Build Like the Saints: Integrating Faith and Entrepreneurship
At the SENT Summit 2024, John Cannon, founder of SENT, delivered a compelling welcome address titled "Build Like the Saints." Drawing from his personal journey and the lives of saintly founders, he provided a roadmap for Catholic entrepreneurs aiming to make a lasting, positive impact by integrating their faith into their work.
From Worldly Success to Spiritual Awakening
John began by sharing his early pursuit of success and achievement. With degrees from prestigious institutions like Harvard and Oxford and a career in investment banking, he appeared to embody professional success. However, he revealed that beneath the surface, he felt unfulfilled.
"I chased success, I chased achievement—the resume—and then after a while, that wasn't enough," John admitted.
An intense spiritual experience became a turning point. Overwhelmed by a profound encounter with God's love and mercy, he shifted his focus toward spiritual growth. Influenced by his devout father, he embraced prayer, attended Mass regularly, and even considered a religious vocation. This led him to join the Carmelite order, where he spent seven years in formation.
Rediscovering Gifts and a New Mission
While in the monastery, John grappled with reconciling his active nature and professional skills with his contemplative life. He realized that his talents were not meant to be buried but utilized for a greater purpose.
"I felt God inviting me, like, 'No, those gifts are good that you've been given—to create and to do things in a professional context,'" he reflected.
This realization prompted him to study the lives of over 50 saintly founders who had launched enduring orders and movements within the Church. Applying his background in research, he identified common themes and characteristics that contributed to their lasting impact.
Key Characteristics of Saintly Founders
John outlined several themes from his research that are relevant for modern entrepreneurs:
Seeking God First: The saints prioritized their relationship with God above all else. Their actions flowed from their being, aligning with the philosophical concept that "action follows being."
Practical Outcomes: Enhanced clarity, humility, focus, and the ability to inspire others stem from seeking God first.
Wholeness and Integration: They lived integrated lives, balancing prayer, work, community, and personal well-being.
Example: St. Teresa of Avila included time for sleep, prayer, work, and recreation in her nuns' daily schedule, understanding the importance of holistic well-being.
Self-Knowledge and World Awareness: These leaders were deeply aware of themselves and attuned to the needs of the world around them.
Example: St. Ignatius of Loyola harnessed the adventurous spirit of his time to inspire others to become "conquistadors for souls."
Starting with Immediate Needs: They began by addressing the immediate needs they observed in their surroundings.
Example: Mother Teresa started by secretly helping the poorest in Calcutta before founding the Missionaries of Charity.
Emerging from the Margins: Many saints came from unexpected places, demonstrating that impactful leadership can arise from any context.
Embracing Suffering and the Cross: They accepted suffering as part of their journey, using it as a means to grow closer to Christ.
Applying These Principles Today
John emphasized that these characteristics offer a blueprint for contemporary entrepreneurs seeking to build ventures grounded in faith and purpose. He encouraged attendees to:
Seek God First: Make prayer and a relationship with God the foundation of all endeavors.
Live an Integrated Life: Balance professional pursuits with spiritual, familial, and personal well-being.
Be Self-Aware and World-Aware: Understand personal strengths and be attuned to societal needs.
Start Small: Begin by addressing the needs directly around you.
Embrace Community: Foster relationships and collaborate with others who share similar values.
The Birth of SENT
Motivated by these insights, John founded SENT, an organization aimed at supporting Catholic entrepreneurs. Recognizing the lack of resources and community for faith-driven founders, SENT seeks to create an ecosystem akin to Silicon Valley but rooted in Catholic values.
SENT's Mission: To unleash a spirit-led entrepreneurial movement that reawakens people to the transforming power of the Catholic faith.
Key Offerings:
SENT Summit: An annual gathering providing inspiration and practical tools.
SENT Essential: A member community offering virtual resources, mentorship, and connections.
SENT Local: Regional groups fostering local in-person community and collaboration.
SENT Fellowship: Peer cohorts with dedicated coaching for personal and professional growth.
By building this ecosystem, SENT aims to empower entrepreneurs to create ventures that not only succeed but also contribute to cultural and spiritual renewal.
Envisioning a Future of Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs
John concluded his address by inviting attendees to imagine a future where young people aspire to be "spiritual entrepreneurs," integrating faith with innovative endeavors.
"What if a million children have that dream on their heart 10 or 20 years from now? What if it's you or me or all of us?"
He emphasized that each person's journey starts with daily actions rooted in faith and that collective efforts can inspire the next generation to build like the saints.
Key Takeaways
Action Follows Being: Root your actions in a deep relationship with God.
Holistic Living: Balance work, prayer, community, and personal well-being.
Start Where You Are: Address immediate needs in your environment.
Community Matters: Engage with others to amplify impact.
Inspire Others: Live in a way that motivates the next generation to integrate faith and entrepreneurship.
By embracing these principles, entrepreneurs can create ventures that are not only successful but also transformative, mirroring the enduring impact of the saints.
