A Faith Driven Leader Series
Leadership that answers to something higher.
Honest conversations with Kingdom-minded leaders about faith, work, wealth, and the pivotal moments that shape a life. Hosted by Nick Stromwall. New episodes every Thursday.
The Conversations
Every Episode
"My Ego Cost Me, Not My Faith" - Scott Wilson
On this episode of the On The Rise Podcast's Faith Driven Leaders series, host Nick Stromwall talks with Scott Wilson — general partner of Beyond Capital Funds, SVP at Churchill Terry, and a self-described "ragamuffin" of growth, health, and recovery. Scott opens up about the years his faith and work lived in separate rooms, his struggle with alcohol, and the sobriety journey that led to his baptism in a cold Texas river in 2016. He shares how he came to faith-based venture capital, the founders and companies he backs, and why he now weighs "return on impact" alongside return on investment. A moving conversation on brokenness, redemption, and integrating faith into work. (Note: this episode discusses addiction and recovery.)
Read the show notes →Money as a Tool for the Kingdom
On this episode of the On The Rise Podcast, host Nick Stromwall talks with Frank Herman, CEO of Premium Holdings and a multifamily and student-housing investor, for the Faith Driven Leaders series. Frank shares how he left a 16-year residential career in Silicon Valley, moved his family to the South, and lived in a hotel for six months while stepping out on faith. He tells two contrasting stories — a costly deal he pursued after ignoring God's warning, and a 216-unit deal he prayed God would shut the door on, which went full cycle at nearly 2.5x in 18 months. A candid conversation on obedience, integrating faith and work, and using business as a tool for the kingdom.
Read the show notes →Investments That Are About More Than Just Profits
On this episode of the On The Rise Podcast, host Nick Stromwall talks with Robert Szewczyk, co-founder and designated broker of Rise 48 Equity, for the Faith Driven Leaders series. Robert shares his journey from growing up in communist Poland — where scarcity bred a lifelong hustle — to earning architecture degrees and building a billion-dollar multifamily portfolio. He explains how he met his partners, why the team vertically integrated, and how faith shapes the way he leads investors, employees, and residents. The conversation goes deep on housing as service, the lessons only hard markets teach, and staying honest when it's hardest. A candid, faith-centered look at building with integrity.
Read the show notes →Anchored in Faith, Not Achievement With Bill Haley
On this episode of the On The Rise Podcast, host Nick Stromwall sits down with Bill Haley — Phoenix real estate professional, former headmaster, and father of ten — for the Faith Driven Leaders series. Bill shares how a sudden demotion forced him to anchor his identity in God rather than his job, why he pivoted from education into real estate, and how he and his wife Maureen lead a thriving household of twelve. He speaks candidly about walking with a son through a decade of addiction, the daily rhythms that keep his marriage first, and the legacy his father left behind. A grounded conversation on faith, family, and leading with character.
Read the show notes →Using Business to Fight Poverty - Erik Olson
In this episode of the On The Rise Podcast's Faith-Driven Leaders Series, host Nick Stromwall sits down with his friend and hero Erik Olson — entrepreneur, CEO of Dignity Made, and former humanitarian worker who spent a decade serving the poor in Iraq, Yemen, Greece, and the Philippines. Erik shares how a painting business in college led to a fork-in-the-road moment in 2003 Iraq, how nine years of humanitarian work revealed that economics — not just charity — is the root solution to poverty and trafficking, and how a question he asked a coconut farmer in a bamboo hut in the Philippines became the catalyst for building a business that is transforming an entire rural community. It is a story about faith, sacrifice, proximity to the problem, and what it looks like to build something that serves people made in the image of God.
