What Happens When You Trust God With Your Business?
Paul Arguinchona
Chief Information Officer at Frontier Behavioral Health
Running a business in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world comes with its share of challenges. But what happens when you trust God with your business? In this episode of Anchoring Hope, we sat down with Paul Arona, a seasoned Chief Information Officer, to explore how faith and technology intersect. Paul’s inspiring story demonstrates how surrendering your career and business to God can transform challenges into opportunities and bring true purpose to your professional life.
Starting with Faith and Integrity
Paul’s career journey began with humble roots in Spokane, Washington. With a degree in economics and a knack for technology, his first job involved selling computers in the early days of the tech revolution. Despite the challenges of cold calling and entering a competitive market, Paul credits his success to unwavering integrity.
"Integrity is the one thing you come in with and the one thing you leave with," Paul shared. This principle became a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy, guiding him through various roles in technology and shaping how he approached business decisions.
Discovering Purpose Through Challenges
Paul’s path to becoming a CIO wasn’t without obstacles. From navigating the chaos of Y2K in the late 1990s to tackling technological disasters at medical clinics, each trial became an opportunity for growth. These experiences taught Paul the importance of resilience and faith, especially during moments of uncertainty.
One pivotal moment came when he joined Frontier Behavioral Health, where he was tasked with overhauling their IT infrastructure. By relying on both technical expertise and prayerful discernment, Paul successfully implemented solutions that allowed the organization to better serve its clients. His story illustrates that challenges, when met with faith, can become stepping stones toward greater purpose.
The Balance of Leadership and Service
As a technology leader, Paul emphasized the importance of relationships. While technology evolves rapidly, the human connection remains at the heart of every successful enterprise.
"Our business in behavioral health is about human interaction," Paul explained. "Technology is a tool, but it’s the relationships that make the difference."
By fostering a collaborative culture within his teams, Paul demonstrated how servant leadership—rooted in Christ’s example—can create an environment where both employees and clients thrive. His approach involved hiring for attitude and potential, not just technical skills, and investing in mentorship to help his team members grow.
Navigating Technology with a Biblical Lens
Technology, while powerful, is a double-edged sword. Paul discussed how innovations like smartphones and social media have revolutionized communication but also contributed to challenges like mental health struggles and disconnection.
By applying a Biblical lens, Paul seeks to use technology for good. He highlighted the importance of discernment, encouraging leaders to focus on tools that build relationships rather than erode them. "Everything has its good and bad sides," Paul noted. "We need to be intentional about how we use technology to honor God and serve others."
Trusting God in Business Decisions
Paul’s journey also underscored the importance of trusting God with every decision. Whether it’s hiring new employees, managing crises, or implementing new systems, he approaches each step prayerfully. This trust in God’s plan not only brings peace but also ensures that his work aligns with a higher purpose.
"If you don’t know Christ, you don’t know what you’re missing," Paul said. His faith gives him the confidence to lead with humility and to view challenges as opportunities for God’s glory to shine.
Conclusion
Trusting God with your business isn’t just a spiritual practice—it’s a practical strategy for success. Paul’s story serves as a powerful reminder that when you surrender your work to God, He will guide your steps, provide wisdom, and bless your efforts in ways you can’t imagine.
As you reflect on your own journey, consider how you can invite God into your business decisions and daily operations. As Paul wisely shared, "Our commonality in Christ is the only thing that really matters." Let this truth anchor your leadership and inspire you to build a legacy rooted in faith and purpose.
Written by Dhan Ababa
“Our commonality in Christ is the only thing that really matters.”
