🎙🎧THE JOY OF LEADERSHIP PODCAST
EXPLORING THE PASSION AND PURPOSE OF LEADERSHIP
Welcome to the Joy of Leadership Podcast, where we explore the passion and purpose of leadership by talking with recognized leaders who do not merely have jobs, but men and women who are called to their chosen sphere of influence.
- Episode 1: Fighting for Faith in the Supreme Court (David Cortman)
- Episode 2: Iron Sharpens Iron (Jonathan Gess)
- Episode 3: Leading Together (Johnson & Summer Bowie)
- Episode 4: Christianity in the Acting World (Matt Mangum)
- Episode 5: How Mercedes Benz Stadium United Atlanta (Greg Beadles)
- Episode 6: It's My Pleasure (Nancy Easterling)
- Episode 7: Thriving in Ministry (Landon Dowden)
- Episode 8: Money isn't Everything (Joel Ferdinand)
- Episode 9: God’s Calling to Neurosurgery (Dr. Matthew Hazzard)
- Episode 10: Becoming UGA’s most successful QB (David Greene)
- Episode 11: How The Elf on the Shelf Became an Empire (Chanda Bell)
- Episode 12: Impacting the Community Through Family Dentistry (Dr. Marty Mazzawi)
Episode 1: Fighting for Faith in the Supreme Court (David Cortman)
Episode Details
In episode #1 on the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with David Cortman, who serves as senior counsel and vice president of U.S. litigation with Alliance Defending Freedom. He has practiced law for over 25 years, and currently supervises attorneys and legal staff who specialize in constitutional law, focusing on religious freedom, free speech, and sanctity of life.
The Joy of Leadership Podcast can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and Sound Cloud.
Episode Breakdown
- (1:30) Personal background and journey
- (7:05) Career change / Law School
- (11:30) Mentoring the next generation
- (14:35) US Supreme Court ruling on Maine’s ban of using public funds at religious schools
- (16:35) Future impact in ruling of Maine’s case for the Establishment Clause
- (21:05) Separation of Church and State
- (24:30) Supreme Court ruling’s impact on Georgia GOAL
- (29:58) Freedom of religion for every faith
- (32:30) Social and political division in the United States
- (35:58) Cortman argues and wins religious liberties case in front of US Supreme Court
- (41:00) Importance of standing up for religious liberties in today’s culture
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Episode 2: Iron Sharpens Iron (Jonathan Gess)
Episode Details
In episode No. 2 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with first-year Hebron football head coach Jonathan Gess. Prior to making the move to HCA, Gess won six GHSA State Championships at Eagles Landing Christian Academy and became the first head coach in the state of Georgia to win five consecutive state championships.
In this episode, Gess outlines his hallmarks for a successful program, looks back on his playing career and journey into coaching, and the role of sports and family in today’s culture. Before he led Hebron to a 5-0 record and the best start in school history, Gess shared his vision for HCA and what he thought the team could accomplish during his inaugural season at Hebron.
The Joy of Leadership Podcast can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and Sound Cloud.
Episode Breakdown
- (0:46) Expectations coming to Hebron
- (3:30) The hallmarks of a great program
- (6:05) Quality over quantity - Advice from Chip Kelly and Gus Malzahn
- (10:39) Building a staff through belief and relationships
- (13:16) Playing background at The Citadel
- (17:05) The long journey into coaching
- (22:55) The process to six GHSA State Championships at ELCA
- (27:38) The role of sports in family
- (30:58) Previewing the 2022 season and HCA’s jump to Region 8-AAA
- (41:35) Creating a brotherhood at Hebron
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The Joy of Leadership · Iron Sharpens Iron (Episode #2 with Jonathan Gess)
Episode 3: Leading Together (Johnson & Summer Bowie)
Episode Details
In episode No. 3 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Johnson and Summer Bowie, who serve together as the senior pastors at Victory Church. As a husband and wife who share the role of senior pastor, the couple breaks down how the dynamic works for them, developing community in an online world, and intentional diversity within Victory Church.
The Joy of Leadership Podcast can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and Sound Cloud.
Episode Breakdown
- (0:00) Introduction
- (2:07) Personal background and leadership journey
- (6:10) The model of husband and wife teams at work
- (10:30) Dynamic of working with a spouse
- (15:57) Mentoring future leaders at Victory Church
- (20:50) Developing community in the church in an online world
- (24:20) Intentional diversity within the church
- (30:04) A trip to the Holy Land
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Episode 4: Christianity in the Acting World (Matt Mangum)
Episode Details
In episode No. 4 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with actor Matt Mangum, who talks about his career on The Walking Dead, how his faith plays a role in Hollywood, and where his rollercoaster journey in acting has taken him.
