What does a boy who grew up on food stamps have in common with leading the world’s largest peer-learning community for Christian CEOs? According to Mike Sharrow, everything. Because neither story is really about success. It’s about God’s grace.

In this inspiring episode, Krystal sits down with Mike Sharrow, CEO of C12 Business Forums, for a conversation about faith, leadership, rest, and why God is often preparing us for something far bigger than we can imagine.

“A Trophy of God’s Grace”

Mike describes himself as “a trophy of God’s grace.” As a first-generation college student, he never imagined the journey God had planned. His career would take him through entrepreneurship, healthcare, management consulting, pastoral ministry, and eventually to C12, where today he serves over 5,000 Christian CEOs, business owners, and executives across five continents.

But Mike will be the first to tell you: his greatest accomplishment isn’t becoming a CEO. It’s learning to faithfully follow Jesus.

Why God Rarely Speaks Through Hurry

One of the most refreshing moments in this conversation comes when Mike talks about rest. In a world that celebrates hustle and constant productivity, Mike explains why some of our greatest ideas, deepest insights, and most important breakthroughs often come when we intentionally slow down.

God rarely speaks through hurry. He speaks through presence. Mike Sharrow

Business Isn’t Separate From Ministry

The conversation also explores one of the most powerful ideas behind C12: business isn’t separate from ministry. For too long, many Christians have divided life into “sacred” and “secular.” Mike challenges that mindset and shares how every business can become a platform for advancing the Gospel when leaders embrace the truth that they are called to build great businesses for a greater purpose.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover

• Why Mike calls himself “a trophy of God’s grace”
• How God took him from food stamps to leading a global Kingdom organization
• Why every leader needs trusted peers who will challenge and sharpen them
• The surprising connection between rest, creativity, and breakthrough
• Why business may be one of God’s greatest tools for advancing His Kingdom
• How to build a business that creates both lasting value and eternal impact

Today, Mike leads C12 Business Forums, equipping thousands of Christian CEOs around the world to steward their companies as ministries and their leadership as Kingdom influence. This conversation is full of wisdom, humility, and practical encouragement.

Because the greatest measure of success isn’t the size of your business. It’s your faithfulness to the One who entrusted it to you.

Learn more about C12 Business Forums at c12forums.com. Listen. Rest. Lead with purpose. Build a business for a greater purpose.

Krystal Parker Krystal Parker is President & Founder of the U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce. A former executive for a Fortune 200 publicly traded oil and gas company, she has over 25 years of experience in organizational management, leading hundreds of employees to provide J.D. Power award-winning customer service to more than 2.1 million customers across the U.S. A former college dropout, Parker advanced her education at Harvard Business School for senior executive leaders focusing on innovation, globalization, and leadership diversity. She earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s in marketing. As a certified DISC behavioral specialist, trainer, speaker, and coach, Parker opened a boutique consulting company, Intent & Impact, to help companies increase profit, reduce turnover, and enhance employee engagement. A best-selling author and professor, Krystal teaches graduate and undergraduate-level courses, and is a member of the MVI Board of Directors and the Central Florida Christian Chamber Board of Directors. Krystal considers herself a marketplace missionary with a strategic focus on citywide transformation, committed to seeing faith in action in the marketplace — believing that to reach the world, you must reach the city. Krystal is a wife and mother, and devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

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Welcome to Coalition Corner!

A regular update from the U.S. Christian Chamber Coalition on programs, partnerships, and opportunities for member Chambers.

Official USCCC Coalition programs, partnerships, speakers, resources, and opportunities will always be communicated directly through U.S. Christian Chamber Coalition channels.

This Is How We Chamber LABS Just Wrapped Another Powerful Session!

Our latest LAB featured a dynamic panel focused on sponsorships, partnerships, and revenue-building strategies for Christian chambers.

The event recap and full recording are now available in the Coalition Folder inside the My Info Hub. Login Required

Thank you to our awesome panel!

Don’t Miss This Month’s Coalition Meeting

We have some exciting new partnerships taking shape that will bring even greater value to our Chambers and members. Be sure to register and stay connected!

Scripture of the Week

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

— Ephesians 4:3

Together, we protect the unity, integrity, and mission of what God is building. This Is How We Chamber!

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Need Prayer? Come Join Us.

📅 Every Thursday 🕓 12:00 PM Eastern

Every Thursday at noon Eastern, our USCCC community has a standing appointment — to pray. For our businesses. For our families. For our cities. For our nation. And for one another.

If you’re carrying something this week, you don’t have to carry it alone. Bring it to the community. If things are going wonderfully, come pray for someone else.

• No presentation
• No agenda to get through
• Just an hour set aside to seek God together

Because building a strong Christian business community isn’t only about who we know or what we build. It’s also about Who we seek.

Join us every Thursday at 12:00 PM Eastern. Have a prayer need? Come. We’d be honored to pray with you.

Reserve your seat for the USCCC weekly prayer gathering.

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