Nationally-Recognized Speakers and Thought Leaders: Inspiration from Convene's Events and Resources

At Convene, we seek  to provide our members with inspiration and guidance that creates an impact in their personal and professional lives. Check out our 2024 nationally-recognized speakers and thought leaders, who share inspiring stories and experienced insights for business leaders seeking to integrate their faith with their careers. Our events serve to connect Christian business leaders to  deepen our understanding of faith-based leadership. 

Speakers with Miraculous Stories 
Jim Daly 
Jim Daly is the president of Focus on the Family and the host of its daily radio broadcast, reaching over 6.6 million listeners weekly. Overcoming a challenging childhood, including the loss of his parents, Daly's life is a testament to the power of faith. Under his leadership, Focus on the Family has experienced  significant success in supporting foster-care adoptions while also guiding ministries to focus on building strong marriages and healthy families. Daly emphasizes that parenting is about doing one's best in Christ, and trusting that God works through our imperfections that are a normal part of life. 

Jose Hernandez
Jose Hernandez grew up farming in California and dreamed of flying to space. He worked hard to achieve his dream (after being rejected 11 times) by becoming a NASA astronaut at age 47. His successful career as an engineer continued as he co-developed the first full-field digital mammography system for the early detection of breast cancer. Today, the Jose M. Hernandez Reaching For The Stars Foundation aims to inspire youth in STEM. His life story has been made into a movie biopic called A Million Miles Away. 

Lopez Lomong
Lopez Lomong, a "Lost Boy of Sudan," has a life that tells the story of what is possible through faith. He miraculously escaped a rebel prison camp at age 6, running 60 miles to safety and eventually spending 10 years in a Kenyan refugee camp. Inspired by watching the Olympics from the camp, he pursued his dream of becoming an athlete, arriving in the USA at age 16. Lomong went on to become a 2-time Olympian, 6-time National Champion and carried the American flag during the 2008 Beijing Olympics' opening ceremony. In 2013, he set the American record in the indoor 5000m. Beyond athletics, Lopez partners with World Vision to improve lives in South Sudan, focusing on clean water, education, health care, and nutrition. His humanitarian efforts earned him the title of Visa's Humanitarian of the Year in 2012. 

Business Leaders with Wisdom To Share
Brian Audia
Brian Audia specializes in organizational performance to help employees engage with their work on a deeper level. Audia believes that by driving employee engagement in the company culture, a team can find joy in their work life, and workplaces thrive. Brian is an expert on organizational development and has received many accolades for his humanitarian and social service operations across the world. As the President and CEO of AUDIA, a consulting company with services specializing in executive leadership support, Brian has found purpose and success by increasing the performance of businesses, nonprofits, and ministries.

Richard Blackaby 
Richard Blackaby is regarded as a renowned speaker for his wisdom surrounding spiritual leadership. Richard speaks around the world encouraging Christian business leaders to take their calling seriously, so that they may maximize their impact on God’s Kingdom. Having served as a pastor and Seminary President in Canada, Richard now serves as the President of Blackaby Ministries International which helps people experience God and understand His plan for us.

Greg Leith 

Greg Leith is the CEO of Convene Corporation, leading an organization that has supported thousands of Christian CEOs for decades. With a career spanning 45 years, Greg has held senior leadership roles in corporate, nonprofit, and academic sectors, including helping to lead a $180 million capital campaign at Biola University. He has worked globally, providing aid to the persecuted church, creating jobs in India, and assisting mission agencies in China and Haiti. Greg and his wife, Shelley, have spoken on marriage and parenting for over a decade, impacting thousands of families. He also served as a senior executive at ServiceMaster for 20 years and was Vice President of Arrow Leadership Development.

Rob McKenna

Dr Rob McKenna is a renowned psychologist, recognized as one of the top 30 I-O Psychologists in the world. He is passionate about developing leaders and transforming how we understand and interact with the people in our organizations. He is an author, company founder, TEDx speaker, and thought leader featured in Forbes and Psychology Today. His approach is grounded in decades of research on leadership, team dynamics, and organizational health. Known for his authenticity and humor, Dr. McKenna shares models for leaders to invest in their people in meaningful ways. He has authored several books, including Dying to Lead and Composed: The Heart and Science of Leading Under Pressure.

Bradley Metrock 

Bradley Metrock is one of the top leaders in Conversational AI, leading a major conference for the multibillion-dollar industry called Project Voice 2023. He is the CEO of Project Voice which works to drive the adoption of conversational AI, and he hosts a podcast on AI as well. Bradley is also the General Partner in a venture capital fund that identifies and invests in emerging conversational AI companies. 

