Who Does God Want to Replace You? (w/ Harry Jones)
On this episode of the Christian Business Leader Podcast, we’re joined by Harry Jones, Succession Planning Catalyst at Cultivating Impact.
Harry Jones spent two decades each leading food distribution and manufacturing companies before answering a higher calling—helping leaders build legacies that outlast them. With deep conviction, Harry shares wisdom from his new book, Succession Planning for Impact, which outlines a practical, biblically grounded model for generational leadership.
Together with host Darren Shearer, they discuss how Christian business leaders can confront fears around succession, define their long-term impact, and prepare others to carry the mission forward. Harry shares personal stories from his own leadership journey and explains how cultivating a successor is part of every believer’s mandate to make disciples.
Harry challenges leaders to rethink transition not as a loss, but as a sacred act of stewardship—one that multiplies their influence, preserves mission, and honors God’s design for leadership that endures beyond a single lifetime.
https://www.cultivatingimpact.biz
Key Takeaways 💡
- Purpose-Driven Awakening: Harry Jones’ faith journey was reignited after a business-as-mission trip to Central Asia, where he witnessed believers boldly living out their faith in restricted nations. Convicted of his own missed opportunities, he returned home with a renewed sense of calling to integrate faith more fully into his business leadership.
- Biblical Blueprint for Succession: Inspired by scriptural examples like Moses and Joshua or Jesus and His disciples, Harry teaches that succession is not optional—it’s discipleship. He encourages leaders to see preparing a successor as a spiritual responsibility that ensures mission continuity.
- Courage to Step Away: Leaving a successful company and a leadership role wasn’t easy. But Harry chose obedience over comfort, giving a 12-month notice without a clear plan—trusting God to guide the next chapter. That step led him to write Succession Planning for Impact and coach others through transition.
- The Identity Trap: Many leaders, Harry warns, equate their worth with their role. Fear of irrelevance, pride, or lack of clarity can keep them from planning their exit. He challenges them to remember: your assignment may end, but your calling does not.
- Clarity Through Community: Through “breakthrough groups,” Harry fosters peer-driven clarity and accountability. These virtual cohorts help business owners uncover answers already within them—while sharing wisdom, asking hard questions, and aligning vision with values.
- Kingdom Legacy, Not Just Exit Strategy: For Harry, succession planning isn’t just a business move—it’s an act of stewardship. Leaders must define their impact early, build a team steeped in shared values, and think beyond liquidation to mission continuation.
- When Leaders Don’t Let Go: Harry recounts cautionary tales of founders who held on too long—stalling growth or causing collapse. He underscores the high cost of inaction, reminding leaders that without a plan, even the most mission-minded businesses can fade overnight.
- Multiplying Influence for the Kingdom: Ultimately, Harry believes true leadership is not measured by titles, but by how well we prepare others to lead. He urges listeners to step aside with faith, elevate others with purpose, and leave behind organizations that reflect Christ long after they’re gone.
Christian Business Leader is the show for marketplace Christians seeking to explore and apply God’s will for business. If you want to learn more about how to do business for the glory of God and shape culture through discipling the business world, this show is for you.
BIG THANKS to this episode’s sponsor: High Bridge Books
High Bridge Books helps Christ-centered authors build a legacy by crafting and publishing messages and stories that glorify God in all spheres of culture.
- High Bridge Books’ professional book publishing package: https://www.highbridgebooks.com/publishing/
- High Bridge Books’ proofreading, line editing, developmental editing, and co-writing services: https://www.highbridgebooks.com/editing-and-proofreading/
- Examples of our books: https://www.highbridgebooks.com/bookstore/
We’re extremely proud that …
- 45% percent of our 204 books under contract were written by authors who have published more than one book with us, and
- 51% percent of our books under contract were referred to us by authors who have previously published with us.
Contact High Bridge Books’ CEO Darren Shearer at [email protected] to get a conversation going about your book!
