The Opportunity Collective

Welcome to The Opportunity Collective. This Substack is a space for faithful creators to collaborate to create more opportunities and live more purpose-driven lives. I’ll write/podcast primarily about faith and work while sharing some of my life lessons along the way. Before you keep scrolling, hit the subscribe button and become an official member of The Opportunity Collective.

May in Indy Special with Sting Ray Robb

When it is May in Indianapolis, everyone puts their checkered flag on their lawn. There is a buzz throughout the city as hundreds of thousands of visitors come to see the greatest spectacle in racing.

So, join me in celebrating this month as I welcome Sting Ray Robb, an IndyCar Driver for team AJ Foyt, to The Opportunity Collective.

Now I know what you are thinking… “Sting Ray?! That is not his real name.” Well, let me clear the air, yes. Sting Ray is his legal name. In this podcast episode, He covers why he is named Sting Ray.

Now that we have clarified the whole name thing, you might be wondering,” Are racecar drivers faithful creators?”

Sting Ray considers himself a creative person for multiple reasons. He creates opportunities for dozens of people who work on the AJ Foyt Team, from mechanics to marketers. If Sting Ray does well in a race, he makes more opportunities for others. By stewarding the car he has been given, Sting Ray glorifies God, brings glory to his team, and lives a more purpose-filled life.

Opportunities that Sting Ray wants to share with you!

Sting Ray partners with an event called Faith in the Fastlane, and he would love to connect with worship artists or personalities who might be able to co-host the event. He is also open to receiving mockups for merchandising ideas from talented designers. The best way to collaborate with Sting Ray is by sending him a message on Instagram or an email through his website (links below).

Follow Sting Ray Robb

Connect with Sting Ray on Instagram or reach out to him at https://www.stingrayrobb.com

Follow Daniel Eccles:

Find out more about The Opportunity Collective and everything else Daniel is up to at danieleccles.com ⁠, or you can follow Daniel on Instagram @djeccles

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danieleccles.substack.com

Welcome to The Opportunity Collective. This Substack is a space for faithful creators to collaborate to create more opportunities and live more purpose-driven lives. I’ll write/podcast primarily about faith and work while sharing some of my life lessons along the way. Before you keep scrolling, hit the subscribe button and become an official member of The Opportunity Collective.

Finding Opportunities in Creative Collabs

I’ve seen countless creatives pigeonhole their collaborations with other faithful creators into a single genre of creativity. Musicians only work with musicians. Graphic designers collaborate with other graphic designers. Non-fiction authors primarily bounce ideas off of other non-fiction authors.

Matt Doering is breaking the mold when it comes to creative collaborations. He does this by cross-pollinating his singer/songwriter art with faithful creators of genres that seem to have nothing in common with Matt’s work.

Matt tours Texas with a poet. He works with apparel companies to create vintage thrifted hats. His coffee-loving has led to Matt likely being one of the first musicians with a coffee blend. While Matt loves to collaborate with other singer/songwriters, he does not limit his collaboration to faithful creators who work in the same medium as him.

And you don’t have to limit your creative collaborations either…

How Matt Can Help You:

Matt is an ultra-talented singer/songwriter who has worked with many faithful creators. Some of the ways he likes to help include:

* Creating bumper music or theme songs for podcasts or videos

* Assisting a bit in music producing

* Dabbling in graphic design

How You Can Help Matt:

Matt is looking for someone who can help him get organized in his social media planning and marketing. Do you have experience creating a content calendar? Matt would love to chat! Also, if you are a songwriter, Matt is always looking to co-write with like-minded creators like you.

Follow Matt Doering:

Listen to Matt Doering’s music on Spotify, and make sure to connect with him on Instagram as well. You can learn more about Matt and his music at www.mattdoeringmusic.com

Follow Daniel Eccles:

Find out more about The Opportunity Collective and everything else Daniel is up to at danieleccles.com ⁠, or you can follow Daniel on Instagram @djeccles

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danieleccles.substack.com

Working in Multiple Spaces

So you’re a creative… What that probably means is that you have multiple jobs while you are building your passion project.

That’s not to say that your jobs are not something you can also be passionate about. I’d venture to say that you are likely excited about your nine-to-five, too.

