Being a Christian requires a different approach to success according to Taffa Jefferson, former NFL Player and CEO and founder of Amada Senior Care.
Jefferson gave a presentation on Tuesday in the Hoynack Room about being a Christian in today’s cultural environment as part of the Kehoe Executive Speaker Series.
“What makes a business run by a Christian unique is that it’s really driven out of your passion to serve others,” Jefferson said. “If you pursue your ministry and you’re willing to work for free, there’s a good chance you’re going to be successful in whatever endeavor you decide.”
Jefferson started his company in 1997. He attributed his success to treating employees fairly under good management, healthy competition, and a willingness to take risks.
“You have to be incredibly assertive,” Jefferson said. “Don’t be afraid of failures and embarrassment.”
Jefferson discussed the importance of culture in the workplace. He said Hillsdale College is an example of a culture with deep core values.
“One of the things that I focus on in companies is if you are a good value match for us culture-wise,” Jefferson said. “Maybe it won’t be a good fit, right? And that’s okay.”
Jefferson said he believes it’s important for a company to know its “DNA,” the driving values that make up the company’s goals. Amada Senior Care’s values are based on Christianity and a desire to serve others, Jefferson said, adding that he praises God for his company’s success.
Jefferson gave a brief explanation of the purpose of Amada Senior Care, which is to “serve seniors that are in need.” This is accomplished through at-home care, or by directing the family to assisted living or memory care should that be a better fit.
“I would make sure to check my pride at the door because a business is really about serving other people, it’s not about the money, it really isn’t, and that’s why I opened earlier with follow your passion and do what you want to do that you can do for free, because you want to make sure your work is rewarding,” Jefferson said.
He said Amada’s core values are compassion, maturity, competitiveness, urgency, and diligence. Jefferson said that while an entrepreneur should have humility, there should also be a sense of confidence.
“Surround yourself with like-minded individuals,” Jefferson said. “Always try to be with others that are far more successful. Constantly learn and be inquisitive.”
Senior Kiley Hatch, member of the Kehoe Entrepreneurship Program discussed how a wide variety of non-business majors are part of the program.
Part of the group’s responsibilities include attending seminars such as Taffa Jefferson’s presentation as part of the Kehoe Executive Speaker Series.
“I’m a theater major,” Hatch said. “My friends are art and English majors. The thing we have in common is that we all have started or want to start a business.”
