Leadership Lessons from Business and Church with Jay Owen, CEO at Business Builders - Modern CTO Recap

Podcast: Modern CTO

Published: 2025-11-17

Duration: 52 min

Summary

In this episode, Jay Owen shares insights from his dual experience in business and church leadership, highlighting the importance of autonomy, flexibility, and a strong mission in effective leadership. He discusses how these experiences have shaped his approach to managing a large team and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.

What Happened

Jay Owen, the CEO of Business Builders, discusses his unique journey as a leader in both the business world and a large church. He highlights that his primary career has been running a marketing agency for 26 years, starting at the young age of 17. His transition into church leadership came when he was approached by the executive pastor of 1122, a church he had been attending for years, to help build a marketing team within the church. This opportunity aligned with his long-held desire to engage more deeply in ministry, leading to his current role where he manages a team of around 250 staff members.

Owen reflects on how his experience in the church has transformed his approach to business leadership. He notes that being part of a large organization with nearly 400 staff members has presented new challenges and opportunities, especially since he is accustomed to leading small teams. He emphasizes the importance of working with other great leaders, which has fostered a culture of trust and direct communication among team members. This environment allows for honest discussions about ideas and strategies, making the leadership experience more enjoyable and productive for everyone involved.

Key Insights

• The transition from a small agency to leading a large church team presents unique challenges.
• Building trust and open communication among team members is crucial for effective leadership.
• Flexibility and adaptability are essential traits for leaders in a rapidly changing environment.
• A strong sense of purpose can drive motivation and engagement in both business and ministry.

Key Questions Answered

What leadership lessons has Jay Owen learned from both business and church?

Jay Owen discusses how leading in the ministry has influenced his approach to business leadership. He mentions that having great leaders within the church team has made it easier for him to adapt to a larger organization. Instead of being the sole decision-maker, he has learned to value collaboration and the insights of others, which has led to a more effective leadership style.

How does Jay Owen manage a large team at the church?

Owen oversees a team of about 250 people, which requires a different approach compared to his previous experience with smaller teams. He notes that having direct reports who are also great leaders creates a supportive environment where feedback can be shared openly. This high level of trust among team members facilitates quick problem-solving and collaborative decision-making.

What role does autonomy play in Jay Owen's leadership style?

Owen emphasizes that autonomy is a key factor for him in both his roles. He appreciates the freedom to control his schedule and communicate expectations upfront with the church leadership. This transparency has fostered a positive work environment, allowing him to thrive in a role where he also values purpose and flexibility.

What are some challenges Jay Owen faces as a chief of staff?

As Owen steps into his new role as chief of staff, he acknowledges the immediate differences in responsibilities. Leading a larger team requires him to shift from managing a small group to overseeing a much larger organizational structure. However, he finds that working with established leaders he trusts makes this transition smoother, as they can communicate openly about challenges and solutions.

How does Jay Owen define effective leadership?

Owen believes that effective leadership is rooted in care for the mission and the people involved. He notes that great leaders are strategic, flexible, and resilient, traits that are increasingly important in a fast-changing world. He emphasizes that keeping an adaptable mindset is vital for leaders to navigate new challenges effectively.