But when you work in multiple spaces throughout your week, it can be hard to balance both your time and your energy. Sure. You want to give your all to the things you find purpose in. But what happens when you find purpose in several places?

Jonathan Mayo knows a thing or two about working in multiple places. He works in three very distinct arenas (one is a literal stadium on Friday nights).

Jonathan manages time and energy as he transitions between his three spaces of purpose. But what helps is that he can connect the dots between his professions with a throughline of calling. Each place allows him to live into his vocation of leadership development.

How Jonathan Can Help You:

Jonathan has a heart for those who are leading and creating. He realizes that while some of us have places for connection, some faithful creators out there feel like they are an island to themselves. Jonathan would love to be a listening ear if you would like to talk to someone skilled in connecting the dots in your story.

How You Can Help Jonathan:

Jonathan and the Sagamore Leadership Initiative team have developed a leadership curriculum designed for emerging high school and college leaders. If you know of a school, church, business, non-profit, or organization interested in equipping the next generation of leaders with this curriculum, please visit www.sagamoreleadership.org to receive more information!

Follow Jonathan Mayo:

Follow Jonathan on Instagram, X, and Facebook @ fbcoachjmayo.

Follow Daniel Eccles:

Find out more about The Opportunity Collective and everything else Daniel is up to at danieleccles.com ⁠, or you can follow Daniel on Instagram @djeccles

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danieleccles.substack.com

The Sacredness of Secular Work

This is one of the most important conversations we can have as faithful creators.

In this episode of the Opportunity Collective podcast, we welcome Jordan Raynor, an author and advocate for integrating faith and work.

We discuss the concept of collaboration > competition, the importance of valuing work beyond just a source of income, and how the traditional idea of 'good works' encompasses both spiritual and everyday work, tasks, and employment.

Jordan emphasizes the significance of understanding work as a gift from God, instilled in us since creation and ultimately redeemed by Jesus Christ.

Stick to the end of the podcast to hear about how to win an upcoming trip to France for two winners who pre-order Jordan Raynor's new book, 'The Sacredness of Secular Work' before February 3rd.

How Jordan Can Help You:

Jordan’s new book,” The Sacredness of Secular Work,” is the guide you need to see how your work matters for eternity—beyond sharing the gospel withthose you work with.

Pre-order The Sacredness of Secular Work before February 3, and you could win an epic trip for two to France to rehearse for eternity in a castle, vineyard, cathedral, and more!

How You Can Help Jordan:

How does the gospel influence the work of Mere Christians—those of us who aren’t pastors or religious professionals but who work as entrepreneurs, baristas, and accountants? That’s the question Jordan’s flagship podcast explores every week as he interviews guests across the widest variety of vocations.Do you know someone who integrates their faith with their work? Jordan would love to interview them on his podcast Mere Christians. Contact Jordan at JordanRaynor.com.

Follow Jordan Raynor:

Follow Jordan on Instagram or LinkedIn. Make sure you are purchasing his new book, “The Sacredness of Secular Work,” and learn more at jordanraynor.com

Follow Daniel Eccles:

Find out more about The Opportunity Collective and everything else Daniel is up to at danieleccles.com ⁠, or you can follow Daniel on Instagram @djeccles

Was this episode helpful? Please share it with a friend on social media or in a message.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danieleccles.substack.com

Trauma, Burnout, and Collaboration…

A light subject matter to start The Opportunity Collective podcast in 2024! (sarcasm)

But if anyone can make trauma and burnout approachable and hopeful, it is Kate Reed. Kate is a trauma informed and burnout prevention consultant with a mission to help you become as healthy as possible and fight for your highest good.

Kate helps us collaborate by:

* Reminding us that we should be interested in the other person in the room before we seek to be interesting ourselves.

* Arguing that community care is sometimes more necessary than self-care.

* Preaching that we should accept help as often as we seek to help others.

How Kate Can Help You:

Kate has three FREE assessments that you can take to help you be a more effective leader and collaborator.

* The Peace Index: How do you find inner peace amid chaos?

* The Five Voices: What is your primary leadership voice (and weapon)?

* The Communication Code: What do you need, and how do you ask for it?

