Today’s podcast features a conversation between Jeff VanderWal, Founder and CEO of the automotive company ClearShift, and Karen Conrad Metcalfe of WealthBuilders. They discuss Jeff’s journey of discovering his God-given purpose in the car industry and redeeming it through transparency and ethical practices.
Jeff shares his story of initially pursuing success and money, only to feel empty, but how encountering Jesus transformed his perspective to stewardship over ownership. The podcast provides insights into navigating change, prioritizing Kingdom principles in business, and using professional platforms to spread God’s purpose.
Click the player below to watch this episode, or listen on your preferred podcast platform!
Episode Show Notes
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Redeeming the car business with transparency and change.
- Jeff VanderWal, founder and CEO of Clear Shift, wanted to make a difference in the automotive space by redeeming the car business with transparency and change.
- Jeff knew he was meant to work in the car industry at age five, despite coming from a non-automotive family background.
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Entrepreneurship, purpose, and identity.
- Jeff reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, embracing passion, finding purpose and connecting with people.
- Purpose and passion are important in business, highlighting the difference between work and engagement.
- Jeff shares his journey of discovering his true purpose and identity in Christ, from being successful in the automotive industry to finding fulfillment in ministry.
- Jeff’s encounter with Jesus led him to realize that his goals and motivations were not aligned with God’s purpose for his life.
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Shifting from ownership to stewardship in business, with a focus on God’s perspective and honor.
- Jeff realized he needed to be stewarding, not owning.
- He shifted the company’s purpose to trusting in God for increase.
- He stopped focusing on making more money and started trusting in God which caused their business to explode.
- Practical steps included identifying and stewarding God-honoring aspects of their business.
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Stewardship and leadership in business, prioritizing integrity and growth.
- Know the importance of stewardship in business, starting with what’s in your hand.
- Practical steps for growth include closing open doors, focusing on depth and coverage, and maximizing yardage from each person.
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Ethical business practices and integrity in the car industry.
- Routing out unethical practices, for example in the car business–selling a car above a customer’s income level to secure loans.
- Acknowledge the issue and change the organization’s culture.
- Integrity and consistency are priorities to doing things the right way.
- Transform your business culture by prioritizing integrity and ethical practices, leading to increased profitability and employee satisfaction.
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Practical steps for spiritual growth and organizational development.
- Start with a solid foundation for growth–Jesus’ parable about building on rock vs sand.
- Take the practical steps to position your company for greater growth, including accounting and infrastructure.
- God shows up in natural, everyday moments
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Recognizing strengths and weaknesses in business ideas and turning them into practical, scalable ventures.
- Faith requires action.
- Recognize strengths and weaknesses, and hire people to fill gaps.
- Ideas are not businesses. Ideas are ideas. Businesses are the practical engagement of a good or service that people are willing to pay you for.
- Getting started, seek experience by working for others before pursuing your own vision.
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Using business to spread the gospel and serve others
- Jeff explains how his podcast is a platform to help people understand how to steward their purpose and identity.
- Jeff reflects on his journey as a Christian in the automotive industry. He used to feel guilty about working in a field perceived as ungodly. Now it is an opportunity to share the gospel with coworkers and customers.
- Embrace your calling and use your unique talents and experiences to bring Jesus to the workplace, regardless of your industry or profession.