Read the show notes →Wisdom, Anxiety, and Growing Your Internal World With Paul Poteat
_*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> In this episode of the On The Rise Podcast's Faith-Driven Leaders Series, host Nick Stromwall reconnects with one of his most significant mentors — Paul Poteat, Midwest Network Director for Campus Outreach, 27-year campus ministry veteran, and the person Nick has called when navigating his toughest decisions. Paul unpacks a practical triangle framework for making wise decisions, shares how a triplex purchase near the University of Minnesota became an unexpected real estate investing journey, and delivers one of the most grounded and actionable frameworks for understanding and managing leadership anxiety. He also speaks to the danger of an external world that outgrows an internal world — and what leaders need to protect their integrity when the pressure to compromise is real. A rich, deeply human conversation for any leader who wants to grow in wisdom, steward anxiety well, and live with genuine integrity. _*]:min-w-0 gap-3">
Read the show notes →Compassionate Capitalism — Building Wealth by Creating Homeowners With John Laine
_*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> In this episode of the On The Rise Podcast's Faith-Driven Leaders Series, host Nick Stromwall sits down with John Laine — a real estate syndicator with nearly 40 years of investing experience and over $175 million in closed transactions. John shares a remarkable journey marked by a golf ball-sized brain tumor in his early 30s, the loss of $77 million in assets during the 2009 crisis, and the development of a business model he calls compassionate capitalism — one that generates market-rate returns for investors while converting apartment-dwelling renters into first-time homeowners. Through StarterHome.fund, John partners with nonprofit housing providers to buy deeply discounted apartment buildings and sell the converted units to working families at prices $200,000 to $300,000 below market. A conversation about suffering, character, purpose-driven business, and what it actually looks like to build wealth and community at the same time. _*]:min-w-0 gap-3">
Read the show notes →Integrating Faith Into Every Area of Life With Dan Rosenblatt
In this episode of the On The Rise Podcast's Faith-Driven Leaders Series, host Nick Stromwall sits down with Dan Rosenblatt — commercial insurance franchise owner, founder of 72 Ministries, men's ministry leader, and faith-driven entrepreneur coach. Dan shares how a 70% pay cut and 80-hour work weeks eventually gave way to one of the most integrated, purpose-driven lives he has ever lived. He talks about how his mentor's cancer diagnosis finally pushed him to launch the ministry idea that had been sitting in a note on his phone for years, why fear is false evidence appearing real, and how every business meeting is an opportunity to be a pastor, a friend, and a confidant. A warm, vulnerable, and deeply practical conversation for any leader who feels like they are living two separate lives.
Read the show notes →Growing a Business God's Way - Faith-Driven Leaders With Elzie Flenard
In this episode of the On The Rise Podcast's Faith-Driven Leaders Series, host Nick Stromwall sits down with Elzie Flenard III — known as Elzie the Entrepreneur — a faith-driven business coach, speaker, and host of the Journey to Mastery podcast. Elzie shares the journey of how God spent years nudging him toward a more explicitly faith-forward business identity, why he resisted it, and what finally happened when he surrendered to it. He also unpacks his Joy Meter framework for making business decisions, how he coaches faith-driven entrepreneurs to create space to hear from God, and why the partnership between the marketplace and the church may be one of the greatest untapped opportunities for kingdom impact today. A warm, honest, and deeply practical conversation for any leader wrestling with how faith and business fit together.
Read the show notes →Faith-Driven Leaders With Cameron Clark
In this episode of the On The Rise Podcast's Faith-Driven Leaders Series, host Nick Stromwall sits down with his friend Cameron Clark — a former digital marketing entrepreneur and agency director who, after losing his job due to debilitating chronic migraines in 2019, found himself in an unexpected and transformative season as a stay-at-home dad. Cameron shares with remarkable honesty what it felt like to watch his professional identity disappear, how comparison and isolation nearly swallowed him whole, and how a single perspective shift — maybe you're being planted, not buried — began a multi-year journey toward a contentedness he never expected. He also shares a powerful framework for how faith-driven leaders can experience the presence of God in the middle of their darkest seasons, and practical advice on how to find and approach a mentor. A deeply personal and quietly profound conversation.
