Conversation with Barry Rowan about The Spiritual Art of Business

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Barry L. Rowan about vocation, stewardship, joy, and the integration of faith and work. Barry reflects on his corporate leadership journey, the origins of his book, *The Spiritual Art of Business*, and the transformative role of surrender in both life and leadership. - Barry describes stewardship as managing God's gifts for the benefit of others. - Joy grows out of gratitude and a life increasingly surrendered to God. - Retirement is reframed as an encore calling focused on continued service and contribution. - Healthy leadership requires deep relationships, forgiveness, and spiritual formation. Barry Rowan is a Harvard Business School graduate who spent his entire career serving in C-Suite roles. He has been instrumental in building and transforming eight businesses, primarily in the technology and communication space, with one selling for $10 billion. His leadership experience spans both private and public companies, including Gogo (the inflight connectivity company), Vonage, Nextel Partners, and Fluke Corporation. Based on his belief in giving back, Barry serves on both for-profit and non-profit boards, mentors young leaders, and leads international study trips. His non-profit boards have included InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Seattle Pacific University, Gordon College, the Gonzaga University Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, and advisory boards for Harvard Business School. He also served as president of Bellevue Christian School. Deeply immersed in Scripture and the classic spiritual writers, Barry is deeply committed to contemplation and prayer which led him to complete a month-long silent retreat immediately following his retirement from a full-time executive career. His friends have dubbed him a “corporate mystic.” Barry is married to Linda, his wife of over forty-two years, and they have two adult sons. Together they are now engaged in multiple lines of service including walking with the poor and investing in the next generation of leaders. Their commitment to the poor has taken them to Central America over twenty times. They are members of the National Leadership Council of World Vision and support local organizations breaking the poverty cycle through sustainable programs. *The Spiritual Art of Business* may be purchased at Amazon and at leading booksellers and the free downloadable Discussion Guide may be found at barrylrowan.com. For more about Eric: ericralexander.com; stewardleaderspodcast.com; sixarrowsconsulting.com. Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about *forever.* *To learn about Eric’s upcoming book:* Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO *See also the LinkedIn newsletter:* Musings for Steward Leaders *Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).*