Search Results for: covid-19

Leading Change in Vietnam

Posted on November 11, 2020 by - Asia, Because of the GLS, Education, Family, Stories, Youth

GLS20 leaders worship in Vietnam

In August 2020, The Global Leadership Summit was broadcast LIVE to an online audience and at micro-gatherings across North America. The Summit was then translated into 60+ languages and contextualized for another 123 countries and hundreds of locations worldwide. One of those locations includes Hanoi, Vietnam where 300+ men and women gathered for fresh leadership insights and encouragement from a mix of speakers chosen from our GLS19 and GLS20 world-class faculty. With no Covid-19 cases reported in Vietnam since September, they were also excited for the opportunity to gather in person after a difficult year.

Here are just a few stories from some of the attendees inspired to lead change within their sphere of influence in Vietnam!

 

I was inspired with a vision for orphans.

Tran Thi Minh Hang GLS attendee in VietnamIt must’ve been God’s idea to have me attend The Global Leadership Summit. I am supporting some orphan children—They were abandoned by their parents or their parents were sent to prison. They are very different from other children because they have suffered from great grief and loss.

During the Summit, Dr. Krish Kandiah inspired me to go on a bigger mission for these children, which is not only to help the children with basic living needs but to help transform their lives by opening my heart and being more visionary about what could be. – Tran Thi Minh Hang, GLS attendee, Vietnam

 

 

 

I realized I have influence!

Dang Ngoc Truong GLS attendee VietnamGrowing up, my family provided me with the best resources. I was doing well. But things changed completely when I slipped into the trap of drugs. I wasn’t myself and drugs took away my self-esteem. I was in deep pain and miserable. My family business went down, and my family life hit rock bottom too. When things were about to collapse completely and my family was about to leave me, God stepped in and embraced my pain and guilt. I quit my addiction. And now I am able to be a good father to my four children.

Today, I’m devoted to spread God’s love to those who have gone through similar experiences. A group of us started a school out of our church. I realized I have influence! During The Global Leadership Summit, Danielle Strickland’s talk on leading transformational change really made an impact on me. Thanks to Danielle, I now understand there must be change in order to have future growth. Change is not easy, but Danielle helped me see how I can move forward to serve those He put in my care. – Dang Ngoc Truong, GLS Attendee, Vietnam

 

 

I’m reflecting on forgiveness.

Dao Van Tam GLS attendee Vietnam

At 70 years old, I was excited to take part in The Global Leadership Summit this year! Being God’s follower, I find my life more cheerful and meaningful. My age is not an obstacle on my path of learning! No matter how old we are, we still can learn and develop. And we can learn from anyone!

I’ve been to the Summit many times. This year, I realized that the bitter fruit on my “tree of life” is lack of forgiveness. So, I am going to spend time reflecting on this and I will surely try my best to fix it because this has been a hinderance in my life. – Dao Van Tam, GLS attendee, Vietnam

 

Thank you for supporting The Global Leadership Summit as it is brought around the world. When you give above and beyond your Summit registration cost or at any time throughout the year, you make it possible for leaders like Dao, Dang and Tran to take part in the Summit in their country.

Watch this fun video of highlights from the GLS in Hanoi!

 

Learn more about how to be involved with the ministry of the Global Leadership Network at theglsn.org/Give

The GLS in Prison Wouldn’t Be Possible Without Volunteers Like These

Posted on November 9, 2020 by - Because of the GLS, Leading Organizations, North America, Prison, Stories

Prison Program Marquee

The growth of The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) in U.S. corrections facilities started in 2014 when the Global Leadership Network (GLN) formed a partnership with Prison Fellowship. As kindred spirits in the belief that everyone has influence, a partnership was formed to bring the GLS to incarcerated men and women as well as corrections staff. By 2015, the GLS was hosted in 11 corrections facilities. And by 2020, the GLS has grown to provide access to leadership development to more than 9,000 incarcerated men and women across the country. (In addition to facilities in the U.S., the GLS is hosted in a number of corrections facilities internationally each year as well.)

In 2021, the GLN hopes to bring the GLS into 100+ facilities in the U.S.

In 2021, the GLN hopes to bring the GLS into 100+ facilities in the U.S. as we lean into the expertise and support from corrections staff, wardens, chaplains, churches and organizations involved in prison ministry as well as several passionate volunteers and donors.

Two of the passionate leaders we want to highlight include Shelith Hansbro, who works for the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC); and Derek Swierczek, who is one of our lead volunteers in Illinois helping to onboard and support our prison sites across the state. With their help, and the help of a few other key volunteers, the GLN was able to bring the GLS into 10 new facilities in Illinois in 2020, despite the overwhelming obstacles a global health pandemic presented us with this year.

In an interview with Shelith and Derek, we learned about the impact they’ve witnessed as a result of bringing the GLS to prison, and why they believe it is worth the investment of time see this ministry grow, not just to bring the GLS to more prisons in Illinois, but all across the U.S. as well.

A high school math teacher during the day, Derek Swierczek got into prison ministry by way of volunteering at his local church. He had his world rocked when he visited Angola State Penitentiary in 2017 and saw the impact that leadership development can have on a prison culture. “The impact is evident. If Angola State Penitentiary can change from one of the worst prisons in the world to a place where I felt safe and comfortable walking around the yard alone, talking with men, then any prison can change if given the right tools and opportunity.”

…any prison can change if given the right tools and opportunity.

Through a friend and fellow volunteer, Gordon Murphy, Derek met Dale DeNeal, pastor at Second Church in Danville, and learned about their prison ministry at Danville Correctional, one of the first locations to host the GLS in prison. “Through these connections, there was significant interest within IDOC and among various wardens who had attended the GLS to bring the GLS to more facilities,” said Derek. “Ultimately, shouldn’t the goal of any prison be to equip their offenders with the skills necessary to prevent recidivism? Why not do it right now so the culture while they’re still there can also be positively impacted?”

Shelith Hansbro, who has held various leadership roles in the IDOC over the years, including acting assistant warden of programs at Taylorville Correctional Center, sees the lives of the incarcerated differently than most. “I have been blessed to see the good in people regardless of their criminogenic path,” said Shelith. “I am blessed to engage men and women as they make strides to positively transform their lives and strive to do their best to achieve success.”

The GLS Creates a Ripple Effect

“I remember my first GLS experience,” said Shelith. “It’s an experience I will never forget. It was during a time when I felt overwhelmed, unsupported and somewhat isolated. I attended my first event in Springfield, Illinois. Everyone was so warm and friendly. Fellow conference goers were enlightening and willing to share with such transparency that I felt welcome and blessed to be there.”

I am blessed to engage men and women as they make strides to positively transform their lives and strive to do their best to achieve success.

