Work Love Pray: Real Talk Grounded in Truth

What does it really mean to be a healthy leader — not just an effective, successful, or high-performing one?   In this episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa Harrison sits down with licensed trauma therapist, bestselling author, and speaker Kobe Campbell for a conversation about the inner work of leadership — and how the stories, wounds, and emotional patterns we carry can shape the way we show up at work.   Kobe explains that healthy leadership begins with congruence: understanding what is happening inside of us while also being able to respond appropriately to what is happening around us. She shares how past experiences can influence the way we interpret conflict, feedback, authority, relationships, and even success — often without us realizing it.   She also explores what happens when identity becomes too closely tied to performance. Leaders can begin to see themselves primarily as sources of production — and eventually view the people around them the same way. As Kobe puts it, "Shame can motivate quickly, but love motivates sustainably."   The conversation gets practical, too. Kobe explains what it means to be emotionally triggered at work, how to recognize when your reaction may be connected to a deeper story, and simple tools like pausing and regulating your breathing before responding. She also reminds us that self-awareness is not something we develop only in the heat of the moment: "The awareness starts before the moment you need the awareness."   And for women of faith, Kobe offers an important reminder: emotional honesty is not a failure of faith. Drawing from Scripture, she shares how acknowledging our need, grief, and pain can actually open the door to deeper intimacy with God.   This conversation is ultimately about more than emotional health. It is about becoming the kind of leader who can carry responsibility, influence, and calling from a place of greater freedom, wholeness, and love.   In this episode, we get into:   Healthy leadership starts from within. Understanding what is happening inside of us helps us respond to what is actually happening around us.   Our stories follow us into the workplace. Past experiences can shape how we respond to pressure, conflict, feedback, and relationships — whether we recognize it or not.   Healthy leaders need people, too. We need trusted relationships where we can be known beyond our roles, receive support, and allow others to speak truth into our lives.   Kobe also shares a powerful leadership health question she often asks clients: identify one pattern you desperately want to change — and then ask what emotion you would have to face if you stopped engaging in that pattern.   She closes the conversation with a vulnerable challenge for every leader: ask someone you trust, "What is something in me that you hope God heals?"   4word is excited to welcome Kobe to BOLDLY this October in Dallas, where she will continue this important conversation about the importance of leaders being healthy.   Learn more about BOLDLY at 4wordwomen.org/boldly/.   About Kobe Campbell Kobe Campbell is a licensed trauma therapist, bestselling author, speaker, and mental health expert. She is the author of Why Am I Like This? How to Break Cycles, Heal From Trauma, and Restore Your Faith and is known for helping people understand how past experiences shape present patterns so they can pursue greater healing, emotional health, and wholeness.   Learn more about Kobe at kobecampbell.com. Follow Kobe on LinkedIn and Instagram.   About Melissa Harrison Melissa Harrison is a journalist, nonprofit leader, and President & CEO of 4word. She is passionate about helping women integrate faith, leadership, and purpose in the workplace. As host of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa brings a storyteller's perspective to honest conversations about work, calling, growth, and the courage to keep moving forward.   Learn more about Melissa: melissaharrison.net Follow Melissa on LinkedIn and Instagram   About 4word 4word is a global community for Christian women in the workplace, helping women grow in their faith, thrive in their work, and become the women and leaders God created them to be.   Find out more about 4word: https://4wordwomen.org/ Follow 4word on LinkedIn and Instagram

What does it take to bring The Chosen — one of the most-watched portrayals of the life of Jesus in history — to people around the world in their own language?   In this episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa Harrison sits down with Wendi Lord, PhD, Vice President of Content Localization at Come and See Foundation, for a behind-the-scenes look at the global translation mission behind The Chosen.   Wendi leads Come and See's large-scale translation and technology initiatives, with a goal of bringing The Chosen to the world in 600 languages — an effort that has already earned the show a Guinness World Record for being available in 125 languages through the free Chosen app. Wendi explains what it actually takes to translate not just words, but humor, emotion, culture, and biblical truth into a viewer's "heart language" — the language someone dreams, prays, and thinks in.   She also shares how her team is using emerging technology, including AI-powered speech-to-speech translation, to reach lower-resourced languages and people groups that traditional dubbing and subtitling can't serve — while keeping human wisdom, theological discernment, cultural understanding, and relationships at the center of the work.   This conversation isn't only about The Chosen. It's also about the power of story, the purpose we find in our work, and what can happen when we faithfully steward what God has placed in front of us — even when we can't see the full impact.   In This Episode Your work matters more than you may realize.  God can use what's in your hands today in ways you may never see coming.   Technology can expand the mission — not replace the human. Wisdom, discernment, relationships, and cultural understanding still matter.   Faithfulness is the next step forward. Whether the assignment feels too big or too small, obedience is what matters most.   Wendi also shares her longtime connection to 4word as a mentor through the 4word Mentor Program, and why investing in other women continues to be an important part of her own journey.   4word is excited to partner with The Chosen and the Come and See Foundation for BOLDLY this October in Dallas, where Wendi will join us in person.   Following BOLDLY on Saturday, October 24, guests can attend the Impact Celebration Dinner, featuring a special Advanced Screening of Episode 1 of The Chosen Season 6 and a conversation with members of the show's team. Tickets are sold separately, with a discounted rate available for BOLDLY attendees. Full tables with priority seating are also available.   Learn more about BOLDLY and the Impact Celebration Dinner at 4wordwomen.org.   About Wendi Lord Wendi Lord, PhD, serves as Vice President of Content Localization at Come and See, where she leads large-scale translation and technology initiatives to help bring The Chosen to the world in 600 languages.   She has also served for many years as a mentor through the 4word Mentor Program, investing in professional women as they grow in both their faith and their careers.   Learn more about Come and See and the global mission behind The Chosen at comeandseefoundation.org.   About Melissa Harrison Melissa Harrison is a journalist, nonprofit leader, and President & CEO of 4word. She is passionate about helping women integrate faith, leadership, and purpose in the workplace. As host of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa brings a storyteller's perspective to honest conversations about work, calling, growth, and the courage to keep moving forward.

