may create one of the biggest strategic risks for Christian business leaders today. But technology alone isn’t the story. The real question is how we lead with it. Mike shares how organizations can adopt AI responsibly—ensuring ethics, law, and human dignity remain central while leveraging the technology to dramatically improve productivity, quality, and innovation. At BestResults.AI, Mike and his team help organizations move beyond hype and fear through their AI Empowerment Method™, guiding leaders and teams to learn, apply, and deploy AI tools in practical ways that generate real results. Many organizations see significant efficiency gains—freeing up time and resources to focus on meaningful work that truly matters. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why AI adoption is becoming essential for modern organizations How large language models actually work—and why they’re so powerful The real risks of ignoring AI in the coming decade What responsible, ethical AI leadership looks like How believers can approach technology through the lens of stewardship and wisdom Mike brings nearly four decades of experience helping organizations transform and grow. As a longtime leadership owner with C12 Group, and through his work across strategy, finance, operations, and technology, he has helped hundreds of leaders achieve measurable growth and performance gains. Today, his focus is helping organizations navigate the AI revolution with clarity and confidence—turning uncertainty into opportunity. Because the real issue isn’t whether AI will change the world. It will. The real question is whether leaders will step forward to use it wisely, ethically, and for good. This episode will challenge assumptions, calm fears, and equip you to think differently about one of the most important technologies of our generation. You can meet Mike and his team in the AI Lab at SWC 2026 in Orlando, FL https://uschristianchamber.com/swc-2026/ Learn more about BestResults.AI - https://bestresults.ai/ Listen. Learn. Lead wisely in the age of AI.

    26 min
  4. MAR 12

    From Head Knowledge to Unstoppable Faith — Kimberly Smith Coley on FinTech, Listening to God, and Kingdom Currency. (S5E11)

    What happens when a brilliant financial mind stops trying to analyze God—and starts listening to Him? Krystal sits down with Kimberly Smith Coley, a respected leader in the fintech and payment technologies space, for a conversation that bridges intellect, innovation, and deep spiritual transformation. For years, Kimberly approached faith the way many high-performing leaders do—through the lens of logic and analysis. She tried to intellectualize God, keeping her faith largely in her head. But everything changed when her relationship with God moved from head knowledge to heart transformation. That shift made her unstoppable. Today, Kimberly challenges leaders to do something that sounds almost counterintuitive in a fast-moving business world: Slow down. Listen. Learn to recognize the voice of the Father. Kimberly co-founded ePaymints, where she has spent nearly a decade helping businesses engage customers through cutting-edge payment technology. With more than 15 years of experience in financial services, she has helped shape strategic partnerships across emerging technologies including cryptocurrency, blockchain, automated systems, and Web3. Today she continues to influence the fintech space through her work with RevitPay, a modern payments platform helping businesses process transactions faster, smarter, and with greater transparency. But Kimberly's real passion goes beyond payments. She believes the financial systems of the future can be used for Kingdom impact. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why brilliant leaders often struggle to move faith from their head to their heart How slowing down can actually sharpen your leadership What it looks like to hear God’s direction in real business decisions Why the emerging world of digital payments and financial technology matters to the Kingdom Kimberly will also be serving as a subject matter expert in the Currency Lab at SWC 2026, where leaders will explore the future of money, technology, and Kingdom economics. And RevitPay will be powering the WiFi at SWC 2026, helping connect leaders from around the world. If you want to understand where faith, technology, and the future of commerce intersect—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. You’ll be able to meet Kimberly Smith Coley in person at SWC 2026 and learn more about the work happening through RevitPay. Sometimes the greatest breakthroughs don’t come from thinking harder. They come from listening deeper. Listen. Slow down. Hear the Father’s voice. RevitPay- https://www.revitpay.com/ Join us at SWC 2026 - https://uschristianchamber.com/swc-2026/

    25 min
  5. MAR 5

    Rest Is a Work Word — Shelsea Becker on Energy, Obedience, and Women Stepping Into the Deep. (S5E10)

