Applying Biblical Principles & Wisdom when Scaling from Boardrooms to Medical Missions.

In this engaging episode of the Wonderful Leaders Podcast, Dan sits down with Mark, a renowned serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. They delve into Mark's journey from teaching high school to founding impactful organizations such as Gerson Lehrman Group, United Hatzalah of Israel, and African Mission Healthcare.

The conversation highlights how Mark's faith, particularly his adherence to the Bible, has guided his philanthropy and business ventures. Mark discusses the concept of ROI philanthropy, the importance of giving in community, and how biblical principles inform both personal and professional success. He also offers valuable insights into selecting a life partner and emphasizes the transformational power of giving intelligently.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:33 Meet Mark: A Journey of Impact

01:39 Mark's Background and Journey

02:50 The Power of Philanthropy

04:10 The Biblical Perspective on Giving

08:47 Biblical Principles in Business

15:53 The Role of Community in Success

19:35 Personal Insights and Family Life

29:03 Advice for Young People and Future Plans

33:30 Conclusion and Book Promotion

Book Mentioned - God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves the Torah Is True

About our Guest:

Mark Gerson is a serial entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist with a track record of building innovative, high-impact organisations. He co-founded Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), the world’s leading platform for on-demand business expertise, connecting professionals with a global network of over 600,000 independent consultants. He also co-founded Thuzio, a professional booking marketplace launched with former NFL player Tiki Barber, and Create, a venture studio focused on developing new companies from concept to launch.

In the investment world, Mark helped establish the Tel Aviv Angel Group, backing early-stage Israeli startups, and is an advisor to Maverick Ventures Israel, a venture capital fund investing in early growth-stage tech companies.

Beyond business, Mark is deeply committed to philanthropy. He is the co-founder and chairman of United Hatzalah of Israel, a groundbreaking network of volunteer medics, and co-founder of African Mission Healthcare, which supports Christian medical missionaries providing critical care across Africa. In 2021, he donated $18 million to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and support clinical training on the continent.

A graduate of Williams College and Yale Law School, Mark lives in New York City with his wife, Rabbi Erica Gerson, and their four children.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Bob Edmiston, a successful businessman with over 50 years of experience. Bob shares insights into his daily routine, his early career, and the formative experiences that led to the founding of the IM Group, a company with international reach. He discusses the intersection of his faith and business, including his profound commitment to evangelism through Christian Vision (CV). Bob offers advice for young Christian entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of strategy, hard work, and maintaining Christian values in business. He also reflects on the responsibilities of stewardship and the challenge of passing on a legacy of faith and generosity. This episode is packed with wisdom, motivation, and practical advice for anyone looking to integrate their faith with their professional life.

00:00 Introduction and Daily Routine 03:41 Early Career and Business Beginnings 06:23 Faith and Business Journey 07:14 The Birth of IM Group 09:26 Challenges and Successes 16:24 Founding Christian Vision 20:28 Global Impact and Media Outreach 27:37 Reflecting on Personal Limitations and Faith 28:45 Advice for Young Christian Entrepreneurs 30:11 The Importance of Strategy and Hard Work 31:40 Navigating Business Challenges with Faith 35:18 Wisdom from Experience: Partnerships and Integrity 36:43 Staying Grounded and Finding True Satisfaction 41:06 Passing on Wisdom and Legacy 46:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

About our Guest:

Born in India in 1946 and raised partly in Kenya, Lord Edmiston’s early experiences shaped a global worldview. Beginning as a bank clerk, he went on to establish the IM Group, a UK-based conglomerate in automotive distribution, property, and finance, with a turnover of approximately £650 million.

In 1988, he founded Christian Vision, a charity now active in over 20 countries, committed to digital evangelism and discipleship. He also sponsors three academies in the UK through the Grace Foundation, integrating Christian values into education. His story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial vision driven by faith and the desire to see cultural renewal through leadership.

Join us at the Wonderful Summit in London on 13th June at Hackney Church

More info on The Summit North - https://wonderfulsummit.com/

Book your tickets here - https://wonderfulsummit.com/summit-london-2025/

Listen Now:

Join Dan Maudhub and guests as they discuss key topics on Christian leadership, especially where business, society and Christianity come together.

Sign up to the Wonderful Leaders Newsletter

Sign up to the Wonderful WhatsApp Community

Building a Kingdom Legacy: The Power of Long Obedience

In this episode of the Wonderful Leaders podcast, Dan engages in a profound conversation with Sara-Louise Martin (SL). Dan, SL and a small group of people swapped baking banana bread for building The Wonderful Summit during lockdown.

As the first returning guest, SL shares her insights on cultural renewal, spiritual formation, and the principles entrepreneurs and leaders need to be agents of change. The discussion delves into the importance of pursuing wholeness, spiritual practices, and long-term commitment to developing healthy leadership practices. It also touches upon the challenges and experiences of being a female leader in male-dominated industries and the need for building strong, collaborative teams. The episode sheds light on the significance of community and support systems for Christian entrepreneurs, emphasising the role of Faith Driven Entrepreneur and Wonderful Summit in fostering a global network of faith-driven leaders.

Join us at the Wonderful Summit North in Bradford on 20th March at Life Church!

More info on The Summit North

Book your tickets here

Summary

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:05 Guest Introduction: Sara-Louise Martin 00:51 Exploring Cultural Renewal 01:48 Key Principles for Entrepreneurs 02:38 Pursuing Wholeness and Spiritual Formation 04:47 A Long Obedience in the Same Direction 05:59 Impact of Spiritual Practices on Business 07:59 Challenges of Entrepreneurship 10:18 Faith Driven Entrepreneur: Mission and Vision 11:57 Building Community and Collaboration 14:52 Leadership Dynamics: Team vs. Leader 20:44 Women in Leadership 24:14 Partnering for Impact: FDE and Wonderful Summit 28:31 Future Vision and Conclusion

About our Guest:

Sara-Louise Martin is a strategic ecosystem builder with a passion for impact-driven startups. She is the Co-Founder of Impact Central and currently serves as the Director of Europe & MENA for Faith Driven Entrepreneur, where she helps cultivate a thriving network of purpose-driven leaders. As a director, co-founder, and board trustee for multiple organizations, she plays a pivotal role in shaping ecosystems that drive meaningful change. Recognised as a WISE Top 100 Woman in Impact, Sara-Louise is a dedicated convenor and OPUS member, committed to empowering entrepreneurs and creating sustainable, purpose-led ventures.

Some stats on investment in female start-ups:

• In 2021, female entrepreneurs received only 1% of venture capital financing in Europe, compared to 2% in the United States, the smallest share since 2016.
• Female-founded businesses generate double the revenue per euro invested, even while obtaining less than half the venture capital of their male counterparts
• All-female-led companies represented 20% of all businesses in the UK in 2022, up from 16% in 2018
• £250 billion could be added to the UK economy if women matched men in receiving business investment.
• You can read more on the investing in women code here
• Invest in women Taskforce
• Female Founders Fund
• Gender Investment Gap

Listen Now:

Join Dan Maudhub and guests as they discuss key topics on Christian leadership, especially where business, society and Christianity come together.

Sign up to the Wonderful Leaders Newsletter

Sign up to the Wonderful WhatsApp Community