Let’s talk about Faith and Female Leadership in the Workplace!

I couldn't have been more honored or grateful to be a part of the Women in Entrepreneurship: A Faith Perspective Panel hosted by HBU’s Center for Christianity in Business. I’m thrilled that the integration of faith and female entrepreneurship has been identified as an important talking point! It's about time. :) I believe the world needs more female entrepreneurs putting God at the forefront of their business decisions and professional life — and here’s why. 

Christian Women Elevate Workplace Culture

There’s no denying that women bring a unique perspective and skillset to the table; recent studies even show that women are more engaged in their work. When we are in positions of leadership, this intensity of investment actually has an impact on the teams that work under our leadership - boosting performance, retention, and productivity. Add Christianity to the mix, and that engagement is even more amplified. 

As Christian entrepreneurs, we recognize that we are accountable not just for bottom-line results, but more importantly, eternal outcomes. I am not just a brand ambassador, I’m a heavenly representative. Work is a mission field more than a source of personal gain. I use my unique qualities (spiritual gifts) and position to advance the Kingdom of God and not myself, to extend His love and grace to others.

How can it not bring a sense of security - to potential clients and to staff - to know that your company or boss will hold herself - in how she establishes workplace environment, ethical standards, financial decisions, personal interactions - to a higher (heavenly) standard? She will strive to walk the walk, via servant leadership, extending grace, loving others, always pointing heavenward in how she conducts business and navigates office dynamics. It sounds like a win to me. 

Christian Women Elevate Other Women

Our culture seems to exaggerate and even elevate as entertainment the “side-eye” mentality among women. It would seem there is a tendency for women to resort to dominating the competition rather than supporting and celebrating one another. But there is an increasing demand for female leaders to rise - and we’re not going to get there if we don’t learn the value of female-to-female mentorship. It’s essential for growing leaders to have someone to model and encourage them as they navigate the business world - that much is statistically proven.

The great news is, that a big part of the discussion at the HBU panel was on mentorship and mutual support of female entrepreneurs as they grow their businesses together.

I think of mentorship as grace, and that is best demonstrated by Jesus Christ. He saw value in every person. He saw potential in every life. He gave Himself away, took hits for His team, and made every experience a teachable moment. As a mentor, you have the opportunity to give someone something they might not get on their own.

That is grace!

I'm blessed to have been a part of this educational and impactful CCB Panel event. If you haven't looked into Houston Baptist University Entrepreneurship Networking events, I encourage you to follow the links above and check them out. In addition, if you happen to be a female entrepreneur or leader... I know it can be a challenge with constantly expanding demands on your schedule, however, after hearing the demand for these types of women, I urge you to find mentees and contribute to the solution.