Navigating Life's Crises & Prioritizing What Matters | Ed Young & Former Nike Exec John Olinger

About this sermon

In this episode of the C3 Leadership Podcast, Pastor Ed Young sits down with former Nike executive, author, and speaker John Olinger for an inspiring conversation about leadership, faith, and finding purpose in the middle of life’s valleys. John shares powerful lessons from his decade at Nike—working with global icons like Kobe Bryant and the Jordan Brand—and how those experiences shaped his understanding of success, leadership, and legacy. Together, Ed and John explore what it means to pursue “worthy wins,” the kind of victories that matter most at the end of our lives. They talk about ambition, calling, grief, and God’s ability to work in the valleys more than on the mountaintops. From the boardrooms of Nike to the pages of John’s new book, Worthy Wins, this conversation will challenge every leader to pause, clarify what truly matters, and spend their T.E.A.— time, energy, and attention — on what lasts forever. Episode Highlights: 0:00 – Intro 1:00 – From basketball to branding: John’s Nike journey 6:10 – What Kobe Bryant taught about family, focus, and purpose 9:00 – The story behind Worthy Wins and the 40-day turning point 10:35 – Lessons from loss and finding God in the valley 10:58 – The meaning of “T.E.A.” — time, energy, and attention 19:26 – Why the best leaders aren’t always the ones promoted 24:17 – The power of grabbing the pen and controlling the narrative 33:49 – How churches can clarify their message and define success 35:49 – Building content that actually reaches people 37:24 – A challenge to pause, reflect, and pursue worthy wins 38:12 – Closing prayer for clarity, peace, and purpose ------ Pastor Ed Young is the senior pastor of Fellowship Church based in the DFW Metroplex, he is also an author, and conference speaker noted for his creative communication style. Make sure to subscribe to the channel for more inspirational content from Pastor Ed Young. Hit the Notification Bell so that you never miss Ed's most recent video. Follow #EdYoung on social Fellowship Church Facebook: http://bit.ly/EdYoungFB Fellowship Church Instagram: http://bit.ly/EdYoungIG Fellowship Church: http://bit.ly/EdYoungTW