About Ryan
S. Howard, Ph.D.
Faith. Business. Leadership. Culture.
Ryan S. Howard, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, podcast host, and business advisor whose work brings together biblical faith, leadership, culture, and the marketplace. His Christian faith is the foundation of everything he does, shaping his approach to teaching, writing, business, and life.
Experience that informs the work.
Engineer. Operator. Author. Teacher.
Ryan brings nearly two decades of global business experience, including more than 16 years at John Deere. His career has spanned manufacturing, operations, strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier development, supply chain management, and business strategy. He has worked with more than 200 companies across 22 countries, negotiated over $100 million, implemented more than $10 million in savings, and led teams of more than 130 people.
Today, Ryan is the Founder and Principal of Ascender Partners, where he helps businesses identify and solve operational, supply chain, and commercial challenges. Combining deep operational experience with process improvement and emerging AI capabilities, he helps leaders strengthen performance, improve execution, and create measurable results.
Biblical conviction. A public voice.
Ryan is also the host of Cutting Edge Faith, a top 10% podcast with more than 360 episodes and listeners in 195 countries. Through the podcast, YouTube, speaking engagements, and writing, he explores biblical truth, current events, culture, leadership, and practical Christian living. He has appeared as a guest on top 1% business and Christian podcasts, contributed articles to Charisma Magazine, and was featured in the documentary The Outlier.
He is the author of 21 Days to a Spirit-Led Life and is currently writing UnCompromised: The True Path to Power, Purpose, Prosperity, and Peace. His writing and teaching emphasize biblical conviction, spiritual growth, personal responsibility, and living a life of purpose and influence without compromise.
Faith, family and a life of purpose.
Ryan holds a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies, an MBA, and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering. His background also includes public service, leadership development, and mentoring emerging leaders.
Ryan lives in the Orlando, Florida area with his wife, Bruna, and their son, John. The family also spends time in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which they consider a second home.