The Joy of Leadership Podcast can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and Sound Cloud.
Episode Breakdown
- (0:00) Introduction
- (0:49) Background and start of acting career
- (4:37) Making the move to Los Angeles
- (7:36) Stepping away from the acting industry
- (10:30) Taking faith into the workplace
- (16:50) Role on the Walking Dead
- (20:08) Taking on a persona in acting
- (21:45) Future acting roles
- (22:50) Family dynamic at home
- (26:45) God’s perfect timing
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The Joy of Leadership · Christianity in the Acting World (Episode #4 with Matt Mangum)
Episode 5: How Mercedes Benz Stadium United Atlanta (Greg Beadles)
Episode Details
In episode No. 5 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Greg Beadles, who serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Atlanta Falcons and the Chief Financial Officer for Arthur Blank’s family of businesses. In this episode, he talks about the 10-year journey to create Mercedes Benz Stadium, how Atlanta United FC was built into a global powerhouse, Arthur Blank being in the people business, and what fans can expect in Atlanta for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Joy of Leadership Podcast can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and Sound Cloud.
Episode Breakdown
- (0:00) Introduction
- (0:17) Current position with AMB Sports & Entertainment
- (3:36) Career progression
- (10:30) The importance of mentors
- (12:33) Named CFO of the Year by The Atlanta Business Chronicle
- (15:00) The building of Mercedes Benz Stadium
- (19:35) Creating Atlanta United FC
- (24:40) Bringing the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Atlanta
- (26:53) Long-standing relationship with Arthur Blank
- (30:56) Leadership and operation roles
- (32:52) Implementing faith in a corporate setting
- (35:46) Making a difference in the community
- (40:50) The Body of Christ on display at work
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The Joy of Leadership · How Mercedes Benz Stadium United Atlanta (Episode #5 with Greg Beadles)
Episode 6: It's My Pleasure (Nancy Easterling)
Episode Details
In episode No. 6 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Nancy Easterling, who spent 24 years in financial services as a senior vice president for Bank of America and Fifth Third Bank, before becoming a senior principal operations lead at Chick-Fil-A. As a leader at one of the most popular fast food restaurants in the country, she outlines how Chick-Fil-A shifted focus during the pandemic, how the company invests in the community, and the challenges she faced immigrating from Seoul, South Korea.
The Joy of Leadership Podcast can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and Sound Cloud.
Episode Breakdown
- (0:00) Introduction
- (0:35) Background and leadership roles
- (2:20) Leadership position Chick-Fil-A
- (3:45) How Chick-Fil-A maneuvered COVID-19
- (8:19) CFA’s transition from dine-in to curbside
- (12:00) Employee training – It’s my pleasure!
- (17:17) A faith-based organization in the corporate world
- (21:14) CFA making a difference in the community
- (24:07) Management and leadership principles
- (31:08) Personal and family background
- (37:30) Facing gender and racial challenges during career
- (42:04) Navigating career options in college
- (45:25) Living in the center of God’s will
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Episode 7: Thriving in Ministry (Landon Dowden)
Episode Details
In episode No. 7 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Landon Dowden, who serves as the Lead Pastor at Hebron Church. With nearly two decades of experience as a lead pastor, Landon talks about the challenges of pastoral leadership, how he creates and casts a vision as a leader, and what balance looks like between his family and ministry.
The Joy of Leadership Podcast can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and Sound Cloud.
Episode Breakdown
- (0:00) Introduction
- (0:28) Challenges of pastoral leadership
- (5:00) Embracing God’s calling
- (9:40) Surrendering to the Lord’s path
- (14:35) Creating and casting a vision as a leader
- (20:43) Passions within senior pastoral role
- (25:24) Balance between family and ministry
- (29:10) Living a role vs. being a real person
- (37:06) Tips on studying God’s word
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The Joy of Leadership · Thriving in Ministry (Episode #7 with Landon Dowden)
Episode 8: Money isn't Everything (Joel Ferdinand)
Episode Details
In episode No. 8 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Joel Ferdinand, who serves as the Managing Partner for Litigation & Global General Counsel at FisherBroyles Law Firm. He shares his experience of learning his calling into law at a young age, how he strives to be genuine, authentic, and honest with his finances, and opens up about his faith journey.
