Divinepreneur Set Free

In today's episode, we examine the three characteristics that can supercharge your influence over people.  As a business leader, entrepreneur, or influencer, we deal with people constantly.  It's a necessary part of redemptive work on doubt! While there is a constellation of tools, tips, and self-help literature in the marketplace, we focus on three traits that I think will extreme dividends.  And we can put them into practice right now! One, be relevant. Two, be relational. And three, be relatable.  Sound simple?  Well, it may be simple, but it's not easy!  To fully coopt and love on our team members, we need to harness all of our emotional fitness to connect with those whom we "serve/lead."  Jesus no doubt was the ultimate master in the business of people. We'll draw from the best playbook ever written (the Bible of course)!  You won't want to miss this episode!   So, are you relevant relational, and relatable?  

In part two and conclusion of my chat with Doug Cho, a local leader in the mental health space, Doug shares practical tips on how to deal with depression and anxiety. While we are not mental health professionals, suffering from depression often isolates himself. The enemy's tactics is to pin us down, so he can turn up his voice.  To combat that, we need to hear other voices.  After all, we know that in the Book of Ephesians, Paul tells us that our fight is not of flesh and blood, but with the prince and principalities.  This means we are engaged in spiritual warfare. In war, we must find an ally.  In practical terms, connecting with a mature individual in your circle is a step that you should consider.  For more practical tools, listen now to this encouraging and informative conclusion of my talk with Doug Cho.    Disclaimer: Neither Doug Cho nor Johnny Shiu are mental professionals.  The content offered on this podcast and this episode is strictly anecdotal. If you are suffering from mental illness, seek a p

This week I sit down with Scott Wong, CEO and Founder of Detail Innovations (https://www.detailinnovations.com).  Scott, a detailing extraordinaire, chats with us on his love for all things cars. Having paid his dues in the Silicon Valley at various Fortune 500s, the itch had to scratched.  In October 2016, Scott launched DN and never looked back. Through God's grace, Scott and team was one of a handful selected detailing teams who serviced Air Force One, and other historical airplanes, and now artifacts!  Scott explains that detailing is not what mainstream customers are accustomed to. No....In fact, Scott graduated from a prestigious detailing academy to ensure that he and team are at the top of their game. This is why he continues to service high end sports cars (Porsches), and gets to wax on/was off those McLarens!  Check out Scott's Instagram page at 993Cahrera (not a misspelling) for the latest pics!  Listen to how God has used Scott through this platform for the Kingdom.  Scott's an OG for the G-O-D. 

In part one of this two part interview, I get the awesome opportunity to talk to Doug Cho, a local leader, who literally took a leap of faith to go from a lucrative career in the marketplace and into ministry. And it wasn't to start any ministry. Doug, led by God, launched a ministry to help those who are dealing with depression.  Depression is highly stigmatized and never romanticized. It's hard enough to talk about it in general but it is arguably even more taboo in church circles. Doug brings his unique perspective because he's been dealing with depression most of his own life.   Depression is prevalent not only among the general workforce, but it is also front and center for many faith based entrepreneurs, ministers of Christ, leaders, and influencers.  Join us as Doug candidly shares his experience and how he has navigated the tough terrain of anxiety, depression, isolation, and how God has walked with him every step of the way!   PS: Below is some help that you can tap into.   1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or

No doubt your "Why" is very important when it comes to your brand and business.  As popularized by Simon Sinek defining one's why is an exercise that we all must go through. However, don't let defining your WHY paralyze you from executing your business idea.  In this episode, we go over why selling first trumps pontificating the reason why your business exists.  Sure, we have to come to grips at some point; as your business matures your WHY will evolve and crystallize. The goal of launching your business of course is to generate revenue and turn a profit. When you do so, your customers will inform you on why they patronized your business.  You will learn their pain points and continuously improve the customer experience.  As a result, your WHY will mushroom organically  If you enjoy the content please share and comment.  I look forward to hearing from you at agapecaz@yahoo.com.  Blessings! 

Have you ever been in a rut?  Ever feel like you have no hope?  Have you ever felt an overwhelming sense of despair?  You are not the only one! In this episode, we discuss the how to hold onto hope.  When left to our own devices we may spiral into negative thinking due to business problems, family issues, or challenges at church, it may be hard to see the forest from the trees. Our hope is in Jesus of course.  When we reconnect with God we feel a sense of peace.  We can attack our negative thinking by taking every thought captive. That means we have to recompose our negative thoughts and insert God's promises into our minds.  There are several actions we can take to get ourselves out of that feeling of hopelessness.  You won't want to miss this important episode!  Please share and comment to support this podcast!  Blessings! 

