Episodios

  • Addison Williams
    Jul 7 2025

    Christian Capitalist Podcast

    With Rich Sanders

    Entrepreneurship as a Calling with Addison Williams

    In this episode of the Christian Capitalist Podcast, host Rich Sanders sits down with Addison Williams, Regional Director of Community at Faith Driven Entrepreneur and Faith Driven Investor. Addison shares his powerful journey from the baseball field to the frontlines of Christian entrepreneurship, community building, and kingdom impact. Together, they explore how faith intersects with business, why excellence matters, and how even the smallest act of generosity can ripple through eternity.

    Addison discusses the importance of “guarding the hour,” slowing down to reflect, and cultivating meaningful community among entrepreneurs. He offers actionable wisdom on stewardship vs. ownership, finding your “why,” and making work deeply meaningful even in a world full of distraction and pressure to perform. Whether you're a solopreneur, investor, or nonprofit founder, this conversation will refocus your heart on what truly matters.

    In This Episode:

    • 01:00 Life in Northwest Arkansas & Coaching Youth Softball
    • 04:00 Faith Driven Entrepreneur: Awakening the Call to Create
    • 08:00 From Solopreneur to Community: Breaking the Isolation
    • 13:00 The 12 Marks of a Faith Driven Entrepreneur
    • 17:00 Excellence vs. Perfectionism in Kingdom Business
    • 21:00 A Founder’s Heart: Fighting Human Trafficking Through Business
    • 26:00 Slowing Down: Why Guarding the Hour Changes Everything
    • 35:00 Marketplace Ministry, Elevators & Divine Interruptions
    • 46:00 The Call to Stewardship, Generosity & Eternal ROI
    • 55:30 Addison’s Definition of a Christian Capitalist

    Quotes:

    • “We all have impact. And we need to respect the impact we’ve been given.” [42:35]
    • “We don't have to go overseas to be missionaries. The marketplace is the mission field.” [46:00]
    • “A Christian Capitalist is someone who sews everything together work, generosity, and restoration.” [57:55]

    Relevant Links:

    · Christian Capitalist Website

    • Faith Driven Entrepreneur: https://www.faithdrivenentrepreneur.org
    • Faith Driven Investor: https://www.faithdriveninvestor.org
    • The Call to Create (video series): https://faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/content-library/call-to-create
    • Join the Faith Driven Newsletter: Newsletter Signup

    Books Mentioned:
    Start With Why by Simon Sinek
    The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
    Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
    Halftime by Bob Buford

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    1 h
  • What if growth isn't the goal?
    Jun 17 2025
    Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 136 What if growth isn't the goal? with Perrin DesPortes In this deeply reflective and energizing episode, Chris Yonker and Perrin DesPortes engage in a rare bidirectional dialogue, unpacking the hidden costs of ambition, the personal reckoning that comes with burnout, and the awakening that’s possible when business success is aligned with inner fulfillment. Perrin, founder of The Next Level Executive, shares his evolution from a high-powered career in dental distribution and M&A to building a purpose-driven coaching practice for healthcare entrepreneurs. Together, they explore the illusions of success, the cultural shifts shaping dentistry and family business today, and how to create a life, and business, you actually want to live in. This is a conversation about course correction, conscious entrepreneurship, and building legacy from the inside out. Timestamps 02:00 - Meet Perrin DesPortes and his journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship 08:45 - Chris shares his path out of 3M and into legacy-centered coaching 16:15 - Why many entrepreneurs wake up inside a life they don’t want 22:50 - Burnout, overwork, and boredom: what triggers the desire for change 29:40 - Dentistry’s consolidation, private equity, and chasing someone else’s dream 38:10 - The power of clarity: asking “What do I really want?” 44:55 - Family business succession, ego, identity, and the real work of letting go 52:35 - The sacred role of the advisor: holding discomfort and navigating emotional fire 58:00 - Partnerships, misalignment, and the silent cost of avoidance 1:04:20 - Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be lonely: the value of coaching and counsel 1:09:00 - Resources, next steps, and how to work with Perrin or Chris Quotes · "Bored people make bad business decisions because they start chasing a dream that’s not even their own."[22:50] · "Wherever you go, you take yourself with you."[41:35] · "Entrepreneurship can be a very lonely road - but it doesn’t have to be."[1:04:20] Websites: fambizforum.com. www.chrisyonker.com The Next Level Executive https://www.facebook.com/PerrinDesPortesNLE https://www.youtube.com/@PerrinDesPortes https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetperrin/ Perrin DesPortes is the Founder of The Next Level Executive. He is a Washington & Lee University graduate and earned his MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. Perrin has over 25 years of experience in the business side of dentistry, having run three different business units for Patterson Dental Supply over a 15-year career. For the last decade, he has built and exited two very successful start-ups in TUSK Partners and Polaris Healthcare Partners, both of which focus in the Group Practice Consulting and Transactional space. Perrin is happily married with an 11 year-old daughter at home. In his spare time, he is an avid cyclist; enjoys cooking and reading; and loves good red wine and strong coffee. The Next Level Executive combines Perrin’s decades of experience working in Corporate America and consulting directly with healthcare entrepreneurs on their growth journey all distilled into actionable content and practical wisdom. Next Level Executives have: · clarity in understanding how their business truly fits together · confidence in their ability to lead from a position of strength · an edge to make the right decisions at the right time If you’ve mastered practice ownership and are wanting to evolve from “a Clinician who owns a Practice to an Entrepreneur who leads a Business,” then you need to focus on your own professional development to become a more effective executive – and becoming a more effective executive is what The Next Level Executive is all about…
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    54 m
  • Legacy in Limbo: Why So Many Leaders Avoid Succession Planning
    Jun 2 2025

    Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 135

    Legacy in Limbo: Why So Many Leaders Avoid Succession Planning with Dr. Mohanakrishnan Raman

    In this eye-opening episode, host Chris Yonker speaks with Dr. Mohanakrishnan Raman, an organizational psychologist and international expert on family business dynamics. With decades of experience consulting Indian family enterprises, Dr. Raman shares how cultural norms, succession planning, and next-gen development intersect in often overlooked ways. The conversation touches on Indian traditions, evolving gender roles, leadership readiness, and the emotional complexity of legacy handoffs. Whether you're in a family-run business or leading succession elsewhere, this episode is packed with deeply human—and highly strategic—insights.

    Timestamps

    • 02:00 – Meet Dr. Mohanakrishnan Raman
    • 07:35 – Realizing the influence of family systems in OD work
    • 11:55 – Cultural inheritance, COVID’s impact, and India's family business awakening
    • 18:10 – Gender, legal reforms, and complexities in succession structures
    • 24:00 – Case studies: sibling tension, conflicting interests, and decentralizing roles
    • 37:15 – The 3 Capitals: Financial, Knowledge, and Social – and why they matter
    • 42:40 – Creating learning journeys through values, mentorship, and exposure
    • 54:10 – The tension between honoring legacy vs. pursuing personal calling

    Quotes

    · "To win the relay race, you have to hand over at the right spot, at the right time, and at the right speed."[59:30]

    · "The current generation is coming from abundance. The previous one came from scarcity. Their motivations—and expectations—are fundamentally different."[53:00]

    · "When designing a succession plan, you're not just training for business. You're transferring values, identity, and a legacy of relationships."[39:50]

    Websites:

    fambizforum.com.

    www.chrisyonker.com.

    Resources & Links:

