Unified in faith, business leaders deliver leadership lessons at CEO Summit

The Liberty University School of Business’ second annual “Networking the Nations” CEO Summit, held on campus Oct. 5-7, was a resounding success.

The school welcomed 675 CEOs, political figures, athletes, and world-class faith leaders to campus with the goal of uniting industry minds from around the globe in promoting faith, friendship, and Judeo-Christian biblical business principles.

Summit keynote speakers included Steve Green, President of Hobby Lobby; Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House; Winsome Sears, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia; and Kevin Roberts, President of the Heritage Foundation. Pastor Jonathan Falwell, and Liberty Provost and Chief Academic Officer Scott Hicks also spoke.

The event featured several former professional athletes, including NASCAR legend and Vice Chairman for Hendrick Motorsports Jeff Gordon and former NFL player and president of Opportunity Zones Jack Brewer.

Pastor Forson Swanzy, President of Forerunners Generation International, was a co-sponsor of the summit.

Panel topics covered a broad range of business, national security, and faith topics, including Christian leadership lessons through the eyes of CEO women, new frontiers in technology and networks, driving business in Africa, and more. World-class leaders were highlighted throughout the summit, from General Keith Kellogg, former national security advisor to Mike Pence and Donald Trump, to three of the top CEOs in the Kingdom Financial Planning world, to clerks to Supreme Court justices.

More than a networking environment, the CEO Summit eventually transforms itself into a place of business transactions. The event consists of panels, breakout sessions, and opportunities for students to network with local, national, and international CEOs. Many African diplomats and business leaders were able to pitch investment opportunities to American CEOs. Many new deals are already in the works that involve 3-D printing of housing, several green energy applications that can help Africa, and several educational initiatives.

John Mahama, who served as president of Ghana from 2012-2017, participated in panels following his Convocation visit and was presented the Global Leadership and Economic Impact Award.

Dave Brat, dean of the School of Business, said he was hugely impressed by our positive LU student interaction and by the leadership lessons of the CEOs.

“Knowledge was front and center in every session,” he said. “Business knowledge and experience put them in these high-power positions, but knowledge of how to successfully integrate faith and biblical principles into the business sphere is the special sauce of this summit. All of the feedback has been positive and especially noted is the loving spirit and the faith and friendship that is all over the summit, from students to CEOs.”

For more coverage of the 2022 CEO Summit, read the following articles:

• Former Supreme Court clerks participate in Liberty University CEO Summit
• Panelists take on national security issues at Liberty University CEO Summit

• Hobby Lobby President Steve Green talks stewardship of God’s gifts at CEO summit
• CEO Summit: Local business leaders address Liberty’s impact on the region, partnership benefits

• CEO Summit: Newt Gingrich says Christians are engaged in ‘cultural civil war,’ university must remain vigilant

• Jeff Gordon shares stories from life on the fast track during Liberty University’s CEO Summit

• Female CEOs share testimonies, leadership principles for world-changers
• Liberty University honors former President of Ghana John Mahama with global leadership award

Visit the School of Business to learn more about degree programs and future summit events.