Jeff Kern: Finding Peace in the Midst of a Crisis

Orlando Business Podcast with Eric English

Jeff Kern: Finding Peace in the Midst of a Crisis

Even if you haven’t gotten sick or know anyone who has, COVID-19 has upended life as we know it. Daily routines have been disrupted. Projects have been put on hold. Many are struggling financially. Our social and mental states have been taxed beyond what many have ever experienced. Businesses are failing…

Yet there is hope. And there are things you can do to cultivate practices that will help bring peace to your soul in the midst of this current storm.

In today’s episode I’m joined by Jeff Kern who serves as a pastor of Summit Church here in Orlando. Jeff is married, and he and his wife of 32 years, Jill, have 4 children, 3 sons-in-law, and 2 grandchildren. Jeff has a diverse professional background both in the business sector and the non-profit sector. He has served as a CFO and COO in the marketplace as well as a CEO of an international non-profit. Jeff specializes in increasing the capacity of leaders and the organizations they serve.

Jeff is an interesting mix of businessman and pastor. He can make the tough, careful decisions a businessman faces while simultaneously being mindful of the greater purposes businesses serve and of the souls of the people those businesses touch.

That’s why I wanted to talk to Jeff today. I felt he could bring a sense of balance to the crisis – and, boy, did he!

We talk about many different things in our conversation, but the two big topics we cover are self-care and advice for small businesses.

On self-care…

We’re wired for connection. We’re wired to be in community and in relationships. Jeff recommends that we connect through digital means, chat with neighbors at the recommended distance, and if you’re lucky enough to have family members in your home, connect with them.

We’re wired for structure. Reestablish routine in your life and provide some semblance of routine and order for your kids. We all do better when we know what to expect of ourselves and others.

We’re wired with a fight or flight response. So limit your exposure to the news. Just get what information you need, and then turn the negative flow off.

We thrive when we feel a sense of control. There are many things we can’t control right now, but instead of focusing on what is outside our control, focus on what you can control – your thoughts, your habits, your personal development, your daily routines…

We’re designed to accomplish things. It’s important that you feel like you’ve accomplished something. So set goals with clear finish lines. Even the very small goals count. Reaching small milestones will help you keep up momentum. So, celebrate even the small wins!

Jeff’s recommendations to businesses:

To move forward, operate in reality. Many businesses with fail, but the end of a business doesn’t mean the end of you, and challenges will draw out strength and character qualities you didn’t know were there.

As a business leader, you’ve got to protect the core. Get rid of everything not fixed and try to negotiate terms with your vendors. Consider applying for government aid. If you need to trim and/or layoff, lead by example. What sacrifices can you make? Consider a “share sacrifice” method, where everyone’s wages are lowered. Furlough option – is basically a promise of future work once the business is back on its feet.

For marketing and your presence in the community, just focus on building relationships and creating win-wins. Tell your stories during this time. Add value wherever you came. It will both show your brand and develop your brand by showing who you are and what you’re made of.

If you’re an employee, make yourself invaluable to the organization that’s employing you.

Listen in and begin to cultivate the practices that will bring a sense of peace during this time.

Quotes:

“Distancing is not good for the emotions, not good for the soul.” – Jeff Kern

“Peace comes when I gain perspective.” – Jeff Kern

“Learn the practice of looking upward.” – Jeff Kern

“Peace is not passive.” – Jeff Kern

“There’s always an opportunity in the midst of a challenge.” – Jeff Kern

“Do your best to future think…Now is the time for recreating and creating for the future.” – Jeff Kern

Some Questions I Ask:

• How can we find peace in times of crisis, like COVID-19? (10:15)
• How does fear relate to our ability to live fully in the present? (28:01)
• How can we honestly look at the situation without dwelling on it but moving forward? (40:43)
• How does a business deal with potentially having to lay off employees? (43:56)
• How can small businesses learn more about federal aid? (49:28)
• During this time, how should businesses do branding and marketing, and how can they help the community? (51:56)

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• How Jeff realized he was wired for management and leadership (06:39)
• How to find peace in the midst of a crisis (11:00)
• About the psychology of crisis (21:00)
• How to feel connected to others during this time (21:51)
• How to create a needed sense of structure and routine (23:53)
• About our wired fight-flight response (26:30)
• How to feel more in control (33:47)
• That we’re designed for competency (35:38)
• Why it’s important to stay productive (39:11)
• About the tough decisions small business are facing during this them. (43:56)

Connect with Jeff Kern:

• [e-mail]

Also Mentioned on This Show:

• Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida
• John 16:33
• Psalm 13 message at Summit Church, March 29
• Psalm 27:13-14
• Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
• Information on Paycheck Protection Program Loans