Business Leadership Series
BLS: Growing Together in Faith and Work
Join the Business Leadership Series, a monthly networking lunch designed to inspire and equip Christian business leaders to grow spiritually and professionally. Each session provides a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders, gain insights from experienced speakers, and engage in meaningful table discussions.
Through this series, ABBA fosters an environment that encourages leaders to learn from one another, build bridges between their faith and work, and make a lasting impact in their workplaces, churches, and communities.
Don’t miss this chance to invest in your leadership journey and join a community committed to excellence and servant leadership. Together, we can grow stronger and lead with purpose.
Event Highlights:
- Dynamic Speakers: Gain wisdom and practical insights from leaders who have successfully integrated faith and work.
- Table Discussions: Connect and collaborate with peers in guided small group discussions.
- Networking Opportunity: Build relationships with a diverse network of Christian professionals in the Austin area.
Hear from some of our network leaders, Tony Budet, Eric Hehman, and Mark McClain, as they relate about the isolation at the top of an organization and navigating leadership challenges when there are few peers to share the struggles.
Upcoming Lunches (Spring 2025)
All lunches are held from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at City of Austin Permitting and Development Center at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752.
September 11th
Will Matthews is a seasoned strategic business leader, speaker, and finance professional who excels at creating win-win solutions. With a diverse background in banking, commercial real estate finance, non-profit fundraising, and brand development, he is a natural connector and relationship builder. Driven by the intersection of profit and purpose, Will shares a message of hope tested both in the field and in the boardroom. A former Texas Longhorn and Detroit Lions football player, Will is also a mentor, music writer, budding foodie, and dedicated family man.
October 16th
Rusty Shelton first spoke at Harvard about the changing world of marketing at the age of 23 and now speaks to thousands of leaders annually, from YPO to Forbes, about how to help others and create an unfair advantage for their business by building thought leadership focused on impact, not ego.
Rusty is co-founder and Chairman of Zilker Media, an award-winning Austin-based agency that does thought-leadership forward corporate marketing & PR, Senior Marketing Strategist at Advantage - The Authority Company and a member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). He lives just west of Austin in Spicewood with his wife and three kids, only two of which he can still beat in golf. Learn more at www.ZilkerMedia.com or www.RustyShelton.com.
November 10th
Ed Gillispie is a seasoned tech executive with extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, and innovation. He has led teams through complex technology transformations, driving business growth while staying true to his faith. Ed believes that his relationship with Christ influences his leadership decisions, and he will share insights on how faith shapes his approach to navigating challenges and building successful, purpose-driven teams. When not leading in the tech world, Ed is passionate about mentoring others and investing in personal and professional growth.
