🎙️ Interesting Humans Podcast - Episode Summary

Episode: Andy Cook: Parenting 10 Kids and CEO @ Promise686. [How do you do it all?]
Host: Jeff Hopeck
Release Date: March 10, 2025

1. Introduction to Andy Cook

In this episode, Jeff Hopeck welcomes Andy Cook, a remarkable individual balancing the roles of a father to ten children and the CEO of Promise686, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring families for children in need. Jeff expresses his eagerness to delve into Andy's daily life and understand how he manages such significant responsibilities.

Notable Quote:
Jeff Hopeck [00:00]: "Andy, for starters, has 10 children. So I think I have a thousand questions. So 100 per kid."

2. Early Life and Family Background

Andy Cook shares his upbringing in the Atlanta area, highlighting the influence of his parents. His father, a managing partner at a prominent Atlanta law firm specializing in real estate and banking law, instilled in him the importance of leadership and engaging people. His mother, described as a "forever theologian," fostered a deep-rooted faith and a systematic worldview in Andy.

Notable Quote:
Andy Cook [04:16]: "My mom is the forever theologian. She breaks everything down into pieces, is a systematic thinker."

3. Childhood Experiences and Their Impact

Growing up as the only boy among three sisters, Andy recounts memorable moments like receiving his first Jeep at 16 and the ensuing sibling dynamics. Sports, particularly football, played a significant role in his childhood, teaching him aggression and resilience. He vividly describes adventurous and sometimes perilous activities on a steep hill near his home, which metaphorically influenced his approach to challenges later in life.

Notable Quote:
Andy Cook [07:53]: "Somewhere along the way, I learned that being utterly aggressive could work for me."

4. Education and Seminary

Andy attended Westminster High School in Atlanta, where he was recognized as a leader despite not having a clear career path. He pursued higher education at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, where he continued his involvement in sports until a knee injury ended his football career. Post-college, Andy attended seminary outside Boston, initially contemplating a role in pastoral work or academia but ultimately seeking a calling that blended faith and public life.

Notable Quote:
Andy Cook [20:54]: "I just want you to be encouraged that your only responsibility is just to figure out the next punch."

5. Teaching and Growth at Wesleyan School

After seminary, Andy took a teaching position at Wesleyan School near Charleston, South Carolina, where his passion for coaching and student engagement flourished. He transitioned from teaching classes to taking on administrative roles, including admissions and fundraising. This experience honed his skills in marketing, leadership, and understanding the intricate needs of a community-focused institution.

Notable Quote:
Andy Cook [37:10]: "I remember one of the early marketing analyst moments was understanding that people pursue independent schools, private schools, most often for safety."

6. Transition to Promise686

Despite a successful career in education, Andy felt a pull towards addressing broader societal issues, particularly child welfare. As a board member of Promise686 since its inception in 2008-2009, he observed the organization's growth from a small grant-making entity to a nationwide tech-driven platform supporting foster care systems. Encouraged by his mentor, Jeff, Andy overcame his fears and transitioned from his stable role in education to lead Promise686.

Notable Quote:
Andy Cook [62:13]: "Do you think God owns the cattle on a thousand hills? And I knew the verse and I was kind of mad at him in the moment for asking supremacy."

7. Overcoming Fear and Embracing Faith

Andy discusses the pivotal moment of choosing faith over fear when deciding to lead Promise686. Faced with the fear of failure and the uncertainty of managing a nonprofit with limited resources, he leaned into his faith, trusting that divine providence would guide the organization's growth. This decision marked the beginning of Promise686's significant expansion and impact.

Notable Quote:
Andy Cook [58:08]: "I could either choose faith and say, if this is something God wants me to do, I will say yes wholeheartedly, not knowing how it's going to come together."

8. Promise686's Mission and Growth

Under Andy's leadership, Promise686 evolved from a local organization serving Metro Atlanta to a nationwide platform connecting over 2,100 churches across 41 states. The nonprofit now leverages technology to mobilize resources, ensuring that more children can remain within their families and receive the support they need. Andy emphasizes the critical role of churches in providing safe, loving environments for children, aligning with the organization's biblical foundation.

Notable Quote:
Andy Cook [75:32]: "If you're someone who's a person of Christian faith and you're looking at, you go, I desperately want to see the church step up and do their thing."

9. Personal Life and Parenting

Balancing a large family, Andy reflects on the challenges and rewards of parenting ten children, ranging from 26-year-olds to 11-year-olds. He shares insights into fostering independence in his children, addressing academic and personal struggles, and creating a supportive home environment. Andy's wife, Martha, plays a crucial role as a counselor, helping the family navigate complex emotional landscapes.

Notable Quote:
Andy Cook [74:27]: "There's a suburb, I'm getting close to it. I'm living in a way that's very intentional, making sure my kids feel safe and connected."

10. Future Vision and Advice

Looking ahead, Andy envisions a future where he focuses on leading leaders within Promise686, empowering his team to drive the organization's mission. Personally, he aims to support his adult children as they navigate their own paths while cherishing moments with his younger children. Andy offers sage advice to his younger self and listeners alike: embrace confidence, take risks, and prioritize people over productivity.

Notable Quote:
Andy Cook [66:10]: "Be bolder, confident. You don't have to have it all locked up and understood."

11. Concluding Thoughts and Hope

Andy concludes with a message of hope, emphasizing the transformative power of investing in people and fostering genuine connections. He highlights the positive shifts he observes in churches nationwide, as they engage more deeply in child welfare efforts, embodying both faith and action. Andy's journey serves as an inspiring testament to overcoming fear through faith and dedication.

Notable Quote:
Andy Cook [76:43]: "Everything that we do, I guess the great hope is that people are responding to the harder tasks of faith. If you can do those things and walk with people in pain, that's transformative."

Key Takeaways:

• Balancing Family and Leadership: Andy Cook exemplifies how one can successfully manage a large family while leading a nationwide nonprofit.

• Overcoming Fear with Faith: His transition from a stable career in education to leading Promise686 underscores the importance of trusting one's faith in the face of uncertainty.

• Role of Churches in Child Welfare: Promise686's mission highlights the vital role that faith-based organizations can play in supporting foster care systems.

• Personal Growth and Advising the Younger Self: Andy's reflections offer valuable insights into personal development, leadership, and the importance of investing in people over productivity.

This episode of Interesting Humans provides an in-depth look into Andy Cook's life, showcasing his resilience, faith-driven leadership, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on children's lives nationwide.