    · Connect with Dr. Raman on LinkedIn: Mohanakrishnan Raman

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    50 m
  • Navigating Change: Insights for Family Business Leaders with Dr. Barrett C. Brown
    May 19 2025
    Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 134 Navigating Change: Insights for Family Business Leaders with Dr. Barrett C. Brown In this powerful episode, Chris Yonker is joined by global executive advisor and developmental strategist, Dr. Barrett Brown, for a profound and eye-opening conversation about what it really takes to lead in today’s ever-accelerating world. With experience working across six continents and coaching C-suite executives through high-stakes transformation, Dr. Brown brings hard-earned wisdom about the inner capacities required for high-impact, conscious leadership. Together, Chris and Barrett explore: Timestamps · 08:21 Navigating Complex Leadership Challenges · 20:58 Decision Making in Complex Environments · 39:50 Balancing Work and Life in Family Businesses · 46:42 Navigating Succession with Competing Visions · 49:46 The Empowerment Dynamic and Low Drama Culture · 52:34 Masculine Compassion in the Workplace · 54:07 Coaching and Developing the Younger Generation Quotes · "Life is like a grindstone—it either grinds you into dust or polishes you into a diamond."[13:45] · "The world is never going to be a psychologically safe environment where we can just fully show up without any threat… The superpower is to be deeply at peace in the midst of intensity.” [24:12] · "Every time I get triggered or frustrated or irritated or judgmental—that is 100% my own inner game. That’s where I have the greatest power."[1:16:35] Websites: fambizforum.com. www.chrisyonker.com. Resources & Links: Dr. Barrett Brown’s Work: https://apheno.com Recommended Reading: The Future of Leadership for Conscious Capitalism by Barrett Brown Dr. Barrett C. Brown Bio Dr. Barrett C. Brown is a global expert on how to develop leaders to successfully navigate complex challenges and rapid change. Barrett works across six continents with C-suite executives and teams from Fortune 500 companies and international non-profits. He has lived in The Netherlands, Brazil and throughout the US, and has worked and traveled in nearly 40 countries. Barrett is a regular advisor and senior faculty for a global tech company as well as the largest environmental NGO in the world. With them, he focuses on how leaders can better manage complexity and drive transformational change. He also serves as the executive coach for a select group of senior leaders. He has delivered dozens of keynotes and leadership programs for 5000+ CEOs, organizational leaders, and government officials. He has co-designed and delivered executive development, team development and/or strategic alignment programs for some of the largest technology, engineering, healthcare, sportswear, and consumer goods companies in the world - as well as for major environmental and social NGOs. Barrett holds a PhD in Human and Organizational Systems and also has over a decade experience advising on and leading strategic visioning, execution, and change initiatives for US, Dutch, British, and Brazilian companies and institutions. Barrett’s award-winning research on the future of leadership has been used in executive education programs worldwide, including the Yale MBA. He produced an award-winning business case study on a large-scale market transformation program he helped lead - in partnership with Unilever and Rainforest Alliance - that is used in business schools globally. Barrett’s writings on leadership and sustainability have been translated into 6 languages, have been used in the United Nations system, and have been included in half a dozen mainstream leadership books. Barrett served on the selection committee of the Katerva Awards - considered the Nobel Prize for sustainability - and has held consultancy status to the United Nations. He has delivered leadership briefings and presentations at global tech companies, the Conscious Capitalism CEO Summit, the Society for Organizational Learning European Summit, Esalen Institute, the National Bioneers Conference, the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development, the US Department of State, the Inter-American Development Bank and UNDP headquarters. Originally from the Green Mountains of Vermont, Barrett lives near a 300,000 year old volcanic crater in Hawaii.
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    1 h y 14 m
  • Navigating Legacy and Wealth in Family Business with Jason Smith
    May 5 2025

    Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 133

    Navigating Legacy and Wealth in Family Business with Jason Smith

    In this powerful episode, host Chris Yonker sits down with Jason L Smith, founder of JL Smith Group, author of The Bucket Plan, and a nationally recognized financial advisor. Jason opens up about being fired by his own father, building a purpose-driven business from the ground up, and the holistic philosophy that now guides his wealth management firm—which oversees more than $4 billion in assets. Jason also shares deeply personal stories about resilience, raising grounded kids, and how intentional structure and values shape both his legacy and his clients’.

    Timestamps

    • 03:30 – Jason’s origin story: Fired by his dad, starting from scratch
    • 14:20 – "Everything’s fine" vs. proactive planning: health + financial parallels
    • 22:45 – The biggest tax mistake business owners make
    • 34:00 – Educating next-gens: Financial stewardship in action
    • 41:45 – The Bucket Plan: Now, Soon, Later framework
    • 53:15 – Self-worth after financial collapse and bouncing back

    Quotes

    · “I’m actually the youngest of 11 and, um, it was a mixed marriage like my mom and dad, you know, both had kids came together and had me kinda like the Brady Bunch and I was like, uh, Alice or the dog.”[03:24]

    · “Yeah, I. I. I feel like unfortunately our educational system is pretty broken in, in, in regards to teaching basic, you know, financial literacy, right?” [27:32]

    · “And my top five are the top five most important things to me, like my true north in life. And you know, my top five is number one is health. Mind, body, and soul. Number two is Holly, my wife. Number three is my kids. Number four is my family and friends. And number five is leading and learning.” [48:45]

    Websites:

    fambizforum.com.

    www.chrisyonker.com.

    jlsmithgroup.com

    Buy “The Bucket Plan” book Bucket-Plan®

    Facebook: @JLSmithGroup

    Instagram: @jl_smith_holistic_wealth

    LinkedIn: @JLSmithGroup

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    54 m
  • Priorities for Family Offices Working in a Fractured World with Angelo Robles
    Apr 21 2025

    Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 132

    Priorities for Family Offices Working in a Fractured World with Angelo Robles

    In this episode of the Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders podcast, host Chris Yonker interviews Angelo Robles, a prominent figure in the family office sector. The discussion covers various topics crucial to family businesses, such as the importance of hiring the right people, the disruptive impact of AI, and how geopolitical changes are reshaping the business landscape. Angelo shares his thoughts on the future of AI, the significance of understanding global trends, and how family offices can better prepare for rapid changes. Chris and Angelo also delve into the complexities of governance within family offices and the critical need for adaptability and continuous learning.