How You Can Help Kate:

Kate comes the most alive when she is connecting with people. She truly wants to connect with you and see if there is any way she can help you or your organization be more trauma-informed and prioritize your health. Schedule a virtual coffee with Kate by contacting her on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Follow Kate Reed:

Follow Kate on Instagram or LinkedIn. For everything else trauma informed and burnout prevention consulting, check out her Linktree!

Follow Daniel Eccles:

Find out more about The Opportunity Collective and everything else Daniel is up to at danieleccles.com ⁠, or you can follow Daniel on Instagram @djeccles

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danieleccles.substack.com

Before you create, you may need to set it on fire…

In this episode of The Opportunity Collective, we talk to Natalie Born about innovation, creation, alignment, and collaboration.

Natalie Born is a Principal Consultant with Arch and Tower, the host of a top 25 innovation podcast called Innovation Meets Leadership, and the author of “Set It On Fire: The Art of Innovation.”

Natalie has collaborated on two approved US patents and has over 20 years of experience leading product development, strategy, and innovation teams working globally in over 18 countries.

Natalie knows something about helping you make your dreams as a faithful creator a reality.

🌟 How Natalie can help you 🌟:

Natalie specializes in breaking through conventional thinking, encouraging individuals to innovate and build something entirely new from the ground up. Whether you're tuning in to Natalie's Innovation Meets Leadership podcast, the Thrive Today podcast tailored for women business leaders, or diving into her latest book, "Set It On Fire: The Art of Innovation," you're bound to gain valuable insights.

🙌 How You Can Help Natalie🙌:

Creating content at Natalie's pace requires a community effort. Here's how you can lend your support: Like, follow, subscribe, and consider purchasing her work. A quick comment or review is as impactful as buying a book. Please take a moment to contact Natalie and express your interest in her projects. Your engagement makes a difference!

FollowNatalie Born:

Follow @innovationmeetsleadership on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin, or head over towww.innovationmeetsleadership.comfor more innovation resources.

Follow Daniel Eccles:

Find out more about The Opportunity Collective and everything else Daniel is up to at danieleccles.com ⁠, or you can follow Daniel on Instagram @djeccles

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danieleccles.substack.com

What is the difference between coaching, mentoring, and consulting?

In this episode of The Opportunity Collective, we explore the nuanced differences between coaching, mentoring, and consulting, shedding light on the distinct roles they play in personal and professional development.

Our guest, Bobby Barbour, a seasoned life and leadership coach specializing in high-performing leaders under the age of 40, joins us to provide clarity on the transformative impact a coach can have on one's life. As the demands on faithful creators evolve, strategic resource stewardship becomes crucial, and Bobby is here to guide individuals through these transitional times.

🌟 How Bobby can help you 🌟:

Discover the potential for personal and professional growth through a free, no-pressure coaching conversation exclusively for members of The Opportunity Collective. Bobby invites you to explore coaching firsthand and determine its compatibility with your current season of life. His goal is to empower faithful creators to enhance their capacity to navigate the evolving challenges they face.

🙌 How You Can Help Bobby 🙌:

Making a difference is simple—connect Bobby with more individuals seeking guidance. Bobby is actively seeking new connections to assist leaders in thriving during times of transition. Additionally, he welcomes opportunities to share his insights on podcasts or in person, expanding his reach to impact even more lives.

Join The Opportunity Collective today and collaborate with other emerging leaders to start creating opportunities.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find out more about The Opportunity Collective, LifeMappingU, and everything else Daniel is up to at this⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠menu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠or you can follow Daniel on Instagram @djeccles

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danieleccles.substack.com

Michaela Mantarian has a budding business.

As a florist and entrepreneur, Michaela has served the Chicagoland area by providing beautiful wedding aesthetics. However, her dreams as a faithful creator go beyond working 20 weddings a year.
In her pursuit of long-term sustainability, Michaela has dedicated herself to expanding and enhancing her floral enterprise. Introducing innovations such as a portable bloom bar and personalized mentoring sessions, she is just getting started.

🌟 How Michaela can help you 🌟:

1️⃣ Lightroom Filters: Elevate your photography with Michaela's meticulously crafted Lightroom filters, designed to enhance the work of any aspiring florist.

2️⃣ 1 on 1 Florist Mentorship: Learn the art of floristry from an experienced mentor. Sign up for personalized sessions with Michaela to gain invaluable insights into the world of floral design.