After Shelith’s first GLS experience, she didn’t hesitate to share the event to more people, including the facility where she worked. “I wanted everyone to experience what I felt,” said Shelith. “I shared it with my friends and colleagues and decided if I had the opportunity to host the GLS, I would.”

Shelith indeed discussed bringing the GLS to Taylorville Correctional Center and they all agreed that it was worth it to host. “I made contact with Gordon Murphy and Chuck Brewer, two incredible GLN volunteers who serve prisons and wardens in Illinois, and the rest is history,” said Shelith. “During our conversations, I mentioned we needed a screen and they immediately helped us acquire one! On the first day of the Summit, Chuck and Gordon visited our site to make sure everything was going fine. They are genuine, caring and kind individuals who have enriched my life and helped me do the same for others!”

At the first GLS event at Taylorville in August 2019, they had more than 130 men participate!

Sheridan Corrections GLS19Like Shelith, Derek’s positive experience in being a part of bringing the GLS to prison is similar. He first volunteered at the prison site in Danville, and then later had the opportunity to help bring the GLS to the prison he had been volunteering. Then in 2019, Sheridan Correctional hosted their very first GLS. “Seeing a group of offenders be so appreciative of the opportunity to engage in a world class leadership opportunity softens my heart!” said Derek. “Many of them truly usually feel forgotten. Many want to be a better person, especially when they get released and go back to their families and communities. So, seeing men who feel very little worth and value get excited to have volunteers come to simply digest all the leadership lessons with them is so exciting and rewarding!”

…seeing men who feel very little worth and value get excited to have volunteers come to simply digest all the leadership lessons with them is so exciting and rewarding!

“Our criminal justice system often focuses on the ‘penalization’ of the incarcerated versus the ‘correctional’ side of the rehabilitative process,” said Derek. “How are the convicted supposed to reenter society and be productive members of their communities if they’re not learning the necessary skills? The incarcerated are yearning for opportunities to learn skills that will serve them both inside their current facility and outside when/if they get released. The GLS truly brings men and women inside prisons hope.”

The GLS Can Transform Prison Culture

Both Derek and Shelith emphasized the impact that the GLS can have on prison culture, and why the value for the incarcerated and the staff is so worth the time and effort to invest in leadership development and provide much needed hope. “The sustained leadership development via the GLS is worth all the effort!” exclaimed Derek. “A safer environment for both staff and offenders is a win for all, and our society. After seeing men visibly and audibly appreciative of Warden Gomez for bringing the GLS to Sheridan in 2019, after looking at him as someone who was against them, was pretty awesome to witness! This kind of event can change the culture of prison, just like it did in Angola and Danville.”

A safer environment for both staff and offenders is a win for all, and our society.

“Employees and the incarcerated share the same environment,” continued Shelith. “We must intentionally work to create and maintain safe, secure living environments—this is more likely to happen when we all feel included, valued and supported, and the GLS creates a platform for this to happen.”

The Power of Partnership to Multiply Impact

“It excites me to engage with organizations like the Global Leadership Network to provide resources for the incarcerated and our corrections staff,” said Shelith. “To work with families to reestablish their bonds with their loved ones and to hear those stories of success when they return home is why I do what I do. There are leaders in every segment of our population. They come from all ethnicity groups and cultures and their influence is felt by many. The GLS nurtures those leaders by giving them the confidence, support and the tools to positively impact the lives of others.”

Sheridan Corrections GLS19 2“I am so encouraged by the volunteers who give of their time, resources and donations to make the GLS possible in prison,” Shelith continued. “This work is not for the faint of heart. I have felt supported, uplifted and validated during times of uncertainty and isolation. I am so happy to be a part of the vision to provide leadership opportunities to individuals who can positively impact others. And it starts with empowering them to be their best selves.”

Derek offers advice to other leaders who may be considering bringing the GLS to their local corrections facilities. “The key is having a chaplain or warden who believes in the potential of the GLS and is willing to do what it takes to make it happen. Considering there are so many tech components to streaming the GLS, simply pulling it off in any of IL’s antiquated technology facilities is definitely an ‘Only God!’ accomplishment! Critical volunteers like Gordon Murphy and Chuck Brewer, who have been involved in prison ministry in Illinois for a long time, were instrumental in connecting with us in figuring out that we might have 10 new facilities interested in hosting. This visionary process laid the groundwork to what happened in August of 2020 and what is going to happen in October and November with the Summit Replays, even despite Covid-19!”

To work with families to reestablish their bonds with their loved ones and to hear those stories of success when they return home is why I do what I do.

It is such an honor for the Global Leadership Network to partner with such incredible volunteers like Shelith, Derek, Gordon and Chuck. To serve the incarcerated, reminding them of their value and providing opportunities for them to gain a new purpose for their lives is truly an honor. In 2020, we are just getting started toward a goal to reach hundreds of thousands more people through the GLS, but with incredible partners like these, anything is possible!

Better Leadership is Vital to the Health of Our Communities

Posted on October 19, 2020 by - Because of the GLS, Church & Faith-Based, City Movement, Culture, Influence, Leadership Development, Leading Organizations, Nonprofit, North America, Stories, Vision

Woman standing in walkway in the city

A call to leadership

I had spent most of my career in leadership roles, but my interest and passion for leadership development started with me accepting who God called me to be. About 20 years ago, I looked at the life of Peter in the Bible and the mess he was early in his life and later who he became. I started to think about how my own emotional health was impacting the people around me. I had this feeling people should be the best they can be, but it wasn’t until I realized I wasn’t leading as well as I could, as a part of church leadership, when I got this on-fire passion for leadership development.

I realized we had to do whatever we could do to get better for the sake of the lives of those we were leading.

I realized we had to do whatever we could do to get better for the sake of the lives of those we were leading. It was a journey—I looked at the people who had left the church or even their walk with Christ over how our leadership handled things and thought, we have to do better.

I believe Christian organizations should be some of the healthiest organizations on the planet because we have Jesus! So, leadership development became my passion. Ultimately, leadership is about the people we lead, and less about the things we do or the results we get—yes, the results are important—but the heart of leadership is people, and the impact we have on their lives.

In 2012, while volunteering at my church, my pastor mentioned a job opening at Movement.org (formerly The New York City Leadership Center) where I could be a part of developing a cohort of leaders in the city, and I got the job! I started attending The Global Leadership Summit—this event was part of our leadership development as an organization. But part of my job was also to convince other churches and non-profits that they should host the Summit too. Once I attended the Summit myself, it was the easiest thing to promote it. Every leader needs to go to the Summit and needs to bring their whole team and whole church.

The Summit became the place where I learned about Patrick Lencioni, Marcus Buckingham and Henry Cloud—these guys became my mentors. So many of the people I follow and the leadership ideas I have now started with the Summit. It has been such a transformative experience for me.