What happens when the drive that has helped you accomplish so much becomes the very thing that exhausts you? For many high-achieving women, achievement has been rewarded for most of their lives. Get the grade. Earn the promotion. Reach the goal. Build the business. Keep moving forward. But over time, it can become easy to confuse what we accomplish with who we are. In this episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, 4word President & CEO Melissa Harrison talks with bestselling author, artist, and entrepreneur Ruth Chou Simons about how to pursue meaningful work and God-given dreams without allowing striving, perfectionism, or achievement to define us. Ruth is the founder of GraceLaced and the author of several books, including When Strivings Cease, Now and Not Yet, and her newest book, This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life. Drawing from nearly two decades of writing, creating, building a business, raising six sons, and serving alongside her husband in ministry, Ruth reflects on why the seemingly ordinary moments of our lives matter more than we often realize. The conversation explores the tension between healthy ambition and striving. Ruth shares why metrics, milestones, and goals can be useful without becoming measures of our worth—and why our identity has to be grounded in Christ before we pursue the things the world may use to validate us. Ruth also talks about learning to stay present instead of constantly living for the next milestone. She shares practical rhythms that help her remain grounded in busy seasons and explains why gratitude can help shift our attention from everything we have not yet achieved to what God has already done. The conversation also traces the unexpected beginnings of GraceLaced. What eventually became a thriving creative business began during nap time, when Ruth pulled out watercolors while her young sons read nearby. She practiced her craft, shared what she was creating, gave her work away, and faithfully stewarded opportunities long before she knew where they would lead. Ruth also reflects on visibility in an age of social media and why the most meaningful parts of our lives need to be lived before they become content. For Ruth, creative work has to flow from a real life that is being experienced, not from the pressure to constantly produce. And in the final part of the conversation, Ruth speaks directly to the woman who wants to grow, lead, create, and move forward but is tired of feeling as though everything depends on her. Her encouragement is simple: stop trying to carry the entire journey at once. Look at what God has already placed in your hands, choose one small thing, and faithfully begin there.   In this episode, we get into: Your identity is not your achievement. Your worth was never meant to rise and fall with what you accomplish. Moving forward doesn't have to mean striving. Pursue what's next without letting exhaustion or perfectionism lead. Start with one small, faithful step. Steward what God has given you today instead of being overwhelmed by the whole path.   You'll also hear about: Why our "someday" is made up of thousands of ordinary moments Learning to enjoy the journey instead of constantly waiting for the next milestone The difference between healthy ambition and striving in your own strength How to recognize when a good desire has become too important Separating your identity from promotions, metrics, income, and visible success Why gratitude can help quiet the pressure to reach the next level Creating sustainable rhythms during busy seasons How GraceLaced began during nap time with watercolors and a blog Learning to welcome the limitations God allows Why meaningful "soul work" needs to be lived before it is shared Practicing visibility without allowing an audience to become your validation Starting with what God has already placed in your hands Ruth's upcoming appearance at the BOLDLY Conference in Dallas    About Ruth Chou Simons Ruth Chou Simons is a bestselling author, artist, entrepreneur, and founder of GraceLaced, where she creates books, artwork, and resources designed to help people look to Jesus and find God's grace in everyday life. What began nearly two decades ago as a personal blog called GraceLaced grew out of Ruth's desire to practice writing, create art, and pay attention to the ways God's grace was woven through ordinary life. Over the years, that small beginning developed into a creative business and ministry reaching readers around the world. Ruth is also the mother of six sons and has built GraceLaced alongside a full life of family, ministry, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Her books include When Strivings Cease, Now and Not Yet, and her newest release, This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life. In October, Ruth will join 4word in Dallas as a keynote speaker at the BOLDLY Conference. Learn more about Ruth: ruthchousimons.com   About Melissa Harrison Melissa Harrison is a journalist, nonprofit leader, and President & CEO of 4word. She is passionate about helping women integrate faith, leadership, and purpose in the workplace. As host of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa brings a storyteller's perspective to honest conversations about work, calling, growth, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace—and many professionals and organizations are quietly asking one of two questions: Am I going to lose my job? or Is my organization already behind? In this episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, 4word President & CEO Melissa Harrison talks with Melissa Peak about how women and organizations can navigate AI transformation with wisdom, intentionality, and courage. Melissa is the Chief Growth Officer at Servant, the Founder and CEO of The CEO Project, and a member of the 4word Advisory Board. Drawing from nearly 30 years of experience leading businesses and large-scale transformation, she explains why fear may be a natural starting point—but cannot become our staying point. In moments of uncertainty, leaders have an opportunity to bring calm, clarity, and direction. The conversation explores the difference between experimenting with AI as a personal assistant and developing a responsible strategy that creates meaningful value across an organization. Rather than beginning with the latest tool, Melissa encourages leaders to identify the problems they need to solve, define what success looks like, assess their organization's readiness, and establish guidelines that reflect their mission and values. Melissa also addresses concerns that AI could diminish the human element of work. She challenges leaders to approach AI with a different goal: use technology to handle repetitive tasks so people have greater capacity for relationships, creativity, mentorship, discernment, and the meaningful connection only humans can provide. The conversation also introduces an exciting new year-long partnership between 4word and Servant. As 4word's AI transformation partner, Servant will help equip women at every stage of their careers to engage with AI thoughtfully, responsibly, and confidently through workshops, thought leadership, digital content, and experiences at BOLDLY and the 2027 Executive Women's Forum. And in the final part of the conversation, Melissa shares a personal leadership lesson that changed the way she approaches work: God did not create us to be "human doings." He created us to be human beings. She reflects on boundaries, burnout, stewardship, and learning to trust God when the work is not finished—but the workday is.   