4word Women

Women in the workforce are constantly working toward something. Working to get a pay raise, working to be project lead, working to get a seat at the boardroom table. The secret ingredient to being successful at all of that? Confidence. But confidence tends to be a huge weakness for women. If women are too confident, they’re seen as arrogant. Without confidence, they’re seen as weak. Where is the middle ground? Why is confidence something women should strive for when it seems to bring a whole slew of new problems or obstacles? Catherine Gates, the Executive Director for Women in the Marketplace, joins the podcast to discuss how she has developed her confidence over the span of her career and discusses her new book, The Confidence Cornerstone: A Woman’s Guide to Fearless Leadership. Links for this episode:Purchase your copy of The Confidence Cornerstone: A Woman’s Guide to Fearless Leadership hereWomen in the Marketplace websiteToastmasters websiteGuest Bio: Catherine Gates is Executive Director for Women in the Marketplace, a national nonprofit that equips working women to confidently pursue their faith and career for the glory of God. She is also the author of The Confidence Cornerstone: A Woman’s Guide to Fearless Leadership. Catherine has supported others in integrating their faith and work since 2012 as a speaker, facilitator, writer and mentor. She has contributed to several workplace Bible studies and over a dozen YouVersion reading plans. She is on the board of Ladies of Grace, a women’s prison ministry, and on the executive advisory council of the Women’s Empowerment Center. Originally from Long Island, NY, Catherine lives in Northwest Arkansas with her husband Thomas and has one adult son. Her mission is to equip Christian women to reach more of their God-given potential. Orginal broadcast dated: Jul 2021 Click here for the latest Podcast from 4word - Work Love Pray Podcast - 4word (4wordwomen.org)

What is the first feeling you experience when someone compliments you? How do you first feel when someone corrects you or offers constructive criticism? How we process what others think of us is heavily influenced by what we think of ourselves, which is why understanding “self-perception” is so closely tied to growing as an individual. Jessie Niespolo, a Senior Strategy Lead on Google’s Automotive Retail Team and co-founder of 4word: Detroit, talks about how she’s built up confidence in herself over her career, and shares her advice for sharing your worth with others in a way that doesn’t come across negatively.   Links for this episode:Follow Jessie on:FacebookInstagramLinkedInMore info on #IAmRemarkable initiative with GoogleDownload #IAmRemarkable research PDFGuest Bio: Jessie Niespolo has spent 15 years within the Automotive Marketing Industry and the last 7 years as a Senior Strategy Lead on Google’s Automotive Retail Team.   In addition to her work on the Auto vertical, Jessie has a passion for helping women reach their full potential.  She currently acts as the America’s Site Lead for Google’s #IamRemarkable Initiative and leads the Google Women@+ Detroit Chapter where she brings programs to the Detroit office that are focused on Women empowerment. Outside of Google, Jessie is the Co-Founder of 4word: Detroit. Jessie has held the only female board seat on Hope Water International’s board since 2018. Jessie is married to her high school sweetheart and together they are raising four children and co-lead a local Detroit marriage mentorship group. Orginal broadcast dated: Mar 2021 Click here for the latest Podcast from 4word - Work Love Pray Podcast - 4word (4wordwomen.org)

In the workplace, it’s not uncommon to feel like you are just a faceless body on a team. Even the boardrooms of America have obvious signs of a lack of inclusion and diversity. So how can we make the workplace feel more like a unified organization? It can start with you and in today’s episode, you’ll learn the steps you can take to direct your company in a more inclusive direction. In this episode, Patricia Asp, 4word Board Member and founder of ASPire, shares why she’s so passionate about helping companies embrace more inclusive values, and how she hopes ASPire will help hardwire company culture for sustainability. Links for this episode:Visit the ASPire websiteLearn more about ASPireArticles related to this episode:Heidrick and Struggles annual US Board Report“One Woman Is Not Enough”Guest Bio: Meet Patricia Asp, 4word Board Member, Principal and Founder of ASPire. After witnessing the dramatic weakening of core values of great companies during successions, mergers, acquisitions and rapid growth, Pat launched ASPire as a commitment to the strategic preservation of the goodness of companies and organizations. Using two proven methodologies for measurement and accountability, ASPire’s clients align Purpose and Culture and business strategy for growth and sustainability.   For the month of June, ASPire is offering to lead your organization through a Culture Sustainability Assessment at a discounted rate. Click here and type 4word in your contact message to learn more. Orginal broadcast dated: Jun 2021 Click here for the latest Podcast from 4word - Work Love Pray Podcast - 4word (4wordwomen.org)