Our organization was strengthened during a vulnerable time as a result of Craig Groeschel’s timely content in 2019.

The Summit has also been foundational to how we’re getting better as an organization at Movement.org.

We had to start thinking about the restrictions we had and think differently.

For example, Craig’s talk in 2019 about thinking inside the box was so valuable. At the time, our organization was not in the best place which is so common in the nonprofit world. I’ll say it like this, if Covid-19 happened in 2019, I don’t know if our organization would have weathered the storm like we are doing right now. We had to shift. We had to start thinking about the restrictions we had and think differently. Craig’s talk was crucial to our organization’s ability to see restrictions as an opportunity to be creative. What he said challenged us to reposition ourselves to not only keep our doors open but to finish 2019 strong enough to carry us in to 2020—not knowing what would lie ahead. And this is just our story—multiply that by a gazillion. There are a whole bunch of people who’ve experienced this kind of impact too.

When you apply what you learn you can see the impact.

The 2020 Global Leadership Summit was the best Summit ever. Even in the context of watching it online—it was amazing. The content is practical. The content is inspirational. And as leaders, we need to go to places to be inspired. We need to maintain hope and inspiration. Then there’s the stretch. When I leave the Summit, I’m always thinking about where I can stretch. My stretch this year was around curiosity and innovation.

The 2020 Global Leadership Summit was the best Summit ever. Even in the context of watching it online—it was amazing.

Self-awareness is key in emotional health and leadership. I know I’m not the most creative person or innovative person. I tend to rely on what is tried and true. In 2020, we’ve had to innovate. You can’t avoid innovation in a year like this. I’m stretching and learning new things. I’m Zooming like I’ve never Zoomed before. Why did it take Covid-19 to be innovative and creative? That was an indictment on me. Why didn’t I think about this before? I was reminded again of Craig’s talk in 2019 about thinking inside the box.

I want to see leaders be the best they can be. If I couldn’t do that, I would wonder why I’m here. My calling is to help people be better, specifically leaders because of the impact a leader can have on those around them—their family, their community, their workplace and their church. The ripple effect is the thing that keeps me going. I go to bed and wake up thinking about how my leadership is impacting other people and how your leadership is impacting other people.

The part of my job I love the most is convincing people they’re worth the investment.

I want to see leaders be the best they can be. If I couldn’t do that, I would wonder why I’m here.

Every single person is worth investing in themselves. If we saw everybody like that, I feel like life would be so much easier. I’ve seen the results of that in NYC. I look over the landscape of the city and I think about the nearly 500 leaders who’ve been through our program. Just asking them how many people they serve on an annual basis—these leaders cumulatively have served almost 6M people. And that’s great but think about it—before Covid-19, 20M people were coming through NYC, so we still have work to do. We have more leaders to impact.

There are so many stories, but there are a couple of leaders who stand out who’ve been through our program at LEAD.NYC (the NYC facing arm of Movement.org).

    • I think of Justin Mattera who developed the organization Pray, March, Act. He wanted the church to respond to what is happening in the country regarding injustice. He is rallying the church in NYC… and recently 40 churches came together and peacefully marched with police in the Bronx. He has a grander vision story, and I’m so honored to be a part of that story.
    • I think of Andrew Oliver and his organization Do For One, which is a ministry for the disabled, pairing people together to be a friend to those in need.
    • I think of the church planters—one planter struggled with fundraising. In one session at Advance Leadership Intensive we talked about fund development. Using what he learned in one session, he went from raising 20% of his budget to 80% of his budget. That creates sustainability in the difficult work of church planting in NYC!

As I look at NYC, I see the places where leaders who were burned out and ready to quit but came through the leadership program. We poured into them and gave them a fresh vision to keep going. What would have happened if we ceased to exist? Where would those leaders be now?

The Global Leadership Summit is also part of these stories.

The Summit is one of the best leadership conferences I’ve ever attended, and I’ve attended many.

What always draws me in is the faculty—they are the best of the best with the best content. There is such a wide variety of thought leaders, practitioners and best-in-class leaders.

If you’re tired or you think you’re not making an impact as a leader, or you’re wondering why you’re doing this, you need to be inspired and encouraged. You need a fresh vision of what could be. If you go to the Summit, that’s what you’re going to get. This year that happened to me. I became a leader who is sharper and more curious.

Even in the middle of Covid-19 in the middle of NYC, I got a fresh vision.

After spending two days hearing from world-class leaders, I was full. So full that I began to cry. All that was poured into me began to overflow in my heart. As I closed my eyes, I began to see a vision of how much I could grow in one year as a leader if I applied the smallest measure of all I learned. I cried tears of joy and tears of hope. I saw a leader that would be so much better for the people I lead and for the organizations I lead in, and my tears turned into a smile. I emerged with a fresh vision for my leadership.

Even in the middle of Covid-19 in the middle of NYC, I got a fresh vision. And leaders need a fresh vision often. If you need a fresh vision, and you know you do, the Summit is your answer—and now you can watch it at the Summit Replay!

When it comes down to it, we were born for this season.

It isn’t by accident that you are alive and leading at this moment.

It isn’t by accident that you are alive and leading at this moment. Maybe you’ve felt like these times are overwhelming. Personally, I’ve wondered if I have the chops to lead through these challenges… But my encouragement came when I realized that we as leaders are born for a time and a purpose. We have to do the hard work to be the best leader we can be. We have what it takes to lead through this challenge. We have what it takes to strengthen ourselves to get better too. Don’t be afraid. Lean in. Do what leaders do—go lead. That’s who we are.

Will I see you at The Global Leadership Summit?

True Leadership Builds a Culture Where People Thrive

Posted on October 12, 2020 by - Because of the GLS, Business, Collaboration, Culture, Execution, Healthcare, Leading Organizations, North America, Stories

True Leadership Builds a Culture Where People Thrive2

Leadership is a privilege.

Over the last ten years, The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) has been key in helping me develop my leadership skills. But the truth is, I never really wanted to be a leader in the traditional sense. I was once even told since I didn’t have a passion to be in the C-suite, I wasn’t suited to be a leader. Over time I learned where we work really doesn’t matter that much to God—it’s about how we honor Him in what we’re doing. I’ve discovered the true meaning of leadership, how it can shift culture and help people thrive—and it turns out it has nothing to do with being in the C-suite. Leadership is a privilege, not a right, and can be done in any venue, at any time, from any position.

Over time I learned where we work really doesn’t matter that much to God—it’s about how we honor Him in what we’re doing.

One of my biggest takeaways was from the GLS in 2019 when Patrick Lencioni came out and said what the world needs is fewer leaders. He started to unpack that and said if you are not committed to team building, communication, or you think you’re in it for your own reward, you’re not open to having a critical conversation and you don’t see meetings as a platform for fostering shared understanding, creativity and key decisions, you probably should not be a leader. It was a wake-up call.

