In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Daniel and Loredana Lar for a compelling conversation set in the heart of Cluj, Romania, a city shaped by resilience, innovation, and faith. Together, they reflect on Cluj’s transformation from a modest town into a growing center of entrepreneurship and cultural renewal.
Daniel shares his journey from aspiring pastor to executive leader and Portfolio Manager at Total Specific Solutions, exploring how faith has informed his approach to leadership, business, and long-term vision. Lore opens up about her path as a psychiatrist, the personal experiences that shaped her vocation, and how resilience and calling intersect in both professional and personal life.
Tune in for an inspiring discussion on faith-driven leadership, resilience, and building with purpose in a global context! 🎧
#UpNextPodcast #FaithAndWork #Entrepreneurship #ClujRomania #ChristianLeadership #FaithAndBusiness #Resilience
In this episode of UpNext, Bob Doll sits down with Dr. Joe Stowell, writer, pastor, and former president of Moody Bible Institute and Cornerstone University, or a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation on faith, leadership, and legacy.
Dr. Joe reflects on his life journey through ministry and higher education, sharing hard-earned lessons about conviction, humility, and the central role of relationships in faithful leadership. Drawing from decades of experience, he offers wisdom on staying grounded in Christ, serving others with integrity, and leading with clarity in changing cultural landscapes.
Tune in for a rich conversation on leadership, faith, and what it means to finish well! 🎧
#UpNextPodcast #JoeStowell #ChristianLeadership #FaithAndLeadership #LeadershipLegacy
In this inspiring episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with social entrepreneur Veronica Colondam, founder of YCAP, to share her powerful journey from young mother to leader in youth empowerment across Indonesia. Veronica opens up about the challenges, risks, and bold decisions behind building a mission-driven organization that equips young leaders through education, character, and economic opportunity.
Driven by faith and unwavering determination, Veronica reveals what it truly takes to lead with courage, resilience, and conviction while creating lasting impact for the next generation.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that real change often requires sacrifice, trust in God, and a willingness to step into the unknown! 🎧
#UpNextPodcast #VeronicaColondam #YCAP #SocialEntrepreneurship
In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with J.R. Briggs, founder of Kairos Partnerships, for a thoughtful conversation on the transformative power of asking better questions. J.R. shares his journey from serving as a young pastor to becoming a trusted coach and consultant for leaders seeking clarity, courage, and wisdom.
Together, they explore why great leaders don’t just give answers, they ask the questions that unlock insight, cultivate cultural sensitivity, and help people reflect more deeply on their calling and purpose. J.R. unpacks how good questions can open new pathways, strengthen relationships, and shape healthier leadership in every sphere of life.
Tune in to discover how intentional questions can deepen your faith, elevate your leadership, and transform the way you engage with the world! 🎧
#UpNextPodcast #JRBriggs #LeadershipDevelopment #FaithAndLeadership #AskingBetterQuestions #ChristianLeadership #KairosPartnerships
In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Paul Amos, founder of The Redeemed and former president of Aflac, for an inspiring conversation on faith, leadership, and purpose.
Paul opens up about his transition from decades in the corporate world to launching a ministry focused on helping men find freedom and redemption through Christ. He shares lessons learned from leadership, the importance of self-reflection, and how faith can transform both business and personal life.
Tune in for an honest and encouraging conversation about growth, family, and what it means to live a life fully surrendered to God’s calling.
#UpNextPodcast #FaithAndLeadership #TheRedeemed #ChristianLeadership #FaithInAction #CallingAndPurpose
In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Rev. Dr. Erin Moniz, Associate Chaplain and Director for Chapel at Baylor University, for a deeply engaging conversation on faith, intimacy, and connection in a modern world.
Dr. Moniz shares her journey in ministry and the lessons she’s learned guiding students through questions of purpose, faith, and relationships. Drawing from her latest book, she unpacks the biblical motifs of intimacy and how they reveal God’s heart for connection, especially in an age shaped by technology and isolation.
Tune in for a rich and thought-provoking conversation on faith, culture, and what it means to build authentic community in today’s world! 🎧
#UpNextPodcast #FaithAndCulture #ChristianLeadership #SpiritualFormation #FaithInAction #CallingAndPurpose
In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Dr. Felicia Wong, Deputy Chief Executive of the Christian Medical Fellowship and co-founder of She Sells Purple, to explore her inspiring journey of integrating faith and purpose into her work in medicine and leadership.
Dr. Wong shares how her cultural background and calling shaped her path in healthcare, and how she’s using her platform to empower women and foster community within faith-driven leadership. From lessons on organizational culture to the importance of spiritual growth and trusting God’s direction, this conversation offers encouragement for anyone seeking to live out their faith in their vocation.
