sheWorks4Him Podcast
To encourage and equip Christian working women
Welcome to the sheWorks4Him Podcast! A place where we celebrate and validate the diverse experiences of today’s Christian working women by providing a digital gathering space that connects them to God, resources, and one another.
Each week join hosts Catherine Gates, Nadya Dickson, and Martha Brangenberg as they interview women of faith that embrace their workplace mission field. Full of incredible stories, biblical encouragement, and real-life tips and tricks, sheWorks4Him will empower you to live out your calling at work, so the world knows, “Hey, sheWorks4Him!”
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sW4H 43 | Shalynne Jackson Catalyst for an Equitable Workplace
Over the last several years, we have seen a significant increase in senior executive positions to oversee diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI. These positions are not only focused on strategies to create diverse workplaces but also workplace cultures that value all employees regardless of ethnicity, skin color, gender, or diversabilities. Today’s guest, Shalynne Jackson, is the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the City of Oklahoma City.
Guests: Shalynne Jackson
Ministry/Business: City of Oklahoma City
Guests: Shalynne Jackson
Ministry/Business: City of Oklahoma City
Over the last several years, we have seen a significant increase in senior executive positions to oversee diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI. These positions are not only focused on strategies to create diverse workplaces but also workplace cultures that value all employees regardless of ethnicity, skin color, gender, or diversabilities. Today’s guest, Shalynne Jackson, is the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the City of Oklahoma City. Her passion is to help organizations understand how to create equitable cultures in which everyone can thrive and do their jobs to the best of their abilities.
One of the main catalysts for Shalynne to get into this work was a condition called alopecia. As she learned to find strength in her identity, embrace her baldness, and release the need to cover it up, Shalynne came to a deeper understanding of the impact of DEI work. To Shalynne, the most significant responsibility God has given us is to love others. Her role model and example is Jesus – he was the first true DEI leader!
We can support more inclusive cultures by educating ourselves and advocating for equity and inclusion by speaking up. We can invest in getting to know people and listening to their stories. If we all come together, there could be a day when DEI initiatives are no longer needed because it is integrated into our culture.
Encouraged or motivated by today’s show? Connect with us more at sheWorks4Him.com or tag @sheWorks4Him on Facebook or Instagram with your story! You can also leave a comment or submit a question to 866-713-9675 that’s 866-713-WORK. Quarterly we will answer questions from YOU, so fill up the listener line with your thoughts and questions!
sW4H 41 | D. Michelle Thompson You Belong
How do you create a workplace culture that is truly diverse, inclusive, and equitable? Business leaders wrestle with this question every day. Today’s guest, D. Michelle Thompson, work facilitating sales and marketing training for Middle Eastern Executives in Dubai made her realize everyone has their own “belong” story. This led to the launch of the You Belong Podcast and Courageous Love at Work, a place where conversations on racial equity in the work world can happen.
Guests: D. Michelle Thompson
Ministry/Business: You Belong Podcast; Courageous Love at Work
Guests: D. Michelle Thompson
Ministry/Business: You Belong Podcast; Courageous Love at Work
How do you create a workplace culture that is truly diverse, inclusive, and equitable? Business leaders wrestle with this question every day. Today’s guest, D. Michelle Thompson, has worked for top advertising agencies and consumer packaged goods companies, negotiating budgets of hundreds of millions and even billions of dollars. Her work facilitating sales and marketing training for Middle Eastern Executives in Dubai made her realize everyone has their own “belong” story. This led to the launch of the You Belong Podcast and Courageous Love at Work, a place where conversations on racial equity in the work world can happen.
This journey started when D. Michelle realized she was often the only woman or person of color (or both) in a meeting. The You Belong Podcast came from hearing the constant whisper from the Lord saying, “You belong.” On that podcast, D. Michelle interviews people who share their stories of shifting from thinking they belong to their company and the world to realizing they belong to God and His Kingdom. Courageous Love at Work got its start by pairing a white man and an African American man together for eight weeks, during which the white man focused on listening. It has evolved into monthly conversations where people can be challenged to go deeper in their empathy for others. Participants explore what it looks like to truly walk in each other’s shoes and share power equitably. The goal is the unity Jesus talked about in John 17:21, that we may all be one, just as Jesus and the Father are one. D. Michelle sees her position as divinely orchestrated, allowing her to create safe places to have conversations around racial reconciliation and identity.
Resources from today’s show:
Be sure to tune in to the You Belong Podcast to hear more incredible wisdom from D. Michelle! Then, we encourage you to check out Courageous Love at Work. Watching today’s show on YouTube? Pop over to D. Michelle’s YouTube Channel! Finally, D. Michelle is one of the speakers for this year’s Boldly Conference, a faith + work conference by women for women happening on Friday, October 21st, 2022, live in Dallas or by live stream anywhere! Get your tickets today!
We also invite you to explore more great workplace resources: At Work On Purpose and the Nehemiah Project.
Encouraged or motivated by today’s show? Connect with us more at sheWorks4Him.com or tag @sheWorks4Him on Facebook or Instagram with your story! You can also leave a comment or submit a question to 866-713-9675 that’s 866-713-WORK. Quarterly we will answer questions from YOU, so fill up the listener line with your thoughts and questions!
sW4H 22 | Webb and Yount Raising up Women Leaders
Women represent less than 30% of leadership positions and less than 20% of positions at the C-level. One important factor that contributes to this deficit is insufficient mentoring and sponsorship for women in the workplace. Field Agent, a technology company in Northwest Arkansas that helps brands win at retail, prepares women for higher levels of leadership. Today’s guest, Marc Yount, mentored our other guest, Lesly Webb, to take his place as COO before becoming its President and Chief Commercial Officer.
Guests: Lesly Webb and Marc Yount
Ministry/Business: Field Agent
Guests: Lesly Webb and Marc Yount
Ministry/Business: Field Agent
Across the business world, there is still an imbalance between the number of men and women leaders. Women represent less than 30% of those in leadership and less than 20% of women at the C-level. One important factor that contributes to this deficit is insufficient mentoring and sponsorship for women in the workplace. Field Agent, a technology company in Northwest Arkansas that helps brands win at retail, prepares women for higher levels of leadership. Today’s guest, Marc Yount, mentored our other guest, Lesly Webb, to take his place as COO before becoming its President and Chief Commercial Officer.
The culture of Field Agent is built on a foundation of kingdom values that are communicated and integrated into everything the company does. In order to provide the best work environment for both men and women, Marc believes we must be conscious of the daily decisions we make and how those choices might be influenced by the male-female dynamic, then adjust to ensure equal treatment. At the same time, he believes there needs to be room to embrace and address the specific needs of men and women. Lesly encourages the women she invests in themselves and have grace for the journey. Building trusting relationships allows Field Agent to have a strong leadership team and create a culture in which all team members can flourish!
Resources from today’s show:
To get plugged into a community of faithful women in the workplace, check out the small groups at WorkMatters or WorkMatters.org and Women in the Marketplace at WomenInMarketplace.net/Start-A-Group
Steve Graves article, The Two Hearts of Ambition, is available at WorkMatters.org/Two-Hearts-Of-Ambition
Encouraged or motivated by today’s show? Connect with us more at www.sheWorks4Him.com or tag @sheWorks4Him on Facebook or Instagram with your story! You can also leave a comment or submit a question to 866-713-9675 that’s 866-713-WORK. Quarterly we will answer questions from YOU, so fill up the listener line with your thoughts and questions!