“It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”
– Luke 13:19 (NIV)

God planted me in a BBT Bible study through the nudging of trusted fellow business leaders.   The organic environment of the group helped to grow my faith in new ways as I brought it outside the church walls. I found ways in which I could integrate my faith naturally into my business acumen to aspire to become an intentional serving business leader in the workplace.  BBT was, and still is, an important part of my week that helps me keep His perspective and values for my work and family front and center.  I have served over the years as a BBT board member to ensure the longevity of the organization, allowing others to discover the bridge to faith and to be a part of a very unique journey.

Building for Scale

Working for large multi-national corporations provided me a valuable education in how to build a company’s business model into a differentiated value proposition with the ability to scale it at a sustainable level.  Then moving on into the startup space, I gained the experience of how companies need to build for future growth while working in a very dynamic environment.  Organizations must be able to strategically balance the back end (research, development, operations) with the front end (commercial, marketing and sales) in concert with serving their customer base(s).  This needs to be accomplished by having leaders who are willing to serve others across departments, functionalities and initiatives.

The Mustard Seed in Faith and Work

When I read God’s word about the mustard seed, I think it is about building with the end in mind – building for scale.  The seed contains the DNA of the tree.  It gathers the building blocks from the soil, rain, and sun, but without the DNA, the seed will never become a tree.
 
BBT is a seed in my life that has grown to enhance my work, my life, and my faith.  BBT makes sure every new thing I do begins with God’s ends in mind, and I give back by advising with my experience to ensure its successful growth. 
 
In my capacity as a board member and sharing an office with BBT, I try to make sure they are continuing to build out their ministry with an eye to scale.  Content, technology and relationships will be their building blocks for scaling in the coming year.

How can each of us build for success?

• Begin with the end in mind
• Continue to balance the back end with the front end as you scale
• Be open to pivoting in your approach and Actions
• Be intentional in building relationships (inside and outside of your comfort zone)
• Serve others by utilizing your faith and business knowledge

What do you need to prepare in order to grow where God plants you?