In a world where business and faith are often seen as separate domains, Drew Yancey stands out as a leader who seamlessly integrates the two. As a theologian, business advisor, and founder of Teleios Strategy, Drew helps entrepreneurs and executives align their business practices with their core values. With a deep-rooted belief that purpose-driven leadership leads to greater success, he guides organizations in strategic execution while emphasizing the importance of faith, integrity, and service. In this exclusive interview, Drew shares his journey from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs to becoming a sought-after business strategist and theologian, offering insights into how faith can shape the modern business landscape.
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Beverly Hills Magazine: Today we welcome a renowned theologian and business advisor who masterfully blends faith and entrepreneurship. As the founder of Teleios Strategy and a prominent voice in faith-driven leadership, Drew offers profound insights into how spiritual principles can guide and elevate the business world. With a rich academic background and a passion for helping leaders align their values with their ventures, Drew is here to share his unique journey and transformative wisdom. Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation that bridges the worlds of theology and enterprise.
Drew, welcome to the show!
Drew Yancey: Thank you so much! It is an honor to be here.
Beverly Hills Magazine: It is our pleasure. Why don’t we start by having you share a little bit about your background? What led you from academia to becoming a business advisor and theologian?
Drew Yancey: Absolutely. It is an interesting combination, right? My journey began well before I officially stepped into these roles. I was born into a highly entrepreneurial family. My great-grandfather was a rural farmer in Northern Colorado who, in 1940, decided to open a small produce stand. Fast forward a couple of generations, and we became one of the largest food distributors in North America.
Growing up in the business, I learned all aspects of it. After graduate school, I returned to work alongside my father and grandfather, helping scale the company. Eventually, we sold it in our 73rd year of operation. That experience shaped everything I do today in business strategy and executive coaching. It was a remarkable way to learn how to build and grow a business.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That is incredible! Entrepreneurship requires faith, especially to start something new. Your work focuses on integrating theology with business strategy. How do you see these two fields intersecting in meaningful ways?
Drew Yancey: That is a great question. Many people hear the word “theology” and assume it has no place in business. But the truth is, we all have values, whether we recognize them or not. Whether you are an independent entrepreneur or a Fortune 500 executive, your values shape your decisions.
Being clear about your values is not just good for personal development—it is also great for business. Studies show that purpose-driven companies outperform others in almost every business metric. Leaders who define their beliefs and non-negotiables make better long-term decisions. My work helps them navigate those ethical questions and align their operations with their deeper values.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That makes so much sense. Purpose fuels success. You are the founder of Teleios Strategy—am I pronouncing that correctly?
Drew Yancey: It is actually pronounced “Telay-os.”
Beverly Hills Magazine: Ah, I see! What does that mean?
Drew Yancey: It is an ancient Greek biblical term that is sometimes translated as “perfect” in English, but it actually means “whole” or “complete.” We chose this name because our work is about bringing wholeness to businesses.
Many organizations focus on strategic planning, but research shows that most strategic plans fail—only about 30 percent of initiatives get executed successfully. That is why we focus on strategic execution rather than traditional planning. Our unique approach integrates execution into the planning process, ensuring that strategies actually come to life rather than sitting on a shelf collecting dust.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That is brilliant! Execution is key. So what is the mission of Teleios Strategy, and how does it reflect your commitment to faith-driven business practices?
Drew Yancey: My mission is to help great leaders bring purposeful vision to life. That means both their business vision and their personal “why” behind what they do.
Some of the organizations I work with are explicitly faith-based, while others are led by individuals who hold strong faith values but operate in secular environments. Regardless of the setting, my goal is to help them align their work with their deeper purpose. It is incredibly rewarding to see leaders operate from a place of conviction, knowing that their businesses are making a meaningful impact.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That is so important. I personally incorporate my values into my business as well. For example, Beverly Hills Magazine refuses to publish anything related to gossip because integrity is one of my core values. Could you share an example of how you have helped businesses align their operations with their deeper values?
Drew Yancey: Absolutely. One of the biggest challenges I see is that business leaders reach financial success but still feel unfulfilled. They spend years chasing financial goals, but once they achieve them, they realize something is missing.
David Brooks calls this the difference between “resume virtues” and “eulogy virtues.” If you build an empire but neglect the deeper meaning behind it, it can leave you empty. That is why, in our executive coaching, we help leaders find intrinsic meaning in their day-to-day work—whether through relationships with employees, delivering excellent products, or making a positive social impact. The goal is to experience fulfillment through the process, not just at the finish line.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That is profound. I always ask people if they have discovered their personal purpose. What is the response you usually get?
Drew Yancey: Most people believe they have, but purpose often stems from defining what success means to them. Many assume success is financial, but in reality, it is about becoming who you were created to be and using your God-given talents to serve others.
In my experience, the most fulfilled leaders see their businesses as a vehicle for service rather than just personal gain. As Jesus said, “The greatest among you will be the servant of all.” True success comes from being of service to others.
Beverly Hills Magazine: So true. You often speak about entrepreneurship within the Kingdom of God. How do you define this concept, and what role does it play in modern business?
Drew Yancey: That is a great question. I actually wrote my PhD thesis on this topic. There has been historical tension between capitalism and Christianity, but I believe they can be reconciled.
At its core, being a follower of Jesus means living out His teachings in your daily life—whether that is in your family, community, or business. That does not mean forcing faith on others, but rather, being an authentic witness through how you lead.
For example, Christian business leaders should ask themselves:
- How can I authentically share my faith while respecting others?
- How do I challenge unethical practices in my industry?
- How can my business be a force for redemption and reconciliation?
When we approach business with deep questions, we allow God to do profound work in and through us.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That is powerful. I have personally experienced God’s guidance in my business. He has given me insights that I would have never thought of on my own. Proverbs says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who labor, labor in vain.” Seeking His wisdom is essential to success.
Drew Yancey: Absolutely. When we surrender our businesses to God, we invite His wisdom and blessing into everything we do.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That is so true! Lastly, I understand you wrote a book. Could you tell us about it?
Drew Yancey: Yes! My book is called “The Challenge of Practical Theology: Transforming Enterprise.” It explores how faith and business ethics intersect, and how leaders can prioritize the right stakeholders in business decision-making. It is available on Amazon for those who want to dig deeper into this topic.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That sounds like an essential read, especially in today’s world. Drew, this has been an incredible conversation. Thank you for sharing your insights and wisdom.
Drew Yancey: Thank you, Jacqueline. It was truly an honor to be here!
Beverly Hills Magazine: Wishing you continued success. May God bless your work!
Drew Yancey: Thank you! God bless you too
Drew Yancey’s approach to business is a testament to the power of faith-driven leadership. By helping executives align their values with their business strategies, he is not only shaping successful companies but also cultivating meaningful impact in the corporate world. His work with Teleios Strategy and Insight Performance highlights the importance of purpose, integrity, and execution in achieving lasting success. As more leaders seek to integrate faith and business, Drew’s insights serve as a guiding light for those who strive to build enterprises that are both profitable and purpose-driven.