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
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.
January 22nd
Tony & Felicity Dale
Originally from London, England, Tony and Felicity Dale are British family physicians who moved to the U.S. in response to God’s call on their lives. What began as a step of faith led to the founding of Sedera, a membership-based medical cost-sharing organization built on biblical principles of community and stewardship.
For over 50 years, the Dales have integrated their medical expertise with a deep commitment to applying God’s wisdom to everyday life. At the upcoming ABBA BLS luncheon, they will share stories and insights about bringing biblical wisdom into the modern workplace—and invite us to engage in meaningful table discussions about how we, too, can live out our faith in practical ways through business and leadership.
February 18th
Larry Smith
Larry is a senior advisor to the President and CEO of Tokyo Electron Limited and recently retired as Chairman of the Board for Tokyo Electron America and Tokyo Electron US Holdings. With over 35 years of leadership in the semiconductor industry, Larry now serves on Texas Governor Abbott’s Executive Committee for the Semiconductor Innovation Consortium. A West Point graduate and former U.S. Army Armor Officer, Larry is also passionate about serving the homeless through his role as Board Chairman for Mobile Loaves and Fishes. He and his wife lived at Community First! Village for over five years.
At BLS, Larry will share leadership lessons from his time living in the village and how to boldly live out your faith in the marketplace.
April 16th
Steve Matthews
Steve is the founder of the Steve T. Matthews Company, established in 1982, where he represented major commercial real estate clients such as Simon Property Group, Columbia St. David’s, and the City of Cedar Park. He also serves as Of Counsel with Barron, Adler, Clough & Oddo, LLP, a firm specializing in eminent domain law.
Steve has served on numerous boards including American Bank, the Marbridge Foundation, and the Capitol Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. A graduate of the University of Texas with both a B.B.A. and J.D., he has been a licensed real estate broker since 1973 and an active leader in the Austin community through Rotary Club of Austin, Keep Austin Beautiful, and several church leadership roles.