For Christian women in the workforce, it can sometimes be tricky to navigate how much of your faith is welcome among your colleagues. As a Christian, you’ve heard of The Great Commission. You know you’re supposed to be making disciples. But what does that mean? On this episode, Alva P. Adams-Mason, Group Manager of Multicultural Business Alliance and Strategy and Multicultural Dealer Relations for Toyota Motor North America and 4word Advisory Board member, discusses how she found ways to advance her faith while advancing her career. She also talks about why mentors were vital for her to find a way to balance her life inside the walls of corporate America as well as outside those walls as a parent. Links for this episode:Follow Alva on LinkedInGuest Bio: Alva Adams-Mason is Group Manager of Multicultural Business Alliance and Strategy; and Multicultural Dealer Relations for Toyota Motor North America. In this executive role, she is responsible for directing strategy for Toyota’s multicultural partnerships, organizational support, and sponsorships relevant to Toyota/Lexus multicultural business initiatives covering the Black, Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islanders, Native American, LGBTQ, and women external/community outreach. She is also responsible for leading collaborative projects and relationships that engage the Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association (TLMODA), including the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD). Her leadership encompasses the coordination and communications with k cross-functional departments, executive leadership, field offices, and internal Toyota Motor Sales departments and multicultural dealers. Adams served in several management roles starting as National Manager, African American Business  Strategy for Toyota Motor Sales. She led collaborative projects that advanced the company’s  communication strategy and propelled specific diversity initiatives across Toyota’s North American  Operations. Adams managed external media relations, strategic partnerships, philanthropic activities,  and government relations relevant to Toyota’s African American Business Strategy. She also oversaw  efforts that encouraged diversity in team member volunteerism and community engagement  opportunities. Adams began her career with Toyota in 1999. Before that, she served in several pivotal roles at Ford Motor Company. She worked as a Controller, responsible for all financial aspects of the  business, and was instrumental in advancing the minority dealer training program and retail dealer initiatives for nearly 13 years.   A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Adams holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Howard  University and a certificate in diversity from the University of Houston. Adams currently serves as the  Chair of the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles Board of Directors; and serves on the boards of The Salvation  Army’s National Advisory Board (Secretary), National Urban League Corporate Advisory Council,  International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute, and National College Resources Foundation. Her past board membership includes the Los Angeles Girl Scout Council and the University of California Berkeley Parents Board. She is President Emeritus of Howard University Alumni Club of Southern California and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Orginal broadcast dated: Jun 2021 Click here for the latest Podcast from 4word - Work Love Pray Podcast - 4word (4wordwomen.org)

In this episode, we talk about getting to a place where we’re OK with not being OK. Are you cringing? Is your heart beating a little faster? Did your ears just perk up, even though everything in you is wanting to just skip this episode and keep pushing through your day? Then this episode is for you. Dr. Shannan Crawford, licensed clinical psychologist and leadership consultant, joins the podcast to talk about why we are so reluctant to admit when our mental health is suffering, and how she herself has learned when it’s time to pause and let God open His waiting arms to us for rest and renewed strength. Links for this episode:Visit Dr. Crawford’s website hereThe Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurstFollow Dr. Crawford on:FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeListen to Unlock U with Dr. Shannan Crawford on any of these platforms:Libsyn RSSiTunesGoogle Play Spotify YouTube Amazon  Guest Bio: Dr. Shannan Crawford is a clinical psychologist, adjunct professor, and leadership consultant who has invested over 15-years honing strategies for optimal performance for those leading in the creative, corporate, faith-based, and entrepreneurial spaces. And the host for the Unlock U with Dr. Shannan Crawford Podcast in which she engages thought leaders on curated topics on where leaders get stuck in order to help unlock leaders emotionally, relationally, spiritually, and vocationally,  Dr. Crawford does not believe in crazy; she believes symptoms are symbolic and need to be understood in the context of a holistic understanding of the interaction between body, soul, and spirit. She loves working with leaders because the language of the unconscious is best understood through allegory and story. She intuitively helps individuals identify and overcome areas of self-sabotage by deepening awareness of their internal world to enrich creative enjoyment. Innovator of Restoring-Self-Cohesion (RSC) approach, Dr. Crawford helps creatives remove the unconscious blocks that have been limiting the spontaneous free flowing enjoyment of their craft. RSC is designed to lower defense mechanisms, map, and strategically resolve the root areas of self-sabotage to help creative entrepreneurs remove unconscious blocks, restore internal alignment and cohesion, in order to see creatives, flourish in their craft. Orginal broadcast dated: May 2021 Click here for the latest Podcast from 4word - Work Love Pray Podcast - 4word (4wordwomen.org)