Tune in for an insightful conversation on calling, leadership, and how faith transforms the way we lead and serve! 🎧
#UpNextPodcast #FaithAndLeadership #ChristianLeadership #WomenInLeadership #FaithInAction #CallingAndPurpose
In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Talaya Frazier, Co-founder of Flourish Lifestyles Wellness Retreats, Founder of CC4C, Owner of Talaya's, to explore her remarkable journey from personal pain to purpose. What began as a mother’s fight to help her child has grown into a powerful movement supporting families of children with rare and undiagnosed conditions.
Talaya shares how running became both her sanctuary and her mission field, fueling a decade of Boston Marathons and a national campaign to raise awareness and hope. Her story beautifully reflects the power of faith, community, and perseverance through life’s hardest seasons.
Tune in for a powerful conversation on resilience, purpose, and the faith that rises from life’s toughest moments! 🎧
#UpNextPodcast #FaithInAction #Resilience #RareDiseaseAwareness #PurposeDrivenLife #FaithAndLeadership #InspiringStories
In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Kevin Washington, Associate Athletics Director at Baylor University, to explore his inspiring journey from aspiring NFL player to leader in sports ministry.
Kevin shares how faith, mentorship, and community have guided his path, shaping his approach to leadership, purpose, and personal growth. Through powerful reflections and real-life experiences, he highlights what it means to live out your calling both on and off the field.
Tune in for an encouraging conversation on faith, leadership, and the transformative power of mentorship.
#UpNextPodcast #FaithAndLeadership #SportsMinistry #BaylorUniversity #FaithInAction #MentorshipMatters #ChristianLeadership #PurposeDrivenLife
In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Paul Martel, Executive Director of Global.Church, a visionary leader reimagining digital infrastructure for the global Church.
From his early studies in criminology to pioneering faith-based technology, Paul shares his remarkable journey of purpose and innovation. Discover how his passion for community and collaboration led to the creation of Global.Church, a groundbreaking platform designed to unite churches and ministries worldwide. Together, they explore the challenges and triumphs of building digital ecosystems that foster connection, engagement, and unity across diverse communities.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation on faith, innovation, and the future of global Church collaboration! 🎧
In this episode of UpNext, guest host Bob Doll sits down with Dr. Nicole (Massie) Martin for a powerful conversation on faith, leadership, and the cost of calling. Drawing from her experience in both corporate and ministry contexts, Dr. Martin shares deep insights on the role of suffering and surrender in shaping effective leaders.
Together, they explore the challenges of modern leadership, from stress and remote work to the need for healing spaces within organizations. Dr. Martin also reflects on power dynamics, identity in Christ, and the wisdom of God’s timing in decision-making.
🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, faith, and the promises of God.
#UpNextPodcast #FaithAndLeadership #ChristianLeadership #DrNicoleMartin #ServantLeadership #FaithInAction #CallingAndPurpose #LegacyLeadership
In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Promod Haque, Member of the Board of Directors at Norwest Venture Partners (NVP) and one of the most respected venture capitalists in the industry. From his early days in India to his transformative career in Silicon Valley, Promod shares lessons on entrepreneurship, investing, and living a life anchored in faith and integrity.Discover how his engineering background, decades of venture experience, and personal values have shaped his approach to mentoring startups and guiding leaders. This inspiring conversation explores the intersection of technology, faith, and leadership, and offers timeless wisdom for anyone navigating business, calling, and character.#UpNextPodcast #FaithAndWork #GodsPlan #ChristianLeadership #WorkAsWorship #CallingAndPurpose #FaithInAction #BiblicalWisdom #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth
In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Andrew Pottinger, a dynamic entrepreneur and tech leader, to trace his journey from Silicon Valley to Austin. Andrew opens up about his time at Meta, the challenges of balancing work and family, and his vision for using technology to advance the Gospel. He also shares how faith shapes his leadership and fuels his passion for innovation in the fast-paced world of tech.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on purpose, perseverance, and the power of community!#UpNextPodcast #AndrewPottinger #FaithAndTech #ChristianLeadership #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #FaithInAction
In this episode of Up Next, host Tommy Lee sits down with Tony Bancroft, Director, Animator, Podcaster, and Lipscomb University Professor, to discuss his latest project, Light of the World, a groundbreaking 2D animated feature about Jesus.During his 12-year career with Disney Studios, Tony helped bring to life some of the most beloved characters in animation history: Pumbaa in The Lion King, Kronk in The Emperor’s New Groove, Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, and Iago in Aladdin. His most notable achievements include co-directing Disney’s Mulan, earning the Annie Award for Director of the Year, and serving as Animation Supervisor for Sony’s Stuart Little 2, which won the Visual Effects Society’s top award for character animation. Tony also directed the English-language version of Hayao Miyazaki’s Porco Rosso for Disney.In this conversation, Tony shares how his personal faith and professional expertise intersect in the making of Light of the World, the creative challenges of animating the life of Jesus, and the deeper spiritual insights he has gained along the way.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on art, faith, and storytelling with one of animation’s most celebrated voices!
