A Q&A with Dan Owolabi

Branches Worldwide's Executive Director, Dan Owolabi, has extensive experience helping faith driven leaders develop influence with customers, colleagues, and their community. He served as a pastor at a megachurch in Ohio before accepting the invitation to become our founding director. Dan is a strong believer in Redemptive Leadership, or the practice of leading with a focus on helping others achieve their full potential and purpose.

In addition to serving as the Executive Director, Dan is also the author of “Authentic Leadership” and a co-founder of Owolabi Leadership. Dan holds a BA from Malone University, and a MA from Ashland University. He lives in Ohio with his wife Erica and two daughters. In this conversation, Dan answered a few questions about his life, inspiration, and thoughts on Redemptive Leadership:

What do you recommend as a must-read for anyone looking to make a difference in the world?

I would recommend reading:

"The Way of the Shepherd" by Kevin Leman
"Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek
"The Servant" by James C Hunter
"The Wright Brothers" by David McCullough
"The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday

What inspires you during challenging times?

Exercise, praying, and listening to music.

What is something most people don't know about you?

I'm fluent in sign language, I've memorized all the U.S. Presidents in order, and I hate the sound of pouring water!

How do you define Redemptive Leadership?

Gaining influence to help people restore their purpose and reach their potential.

Which of your principles of Redemptive Leadership do you most wish were more widely adopted?

My hope is that leaders focus on building companies, communities, and cultures designed to reveal the potential and restore the purpose of others.

How have you seen Redemptive Leadership done well?

When people build companies, products, churches, communities, or cultures designed to help people restore their purpose and reach their potential.

Examples include when Nelson Mandela ran for the presidency in South Africa and refused to endorse revenge against Aprtited. Instead, he focused on building a community where everyone would thrive. Starbucks goes out of its way to offer benefits, leadership development, and high wages other to create a workplace where people can thrive.

What will a leader experience if they practice Redemptive Leadership?

A deeper sense of purpose. They'll know that their time on earth was dedicated to the betterment of society and individuals in their community.
A lower sense of anxiety and insecurity: Their goal is simply to help others, not make a name for themselves or be liked by others. Then, they don't become fearful of rejection.
Lower turnover: Your team will feel like they are working for a broader purpose and they are personally growing in the process.

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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 .