In this episode, we get into: Fear can be a starting point—but not a staying point. Lead with calm and clarity through change. Start with the problem, not the tool. Define what you're solving before adopting AI. Let AI free people to do what only humans can do. Create more capacity for human creativity, relationships, and discernment. You'll also hear about: How to assess your personal and organizational readiness for AI Moving from AI experimentation to an intentional business strategy Why organizations need clear guidelines for acceptable AI use The risks of telling employees to avoid AI altogether Identifying the right problems for AI to help solve Protecting human dignity and strengthening relationships at work Why Christians need to participate in conversations about AI How AI fluency can become a career accelerator FaithBase and its role in helping faith-driven organizations use AI Setting healthier boundaries as a high-achieving leader The new year-long partnership between Servant and 4word   About Melissa Peak Melissa Peak is the Chief Growth Officer at Servant, the Founder and CEO of The CEO Project, and a member of the 4word Advisory Board. She brings nearly 30 years of experience leading organizations, teams, and P&Ls ranging from thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars. Before joining Servant, Melissa served at Amazon Web Services, where she led sales and delivery for some of AWS's largest Fortune 100 and enterprise customers. Throughout her career, she has helped organizations navigate transformation, accelerate growth, develop leaders, and align business strategy with meaningful human impact. Melissa is passionate about equipping leaders and organizations to use technology thoughtfully while protecting human dignity, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities for people to flourish. Learn more about Melissa on LinkedIn Learn more about Melissa's work at Servant   About Servant Servant is a management and technology consultancy that helps faith-driven organizations amplify their missions through strategy, technology, AI transformation, and digital experiences. As 4word's AI transformation partner, Servant will provide thought leadership, workshops, digital content, and learning opportunities designed to help women and organizations move from uncertainty and experimentation to responsible, strategic AI adoption. Learn more about Servant and explore FaithBase AI Follow Servant on LinkedIn and Instagram   About Melissa Harrison Melissa Harrison is a journalist, nonprofit leader, and President & CEO of 4word. She is passionate about helping women integrate faith, leadership, and purpose in the workplace. As host of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa brings a storyteller's perspective to honest conversations about work, calling, growth, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Many women work hard, deliver results, and assume their work will eventually speak for itself. But as Dr. Merary Cruz Simeon shares in this episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, that is not always reality. In this conversation, 4word President & CEO Melissa Harrison talks with Merary about finding your voice at work, advocating for yourself with confidence and humility, and learning to use your influence with wisdom and discernment. Drawing from her own journey—from growing up in a Puerto Rican family and becoming a first-generation college student to serving in senior leadership roles inside major global organizations—Merary reflects on the moments that taught her to ask for opportunities, name her accomplishments, and stop assuming that hard work alone would move her career forward. She also challenges women to use their voices with discernment. Unmuting your voice is not about speaking up about everything. It is about understanding where your voice can make a difference, paying attention to God's nudge, and being willing to speak when the moment matters. The conversation goes deeper into the inner work behind healthy leadership as well. Merary explains why healing matters if we want to fully activate the gifts God has given us and why ambition itself is not the enemy—the deeper question is what we are working out of. And ultimately, stepping into your voice is not only about advancing yourself. Merary encourages women to use their influence to advocate for others, create opportunities, share what they have learned, and help someone else move forward. In this episode, we get into: Your work won't always speak for itself. Have the courage to advocate for what you bring. Use your voice with wisdom and discernment. Listen for God's nudge before you speak. Your voice can help others move forward. Influence isn't only about advancing yourself. You'll also hear about: Finding your voice and advocating for yourself at work Why speaking about your accomplishments is not the same as bragging The role of healing in leadership and personal growth How to know when your voice can make a difference Ambition, achievement, and what is driving you Using influence to advocate for other women Living out your faith in the workplace Staying open to where God may be leading you next About Dr. Merary Cruz Simeon Dr. Merary Cruz Simeon is an executive, author, speaker, and leadership strategist with decades of experience leading within major global organizations. She is passionate about helping women recognize their potential, use their voices, and step into positions of influence while remaining grounded in purpose and faith. She is the author of H.E.R.A.C.T.: Activate Your Potential and is known for her work around leadership, healing, sponsorship, multicultural women, faith in the workplace, and creating opportunities for others.

