3/7/22 - Take the Next Faithful Step: Adrian Bracy, The Bracy Group

Intro: As a Christian working woman, you have many roles from your responsibility with family and friends to community and work. How do you connect all that you do with all that you are, and still have your face shine through. It's a challenge, but you are up to it. The, sheWorks4Him podcast at the gathering place to empower Christian working women, to live out their calling at work.

By connecting them to God resources and each other through powerful face stories from other working sisters in Christ. Welcome to sheWorks4Him.

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So I just pray that you'll have a few moments where you can listen in with us, join the conversation and hear what God has to say in your own life. We are your hosts, Martha Brangenberg and Catherine Gates. And you can find out more about, sheWorks4Him at she works the number for him. Dot com. And also remember we are on social media on pretty much every platform you're on how though ever we have not ventured into Tik TOK or, you know, I just want to say that right now, but we, um, have a YouTube channel.

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Catherine: So many women, Martha are searching for their purpose in life. Wondering what's my. Ephesians two 10 tells us that we are God's handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

We need to look to God for each next step and be ready to pivot as he leads. Adrian, Bracey understands this firsthand. She has a passion for accounting and saw herself becoming a CFO. She first had to walk through a time of testing. That became a significant turning point in her walk with God and a springboard to Adrian's career with the NFL, where she worked for the Miami dolphins St.

Louis Rams and served as CFO for the Arizona Cardinals. After 18 years with the NFL, God led Adrian to pivot and take the position of CEO for YWC Metro St. Louis, where she was able to work on her other passion for enhancing the lives of women and girls. Today Adrian provides executive coaching consulting and speaking, and is the author of halftime.

Learn to pivot as a leader and identify your next step. Adrian, welcome to sheWorks4Him.

Adrian Bracy: Well, ladies, thank you for having me, Martha and Catherine. It's an honor, and a privilege to be here. Thank you.

Catherine: Well, I'm so glad Adrian, that you and I connected just recently through the rooted sisters, which we're definitely going to talk about in a little while, but I'm excited for our listeners to hear your story first.

Why don't you share with us how you became a Jesus follower?

Adrian Bracy: Well, my journey goes way back. Uh, I was adopted at age 10 and my adopted mom. Uh, she introduced me to Lord and I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior at age two.

Catherine: Wow. That's amazing. So when you, when did you realize that your work matter to God?

How did God get your attention?

Adrian Bracy: So my, my attention was earlier on, um, I was actually working for the Miami dolphins at the time and I realized that. Was having trouble. So I went to the school, her school, she was a senior and realized that she had missed 45 days and she was going to be expelled from school.

And so I went to my sister's house and found my niece sleeping. I packed her bags. I moved her in with me and she graduated and never missed another day of school. And that's when my passion and my purpose, I believe was actually revealed to me that it is helping. Young women and women in general. And that's when I knew that it mattered that my work, whatever, uh, God has led me to do.

It's it's for his glory. And, uh, and others will benefit.

Catherine: You actually shared another story with me, Adrian though, that, um, that came a little earlier in your work before you went to the NFL, there was a, there was a real, um, significant turning point for you. Can you share a little bit about what happened.

Adrian Bracy: Oh, wow. Yes, that's a, yeah, that's a story. Sometimes I try to forget. Um, so I was actually a controller for a company in aviation company and in Miami I was assistant controller, but then I was re uh, uh, promoted, right, uh, to the controller's position within a year. And there was new management, uh, from.

From the company that's parent probies and Israel, but the new manager was not used to working with women and black women, uh, to be exact. So he brought in, uh, a gentlemen to report that I would report to. So he brought in and created this position. So, um, that hurt me really, really bad. Um, and I knew that.

Time to pivot. I knew that I was at halftime and I prayed. I asked God to help me because I remember Catherine one day sitting in my car crying because I didn't want to go into the office. That's when it really hit me that this was really time for me to pivot. It was time to change. It was time to move, to do something, to make an adjustment.

And that's um, yeah, that was, that was very, that was a hard time in my life. And that was my first experience to, uh, you know, and I believe it was not just being a woman, but it was also being black and a woman that I experienced this. And so that's um, yeah.

Martha: So, I wonder how that helped you as you've moved forward in your career to working with for many years with the NFL, which for a lot of people that can sound amazing, that can sound challenging.