At the Summit, I often hear the phrase “everybody wins when a leader gets better.” This means leadership is not about me—leadership means my staff’s success is more important than mine. It’s not my passion to be in the C-suite, but I do have a passion for making an impact toward the mission and vision of my organization, and it comes down to the “why” of what we do. I’ve learned to focus on the “why” no matter what role I’ve been in.

I had several different roles at a children’s hospital over a span of seventeen years, but one day the CEO approached me and said he wanted me to head up IT. I told him it was a really bad idea. But he saw something in me I didn’t see at the time and how I could contribute to bringing out the best in the team—he also knew my creativity and passion for technology would be better suited to IT, even though I didn’t have experience there. And IT is where I’ve been for the last 20 years. I am forever grateful for his insight.

Part of my role today is to make sure that every staff person understands their role, how they fit and how their contribution is a part of a greater vision we’re working towards—and for us, it is doing everything we can to have a healthier community. From my perspective, everybody on the team is important—there is no role that is any more or any less important than any other role in working toward this vision.

If we want to have a healthy community, we have to start by building a healthy culture as an organization.

After my time of service at the children’s hospital, I transitioned to a community health system when we were embarking on a big change with a new information system. I was in over my head, but I realized the experts were all around me.

I know in any meeting I’m not the smartest person in the room, but I’ve tried to establish a culture where everybody is heard…

I know in any meeting I’m not the smartest person in the room, but I’ve tried to establish a culture where everybody is heard, and everybody contributes. One of the beauties with IT is that there is always an answer—it may not be elegant, but there’s always an answer. You just have to keep pressing towards it. My favorite meetings are when you have eight people with different ideas about how to solve a problem, but after an hour of collaboration, trust, breaking down silos and working together on the ideas, you come out with a ninth solution that is even better than the eight you started with.

Something started to shift culturally. I was asking, “What do you think? Ultimately, I need to make a decision about this, but I’m interested in what you think would be the best solution?”

It took a year for the staff to actually believe I wasn’t coming in with an answer, and that I actually wanted to hear their ideas and why—I wasn’t putting on a show. I also wanted to create a culture of very frequent and accessible communication. (A lot of this has been influenced by Patrick Lencioni at the GLS and his book Death by Meeting.)

The Impact of a Healthy Culture

One of my favorite examples of this is from two years ago when our main information system in a two-month period failed five times. Our credibility in the organization was at risk. So, I would get into a teaching auditorium with our whole staff for Q&A. One of the things I stressed was, either we solve this, or the organization is going to have someone come in from the outside to solve this for us. But I think we can solve it.

So, we set a goal for the organization to commit to 90 days of no downtime on our core system. We put up progress posters all over the building. Every day when our staff came in, they knew what day we were on in the process. We talked about it all the time. The team started to parse out where we needed to improve. And when they solved the issue, it was a source of pride for the team because their credibility was back. Now they are really thriving.

…either we solve this, or the organization is going to have someone come in from the outside to solve this for us. But I think we can solve it.

It comes down to that critical conversation and being really truthful with them about the reality and how it is within our control to improve. That’s the value of building a healthy culture of trust and collaboration.

This reality became evident when the software we use was being installed by a competitor within 15 minutes of us. 70 of our staff are certified to run this software. The competitor needed 40 people to run their software. I knew there would be a compensation component and a need to make sure their work life balance was going to be accommodated, but I also knew it would come down to culture.

I purposely err on being highly transparent with my team. They are intelligent people and need timely information to help guide their personal and professional lives. When I knew the other organization would be starting their hiring process, I shared with my team the following scenarios in an open forum:

  1. If you were here when we went live with our information system, you know it was a monumental time with great reward. If you would like to experience this journey again, I will fully understand and wish you well if you move to the competing organization.
  2. If you were not here when we went live, and would like to experience a project like this for the first time, I fully understand and wish you well if you desire to move on and take on a new opportunity
  3. But, if you decide to transition because you find a more compelling vision to work for somewhere else, that’s on me. I will have failed in my leadership role if that is the case.

When the other organization was recruiting their 40, we thought we might lose 10 out of our 70 certified staff, but we only lost 2. And one came back in two weeks, and the other ended up leaving the other organization and going out of market. This unexpected outcome was due to the daily leadership efforts of numerous managers and supervisors staying connected to their teams and providing opportunity for growth and engagement. That’s the impact of a healthy culture.

Being a Positive Influence for God’s Kingdom

The Summit has also helped me realize that my primary role as a leader is not to just execute. Every conversation, every decision, every email and every phone call are opportunities to be a positive influence for your team, the broader organization, our community and God’s Kingdom.

The prayer I have with my wife in the morning most often includes me saying, “Lord I pray for the creativity, the compassion and the wisdom I need for today that I don’t have on my own.” When I pray through my calendar for the day, the people I will be with and what we’re trying to accomplish, I will say, “This is what’s on my calendar, but what do you want me to spend time with today that’s not on my calendar?” Sometimes the answer is to be to be sensitive to a hallway conversation about a staff member’s family or when to encourage someone when they have made a mistake which has affected our organization.

Every conversation, every decision, every email and every phone call are opportunities to be a positive influence for your team, the broader organization, our community and God’s Kingdom.

I’m a big advocate of believing that people evolve, learn and mature in their thought process in how they act and respond. In our society there seems to be less tolerance to recognize people are on a journey and we’re not all perfect. So, how can we show grace? I try to do that in the workplace as much as I can. On my better days I pray before walking into each room. Sometimes it’s just a reminder of this being God’s place and remembering it’s not about me.

The gravity of my words is not lost on me. My words can build people up or tear people down. As a leader I need to be very aware of how I’m acknowledging people and looking for the Spirit’s ongoing counsel—How can I encourage this person? How do I speak the truth with grace? It’s also about being consistent so people know how you’re going to respond. Don’t be a volatile cannon. Be consistent in how you honor people. Do the right thing for the right reason. Simply bringing grace and mercy into the workplace and cultivating a bigger-picture vision of what we’re all about is a way of bringing God’s Kingdom here on earth.

How COVID-19 tested our culture

During the Covid season, our command center has a had daily focus on dealing with the Covid outbreak here and managing hospital operations. One of the leadership challenges has been to recognize how pervasively the pandemic has impacted people. It’s not just the nurse who is now in this stressful situation, it’s also the family that she or he has to protect with kids at home who are not in their normal school rhythm or their parents who have a compromised immune system.

There is no part of our work that is not touched by this. So, being able to talk to our staff in our command center and say, “In the midst of all that you’re managing, all the people you contact throughout the day, remember everybody has a story and staff are bringing those stories to work. How do we care for others and recognize the wholeness of who they are, not just the work-side of who they are?”

