Episode 176: Harland Merriam & his book, Profit Seeks Purpose: How to Make Money Without Losing Your Soul

ABOUT HARLAND

Harland Merriam is a pastor, coach, real estate investor, and trusted guide for faith-driven entrepreneurs. With decades of experience in ministry and business, Harland knows the tension between outward success and inner rest—and the power of walking that journey in community. Through mastermind groups, retreats, and one-on-one coaching, he helps men and women align their work with their faith, uncover what truly matters, and build lasting impact without losing their souls in the process. Harland lives in DeLand, Florida, with his wife, Barbara. He drinks homemade kombucha, grows daylilies, and believes that the best success stories are the ones where God gets the glory.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

• Harland shares his journey from military service member to pastor, entrepreneur, and author

• The significance of a pastor’s heart in business and community settings

• How mentors and faith played a role in his life pivot points

• Reconciling science and faith: seeing both sides as valuable

• The story behind his book "Profit Seeks Purpose" and its core message• Lessons from COVID-19 on community, faith, and resilience

• The concept of marketplace ministry and living both worlds authentically

• The importance of listening, understanding, and community conversations

• Harland’s superpower: slowing down and reflecting for growth

• His reflections on leadership, legacy, and embracing different life roles

The MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Harland is, How are you embracing the paradoxes in life — two things that typically aren't associated with each other — and making them work for you and those around you?

FIND HARLAND

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlandmerriam/

• Book: Profit Seeks Purpose: How to Make Money Without Losing Your Soul

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harland.merriam

• Twitter: https://x.com/harlandmerriam

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harlandmerriam/

LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article:

CHAPTERS

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Harland Merriam

00:55- Introduction & Bio

01:44 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

02:53 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

40:04 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

45:33 - What do you consider your superpower?

49:26 - What does leadership mean to you?

52:13 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

01:11:04 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?

01:21:19 - What’s next for your writing?

01:19:33 - What book has inspired you?

01:22:14 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

• Watch on YouTube
• Listen on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

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