POWERS #400 - Steve Gatena - Co-Founder & CEO @ Pray.com - God, A Revival, Rescuing Lost Men, & Building A Generational Company
Dec 23, 2025
Steve Gatena, Co-founder and CEO of Pray.com, shares his inspiring journey from college football player at USC to creating a faith-based platform. He discusses the cultural resistance in Hollywood towards faith, the importance of strong male role models, and building community. Steve explains his 'Mission, Team, Self' leadership framework and highlights stewardship in business. He also emphasizes the need for accountability among men and outlines Pray.com's innovative approach to blending technology with spiritual engagement.
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From Google Earth To A New Path
- Steve shares his early ambition to work with satellite imaging and attend the Air Force Academy after a CIA-style Google Earth demo.
- A pneumonia episode during basic training derailed that plan and redirected his path toward football and entrepreneurship.
Pete Carroll's Culture Lessons
- Steve recounts playing for Pete Carroll and adopting daily praise rituals and high standards into Pray.com's culture.
- He kept 'cheers' stand-ups and five core values spelled DREAM to reinforce praise and performance.
Use Mission → Team → Self
- Use the 'Mission, Team, Self' framework to evaluate opportunities from purpose, company health, and individual capability.
- Prioritize mission, then team (financials), then self; kill deals that fail the team test even if mission feels right.