What does it mean to be a good bandmate, in music, in leadership, and in life?
In this episode, Tommy Lee sits down with Stu Smith, Head of Design at Atlassian, to trace his journey from worship bands in Texas to leading design for global products like Confluence and Trello. Stu shares how music opened the door to design, how “cave time” and “spike time” fuel creativity, and how he learned to lead not by consensus but with clarity and care.
From the Austin startup scene to Atlassian’s global team, Stu reflects on what it takes to foster creativity, build healthy remote teams, and show up authentically as a Christ-follower in the workplace. His insights on leadership, faith, and creativity will inspire anyone navigating the intersection of calling, career, and community.
#Podcast #LeadershipPodcast #FaithAndWork #ChristianLeadership #Creativity #DesignLeadership #WorkplaceFaith
In this episode of UpNext, Yonilda Varner shares her remarkable journey from California to Austin, where family circumstances and a heart to support her mother shaped her path. With over 25 years at AT&T, she reflects on how servant leadership and meaningful workplace relationships defined her career. Yonilda and Tommy also discuss the evolution of training methods in a rapidly changing culture and her transition into the nonprofit sector with Life Anew, where she experiences the joy of seeing her work’s direct impact. Along the way, Yonilda draws wisdom from her mother and grandmother, offering timeless lessons on resilience, kindness, and the power of community.Tune into this inspiring new episode of UpNext! #Leadership #ServantLeadership #FaithAndWork #NonprofitLeadership #PodcastCommunity #ChristianLeadership #LifeLessons #UpNextPodcast
In this episode of UpNext, Lauren Gill takes us from her rural roots in Kentucky to her role as Senior Director of the Global Faith and Work Initiative at Redeemer City to City in New York City. She shares how her early passion for acting and producing shaped her perspective on vocation, faith, and the dignity of all work. Lauren also unpacks cultural differences in the global faith-and-work conversation, the role of empathy in leadership, and insights from her new book that help us live out our callings with purpose.
#UpNextPodcast #FaithAndWork #RedeemerCityToCity #ChristianLeadership #CallingAndCareer #WorkplaceFaith
This week on UpNext with Tommy Lee, we sit down with Ilaria Chan, a dynamic leader who’s navigated the worlds of finance, technology, and social impact. From her early days at Goldman Sachs to her pivotal role at Grab and the founding of the Tech for Good Institute, Ilaria shares her journey of ambition, leadership, and personal growth.
She opens up about balancing high-level professional achievements with personal life, and why finding joy and purpose beyond career success is essential.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, ambition, and making a lasting impact! 🎧
#IlariaChan #TechForGood #Leadership #SocialImpact #WomenInLeadership #FaithAndWork #CareerJourney #LifePurpose
After 35 years in the semiconductor industry, Larry Smith is pivoting from corporate boardrooms to the frontlines of homelessness advocacy. In this episode, he shares how his military roots, faith, and leadership lessons shaped his passion for serving veterans and building Community First! Village, a revolutionary housing model for the chronically homeless in Austin.Want to lead with purpose? Be challenged by Larry’s bold call to live a life that only makes sense because of the Gospel.#UpNextPodcast #LarrySmith #FaithAndLeadership #CommunityFirst #NoExcuses #VeteranSupport #MarketplaceMinistry #liveonmission
In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee speaks with Angie Ward, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and Associate Professor of Leadership & Ministry at Denver Seminary.
Angie shares her journey from sports journalism to theological education, offering insight into the evolving landscape of ministry today. She highlights the need to broaden our understanding of ministry roles, the importance of collaboration between churches and parachurch organizations, and how to reclaim the Church’s identity as the body of Christ.
From the challenges facing pastors to the opportunities for innovation in leadership, Angie offers wisdom and hope for a new generation of ministry leaders.
#UpNextPodcast #AngieWard #DenverSeminary #MinistryLeadership #DoctorOfMinistry #ChurchInnovation #BodyOfChrist #VocationalMinistry #ChristianLeadership