UPK
Louis Upkins
I am passionate about purposeful living and the impact it can have. After a long and successful career as an entrepreneur, author, speaker and ally in the entertainment industry, with projects as diverse as brokering deals between Oprah and Starbucks, and consulting on national campaigns for the likes of McDonald’s, Gap, and UPS, I’ve turned my attention to the one thing that I believe matters most for businesses and individuals – a life lived with purpose. After serving as CEO of The Lifebook Company, a Partner of Executive Development at GiANT Impact, and a national speaker at Lifework Leaders, I’ve seen the immense impact intentional living can have. Those with it prosper at home and at work. Those without it struggle to make sense of the world and achieve at their highest potential. A graduate of Leadership Nashville in 2004 and Leadership Middle Tennessee in 2006, I bring a keen eye for purposeful leadership with me everywhere I go. I currently serve on the boards of NASBA Center for Public Trust, Friends of Warner Park, and the YMCA of Middle Tennessee and previously served on the boards of the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, Leadership Middle Tennessee, and New Hope Academy in Franklin, TN.

What is the ministry challenge keeping you up at night?

Nothing that keeping me up at night. What concerns me most about humanity is the heart of the world. We've lost our ability to love and see one another.

What is the greatest hope for God’s work in 2023 you’re dreaming about?

Love thy neighbor as thyself

What is a non-ministry activity that brings you joy and energy?

Serving business leaders and mentorship

What are the top 1-3 essentials for the Church in America to address to reach those who are spiritually open, but not yet following Jesus?

1. Meet spiritually open where they are in their walk even if we don't agree with the direction of the journey.2. Let the church model the ability to love and not judge people 3. Model love...
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