Apr 07 2025 33 mins
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this episode promises wisdom you can apply to your own path.
Imagine sitting alone in a bare apartment, at the lowest point in your life, questioning everything you’ve worked for. That’s where our story begins—a powerful testimony of how one man turned his pain into purpose and rediscovered what truly matters. Through heartbreak, hard decisions, and unwavering faith, he learned the importance of balancing ambition with family and living a life aligned with God’s calling.
Inspired by his 25+ years of experience as CEO of major corporations, Joel Manby wrote LoveWorks: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders, detailing how to integrate “love the verb” into the leadership ethos and philosophy of any organization. This servant leadership approach has been proven to systematically transform organizations toward lower turnover, higher employee engagement, greater customer satisfaction, and stronger profits. Love Works has sold over 100,000 copies and has been re-released in an expanded and updated version that bravely explores personal and professional challenges and failures.
Previously, Joel served as CEO of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. He stepped in when SeaWorld was mired in a brand crisis and reset its vision and culture which improved attendance, employee engagement, customer trust, and profitability. For over a decade, he was the CEO of Herschend Enterprises, which managed over 20 entertainment properties including internationally respected brands such as the Harlem Globetrotters and Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park. Prior to joining Herschend Enterprises, Joel spent 20 years in the auto industry and served as CEO of Saab Automobile during Saab’s U.S. turnaround. He also led an Amazon start-up that introduced car sales to the internet.
Currently a Thought Leader for John Maxwell Leadership, Joel mentors, consults and speaks on LoveWorks and the leadership lessons drawn from his career. For over 20 years, he has been the Chairman of Orange, a non-profit dedicated to the development and distribution of youth curriculum and leadership training to over 9,000 churches in 40+ countries. He has also served on the National Advisory Board of the Salvation Army for over 10 years.
Joel received an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.A.from Albion College. He and his wife Shannon live in Naples, Florida.
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