Leadership Lessons from 'The Chosen' + the Intersection of Faith & Business

Full Episode Description

About the Guest(s): Stan Jant is a seasoned leader in the realm of Christian non-profit organizations. As the CEO of the Come and See Foundation, he has played a crucial role in funding and promoting "The Chosen," an innovative television and movie series that has reached a global audience. With a deep connection to Christian literature from his family's chain of Christian retail bookstores, Stan has authored more than 50 published works. His latest contribution is "Ten Essentials for New Christians," which mirrors his passion for making theological concepts accessible to all. Episode Summary: In this special Good Friday episode of "Growing Your Business with People," host Jeff invites Stan Jant, CEO of the Come and See Foundation, to delve into the intersection of faith and business leadership. Stan's journey, from overseeing a chain of Christian bookstores to spearheading a foundation that supports faith-based entertainment, shows his dedication to creating impactful content. Listen to how Stan's leadership philosophy combines art, authenticity, and addressing anxiety, reflecting the very traits of Jesus' ministry. Stan and Jeff discuss the delicate balance between science and the art of leadership, underscoring the significance of empathy and excellence. They explore the chosen's approach to portraying Jesus through artistry, authenticity, and its global reach, even to audiences in the Arab world. This conversation offers a rare look at how faith-based initiatives can transcend cultural barriers and how business principles can be applied through a spiritual lens. Key Takeaways: Business leadership should embody artistry and authenticity, leading through anxiety with empathy and excellence. "The Chosen" sets a new standard for faith-based media by focusing on the authentic portrayal of Jesus and the biblical narratives. The Come and See Foundation adopted a unique funding model, transitioning from crowdfunding to eliciting donations for translation and broader distribution. Empathy in leadership involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others, a key trait demonstrated by Jesus. The global impact of faith-based content has the potential to engage diverse audiences, as evidenced by the reception of "The Chosen" in non-traditional markets. Notable Quotes: "Business leadership is not a science so much as it is an art." - Stan Jant "I believe so much in the power of literature, beginning with the power of God's word." - Stan Jant "The best candidates for this position are not looking. They're in a job. They're doing a wonderful job of what they're doing already." - Stan Jant "We need to be not an anxious presence, meaning we're anxious, but we're present for our family, for our team members, for our employees, and our customers to show that there's a different source of encouragement and eternal values." - Stan Jant "Come and see what the Lord has done and then tell everybody about what you've seen." - Stan Jant referencing a biblical call to witness and share.