In this episode, we talk about the importance of focusing on our strengths and not our weaknesses.  Academia and culture have been leading forces in pointing out our shortcomings and weaknesses.  While we need to recognize them we must not dwell on them. Why? The reason is ultra important!  The more we focus on our strengths the better we do.  We do what comes naturally do us.  As a result, we should be more productive, and happier!  As for me, I tend to lean more towards the arts.  (Check out my art at johnnycaz360 on Instagram if you'd like).  When we try to improve on our weaknesses we divert valuable resources and time on what we are great at (not just good), while the competition (in business) is crushing it!  Instead, as business leaders, ministry leaders, entrepreneurs, and influencers we need to learn to capitalize on what we are great at, and let others do what we are NOT great at. Basically, delegate, and attack.  With this mindset, you are "strength training."  When we delegate the side effect is t

In this episode, we celebrate the first dozen episodes by looking at 12 action steps to developing rock star team members.  As entrepreneurs, if you have team members you want them to be thoroughbreds!  The same would be true if you are a leader at a church, or an influencer at your organization.  It comes down to leading people to be the best that they can be. We find this in scripture where Jesus was straight, told the truth, but led the 12 to maturity (well 11:)).  In the ever competitive marketplace, how can we has faith based entrepreneurs cultivate, foster, and create a work environment where our team members thrive?  How can we help them say to themselves: "I can't wait to go to work (because it's not really work)!" As a hint, one of the action steps that we can implement immediately is to be a source and resource of encouragement!  Encourage, don't disparage!  Listen to this episode and see if any (or all) of the 12 steps resonate with you.   As always, email me at agapecaz@yahoo.com; I love to hear f

In this episode, I interview Jim Park a lifelong entrepreneur and recent purveyor of The Living Water Movement. After working in finance and mortgage industry, Jim garnered much success.  He had it all - the house, the cars, the wife, and the picket fence!  But in his own words, he wasn't happy.  He was saved and everything changed!  In fact, have you ever abandoned property?  Like millions of dollars worth of?  You'll have to listen to see what happened!  Next, Jim was set up and called to get into Social Media Marketing.  With no coding or digital chops to necessarily speak of, Jim dove head in and learned the craft on his own.  Like a true entrepreneur!   After some success, just as he had experienced in the mortgage industry, God pulled Jim into a different direction.  Knowing that we need only seek God's righteousness (Psalm 37:25), Jim knew that he wouldn't go hungry. After much prayer, and fellowship with his wife, Jim decided to get into the Living Water movement! (https://www.facebook.com/BettysLivin

In this exciting conclusion of my interview with founder of DIVIN3KINGDOM, Choong Man, Kim, CMK gets personal and shares his struggles with addiction, and depression.  God frequently uses those who have gone through the valley of death so that we can be ambassadors for his cause.  The saying goes, "follow the General with most scars!" We all have collected our fair share of medals, and badges of honor, but what we do with them is key.  CMK introduces his team, many whom have also gone through their own trials and tribulations.  But together, they preach the Gospel through Christian hip hop, dance, and the spoken word to those in need.  (Check out their biographies in part one's show notes) CMK reminds us that it's easy to dine with those who look just like us.  And many times, that's what we do.  But as Jesus said in the Gospels, we should dine with those who look nothing like us.  It's a sober reminder that we should be open to connect with those who are hurting and seeking. And you can help CMK and crew at

In part one of my interview with Choong Man Kim, Founder of Divine Kingdom (www.divin3kingdom.org), we chat candidly about his beginnings, upbringing, along with his struggles early in life.  CMK like many had his share of battles during childhood but he quickly found a gift in rhyme and wit.  Quick on his feet, and light on his toes, CMK was natural at battle rapping.  CMK was fierce in competition and would earn the respect of his friends and fellow battle rappers; soon, though, he discovered that in the heat of battle words can hurt.   God impressed upon CMK that he can use that same gift for good. How?  Through certain mentors in his high school and college days, he discovered that he can use his talent for the glory of God. After graduating from the prestigious Gateway Seminary earning his M. Div, CMK was led to rap for God. He launched Divine Kingdom, a creative Christian events ministry.  CMK, and his team travel the Bay Area and afar to preach the Word of God to the needy through music, rhyme, and imp