Jim Morgan 

Jim Morgan is the retired chairman and chief executive of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. When he became CEO, he inherited an unhealthy company culture. He decided to focus less on the need to sell more doughnuts, and more on a broader vision to “touch and enhance lives through the joy that is Krispy Kreme.” This approach is rooted in an intention to love his employees like Jesus loves us. By the time the company had made a significant turnaround in 2013, Jim claimed that a culture that glorified God was the root of their success.

Tom Nelson 

After years as a pastor, Tom Nelson realized his work on Sundays neglected the congregation’s other 6 days of the week. To address this, he co-founded Made to Flourish, a network aimed at helping pastors integrate a theology of faith, work, and economics into their churches. He now helps other pastors who may realize a similar gap in their ministries to bridge the gap between Sunday’s worship with Monday through Friday’s work. Tom is the author of Work Matters and The Economics of Neighborly Love and serves as senior pastor of Christ Community Church in Kansas City. He holds advanced degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. 

Why Attend A Convene Event?

Christian business leaders can benefit from our events that specialize in integrating faith with leadership. Many of Convene’s speakers offer practical strategies for aligning business decisions with Christian principles, helping our members ensure that their companies reflect their faith. Other speakers offer inspiration through personal stories that demonstrate  leading with faith makes all things  possible. Our events also provide an opportunity to connect with like-minded peers who share similar values and challenges. Building relationships within a community of Christian business leaders provides impactful support and collaboration.

Leading a business can be a demanding and sometimes isolating experience. Hearing from nationally recognized speakers and thought leaders who integrate faith with leadership can serve as an important reminder of our higher purpose.  If you are seeking motivation or inspiration to lead with integrity, courage, and compassion, stories like those outlined above can be largely impactful.

By learning from experienced speakers, Christian business leaders can develop a leadership approach that not only drives business success but also leaves a lasting, positive impact on their employees, customers, and the broader community. These events equip leaders to create a legacy that honors God and exemplifies Christian values in the marketplace. Subscribe to Convene’s Newsletter to learn about our upcoming events!

The Role of Prayer in Decision-Making: Seeking Divine Guidance in Business Choices

Business leaders operate in a fast-paced world, where they are constantly faced with decisions. From small day-to-day choices to monumental decisions that have the potential to shape the future of their companies, a business leader’s ability to make confident and correct decisions is crucial. Still, the weight of these choices can feel overwhelming and it is not uncommon for business leaders to feel stress, doubt, or uncertainty as they are faced with a large quantity of decisions that impact their business and their employees. As a leader, making decisions is often the heart of the job, so the ability to make choices with confidence is very important.

The Importance Of Being A Confident Decision-Maker
What does it mean to be a confident decision-maker? A confident decision maker trusts their judgment and is willing to take responsibility for the outcomes of their choices. Turning to Scripture, Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.“ This is an important verse that calls attention to the dynamics between our personal choices and God’s divine plan. It is important for business leaders to know where the role of prayer comes into play at work. Consider this: while you must be decisive in order to be a strong leader, seeking direction from the Lord’s wisdom can set you apart by offering peace and direction to your daily choices. 

Pray About It: What Types Of Decisions Are The Most Challenging For You? 
Some leaders are really good at making daily decisions, and others feel more confident, making large-scale choices. In your leadership role, you may find that some decisions are more difficult than others. From hiring choices to financial investments, or strategic directions to moral dilemmas, the more complex decisions have the potential for long-term consequences for your business’s stability, culture, and long-term success. 

Recognizing your blind spots is important and pinning down the types of decisions that you struggle with can make a big difference in your leadership. Understanding your biases, perspectives, and experiences can help you better evaluate your judgment. 

Remember, a confident decision maker trusts their judgment, so understanding your blind spots can make a big difference in your leadership. Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” While asking God to guide your decisions, you may start by asking God for wisdom about your blind spots. 

The Role Of Prayer
Prayer offers us more than just confidence when making a tough decision. Christians know that prayer provides us with peace by inviting God into our lives. It also provides a deeper connection to God’s plan for you. Philippians 4:6 states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Giving your worries to God through prayer is a practice we are called to throughout the Bible. Psalm 145:18 again reminds us, “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth” and Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

How Business Leaders Who Use Prayer in Their Decision-Making Make Better Business Choices
Incorporating prayer into the decision-making process can lead to better business choices. This practice is about asking for guidance and aligning your decisions with a greater purpose. James 1:5 offers a powerful promise: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” When we seek wisdom through prayer, leaders are more likely to make decisions that are ethical, just, and beneficial in the long term.

Prayer also encourages us to take a step back and consider the broader implications of our choices. Talking to God and asking for His peace and wisdom through praying helps leaders evaluate decisions based on long-term outcomes and God’s plan. Your prayer practices can lead to more sustainable business practices and stronger relationships with employees and peers while fostering a more cohesive and motivated team.