Read the show notes →The Triple Win Framework With Nick Stromwall
In this solo episode of the On The Rise Podcast's Faith-Driven Leaders Series, host Nick Stromwall introduces the Triple Win Framework — a simple but powerful way of thinking about what it actually means to win as a faith-driven leader. Most high-performers are great at one of three things: their work, their home, or their community. Rarely all three. Nick makes the case that these are not separate arenas to be balanced, but one integrated life to be lived — with the same values, the same faith, and the same person showing up in every room. He also challenges the lie of compartmentalization and invites listeners to score themselves honestly across all three wins. A clarifying and convicting episode for any leader who is succeeding by some measures but wondering if the full picture adds up. Scripture Referenced: Colossians 3:23 — "Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, working for the Lord" Deuteronomy 6 — Teaching God's commands in every part of life 00:00 Introduction — The Faith-Driven Leaders Series 01:00 Are You Actually Winning? The Real Question 02:00 The Lie of Compartmentalization 03:00 Colossians 3:23 — Your Work Is Worship 03:45 Win One — Winning at Work as a Faith-Driven Leader 05:00 Win Two — Winning at Home Is the Hardest Fight 06:30 Win Three — The Most Overlooked Win — Community 07:30 Integration, Not Balance — One Person in Every Room 08:00 Deuteronomy 6 — The Biblical Blueprint for the Triple Win 08:30 The Challenge — Score Yourself One to Ten 08:49 Closing and How to Connect With Nick
Read the show notes →Intentional Fatherhood With Nick Stromwall
In this solo episode of the On The Rise Podcast's Faith-Driven Leaders Series, host Nick Stromwall gets personal about fatherhood. Nick shares a vulnerable realization — that his kids were getting his leftovers at the end of the day, not his best. Inspired by John Tyson's book The Intentional Father, he and a small group of dads built a framework for raising their sons with intention — culminating in one of the most memorable days of his life. He also shares three practical shifts that have changed the way he fathers, and makes a compelling case that the systems and intentionality we bring to work need to show up at home just as much. A challenging, honest, and encouraging episode for any parent who loves their kids but suspects they could be more present. Book Referenced: The Intentional Father by Jon Tyson Scripture Referenced: Proverbs 22 — "Train up a child in the way he should go" Psalm 78 — "We will not hide these things from our children" Proverbs 3:5-6 — "Trust in the Lord with all your heart" 00:00 Introduction — Intentional Fatherhood 01:00 The Question That Wrecked Nick 01:30 My Kids Were Getting My Leftovers 02:15 The Intentional Father by Jon Tyson 02:52 Starting a Thursday Morning Dad Book Club 03:30 The Day That Marked Something — The Rite of Passage 05:30 Why Witnesses Matter in a Boy's Transition to Manhood 06:00 We Are Intentional at Work But We Wing It at Home 06:30 Shift One — Design Your Home Culture on Purpose 07:21 Shift Two — Be Present, Not Just Available 07:40 The 60-Second Driveway Transition Ritual 08:00 Shift Three — Plan for Your Kids Like You Plan for Work 08:30 Each Child Needs Something Different From You 09:00 You Cannot Give What You Do Not Have 09:30 The Challenge — Find Your People and Start a Book Club 10:30 Closing Prayer and Final Challenge
Read the show notes →Designing Your Life Backwards With Nick Stromwall
In this solo episode of the On The Rise Podcast's Faith-Driven Leaders Series, host Nick Stromwall shares a framework that changed the way he approaches his life, his marriage, his parenting, and his business. Inspired by Michael Hyatt's book Living Forward, Nick walks through the practice of designing your life backwards — starting with the end in mind, writing your own eulogy, and then building specific, scheduled commitments that close the gap between the life you are currently living and the life you actually want. He grounds the practice in Scripture and offers a clear, practical starting point for any leader who is productive but drifting. A concise and deeply personal episode that is worth sharing with anyone who is building a successful life but starting to wonder what it is all for. Book: Living Forward by Michael Hyatt Scripture Referenced: Psalm 90:12 — "Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom" 00:00 Introduction — Designing Your Life Backwards 01:30 The Most Productive, Unintentional Person in the Room 02:10 Michael Hyatt's Living Forward — The Book That Changed Everything 03:00 Most People Plan Their Vacation Better Than Their Life 03:42 The Eulogy Exercise — Starting With the End in Mind 05:00 The Gap Between Your Current Reality and Your Desired Future 05:30 The Life Account Framework — Faith, Marriage, Parenting, Work 06:10 Intentions Without a Schedule Are Just Wishes 06:44 Psalm 90:12 — Life Planning as an Act of Stewardship 07:30 Practical Next Steps — Your First Life Plan 08:03 Financial Freedom Is the Starting Point, Not the Destination 08:45 Closing Challenge — Share This With Someone Who Is Drifting
Read the show notes →Faith-Driven Leaders With Brittany DeRoche
In this episode of the On The Rise Podcast's Faith-Driven Leaders Series, host Nick Stromwall sits down with Brittany DeRoche — cancer survivor, heart failure survivor, five-time Ironman finisher, mom of four, and founder of Church Activation Strategies. Brittany shares a remarkable and deeply moving story of trial after trial — from a tumor the size of an ostrich egg at 19, to full-blown heart failure two days before Christmas, to pulmonary embolisms following a hysterectomy — and how her faith carried her through each one. She also unpacks the work she is doing to help churches turn underutilized space into sustainable revenue through strategic childcare partnerships, and what it means to finally be walking in the vocation she believes God designed for her. An unforgettable conversation about resilience, surrender, and purpose.
Read the show notes →Faith-Driven Leaders With Ryan Sudeck
In this episode of the On The Rise Podcast's Faith-Driven Leaders Series, host Nick Stromwall sits down with Ryan Sudeck, CEO of Sage Investment Group — an Inc. 5000 recognized real estate platform converting distressed hotels into naturally affordable housing without government subsidy. Ryan shares the origin story of Sage, how a COVID-era pivot from student housing unlocked an entirely new mission, and why he believes the private sector — when disciplined and patient — can solve the affordable housing crisis at scale. He also opens up about how his Jesuit education shaped his leadership philosophy, what it means to care for the whole person as a leader, and how AI is transforming the way his team operates day to day. A rich, wide-ranging conversation for any leader who wants to build a business that does well and does good at the same time. 00:00 Introduction — Faith-Driven Leaders Series 00:43 Meet Ryan Sudeck and Sage Investment Group 02:05 The Origin Story — How a COVID Pivot Created a Mission 04:40 What the End Product Looks Like for Residents 05:53 Markets, Amenities, and the Community Vision 07:25 Which Markets Sage Is Targeting and Why 08:36 Cities Are Asking Sage to Come Help Them 10:41 Does Doing Good Also Do Well for Investors? 11:25 Rejecting the False Choice Between Profit and Purpose 13:55 No Government Subsidies — How That Works 16:39 The Distressed Hotel Market Opportunity 18:45 Why So Many Hotels Are Struggling Post-COVID 22:27 How Faith Shaped Ryan's Leadership Philosophy 24:35 Cura Personalis — Care for the Whole Person 26:41 Investing in People's Growth, Not Just Output 28:45 Active Listening and Working Through Conflict 31:39 A Season of Challenge and Leaning on Faith 34:45 How AI Is Transforming Sage's Operations 37:13 Practical AI Tool Recommendations for Leaders 41:03 Superhuman Email and Whisper Flow 43:29 Final Thoughts and How to Connect With Ryan
Read the show notes →Faith-Driven Leaders With Will Harvey
In this episode of the On The Rise Podcast's Faith-Driven Leaders Series, host Nick Stromwall sits down with Will Harvey, a real estate fund manager and hard money lender based in the Richmond, Virginia area. Will shares a remarkably candid story — from battling alcohol addiction in college, to finding sobriety and faith, to building a career in mortgage lending, house flipping, and ultimately launching his own investment funds. He opens up about how his faith shapes his business decisions, his marriage, and how he is raising his two young boys. He also shares his vision for using wealth as a tool for eternal kingdom impact rather than earthly recognition. A deeply honest and inspiring conversation for any faith-driven investor or entrepreneur.
