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Thank you to the 1,400 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 questions!
I hope reading
7 Questions with Joe Pantaleo
helps you in your leadership.
Cheers,
Jonno White
7 Questions with Joe Pantaleo
Name: Joe Pantaleo
Current title: Pastor
Current organisation: Fincastle Baptist Church
I grew up in a military household, which means that we moved locations every three years or so. In 2000, we settled in Stafford, VA and began laying down roots. In 2003, I was drawn near to God and I repented of my sin, confessed Jesus as Lord, and received new life. In 2013, I started a nonprofit called Project:Backpax; and then, in 2014, I came on staff at Stafford Crossing Community Church. After six years at Stafford Crossing, I transitioned to Fincastle Baptist Church in Fincastle, VA.
In 2016, I married my darling bride, Laura, and in 2017 she gave birth to our first child, Alister Paxton, followed by Isaiah Ryder in 2018. Aside from spending time with my family, I enjoy working on my seminary degree, wrestling, and going hiking in the mountains.
My mission in life is to reach as many people as possible for the sake of the Gospel, so that they too may call on Jesus!
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1. What have you found most challenging as a CEO or executive of a large enterprise?
I wouldn't say that my enterprise is necessarily large, but I have found that working in the nonprofit religious sector requires a large volunteer force. Since my workforce is a volunteer workforce, it can be difficult to motivate people to show up consistently.
2. How did you become a CEO or executive of a large enterprise? Can you please briefly tell the story?
In summary, it was through personal connections and demonstrations of competence. Personal connections gets your foot in the door, competence keeps it there.
3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?
6 AM - Wake up
6:30 AM - Bible study & prayer
7:00 AM - Breakfast and time with family
9:00 AM - Arrive at the office and structure my day in my planner.
9:10 to 4:30 - Work (occasionally my job requires me to work until 9:00 PM)
5:00 - Dinner and time with family
7:00 - Family Discipleship
8:00 - Put kids to bed
8:30 - Do seminary school work
10:00 - Bed
It varies, but this is the rough schedule I keep to.
4. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?
Character determines growth potential. My organization will never be able to outgrow my character.
5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?
Power to Lead by Mike Ayers
This book focuses on the theology of leadership and what biblical leadership looks like. For me, the concept of stewardship, rather than ownership, is crucial for understanding my role in life. One quote that has resonated with me, "The steward leader holds power humbly, fully aware of its corrupting potential. This may be the greatest virtue of biblical leaders: namely, that they resist the temptation to spend power on themselves."
6. How do you build leadership capacity in a large enterprise?
Invest in personal development and leadership training for my team. Spending time with God through the Bible and prayer every day is crucial for self-development. Regarding my team, I find quality training and invest time and financial resources into that training.
7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a CEO or executive of a large enterprise so far?
Of course... I can't think of any stories at the moment!