When we say “inner strength,” we don’t mean the muscles to push through a tough situation and shoulder your way up to the top. What we really mean when we say “inner strength” is the ability to be honest, with yourself and with those around you, and not feel ashamed or “less than” for that honesty.  Sandi Mitchell, CEO of Apex Catalyst Group, takes us into the topic of “commanding your inner committee” and why mastering this is a crucial step in achieving effective inner strength. Links for this episode:Apex Catalyst Group websiteFacebookLinkedInTwitterInformation on Faith Based Family Business Forum:Apex Catalyst Group has started a monthly forum for business owners, CEOs, and founders to come together and discuss current issues with each other. It’s an opportunity to talk with your peers and ask those questions you’d rather not ask your employees. Get best practices and ideas on how you can make your company even stronger, smarter, and healthier. The Faith Based Family Business Forum meets virtually every third Tuesday from 9-10:30am CST. If you are a business owner and interested in finding out more or would like to register, please email Sandi@ApexCatalystGroup.com. We’ll see you there!TCU Neeley School of Business class on Communication and InfluenceGuest Bio: Sandi Mitchell is CEO of Apex Catalyst Group. She works with leaders from small businesses to major corporations and nonprofits to help improve and/or accelerate in areas such as: leadership, new manager transitions, team alignment, communication, emotional intelligence, strategic planning, negotiations, work place stress and employee engagement. Sandi has over 25 years working in the corporate world, as a business owner, as a Professional EOS Implementer, and as a certified Executive Coach. Her experience is in learning and development, business operations, sales, and management. She is a bestselling author and has written Coloring Outside the Lines: A Grown Up’s Creative Guide to Increasing Emotional Intelligence. Orginal broadcast dated: May 2021 Click here for the latest Podcast from 4word - Work Love Pray Podcast - 4word (4wordwomen.org)

If you had to give your daily rest practices a performance review, how would you do? In a work culture driven by results, it’s entirely possible that “rest” has all but fallen off your radar. Kyla Cragg, manager in AppleCare Engineering with Apple and a Project Manager for Inclusion & Equality, joins the podcast to chat about when she realized rest isn’t something you need permission to do and shares how she’s learned to rest without guilt. Links for this episode:Kyla’s LinkedInWhere Kyla attended the Women’s Reflective Retreat in 2018Books Kyla has used to help find rest:Discerning the Voice of GodGod’s Many Voices: Learning to Listen. Expectant to HearTen Percent Happier (app Kyla mentioned in the episode) Kyla Cragg has worked at Apple for almost 12 years. She is usually a manager in AppleCare Engineering, but is currently on a 6-month assignment as an inclusion & equality project manager. She is also a leader on mentorship, career growth, and volunteerism. From 2014-2019, Kyla was called to co-chair Apple Christian Fellowship in Silicon Valley, where she helped build a strong leadership team, increased membership, and launched several sustaining programs to increase engagement and sense of belonging. In January 2020, Kyla felt led to join the 4word: Silicon Valley leadership team and was honored to host the first conversation in 4word’s 4-part series about racial reconciliation last summer. Kyla is also wife to Doug, mom to Chloe and Kenzie, and a runner. Rest does not come easy, but she’s getting better at it over time. Orginal broadcast dated: April 2021 Click here for the latest Podcast from 4word - Work Love Pray Podcast - 4word (4wordwomen.org)