Read the show notes →Faith-Driven Leaders With Henry Kaestner
In this episode of the On The Rise Podcast's Faith-Driven Leaders Series, host Nick Stromwall sits down with Henry Kaestner — entrepreneur, investor, co-founder of Bandwidth, Sovereign's Capital, Faith Driven Entrepreneur, and Faith Driven Investor. Henry shares his remarkable journey from Wall Street to faith-fueled entrepreneurship, including the moment at age 28 that transformed his relationship with God and the question at age 38 that completely changed how he thought about money and generosity. He unpacks what it means to lead with purpose, invest for kingdom impact, and why he believes faith-driven entrepreneurs are uniquely equipped to solve the world's greatest problems. A deeply inspiring conversation for any leader looking to integrate faith and work.
Read the show notes →Faith-Driven Leaders With Bondo Nyembwe
In this episode of the On The Rise Podcast, host Nick Stromwall sits down with his close friend Bondo Nyembwe, an immigrant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who has spent 25 years shaping lives as a teacher, counselor, principal, and now assistant superintendent in the Columbia Heights Public Schools. Bondo shares his remarkable journey from fleeing civil war as a teenager to becoming a faith-driven leader in American public education. He offers practical wisdom on how to integrate faith into everyday work, lead with presence and humility, build meaningful relationships, and raise the next generation with intentionality and purpose. A deeply personal and inspiring conversation.
Read the show notes →Faith-Driven Leaders with Trey Taylor
Welcome to the On The Rise Podcast! In this Faith Driven Leaders episode, host Nick Stromwall sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and family office leader Trey Taylor to explore how faith can shape leadership, business, and long term wealth stewardship. Trey shares how his family built generational wealth through real estate, how investing lessons were passed down through multiple generations, and how those experiences shaped his own leadership philosophy. The conversation also explores Trey's personal faith journey, including how losing loved ones transformed his understanding of grief, purpose, and eternal perspective. Trey explains how integrating faith into business decisions affects everything from leadership to generosity. Listeners will also hear practical frameworks for setting vision, developing intentional giving strategies, and leading companies while remaining grounded in biblical principles. If you want to learn how faith can influence your leadership, wealth, and long term impact, this episode provides both practical wisdom and personal perspective.
Read the show notes →Faith-Driven Leaders Series - Get To Know Nick Stromwall
Welcome to the On The Rise Podcast! In this solo episode of the Faith Driven Leaders series, host Nick Stromwall shares his personal story so listeners can better understand the heart behind the show. From his college conversion experience to serving 15 years in campus ministry, and eventually transitioning into commercial real estate and joining Rise48 Equity, Nick unpacks how faith has shaped every season of his leadership journey. He explains how his understanding of grace redefined success, stewardship, and impact. This episode provides context for the conversations to come and offers encouragement to leaders who desire to integrate faith into their everyday work.
Read the show notes →Faith Driven Leaders Series With Cody Lutz
Welcome to the On The Rise Podcast! In this episode of Faith Driven Leaders, host Nick Stromwall sits down with Cody Lutz to discuss what it truly means to surrender control while leading in business and life. Cody shares his journey of faith formation, the tension between ambition and obedience, and how God reshaped his definition of success. The conversation explores leadership identity, spiritual discipline, and the importance of trusting God in seasons of uncertainty. Cody also speaks candidly about humility, accountability, and building businesses that reflect eternal priorities. This episode equips leaders to pursue excellence without compromising their spiritual foundation.
