Chocolate company CEO to speak at LCU’s God in the Workplace series next week

March 20, 2023
Town Talk Staff Reports

The founder and CEO of the Missouri-based chocolate company, Askinosie Chocolate, will be the speaker of the 7th annual God in the Workplace Series set for Monday and Tuesday at Louisiana Christian University.

Shawn Askinosie will speak Monday at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Guinn Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. Yes, there will be chocolate available.

Askinosie will share his story of seeking God’s will for his life — and finding it in chocolate.  Askinosie Chocolate has been named one of Forbes’ 25 best small companies in America — due to the policies and ethical practices Askinosie has set in place.

“As business owners, our greatest opportunity and challenge has been weaving social responsibility into everything we do,” Askinosie wrote on the company website.

Askinosie Chocolate was born committed to fairness, sustainability, minimal environmental impact and community enhancement.

“Shawn’s story of pleading with God to give him something meaningful to do with his work led him to chocolate,” said Dr. Kenny Holt, dean of the Young School of Business.  “How wonderful is that?  The story is amazing but the way Shawn has developed Askinosie Chocolate into a company that truly serves people is the most amazing part.  We teach in the Young School of Business that there is more to a company’s bottom line than profit.  Askinosie Chocolate lives it.  People need to hear this story of making one’s work meaningful.”

LCU’s annual God in the Workplace Series serves to remind all of the daily role faith provides us as we serve in our God-directed vocations.

“LCU’s 7th Annual God in the Workplace Series will encourage and inspire participants with the powerful story of Shawn Askinosie’s transformation and pursuit of his passion and purpose,” said LCU President Dr. Rick Brewer. “We are looking forward to Mr. Askinosie’s time on our campus speaking to business and industry leaders in addition to our faculty, staff and students. If you want to learn what it means to live your life and lead your business on mission with God then you do not want to miss this event.”