In today's show, we take the opportunity in the midst of the biggest US College Admissions Scandal to discuss what is really important when it comes to hiring qualified team members.  In general, society puts a heavy premium on college, and especially name brand colleges and universities. Students and parents alike feel tremendous pressure in doing all that they can to gain an edge in the admissions process.  But as employers, and Divinepreneurs, what can we do to allay this overemphasis?  Are we occasionally biased towards someone who has the right pedigree even?  (line of engineers, having been groomed from the "big" companies, or having a certain legacy?) What may we look for in a team member that is beyond the four-year degree?  Of course, the team member should have the requisite qualifications and skillset but rarely does a BA degree tell all.  After all, college is not a barometer for grit, hunger, humility, or having the ability to deal with people.  Having a college degree in hand is awesome but some

Money affects every part of our lives. Whether we like it or not, it's critical to have the right view of money.  There is only three things we can do with money: invest it, spend it, and give it away. But how we look at money will affect all three aspects.  As Christ followers, and business minded people we are only managers of God's resources.  And that includes the financial gains that he gives us.  By contrast, if we view that we are owners of our money we ultimately may fall into the trap of anxiety, feelings of lack, and discontentment.   Money is such an important topic that Jesus spoke of it a lot in the Bible.  Money mentioned in the Bible  800 times as a whole Money is such an important topic in the Bible that it is the main subject of nearly half of the parables that Jesus told. There are more than 2,000 verses on money. Help the Poor and Needy Jesus taught that we should use our financial resources to help the poor and needy through benevolence (Luke 10:29-37; 18:18-25; compare James 2:15-17) an

In this week's episode, we discuss gratitude (gratefulness; appreciation). As leaders, faith based entrepreneurs, and Kingdom warriors, we should lead the charge in expressing gratitude.   Gratitude is not just a feeling; it is a practice.  I have started journaling again and I have found that starting off my day with introspecting on blessings, and simple things in life sets the tone for the entire day.  Am I perfect at it?  Oh, no way!  Check out in our favorite App store the 5mG App for a quick and easy way to journal about what you are grateful for. Or, you can use artifacts like pencil and paper!  As entrepreneurs and leaders, we need to realize that expressing gratitude can actually help the business's bottom line. When we appreciate team members it directly affects their mindset, and consequently work product.  Many employees feel under or unappreciated at the workplace.  See https://www.octanner.com/content/dam/oc-tanner/documents/global-research/White_Paper_Performance_Accelerated.pdf In fact, in an

As faith based entrepreneurs we are far from being immune from fear.  While there is a healthy fear that protects us, we all experience more so the other type of fear. The type that can paralyze us.  Entrepreneurs are known to be action-oriented and maybe even "fearless?"   Well, the enemy is more subtle than we are and has been at this game for a long time.  From fear of failure, to fear of missing out (FOMO) the unhealthy types of fear often leads to anxiety - a natural byproduct.  Fear can stop us when we are "that" close to the finish line.  And when we are working for the glory of God you can be sure that the enemy will do anything to "steal, kill, and destroy" our efforts.  However, we can employ a playbook in how to deal with fear.  A type of advanced decision making process or ADM.  Equipped with God's Word as the first line of defense, there are steps and a "practice" that we can try out to kick fear in the face.   Join me for some practical real talk on this most important topic. 

As I get older I hear more voices! LOL! All joking aside isn't that true though? In such a noisy web 2.0 world, there are so many voices and outlets vying for our attention.  But God, if we listen closely, has always been the original voice in us. Yes, the enemy competes against this voice. As Christian entrepreneurs, influencers, and leaders we have a duty to listen and follow God's leading in business and life.  And when it comes to hearing what God wants us to do for our work/vocation there are ways to "know" what direction we should go. I believe that as free people we can integrate ministry, and business together. Whether God has called you to be an individual contributor or a founder of a company we can use the platform ultimately for the glory of God! 

In this episode, I share a little about myself and what I am about.  I think God uses many of us with humble beginnings to be his hands and feet.  It's important to reflect so we can move forward.  But it's equally important to not get stuck in the past.  The past should inform us, not constrain us. God has abundance for you my friends! 

Welcome to the Divinepreneur Set Free Podcast!  I am your host Johnny Shiu, aka #shiuyaright!  I am so thankful you found us and more thankful that you decided to give this a try.  In this podcast, we will focus on your dreams, needs, and challenges as faith based business owners, entrepreneurs, leaders, and influencers.  It has to start somewhere.  And I have to start somewhere!  So, in this origin episode I lay out the basics.  Come on in!  Let's do business God's way!