Life and Leadership: Thriving in Abundance and Overflow

In a world often defined by scarcity and limitation, Matthew Carte, founder of Perissouo Holdings, LLC, offers a compelling counter-narrative: a life and leadership driven by abundance and overflow, centered on Christ. His company's name, 'Perissouo,' a Greek word meaning to excel, overflow, or abound, encapsulates this philosophy, drawing directly from biblical passages like John 10:10, where Jesus promises life in abundance.

The Foundation of Abundance: Perissouo

For Carte, Perissouo is more than just a company name; it's a foundational principle. It signifies an unending wellspring of grace, mercy, and all that Christ offers. This concept of overflowing abundance, where resources and opportunities never run dry, is the spiritual bedrock upon which his entrepreneurial ventures are built. It's a constant reminder that in every business endeavor, the reality of abundance should be present.

Faith as the Entrepreneur's Compass

Leadership, whether in ministry or the marketplace, demands faith. Carte emphasizes that true faith isn't a mere platitude; it's the audacious step out of the boat, trusting God to walk on water. He challenges the conventional wisdom that funnels individuals into employee roles, lamenting the untapped potential of those who never discover their entrepreneurial 'music.' For Carte, fulfilling one's highest calling, especially in pioneering ventures, necessitates this profound act of faith.

Navigating Decisions with Divine Guidance

When faced with significant decisions, Carte's approach is rooted in prayer and godly counsel. He echoes Zig Ziglar's sentiment: while an audible voice may not always be present, a lack of peace or a sense of inner 'checking' serves as a clear indicator to pause. This discernment process, reminiscent of King David's consistent inquiry of the Lord before battle, is crucial. The bigger the decision, the more deliberate and slow the process, often involving trusted brothers in the Lord who can probe motives and offer objective perspective.

Distinguishing Peace from Fear

For those grappling with the distinction between a 'gut check' and fear, Carte offers profound wisdom. He asserts that a deep relationship with God, where one knows His voice, is paramount. If you are committed to the Lord, and He is number one in your life, you can approach Him with your intentions, stating, 'Lord, unless you say otherwise, I'm going to do this.'

Entrepreneurship inherently involves fear, especially when pioneering something new. However, Carte encourages leaders to settle one crucial truth: God can use any outcome. Even in the face of potential failure – bankruptcy or setbacks – having the faith to believe that God will work it out, because the decision was made with prayer, counsel, and the best available discernment, is liberating. This perspective transforms potential failures into opportunities for God's redemptive work.

Embracing the Lonely Path and the Transformative Journey

Entrepreneurship often begins as a lonely path. Carte acknowledges the inherent isolation of creating something from nothing, of digging holes in concrete. He reassures those feeling discouraged that they are not alone in this experience. His advice: invest in yourself through education and intentional relationships. He highlights his own connection with Alastair Howie, forged at a coaching event, as an example of how relationships can yield the greatest dividends, even when an event's immediate fruit might seem limited.

Finally, drawing from Jim Rohn, Carte emphasizes that the ultimate reward of the entrepreneurial journey isn't just financial success, but who you become. The process of navigating challenges, exercising faith, and trusting God in uncertain times shapes character and refines one's identity. This transformation, becoming more aligned with the image of God, is the most valuable outcome of all. It’s a journey where even in perceived failures, the growth and refinement of the individual are paramount.

Call to Action

Embrace the abundance that Christ offers. Cultivate a deep relationship with God, seeking His guidance in every decision. Invest in godly counsel and intentional relationships. And remember, the entrepreneurial journey, though often lonely, is a powerful crucible for personal transformation, shaping you into the leader you are destined to become.