Episode 105 · May 23, 2023
Carol Mathews: Head Storyteller for Hero Productions
with Carol Mathews, Founder & Head Storyteller, Hero Productions
30 min
Carol Mathews: Head Storyteller for Hero Productions
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In this episode
In this episode I sit down with my friend Carol Mathews, the head storyteller and founder of Hero Productions. Carol and I are part of the same mastermind group, so I've had a front-row seat to her gift for encouragement, connection, and creativity — and I've wanted to have her on for a long time. Her background is in film and video, and over the years she's produced television series that aired on ESPN, TBN, and the Family Channel. But what she really does is help people tell their story well, no matter the medium.
Carol walks us through something I believe every business needs and so many skip: a clear mission, vision, and values. She breaks it down simply — what you do every day is your mission, why you do it is your vision, and how you make decisions is your values. I love that she reminds us purpose isn't just for nonprofits and churches; providing good jobs, mentoring younger employees, and building a healthy culture is meaningful work too.
We also get into the moment her work and her faith first intersected, and how that set her on an ongoing pursuit of purposeful clients. Carol shares her belief that we're all a product of the stories we immerse ourselves in — and that if she can help someone tell a truer story, she can help change what people believe about themselves and the world. It's a raw, generous conversation, and I think you'll walk away encouraged. Keep going.
Key takeaways
- Get clear on the three pillars: what you do every day is your mission, why you do it is your vision, and how you make decisions is your values.
- Don't be overly clever with your mission — clarity is the win. Even the most novice person in your arena should understand what you do.
- A strong vision should be aspirational enough to take a lifetime (or two) to achieve; it points the direction even if you never fully arrive.
- Keep your vision, mission, and values as steady bedrock. Goals and hiring strategies shift year to year, but they should always grow out of those pillars.
- Mission, vision, and values act like a homing signal — they attract employees who already align with you, putting you steps ahead on energy and unity.
- Purpose isn't reserved for churches and nonprofits. Providing employment, mentoring people, and building good culture is meaningful, God-honoring work too.
- We are a product of the stories we immerse ourselves in — culture is downstream from story, so the narratives we take in shape what we believe and how we live.
- Find or create a mastermind. Different perspectives, brainstorming, problem-solving, and a heavy dose of encouragement will keep you moving forward.
“It was the first time that my work and my faith intersected. And I'll tell you that when that happens, you're never the same.”
“The why is the thing that matters. It's the thing that's going to matter on my deathbed — not how big the company got or how much money I made, but the difference I made.”
“We are all a product of the stories that we immerse ourselves in, and culture is downstream from story.”
“I never had the sense to look for money. I was always looking for people doing amazing things.”
Resources mentioned
- ToolHero Productions
About Carol
Founder & Head Storyteller, Hero Productions
Carol Mathews is the founder and head storyteller of Hero Productions. With a background in film and video production, she has produced television series that aired on ESPN, TBN, and the Family Channel. Today she helps nonprofits, businesses, and individuals tell their story well across podcasting, video, live events, and books, and works with organizations to define their mission, vision, and values.
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