In the latest episode of the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast, host Jason Woodard welcomes Dave Hataj, a remarkable leader and believer who shares his awe-inspiring life story and transformative leadership principles. Dave, who holds a unique combination of a journeyman’s card and a business degree, speaks candidly about his journey from a gear shop in Edgerton, Wisconsin, to becoming a leader driven by faith and purpose. From the outset, Dave’s story is compelling. He recalls his early days working in his family’s gear shop and the struggles with alcoholism and a toxic environment but finding God in an unexpected moment while running near his home. This experience laid the foundation for his lifelong journey of faith and leadership, leading him to significant roles, including a youth minister and later, back to the family business. Dave’s narrative is packed with wisdom and practical advice on leadership. He stresses the importance of humility, vulnerability, and self-reflection.
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Sacred Work from Peggy Bodde
In the latest episode of the Biblical Leadership @ Work podcast, host Jason Woodard sits down with Peggy Bodde to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Sacred Work: A Christian Woman’s Guide to Leadership in the Marketplace. Despite its title suggesting a female-centric perspective, this episode and Peggy’s book offer invaluable wisdom on leadership suited for everyone, regardless of gender.
Peggy’s book emerges as a crucial mentoring guide, drawing from her extensive experience in executive leadership and her pivot to establishing a freelance writing business. The narrative is not just a recount of her journey but a practical toolkit designed to equip the next generation of leaders with faith-based guidance and leadership strategies that are immediately actionable.
One standout topic is the art of managing performance issues. Peggy emphasizes the need for prompt and focused conversations on performance. Addressing issues early prevents them from escalating, showcases respect for the employee, and upholds high performance standards. These practices not only build a stronger team but also instill trust and respect within the organization.
Another critical subject tackled in the book and on the podcast is the importance of mentoring. Peggy advocates for both seeking mentors and becoming one, highlighting the transformative power of these relationships in a professional setting.
The episode wraps up with potent reminders: good leadership isn’t just about guiding others but also about continuous self-improvement and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. Peggy Bodde’s insights remind us that at the heart of impactful leadership is the ability to nurture talent, address challenges head-on, and lead by example, all while anchored in faith.
Listeners and readers alike are encouraged to delve into Peggy’s book, not just as a resource for women but as a leadership manual beneficial for anyone eager to foster a culture of excellence and inclusivity in the workplace.
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.
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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