Experiencing Faith in Business: A Conversation with Brad Nickle, The Strickland Group
Brad Nickle
In a world where business often meets ruthless challenges and cutthroat competition, maintaining one’s faith can become an uncommon pursuit. On this episode of Anchoring Hope, David Mansilla welcomes Brad Nickle, CEO of Strickland Solutions, to share his compelling journey of integrating faith with entrepreneurship. The engaging dialogue covers purpose-driven business strategies, true leadership, and the profound impact of integrating spiritual values into corporate culture. Dive into this enriching conversation and discover the unconventional path of a leader who thrives on trust, love, and humility.
The Power of Purpose in Business
In today's rapidly changing economy, purpose-driven leadership stands out more than ever. Brad Nickle, operating at the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship, champions a business ethos deeply anchored in love and purpose. According to Brad, his firm, Strickland Solutions, is more than just a software development company; it is a testament to their radical commitment to their employees’ and clients’ well-being. This holistic approach emphasizes valuing each employee not just for their skillsets but for their entire being.
With over 23 years in business, Brad has seen firsthand the transformative power of purpose. He underscored this by describing how God-given leadership transcends mere profit-making objectives, embracing a heartfelt commitment to advancing others' lives. His favorite tool: the biblical definition of love, which instills within the company culture a sense of responsibility and support beyond financial goals.
Strickland Solutions isn’t just focused on products and services, but on creating an enduring legacy where the principles of caring, sharing, and loving are lived daily. It nurtures an ecosystem where purpose fosters innovation, creates a thriving company culture, and ultimately, meets clients' needs more meaningfully.
Merging Faith with Work Culture
The conversation unravels profound insights on how faith can be harmoniously integrated into a business environment. Brad shares how his faith profoundly shapes Strickland Solutions’ work culture, with emphasis on inclusivity and support. With God as the business's central pillar, the company's values encourage authenticity and vulnerability in an otherwise competitive corporate sphere.
Brad highlighted how his business model reflects loving employees holistically, such as recognizing their familial roles and hobbies, thus humanizing the workplace. The firm's creation of a ‘one plate’ system allows employees to blend their personal and professional lives seamlessly, showcasing a genuine investment in their overall happiness and work-life balance.
The commitment to this belief system is evidently empowering. Clarifying Brad’s aspiration for a blame-free culture fosters an environment where everyone supports one another in overcoming challenges. The substantial faith-driven foundation of this work culture facilitates collaboration, enhances employee satisfaction, and ultimately, contributes to the business's unyielding success.
Overcoming Anxiety through Faith
Brad isn’t just a successful entrepreneur; he’s an individual who has overcome the grip of anxiety through faith. He candidly shared moments when the world seemed overwhelming and anxiety threatened his peace, yet through profound spiritual insight, found serenity and empowerment in Christ.
Anxiety in business is typically linked with unpredictability and lack of control. The journey of Strickland Solutions, however, illustrates how leaning on divine guidance rather than human solutions can mitigate overwhelming fears. Brad’s testimony underscores a significant lesson: that placing trust in God alleviates anxiety, as controlling outcomes isn't as crucial as trusting divine wisdom.
The impact of this faith-inclined philosophy is immense. With the scriptures offering him solace and direction, Brad has navigated challenges without succumbing to the typical trappings of worry, enjoying instead a tranquil assurance of divine provision amid the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship.
The Ideals of Radical Commitment
At the heart of Brad Nickle's philosophy is a “radical commitment” to every stakeholder in his business—be it employees, partners, or clients. This principle, deeply rooted in the biblical definition of love, emphasizes advancement and wellbeing over self-interest.
This radical commitment is tangible through practices like returning 100% of profits back to employees, a testament not only to faith but genuine trust in this community-centered model. This innovative approach bucks the trend that sees profits strictly as victory marks for the few at the top, instead honoring shared prosperity as the goal.
Brad’s perspective of leadership aligns with servant leadership, reflecting Christ’s teachings of humility and service. This enduring commitment has left an indelible mark on his business practices, creating a ripple effect of positivity, loyalty, and growth throughout the organization.
Living Out Faith in the Business Realm
As the discussion unfolded, Brad offered a refreshing take on living out one’s faith authentically in business. Understanding his calling not just as a business leader but as a vessel of hope, he actively embodies the principle of service above self—not just for profits, but for impacting lives.
Strickland Solutions is more than a testament to technical prowess; it is an avenue for expressing spiritual integrity, purpose, and the divine possibility of transforming lives through love-driven enterprise. For aspiring entrepreneurs and business veterans alike, Brad’s commitment to living out his faith provides not just a roadmap to success but a journey toward spiritual fulfillment.
Brad's story resonated deeply with David Mansilla, illustrating how a heartfelt commitment to God and others can instill joy and confidence instead of anxiety and disconnect. His reflections on relating to God personally, communing with him through the ups and downs, resonate with thousands seeking a model for living their faith authentically.
Conclusion
The episode serves as a powerful dialog on intertwining professional success with faith-centric values. For those seeking to blend their spirituality with business, Brad Nickle’s journey is a beacon of faith, hope, and love that illuminates the path toward holistic success. Let his experiences inspire a renewed perspective on leadership that fosters not just economic development but also enduring spiritual growth.
Written by Dhan Ababa
“The greatest thing about studying about God is you never come to the end of total fascination. I’ve been studying Him my whole life... You can never get tired of understanding who God is. He is ultimately enriching, fascinating.”