Read the show notes →Faith-Driven Leaders With Steven Libman
Welcome to the On The Rise Podcast! In this Faith Driven Leaders episode, host Nick Stromwall sits down with Steven Libman, founder of Investing With Purpose, to explore how business can become a direct vehicle for kingdom impact. Steven shares his journey from real estate operator to faith forward leader intentionally integrating generosity, stewardship, and gospel impact into every level of his company. The conversation covers marketplace ministry, aligning capital with biblical values, and using multifamily real estate to serve residents, employees, and communities. Steven also explains how obedience, boldness, and faith driven leadership shape long term legacy. This episode challenges leaders and investors to view their work as a mission field with eternal significance.
Read the show notes →Faith-Driven Leaders Series With Jason Kish
Welcome to the On The Rise Podcast! In this Faith Driven Leaders episode, host Nick Stromwall sits down with Jason Kish to explore how faith shapes leadership, money decisions, and long term purpose. Jason shares how his upbringing formed a healthy view of money as a tool rather than an identity, and how that perspective influences his work in real estate investing today. The conversation covers stewardship, time freedom, servant leadership, and navigating anxiety and trials through prayer and community. Jason also reflects on generational legacy, presence as a leader, and living out faith in everyday interactions. This episode offers practical encouragement for leaders seeking to align their work, finances, and faith with lasting impact.
Read the show notes →Faith-Driven Leaders Series With Peter Shi
Welcome to the On The Rise Podcast! In this Faith Driven Leaders episode, host Nick Stromwall sits down with Peter Shi, a former semiconductor engineer turned faith driven entrepreneur and ministry leader. Peter shares his journey from a high level career at companies like Apple and Qualcomm to stepping away in obedience to pursue family discipleship, education, and ministry. The conversation explores listening to God's voice, making decisions in faith, redefining security, and prioritizing family as a primary mission field. Peter also discusses integrating biblical worldview into business, investing, and leadership. This episode offers clarity and encouragement for leaders discerning how to align faith, work, and long term impact.
Read the show notes →Faith-Driven Leaders Series - With Jono Allen
Welcome to the On The Rise Podcast! In this Faith Driven Leaders episode, host Nick Stromwall sits down with Jono Allen to discuss the role of obedience, trust, and patience in a life of faith driven leadership. Jono shares how seasons of uncertainty and waiting shaped his character and strengthened his reliance on God's timing rather than his own plans. The conversation explores discernment, humility, and the discipline required to remain faithful when outcomes are unclear. Jono also reflects on leadership as service and the responsibility to steward influence well. This episode provides thoughtful guidance for leaders seeking to walk faithfully through transition while remaining anchored in purpose.
Read the show notes →Faith-Driven Leaders With Jeremy Dyer
Welcome to the On The Rise Podcast! Faith-Driven Leaders is a special series on the On The Rise Podcast hosted by Nick Stromwall, designed to equip professionals, investors, and executives to thoughtfully integrate their faith into their everyday work. Each episode features candid conversations with experienced leaders who share how their beliefs shape decision making, leadership style, stewardship of resources, and long term vision. The series goes beyond theory to offer practical insight into living out faith with integrity in the workplace while pursuing excellence, purpose, and lasting impact. In this first episode, Nick Stromwall sits down with Jeremy Dyer to explore the intersection of faith, leadership, and professional success. Jeremy shares his personal journey from achievement driven identity to a Christ centered life rooted in surrender and obedience. The conversation covers integrating faith into daily work, redefining success as significance, and stewarding resources for lasting impact. Jeremy also reflects on legacy, generosity, and listening for God's direction amid career pressure and success. This episode offers practical encouragement for leaders seeking alignment between their faith, work, and purpose.
Read the show notes →Your Host
Nick Stromwall
Nick is a husband, father of four, and founder of Oak & Vine Capital, where he helps faith-driven investors put their capital to work with purpose. On the Faith Driven Leader podcast, he sits down with leaders who are building businesses, families, and legacies that reflect what they believe.
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