Conversation with Barry Rowan about The Spiritual Art of Business

Conversation with Barry Rowan about The Spiritual Art of Business

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Barry L. Rowan about vocation, stewardship, joy, and the integration of faith and work. Barry reflects on his corporate leadership journey, the origins of his book, The Spiritual Art of Business, and the transformative role of surrender in both life and leadership. * Barry describes stewardship as managing God's gifts for the benefit of others. * Joy grows out of gratitude and a life increasingly surrendered to God. * Retirement is reframed as an encore calling focused on continued service and contribution. * Healthy leadership requires deep relationships, forgiveness, and spiritual formation. Barry Rowan is a Harvard Business School graduate who spent his entire career serving in C-Suite roles. He has been instrumental in building and transforming eight businesses, primarily in the technology and communication space, with one selling for $10 billion. His leadership experience spans both private and public companies, including Gogo (the inflight connectivity company), Vonage, Nextel Partners, and Fluke Corporation. Based on his belief in giving back, Barry serves on both for-profit and non-profit boards, mentors young leaders, and leads international study trips. His non-profit boards have included InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Seattle Pacific University, Gordon College, the Gonzaga University Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, and advisory boards for Harvard Business School. He also served as president of Bellevue Christian School. Deeply immersed in Scripture and the classic spiritual writers, Barry is deeply committed to contemplation and prayer which led him to complete a month-long silent retreat immediately following his retirement from a full-time executive career. His friends have dubbed him a “corporate mystic.” Barry is married to Linda, his wife of over forty-two years, and they have two adult sons. Together they are now engaged in multiple lines of service including walking with the poor and investing in the next generation of leaders. Their commitment to the poor has taken them to Central America over twenty times. They are members of the National Leadership Council of World Vision and support local organizations breaking the poverty cycle through sustainable programs. The Spiritual Art of Business may be purchased at Amazon and at leading booksellers and the free downloadable Discussion Guide may be found at barrylrowan.com [http://barrylrowan.com/]. For more about Eric: ericralexander.com [http://ericralexander.com]; stewardleaderspodcast.com [http://stewardleaderspodcast.com]; sixarrowsconsulting.com [http://sixarrowsconsulting.com]. Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever. To learn about Eric’s upcoming book: Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO [https://sixarrowsconsulting.com/book/] See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders [https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7391146645314297858] Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).

Conversation with Ash Noah about stewardship, finance, and AI

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Ash Noah about artificial intelligence, stewardship, and the future of finance leadership. They discuss AI governance, human oversight, professional judgment, and why stewardship becomes more important—not less—as technology advances. * AI will improve business guidance while increasing the need for governance and stewardship. * Finance leaders must understand where humans belong in the loop, on the loop, and in the lead. * Professional expertise cannot be fully automated and must be developed intentionally. * Simulation-based learning may become essential for developing future finance professionals. Ash Noah, CPA, FCMA, CGMA, is VP and Managing Director of Learning, Education and Development, at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.  In this position, Ash leads the Research, Examinations and Learning product development for the Management Accounting Unit. Ash works closely with CFOs and Business Finance Leaders globally, identifying the trends that are impacting practitioners, businesses and the profession in order to ensure that the Association’s Finance Competency Framework, Syllabus, Examinations and Learning solutions remain effective and are producing competencies to operate and remain relevant in the practice of Business Finance.  Ash was formerly the CFO of the International Unit of TNT, A global express logistics provider and has led finance transformation in teams across 45 countries.  He is a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), licensed US CPA and member of the American Institute of CPA’s (AICPA).  He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Ash has a passion for flying and is an avid aviator. For more about Eric: ericralexander.com [http://ericralexander.com]; stewardleaderspodcast.com [http://stewardleaderspodcast.com]; sixarrowsconsulting.com [http://sixarrowsconsulting.com]. Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever. To learn about Eric’s upcoming book: Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO [https://sixarrowsconsulting.com/book/] See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders [https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7391146645314297858] Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).

