Caring For Strangers

John Moran | The Art of Being Present and Patient

John Moran shares how raising his daughter Willa, who has Down syndrome, transformed him from an agenda-driven leader into someone who leads with patience, presence, and genuine curiosity about others. Through Willa's natural ability to be fully present and connect without agenda, John learned to let go of control, listen more deeply, and see the greatness in everyone around him. This vulnerability translated directly into his workplace, creating a culture where his team feels genuinely cared for and empowered to own their vision.

Polly Culp | Think of Others More Than of Yourself

Chad talks with Polly Culp about her superpower of making people feel seen and special. She talks about learning to set tables at camp "as though Christ is going to sit there," her favorite scripture about thinking more of others than yourself, and why genuine curiosity beats any agenda. Polly also shares how her dad modeled loving people, and why the treasure she finds in others fills her cup every single day.

Mark Romig | Finding Ways to Give Back

Chad talks with Mark Romig (voice of the New Orleans Saints and Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at New Orleans & Company) about a life spent giving back. He talks about growing up with 23 foster babies rotating through his house, why he looks for volunteer work on resumes when hiring, and how his parents modeled a life of service. Mark also explains how to find the right organization to volunteer with by matching your passion to a need, and why teamwork learned through sports or Greek life matters.

Taylor Hughes | Nobody Else Is Dreaming Your Dream

Chad talks with Taylor Hughes, an author, keynote speaker, entertainer and storyteller who uses magic to help people realize they don't have everything figured out. Taylor shares why being interested in others beats trying to be interesting yourself, his "generous listening" exercise that changes teams in four minutes, and the questions that get past small talk fast. They discuss why storytelling matters in interviews, how to make strangers feel like family, and why the thing you think about every morning but never do is probably what you're supposed to be doing.

Oak Smith Pt 2 | How to Manage a Stressful Workplace

Chad continues his conversation with Oak Smith. This time focusing on prison staff instead of inmates. Oak shares the hard truth about correctional officer suicide rates - seven times higher than the general population - and why that number is so high. He talks about spending years "checking his humanity at the gate" every morning and struggling to turn it back on at night, how trauma from the job destroys marriages and families, and why staff are terrified to ask for help because they might lose their jobs. Oak also shares practical ways to support struggling coworkers, the importance of peer support programs, and why everyone needs mind, body, and soul balance - not just people working in prisons.