Andrew Crapuchettes, CEO of Red Balloon, discusses the importance of faith in leadership and the need for Christians to be ambitious in business. He shares his personal journey and how he started Red Balloon to provide job opportunities for those who have faced discrimination based on their faith or conservative values. Andrew also talks about the challenges faced by small businesses in the current economic climate and the impact of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. He emphasizes the importance of hiring based on merit and the value individuals bring to an organization. Andrew shares his vision for the future of Red Balloon and offers advice for Gen Z job seekers.

REDBALLOON.WORK

takeaways

• Faith plays a crucial role in leadership and can have a profound impact on employees' lives.
• Christians should be ambitious in business and strive to live out their values in the workplace.
• Discrimination based on race, gender, or sexual orientation is wrong, and hiring decisions should be based on merit.
• Small businesses are facing challenges due to the current economic climate and are in a wait-and-see mode.
• DEI initiatives have been weaponized and can create division rather than unity.
• Gen Z job seekers should focus on showing up, working hard, and being cheerful to differentiate themselves in the workforce.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Mic Check

00:27Opening Prayer and Greetings

01:24Introducing Andrew Crapuchettes

02:20Andrew's Journey and the Creation of Red Balloon

07:09Red Balloon's Impact and the Importance of Faith in Leadership

10:57The Need for Merit-Based Hiring and the Impact of DEI Initiatives

19:20The Uncertain Future of the Economy and Business Owners' Fears

22:05Discrimination and Nuances in Hiring

28:58Advice for Gen Z Job Seekers

30:53The Future of Red Balloon and Ambition in Business

35:29Closing Remarks and Contact Information