    Angelo Robles is a global authority on family offices, renowned for his forward-thinking approach and bold vision for the future. As a family office strategist and futurist, Angelo has dedicated over 20 years to helping elite families navigate the complexities of wealth management, governance, and legacy building in an era of rapid change. With a deep understanding of the evolving landscape—from the rise of AI to increasing geopolitical risks—Angelo empowers families to break free from outdated models and build future-forward family offices designed to thrive for generations.

    Timestamps

    · 03:50 Angelo's Background and Career Journey

    · 07:19 The Concept and History of Family Offices

    · 18:08 Top Trends in Family Offices: People, Technology, and Systems

    · 33:09 Integrating AI in Family Offices

    · 35:14 First Steps for Family Offices

    · 39:47 Geopolitical Shifts and Their Impact

    · 46:55 The Role of AI in Global Power Dynamics

    Memorable Quotes

    · “ So the majority of family offices are built for a world that no longer exist.” [13:25]

    ·  ” AI is being under hyped. Under hyped. You look at the math behind it, Jensen Wong and Nvidia doubling its quote unquote power once every 1.08 years. Do the math behind that.” [29:23]

    ·  ” It’s rare, rare to find people who are willing to change their minds on topics they refuse to investigate.” [56:12]

    Websites:

    Angelorobles.com

    Facebook: @AngeloJRobles

    Instagram: @angeloroblesmedia

    LinkedIn: @angelorobles

    fambizforum.com.

    www.chrisyonker.com.

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    1 h y 1 m
  • Unlocking Leadership Potential: How Shadow Work Transforms Leaders with Kim Barta
    Apr 7 2025
    Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 131 Unlocking Leadership Potential: How Shadow Work Transforms Leaders with Kim Barta In this episode of 'Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders’, host Chris Yonker delves into deep discussions with Kim Barta, a renowned psychotherapist and thought leader. Kim shares insights into his work around shadow therapy, explaining how our unconscious beliefs and patterns shape our lives. He talks about the nuances of family dynamics, personal growth, and healing from trauma. Listeners learn practical strategies for identifying and overcoming shadow aspects, fostering greater joy and fulfillment in both personal and professional realms. Chris also promotes the Family Business Executive Forum, a resource aiding those in family businesses to navigate issues like succession, financial management, and sibling rivalry. Timestamps · 03:45 Kim Barta's Background and Early Influences · 07:02 Developing a Metamodel for Healing · 13:34 Understanding Shadow Work · 23:03 Identifying and Addressing Shadow Patterns · 30:42 Awakening to the Problem · 42:13 Practical Steps for Escaping Abuse · 45:33 Adapting Systems for Healing Memorable Quotes · “ If you really tune in to the nuances of their micro behaviors, you can create change that helps people move to greener pastures a lot sooner. [05:40] ·  ”Everywhere I go, my shadow comes with me. I can't outrun my shadow. [22:08] ·  ” I say, no, what you've been living is not you. You've been living the lie. That you believe? Mm, if we take away the lie, you don't know who you are and I don't know who you are. We only know who you are when you're holding the lie. Let's take away the lie and discover who you are. [25:03] Websites: fambizforum.com. www.chrisyonker.com. Free Relationship Assessment Free Shadow Assessment kimbarta.org LinkedIn: @Kim Barta Kim Barta is an internationally award-winning lecturer, multi-culturally informed developmental psychotherapist, spiritual guide, author, workshop creator, and speaker. His work is grounded in an experiential practice, blending his unique, sophisticated healing with practical everyday usability. He has written and lectured on diverse topics such as Shadow, Spiritual Development, Developmentally Informed Meditation, Developmental Psychology, Shadow and Health at Every Developmental Level, Healthy Power, Developmental Leadership, Organizational leadership, Power and Bliss, Grief, Parenting, Relationships, and Love, to name a few. He has developed several new forms of therapy, including The Evolution of Shadow Resolution, Psychosocial Cartography, Stages of Developmentally Informed Psychotherapy, Shadow to Spirit, and more. Kim Co-founded Stages International with Dr. Terri O’Fallon, PhD., an organization focused on researching and teaching evolutionary consciousness. Kim is releasing his latest trilogy on love: Love, Relationship, and Flow, The Love, Relationship and Flow Journal, and Love Letters from Consciousness. They are available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and other outlets. Kim's Shadow books are available on his website. You can find kim at Kim Barta | Illuminating Your Hidden Self .
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    55 m