Paul Lafrance, CEO/Founder, Paul Lafrance Design, Pickering, ON, known internationally as “the Deck Guy”, has wowed television audiences for years in shows like “Decked Out,” “Deck Wars,”, “Disaster Decks” and “Custom Built.” Paul is renowned for his ability to “get inside people’s heads” and incorporate personal stories into his designs. “Most people in the world believe that not only do others not know their story, but they don’t care to” says Paul.

The result of his approach is that people’s redesigned homes reflect their unique interests and family life in truly remarkable ways. His philosophy is to constantly push past barriers, both in design and in life, which has not only made countless jaw-dropping designs possible, but also has made a real impact on the lives of those he’s worked with.

Paul will be speaking at this year’s Entrepreneurial Leaders Conference in Toronto on Nov 16^th on the topic of “The Power of Authenticity & Vulnerability:  New Benchmarks for Leadership.” Here is Paul, in his own words.

“Bringing God into the marketplace sounds like a wonderful idea doesn’t it? It seems like it’s a smart thing to do. After all He is God and everything, and He obviously wants us to reach the world. Right? Well…if you want to truly invite God into your business for the purpose of reaching the world around you, I think it’s a wise idea to understand how the world around you typically views Christians. Let’s just say…it ain’t good.”

“Not only is there the general Consensus that Christians are hypocritical, judgmental, and pretentious, but most people feel that any Christian they come into any form of relationship with has an agenda! They don’t feel the relationship is real, because they feel that the purpose of the relationship is to win their souls! If there is a truth that I think applies to business, as well as any relationship in general, its this…nobody wants to be sold! The negative stigma that Christians have in the marketplace needs to get stomped.”

"So how do we stomp the stigma of Christians in the marketplace?

1. LOSE YOUR AGENDA! Have real relationships with people for the purpose of relationship, not their salvation! God is the one who draws the heart. Not us. Stop trying to be Holy Spirit Junior. That method of evangelism doesn’t work today. People don’t want to be sold. Instead, be an authentic person. Live outwardly and love aggressively. That’s what makes people ask questions.
2. STOP TRYING TO BE PERFECT! Never trust a man without a limp. When God is transforming the heart in order to free us from fear, HE VERY RARELY PULLS HIS PUNCHES! Some of the most impacting conversations I’ve had with people about God came out of the times when I wanted to scream obscenity’s at Him! He asked me to be exactly who I am, and be completely real with people…so I did. It was liberating! That vulnerability has countless times been the catalyst for people hungry for God to actually want to find Him, because they saw my faith IN my struggles, which made it far more believable than the blissful Christian life others had been trying to sell them.
3. TALK ABOUT YOUR STORY, AND ASK ABOUT THEIRS. Making people feel safe to tell their own stories will never happen unless you are vulnerable first. Real connection with people happens only through vulnerability. I never meet a client for the first time without mentioning something self-deprecating about myself, and the fact that I have four daughters, which usually starts a conversation about “hormones” right away! Instantaneously, they know they are talking to a real person, not a salesman with an agenda. I find it to be a very enjoyable thing when the business people I’m meeting for the first time know that I’m “religious,” but after spending time with them having real conversations, are actually puzzled why I didn’t bring up God at all? Then THEY bring up God! It’s funny what God can do when we aren’t trying to do it for Him.
4. UNDERSTAND THE LANGUAGE OF MONEY. It has often been said, if you want to know where someone is in their relationship with God…watch how they are with their money. The world is ruled by money. If you are, then you will be seen as no different than the world. Christians have a reputation of being some of the cheapest people out there. When in doubt…tip double!

It is so important to understand that God’s heart is for us to ADVENTURE with Him. We can’t truly enjoy the adventure when we are ruled by fear. Who has more fun on a roller coaster? Is it those with their hands in the air…or those gripping the bar like grim death? If the roller coaster was to fly off the tracks and crash to the ground, it’s not like gripping the bar is going to save you…so you might as well enjoy the ride. If you have that mindset toward God in your business, I promise you, the world will wonder what is so different about you.”