Empowering The Next Generation

Over the past few months, we have had the privilege of working with and supporting a cohort of interns, empowering them as the next generation of leaders. In turn, Andy Barnes, Caden Friedt, Caiah Smith, and Lawson Doden have infused AE with fresh perspectives and new ideas. Below are their observations from their time with Ambassador Enterprises.

Tell us about your experience at Ambassador Enterprises.

I’ve spent this summer as the Civic Engagement intern at Ambassador Enterprises. Working at AE has pushed me to continuously learn and grow. Whether learning to use Excel better, solve complicated problems, or maneuver through government websites and databases, I am learning more about people and business every day. I am also learning more about how to grow as a person and a professional.

During your time here, what stood out to you that makes AE unique?

AE is a people business, not a business of people. They put their employees first and care about their well-being and growth. The environment here is very caring and provides ample opportunity to grow. Ambassador’s mission is focused on people and profits, not just profits—this attitude is reflected in every single interaction you experience at AE. Whether you’re a CEO or an intern, an owner of a large firm, or a small mom-and-pop shop, the people at AE treat you with dignity, respect, and love.

How have you grown at AE? (personally or professionally)

I have grown in my patience at AE. I tended to be a very independent worker who didn’t always enjoy working with others. Since being at AE, I have learned to better value the input from others, become a better listener, and seek first to listen than to speak.

How have you been challenged at AE to your own benefit?

One thing that has challenged me at AE is learning to work more in the ideation and planning stages of the work cycle. I tend to favor the implementation portion of the work cycle very heavily. Still, I have been put in positions where I had to build things from the ground up with no blueprint. This challenged me to stretch and grow my ideation and planning skills. While I still prefer the more concrete parts of working, I am now more competent in developing ideas and planning.

Tell us about your experience at Ambassador Enterprises.

My experience at AE as a Philanthropic Partnering intern has truly been eye-opening. As someone with very little background in business, I came as an intern at AE, wanting the experience of being in a business setting. Being a man of Christ, I noticed how the people at AE integrate faith into everyday tasks, which stood out to me.

During your time here, what stood out to you that makes AE unique?

The way AE integrates faith in the workspace is remarkable. In every meeting, every interaction, and every person I have met, I felt the presence of God. They not only create followers of God but leaders of leaders. Everyone can be a leader, and the environment allows for that to be possible.

How have you grown at AE? (personally or professionally)

I have grown in my faith at AE, and I have been drawn closer to God. As a young entrepreneur, I have understood what a Christian-centered company can look like. Professionally, AE allowed me to grow in my connections and professional interactions. I learned how to be a leader in the business world and to express my ideas for the better of the people around me.

How have you been challenged at AE to your own benefit?

I have been challenged to be patient with people and understand how different people are motivated. This has also allowed me to include this in my personal life. I had to step out of my comfort zone and be in new situations. I realized that God planned to use this in my life—this was God’s reasoning for having me here. The people I have met all have a story; just meeting them can change your perspective on life.

Tell us about your experience at Ambassador Enterprises.

My experience at Ambassador Enterprises has been unique compared to other places I’ve worked. The intentionality they pour into everything they do is phenomenal. Whether it’s how they begin the process of writing an impact story or in a one-on-one conversation, they persistently strive to leave a greater impact on the world around them. They have given me so many opportunities to grow and learn new things—both personally and professionally. They don’t hesitate to challenge me when they think I have potential in something.

During your time here, what stood out to you that makes AE unique?

Ambassador Enterprises is not at all what I was expecting. As soon as I walked through their doors, I realized they prioritize people and relationships above all else. They are about developing and equipping leaders. They serve their partners, who are then able to better serve their employees, who are then able to better serve their communities.

How have you grown at AE? (personally or professionally)

A couple of ways I have grown here are in my humility and desire to learn. Ambassador Enterprises highly prioritizes growth and learning. They consistently push to challenge themselves and are willing to learn from anyone or anything. Everyone is willing to be corrected and has no pride of authorship when it comes to their contributions to any success. They truly want what is most beneficial for projects according to their values. I have learned what it means to desire growth above all else in the workplace.

How have you been challenged at AE to your own benefit?

One thing that has challenged me at AE is how process is elevated. I struggle to feel useful and productive when I don’t have tangible results for my efforts. As I have been surrounded by the culture at AE, I have learned what it means to really come together as a team and collaborate. This collaboration may mean a longer process with more steps, but when everyone’s gifts, knowledge, and abilities are leveraged—it is a beautiful and exceptional thing. Everyone brings something unique to the table, and that can make all the difference.

Tell us about your experience at Ambassador Enterprises.

I have worked in the Performance Acceleration Investment Lane for the past two months. I plan to work within all the investment lanes to explore everything AE is doing and to see impact across different sectors of the community. My experience has been full of meeting wonderful people and experiencing a Christ-centered culture.

During your time here, what stood out to you that makes AE unique?

The intentional focus on Christ and the character of the people at Ambassador have stood out to me. AE strives to invest resources and time into the lives of others and in the community. I appreciate how AE seeks to think deeply and truly explore the world around them.

How have you grown at AE? (personally or professionally)

I have seen Christ in the people here at AE, and the strong community surrounding me has helped strengthen my faith. I’ve gained an understanding of what’s expected in a business setting and have been encouraged to pursue personal development inside and outside the office.

How have you been challenged at AE to your own benefit?

I am challenged continuously at AE to learn and grow in my relationship with Christ and in the pursuit of wisdom. I’m constantly challenged to apply my mind to different tasks—to think creatively and look ahead to the future with a new perspective.

Ambassador Enterprises is committed to fostering personal, professional, and spiritual growth. We believe everyone has the potential to lead when given the opportunity to leverage their strengths and God-given gifts. We look forward to our next cohort of interns and the positive impact they will have on our future and the future of their generation. Thank you, interns!