One would have to be living under a rock (or a shoe) not to have heard of Soles4Souls Ministry in recent months. Soles4Souls has a simple concept: they get shoes and give them away. You can read more about their history HERE. This is one ministry that went to work immediately and is making a huge impact in the Haiti disaster.
Grace Community Church recently became a collection location for the ministry, but I thought it would be good to get to know the man behind the vision. Wayne Elsey is apparently an incredible leader. The proof is in the growth of the ministry. You can read more about Wayne HERE and follow him on Twitter HERE.
More importantly to Wayne, to get involved to the cause, click HERE.
Here are 10 questions with leader Wayne Elsey:
When you were growing up, is this what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?
My goal was to get out of school, leave home and do something. I was not the best student and did not like school or my home life.
What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?
When I was 12 I was the kid over the summer that did anything. The most opposite I have ever done was scoop dog poop at a dog show. Candidly, that taught me a lesson that I am not too good to do anything – I feel the same way today.
Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?
One person is hard to drill down but there are two people that motivated me to excel – One was my English teacher that told me that I can do anything I wanted to, it was all up to me and that I was in control of me. This encouragement was needed and I have not forgotten. Candidly, she made a huge difference in me shaping my character and desire to succeed. Two would be Bill Hybels – I have read every book he has ever written and watched him in many settings. This guy is a firm leader that gets things done. It is one thing to talk but doing is something totally different.
Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?
Good to Great
What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?
energetic, creative, results
What is your greatest strength in leadership?
Role model – leader – I do what I expect.
What is your greatest weakness in leadership?
Too hands on
What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?
Empower people more. In my current role as CEO, I have to empower people and back off. I am getting better everyday about this as I develop the right people.
What is one misconception about your position you think people may have?
I have an easy job.
If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?
Just do it. Put your mouth into action with your hands. Do not just talk but do. Work hard, work smart and surround yourself with the best people forming a great team.
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