Category Archives: Servant 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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Faith and Work, Servant Leadership

Embracing Faith and Leadership: A Journey with Chris Granger

On a recent episode of the ‘Biblical Leadership @ Work‘ podcast, host Jason Woodard engaged in an insightful conversation with Chris Granger, exploring his dynamic career path and profound journey of faith. From an engineering career to embracing his calling for leadership and discipleship, Chris’s story resonates with many.

Chris Granger, a seasoned electrical engineer, shared his professional journey that began at community college and eventually landed him in engineering and sales roles. Despite a successful career filled with achievements, Chris realized that integrating his faith into his professional life was missing. This realization set him on a path to align his values with his work, which included starting a podcast for his company and venturing into marketing roles.

Beyond his professional life, Chris’s personal journey has taken intriguing turns. He shared about moving his family to a small farm, embracing homesteading, and raising a family with four children. His challenges and transformations at home parallel his faith growth, emphasizing the values of discipleship and community.

Central to Chris’s message is ‘The Lion Within Us,’ a discipleship and leadership community he founded. This platform provides men with teachings centered on leadership and spiritual growth. Through daily devotionals, courses, and a supportive community, Chris has created a space for men to grow in faith. Chris also discussed key principles that guide his leadership approach, including humility and asking insightful questions. He advocates for a leadership style that seeks understanding and fosters collaboration, drawing from decades of experience and personal growth.

In wrapping up, Chris emphasized the importance of living out one’s faith authentically in both personal and professional spheres, aiming to leave a legacy not defined by achievements but by faith and service. For those seeking community and deeper discipleship, Chris invites you to explore ‘The Lion Within Us‘ online and engage in this journey of faith and leadership.

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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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