Leading with purpose is at the heart of C12 Greater Detroit, and with Principal Chair Tom Rivers at the helm of this new chapter, that mission is more vibrant than ever. C12 Greater Detroit is a Christian peer-to-peer advisory board dedicated to equipping CEOs, business owners, founders, presidents and general managers to build great businesses with a greater purpose.
Serving organizations with 7+ employees and annual revenues exceeding $2 million, C12 provides accountability, Biblical worldview business training, ministry equipping, and executive coaching through monthly, professional peer advisory boards. With over 35 years in corporate marketing and a deep faith, Tom Rivers brings a unique blend of experience, purpose, and vision to his role as Principal Chair, ready to lead the chapter with both passion and purpose.
Tom’s Journey to Faith and Leadership
Tom Rivers’ journey to leading with purpose began with his faith. In 1994, a colleague shared the Gospel with him, and Tom accepted Christ as his Savior the following year. This pivotal moment shaped his life and career, fueling his passion for sharing his faith in the workplace.
In June 2023, Tom first heard about C12 when a former colleague asked for his help discerning a potential calling to become a C12 Principal Chair. “My heart leaped with excitement the more I heard about their mission and vision,” Tom recalls. After a fulfilling 35 years in corporate marketing, he took time to pray about his next steps.
His excitement for C12 continued to grow, leading him to join as Principal Chair in August 2024. Tom’s story is one of answering a call, stepping forward in faith, and embracing a role that lets him impact Christian business leaders.
What Inspires Tom as a Leader
Tom’s faith and his extensive professional background are the driving forces behind his leadership approach. His passion for sharing the Gospel in the marketplace guides him as he supports Christian CEOs who want to integrate their faith into their business practices.
“There is a significant gap with Christian CEOs and business owners in their knowledge of advancing the Gospel in the marketplace, from their own employees to their customers,” he explains. Tom is inspired to bridge this gap, equipping leaders to bring their faith into the workplace meaningfully. For Tom, leading with purpose means helping CEOs and business owners not only improve their business outcomes but also make a Kingdom impact.
Tom’s Vision for C12 Greater Detroit
Tom envisions C12 Greater Detroit growing into a close-knit community where Christian business leaders can share wisdom, pray together, and support one another. His goal is to expand the chapter to 102 members by 2027, adding around 34 members each year. This growth is driven by a vision of creating a regional network of leaders who are committed to advancing the Gospel through their businesses. Through fostering a supportive network, Tom hopes to strengthen the presence of Christian values within the Detroit business community.
How Tom Plans to Lead
Tom’s leadership is grounded in values like results, gratitude, camaraderie, humility, and the BEMA mindset—a framework based on the belief that believers will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ. By fostering this mindset, he helps members build their businesses in ways that honor God.
He aims to leave a lasting impact on members, helping them see improvement in their businesses, personal walks with Christ, family relationships, and employee engagement. Tom’s approach includes high-quality curated content, diverse peer advisory perspectives, and monthly executive coaching. His goal is for members to look back and say, “This changed my life, improved my business, marriage, and family.”
Conclusion
Tom Rivers’ commitment to leading with purpose is already making a powerful difference for C12 Greater Detroit. Through his passion and vision, Tom aims to cultivate a thriving, faith-driven business community in the Detroit area.
If you’re a Christian CEO or business owner looking for support in integrating faith with your business, consider joining C12 Greater Detroit under Tom’s inspiring leadership. Here, you’ll find not just professional growth, but a deeper purpose in every step.
Tom Rivers
Principal Chair