    Get ready… because this episode comes with a whole lot of YEEHAW. Krystal sits down with Shelsea Becker, founder of LYN Ministries and the SheWill Conference, for a conversation full of wisdom, laughter, and a few leadership insights that will stop you in your tracks. Shelsea dropped a line during this interview that Krystal had never heard before: “If you self-promote, you have to self-sustain.” Let that sink in. In a world obsessed with visibility and personal branding, Shelsea challenges leaders to think differently about calling, provision, and trust in God’s timing. But that wasn’t the only moment that made us pause. Shelsea also declared something that sounds completely backwards in the hustle culture: “Rest is a work word.” Wait… what? In this episode, Shelsea unpacks why true Kingdom leadership requires rhythms of rest, obedience, and deep relationship with Jesus—sometimes looking far different than the world’s definition of productivity. Shelsea is the real deal. She’s known for her bold faith, contagious energy, and unwavering commitment to equipping women around the world to step deeper into their walk with Christ. Through LYN Ministries, SheWill Conference, and Girls Weekend God’s Way, she is helping women move from ankle-deep faith into the deeper waters of intimacy with God. Inspired by the vision of Book of Ezekiel chapter 47, Shelsea teaches that every believer is invited to move deeper into the river of God’s presence—where transformation, healing, and purpose begin to flow. Her mission is simple but powerful: Help women Become who Christ created them to be Know their identity in Him Live the life He calls them to Love the way He first loved us Shelsea is also the coffee sponsor at SWC 2026, happening April 22–24 in Orlando, where you’ll be able to meet her and connect with the mission of LYN Ministries firsthand. This episode will challenge the way you think about leadership, hustle, influence, and rest. It will also remind you that sometimes the deepest Kingdom wisdom comes with a little laughter… and a big dose of bold faith. If you’re ready to move deeper with God— and maybe rethink how you lead while you’re at it— you won’t want to miss this one. Listen. Laugh. Lean in. And maybe shout a little yeehaw. Connect with LYN Ministries - https://www.lynministries.org/

    25 min
  6. FEB 27

    Pre-Committed to Obey — Todd Hopkins on Surrender, Strategy, and Scaling with God. (S5E09)

    What happens when a wildly successful CEO decides he is no longer in control? Meet Todd Hopkins — founder of Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services, strategic growth coach, international best-selling author, and a man who wakes up excited each day to ask one question: “Lord, what do You want to solve today?” Todd doesn’t just talk about faith in business. He has pre-committed to obey God. It’s not conditional. It’s not convenient. It’s not negotiable. Before the decision ever arrives, the answer is already yes. In this powerful conversation, Todd shares what it looks like to truly humble yourself before the Father each day—bringing Him your challenges, your opportunities, your growth strategy, and even your control. And this isn’t theory. Todd spent 30 years building Office Pride into an award-winning franchise system with over 150 locations across the United States. He led through growth, through complexity, and through COVID. He has authored multiple faith-based business books and now coaches entrepreneurs around the world to scale with clarity and conviction. But his greatest discipline? Daily time with God. He cannot stress enough the importance of quiet time every single day—sharing with the Lord what is happening and asking what he is to do about it. In this episode, you’ll hear: What it means to pre-commit to obedience How surrender strengthens leadership instead of weakening it Why productivity must replace “busy” if you want lasting impact How to scale without losing your soul The difference between controlling outcomes and stewarding influence Todd teaches entrepreneurs how to maximize productivity, install scalable systems, build financial confidence, and think strategically—but underneath it all is one foundation: Honor God first. This episode will challenge you. Because surrender sounds spiritual… until it threatens your control. You’ll meet Todd Hopkins in person at SWC 2026, where he’ll be exhibiting and serving as a resource to our community. If you’ve experienced success but want alignment… If you’re driven but want peace… If you’re ready to lead from humility instead of hustle— This conversation will reframe your strategy and deepen your walk. Pre-commitment changes everything. Listen. Reflect. Lead surrendered. Connect with Todd Hopkins https://toddhopkins.com/

    26 min
  7. FEB 17

    Redefining Hustle — When Ambition Surrenders and the Kingdom Advances with Erin Harrigan. (S5E08)