The Joy of Leadership Podcast can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and Sound Cloud.
Episode Breakdown
- (0:00) Introduction
- (0:17) Professional background
- (1:58) Business as usual during COVID-19
- (3:55) Career calling into law
- (7:52) Finding a passion at work
- (10:46) Following God’s plan from a young age
- (14:25) Being genuine, authentic, and honest with finances
- (27:18) Faith journey and parental influence
- (35:54) Management style at work and home
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Episode 9: God’s Calling to Neurosurgery (Dr. Matthew Hazzard)
Episode Details
In episode No. 9 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Dr. Matthew Hazzard, a board-certified neurosurgeon with Advanced Neurosurgery Associates. He shares his journey to becoming a neurosurgeon, how his faith takes center stage in pre-op with his patients, and how healthcare in the United States could work better for more people.
The Joy of Leadership Podcast can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and Sound Cloud.
Episode Breakdown
- (0:00) Introduction
- (0:30) Professional background
- (1:22) Journey to becoming a neurosurgeon
- (9:31) The formative years at Spring Arbor University
- (11:08) First round of medical school applications
- (15:37) Duke bound during medical school match day
- (17:37) Sleepless nights completing residency
- (20:48) Typical work week of a neurosurgeon
- (23:09) Incorporating faith into daily routine
- (28:49) Balancing personal life with career
- (31:57) Healthcare in the United States
- (35:40) Experiencing medical miracles
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Episode 10: Becoming UGA’s most successful QB (David Greene)
Episode Details
In episode No. 10 on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with David Greene, the most successful quarterback in UGA history. He shares his journey to UGA, his favorite moments in Athens, the impact of Mark Richt on his life, transitioning to life in the NFL, and how his priorities have changed following his playing career.
The Joy of Leadership Podcast can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and Sound Cloud.
Episode Breakdown
- (0:00) Introduction
- (0:50) The competitive switch is flipped at 7 years old
- (4:04) Facing adversity in high school
- (5:47) The college offers start rolling in
- (7:35) The commercialization of high school football
- (9:38) Adjusting to the bright lights at UGA
- (14:27) Developing as a leader under Mark Richt
- (19:07) The impact of Mark Richt on young men
- (23:09) The moments that defined his career at Georgia
- (27:10) Transitioning from college to the NFL
- (34:09) The brutal business of professional football
- (42:06) Going from UGA legend to backup QB
- (45:56) Changing priorities following playing career
- (51:57) Applying faith to everyday life
- (55:04) Lessons from dad
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Episode 11: How The Elf on the Shelf Became an Empire (Chanda Bell)
Episode Details
In a special holiday episode of The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Chanda Bell, who co-authored The Elf on the Shelf book, which is the fourth-best selling children’s book of all time. She shares how her family turned a simple Christmas tradition into a worldwide phenomenon, the early struggles of self publishing the book, the future of The Lumistella Company, and how she incorporates faith into her company.
The Joy of Leadership Podcast can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and Sound Cloud.
Episode Breakdown
- (0:00) Introduction
- (0:38) A look back to the inception of The Elf on the Shelf
- (4:14) The struggles of publishing the original book
- (7:58) Going all in on self publishing
- (9:35) Hot off the press - selling one copy at a time
- (12:18) Turning a book into a business
- (16:25) The first big breakthrough thanks to Jennifer Garner
- (18:48) Living out the mission, vision, and purpose of The Lumistella Company
- (26:39) Building partnerships and looking to the future
- (35:12) Incorporating faith into her leadership role
- (40:47) How The Lumistella Company uses its platform to give back
- (45:46) How the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon came to be
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Episode 12: Impacting the Community Through Family Dentistry (Dr. Marty Mazzawi)
Episode Details
In a special season one bonus episode on The Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Dr. Marty Mazzawi from Mazzawi Family Dentistry and the owner of Slow Pour Brewing Company. He shares about the joy of doing business with family, how his faith journey has shaped his life, and what giving back to the community looks like in his role as a business owner.
The Joy of Leadership Podcast can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and Sound Cloud.
Episode Breakdown
- (0:00) Introduction
- (0:25) The history of Mazzawi Family Dentistry
- (5:00) The challenges and advantages of a family business
- (8:03) How his faith journey has shaped his life
- (10:28) His wife (Zoe) serving as the rock for the family
- (12:17) Incorporating faith and community into his career
- (16:16) Raising children to love the Lord
- (20:55) How Slow Pour Brewing is evolving and growing
- (23:23) What impacting lives looks like at his breweries
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