Category Archives: biblical leadership

biblical leadership, Servant Leadership

Embracing Servant Leadership: Insights from Deborah McGee

In the latest episode of the Biblical Leadership at Work podcast, host Jason Woodard welcomes Deborah McGee, a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in international operations spanning sectors like consulting, finance, manufacturing, and government.

Deborah’s story is not just about her remarkable professional journey but also about her deep commitment to serving others through her faith. A military spouse, Deborah faced significant challenges, including 22 moves while pursuing her education. Despite these hurdles, she leveraged volunteer leadership roles to build her skills and eventually transitioned into corporate leadership. She is also the author of The Leadership Attitude.

Her insights into leading volunteers—whom she mentions cannot be fired—stem from a foundation of gratitude and empathy. Deborah shared how her switch from auditing to international human resources illuminated her passion for people. Her career path took her to pivotal roles in major companies like Lafarge North America and Doosan Infracore, where she was often one of the few women in executive positions.

Her experiences in these roles, particularly in a task-oriented Western business environment, led her to realize the significance of relationship-building—a cornerstone in many global cultures. The heart of Deborah’s message revolves around servant leadership and the profound impact of integrating biblical principles into business. She describes how, despite the corporate world’s challenges, maintaining a servant’s heart aligned with her faith transformed her approach to leadership. Her reflections on how scripture, seen as a guidebook, provided answers and clarity in her professional life are particularly insightful for leaders seeking wisdom and guidance.

As the founder of PZI International Group, Deborah exemplifies leadership that empowers and uplifts. Her advice is clear: prioritize serving and connecting with others, fostering an environment where both faith and business can thrive. Join Jason and Deborah in this enriching conversation to explore the powerful intersection of faith, leadership, and community service.

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biblical leadership, Faith and Work

A Journey of Leadership and Faith: Insights from Matt Lucas CEO of our Daily Bread

In a captivating conversation on the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast, host Jason Woodard sits down with Matt Lucas, CEO of Our Daily Bread Ministries. Their discussion unveils a remarkable journey of faith, leadership, and the unseen complexities behind one of the world’s most recognized Christian ministries.

Early Aspirations and Unexpected Paths:

Matt Lucas shares his surprising transition from aspiring teacher to a prominent leader. Initially drawn to English literature with dreams of teaching, Lucas found himself on an unplanned path to leadership. “Even though I was a young boy, I had dreams of one day being a CEO… but by college, I wanted to be a teacher,” he recalls. Eventually, leadership roles at Corbin University and Indiana Wesleyan University set the stage for his current role.

Leading a Global Ministry:

Under his leadership, Our Daily Bread has thrived as a global Bible engagement ministry, with 700 employees across 32 offices worldwide. “People are always surprised that we’re much bigger than we they think we are and much more complex,” Lucas explains, highlighting the ministry’s broad reach beyond its well-known devotionals.

Lessons in Humility and Team Building:

Lucas emphasizes the importance of humility and teamwork in leadership. His guiding principle is to lead a team so they can achieve more than they believe possible. He encourages leaders to balance when to step up and when to step back, explaining that “humility isn’t being small; it’s about being the right size at the right time.”

Navigating Challenges and Spiritual Growth:

Facing personal and organizational challenges, Lucas stresses staying grounded in spiritual disciplines and seeking God’s wisdom. His transparent reflections on maintaining faith in leadership reveal a constant quest for personal growth and the balance of professional demands with spiritual devotion.

Conclusion:

This insightful episode offers a rich perspective on integrating faith with leadership. Matt Lucas’s journey serves as a powerful testament to the impact of following God’s direction, the significance of serving others in leadership, and the profound influence of Our Daily Bread Ministries worldwide.

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biblical leadership, Faith and Work, Servant Leadership

Navigating Faith and Leadership: A Journey with Andrew Crapuchettes

In a recent episode of the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast, host Jason Woodard sits down with Andrew Crapuchettes, CEO of RedBalloon, to discuss his career journey and the integral role faith plays in his leadership.

A Journey Rooted in Faith

Andrew Crapuchettes path is an inspiring one, deeply rooted in his Christian faith. Raised in a family with a strong Christian legacy, Andrew shares how his early involvement in church activities, like running a children’s choir and participating in programs like Awanas, shaped his understanding of leadership and service.

Lessons from Business and Faith

During the podcast, Andrew reveals how his experiences, from working in the dot-com boom to founding RedBalloon, have been a blend of professional growth and spiritual lessons. His insistence on leading with his Christian values, even when confronted with challenges, reflects his steadfast commitment to his faith. He believes in creating workplaces where people can prosper, aligning closely with his vision for RedBalloon, which aims to offer jobs that respect individual values.

Building a Legacy of Freedom in Work

RedBalloon’s mission is grounded in Andrew’s desire to provide an alternative job marketplace where employers and job seekers align on values like meritocracy and liberty. By creating job opportunities free from certain modern pressures, Andrew is helping redefine the workplace as a place of freedom and respect.

Leadership and Faith Foundations

For aspiring leaders, Andrew’s advice is clear: stay humble, listen more than you speak, and always prioritize others’ needs. By embodying these principles, Andrew believes leaders can create environments where individuals thrive. Andrew Crapuchettes’ story is a powerful testament to how faith can guide one’s career and leadership philosophy, influencing not only individual success but also the broader work culture.

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biblical leadership, Faith and Work, Servant Leadership

From Garage Tinkering to Christian Leadership: Danielle Whah’s Inspiring Journey

In the latest episode of the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast, host Jason Woodard delves into the remarkable journey of Danielle Waugh. From her mechanically inclined childhood to her role as a mentor for Christian business leaders, Danielle’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and authenticity.

A Journey Rooted in Faith and Mechanics

Danielle’s passion for mechanics began in her father’s garage, where she learned the ropes of fixing cars and boats. This foundation led her to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Louisville. She began her career at Panasonic, working on innovative products like cordless and bagless vacuums.

A Career Shift to Leadership

Despite her early success, Danielle felt a pull towards understanding the end user’s experience, leading her to pursue an MBA. This transition brought her to Whirlpool, where she quickly moved from engineering to various leadership roles in marketing, product development, and sales. Here, Danielle honed her skills in leading both large and small teams, gaining invaluable experience.

The Role of Faith

Danielle’s faith played a crucial role in shaping her career. Realizing that her identity in Christ hadn’t been fully integrated into her professional life, she took a step back to reflect and seek God’s guidance. This led her to C12, an organization that supports Christian business leaders. Today, Danielle leads C12 forums in West Michigan, helping leaders navigate the intersection of faith and work.

Balancing Family and Faith

A mother of six and a grandmother, Danielle’s personal life is as rich as her professional one. Her family life, supported by her husband Ken, mirrors the foundational values she brings to her leadership roles. Together, they share a commitment to faith, family, and community.

Final Thoughts*

Danielle’s story is a testament to the power of integrating faith into all aspects of life. Her journey from a mechanically inclined child to a leader who mentors others in faith embodies the essence of authentic Christian leadership. For more inspiring stories like Danielle’s, tune in to the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast with Jason Woodard, and don’t forget to rate and review the show to help others find it.

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