Beyond Profit: Leading with Faith and Purpose in Business

In a world often driven by the bottom line, Graham Singh, CEO and founder of Relèven, offers a refreshing and profoundly impactful perspective on leadership. His journey, from a London School of Economics graduate to an ordained pastor and a pioneer in social purpose real estate, is a testament to the transformative power of integrating faith with business. Relèven, named after the yeast that gives rise to community, is a unique organization focused on addressing property issues for social purpose organizations, primarily congregations and local nonprofits. It's a testament to Singh's belief that the renewal of the church is intrinsically linked to the renewal of community life.

Intentional Faith in Daily Operations

For Singh, living out his faith in the day-to-day operations of Relèven is not an abstract concept but a deeply ingrained practice. He emphasizes the importance of being surrounded by experienced mentors and good people, a principle instilled in him from a young age. His grandfather's advice, "If you've got a problem, go to the top," translates into seeking out those with expertise and information, always taking the call for an introduction.

However, Singh also recognizes that Relèven's model often subverts traditional real estate and finance rules. Unlike pure businesses focused on profit maximization, Relèven prioritizes impact. This means understanding that the land they work with is often tax-exempt, supported by donations, and intended for community benefit. This leads to a radical integrity, where potential conflicts are addressed proactively, rather than delayed. He cites Warren Buffett's advice to only invest in what you understand and to do business with good people as guiding principles, along with the difficult but necessary lesson of hiring slowly and firing fast when a staffing decision proves to be a mismatch.

Biblical principles are not just theoretical for Singh; they are foundational. He points to Acts 2:42-47, depicting the simple yet powerful model of the early church, as a recurring guide. The entire Book of Nehemiah serves as a textbook for rebuilding, financing, and navigating challenges, reminding him that resources can come from unexpected places, and miracles are infused in the process.

Decision-Making Beyond Worldly Practices

Singh shares a powerful example of how faith guided a decision that went against conventional business wisdom. A church approached Relèven with a desire to help "poor people, black people, and indigenous people," yet had no existing relationships with these communities. The financially simple answer would have been to pursue the "highest and best use" of the property, maximizing profit. However, Relèven, guided by its commitment to impact and integrity, paused the project. They helped the church build authentic relationships with the communities they aimed to serve, a process that slowed down the project but ultimately led to a completely different, more impactful direction. This decision, seemingly counter to immediate financial gain, was rooted in understanding the true nature of a charity and its obligations to its stakeholders and the community.

Singh also highlights the importance of owning their expertise in social purpose real estate. In a field without established professional bodies, they've learned to advocate for their specialized knowledge, even when dealing with seasoned professionals like accountants and lawyers. This commitment to their unique expertise has borne significant fruit.

Faith, Generosity, and Financial Stewardship

Relèven's approach to generosity is both heartfelt and strategic. They are often confronted with heartbreaking situations – small country churches vital to their villages facing closure, or marginalized communities with no resources but immense potential. While their hearts compel them to help, Singh recognized the need for a more structural approach to generosity. They actively seek donations from family foundations and donors to create dedicated funds, enabling them to respond effectively to these critical needs. This proactive preparation for generosity, inspired by both faith and the wisdom of others, allows them to make a more significant and sustainable impact.

He also shares an inspiring observation of a New York-based financial asset management group that consistently offered advice out of genuine goodwill, without trying to directly benefit themselves. This demonstrated corporate value of true giving, even when the immediate return isn't apparent, deeply impacted Singh and serves as a model for Relèven's own aspirations.

Encouragement for Christian Business Leaders

Singh approaches the topic of encouraging other Christian business leaders with humility, acknowledging his own past missteps. His core advice is to lean into the opposite of one's natural inclination. For those quick to interject faith into every conversation, he suggests restraint, taking the situation to prayer first. For those who are more reserved, he encourages boldness. He personally strives for restraint, taking time to pray and seek God's guidance before acting, believing that God loves to solve difficult situations.

Looking ahead, Singh is focusing on developing as a coach leader. He's learning to empower his team, allowing them to take ownership and releasing him for more strategic work. This shift, he likens to a pilot moving from 35,000 to 40,000 feet to avoid turbulence, is about hearing God more carefully and navigating challenges with greater wisdom and foresight. It's a journey of continuous growth, where faith informs every decision, every interaction, and every step towards a more purposeful and impactful future.