We should also consider how prayer can serve as a source of inspiration and creativity. By seeking the Lord’s guidance, leaders may find new solutions or ideas that they hadn’t considered before. The practice of praying about your work, and praying about your role as a leader also fosters a sense of accountability, as we are reminded that our actions and decisions have consequences not only for ourselves but for those we lead.

At Convene, we believe that prayer plays a huge role in a leader’s decision-making. It offers a path to confidence, clarity, peace, and wisdom, which allows leaders to navigate the complexities of their roles with confidence and humility. By seeking God’s guidance, leaders can make decisions that are not only sound but also aligned with a higher purpose, leading to success that is both meaningful and enduring. If you want to bring prayer into your decision-making and if you are seeking divine guidance in your business choices, join a Convene team!

Work-Life Balance: Prioritizing Family and Faith while Building a Successful Business

While building a successful business, some Christian business leaders find themselves reaching their goals in revenue, growing their business, and expanding their teams, while feeling completely unfulfilled by their work. For some leaders, success is not defined by the bottom line, but by our alignment with God’s plan. Focusing on a stronger work-life balance can help business leaders feel more connected to their work without sacrificing family time and faith-driven values. 

For those of us who are committed to our families and our faith, it can be a challenge to find a way to harmonize the demands of a successful career with the needs of our personal lives. 

Seeking a more balanced life does not mean every aspect of life is perfect. Instead, it means that the things that matter receive the attention they require to thrive. Let’s explore what a balanced life looks like and pinpoint the signs of imbalance. 

What a Balanced Life Looks Like
A balanced life is one in which you feel fulfilled in your work, family, and faith. It takes effort to ensure that while one priority may require more attention at certain times, the other priorities are not neglected. 

• During a busy season at work, slowing down for family time makes a big difference. 

• If your work lacks meaning, integrating your faith with your work can bring value to your job that you may be missing.

Both of these efforts bring balance to your life by prioritizing family and faith. 

Spending Time With Family 
Efforts for a more balanced life may look like being fully present during family time, even if the amount of time spent together is less. When you prioritize family time, you create opportunities for deeper relationships, treasured memories, and support. Your children, in particular, will benefit from the presence of engaged parents who model the importance of balancing work with family commitments. Parents who prioritize their families while building a successful business foster a sense of security and belonging that is essential for emotional development. 

A balanced life also allows you to be a better spouse. When you are not overwhelmed by work, you can be more present, patient, and attentive to your family’s needs. This presence strengthens the family unit and creates a nurturing environment where love and faith can flourish.

Integrate Faith With Work
Leaders who integrate their faith with their work are able to seek God’s wisdom and feel at peace in the path He has made. They are also able to explore their God-given gifts as stewards in His Kingdom. This integration can look like praying over your job, talking to your peers about the things that are important to you through your faith, and bringing Biblical values (like servant leadership, compassion, and humility) into your role in the workplace. Looking beyond the bottom line, you may ask yourself how you can better serve God. 

Achieving a more balanced life fulfills your God-given purpose by aligning your time with your values. This can look different for everyone. 

Work-Life Balance Looks Different for Everyone
Work-life balance is highly individualized and can look different depending on a person’s career, family, and values. For some, balance might mean working fewer hours to spend more time with their children. For others, it could involve integrating their family into their work life, by running a family business where both priorities are intertwined.

It is important to note that a person’s definition of balance can shift over time too. A young entrepreneur may initially spend more time building their business, while later in life, they will focus on family and community involvement. The key is to recognize that work-life balance is not a one-size-fits-all concept but a dynamic process that evolves with life’s stages and responsibilities.

What Are the Signs of a Life That Lacks Work-Life Balance?
When your work-life balance is slipping, it can manifest in several areas of a person’s life. One of the most common signs of imbalance is stress or burnout. If work consistently dominates your time and energy, it can lead to physical and emotional detriment. Psalm 127:2 reminds us, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.” This verse underscores the limitations of overworking. This Psalm reminds us that God provides. 

Another sign of imbalance is the strain in our relationships. When family time is consistently sacrificed for work, it can lead to feelings of neglect or disconnection. This dynamic can snowball into a cycle where stress from familial issues can make work even more challenging. When faith is no longer a priority, we lose focus of God’s plan, and the values at work in your career can feel empty. If your work is no longer fulfilling, consider where you may bring your faith into your career. 

Benefits of Work-Life Balance
A better work-life balance has proven to result in more clarity and creativity. When your life is well-rounded, you are more likely to approach work with a fresh perspective and innovative ideas. The Bible encourages us to live in a state of peace. Philippians 4:4-7 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” This God-given peace allows Christian leaders to be more productive and effective in all areas of life.

Contrary to the belief that working longer hours leads to greater success, better work-life balance can actually improve your work performance. When you are well-rested and emotionally sound, you are more productive and capable of making sound decisions. 

