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

In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee speaks with Timothy Dalrymple, President and CEO of Christianity Today, about his journey from elite gymnastics to theological study and media leadership.

Timothy shares how a life-altering injury led him to deeper faith and purpose, offering insight on suffering, identity, and calling. They also discuss the role of global storytelling in the Church and how Timothy 's intercultural family life has shaped his leadership.Whether you’re navigating hardship or stepping into leadership, this conversation offers wisdom, challenge, and hope.

#FaithAndLeadership #TimDalrymple #ChristianityToday #Calling #ChristianStorytelling #UpNextPodcast #PurposeInPain #GlobalChurch