Last month, the world paused to mourn the passing of Pope Francis—a humble shepherd whose leadership transcended political lines and religious boundaries. His departure left me reflecting: what lessons can those of us working in boardrooms, factories, and businesses take from his example? For me, the answer lies in a faith that isn’t just about rituals but is shown in the everyday acts of service, integrity, and compassion.
Faith as a Guiding Principle
True faith in business starts with the simple but profound idea: “Treat others how you want to be treated.” That timeless principle has been reinterpreted in modern movements like redemptive entrepreneurship, Faith-Driven Investment (FDI), and Faith-Driven Entrepreneurship (FDE), to name a few. These communities emphasize that respect, transparency, and a commitment to doing things right, even when no one is watching, are not just ideals—they are foundational to building resilient, people-centered businesses.
In Kenya’s fast-paced entrepreneurial world, I’ve seen many entrepreneurs caught up in the chase for numbers—be it revenue targets, investor expectations, or market share. Yet, what I’ve come to understand is that when a business is anchored in faith, those numbers become secondary. What truly matters is the impact on people’s lives. I recall a conversation with a small manufacturer who faced a tough choice: use cheaper materials to boost profits short-term, or stick with high-quality ingredients that aligned with his values. He chose to prioritize product safety, even if it meant sacrificing immediate profit. It was a decision that echoed Pope Francis’s teaching that true leadership protects the most vulnerable.
Faith in business is not about using scripture as a marketing tool or plastering motivational quotes around the office. It’s in the quiet moments—the CEO who extends payroll by a day to support an employee in need, the team who rejects a lucrative deal that conflicts with their values, or the investor who chooses to back businesses focused on dignity, not just dividends.
At Kua Ventures, I’ve witnessed faith-driven leaders face storms that would have sunk profit-only companies. Their secret? A sense of calling that refuses to compromise on ethics.
Faith is Smart Business
Investors, take note: supporting entrepreneurs who lead with faith is not a gamble—it’s a sound strategy. These businesses attract loyal employees who stick around through the ups and downs. Customers trust them, even when mistakes are made, because they know these leaders will take responsibility and fix things. Boards benefit too, from decision-making that’s grounded in clear, ethical frameworks, minimizing the risks of scandal and short-term thinking.
But as the saying goes, faith without action is empty. So, here are three simple but powerful steps I encourage every business leader to take:
Live radical transparency
Share your victories and struggles openly. When your team understands the full picture—both the highs and the lows—they become true partners in your mission, not just employees working for a pay check.
Measure human impact
Beyond just tracking revenue growth, look at the real impact you’re having—how many families are supported, how many jobs are created, and how many lives are touched. These numbers give deeper meaning to your profits and remind everyone why the business exists in the first place.
Lead in service
Inspired by Pope Francis’s humility, ask yourself every day: Whom can I serve today? Whether it’s a new intern needing guidance or a supplier struggling to stay afloat, these small acts of service build a culture that outlasts any business cycle.
At Kua Ventures, we are fortunate to work alongside founders who are not just building businesses, but creating lasting legacies of hope. We’ve seen factories open up in rural areas—communities where young people once saw only limited opportunities. We’ve helped agribusinesses that pay smallholder farmers on time and fairly, empowering entire communities to shift from subsistence living to financial stability. These are not isolated stories; they are the tangible fruits of faith in action.
As the world continues to honor Pope Francis’s legacy of compassion and humility, let us bring that spirit into our businesses. When faith guides our boardrooms and our balance sheets, we create a marketplace that is not only more humane but more resilient. Ultimately, it’s not just about what we build—it’s about who we become along the way, and whose lives we touch in the process.