CUT THE ROPES — Captain James Evanow on Faith, Storms, and Leading Under Pressure

By Krystal Parker · Host, “Cut the Ropes” Podcast · President, U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce

What would you do if you looked up and saw 80- to 100-foot waves towering above your 80-foot boat, knowing one wrong move could capsize everything? Captain James Evanow knows exactly what to do. And the lessons he learned at sea may be exactly what leaders need in the boardroom.

In this powerful episode, Krystal sits down with Captain James Evanow, a fourth-generation sea captain, leadership expert, author, and creator of Strategic Navigation™, for a conversation about storms, faith, resilience, and what it means to stay steady when everything around you is shaking.

A Life Shaped by the Sea

James’ story begins on the water. His first boat trip was at six years old. By age 27, he had lost his father to the ocean. Over the years, he has watched friends, coworkers, and fellow fishermen lose their lives at sea. He knows what it means to face uncertainty, danger, grief, and circumstances completely beyond your control.

Yet through every storm, one thing remained constant: faith. Drawing inspiration from the Book of James and decades of experience navigating some of the world’s most unforgiving waters, James shares how leaders can weather life’s storms without losing their direction, purpose, or peace.

Stay focused on what is true, not what is terrifying.

One of the most moving moments in this conversation comes as James describes navigating some of the most dangerous waters a captain can face. The boat was shaking. The conditions were uncertain. The risks were real. Yet panic was never the answer. Faith was. Whether facing crashing waves at sea, a struggling business, a difficult season of leadership, or a personal crisis, the principle remains the same.

What It Means to Cut the Ropes

The conversation also explores one of the most powerful themes of James’ life: cutting the ropes. For James, it became much more than a maritime phrase. After battling a deep depression, he discovered that many of the ropes holding him back weren’t physical at all. They were fear, regret, limiting beliefs, past wounds, and attachments that kept him tied to places God never intended him to stay.

To move forward, he had to cut them. And so do we.

This conversation is packed with wisdom, perspective, and hope. Storms are inevitable. But being defined by them is optional. And sometimes the difference between surviving the storm and sinking beneath it comes down to one decision: cut the ropes.

USCCC Ambassador Open House

Your Next Connection Could Change Your Business

The U.S. Christian Chamber calendar is filled with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow with Christian business leaders across the country. Whether joining online or in person, there’s something for everyone — and organizers say they can’t wait to see attendees at upcoming gatherings.

Sunday Reflection: We Make Plans, God Establishes the Path

As business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, we spend countless hours planning, building, and preparing. Planning is wise — but our greatest confidence isn’t in our strategy. It’s in the One who directs our steps.

As a new week begins, the U.S. Christian Chamber encourages leaders to pause before the calendar fills, the meetings begin, and the decisions pile up: invite God into every conversation, every opportunity, and every challenge. Trust Him with the outcome, and faithfully take the next step He places before you.

#SundayReflection #FaithAtWork #ChristianBusiness #Leadership #MarketplaceMinistry #USChristianChamber #ThisIsHowWeChamber

This Week in U.S. Christian Chamber News

Read the full story in this week’s U.S. Christian Chamber News, featuring a guest article by Jim: myemail.constantcontact.com — Guest Article by Jim

Advancing the Kingdom through the marketplace. One relationship at a time.

#USChristianChamber #KingdomBusiness #ChristianBusiness #FaithAtWork #KingdomImpact #BusinessAsMission #ThisIsHowWeChamber

U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce · Community Photos

Krystal Parker

Krystal Parker is a former executive for a Fortune 200 publicly traded oil and gas company, with over 25 years of experience in organizational management leading hundreds of employees to deliver 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 holds an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s in marketing. A certified DISC behavioral specialist, trainer, speaker, and coach, Parker founded the boutique consulting firm Intent & Impact to help companies increase profit, reduce turnover, and enhance employee engagement. A best-selling author and professor, she teaches graduate and undergraduate courses, and serves as President of the U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce and 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. She is a wife and mother, and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.