What if burnout is not only about how much you are doing, but also about the fears, expectations, and beliefs driving you?   On today's episode of Moving Forward, Melissa Harrison talks with author, speaker, and leadership coach Jo Saxton about becoming an unburdened leader. Jo explains why meaningful rest requires more than taking an occasional break. It begins by examining the internal messages, external pressures, and responsibilities shaping how you work, lead, and spend your time.   Jo also shares practical ways to audit your life, identify what only you can do, and release responsibilities that do not need to remain yours. She encourages women to protect the relationships, creativity, rest, and joy that restore them rather than treating those things as optional.   Their conversation also explores what Scripture says about women as image bearers and leaders. Jo challenges Christian women to stop minimizing their God-given gifts, find communities that celebrate rather than merely tolerate them, and approach the workplace as an important part of their calling.   What You'll Learn How internal beliefs and external pressures contribute to burnout Why rest and identity are closely connected How to audit your responsibilities and decide what to release Why life-giving relationships, creativity, and joy are essential for leaders What it means for women to lead as image bearers of God How to stop minimizing your leadership gifts and expertise Why Christian women need communities that see, support, and challenge them   ====================   Find out more about 4word

What if powerful women were never meant to compete with one another, but to become each other's greatest collaborators and allies?   In the first episode of Moving Forward, Melissa Harrison talks with entrepreneur, author, and speaker Liz Bohannon about faith, business, leadership, loneliness, and the power of community. Liz shares how moving to Uganda changed her view of entrepreneurship and eventually led her to build Sseko Designs and merge with Noonday Collection.   Liz also challenges the belief that two ambitious women cannot succeed together. She explains how honesty, reconciliation, and intentional relationship-building helped turn a business partnership into a meaningful friendship.   The conversation is a reminder that purpose is often built through curiosity, obedience, and the courage to take the next faithful step. It also shows why Christian women were never meant to pursue leadership, calling, or meaningful work alone.   What You'll Learn: How Liz's time in Uganda reshaped her view of business Why ambitious women should form alliances instead of fearing competition How transparency and reconciliation strengthen partnerships Why leadership often creates loneliness The difference between consuming community and co-creating it How rhythms and rituals can support deeper relationships Why peer support is essential for healthy leaders   ==================== Find out more about 4word

The Work, Love, Pray podcast is now Moving Forward. Hosted by Melissa Harrison, President and CEO of 4word, Moving Forward features honest conversations with remarkable women navigating faith, work, leadership, relationships, career transitions, and calling. Each episode explores the decisions that shape us, the setbacks that refine us, and the courageous steps that lead toward greater purpose and impact. You'll hear practical wisdom and faith-filled encouragement for becoming the woman and leader God created you to be. Even when you do not have everything figured out. Because Christian women can change the workplace and the world when they are connected, supported, and equipped to live out their faith and calling with confidence. Follow Moving Forward and join us as we move forward together with faith, courage, and purpose.

