You are still here because what your life is meant to do is bigger than what tried to stop you. The struggle did not happen because you were weak. It happened because what you carry matters.

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with Dr. Robert Bess, Christian author of PRESERVED, entrepreneur, and Kingdom leader, to explore what it means to be sustained by faith through trauma, leadership, and calling. Dr. Bess shares his extraordinary survival story, including a childhood marked by abuse, thirteen near-death experiences, and the faith that carried him through seasons of pain, responsibility, and rebuilding.

He opens up about building and leading multiple businesses, raising his children as a single father, and learning how to get things done without sacrificing integrity, faith, or family. Through honest reflection, Dr. Bess unpacks lessons on resilience, decision-making, letting go of perfection, and leading with trust and discipline. This conversation is a powerful reminder that preservation is never accidental. It is preparation for purpose, and every scar can point someone back to hope.

Topics Covered:

01:33 – Welcoming our guest, Dr. Robert Bess

03:08 – A childhood shaped by trauma and survival

05:50 – Faith is the foundation for resilience and success

07:11 – How to approach big goals one step at a time

08:43 – Compartmentalizing life to avoid chaos and burnout

10:04 – Managing stress and keeping negativity in its place

11:30 – How do you know what to prioritize?

14:16 – Trusting teams, releasing pride, and allowing failure

17:17 – How do you know when your work is good?

19:20 – Understanding your “why” before taking action

21:10 – How to observe competition without copying or comparing

23:13 – Identifying blockers before they stop your progress

27:00 – Making decisive leadership decisions

29:24 – Why supporting growth builds stronger teams

32:26 – How do you know you made the right decision?

34:13 – How to set goals that actually keep people motivated

38:37 – Integrity, conviction, and standing firm in your values

40:56 – Why testimonials matter in building trust and brand

41:47 – Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

43:19 – Don’t believe the lies

44:27 – How spilled lanes create chaos and stress

45:40 – Success is obedience, purpose, and kingdom impact

Connect with Dr. Robert Bess:

• Web: https://drrobertbess.com/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@DrRobertBess
• X: https://x.com/DrRobertBess
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertBess
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/Dr.RobertBess/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drrobertbess/

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr
• Email: ericalemarr@gmail.com