A LIFE OF EXCELLENCE
November 19, 2020

In nearly every course of life, “Excellence” means to reach a level of performance that is near perfection; to go beyond the ordinary and consistently deliver outstanding results. Whether it be academia, sports, the arts, business, parenting, etc. “Excellence” is a relative term, used to define the best at a particular activity. We can’t know what excellence is if we don’t know what less than excellent looks like.


In his letter to the Church at Philippi, the Apostle Paul, told them (and us) to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Unlike our contemporary usage of “Excellent,” Paul wasn’t telling us to think about top performers, or those who have distinction. Instead, he was encouraging us to keep top-of-mind the teachings, behaviors, and attitudes that Christ showed to the world, and taught to his disciples.


Real excellence starts with knowing the truth about Christ. Everything else depends on this.


In one of my favorite books, Excellence Wins: A No-Nonsense Guide to Becoming the Best in a World of Compromise, Horst Schulze tells of his experiences as a cofounder and later President and COO of The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company. Ritz Carlton hotels are the epitome of excellence in the hospitality industry. In fact, it was under Horst’s leadership that Ritz Carlton became the first service-based company to be awarded the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award — twice.


However, what makes Horst’s stories genuine is how his faith permeates his words. It’s not until the book’s epilogue that we get full exposure to the source of the world-famous operating and service standards that Horst developed and now teaches about.


“The foundation of God’s truth lies at the center of my life in business. Whether it’s interacting with an employee, a customer, an investor, or even a competitor, I am aware that this person is one of the “others” Jesus had in mind when he gave the Golden Rule about treating them as I would want to be treated.”


As followers of Christ striving for excellence is essential, but not for the same reasons the world has. It’s not so we can “get ahead,” make lots of money, or be recognized. It’s essential because we are representing Christ in all that we do, and people are watching. Let’s strive to be the modern-day best at what we do . . . and then share the source of our excellence, the Master of Truth.

 

--written by Brian Miller, Founder of Branches Worldwide, President & CEO of ProVia

Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs as Agents of Change

By Elizabeth Rivas • March 14, 2023
Faith-driven entrepreneurs, like our Branches Worldwide Leaders, can play a significant role in positively impacting their communities through their businesses. These individuals have a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference in the world, which can drive them to create innovative solutions to community problems and to lead with integrity and compassion. One way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by creating jobs and economic opportunities (like AJ in South Africa ). By starting and growing successful businesses, they can provide employment for local residents and stimulate economic growth. This can help to reduce poverty and improve the overall well-being of the community. Additionally, faith-driven entrepreneurs may choose to pay fair wages and provide good working conditions, which can help to improve the lives of their employees and their families. Another way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by addressing social issues through their businesses. For example, they may choose to start a non-profit organization that provides services to those in need, as Alice has done for girls and women in Kenya. Such entrepreneurs may also choose to incorporate social and environmental responsibility into their for-profit business models. This can include implementing sustainable practices, fair trade policies and supporting local charities, which can help to improve the lives of people in their communities. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as role models for others in their communities, particularly for young people. By demonstrating the importance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity, they can inspire others to pursue their own business dreams and to strive for success in their own lives. Furthermore, their demonstration of faith in action through their businesses can serve as a powerful example of how one can live out one's values and beliefs in the world. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as leaders in their communities. They use their influence and resources to bring about positive change through various initiatives, such as supporting local schools, promoting environmental conservation, and working to improve the overall quality of life for their community members. Our Leader, David , is doing exactly this in his international school in India. Our Branches Worldwide Leaders are proving the multitude of positive effects that faith-driven entrepreneurs can have in their communities. From providing direct assistance through jobs or providing services to those in need to being a source of inspiration for others, these entrepreneurs are creating change that will reverberate across geography and generations. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .

Merging Business Mentorship and Christian Mentorship

By Elizabeth Rivas • January 30, 2023
Business mentorship can be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to grow and succeed in their careers. A business mentor is an experienced individual who can provide guidance, support, and advice to help you navigate the often complex and unpredictable world of business. Meanwhile, Christian mentorship is a type of mentorship that involves a Christian mentor providing guidance, support, and advice to a mentee, with a focus on spiritual and moral development. Branches Worldwide Mentors serve as both business and Christian Mentors. We believe that faith and business can not only coexist, but that they can mutually strengthen each other. Our Mentors not only guide our Leaders in pragmatic elements of business, but also in their spiritual journeys. One of the key benefits of business mentorship is the opportunity to learn from someone who has first-hand knowledge of the field. Our Mentors share their own experiences, insights, and lessons learned, helping our Leaders avoid common pitfalls and to make better decisions. This can be especially useful for those who are just starting out in their career, as they may not have the same level of experience or knowledge as more seasoned professionals. Our Mentors also serve as role models, offering guidance and support as the Leader navigates their own faith journey. They may provide biblical teaching and encouragement, as well as offer practical advice and application of the scriptures. Another benefit of merging Christian and business mentorship is the opportunity to network and build professional relationships with other entrepreneurs of faith. Mentors can introduce Leaders to other like-minded industry professionals, giving Leaders the chance to expand their network and strengthen their spiritual development. Overall, mentorship is an invaluable resource for Christians looking to grow in their faith and navigate the challenges of life and business. We at Branches Worldwide are honored to work with a number of such individuals. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .
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