How Spiritual Values Fuel Today’s Work & Tomorrow’s Vision

“What we build and how we build it is largely informed by what we believe. And what we believe is informed for many by their religion and their faith traditions.”

Faith and business. Religion and culture. How do they intersect in a world that often treats them separately? How does each inform and inspire the other? How do these beliefs influence our cultural and business landscape, and how can their synergy inspire a more resilient and prosperous society? These thought-provoking questions lie at the heart of an ongoing initiative led by Forbes and the Coalition for Faith & Media.

We launched this exploration at an intimate event in May that gathered visionary business leaders and culture-makers in New York City to discuss the role of faith and media in shaping the modern world. The perspective above, shared by Coalition executive Brooke Zaugg, captured the spirit of this discussion. See event highlights.

Now, we are kicking off the second chapter in this series. In the coming weeks, we’ll expand this conversation, featuring breakout leaders and companies openly discussing how faith plays a role in their work—enhancing innovation, creating entrepreneurial resilience, influencing business practices and company culture, driving ethical decision-making and shaping cultural narratives.

We begin with a conversation with actor Rainn Wilson—a man on a mission to create a spiritual revolution. He explores how faith helps people find meaning, purpose and life balance.

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“I think the most important teaching from any spiritual tradition is compassion,” Wilson told Forbes.

Rainn shared his belief that spirituality offers tools for positive personal transformation and is a superpower that increases our humanity. His comments capture the purpose of this series: to surface insights from leaders who find in faith a range of principles that not only guide their personal convictions but can also inspire leadership, company growth and positive culture shifts.

“… If you can do something as simple as recognize a holiday, people feel seen. And when you feel seen you’re just better.”

Sumreen Ahmad, global change management lead at Accenture, shares how her faith identity helps her build strong teams and thrive as a leader. Creating psychological safety in the workplace, she says, empowers people to be who they are and ultimately drives employee engagement. She discusses what corporate leaders can do to cultivate a professional environment where everyone is represented and celebrated.

MORE FROM A BUSINESS FOUNDER WHO LEADS WITH FAITH

For Davis Smith, founder and chairman of sustainable outdoor brand Cotopaxi, a childhood spent throughout Latin America inspired a lifelong zest for adventure and charitable service. As a kid, Smith observed his faith-fueled parents uplifting others by volunteering in orphanages and impoverished communities. This shaped him into an entrepreneur with “a mission deeper than a drive for riches, recognition or power,” he says. After graduating from business school, Smith was living in Brazil when he was overcome by the bold idea to start Cotopaxi from scratch. Deep ambition and spiritual values quieted his apprehension of taking the leap: “It was quite literally my faith that gave me the courage to start Cotopaxi,” he says.“I felt inspired to create a brand built around adventure, travel and the outdoors which used its profits and voice to start a movement to eradicate extreme poverty.” Smith says that since 2014, Cotopaxi has helped spur an impressive global humanitarian movement—aiding nearly 5 million people living in poverty across 10 countries.

“I think there’s just a soul void in America—and in the world—and a deep need of something more.”

Filmmaker Jon Erwin, Founder and CCO of Wonder Project, explains why he’s passionate about serving audiences who feel misunderstood—while also producing stories that are accessible to everyone. His conversation with Forbes explores his faith-inspired storytelling, how his values ignited a career in the entertainment industry and his advice for unlocking artistic breakthroughs.

“Entrepreneurship is just connected to my calling. It’s a part of who I am—to inspire people outside of the four walls of the church.”

Gospel artist and songwriter Tasha Cobbs Leonard explores the cross-section of her artistry and entrepreneurship and reflects on how her family roots led her to a life enriched by music and faith.

“I think people use faith-based music in the darkest times of their life [and] I think they use it in the happiest times of their life.”

Brad O’Donnell (quoted above) and Hudson Plachy, co-presidents of Capitol Christian Music Group, sit down with Forbes to dig into the explosive growth and global reach of gospel music.