I don’t think about the impact of my leadership much, but every once in a while, I get a glimpse, and I still wonder why all these people are following me. I think God places his children in places to lead but doesn’t want us to hang onto our leadership position too tightly.

Attending the Summit is worth the investment.

Many other leadership conferences would be much longer, more expensive and less diverse. I haven’t come across anything else quite like it. This year, my team watched the Summit together online separately from our own homes, but we had Zoom meetings during the breaks and talked about what we heard. Even with the event being virtual this year, it was still just as effective. Each of my direct reports has a challenge from this year’s Summit incorporated into their performance goals for this coming period (quarterly identification of one thing that is no longer working and needs to be changed).

One of the key values are the seeds that are planted that become compass points when we are in an unprecedented time…

With all the competing events for our calendars, to set aside two days as a leader just to hit pause on your to-do list and be able to take all your baggage into the room and have it put in perspective again and hit reset is so worth it.

One of the key values are the seeds that are planted that become compass points when we are in an unprecedented time, or when we are charting steps in our organization that are completely unplanned. How do we respond? I get the depth of teaching to push forward from my attending the Summit each year.

President George W. Bush’s Powerful Message of Hope During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Posted on October 8, 2020 by - Articles, Change Management, Leading Yourself, Resilience

GLS20 President George W Bush Marquee
This article is a part of The Global Leadership Summit Faculty Spotlight series where we feature content from the #GLS20 speakers. This is a great opportunity to get a taste of what to expect from these amazing leaders!

 

We are honored to welcome this special guest to the #GLS20 faculty lineup!  

Join us at The Global Leadership Summit for Decision Points: One-on-One with President George W. Bush* where he’ll discuss his time in office and the leadership lessons he learned while serving as the 43rd president of the United States during one of the nation’s most difficult eras.   

President Bush recently shared a powerful message of hope and unity with the world. Although his interview during the Summit will not focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, the remarks he shared within the video below gives us a glimpse of the President’s perspective on leadership. 

 

Watch Video Now >>

 

This is a challenging and solemn time in the life of our nation and world.  

A remorseless, invisible enemy threatens the elderly and vulnerable among us—a disease that can quickly take breath and life. 

Medical professionals are risking their own health for the health of others. And we’re deeply grateful. 

Officials at every level are setting out the requirements for public health that protect us all. And we all need to do our part. 

The disease also threatens broader damage—harm to our sense of safety, security and community. The larger challenge we share is to confront an outbreak of fear and loneliness. And it is frustrating that the normal tools of compassion—a hug, a touch—can bring the opposite of the good we intend.  

In this case, we serve our neighbor by separating from them. But we cannot allow physical separation to become emotional isolation. This requires us to be not only compassionate but creative in our outreach. And people across the nation are using the tools of technology in the cause of solidarity.  

In this time of testing, we need to remember a few things: 

First, let us remember that we have faced times of testing before. Following 9/11, I saw a great nation rise as one to honor the brave, to grieve with the grieving and to embrace unavoidable new duties. And I have no doubt, none at all, that this spirit of service and sacrifice is alive and well in America.  

Second, let us remember that empathy and kindness are essential, powerful tools of national recovery. Even at an appropriate social distance, we can find ways to be present in the lives of others, to ease their anxieties and share their burdens.  

Third, let us remember that the suffering we experience as a nation, does not fall evenly. In the days to come, it will be especially important to care in practical ways for the elderly, the ill and the unemployed.  

Finally, let us remember how small our differences are in the face of this shared threat. In the final analysis, we are not partisan combatants. We are human beings, equally vulnerable and equally wonderful in the sight of God.  

We rise or fall together. 

And we are determined to rise. 

 

 

To hear more from this incredible leader, and get a leadership boost of insight and encouragement, join us online or in-person at a participating host site for the GLS20 Replay on October 22-23, 2020 or November 6-7, 2020. Watch 16 full-length, world-class faculty talks, and also experience the incredible entertainment and programming from the live event in August!

Register for the GLS20 Replay >>

 

If you’re unable take part in the Replay events, don’t worry! You can also catch this amazing content with GLS On-Demand where you can access 14 of the 16 full-length talks for one year, giving you time to watch at your convenience.

Get GLS On-Demand >>

 

*Please note: This session is closed to the media and will only be available to attendees on Day 1 of the Replay Events within the U.S and Canada—it will not be available for viewing on Day 2 or at any point during the 7 Day Video-on-Demand period. 

Communication: When and How? 4 C’s for Effective Communication

Posted on September 14, 2020 by - Articles, Communication, Leading Others

A women at her desk confused and frustrated with the rejection in the office.

The other day, I was chatting with a member of my team via text.

I felt the conversation was going well. I was providing clarity, moving things ahead and then all the sudden, my phone rings. I answer it and the first phrase I hear, “Is everything okay with us?” That’s an odd way to start a conversation, but what is odder, is the person on the other end of the phone was the same person I was texting.

Confused and slightly taken aback I responded, “Yeah, is everything good with you?”

My team member responded, “I felt we were missing each other during the text conversation, so I wanted to make sure everything was okay.”

I was confused. What I discovered is during the text, my answers were getting shorter and more direct, and my team member thought I was annoyed with the conversation. I was trying to give clarity and multi-task while also working from home and supporting my team member. Pre-COVID-19, this conversation would have happened in person, face to face, and we would have been fully present with each other. With remote work and multiple conversations, my focus was divided and my communication at the moment did not support my team member well.

Effective communication creates clarity, increases trust and instills lasting connections your team will need to thrive in a remote environment.

How many times during this pandemic have we “missed” each other?

It would have been easy to dismiss my team member’s feelings and tell them to just trust me. However, as opposed to getting defensive, I realized I needed to improve my ability to communicate during this season and to support my team. Immediately, my mind went to Juliet Funt’s 2018 WhiteSpace talk when she briefly told us about 2D vs. 3D content and mediums.

I experienced the challenge of 2D vs. 3D in real time. My goal to be efficient in communicating caused me to be ineffective. Effective communication creates clarity, increases trust and instills lasting connections your team will need to thrive in a remote environment. So, what type of communication is both effective and efficient?

 

When CONFIRMING INFORMATION, use Text or Email

After a meeting, in order to ensure everyone is one the same page, a follow up email is helpful. There is not a lot of nuance that occurs within a confirmation email. Think about situations where the answer is “got it”, “yes/no” or “makes sense”. When there isn’t a need for significant dialogue, this is appropriate.

 

When CLARIFYING INFORMATION, use Email or a Voice Call

Depending on the level of complexity, an email or a voice call can be effective. If there is a simple clarifying question, an email response is appropriate. However, when I find myself writing a dissertation, having to rethink my words, or if the relationship could be experiencing stress I will email or text, “Hey, let’s hop on the phone.” The more and more we have to use text to communicate confusing conversations, we have more opportunities to miss each other. Spending five minutes on the phone can save five days’ worth of repair.

