Ep 19: Discovering God's Purpose in Every Season
What happens when you've spent decades building a successful career but then God invites you into something you never expected?
In this episode of The Power of OR Podcast, Brad Hawkins and Jim Brangenberg sit down with leadership coach and entrepreneur Russell Jenson to explore the defining decisions that shaped his journey. From the classroom to corporate leadership development, Russell shares how one unexpected opportunity led him to create a unique escape room business that revealed something fascinating: true leadership often emerges from the people you'd least expect.
After successfully building and selling that business, Russell found himself facing another defining OR moment: pursue a comfortable next chapter or remain open to whatever assignment God had prepared next.
Together, the conversation explores how leaders discern God's direction, why our greatest opportunities often begin with uncertainty, and how faithful leadership is less about having the entire plan and more about taking the next obedient step.
What You'll Hear in This Episode
How an educator became an entrepreneur through an unexpected opportunity
The leadership lessons Russell discovered by watching teams navigate escape rooms
Why the best leaders aren't always the ones with the highest titles
The OR moment that came after selling a successful business
How to discern God's leading when the next step isn't obvious
Why every season of leadership requires a willingness to let go of good things to embrace better ones
Practical wisdom for leading with purpose, influence, and faith wherever God places you
Whether you're launching something new, leading an organization, or standing at a crossroads, this episode is a reminder that leadership is built one decision at a time. The most significant OR moments rarely come with a complete roadmap, but they always offer an opportunity to trust God with what's next!
Featuring: Russell Jenson
Ministry: Leadership Training