Category Archives: Faith and Work

Faith and Work

Andy Rowles – CPG Marketing Executive

In our recent podcast, we had an engaging chat with Andy Rowles, an experienced sales and marketing executive. Throughout his career, Andy has leaned heavily on his faith, showing us how his Christian beliefs influenced his decision-making, interactions with coworkers, and leadership style.

Andy emphasized the importance of making decisive choices and respecting individual differences within teams, crediting these principles to his leading influencers, General Norman Schwarzkopf and Daniel Quayle. Listening, learning, and then leading were proposed as key strategies for fresh leaders.

Andy’s personal tales – from his first leadership role at 23 to managing joblessness – were refreshing and honest. His reliance on his faith in Christ during challenging seasons showed the role of faith at work and how it can provide a north star during difficult times.

Andy’s advice to anyone stepping into a new role was to be decisive, understand that not everyone will like you, and find a mentor. These principles have seen him through a rewarding career and he continues to share this wisdom with others.

In the New Year, Andy encourages us all to stay resolute, keep our faith strong, and always leave a situation better than we found it. His inspiring journey is a testament to the role faith can play in one’s professional life.

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Faith and Work, Servant Leadership

Embracing Servant Leadership: Insights from Michael Sytsma

In a recent Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast episode, Jason Woodard interviewed Michael Sytsma, the president of KeyBank in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With nearly 20 years of leadership experience in the banking industry and a passion for servant leadership, Michael shared valuable insights on the importance of serving others, both in the workplace and in personal endeavors. This blog post will summarize the key takeaways from the interview and highlight Michael’s journey towards becoming a humble and impactful leader.

Servant Leadership: Throughout the conversation, Michael emphasized the significance of servant leadership. He believes that leaders should prioritize the needs of their team and the people they serve, rather than focusing solely on their own success. By making decisions that benefit the entire constituency, leaders can create a positive and supportive work environment.

Passion for Service: Michael’s passion for service extends beyond the workplace. He shared the inspiring story of his involvement with Christoph’s Children, an organization that provides support and care for orphaned children in Uganda. Through his friendship with a Congolese refugee, Michael became deeply invested in helping the children in Christoph’s village. This unexpected journey taught him the power of saying “yes” to opportunities to serve and the impact it can have on the lives of others.

Words of Wisdom for Younger Leaders: Drawing from his own experiences, Michael offered valuable advice for younger leaders. He encouraged them to find something they love and strive for excellence in that area, rather than conforming to societal expectations of success. He emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all path to success and that true fulfillment comes from pursuing one’s passions and serving others along the way.

Overcoming Challenges: Reflecting on his early leadership journey, Michael acknowledged the struggle with pride and the desire to establish oneself as a leader. However, he learned the importance of vulnerability, humility, and seeking guidance from experienced individuals. By asking questions and learning from others, he was able to grow as a leader and build meaningful relationships.

Conclusion: Michael Sytsma’s interview highlighted the significance of servant leadership and the impact it can have on both professional and personal endeavors. By prioritizing the needs of others and embracing a humble approach, leaders can create a positive and supportive environment. Michael’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders to find their passion, serve others, and continually seek growth and learning opportunities.

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