Jonathan T.M. Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, Episode 222
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Jonathan T.M. Reckford is CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, a global ecumenical housing organization that has helped more than 59 million people construct, rehabilitate, or preserve their homes. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business before spending the first part of his career in the for-profit sector, including executive and managerial positions at Marriott, The Walt Disney Co., and Best Buy. While serving as executive pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church near Minneapolis, Minnesota, he was recruited for the CEO position at Habitat. Named the most influential nonprofit leader in America in 2017 by The NonProfit Times, Jonathan is the author of Our Better Angels: Seven Simple Virtues That Will Change Your Life and the World.
I’m excited to have Jonathan on the show today to share more about the mission and vision of Habit for Humanity. He digs deep into how the program works with families, local communities, and volunteers from around the world to ensure people can live in affordable and safe homes. Jonathan shares the journey he took personally and professionally before landing at Habitat for Humanity and discusses why, for him, the heart of leadership is servant leadership.
“This is the kind of thing God has been preparing me for my whole life.” - Jonathan T.M. Reckford
“When we give and when we're generous, it's about transforming our own hearts, as well as making a difference in the lives of others.” - Jonathan T.M. Reckford
“Working hard is a vehicle for relationship and community.” - Jonathan T.M. Reckford
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Jonathan’s early life, his role models and mentors
What Jonathan did to regain perspective on life when his first job didn’t work out as planned
More about Jonathan’s roles at Disney, Marriot, and Best Buy
The mission trip to India, where he was deeply impacted by global poverty issues
Why Jonathan decided to become administrative pastor for his local church
Why Jonathan is so inspired by President and Mrs Carter’s incredible faith-driven service ethic
The work that Habitat for Humanity does in the community and how it’s evolved over the years
How volunteers are integral to Habit for Humanity’s mission
More about the Global Village program
Jonathan walks us through the process of acquiring and building on land in cities in the US and shares the story of one of their past families
The impact of rising house prices on workforce and lower-income families
Jonathan T.M. Reckfords’ Words of Wisdom:
The heart of leadership is really about servant leadership. I see that in two pieces: first is paying attention to the inner life before you can focus on the outer life, and second is finding the mission that matters.
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