    How does a corporate striver—an achievement chaser, a results-driven hustler—fully surrender their life to Christ without losing their drive? Ask Erin Harrigan. In this powerful episode, Krystal sits down with Erin, Christian business coach, author, and former corporate high-achiever, to unpack what happens when hustle is no longer fueled by identity, pressure, or performance—but by obedience. Erin didn’t lack ambition. She lacked peace. After 25 years climbing the corporate ladder, her identity wrapped tightly around productivity and achievement, everything came to a breaking point in October 2014. Overwhelmed and spiritually empty, she found herself face-down on her carpet, crying out for a better way. That was the moment she fully surrendered her life to Jesus Christ—and everything changed. But the transformation didn’t stop there. Earlier in the marketplace, Erin had been asked two life-altering questions that cut straight through titles, performance, and reputation: Whose are you? And what do you know about Jesus? Those questions—and her surrender—completely redefined her understanding of success. In this episode, Erin shares how God took the ashes of striving thoughts: “I’m not doing enough.” “I need to hustle harder.” “My worth is tied to my achievements.” “I can’t slow down or I’ll fall behind.” —and redeemed them with truth. She discovered that ambition isn’t the enemy. It’s a gift. But it must be channeled by God’s purpose, not the world’s expectations. Today, Erin’s mission is clear: helping high-achieving Christian women redefine hustle, break free from overachievement and overwhelm, and build businesses that honor God without sacrificing faith, family, or well-being. Her work blends biblical wisdom with practical business strategy—proving that growth and surrender are not opposites. This episode will challenge you to reassess: Your hustle Your identity Your labels Your definition of success It will invite you to consider a better question than “How much more can I do?” What if the real breakthrough comes from surrender? If you’ve ever felt driven but empty… Successful but restless… Faith-filled yet exhausted… Buckle up. This conversation will reframe your ambition, reset your pace, and remind you that your business is a ministry—and your drive can advance the Kingdom when Jesus is truly at the helm. Connect with Erin: https://erinharrigan.com/ Listen. Reflect. Redefine your hustle.

    25 min
  8. FEB 14

    From No Hope to Forward Progress with Karl Diffenderfer — Faith, Fire, and Building What God Intended. (S5E07)

    How do you go from no hope… to launching a massive business… to founding a statewide Christian chamber? In this episode, Krystal sits down with Karl Diffenderfer, founder of the Pennsylvania Christian Chamber of Commerce, Certified Master Business & Performance Coach, and Kingdom entrepreneur, for a powerful conversation about resilience, obedience, and pressing forward—no matter what trenches you’re in. Karl’s journey wasn’t neat or predictable. At one point, he believed he had too much entrepreneurial fire to belong in church. Too driven. Too wired. Too restless. What he didn’t realize yet was that God wasn’t asking him to suppress that fire—He was preparing to redeem it and deploy it in the marketplace. Karl shares how God took his entrepreneurial spirit and fully activated it for Kingdom impact—transforming business into ministry, leadership into discipleship, and ambition into stewardship. In this episode, you’ll hear: How to keep progressing forward when circumstances say “quit” Why faithfulness in the trenches matters more than perfect conditions How God uses entrepreneurial drive to build influence, not ego Practical, Spirit-led advice for setting, keeping, and achieving goals What it means to experience the fruit of the Spirit in business—not by striving, but by abiding A serial entrepreneur and visionary leader, Karl built an award-winning marketing firm that generated over $100 million in revenue for clients before selling the company at age 32 to pursue his true calling: coaching leaders. Today, he ranks in the top 4% of business coaches worldwide, known for blending performance-driven strategy with Spirit-led leadership. Over the past decade, Karl has mentored hundreds of Kingdom-minded business owners—helping them move from burnout and confusion into clarity, confidence, and sustainable growth. His proprietary operating system delivers structure, focus, and accountability without sacrificing faith, family, or freedom. Now, Karl is multiplying impact by coaching the coaches, building a team of more than 127 leaders with a bold vision: to help business owners live out their Kingdom calling—and equip coaches to build thriving, six-figure practices with integrity and balance. Beyond coaching, Karl also founded Virtual Assistants Company, creating meaningful work for believers in the Philippines and supporting Kingdom entrepreneurship globally. Above all, this episode isn’t just about business success. It’s about hope. It’s about obedience. It’s about keeping the fire burning when life gets hard. You’ll meet Karl Diffenderfer and his team in person at SWC 2026, and trust us—this is a conversation you’ll want to continue. If you’re in a tough season… If you’ve wondered whether your drive fits in God’s plan… If you’re ready to press forward in faith— This episode will remind you: God doesn’t waste fire. He refines it. Listen. Be encouraged. Keep progressing forward. Connect with Karl https://higherimpact.me/karl-diffenderfer/

    26 min

About

The Shepherd At Work is a weekly program to help you learn how to live your Christian faith in every place you work and live. Host Krystal Parker introduces you to individuals who are successfully and effectively engaging in marketplace ministry – and gives you the tools you need to do the same. The Shepherd At Work is sponsored by the Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce.