The Flywheel of Flourishing

What happens when a Christian school leader thinks like an entrepreneur and leads with intention? In last week’s episode, I sat down with Weston Kurz, executive director (and soon-to-be CEO of the foundation) at Dayspring Christian Academy in Greeley, Colorado — and the result is one of the most thought-provoking conversations I’ve had on transformative education.

Weston has served Dayspring for 13 years, first as a parent, then board president, and eventually as executive director. He brings a unique perspective shaped by experience in banking, governance, and now executive leadership. But what really stands out is his passion for whole-person education — and his conviction that Christian schools are uniquely equipped to help students flourish in every sense of the word.

In this episode, Weston and I explore what it means to flourish — not just academically or spiritually, but holistically. Weston shares how this concept changed his view of education and leadership. “Flourishing is the whole human experience,” he says. “It’s about educating, training, and equipping the entire child — heart, soul, mind, and body — to live out God's calling.”

But flourishing doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentionality, alignment, and a mindset of transformation. Weston makes the case that without a clear, shared mindset — from the boardroom to the classroom — schools can easily drift from their mission. His own journey from board leadership to school administration has given him a front-row seat to how vital it is to build trust, unity, and clarity across every level of a school.

One theme that runs throughout the conversation is student engagement. Weston observes that in today's educational climate — where families have more choices than ever — schools must be responsive to the needs of students. “The student is the customer,” he says. “And if we’re not offering meaningful, engaging opportunities, we’re failing them — both educationally and spiritually.”

Enter: the entrepreneurial mindset. Weston has seen firsthand how entrepreneurship can unlock student potential. He shares the story of a student-led coffee shop launched on campus — a venture that sparked real-world learning, genuine teamwork, and visible growth. Weston also challenges educators to embrace personal growth and cultivate grit — not just in students, but in themselves. “If you’ve been teaching for 25 years, you probably need a mindset reset,” he says. And he means it with love. Personal development, he argues, isn’t just a nice idea. It’s a cultural lever that creates momentum — what Jim Collins would call a flywheel — throughout a school. Get a few people growing, get a few small wins, and suddenly you have movement.

It’s clear from this conversation that Weston sees Christian education not as a safe haven from the world, but as a launchpad for students to engage the world with purpose, creativity, and resilience. He believes deeply that entrepreneurship belongs in Christian schools — not simply as an elective or business project, but as a mindset woven into the fabric of transformative education.

If you're leading in a school, serving on a board, teaching in a classroom, or raising up the next generation, this episode is for you. Weston offers practical insight and genuine encouragement for anyone seeking to align their work with the deeper mission of Christian education.

FOUR STEPS TO LAUNCHING AN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM

1. Select the teacher - I have a tool to help with selection

2. Identify between eight and twelve students for the pilot class

3. Train and certify the teacher - I have a program for this with curriculum included

4. Start the year-long class - Follow the plan and an on-campus business will be launched mid-year

After the launch, student interest will drive the future growth of the program. For more on the process, visit our website at https://www.seedtreegroup.com/

The future of education is bright indeed!