In a recent episode of the Biblical Leadership at Work podcast, host Jason Woodard sat down with Nate Miersma, VP and GM at CONMED, to discuss his profound journey through both military and corporate leadership, and how his faith has been a guiding force throughout his career.
Nate’s leadership path is as diverse as it is inspiring. He began his professional journey as an engineering student at Purdue University before realizing that his true calling lay elsewhere. As a soldier in the U.S. Army, Nate honed his leadership skills over 11 years, culminating in experience as a company commander with combat deployments. These experiences laid a strong foundation for the high-stakes world of corporate leadership.
Transitioning from military service, Nate spent nearly 20 years at Stryker, excelling in roles across strategic sales, marketing, and operations. At Stryker, Nate and Jason had the opportunity to work together, where Nate’s integrity and unwavering commitment to his team left a lasting impression.
Throughout his career, Nate has seamlessly integrated his Christian faith into his leadership approach. His values of integrity, transparency, and dedication to personal and professional growth are deeply rooted in his belief system. These principles guide him as he leads with a focus on advocacy and development within his teams. As Nate recounts his journey, he emphasizes the importance of discipline, desire, and ultimately delight in one’s work and faith. He candidly shares his continuous effort to balance the challenges of leadership with the mission to honor Christ in all endeavors. For those aspiring to lead with purpose, Nate’s story offers a powerful example of how faith can be a cornerstone for both personal fulfillment and effective leadership.