Some people are really into puzzles. And then there are those that just want to torture themselves. Like…the puzzles that are nothing but repeated geometric shapes where every piece looks like the next. Another challenging method involves assembling a puzzle without the box lid as a reference. There is a point in puzzle assembly where we hit a tipping point - where the image starts to take shape and, in a positive sense, everything is “downhill from there.” But until that moment puzzle assembly can be one of the most frustrating tasks on the planet. Until the early pieces start coming together and dots start getting connected in our minds, it can feel like a complete waste of time. As I reflected on last week’s message a bit, I grew slightly concerned that I likely left a few key concepts out. It felt to me that if we could have added just a couple more puzzle pieces to last week’s conversation, we would have been able to walk away from the puzzle table with a more complete image in our heads and hearts. An image that, though also incomplete by the nature of our Sunday morning model, might have been a little more satisfying for us all. My hope is to add those pieces today in a message entitled “Peaces of the Puzzle” (with an intentional play on the word we used in last week’s message “Peaceful Pursuit”). Message: "Peaces of the Puzzle" Date: July 7, 2024

Location: First Congregational Church of South Pekin

We begin with a few relatively minor, even silly, examples of mistakes. But…they’re real. And they represent countless other situations and setbacks in our lives that can, if not navigated well, leave a mark. They can leave scars. If not received and processed with wisdom, insight, and careful consideration, our missteps and mistakes can impact us – and the people around us – for the rest of our lives… …keeping us from the deep fullness of life Jesus promised to give us if and when we would choose to walk with him. Whether they be basic or extremely complex, how are you and I to respond to the setbacks in our lives? This is the question we want to address in today’s message entitled: “Peaceful Pursuit” Message: "Peaceful Pursuit" Date: June 30, 2024

Location: First Congregational Church of South Pekin

What's the "trick" (or "secret" or "hack" or pick your clickbait term of choice)? What's the inside scoop on...

...cutting your project implementation timelines by 30%+?

...reducing costly mistakes by 50%+?

...cutting your losses with confidence before losing even more time and money?

...moving forward on a cutting-edge initiative with bold conviction?

...understanding how 85% of Convene member companies outperform their competition?

Imagine having direct, trusted, consistent access to DECADES (in some cases centuries) of seasoned business leader experience every single month.

Imagine the questions you could ask. Imagine the obstacles you could quickly circumvent.

Imagine the streamlined progress you could make without having to learn everything through your own school of hard knocks.

Shay Foulk underscored the value of the Convene model of executive development in this snippet from our conversation earlier this year on The Ag View Pitch podcast.

In less than two minutes, Shay makes a solid argument for the value of peer advisory teams. If you are an executive leader, I encourage you to take a quick listen!

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P.S. Building a business is hard, and doing so as a Christian leader adds a whole ‘nother layer of complexity. But…you don’t have to run this race alone. If you would like to learn more about Convene, The H3 Leader, and our services, please reach out to me directly.

Leaders, particularly ones that have been on the journey for a tick, have all walked the lonely road.

To do so is seemingly inevitable, especially in the early years.

But take heart, my friends. You don't have to run this race alone any more, no matter where you are on your journey.

The focus in our Central IL Convene effort happens to be on leaders at the helm of their organization.

But there are connection, support, and development resources out there for leaders at any level (e.g. Convene has recently introduced Intrapreneurial Leader groups to serve the needs of "young eagles" in the organization).

A trusted resource of peers that care about you and your impact as a leader can be difficult to find.

But, IMHO, find them you must. Real leadership is hard enough. To execute at a high level in isolation is not only unnecessary, but it can also be hazardous to our health...and to the quality, vibrancy, and longevity of our leadership.

Find your tribe. Let me know if I can help. You don't have to run this race alone.

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P.S. Building a business is hard, and doing so as a Christian leader adds a whole ‘nother layer of complexity. But…you don’t have to run this race alone. If you would like to learn more about Convene, The H3 Leader, and our services, please reach out to me directly.

(Thanks again for the conversation over at The Ag View Pitch, Shay Foulk!)

It was a case of mistaken identity!

