Getting Real: Faith-Driven Entrepreneurship at SENT Summit 2024
At the SENT Summit 2024, a panel of leading entrepreneurs gathered to share their unfiltered insights on integrating faith into the world of business. Moderated by Jeff Schiefelbein, the discussion featured Rob Reynolds of Cross Boss Media, Jessica Rey of Rey Swimwear, and Geoff Gentile of Abdiel Capital. Their candid conversation delved into the challenges and triumphs of building businesses rooted in faith, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs.
Building with Faith: A Challenge or an Advantage?
The panel began by tackling a fundamental question: Is building a business with faith at its core inherently harder? While some argue that faith adds complexity to the entrepreneurial journey, Geoff Gentile offered a different perspective. He suggested that shared faith among business partners can actually ease challenges because it aligns values and fosters deeper trust.
"When your partner is a person of faith and very self-possessed, hard things become easier because you're united in the deepest values," Geoff explained. He emphasized that faith can serve as a stabilizing force during turbulent times, providing a shared lens that can help guide decision-making.
Identity Rooted in Faith
A recurring theme was the importance of grounding one's identity in faith rather than in business success or failure. Geoff highlighted that recognizing ourselves as sons and daughters of God helps maintain perspective amid the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
"Our deepest identity is that we're sons and daughters of God. When you have that identity secure, the amount of joy or sorrow you get from a boom year or a bust year is dust in the scales," he noted. This mindset allows entrepreneurs to navigate setbacks without losing sight of their ultimate purpose.
Standing Firm on Principles
Jeff Schiefelbein recounted a pivotal moment when his company considered acquiring a firm that serviced a Planned Parenthood account. Faced with a conflict between business interests and personal convictions, he chose to stand firm in his beliefs.
"I can't work in an organization where we're going to give them good energy advice," Jeff told his CEO. Despite potential backlash, he resolved the situation by excluding the account from the acquisition. This decision, while straining professional relationships, reaffirmed his commitment to integrating faith into business practices.
The Cost of Conviction
Jeff's experience underscores the sacrifices that often accompany ethical steadfastness. His story illustrates that adhering to one's values may come with professional costs but ultimately contributes to a more authentic and fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
The Accidental Entrepreneur
Jessica Rey shared her path from accounting major to actress to founder of Rey Swimwear. Navigating the fashion industry without formal training, she relied on faith to guide her steps. One of her significant challenges was balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood.
"Being a woman entrepreneur who also wants to stay home with her children has been a challenge," Jessica admitted. She faced pressure to conform to industry norms, including suggestions to hire a nanny and put her children in school. Instead, she chose to homeschool her kids and involve them in her entrepreneurial journey.
The Power of Rest and Ritual
Jessica highlighted the transformative impact of observing the Sabbath. By dedicating one day a week to rest and refrain from work-related activities, she found renewed energy and focus.
"Having one day where I didn't do anything work-related or homeschool-related was very helpful," she said. This highlights the importance of setting boundaries and having order in one's life alongside professional responsibilities.
The Importance of Habits and Priorities
Uncompromising Faith Practices
Rob Reynolds emphasized the role of consistent faith habits in maintaining spiritual health amidst entrepreneurial demands. He shared how scheduling daily Mass became a non-negotiable part of his routine, even when it conflicted with business engagements.
"If you don't compromise on stuff regarding your faith, you have time to do it," Rob asserted. By prioritizing his relationship with God, he found that other aspects of life and business fell into place more naturally.
Letting Go of Outcomes
Rob also spoke about focusing on the process rather than fixating on outcomes. He encouraged entrepreneurs to control what they can—namely, their actions and dedication—while leaving the results to God.
"You have to stick to the process and let God worry about the outcomes," he advised. This approach reduces anxiety and creates a sense of peace, knowing that ultimate success is in God’s hands.
Embracing Risk and Trusting in God's Plan
The Virtue of Risk-Taking
The panel agreed that entrepreneurship inherently involves risk, but approaching it through the lens of faith adds a layer of trust and purpose. Geoff pointed out that taking risks is a fundamental aspect of living out one's faith.
"When we put ourselves in the hands of a living God, that is fundamentally a risky proposition," he said. Accepting this uncertainty becomes an act of faith in itself.
Acceptance of Failure as Part of the Journey
Acknowledging that not all ventures will succeed, the panelists emphasized the importance of viewing failure as a potential part of God's plan. Geoff suggested that setbacks might be necessary for personal development and deeper reliance on faith and trust in God’s providence.
"God might want us to fail... if that's what's required for us to get to heaven, then blessed be God," he reflected. This perspective encourages entrepreneurs to remain faithful and resilient, regardless of outcomes.
Conclusion
By grounding their identities in faith, prioritizing their relationship with God, and embracing both risk and the possibility of failure, these entrepreneurs show that true success is not defined by financial gain or successful outcomes, but by living in alignment with God’s will.