Conversation with Ash Noah about Global Management Accounting Principles

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Ash Noah about stewardship, trust, and the unique role finance leaders play in guiding and governing organizations. They explore the Global Management Accounting Principles, responsibilities of CFOs, and why independence, transparency, and ethics are foundational to value creation. * The finance function serves two core purposes: business guidance and business governance. * Trust, ethics, and stewardship are foundational to effective finance leadership. * Finance leaders create value through information, insight, communication, and stewardship. * Independence and transparency are essential for maintaining credibility and organizational trust. Ash Noah, CPA, FCMA, CGMA, is VP and Managing Director of Learning, Education and Development, at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.  In this position, Ash leads the Research, Examinations and Learning product development for the Management Accounting Unit. Ash works closely with CFOs and Business Finance Leaders globally, identifying the trends that are impacting practitioners, businesses and the profession in order to ensure that the Association’s Finance Competency Framework, Syllabus, Examinations and Learning solutions remain effective and are producing competencies to operate and remain relevant in the practice of Business Finance.  Ash was formerly the CFO of the International Unit of TNT, A global express logistics provider and has led finance transformation in teams across 45 countries.  He is a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), licensed US CPA and member of the American Institute of CPA’s (AICPA).  He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Ash has a passion for flying and is an avid aviator. More about the Global Management Accounting Principles: GMAP  2nd edition [https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/download/gmap-global-accounting-principles] For more about Eric: ericralexander.com [http://ericralexander.com]; stewardleaderspodcast.com [http://stewardleaderspodcast.com]; sixarrowsconsulting.com [http://sixarrowsconsulting.com]. Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever. To learn about Eric’s upcoming book (7/31 release; pre-order now): Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO [https://sixarrowsconsulting.com/book/] See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders [https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7391146645314297858] Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).

Conversation with Drayton McLane, Jr. and Drayton McLane III on stewardship, accountability and joy

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Drayton McLane Jr. and Drayton McLane III about stewardship, accountability, and consistency between personal values and public leadership. They discuss teaching through example, transparency, joy, family influence, and the long-term impact leaders leave behind. * Why stewardship requires consistency between personal and professional life. * How leaders function as teachers through both words and example. * The role transparency and accountability play in organizational culture. * Why joy and relationships are essential parts of meaningful work and leadership. Drayton McLane, Jr. serves as chairman of the McLane Group and is the former CEO of the Houston Astros Baseball Club.  A native Texan, this acclaimed businessman, leader, and generous philanthropist, ensures the focus of all his endeavors are based upon strong Christian values and moral ethics. The grandson of a successful entrepreneur, Drayton experienced firsthand the hard work and dedication it takes to successfully thrive in industry.  He began developing his tireless work ethic at age nine by working for his father at the family’s wholesale grocery business, the McLane Company.  Mr. McLane received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baylor University in 1958 and his Master of Business Administration degree from Michigan State University in 1959.  Upon completion of his formal education, Drayton came back to begin working at the family business loading trucks on the second shift.  He worked his way up and by earning the respect and admiration of his co-workers, he became president and CEO of the company in 1964 and held these positions for thirty years. During his tenure, he propelled the McLane Company into a nineteen billion dollar company, achieving an average growth rate of thirty percent per year.  Following the McLane Company’s merger with Wal-Mart, Inc. in 1990, he became vice-chairman of Wal-Mart while maintaining his position at the McLane Company.  After playing key roles in each of these companies’ growth and productivity, he resigned in order to devote more time to the McLane Group, a parent company consisting of family owned companies operating throughout the world, which until November of 2011 included the Houston Astros where he served as Chairman and CEO. Drayton McLane completed his nineteenth season with the Astros in 2011 when he sold the team.  Over the years, their philosophy remained consistent – bring home a World Series championship to Houston and make a positive difference in the community.  They were unable to bring home a championship, but they were the first Texas team to make it to the World Series and they also made a very positive difference in the community. Drayton McLane, III graduated from Baylor University in 1996 with a BBA in Marketing, and accepted a position with MBNA America in Dallas, Texas.  He worked in the marketing department working with direct promotions, direct mail, and telemarketing teams while at MBNA.   After three years with MBNA, Drayton started with Lone Star Plastics (a polyethylene film producer in Garland, Texas) and completed their management training program.  Drayton spent a total of six years with Lone Star before coming back home to Temple, Texas in 2006 to work at McLane Group. Beginning in 2008, Drayton III was the purchasing director for McLane Advanced Technologies. He spent his time consolidating purchases within MAT and pulling all McLane Group purchasing together to maximize their buying power.  He also has worked as a sales rep for the other McLane Group companies.  Drayton III is Managing Partner of McLane Classic Foods, a kettle cook company located in Burleson, Texas.  He has been with McLane Classic Foods since 2010. McLane Classic Foods provides an array of kettle cooked food products to national chain restaurants. Since February 2014 Drayton III has served as Chairman of Dave Campbell’s Texas Sports (Formerly Sports in Action) who publish Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine and perform advertising and marketing duties on behalf of Texas UIL, Texas High School Coaches Association and Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. For more about Eric: ericralexander.com [http://ericralexander.com]; stewardleaderspodcast.com [http://stewardleaderspodcast.com]; sixarrowsconsulting.com [http://sixarrowsconsulting.com]. Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever. To learn about Eric’s upcoming book: Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO [https://sixarrowsconsulting.com/book/] See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders [https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7391146645314297858] Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).