In this episode, host Jordan Johnstone speaks with Sharon Beach, a remarkable individual whose life story exemplifies resilience. Sharon shares her harrowing experience of being kidnapped and the strength she found in her faith to escape and recover. In this conversation, Sharon shares her profound journey of healing and resilience following her traumatic experiences. She emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, the role of faith in overcoming obstacles, and the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive people. Key Takeaways Resiliency is defined as embracing God's promise for our lives. Childhood challenges can shape our ability to be resilient. Community plays a crucial role in personal growth and support. Resiliency is a mindset that can be cultivated throughout life. Planning and mental strength are key in overcoming trauma. Living well is a powerful form of revenge against adversity. Faith can guide us through the darkest times. The journey of healing can take time but is achievable. Sharing our stories can help others find strength. Forgiveness can be a powerful release from burdens. God's presence can carry us through difficult times. Resilience often comes from a blend of faith and personality. Sharing one's story can help others find healing. Surrounding yourself with supportive people is crucial. It's important to take life one day at a time. God's timing is essential in our journeys. Emotional struggles are common for victims of trauma. Encouragement can come from scripture and faith. Helping one person can fulfill a greater purpose.

In this episode, guest Reagan Cannon and host Jordan Johnstone discuss the importance of feedback in professional growth and how to give and receive feedback effectively. Reagan emphasizes the role of trust in feedback, and addresses the challenges that women face in giving and receiving feedback. Reagan and Jordan also explore the Christian approach to feedback and the importance of teaching and setting clear expectations. Key Takeaways Feedback is crucial for professional growth and should be given and received regularly. Trust plays a significant role in the effectiveness of feedback. Women face unique challenges in giving and receiving feedback due to societal expectations. The Christian approach to feedback involves teaching, setting clear expectations, and giving feedback with love and empathy.

In this episode, Melissa Harrison, Executive Director of 4word, and Catherine Gates, Executive Director of Polished Network, share their initial reactions to the decision to merge organizations, the vision for unity, and the importance of collaboration in serving Christian women in the workplace. The conversation also highlights the Taste of 4word Roadshow and the excitement surrounding the changes expected in 2025, emphasizing the commitment to support and empower even more Christian women in the workplace through this merger.

In this episode, Heidi Rasmussen, 4word board chair and president, and Sheila Walls, Polished Network board president, discuss the origin of the merger between 4word and Polished Network. They share their personal journeys into leadership, the divine calling that led to the merger, and the importance of empowering women in the workplace. The conversation highlights the unity and collaboration between the two organizations, emphasizing the positive impact we aim to have on Christian women in the workplace.

In this episode, Debi Wolfe discusses the evolving landscape of performance reviews. She explores the ineffectiveness of the traditional review process and advocates for a shift towards continuous feedback and forward-looking evaluations. Debi emphasizes the importance of building trust between leaders and employees, encouraging a culture where feedback is a two-way street.

In this episode, Denise Grace Gitsham, a political contributor, attorney, speaker, and author, joins host, Jordan Johnstone, to discuss the importance of storytelling and its impact. Denise highlights the significance of storytelling in leadership, sales, and motivating others. She also shares how storytelling can be used to talk about personal accomplishments and professional successes, emphasizing the importance of sharing stories as a testimony of God's goodness and inspiring others. Key Takeaways Storytelling is a powerful tool that engages our emotions and activates different parts of our brains, making it more memorable and relatable. Storytelling is effective in leadership, sales, and motivating others, as it helps convey messages in a way that resonates with people. Sharing personal accomplishments and professional successes through storytelling can be done by viewing them as a testimony of God's goodness and inspiring others. Being truthful about the results of a year while maintaining a positive and encouraging tone can be achieved through storytelling that focuses on growth, learning, and resilience. Authenticity and speaking truthfully about challenges can minister to others. Authenticity is important in leadership and can inspire trust and connection. Storytelling is a powerful tool in various contexts, such as politics and thought leadership. Crafting an authentic story involves knowing your audience and staying on message. God's discipline can shape and transform us, even in the realm of politics.

In this special episode, host Jordan Johnstone speaks with 4word's Executive Director, Melissa Harrison, about the significance of 4word Giving Week and the special way we're sharing the impact of our global ministry.

Trust is foundational to any interaction in our lives, so it should be foundational in our planning and leading. In this episode, Rev. Dr. Margaret Grun Kibben discusses the importance of trust and how to build it. She emphasizes the need for self-awareness, relationships, and experiences in building trust. Dr. Kibben shares her personal approach to modeling trust and highlights the role of vulnerability in building trust. Key Takeaways Trust is foundational to any interaction in our lives and should be prioritized in our planning and leading. Building trust requires self-awareness, relationships, and experiences. Trust in God forms the foundation for trusting others. Modeling trust involves being real, grounded in faith, and reflecting the fruits of the spirit. Trust and inclusion are interconnected, and trust can encourage team building and create a positive workplace culture.

In this episode, Charmaine Solomon, a licensed professional counselor and mentor in the 4word Mentor Program, discusses the challenges of integrating faith in the workplace, and the role of mentorship in advancing in one's career and faith. She also highlights the benefits of the 4word Mentor Program and encourages listeners to sign up for the fall session. Key Takeaways Mentorship is essential for integrating faith and work, as it provides guidance, support, and accountability. Integrating faith in the workplace starts with declaring one's faith and acting in a Christian-like way. Building a community of like-minded individuals in the workplace can create a safe and supportive environment for sharing and living out one's faith. The 4word Mentor Program offers a valuable opportunity for mentorship and growth in integrating faith and work. Passing on the baton of faith and leadership to rising leaders within an organization is essential for building a strong community of faith-based leaders.