3️⃣ The Florist's Pricing Course: Unlock the secrets to maximizing income in floristry with Michaela's comprehensive course. If you're a fellow faithful creator, connect with Michaela to delve into her process of scaling a business through course development.

🙌 How You Can Help Michaela 🙌:

While Michaela consistently produces engaging content across her Instagram and email platforms, organizing this content to boost her brand's SEO presents a challenge. If you have expertise in blogging or SEO or can offer tools or services to optimize her content, Michaela is eager to connect with you and discuss potential collaborations.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join The Opportunity Collective today and collaborate with other emer⁠ging leaders to start creating opportunities.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find out more about The Opportunity Collective, LifeMappingU, and everything else Daniel is up to at this⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠menu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠or you can follow Daniel on Instagram @djeccles

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danieleccles.substack.com

Meet Steve. Steve can draw.

Contrary to his Instagram handle, he hasn't always pursued illustration. His childhood dream was to become a Disney animator, but he's only recently rekindled this original passion after years of suppressing his talents.

Steve's journey has been diverse, spanning from Illustration to Ministry, then Leadership Development, and back to Illustration.

Steve's story is a tale of illustration and redemption, transforming from experiencing church hurt to becoming a faithful creative. It's a shift from an accidental career to a life of purpose.

🌟 How Steve can help you 🌟:

1️⃣ Illustration: Steve offers commission work for logos and various illustrations. He also provides a unique service called "Toond," where he creates half-cartoon, half-reality portraits of individuals.

2️⃣ Leadership Development: Steve possesses valuable expertise in leadership development, having successfully implemented a program across more than 150 stores in a major retailer affectionately referred to as the "Big Orange Box."

3️⃣ Receive Encouragement and Insight: Follow Steve on Instagram to gain a supportive friend who will cheer you on and offer feedback on your posts.

🙌 How You Can Support Steve 🙌:

Of course, you can support Steve by purchasing his art. He offers prints, merchandise, and even has a book available! If you're not interested in buying Steve's art (though, why not?!), you can still help him by sharing marketing tips and tricks to reach more potential illustration enthusiasts. Your support will enable others to discover and appreciate his exceptional talent.

⁠⁠⁠⁠Join The Opportunity Collective today and collaborate with other emer⁠ging leaders to start creating opportunities.⁠⁠⁠

Find out more about The Opportunity Collective, LifeMappingU, and everything else Daniel is up to at this⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠menu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠or you can follow Daniel on Instagram @djeccles For Career Consulting, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠D⁠anielEccles.com⁠⁠

Addison Newell is a shining example of what it means to be a faithful entrepreneur.

He’s also quite the doer! You’ll find Addison managing a co-working space in Indianapolis called Refinery 46, investing in desirable Indianapolis neighborhoods with his real estate management company, and consulting businesses on how they can be the most efficient and satisfied with their work through his new endeavor, Prevenient Consulting.

Addison carries the same principle of Pfunanane through all of his entrepreneurial ambitions.

To Pfunanane is to help one another.

Pfunanane = Collaboration.

🌟 How Addison can Help You🌟:

1️⃣ Working Genius Consulting: Addison is certified in the Working Genius, a tool that, when integrated into a business, helps everyone be in the best position to do their best work. It’s free to have a conversation with Addison about the Working Genius. He wants to talk to anyone interested in working better!

2️⃣ EOS Consulting: Addison has helped companies successfully integrate an EOS system

3️⃣ Connections: It is not an exaggeration to say that Addison is among the most connected people in Indianapolis and beyond. He loves to connect folks to other people who are passionate about the same things. Reach out to Addison and schedule a conversation!

🙌 How You Can Help Addison 🙌:

Do you have any ideas for how to get more people into Addison’s co-working building? Refinery 46 offers space for work events at incredibly affordable rates. Addison wants to talk to you if you have a workshop and are searching for a room in Indianapolis to hold it!

⁠⁠⁠Join The Opportunity Collective today and collaborate with other emer⁠ging leaders to start creating opportunities.⁠⁠

Find out more about The Opportunity Collective, LifeMappingU, and everything else Daniel is up to at this⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠menu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or you can follow Daniel on Instagram @djeccles For Career Consulting, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DanielEccles.com⁠⁠