How To Create Balance in Life by Prioritizing Family and Faith
Start by setting clear priorities and establishing boundaries to protect your time. One practical step is to schedule family time and prayer or worship time just as you would a business meeting. This ensures that these areas are given the attention they deserve and are not easily sacrificed to work demands.

Another key aspect of time management is learning to say no. It’s important to recognize that you cannot do everything. It’s okay to delegate tasks or decline additional responsibilities that could upset your balance and success. By being more intentional with your time, you can create space for both work and personal life.

Making Decisions Through Biblical Values
Integrating Biblical values into your decision-making process is a powerful way to reprioritize your faith. When faced with a decision, consider how it aligns with your faith. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse encourages us to seek guidance in our decisions by trusting in God. 

Making decisions through the lens of your faith can help you prioritize what truly matters. Work-life balance is essential for leaders who want to prioritize their family and faith while building a successful business. Remember, balance is not about dividing time equally: it is about creating harmony between the different priorities in your life. By recognizing the signs of imbalance, understanding the benefits of work-life balance, and implementing practical strategies (like time management and decision-making through biblical values), you can aim for a more fulfilling and successful life. 

Learn from other Christian business leaders who can relate to your experiences, struggles, and goals at Convene. Our mentors and peer groups can offer advice and counsel as you work to improve your work-life balance. Join a Convene team or connect with a Convene mentor today!

Thriving in Times of Change: Adapting Business Strategies to Align with God's Plan for Christian Entrepreneurs

Inevitable business challenges constantly require leadership that prioritizes innovation and resilience. For Christian entrepreneurs, these challenges present unique opportunities to align their business strategies with God’s plan. By seeking Biblical guidance and maintaining a focus on faith, Christian business leaders can not just survive but thrive during times of change. 

Understanding the Need for Change
Economic shifts, technological advancements, or evolving customer needs make change an inevitable part of business that we must embrace to grow. For Christian entrepreneurs, the key to thriving during times of change is by recognizing that change is often a part of God’s greater plan. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Each season of life, including the challenges we face in business, has a purpose.

In the face of change, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or uncertain but Christian entrepreneurs have the upper hand. We can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, guiding us through each transition. By trusting in His plan and seeking His wisdom, we can navigate change with confidence, hope, and clarity.

Steps for Adapting Your Business Strategies to Align with God's Plan Lay The Foundation
Before adapting their business strategies, Christian entrepreneurs should first ensure that their business strategies are rooted in biblical values. This means prioritizing honesty, integrity, and compassion in the workplace. Colossians 3:23 advises, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This verse reminds business leaders to approach their work with a sense of higher purpose.

Pray About Your Concerns 
By bringing any concerns, hopes, and plans to God, entrepreneurs can gain clarity, insight, and direction. James 1:5 offers assurance stating, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Embrace Change as an Opportunity for Growth
While change can be challenging, it also presents growth opportunities (both spiritually and professionally). For Christian entrepreneurs, times of change can be moments of transformation, where your reliance on God deepens and new paths are forged. Romans 5:3-4 encourages us to view challenges in this light: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” By embracing change with a positive attitude and by building reliance on God’s guidance, Christian entrepreneurs can turn challenges into stepping stones for greater success. This growth might include expanding into new markets, adopting new technologies, or rethinking business models to better serve customers and communities.

Building a Resilient Business through Faith
Resilience is key to thriving in times of change, and for Christian entrepreneurs, faith is the foundation of resilience. A resilient business can withstand challenges and adapt to new circumstances while staying true to its core values and mission. Rock-solid faith in God provides the strength and perspective needed to persevere through difficulties.

One way to build resilience is by cultivating a strong, supportive community. Christian entrepreneurs should seek to build relationships with other believers who can provide encouragement, advice, and prayer support. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of community stating, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” To deepen your connection to fellow Christian business leaders, join Convene! Thriving in times of change as a Christian entrepreneur involves more than just adapting business strategies; it requires aligning those strategies with God’s plan. Mentors and peer groups at Convene can provide you with the support, counsel, wisdom, and experience to set you up for success as you take on the inevitable challenges business brings. 

What Every Generous Business Owner Should Know

Imagine being able to give more to the causes you care about without affecting your business’s cash flow. What if your most valuable asset – your business – could become a powerful tool for generosity?

Many Christian business owners feel a deep sense of stewardship, knowing that the assets they manage ultimately belong to God. But how can they increase their giving when cash flow is limited?

This article explores a powerful strategy known as business-interest giving, which may allow you to use your business to double, or even triple, your charitable contributions without sacrificing growth.

Thanks to Michael King, Charitable Wealth Strategist from the National Christian Foundation, for giving us a great example of how one family transformed their financial blessings into lasting, life-changing impact. Learn how you may be able to do the same:

Read the full article at ncfgiving.com.