In this episode, Diana Romero, founder and CEO of Integrated Purpose Management, shares the importance of integrating faith and work. She explores how individuals can authentically live out their faith in the workplace and the impact it can have on their colleagues. She also discusses the role of companies in creating a faith-friendly environment and provides practical advice for employees and organizations.

In this episode, Christy Wright discusses the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing when it's time to establish or reinforce them. She shares personal experiences and insights on how to overcome the fear of setting boundaries and the power of saying "no." Christy also emphasizes the role of boundaries in creating balance and finding peace in a chaotic life. She encourages defining success, establishing structure, and intentionally doing less to protect your time and energy.

In this episode, Mindy Caliguire discusses the topic of burnout and the importance of soul care. She explores the symptoms and causes of burnout, as well as the challenges women face in caring for their souls. Mindy shares her personal experience with burnout and emphasizes the need for a deep resolve to prioritize soul care. She also differentiates between self-care and soul care, highlighting the importance of connecting with God's presence and being responsive to His work in our lives.

In this episode, host Jordan Johnstone and guest Jennifer Howell discuss the importance of empathy and its role in the workplace. They explore the difference between empathy and sympathy, and how empathy can complement self-awareness. Jennifer shares a personal experience of how empathy in the workplace impacted her and offers strategies for leaders to model empathy and build team connection.

In this episode, the conversation explores the importance of self-awareness in emotional intelligence (EQ) and how it relates to mindfulness. Dr. Merary Simeon, a Fortune 50 HR executive, shares insights on self-awareness and its impact on personal and professional growth. She emphasizes the need to pause, reflect, and understand our emotions, triggers, and inner world. Dr. Merary and host, Jordan Johnstone, discuss the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability in managing emotions and building relationships. They also explore the connection between self-awareness and forgiveness in emotional healing.

In this episode, Dr. Shannon Crawford, founder and CEO of Crawford Clinics, discusses how society's lack of margin and constant bombardment contribute to higher levels of anxiety. Dr. Crawford introduces the concept of restoring self-cohesion, which involves identifying the unconscious beliefs that contribute to anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of building emotional strength and resilience, increasing emotional connection and intimacy, and using anxiety as a barometer for rebalancing and recalibrating one's life. Key Takeaways Society's lack of margin and constant bombardment contribute to higher levels of anxiety. Anxiety is not caused by situational stress, but by our perception of our ability to handle stress effectively. Restoring self-cohesion involves identifying unconscious beliefs that contribute to anxiety. Building emotional strength and resilience is important for personal growth. Sharing anxieties with trusted individuals can increase emotional connection and intimacy. Using anxiety as a barometer can help identify areas in life that need rebalancing and recalibrating. Anxiety can be a diagnostic tool, signaling that something is out of alignment in our lives. Paying attention to the physical symptoms of anxiety can help us understand and address the underlying causes. Finding resolution for anxiety involves taking care of our physical health, processing emotions, and seeking spiritual guidance. It is important to recognize the influence of the Enemy and to bind anxiety and other negative emotions in the name of Jesus.

In this episode, guest Alli Worthington discusses anxiety and its impact on women. She and host, Jordan Johnstone, explore the intersection of faith and business, the importance of getting help, and strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and setbacks. They also emphasize the role of mentorship and self-care in managing anxiety, and highlight the challenges women face in the workplace. Alli provides our listeners with practical advice for navigating anxiety and building resilience. Key Takeaways Anxiety is a common struggle for women, particularly in the workplace, due to societal expectations and the mental load they carry. Entrepreneurship can be a catalyst for anxiety, but it also provides an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. Getting help, whether through therapy, coaching, or mentorship, is crucial for managing anxiety and maintaining mental well-being. Overcoming imposter syndrome requires taking action, embracing vulnerability, and recognizing that growth often involves discomfort. Self-care, including practices like breathwork and intentional time for relaxation, is essential for managing anxiety and maintaining overall well-being.

In this episode, Paula Brown Stafford and Lisa T. Grimes discuss the importance of organizational culture and the need for individuals to be able to showcase their personal strengths and skills in the workplace. They share personal experiences of struggling with conformity and emphasize the importance of authenticity in creating a healthy organizational culture. The role of communication in staying true to oneself is also explored, along with the significance of continuous learning and taking calculated risks.

In this conversation, Stephanie Chung shares insights on creating a healthy organizational culture and emphasizes the importance of healthy confrontation and over-communication. Stephanie also highlights the need for empathy and understanding among team members and discusses the significance of building a collaborative culture. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in leadership and provides a sneak peek into her upcoming book, Ally Leadership.

