What if winning at work didn’t have to mean losing at home? In this episode of Seek Go Create, host Tim Winders sits down with Cory Carlson, former executive turned coach, author, and founder of the Rise community, to explore the powerful connection between faith, identity, and true success. Discover the hard-earned lessons Cory learned from burnout, striving, and redefining purpose—and get practical insights on leading authentically in business while thriving at home. If you’ve ever wondered how to align your ambition with your values and make an impact that lasts, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.
"Fear and faith have one thing in common, and it's the future. Fear thinks the future is bad. Faith thinks the future is good." - Cory Carlson
Access all show and episode resources HERE
About Our Guest:
Cory Carlson is a former corporate executive turned leadership coach, speaker, and author. With a background in civil engineering and years of experience leading teams in the construction and technical products industry, Cory now empowers leaders through his coaching practice and as the founder of Rise, a faith-driven community helping men integrate purpose, family, and business. He’s the author of Win at Home First and Rise and Go, books that equip leaders to thrive both professionally and personally. Cory is recognized for his practical, faith-based approach to leadership and his proven ability to help high performers find true alignment between work, family, and their deeper calling.
Reasons to Listen:
- Discover how faith and leadership can fuel both personal and professional success, as Cory Carlson shares practical frameworks (like the “five capitals”) and his journey from corporate executive to purpose-driven coach.
- Hear honest, relatable stories about overcoming burnout, shifting from fear to faith, and finding identity beyond work achievement—including a powerful moment when Cory learned his church paid his family’s mortgage during a crisis.
- Gain actionable tips on building a balanced, impactful life at home and work, including insights into powerful habits, community-building, and how to “rise and go” when life knocks you down.
Episode Resources & Action Steps:
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- Cory Carlson’s Website: corymcarlson.com - Find Cory’s blog, podcast, books, and information on coaching and the Rise community.
- Books by Cory Carlson: Win at Home First (also available on Audible) & Rise and Go
- Daily Wisdom for Men Devotional - Published by Jimmy Page and Dan Britton, this devotional was specifically mentioned as a valuable resource for men and families. (Available online and referenced during the podcast.)
Action Steps for Listeners:
- Clarify Your Identity and Priorities - Reflect on where you’re placing your identity—work, family, or faith—and consider Cory’s framework of the “five capitals” (spiritual, relational, physical, intellectual, financial) to recalibrate your life’s priorities.
- Cultivate Community and Accountability - Seek out or join a supportive community (like the Rise Community, men’s groups, or similar), rather than trying to tackle challenges alone. Accountability and shared wisdom make a huge difference.
- Take One Meaningful Step Forward - Pick one insight from this episode—whether it’s going on a date with your spouse, having one-on-one time with a child, or making time for spiritual growth—and act on it this week. As Cory says, “Nothing changes unless something changes.”
Want more encouragement and resources? Check out Seek Go Create’s latest episodes every Monday!
Key Lessons:
- Identity Beyond Accomplishments - Cory emphasizes that tying your identity to work, achievements, or even your role as a parent is risky—those things can fade or change. True fulfillment comes from understanding your identity as a beloved child of God and letting that foundation influence every area of life.
- Balancing Ambition with Faith - Ambition can be a strength, but unchecked, it quickly becomes consuming. Cory shares how he learned to shift from striving solely for financial or professional metrics to seeking God’s direction first—trusting that, when God is at the center, impact and provision follow.
- The Importance of Community - Isolation is a breeding ground for fear, burnout, and stagnation. Cory’s journey and the creation of his Rise community highlight the power of connection, accountability, and shared wisdom. Men—and leaders in general—thrive when they support and learn from each other.
- Resilience: Getting Back Up Matters Most - Everyone gets knocked down; what sets great leaders apart is how quickly and intentionally they get back up. Cory’s "Rise and Go" philosophy is all about developing the courage to rebound from setbacks with renewed purpose, confidence, and faith-driven action.
- Redefining Success for Each Season - Success isn’t static or one-dimensional. Cory encourages regular reassessment of what matters most—whether spiritual growth, relationships, professional impact, or self-care—and setting intentional rhythms to ensure alignment and joy in each season of life.
These lessons are woven throughout Cory’s stories and practical advice, making this episode a meaningful listen for anyone seeking more alignment, purpose, and resilience in leadership and life.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction: Fear, Faith, and the Future
00:38 Meet Cory Carlson: From Executive to Coach
01:48 Deep Dive: Identity and Burnout
03:50 The Journey to Embracing True Identity
08:43 The Five Capitals Framework
12:05 Navigating Ambition and Faith
21:36 Career Path: From Engineering to Sales
27:25 Personal Background: Family and Faith
32:31 Reflecting on Past Decisions
33:55 Defining Success in the Present
34:47 Spiritual and Relational Growth
36:11 Impact and Future Goals
37:30 Embracing the Next Decade
41:18 The Power of Community
50:30 Work-Life Balance Insights
56:51 Encouragement for Personal Growth
Resources for Leaders from Tim Winders & SGC:
🎙 Unlock Leadership Excellence with Tim
- Transform your leadership and align your career with your deepest values. Schedule your Free Discovery Call now to explore how you can reach new heights in personal and professional growth. Limited slots available each month – Book your session today!
📚 Redefine Your Success with "Coach: A Story of Success Redefined"
- Challenge your perceptions and embark on a journey toward true fulfillment. Dive into transformative insights with "Coach: A Story of Success Redefined." This book will help you rethink what success means and how to achieve it on your terms. Don't miss out on this essential read—order your copy today!
Thank you for listening to Seek Go Create!
Our podcast is dedicated to empowering Christian leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to redefine success in their personal and professional lives. Through in-depth interviews, personal anecdotes, and expert advice, we offer valuable insights and actionable strategies for achieving your goals and living a life of purpose and fulfillment.
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