Jaylon Smith

Professional Athlete | Dallas Cowboy

Jaylon Smith is the starting middle linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, along with being the Founder & CEO of 9 Enterprises LLC. An organization that specializes in private equity investments and real estate development.

In 2017, Jaylon made his NFL debut on September 10, starting at middle linebacker against the New York Giants in the season opener. He recorded 7 total tackles and a forced fumble. In the following game against the Denver Broncos, Jaylon recorded 14 tackles. During the start of the season, injuries to other linebackers forced the Cowboys to play Smith more than expected (63 tackles in the first six games). Jaylon was exposed a great deal, specifically in passing situations, which caused struggles for other teams. In the last 10 games he was used as a backup. He finished with 1 sack and 81 tackles, which is one of the highest single-season totals by a first-year player in franchise history.

Philanthropy

Going to Africa and giving back has meant everything to Jaylon because it has exemplified his purpose beyond athletics in a unique and wonderful way. Giving back has always been a huge part of Jaylon’s life whether it has been through donating time, money, resources, knowledge or anything at all because to him, it is about giving back to the world and helping himself grow. Jaylon views giving back to his community and the world as his purpose and he learns greatly from people who have given back to him.

South Africa was extremely important to Jaylon because he was able to gain so much knowledge regarding his ancestors and where he originated from. Growing up hearing stereotypes and later in life getting the opportunity to actually travel to South Africa was a great feeling and very eye opening and changed many perceptions for Jaylon. Traveling to South Africa meant so much to Jaylon that he actually got the continent tattooed on himself. He is very proud to have originated from such a place and counts himself as extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to have traveled there. Jaylon can’t wait to travel back to South Africa in the future and is excited for many more opportunities to give back.

PODCASTS FOR THE FAITH DRIVEN ENTREPRENEUR

Donald Miller

CEO | StoryBrand

Donald Miller is the CEO of StoryBrand and every year helps more than 3,000 business leaders clarify their brand message. Combined, Don’s books have spent more than a year on the New York Times Bestsellers list. His books include: Blue Like Jazz, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, and Scary Close. He co-wrote the major motion picture “Blue Like Jazz” which debuted at the SXSW Film Festival and was listed as one of the top four movies to get you through freshman year by USA Today. He has served on The Presidential Task Force for Fatherhood and Healthy Families, a joint effort between government and the private sector to rewrite the story of fatherlessness in America.

Don is widely considered one of the most entertaining and informative speakers in the world. His audiences are challenged to lean into their own story, creatively develop and execute the story of their team, and understand the story of their customers so they can serve them with passion. Don’s thoughts on story have deeply influenced leaders and teams for Pantene, Ford/Lincoln, Zaxby’s, Chick-fil-A, Steelcase, Intel, Prime Lending and thousands more.

Don lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Betsy, and their chocolate lab, Lucy.

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Chris Hodges

Founder and Senior Pastor | Church of the Highlands

Chris Hodges is the founding and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands. Since it began in 2001, Highlands has grown to have campuses across the state of Alabama, and we’re known for our life-giving culture and focus on leading people to an intimate relationship with God.

Pastor Chris has a deep passion for developing leaders and planting life-giving churches. He co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) in 2001, which has launched hundreds of churches across the United States. He also founded Grow, specializing in training and resourcing pastors and churches to help them break barriers and reach their growth potential. Chris is also the founder and Chancellor of Highlands College, a ministry training school that trains and launches students into full-time ministry careers.

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John Mark Comer

Founder | Practicing the Way

I was born and raised in the Bay Area, but have been in Portland, Oregon for many years, with my wife T and our three kids – Jude, Moses and Sunday.

I’m the founding pastor of Bridgetown Church, right in the center of the city (by Powell’s Books if you’ve ever been to Portland). Our church is built around the very simple idea of practicing the way of Jesus, together, in Portland. We believe that the way of Jesus is exactly that, a way of life.

I’m also the author of six books: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, God has a Name, Garden City, Loveology, My Name is Hope, and my newest: Live No Lies.

I’m currently starting a non-profit called Practicing the Way. Our aim is to create resources for discipleship and formation in local churches in post-Christian contexts. Coming in Fall 2022.

For those of you curious about my education, I have a Masters Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Western Seminary. Mostly, I’m just a voracious reader and avid-listener.

If any of the stuff on this site is helpful to you, great. My life vision is to be with Jesus, become like him, and do what he would do if he were me. For those of on a similar journey, may I serve as a companion on the Way…

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Bertie Lourens

Managing Director | Waste Plan Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Bertie Lourens is the Managing Director of Waste Plan Holdings (Pty) Ltd. Waste Plan is a national on-site waste management company with operational companies in Western Cape, Gauteng, KZN and Free State that specialize in recycling and landfill reduction. Their services include on-site sorting and cleaning, waste reduction, electronic monitoring, carbon footprint audits and total greening. Waste Plan collects recyclable waste from nearly 150 000 households in Cape Town and Pretoria while servicing over 100 clients in the industrial, commercial, food and beverage and medical industries. Bertie is also the Chairman of the Central Branch (Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and Free State Provinces) of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa and sits on the National board of this Institute.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO FAITH DRIVEN ENTREPRENEUR

Terrance Price

President and Founder | Makers Gym

President and Founder, Terrance Price started his career as an art director in the advertising industry in New York. Throughout his journey, Terrance realized that he had developed a passion for building brands and cultivating creative people. He also noticed there were times when creatives, like himself, were undervalued and underappreciated. When he branched out on his own and started freelancing, he realized how much he could accomplish by just having the right connections. Terrance was able to launch a variety of brand campaigns for a fraction of the normal industry costs. It was after his experience independently launching brands where Terrance had an industry-altering “ah ha” moment. He came up with a concept that was derived from industry knowledge and passion.

PODCASTS FOR THE FAITH DRIVEN ENTREPRENEUR