In this conversation, Christy Wright discusses the topic of confidence and why it is a struggle for many women. Christy also highlights the impact of imposter syndrome and the fear of failure on women's confidence. She emphasizes the importance of setting goals to increase confidence and shares insights on how to overcome setbacks and maintain confidence. Christy encourages individuals to seek community and surround themselves with supportive and authentic people. She also provides goal-setting resources and suggests setting goals that align with one's current season of life to build confidence.

In this conversation, Nona Jones discusses the issue of lack of confidence in society and the impact of toxic comparison on personal confidence. She shares her own journey of finding confidence and provides practical steps to detox from toxic comparison. Nona emphasizes the importance of reframing thoughts and celebrating sufficiency instead of grieving deficiency. She also recommends studying the story of Jonathan, Saul, and David as a resource for building personal confidence. Additionally, Nona advises controlling social media and not letting it control one's self-esteem. Order Nona's book here! 

In this episode, Diane Paddison and Melissa Harrison discuss their journey of meeting and working together to address the issue of loneliness among women leaders. They share their personal experiences of loneliness in their respective roles, and Diane shares how it led her to start 4word, a ministry that provides community and support for women leaders. Diane announces her transition to the founder role of 4word and introduces Melissa as our new executive director. They discuss the growth of 4word and their excitement for the future of the ministry. Key Takeaways Loneliness is a common struggle among women leaders, especially those in senior executive roles. Community and support are essential for combating loneliness and providing a safe space for women leaders to share their experiences. 4word has experienced significant growth and impact, reaching millions of women and providing resources and programs to support their leadership journeys. Diane's transition to the founder role and Melissa's appointment as the new executive director mark an exciting new season for 4word, with a focus on expanding its reach and continuing to serve women leaders.

Beginning this month's discussion on loneliness is someone who has become a huge voice for speaking on it. Liz Forkin Bohannon, founder of Sseko Designs and the author of Beginner's Pluck, is a dear friend of 4word and we love her because she is fearless, empathetic, and not afraid to get in the trenches on things she is passionate about. And what she is most passionate about these days is dissolving the stigma around loneliness and getting all of us very comfortable with identifying and resolving loneliness in our lives.  Episode links: Watch "You Are Not Alone in Feeling Alone" Sign up for Liz's newsletter to download her FREE reflective listening

Continuing the conversation on grounded leadership is Linda Valdez Thompson. Linda is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in leading global private and public sector organizations. After a 20+ year successful career at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport as an executive vice president and at Fortune 500 companies such as Levi Strauss, Baxter, and Hasbro,  Linda consults with clients in the areas of Leadership Development & Training, Human Resources, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.  Linda is also a 4word Board member and a Certified Strengths Coach from Gallup. She is passionate about helping people not just find their strengths but also put them to use individually and combined with the strengths of those around them.

As Christians, we know the Bible is God's Word, meant to be a guide, a comforter, and a motivator as we each follow the path God has laid before us. But what might be of interest to you as you think about moving forward in your career, is that the Bible also talks extensively about business and offers insights for leaders at any place in their professional journey.  In this episode, you will hear from Nicholas Leone, founder of Business Bible, and 4word founder, Diane Paddison. They discuss how faith integrated into business can produce miraculous results, and share about the exclusive 4word edition of Business Bible. 

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Martin walks us through her final two aspects of her personal meaning of Christmas, and both Nicole and host, Jordan Johnstone, share why they think Christ coming as a baby and not as a full-grown adult holds significance for all Christians.

To wrap up the 2023 season of Work, Love, Pray, we wanted to bring back one of our favorite guests to speak about Christmas and what it means to her. Dr. Nicole Martin, Chief Impact Officer at Christianity Today, is one of our favorite people to share with our 4word community! We have never had an interaction with her in which we did not feel God speaking through her to us with the exact words and encouragement we needed most in that time.  In this episode, Nicole talks about three things that make up her personal definition of Christmas and what the holiday season means to her.

In this episode, 4word founder, Diane Paddison, and 4word's Director of Programs, Marion Medina, speak on how your gratitude can actually transform the lives of others. Diane and Marion also share what gratitude means to both of them and what they are especially grateful for at 4word this year.

To begin this month's conversation centered around gratitude, Marisa Fienup, 4word advisory board member and Senior Director of Product Management for Tandem Diabetes, joins host, Jordan Johnstone, to share why gratitude is something she is very mindful to dedicate time to each day. Marisa also shares a list of 4 ways gratitude can transform every area of your life.

In this episode, Kay Lynn Mayhue, President of Merit, and host, Jordan Johnstone, talk about why financial planning can be an uncomfortable process, which can also lead to some mistakes or missteps when approaching your finances as a professional woman. Kay Lynn also shares her financial planning top win and biggest mistake, and offers advice on how to start financial planning, no matter where you are in life.