I am sure that it was all of the above and so much more. What did that look like for you to live out your faith in that work environment? You know, I can only imagine that it's a male dominated field, both on the field and in the office space as well. Cause we, we forget that it takes, uh, a lot of people that, to keep things going and do the finances and do all of the background stuff for something like the NFL.

So what did that look like? How were you able to then, um, take things that God has taught you over the years to live out your faith in that working.

Adrian Bracy: Well, like I explained, so my, that one experience really helped me because it actually gave me confidence, um, to, to work and deal with, with men. And so when I entered the NFL, I was already grounded in my.

I didn't have to create things. I didn't have to create that relationship with God. And that's why I think it's so important that we, when we go into battle or go into war, you don't start to get prepared. You prepare before you go into it. So I was already prepared when I went in the NFL. Um, but what really helped me was surrounding myself with other people.

Um, other women in this case who really helped me, uh, not so much as a mentor, but we can say a mentor. She actually wasn't meant for an hour. I think about it. She gave me some lessons on dealing with, with men actually, uh, in the NFL coaches, because coaches are a little bit different than, uh, Uh, there is a little bit of ego, probably a little bit higher ego there.

And so dealing with a would that type of person create, it really requires a different type of personality. And so. I had to, to develop it. It, you know, and that's the good thing about leadership is that it can be developed for, for most people. Now, there are some people who, uh, who don't really want to be a leader, uh, in the business world and that's okay.

But for the leaders, if it's a good thing to know, um, that self-awareness, which is one of the things that I had to, you know, I had to develop, I had to develop confidence to be able to, to go head to head with these, these guys, because there were times when. I was not invited into the boardroom because I was a woman and I had to actually be candid and say, listen, I need to be there.

I am the finance, I'm the CFO, I'm the VP of finance and I need to be at the table. Um, and so. Getting that respect and not having the, the attitude. And that's the other thing my mentor told me, it's, you know, don't go in with this attitude, this chip on your shoulder, because you know, emotions for a lot of men is a term.

And especially, I know for a fact in the NFL, so being able to control my emotions, I mean, that's, that's probably the simplest way and not take things personal.

Catherine: And I know that a lot of women are going to get a lot out of what you're saying right now. And I can't wait to get to the rest of it. We're going to take a quick break right now.

You're listening to, sheWorks4Him with your Gates. We're going to take a break and we will be right back with Adrian. Bracey.

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Catherine: bookstore. Welcome back to, sheWorks4Him. We're talking to Adrian, Bracey the former CFO for the NFL and president CEO of the Bracey group.

Martha: So Andrew you in God gave you all kinds of experiences in your life and in your leadership. And you have written this book called halftime, learn to pivot as a leader and identify your next.

Tell us briefly. What led you to write that book? And what do you hope that people will take away when they actually read it?

Adrian Bracy: Well, what led me to write the book was during my half-time moment when it was time to reflect and decide on what next, um, that's when the Lord just put it in my heart to be prepared for what's next and what's next for me?

Opening my own coaching consulting and speaking consulting firms. And so I wanted to have the book prepare, but the real, I mean, what the motive behind that was really to help bring value to others. That is the bottom line for this book for me, is helping paint it for basically all the wisdom and experience that I have painted for and what I hope the readers would get out of this.

For the most part, we all go through halftime. And if you have not, as my grandmother would say, keep living because you,

Martha: I love that. And talking to us, paying it forward one, luckily listener is going to get a signed copy of your new. Um, the halftime and we want you to call our listener line at eight six six seven one three nine six seven five eight six six seven one three.

Work. We will have that number in our show notes and you can call in and one listener will get a signed copy of that book. So, Adrian, thank you so much for paying it forward in writing the book and in giving away a copy. So I want to, um, take this chance to talk about this switch from being the CFO of the NFL to a CEO at the YWC and that is quite a pivot for you.

So how did that come about and how have you seen God's hand on you as you've made that transition?

Adrian Bracy: So it came about, uh, in 2007 or so I knew it was time that's when I moved, we moved to Phoenix and the day that we, we landed, I knew it was not long that I was not going to be there long. It was 115 degrees.

I don't like the heat number one. So I knew that wasn't going to work, but after afterwards, I just, it wasn't a good fit. But the job itself, the city and a board member from St. Louis came to Phoenix on vacation and said, how are you? And I told her that I wasn't happy. And I really miss St. Louis. And she said, we'll get you back.