Be intentional. Be creative. Be inspiring.

 

When CORRECTING, talk Face to Face (or on a Zoom Call)

Even during COVID-19, as leaders, corrective measures are essential to produce alignment. Some are born out of clarity and others from misbehavior. While it may be easier to correct over email or less awkward using voice, I’ve found the face-to-face to be the most effective. I want my team to not only hear my words but to see my facial expression. My words and body communicate my heart.

 

When CELEBRATING team members, use All of the Above

When we were in the office, it was easy to drop by and say, “Great job on that project!” Now, I have to hunt for the stories because we lack proximity. So, when you find your team member did something right, text them individually, email the immediate team, and if you have a Zoom call, celebrate their actions in front of the team. What we celebrate, our teams will imitate. Practice intentionally celebrating other and communicate it to your teams.

 

As we continue to live through this next normal, communication is vital. When we figure out how to do it well, our teams will thrive.

Be intentional. Be creative. Be inspiring.

‘Beginner’s Pluck’ Inspires Initiative in Honduras to Empower Young Women

Posted on August 31, 2020 by - Because of the GLS, Central America, Confidence, Latin America, Leading Others, Leading Yourself, Nonprofit, Stories, Youth

‘Beginner’s Pluck’ Inspires Initiative in Honduras to Empower Young Women

The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) takes place live in the United States each August, and then is translated into 60 languages and brought around the world. In the 2020 season, the GLS will serve leaders in another 123 countries, including 50% of the world’s poorest countries. One of those countries is Honduras—where the impact of the Summit is having an incredible impact. This is just one of those stories!

Wherever you are, God finds you!

Angel Andreakis lives in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and has been working as a regional producer for The Global Leadership Summit in Central America and the Caribbean for the last six years. During the GLS in 2019, he was deeply inspired by Liz Bohannon’s talk about ‘Beginners Pluck.’ “The impact has been amazing,” says Angel. “After the event in 2019, I was inspired to partner with my friend and marketing volunteer, Abigail Trejos, to start a project to serve teenagers girls. We call it ‘UP’ (Unique & Powerful).”

The Global Leadership Summit Inspires Program to Empower Young Women

Abigail was also deeply inspired by her first experience at the GLS, and especially by the group of young women she met. “I was requested to chaperone three beautiful sponsored teenagers during the GLS who are a part of the Open Doors Foundation,” said Abigail. “They help young people in social risk with limited resources but who long and desire to grow, to learn and be someone. It is impressive to see these young hearts eager to get ahead, go out and chase their dreams— in two days these girls showed me that and more!”

Abigail Trejos headshot

“Wherever you are, God finds you!” exclaims Abigail. “There is no place where we can hide that his love does not get there; It doesn’t matter if you’re locked in an office or if you’re a homemaker taking care of her home or working in foreign lands. As far as I was concerned, I was stuck in something complex—my comfort zone. I found my identity in God a long time ago, but it was getting difficult for me to move towards my purpose, or should I say His purpose in my life. Fervent prayers came up and strong desires in my heart grew as an opportunity to serve, to grow, to share what he had already given me, to be a useful instrument in his hands; and our Father with his infinite mercy and goodness, He always has his ears toward our cry. He responded in his perfect time.”

Together, Angel and Abigail started the project with just a few young women—now it has grown to serve 12 young women who come from difficult economic backgrounds and dangerous neighborhoods. On funds raised, Angel helps support this project to cover materials, transportation and food; and Abigail provides mentorship, counseling and support.

Young woman in UP Program in Honduras

 

The purpose of UP is to empower, motivate, teach and mentor these girls and let them know no matter who you are and where you live, God can do amazing things in your life. “We encourage the girls by challenging them to get out of their comfort zone and pursue the purpose of God in their lives,” says Angel. “We do this by inviting women in leadership positions in our city to share their testimony, provide advice, and share what God is doing in their life. We also do workshops to give every girl an opportunity to develop new skills and create their own incomes.”

“Without a doubt, the faithfulness of God has provided us with everything we have needed to begin to develop an annual plan of different workshops so that the girls can obtain knowledge and train in trades that will open opportunities for personal and professional growth, with the aim of form self-confident women, integral leaders that can influence and serve more people in their environment.”

UP Program Jewelry Class Honduras

One of the workshops taught the girls how to create jewelry and sell it for extra income.

The Impact of COVID-19 Does Not Stop Ministry

Living through a pandemic has been difficult and even more so for those who find themselves in a vulnerable situation like the case of the girls in the UP program. But Abigail shares that they haven’t seen God stop working and providing for them. “We have done donation campaigns for the purchase of food and our Father has touched so many hearts to join this cause!” exclaimed Abigail. “It is incredible to witness the willingness of so many people to serve, no matter their religion, age or social status. This love for our neighbors and willingness to serve has put the world into motion.”

Just last week, the team collected clothes to take to one of the poorest communities of the country called Gualcinse. Alongside UP they have also planned Zoom meetings to encourage the girls. “We have to feed the body and remember the soul is the most important thing. Even if we are social distancing, we don’t have to be relationally distant. Let’s not wait for this pandemic to be over to begin dreaming. We want to change the narrative and keep dreaming, serving, growing and leading.”

“God wastes nothing,” says Abigail. “No matter where you were born, where you have grown up, whether you have had family or not, your past experiences, your personality, your talents, your physique…He made you with a purpose. He has planted dreams in your heart, and He will enable you to fulfill them, because He made you Unique and Powerful.”

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139: 14

Humans Have the Power to Remain Socially and Emotionally Connected Even in Extreme Physical Isolation

Posted on August 27, 2020 by - Articles, Leading Yourself, Learning Agility

Businessman with a briefcase and a mask heads back to the office to work.

Social distancing is nothing new, and a great deal of research has highlighted the benefits of social distancing for highly transmissible diseases in the absence of vaccines, but never before has the term occupied the central place it has in our mind’s today, with governments around the world anxious to reduce or even stop all interpersonal contact in order to control the Covid-19 pandemic. While the precise medical, economic and social consequences of this unprecedented measure remain uncertain, we should be clear about one thing: we have never been as prepared to minimize the psychological cost of social distancing as we are today, thanks to the digital age.

Since most of us have already migrated a great deal of our lives (and identities) to the digital world, creating virtual equivalents for virtually any human activity, physical isolation is far less likely to feel like loneliness, equate to boredom, or truly represent social isolation. In fact, it is conceivable that for a large number of people isolation from the digital rather than analogue world–in other words, switching to a purely offline life–would be more traumatic. Perhaps this is why we have recently devoted more time to worrying about computer viruses and cybersecurity attacks than biological viruses and pandemics.