After a wonderful extended lunch, he was all in. The conversation: lively. Our connection and alignment: apparent. The energy: high.

He even said the words, "I'm in! What's next?" It was going so well...

...until I started talking about membership fees.

He couldn't believe it - that I would charge fees to join a business leader Bible study?!?

Wowzer. Houston, we have a problem. 😮

This was early in my business development journey, and I have since adjusted the structure of the discovery conversation accordingly. 😉

But roughly four years ago, it wasn't until we were about to leave that it became quite apparent we had crossed wires early and moved forward in the conversation with a critical misunderstanding.

He thought I was inviting him to a Bible study.

When in reality, I was inviting him into the beauty and the power of a bespoke peer group utilizing a proven professional executive development model and designed specifically for Christian business owners like him.

Because in the case of Convene, said peer group is Kingdom-minded and biblically based ("Purpose Driven" if you will). But it's not a Bible study.

In today's snippet from The Ag View Pitch, host and Convene member Shay Foulk speaks very briefly about his impressions as he contrasts our model with various other interpretations of the term.

The more you know...

Blessings to you, my friends!

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P.S. Building a business is hard, and doing so as a Christian leader adds a whole ‘nother layer of complexity. But…you don’t have to run this race alone. If you would like to learn more about Convene, The H3 Leader, and our services, please reach out to me directly.

How would you describe your experience with a magnificent sunset, or an incredible mountain vista, or hiking the Grand Canyon from rim to rim?

Some things are impossible to adequately put into words. You can try, but the message is clear.

You really have to experience these things for yourself.

You had to be there.

In today's brief snippet, The Ag View Pitch podcast host Shay Foulk appreciates this reality when it comes to one of the most powerful executive development tools available - peer groups.

Business owners and executive leaders are at the tip of the proverbial spear. They are, for the most part, highly trained and very experienced. Typical development fare can be hit-or-miss. This group has learned a lot over the years.

But, to learn from the learnings of others at the helm of their own businesses - in real time...

Now THAT'S something worth leaning into.

THAT is the value of an executive peer group - an executive development model that has been proven over decades of leveraged use.

If you've got just over a minute, check out Shay's perspective in the clip below.

Blessings to you, my friends!

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P.S. I help high-performing Christian business owners, executive leaders, and their leadership teams find clarity, confidence, and consistent growth through the power of peer groups, executive coaching, and workshops. If you would like to learn more about The H3 Leader, Convene, or our services, please reach out to me directly.

A couple months ago Shay Foulk over at The Ag View Pitch podcast asked me right out of the gate, "How did you get into this?"

(By "this" he was referring to my role in facilitating peer groups for Christian business owners and executive leaders through the Convene platform.)

It's always fun to reflect back on how I believe God has orchestrated life leading up to this amazing season.

There is a lot more to the story that isn't included in this short snippet, but the bottom line is - I didn't go searching for this.

By God's grace, it found me.

And I continue to be in awe of the power of this executive development model, particularly when it is approached with a kingdom building mindset.

This week, having met with our large business team on Tuesday and as I make final preparations for our small business team meeting today, I remain deeply thankful.

There is no other place I'd rather be both personally and professionally. It feels really good to be used by God in this way.

Blessings to you, my friends! May you find peace, joy, and soul-level encouragement in your work today!!

It's kinda crazy when I think about it!

In the course of our work here in Central IL, our Convene Team has brought fifteen (15!) national circuit guest speakers to the Greater Peoria Area's shores of the Illinois river.

Wowzer.

As I begin sharing snippets of a recent podcast with Convene member Shay Foulk, I thought I'd start with one that focuses in on this value prop...

...because next month we do it again by bringing one of the best back for a second round.

We are looking forward to hosting Brian Audia for "Ignite Your Brand: The Company Manifesto" on August 13th!!

(Word on the street is he may be bringing in some special guests of his own - making it all the more fun and impactful. 😎)

If you are a faith-based business owner, CEO, or executive leader in search of development opportunities focused on your unique perspective on business, life, and faith, shoot me a DM.

I would love to send you an invitation to our event with Brian and friends.

It's going to be another fantastic session!

(Excerpt from The Ag View Pitch Podcast)