And I believed her. And I, I took a webinar, uh, by Stephen Covey to prepare myself and included in my personal mission statement. What's inspiring and enhancing the lives of women and girls. So I truly believe that the next career would be helping women and girls. Well, six or seven months later, she called me and said, the CEO of Y WCA St.

Louis was retiring. Send me your resume. And 12 years at the white WCA, it was only got.

Catherine: Wow. That's amazing. Wow. Like, and that's just to show God was showing you, and again, like you said, you were preparing and we really do need to be ready for those opportunities as they come. Right. And just know that in God's timing, it'll have.

That's right. So exactly. Yeah. And so speaking of women and girls, you and I met, as I mentioned earlier through a Bible study, given by the rooted sisters, a non-profit and their mission is to provide a safe place for women leaders in the marketplace to connect with one another and grow in a closer, more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

How did you get involved with Rita sisters? Tell us a little bit about that.

Adrian Bracy: Well, it was through a colleague. Actually two colleagues and they're both co-founders of rude sisters, Cindy Erickson, uh, Owens and Lisa Nichols. Um, just through conversation, uh, you know, we have this group of women Bible study and we would like for you to attend.

And I did, and I hadn't looked back and now it's been five years or so, or maybe a little bit more than five years. Yes. That's

wonderful.

Catherine: What are you, what would you say you've really. Um, the most from being part of rooted sisters, what's been most meaningful.

Adrian Bracy: Well, there's a long list, but if I had to just say one thing, it's probably going to be relationships that I built, um, with women like-minded Christian women, uh, who loved the Lord.

And what I really love about it, it's the diverse group of women primarily. Um, most of my, my network is primarily black African-American and so here I get an opportunity to fill out. With my white sisters and we get to sit down and talk and have some, some, some dialogue that they probably, they probably wouldn't be able to ask others.

And then there are questions that I have that I probably wouldn't be to ask a white friend, or they wouldn't be able to ask maybe another black person. So here it's a good, safe place where we get to love on each other and just be real and authentic and love the Lord.

Martha: You know, it's I want you to just take a minute here before I ask this next question and encourage all of us that maybe don't have a place like that.

Like, what is the value? I mean, you're sharing that, you know, this gives you a safe place for that. How can you encourage other people to get in find a place like that for

Adrian Bracy: themselves? Oh, wow. I would so recommend finding a safe place. Where you you're surrounded by like-minded people. Uh, this happens to be a women's Bible study, but I also have men that love the Lord.

And so I joined them in another things, but having a rooted sisters it's. I tell you what it's, um, it's mind blowing for me because there are things outside of the spiritual stuff. We talk about family. We have women who've had, uh, divorced going through a divorce, uh, children on drugs. Um, you name it, it's a place, a healing.

And so I think it's one of the we like that we, and I believe we need that. I do. I believe that we need each other. The Bible tells us that we need each other. And so it goes so, so much further than. The Bible for us, it's real

Martha: sisters. You know, I always kind of use that question when somebody said, you know, if something were to happen in the middle of the night, who would you call and having that community, that safe group of people that you trust and you've grown with together, how has that community of women that you have around you impacted your success over the years?

Adrian Bracy: Um, for me, like I have a special group there called my personal board of directors. And these are women that hold me accountable. When I wanted to write the book, this was years ago, I didn't write the book. And my board chair says, when are you going to write the book? And she actually sent me information on writing a book.

Every year, uh, that was her first of the year. Are you going to start on the book this year? So, um, having that, and of course she loves the Lord. This is my board directors. They they're all Christian sisters. Um, and yeah, so we help each others and it's reciprocal. So they helped me, but I've also helped them.

And I think. A really good relationship. There has to be reciprocal, reciprocal relationship. It's not just give or take it's both.

Catherine: We need to encourage each other. Right. I mean, we're supposed to be operating as the body of Christ with Jesus as the head. And that's beautiful. Yes. You're listening to, sheWorks4Him with your host, Martha Brangenberg and Catherine Gates.

We're talking to Adrian Bracy and we're going to. A quick break and there'll be right back.

