Listen "Vanessa Russell"
Episode Synopsis
Christian Capitalist Podcast With Rich Sanders Living Generously: Vanessa Russell on Catholic Charities, the Poor, and the Power of Purpose In this inspiring episode, host Rich Sanders welcomes Vanessa Russell, CEO of Catholic Charities Atlanta and former corporate executive, for a wide-ranging conversation about service, faith, and what it means to truly love your neighbor. Vanessa shares the story of her unexpected transition from corporate life to nonprofit leadership and how the words of Pope Francis, her late father, and a lifetime of military family experience shaped her mission to serve. From helping veterans navigate the VA to transforming financial literacy for families, Catholic Charities Atlanta works to lift people into lives of dignity and self-sufficiency. Vanessa shares real stories, hard-won lessons, and a moving reminder: “Charity that leaves the poor as they are is not sufficient.” This is a must-listen for anyone called to align their business, faith, and generosity. In This Episode: • 02:30 Vatican Transitions & Pope Francis’ Legacy • 09:45 The Call to Transform, Not Just Sustain • 14:30 A Story of Dignity: Veteran Outreach in Action • 19:30 From Uniform to Uncertainty • 26:15 From the Corporate World to Catholic Charities • 33:00 Seeing the Human Behind the Struggle • 38:15 Financial Education: The Secret Sauce of Self-Sufficiency • 44:00 Volunteers, Donors & Living Out the Faith • 50:20 The Heart of Catholic Social Teaching • 56:45 Work as Worship, Giving as Glory Quotes: · “Charity that leaves the poor as they are is not sufficient.” [10:10] · “If I can help, I should serve—not for my glory, but for the glory of our Creator.” [31:30] · “You may not be able to do everything, but if God puts someone in your path and you can help them—you should.” [57:40] Relevant Links: · Christian Capitalist Website Catholic Charities Atlanta: catholiccharitiesatlanta.org AmeriCorps Program – A key partner in launching Catholic Charities’ veterans support program The ARC (Army Residence Community) – Military retirement community discussed by Rich and Vanessa Book Mentioned: The Christian Capitalist
More episodes of the podcast The Christian Capitalist Podcast
Gabby Hamilton
07/10/2025
Bruce Bailey and Jared Cartee
23/09/2025
Chris Cumby
16/09/2025
Jose Rohena Jr.
09/09/2025
Arthur Missirlian
01/09/2025
Julie Labelle
25/08/2025
Trey Abshier
18/08/2025
Jillian Dacey
11/08/2025
Joseph "Jojo" Gallagher
04/08/2025
Joanne Hickox (Part 2)
28/07/2025