Balance might feel like one of the most unattainable things right now, thanks to the ongoing effects of a pandemic and our definition of “normal” changing (what feels like) every day. But it’s important to remember: balance is just as important today as it was a year ago. Balance has never and will never stop being something that deserves priority in our lives. When life is uncertain and full of fear of what tomorrow will bring, our default knee jerk reaction might be to go all in and push ourselves hard, usually with work, because it feels like we are doing something. But that’s a dangerous game to play. Especially in a pandemic, you have to know when it’s OK to push yourself and when you need to pump the brakes and slow down. Shae Bynes, co-founder of Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur and author of Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can’t, knows all about balance and when it’s out of whack. She joins the podcast to share three tips she’d give any woman in the workforce who is struggling to bring order to her life. Links for this episode:Follow Shae on:LinkedInFacebookHer websiteA list of Shae and Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur‘s booksTake a Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur courseOrder the Daily Business Meetings with God journal here Shae Bynes is a passionate storyteller and strategist who ignites and equips leaders to be catalysts for transformation in their spheres of influence. Shae co-founded the Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur movement in 2012 and her most popular book Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can’t is shifting the way people live, work, and engage the world around them. Whether she is sharing on platforms publicly or consulting privately, you can expect Shae to deliver an abundance of truth with love, grace, and contagious joy. Shae lives in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area with her husband and three daughters. Orginal broadcast dated: Mar 2021 Click here for the latest Podcast from 4word - Work Love Pray Podcast - 4word (4wordwomen.org)

Many of us weren’t just inconvenienced by the change COVID swept into the world. That change quickly turned into a crisis situation that is still affecting the daily lives and wellbeing of those fighting to get on top of it.  This episode’s guest, Diane Darling, has ridden the wave of change becoming crisis many times in her life, and her desire is to see her story and experience comfort and embolden those who are living out life-altering experiences. Links for this episode:Follow Diane on:LinkedInFacebookTwitterInstagramHer websiteLearn more about Diane’s courses hereClick here for a 4word-exclusive LinkedIn course! Orginal broadcast dated: Mar 2021 Click here for the latest Podcast from 4word - Work Love Pray Podcast - 4word (4wordwomen.org)

“Change” was a top theme for 2020, and as we get deeper into 2021, ask yourself this question: when can change be a positive thing and how can I help bring about that positive change? Johanna (José) Zeilstra, CEO of Gender Fair, joins the podcast to talk about what Gender Fair is doing to drastically move up the timeline of gender equality in the workforce and how you, the consumer, can help bring positive change to your favorite companies. Links for this episode:Gender Fair websiteFollow José on:LinkedInFacebookFollow Gender Fair on:FacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedInDownload the Gender Fair app on:iOSAndroidGuest Bio: José is an established business strategist and an accomplished leader for both start-ups and global corporations. Over the past two decades, she has worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers and JPMorgan Chase, and with over a dozen client corporations, including Delta Airlines, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Philips, Lucent, Disney, Bank of America, and Occidental Petroleum. Her career has led her to work in Canada, China, Indonesia, France, and The Netherlands. She acts as a coach to senior executives on boards and top teams and has a passion for supporting and advancing women leaders. José currently runs Gender Fair, a platform that uses data analytics to determine an organization’s progress towards gender equality and diversity. Prior to this, José co-founded GiveBack, an innovative platform that makes it easy for companies to build authentic and impactful cause marketing, workplace giving and other social responsibility initiatives. GiveBack was launched on the Oprah Winfrey Show during her final season in 2011. José is originally from the Netherlands and educated in Canada where she earned an undergraduate degree in Sociology and a Masters degree in Business Administration. She resides in Westchester, NY, where she runs the Women Entrepreneurs Network and serves on several boards. Orginal broadcast dated: Mar 2021 Click here for the latest Podcast from 4word - Work Love Pray Podcast - 4word (4wordwomen.org)