This is not to say that we will find it easy to adjust to a life less rich in face-to-face contact, and the prospect of being removed from our families, friends and work colleagues for an indefinite amount of time is for sure daunting. It is also obvious that in certain cultures, age groups, and less technological societies, it is far harder to reduce physical interactions or simply replace them with digital alternatives (the same goes for certain jobs, industries, and organizations). At the same time, there has never been a better time in history to cope with a radical reduction in physical contact, not least because technology has been downgrading the value of physical human exchanges for a few decades now, and dramatically so during the past 10-years. We would not have seen this drastic approach to social re-engineering imposed so systematically if so many of our key activities couldn’t be substituted (at least in part) with virtual alternatives.

…we should be clear about one thing: we have never been as prepared to minimize the psychological cost of social distancing as we are today, thanks to the digital age.

Ironically, we have devoted (myself included) much of the past two decades to being shocked and scandalized by the psychological harms caused by our smartphone addiction (NoMoPhobia), lamenting the rise of digital narcissism fueled by Facebook and Instagram, the threat to truth and harvesting of fake news caused by Twitter and our digital filter bubbles, and the dystopian fears that the very algorithms designed to simplify our lives would end up controlling and manipulating us, amplifying human prejudice and bias, and downgrading us to mindless advertising products or data producing machines. Although these fears are arguably still warranted, we should also acknowledge that the very technology accused of making us stupid, lazy, or antisocial has just turned into an indispensable tool for minimizing the social and emotional costs of physical isolation.

It is important to note that there has always been a salient interaction between social behaviors and environmental constraints, including the threat of viruses and pathogens. Culture itself is the product or result of this interaction. For instance, cultural differences in curiosity, social exploration, and extraversion can be explained by environmental (climatic and geographical) influences on parasitic and pathogenic risks to human health–with cultures developing more openness, extraversion, and curiosity in places where the risk of physical interpersonal contact, particularly outside one’s in-group, was lower. In other words, our evolutionary ancestors have previously encountered many instances in which there was a strong wellbeing cost linked to socializing and hanging out with others. Historically, social distancing, in the sense that it is currently understood, has been the norm rather than the exception, with clear health risk associated with physical interactions outside our in-group.

Modern medicine and globalization have done a great deal to mitigate these risks in recent centuries, but it’s thanks to the digital age that we are now able to maintain meaningful emotional and social connections with others even in the absence of physical proximity.

In this context, it seems logical to at least acknowledge some of the reverse arguments to the alarmist discussions on the adverse psychological effects of digital media on social and work behaviors. For example, it seems feasible that our concerns for the potential increases in loneliness, depression, and social anxiety caused by excessive social media usage must coexist with an acceptance that those same digital addictions have helped us cultivate deep virtual connections with others, which have become very real. By the same token, our tendency to condemn digital distractions, whether it’s binge watching YouTube, getting hooked on the Netflix series, or falling for clickbait-y headlines, may feel less problematic when we find ourselves with more time and boredom to kill, and distractions are rather welcome. And of course if it weren’t for e-commerce, virtual meetings and remote working, we would be facing a bigger shock to the economy, as well as an even more pronounced tension between our wellbeing and productivity.

But it’s not technology that we should celebrate, but the human capacity to create it, and adapt to it.

But it’s not technology that we should celebrate, but the human capacity to create it, and adapt to it. Even in those who are suddenly forced to adopt a more virtual way of life, replacing precious in-person contact with seemingly cold and clunky digital substitutes, we can expect quick adaptation and the creation of new long-term habits. Any technology involves doing more with less, and there is no true technological adoption without an underlying need or necessity. Just as our desire to know, learn, produce, bond and improve our mental and physical wellbeing has fueled recent technological innovations, any threat to such desires will only exacerbate the value of these inventions. Our individual and collective imaginations have enabled us to evolve into the most collaborative species on earth, and the digital age represents the latest phase in our quest to push the boundaries of cooperation. As tragic as global pandemics can be, we should regard them as a test for our capabilities. We are better equipped for dealing with them than we ever have been, largely because we have been able to create an entirely new system for coordinated human action–now we must make proper use of it.

 

This article was originally posted in Forbes. See the original article here.

3 Communication Strategies for Leaders in Uncertain Times

Posted on August 24, 2020 by - Articles, Change Management, Communication, Leading Others

Why You Need A “Mount Rushmore” of Mentors to Grow as a Communicator---Bryan Loritts

Covid-19, the economic fallout and the simmering social unrest now at a boiling point, have created the perfect storm for leaders around the world. We don’t have to wait for the next edition of the Harvard Business Review to read a leadership case study–we are all living one for the ages. As a practitioner and student of leadership, I have been fascinated by the different responses to this crisis.

What do the best leaders do in a crisis?

The complexity and fluidity of our current situation combined with the uniqueness of individual circumstances render formulaic responses to the crisis absurd. However, one of the actions leaders can take that will have a disproportionate impact on how their team and organization will respond to the situation hinges on how effectively they communicate. During times of crisis, the way leaders communicate has an out-sized impact on the confidence and motivation of their teams.

Here are a few ideas for your self-evaluation and encouragement.

 

1) Clarity, not certainty, is the smart choice.

Most people crave certainty, but they will settle for clarity. I was first introduced to this concept more than a decade ago by Andy Stanley and it has served me well. The power of clarity has proven itself over and over again in crisis and in times of relative stability. The truth is, leaders can rarely provide certainty–we have a vision, or dream or five-year strategic plan but so much is out of our control. Those who have overstepped the bounds of their control and made promises infused with certainty often find themselves having to rebuild credibility.

So, what does clarity look like? It may be a leader who says: “Here are the principles we are going to use to make decisions during these uncertain times.” Or, “During this time, we are going to constantly go back to our purpose, vision, and values to guide our decisions.” Or, “Based on what we know today, we are going to do this or that–as we get new information, we will adjust.” Leaders who attempt to provide certainty, especially in these days, are setting themselves and those they lead up for a fall.

 

2) Multiple approaches increase your odds of success.

A mistake I’ve attempted to avoid throughout my career is a strong and natural tendency for leaders to communicate only in their preferred style and medium. However, the research on this is clear, different people receive and process information differently.

Therefore, if we want to reach everyone with our message(s), we need to use multiple forms of communication. Here are a few examples I’ve observed over the last few months:

  • Video messaging
  • Virtual Town Hall Meetings with Q & A
  • Formal listening sessions
  • Instagram and other social platforms
  • Written communications of various forms–including email and newsletters
  • Acts of kindness/service
  • Images of front-line workers and protesters
  • Facts and figures (some organizations are even sharing the financials with their team members)
  • Stories of struggle and triumph
  • Music to inspire and encourage

Leaders who choose to use a single form or medium to communicate critical messages will fail to connect with large numbers of their desired audience.