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Welcome back to sheWorks4Him today. Adrian Bracey is sharing how she seen God moving in her work as former CFO in the NFL and CEO of Y WCA and. She's also published a book halftime, learn to pivot as a leader and identify your next step. And she's generously giving away a copy of her book for one blessed quality.

Today, when you call into our listener line, Martha, what's that number again?

Martha: That number is. Eight. Oh my goodness. I just drew like 8, 6, 6, 7 1 3 9 6 7 5 8 6 6 7 1 3 work. And that number will be in our show notes, but I can imagine. Um, that this is something that you would love to have. So please call our listener line.

And one of you will get a copy and we'll, and Adrian, we'll send it right directly to you after she signs it. So don't hesitate to do that friends. Um, this is a generous gift for you. So Adrian, as we talk about, um, you know, I love practicality. I love show me. I love that whole idea of show me what it looks like.

So for you. Um, how do you keep your iron sharp? Show me what that looks like for you. And are there special resources or tools that you use to keep that your iron sharp?

Adrian Bracy: Wow. I like that show me, you know, I live in state of Missouri the show, so there you go. So, uh, for me, uh, it's a routine that I've had for years waking up every morning.

Hour or more, um, pending on my day. And sometime it could be a little shorter. It's my devotion with the Lord. So that sharpens me reading the word of thought. Um, really understand and not just reading, but being a doer. It's not just reading the word, but being a doer of the word. Really, um, putting off, putting on the whole armor of God, first thing in the morning.

So that is something that gives me the fuels that I need throughout the day. So I start my morning off with reading through my devotional, my prayer, Ms. Pitchers, and then I've learned to meditate. I started meditating. Um, I tried yoga. That's hard, but I do, I didn't believe in taking care of yourself. Um, so meditation is the other thing that really helped sharpen my, my myself, me personally.

Um, and then, you know, I love going to take care. I'm a self care person. I love going to the spa. Uh, I have a membership at a spa here in St. Louis, because I think it's important to, to take care of yourself. I give a lot, I pour out a lot, so I have to make the pie. Back into myself, either through friends or through the spa.

I love getting my hair done every week. My manicure, my pedicure. So, so that's important. And that's the one thing a lot of women don't do. Let's take the self care.

Catherine: Yeah, you're right, Adrian. I mean, if you're going to give out, you've got to fill yourself up as well. And, and I, and I do love that you start every day with the word of God, you know, we need to fall in love with his word, right.

We're fellowshipping with when we're in that word. And, and so I wonder if there's a verse from scripture as a last question, Adrian, is there any verse from scripture right now that you are finding specifically meaningful to.

Adrian Bracy: Oh, gosh, there's so many, my gosh, but I love Philippians four through seven, a fourth chapter six through seven verse 67, whereas the anxious for nothing, but in all things, prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving, make your request known to God and the peace of God.

I mean the peace. That's just, oh my gosh, the piece I'm just telling you, that's the best thing of, of just be the horse that had hadn't at peace. It will guard your heart and your mind through Christ Jesus. So those that, that I carry with me because sometimes I get anxious and I want things to happen right away.

And then I have to really just settle down and just let go and let God, and then let the peace of God just come over.

Catherine: Beautiful. Absolutely. And we were living in times where we really need that piece every day. Right. I really do well, Adrian, this has gone too fast. This has been amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, your wisdom and your insights.

So openly and authentically, you've been listening to, sheWorks4Him with your hosts, Martha Brangenberg and Catherine Gates. We're Christian working women, helping other Christian working women live out their calling at work.

Outro: As sheWorks4Him as Christian women. We have many roles from daughter, sister, friend, wife, and mother to analyst, accountant, executive or educator.

Is it possible to balance our roles at work and home in a way that honors God? The answer is yes. And our new book, sheWorks4Him will help show you. Written to celebrate, encourage and equip women in the workforce. sheWorks4Him. Discusses the diverse experiences of today's Christian working woman.

Pick up a copy by going to, iWork4Him.com/bookstore. You've been listening to the, sheWorks4Him podcast with your host, Catherine Gates, Nadia Dickson, and Martha Brangenberg. Please like us on Facebook and subscribe on YouTube under sheWorks4Him and to access any of the resources we mentioned on today's show.

See the show notes at sheWorks4Him. Dot com that's she works the number 4 Him.com. This podcast was created to empower you to live out your calling at work so the world knows sheWorks4Him.