The Sharpen Podcast

Why Your Ads Fail: Practical Marketing Advice for Business Owners

Tune in to hear from iHeartMedia veteran Jack Gelley on how brands connect with customers through storytelling, listening to real pain points, and building long-term trust with audio and consistent campaigns.
He covers practical advice for business owners — SEO and website basics, campaign timing and measurement, the role of AI, and sales follow-up — to help you grow without losing your why.

Work as Worship: How Business Drives Human Flourishing

In this episode Steve Van Diest interviews Ross Chapman, CEO of the Denver Institute for Faith & Work, about how faith and business intersect. They explore Jesus’ example of ordinary work, reframing ministry to include everyday jobs, and how companies can promote human flourishing through good jobs, competence, and long-term vision.
Practical takeaways include treating daily work as ministry, designing workplaces that serve employees and communities, and resources for leaders who want to integrate faith and work, including local programs, podcasts, and fellowship opportunities.

How Is Greater Than What: The Leadership Skill Everyone Overlooks

Preston Poore joins Dan Cooper to explain his leadership thesis: how you lead matters more than what you achieve. Drawing on 30 years in consumer brands like Coca‑Cola and Hershey, Preston shares stories of failure, transformation, and practical steps—360 feedback, coaching, and self-awareness—to build healthier workplaces.He also discusses integrating faith and humility into daily leadership, why results are table stakes, and how focusing on the "how" creates stronger teams, engagement, and lasting impact.

How a Fractional Integrator Turns Vision into Traction — and Why CEOs Need One

Mike Walrod explains how a fractional integrator implements EOS to free visionary CEOs, build trust, and turn ideas into execution. He covers the integrator role, running effective Level 10 meetings (IDS), the power of clarity breaks, and how disciplined systems create speed and alignment.Practical takeaways include using weekly L10s to solve root problems, scheduling regular clarity breaks, and bringing in an integrator (fractional or full-time) to remove bottlenecks and scale the business.

From Living Room to Lifeline: The Project Worthmore Journey

Meet Frank Anello, co-founder and executive director of Project Worthmore, as he shares about founding and scaling a mission-driven organization serving refugees and immigrants on the Colorado Front Range.
The conversation covers the organization’s programs (dental clinic, farm, English classes and planned medical/legal services), leadership of a multicultural team, diversified revenue strategies, challenges from political and funding shifts, and ways businesses and communities can get involved.

Unlocking Kingdom Potential: From Business to Ministry

In this episode, we dive deep into themes of collaboration, competition, and calling as we explore the unique journey of Bob Shank, a seasoned entrepreneur turned ministry leader. Join us as Bob shares his insights on transitioning from a thriving career in the construction industry to passionately engaging in ministry work, mentoring leaders, and co-founding The Barnabas Group.Bob discusses the pivotal moments that guided him from marketplace success to significant spiritual impact, emphasizing the importance of finding one's calling and walking the talk. Through compelling stories, we learn how business leaders can use their skills and expertise to catalyze change within ministries and communities.Discover how to evaluate the eternal ROI of your professional efforts and learn actionable steps to align your career and calling for a life of purpose and passion.

Creating Trust and Shaping Company Culture

In this episode of the Sharpen Podcast, Steve Van Diest engages in an insightful conversation with Dan Glasser, a commercial litigator. Dan shares his journey of founding his own firm in 2009 and the invaluable people lessons he's learned along the way. As they delve into the highs and lows of business leadership, Dan reflects on the challenges of losing employees, the importance of investing in people's growth, and the rewarding experience of seeing former colleagues thrive.
Dan discusses the intersection of his deep-rooted faith and professional life, revealing how his spiritual journey has influenced his company's values and culture. Emphasizing the need for humility and genuine care in both personal and professional relationships, he describes the transformative impact of living authentically in one's beliefs while leading a business.
Tune in to explore the themes of trust-building, personal transformation, and the enduring power of fostering abundance in the business world.

Influence and Innovation: Building a Brand in the Creator Economy

At just 23, Emily Gates has captivated millions on TikTok with her creative content and unique personal brand, illustrating the evolving landscape of digital influence. In this episode, she shares her journey to becoming a recognized content creator with a significant following. She discusses her creative process, the importance of fun and consistency, and how she transitioned from making videos for leisure to monetizing her influence on digital platforms.
Join us as we explore the dynamics of content creation, the impact of digital platforms on brand building, and gain valuable insights from Emily's experience in engaging with a diverse international audience from her home in Europe. Whether you’re familiar with TikTok or not, this conversation will broaden your understanding of the creator economy and the ways in which social media is reshaping the business landscape.