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
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
In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee speaks with Missy Wallace, Strategic Leader for 90Seventeen and founder of the Nashville Institute for Faith and Work. Missy shares her transformative journey of integrating faith and vocation, unpacking how a deeper understanding of God’s purpose for work shaped her career and calling.
From honoring the dignity of “invisible” work to navigating seasons of transition and collaboration, Missy reflects on the power of faith to shape how we lead, serve, and create. She also discusses the vital role churches can play in supporting Christians in the workplace and the need for practical tools to make integration possible.
#UpNextPodcast #FaithAndWork #90Seventeen #MissyWallace #WorkAsCalling
In this powerful episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Bishop Jeffrey Dudley Sr., Founding and Senior Pastor of New Life in Christ Church, retired Air Force chaplain, and author of Leading Through Storms, to unpack a lifetime of leadership forged through obedience, obscurity, and unwavering faith.From preaching his first sermon as a teenager to serving as a chaplain around the globe, Bishop Dudley shares hard-won lessons on humility, self-leadership, and God’s timing. He reflects on the quiet years of preparation, the weight of influence, and why true leadership isn’t about platform or fame, it's about being wrung out for God’s glory.Don’t miss this insightful conversation. Tune in now!Links & Resources:www.thisismynewlife.com/
#ChristianLeadership #FaithAndLeadership #ServantLeadership #LeadWithPurpose #LeadershipMatters #SelfLeadership
In this episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee speaks with Kim Patton, who shares her journey from growing up in Austin to becoming a leader in restorative practices. They discuss the transformation of Austin, Kim's work in the community, and the challenges of starting a nonprofit organization. Kim emphasizes the importance of faith, listening, and personal growth in her life and work, as well as the dynamics of being a female leader in a male-dominated space. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships and finding purpose in one's work.
#UpNextPodcast #KimPatton #RestorativePractices #NonprofitLeadership #FaithAndWork #ChristianLeadership #WomenInLeadership
In this episode of Up Next, Tommy Lee sits down with Jon Hirst, Co-Founder of Generous Mind, to explore how nonprofits can pursue innovation with clarity and courage, even in seasons of uncertainty.
Jon draws from his experience as a longtime Chief Innovation Officer to unpack the tension nonprofits face between preserving what works and taking bold steps into the unknown. He and Tommy discuss the difference between invention and innovation, how AI is reshaping donor engagement, and why defining ROI as “return on learning” can build deeper trust with stakeholders.
Whether you lead a ministry, manage strategy, or are dreaming up the next big idea, this episode will help you think more intentionally about risk, experimentation, and the future of gospel-centered work.
Links & Resources:
www.generousmind.com
www.innovationinmission.com
generousmind.blogspot.com
#UpNextPodcast #PodcastConversation #LeadershipPodcast #FaithAndLeadership #NonprofitInnovation #InnovationStrategy #InnovativeLeadership
In this episode of UpNext, host Tommy Lee sits down with Pastor Naeem Fazal to talk about his journey of planting a diverse, multiethnic church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Naeem opens up about the personal challenges he faced along the way, the heart behind his book Tomorrow Needs You, and how God brings purpose through pain.This powerful conversation touches on identity, perseverance, and the hope that even in our lowest moments, we are seen and loved by God. If you've ever felt stuck, broken, or unsure about your future, this one’s for you.
For more information on our guest, please check out the link below:
#UpNextPodcast #NaeemFazal #TomorrowNeedsYou #ChristianLeadership #FaithJourney
In this inspiring episode of UpNext, Tommy Lee sits down with Meryl Herr to explore her journey from Birmingham to Athens, Georgia, and her experiences living and working across several cities. Meryl opens up about her career transitions, including her time at Fuller Seminary and the launch of her new consulting venture. They dive deep into the vital role mentoring plays in leadership development and share insights from research on flourishing leaders. Meryl also reveals the story behind her book, When Work Hurts, discussing how God’s presence sustains us through career setbacks, the healing power of sharing personal struggles, and how vulnerability builds stronger communities. Join us for a conversation about resilience, faith, and finding purpose amid challenges.
For more information on our guest this week, please check out the link below:
#UpNextPodcast #ResourceGlobal #ChristianLeadership #FaithAndWork