To help you as you wrap up this year and plan for the next one, we are dedicating the month of October to talking about financial planning—what it looks like, how you do it, and why it's so important.  Join host Jordan Johnstone as she interviews Kay Lynn Mayhue, President of Merit, which manages over 5 billion in RIA and Brokerage assets under management. Kay Lynn is passionate about helping people take their careers – and themselves – to exceptional levels, which is exactly what we hope you are able to do with the resources that 4word provides this month!

In the previous episode, you met Molly Fletcher, entrepreneur and host of the podcast, Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Molly shared how she embraces learning in her own life and career, and reassured all of us that asking questions and being curious is a sign of confidence, not weakness.      In this episode, Molly and host, Jordan Johnstone, discuss how to overcome obstacles like fear that may be keeping you from stepping out of your comfort zone to take advantage of a learning opportunity. Molly also shares how she encourages learning within her own team and how together they prioritize developing as individuals and as a company.

Join host Jordan Johnstone as she interviews Molly Fletcher to discuss how you can become a lifelong learner and why it's something that you prioritize. There's never a wrong time to be learning, and actively seeking out opportunities to learn will not only enrich your life, but it will also strengthen your relationships with others as they connect with you through your journey to learn and understand more about them and what they do.  Molly Fletcher, entrepreneur, speaker, author, and host of the podcast Game Changers with Molly Fletcher, returns to the podcast and shares why learning is something that she is incredibly passionate about and believes in the importance of. 

In this episode, Martha Newsome and host, Jordan Johnstone, talk about how Medical Teams International is working to bring awareness to more issues happening around the world. Martha also shares who the most influential leaders have been in her life and what makes her most proud as CEO.

Join host Jordan Johnstone and guest Martha Newsome, CEO and president of Medical Teams International, as they discuss exponential and influential leadership. As you listen to their conversation, you will hear the joy and genuine heart that Martha has, not just for the communities that Medical Teams assists, but also for the people on her staff that partner with her to have an impact on the hurting parts of the world. Martha is an authentic example of influential and exponential leadership and we are so grateful we all get to learn from her this month.

In this episode, Keri and host Jordan Johnstone go deeper into seven shifts that will result when a woman is leading a movement in her sphere of influence. Keri uses these shifts to further define how a movement maker should structure their movement in order to not just see it be successful, but also see it make the difference in the world that it was intended to make from its inception.

This month's Work, Love, Pray guest is Keri Ladouceur. Keri is a speaker, coach, and pastor. Through her decades of experience in the corporate world and now in ministry, she has come to deeply recognize and resonate with the need for more women-led movements in this world. If “being the change” is something that has been on your heart lately, then this month's episodes are 100% for you.

In this episode, Tracey and Jordan dive into what good and genuine influence is actually all about, how to take on the role of being an influence without neglecting the other parts of your life (hello, work/life balance!), and Tracey shares about the mentors and influences in her life that made her career possible.

This month's Work, Love, Pray guest is Tracey Newell. Tracey has built a highly successful career in sales and leadership, working with companies like Juniper Networks, Webex, and Cisco Systems. She now serves on the boards of five high-growth software companies, and is passionate about helping companies and the teams that power them see and utilize their full potentials. As you will hear, the topic of influence and becoming a woman of influence is something that Tracey does not shy away from, and she is able to infuse this important conversation with many insights she has learned herself.

In this episode, Dr. Shannan Crawford and host, Jordan Johnstone, walk their way through the last two steps in the boundary-setting process, and also talk about working through the possible “fear of missing out” feelings you may battle when you start flexing your new “say no” muscles.

Do you want to be more resilient? Do you want to be more present? Do you want to feel more honest with yourself and in turn, with those in your life? Mental health plays a huge part in making those goals (and many others) a reality for your life. This month's guest is Dr. Shannan Crawford. If you've followed 4word for at least the past couple of years, you will recognize her name AND voice! Dr. Crawford is a licensed psychologist and the CEO of Crawford Clinics, and she is also the host of the podcast Unlock U. In this first episode of May, Dr. Crawford discusses how the personal decision and commitment to create boundaries is a perfect infusion into the foundation of your own unstoppable development.

In this episode, we wrap up our conversation with Shae Bynes by talking about the recurring role that vulnerability and transparency play in our walk with God, and how, as a Christian woman, you can grow not just your confidence in your relationship with God but also your confidence in God.

Shae Bynes, entrepreneur and author of Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can't, leads listeners down a path toward a thriving relationship with God, offering insights into how she has had to prioritize this relationship building in her life and what she has learned is vital to growing as close to God as possible.

In this episode, we wrap up our conversation with Michelle Quinn, Vice President Of Business Development at Constellis, by talking about what female empowerment can look like in the United States and how the negative workplace tendency to pit women against each other in order to stand out as competent and capable is hindering efforts to offer every woman the chance to be positively empowered.