Conversation with Drayton McLane, Jr. and Drayton McLane III on stewardship in business and life

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Drayton McLane Jr. and Drayton McLane III about stewardship, integrity, and the long-term responsibilities of leadership in business. They discuss how values, accountability, finance, vendor relationships, and organizational culture shape companies that endure across generations. * How family values and Christian principles shaped the McLane business culture across generations. * Why stewardship requires long-term thinking rather than short-term gain. * The role accountability and finance leaders play in protecting organizational integrity. * How businesses affect employees, vendors, customers, and communities simultaneously. Drayton McLane, Jr. serves as chairman of the McLane Group and is the former CEO of the Houston Astros Baseball Club.  A native Texan, this acclaimed businessman, leader, and generous philanthropist, ensures the focus of all his endeavors are based upon strong Christian values and moral ethics. The grandson of a successful entrepreneur, Drayton experienced firsthand the hard work and dedication it takes to successfully thrive in industry.  He began developing his tireless work ethic at age nine by working for his father at the family’s wholesale grocery business, the McLane Company.  Mr. McLane received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baylor University in 1958 and his Master of Business Administration degree from Michigan State University in 1959.  Upon completion of his formal education, Drayton came back to begin working at the family business loading trucks on the second shift.  He worked his way up and by earning the respect and admiration of his co-workers, he became president and CEO of the company in 1964 and held these positions for thirty years. During his tenure, he propelled the McLane Company into a nineteen billion dollar company, achieving an average growth rate of thirty percent per year.  Following the McLane Company’s merger with Wal-Mart, Inc. in 1990, he became vice-chairman of Wal-Mart while maintaining his position at the McLane Company.  After playing key roles in each of these companies’ growth and productivity, he resigned in order to devote more time to the McLane Group, a parent company consisting of family owned companies operating throughout the world, which until November of 2011 included the Houston Astros where he served as Chairman and CEO. Drayton McLane completed his nineteenth season with the Astros in 2011 when he sold the team.  Over the years, their philosophy remained consistent – bring home a World Series championship to Houston and make a positive difference in the community.  They were unable to bring home a championship, but they were the first Texas team to make it to the World Series and they also made a very positive difference in the community. Drayton McLane, III graduated from Baylor University in 1996 with a BBA in Marketing, and accepted a position with MBNA America in Dallas, Texas.  He worked in the marketing department working with direct promotions, direct mail, and telemarketing teams while at MBNA.   After three years with MBNA, Drayton started with Lone Star Plastics (a polyethylene film producer in Garland, Texas) and completed their management training program.  Drayton spent a total of six years with Lone Star before coming back home to Temple, Texas in 2006 to work at McLane Group. Beginning in 2008, Drayton III was the purchasing director for McLane Advanced Technologies. He spent his time consolidating purchases within MAT and pulling all McLane Group purchasing together to maximize their buying power.  He also has worked as a sales rep for the other McLane Group companies.  Drayton III is Managing Partner of McLane Classic Foods, a kettle cook company located in Burleson, Texas.  He has been with McLane Classic Foods since 2010. McLane Classic Foods provides an array of kettle cooked food products to national chain restaurants. Since February 2014 Drayton III has served as Chairman of Dave Campbell’s Texas Sports (Formerly Sports in Action) who publish Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine and perform advertising and marketing duties on behalf of Texas UIL, Texas High School Coaches Association and Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. For more about Eric: ericralexander.com [http://ericralexander.com]; stewardleaderspodcast.com [http://stewardleaderspodcast.com]; sixarrowsconsulting.com [http://sixarrowsconsulting.com]. Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever. To learn about Eric’s upcoming book: Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO [https://sixarrowsconsulting.com/book/] See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders [https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7391146645314297858] Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).