Hi, I’m John Erickson. I’m a new Convene Advisory Board Chair in Central Indiana, including Indianapolis. I joined the Convene Chair team because I am passionate about growing thriving leaders. I want to bring you tangible value as a Convene Board member, and to walk with you and our Convene board wherever God is taking us together.
I live in Lafayette, Indiana (about 60 miles northwest of Indianapolis), the home of Purdue University, my undergraduate alma mater (BSEE, ’83). My life and career have taken several paths, beginning with my time as an engineer with the US Navy in naval aircraft development, and in the US State Department, traveling with the Secretary of State, and developing security protocols for our embassies around the world. During that time, we lived in Kenya and Israel, and I traveled extensively in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. My government and international experience provide a unique worldview, and an ability to understand the events around us with a broader perspective. I encourage leaders to develop a wider view of the world beyond their immediate life and circumstances.
The second phase of my career took me to seminary at Trinity International University (TEDS) near Chicago, where I earned a doctorate in Practical Theology. During the 15 years I spent studying and teaching there, as well as pastoring an inner-city church, I developed a passion for mentoring and developing emerging leaders. I have created a number of tools and perspectives that drive my approach to leadership development, which flows toward leaders who are starting out in their fields, and those who lead and mentor them. Some of my writing includes Three Paths out of Paradise, a book which explores the root motivations behind our desires and decisions, especially in the face of stress or pain. Its central idea drives my passion for supporting leaders: You will either flounder or flourish in every relationship depending on how well you know your own heart. An important part of my relationship with leaders has been showing them how to understand and deepen their hearts for God, their families, and their workplaces.
The next chapter in my experience has been leadership development in Eastern Europe. Since 2005 I have taught and mentored leaders in Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia, Czech Republic, Romania, and Ukraine. I initiated two Christian leadership development institutes in Croatia that serve the broader Balkan region. I maintain relationships with leaders throughout the region, and I connect them to wider networks of support in Europe and the US. I believe these cross-cultural relationships are vital to Kingdom building, and I encourage the leaders I work with to foster them.
I now work with another Convene chair, Dennis Humphrey, as a business owner and partner in our consulting company, Eden Business Concepts. Our focus, Innovating Workplaces that Thrive, dovetails with our Convene boards to build companies that are both smart and healthy.
I have been married to Debbie for almost forty years. We have a son and a daughter, and two grandchildren.
John’s Areas of Specialty
Executive Coaching & Mentoring
Cross-Generational Leadership
Conflict & Crisis Intervention
Business Organization & Structure
Testimonials
“If it weren’t for John’s help, I’m not sure my business would still exist. He motivated me to take necessary risks early on that brought me professional and personal reward. His help and support continue to be valuable to me. I look forward to John’s wisdom continuing to pour into the growth of my business and my life.”
—Jason North, Film & Creative Media, Indianapolis, Indiana
"John Erickson knows how to cut to the heart of an issue and he wields that skill to see others grow into effective and compassionate leaders. He will tell you the truth, even when it's hard to hear, because he knows it is necessary to fulfill your potential. I am a more self-aware, empathetic, and generous leader because of John."
—David Ballard, Attorney, Legal Aid of Western Michigan
“John's principle questions of self-reflection, coupled with his ability to navigate answering them with me, strengthens my development as an aspiring business leader. Although there is no simple method of doing so, John helps me navigate the complex connection of faith to work-life using frameworks, principles and ideas built upon his experiences, education and unique ability to relate to me.
—R. Marek Davis, CEO & Co-Founder, FroYo Xpress, West Lafayette, Indiana
“I met John 8 years ago when I was in a place of great hunger for wisdom and a good role model. He has impacted every area of my life with his wisdom and leadership, from my marriage, my parenting, my career, and my leadership. Through our journey together I have had many breakthroughs—hope overcoming despair, freedom from an impoverished perspective on my life, and a redeemed view of leadership. I have learned how to embrace a healthy lifestyle, grown in my communication skills, and understood my personality better. Through John’s mentorship I have learned to love myself well, how to thrive without fear, how to trust my instincts, and to appreciate myself. Every day I am able to embrace myself as I am and who I am made to be, I am able to thrive without shame, and walk as a powerful woman. John has poured himself over me and my family, and I am forever grateful.
—Veronika Bešić, Finance/HR Department, Upper Room, Dallas, Texas
About Convene
Convene’s mission is to connect, equip and inspire Christian CEOs and business owners to grow exceptional businesses and become higher-impact leaders to honor God. Through a community of peer-to-peer advisory teams, executive coaching and world-class consulting, we work with Christian CEOs and business owners to impact the Life of a Leader, leading to an ultimate Kingdom legacy.
We work together to enhance your business and life trajectory, while exploring where God is leading you. Convene provides ongoing business and leadership skill-development with access to One2One™ coaching and advisory teams, nationally-recognized speakers, and break-through content for continuous transformational learning. Particular attention is given to contributing wisdom, encouragement and accountability toward your goals for the purpose of achieving better results in all areas of your life.