If you want to learn more about this strategy for more effective communication, you can check out Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences, or for a less academic translation of the same concept, 7 Kinds of Smart by Thomas Armstrong.

 

3) Strategic repetition is your friend.

Have you ever noticed how single-minded many of the best leaders appear to be?

Think of a leader you know who you can predict with high certainty what he or she is going to talk about given the slightest opportunity. Maybe it is vision, or mission, or values or key strategies; regardless of their message, these leaders seem to be stuck on repeat. There’s a reason–they know constancy and repetition are required to break through the clutter of the world with their critical message.

Do you have a key message you want people to embrace during these unprecedented times? I know of one leadership team that began the Covid era exhorting their entire organization with the idea: We will emerge stronger.

Now, I’m not suggesting that this should be your mantra. The reason I mention it here is over the last several months, leaders in this organization have reiterated that sentiment countless times–so much so, people not only believe it, they are working to make it so!

Key messages, repeated consistently, have a much better shot at taking root in the hearts and minds of people. Then, combine strategic, repetitive messages with multiple formats and you can have significant influence on the narrative within your organization–both now and for years to come.

 

What’s next?

As of today, we are several months into a time in our history that will be remembered for generations. Leaders around the globe are faced with a tidal wave of questions: When can we return to a new normal? What is the new vision? What are the new strategies? What will our financial future look like? What’s next? The answers to many of these questions will likely remain elusive for the foreseeable future.

Here’s what we do know: leaders who communicate effectively with clarity, integrity, passion, and empathy, using as many forms as possible, will have the greatest likelihood of thriving in the new normal…whenever we get there.

Generous Donors Sponsor Trafficking Survivors to Attend GLS20

Posted on August 24, 2020 by - Because of the GLS, Leading Yourself, North America, Stories

Woman against sunlight

In 2014, trafficking survivor, Rebecca Bender, was invited to attend The Global Leadership Summit for the first time. Inspired by Don Flow’s grander vision story that year, she wrote her manifesto for her newly–formed organization to serve trafficking survivors by empowering them with the skills to lead and restore their dreams.  

Today, Elevate Academy serves and mentors more than 630 survivors.  

A word of thanks to each of you for thinking of those without access otherwise.

In 2020, the Global Leadership Network took on a new initiative with ministries in the U.S. who are serving those who would otherwise not be able to access the leadership training provided at The Global Leadership Summit. Because of the generosity of our incredible donors, this year we were able to bring the Summit to thousands of leaders, including incarcerated men and women in prisons across the U.S., at risk youth, people living in homeless shelters or transition homes, as well as those served by crisis and addiction centers. Additionally, of course, we were excited to bring the Summit to a large group of trafficking survivors from Rebecca Bender’s Elevate Academy.  

One of those leaders is a woman and trafficking survivor by the name of Stephanie Anderson. Every year since finding Jesus “on the streets,” God has brought incredible counselors and prayer ministers to speak life into her, including Elevate Academy and The Global Leadership Summit. 

Gratitude for the Opportunity 

“I am so excited to have had the opportunity to expand my vision at the Summit,” said Stephanie. “It is by the grace of God that I was offered access to the Summit through Rebecca Bender and Elevate Academy. Thank you for such a tremendous ‘grace up’ of moments in this difficult time! What a tremendous honor to attend.  A word of thanks to each of you for thinking of those without access otherwise.” 

Stephanie-Anderson-HeadshotStephanie began sharing her story in 2013 from her own experiences of exploitation to create awareness. When she is not working as a clerical contractor, she is volunteering as a life coach and trainer for organizations doing tremendous work in the fight against injustice. She has partnered with many agencies to provide training, and is a member of Survivor Alliance, an ambassador for Shared Hope, a volunteer for Operation Underground Railroad and her experience is detailed online in the survivor gallery of Polaris.  

“I am a survivor of childhood sexual exploitation,” said Stephanie. “As I serve, I am shouting to every individual, church and organization to join the fight, reminding them that protecting children is everyone’s responsibility. Today, I am able to share my life experience and speak into the lives of men and women in the process of recovery and reentry.” 

Stephanie was volunteering with agencies working in reentry intervention with men and women beginning the journey from the streets, trafficking, addictions or incarceration when COVID-19 started to shut everything down. So, she and her husband relocated to help families prepare and work through restrictions. “We believe there is a new, expanded work for the vulnerable and we are in prayerful preparation for when and where!” 

The timeliness of The Global Leadership Summit 

The Global Leadership Summit turned out to be a timely encouragement and preparation for what is to come for Stephanie and her dreams to serve the vulnerable and fight injustice. 

“One of my takeaways was about the pause—every day—to listen. Gary Haugen talked about taking the 30 minutes to listen, and Juliet Funt mentioned the pause is where the best ideas are discovered. So, I’m listening for the download of strength and inspiration for leading and adjusting our direction for the future. And time stood still as I listened to Lysa TerKeurst speak about forgiveness flowing to and through us. It was the most beautiful reminder, once again, of the power of grace.” 

“I was also reminded that pressing in now is where the miracles start—when all seems ambiguous, volatile, uncertain and complex. I am challenged to invest my time in the future ahead, or waste it. I am choosing today and every day!” 

Empowering Stephanie’s Dreams 

Stephanie believes there are more platforms to expand and raise awareness about safety education and trafficking, and one of those areas is with recreational motorcyclists. “When I answered the three questions about what I am good at, what I love and what others say I’m good at, I noted training, sharing and motorcycles!” 

My thoughts will either tell me God is nowhere or God is NOW HERE!

“I will continue to train and share about injustice, and next year, I hope to film a documentary at motorcycle rallies. Sharing at 2021 advocacy rallies will take some planning, but we want to start a motorcycle “Ride Against Trafficking” rally to share, not just about trafficking identification, but also about our Rescuer God who will take the hand of any who call out to Him, and forgive those trapped in sexual sin.  I also believe the next chapter will go beyond volunteerism to the creation of businesses that will hire and sustain the precious first years of developing leaders, affirming, encouraging and calling out the new life of access through Christ.” 

Encouragement for a Difficult Season 

Stephanie’s leadership journey has not been easy, but she offers a word of encouragement for those who may be experiencing a difficult season. “One of the things I’ve learned on my journey is how difficult and high the waves seem—how powerlessness can engulf my mind, emotions and heart, but how much the love of God intervenes in my day–to–day life and how powerful one word can be.”

“My thoughts will either tell me God is nowhere or God is NOW HERE! The grace of God is so much bigger than my mistakes and failures. His presence is now here always—and if I stop and pause, I realize He isn’t going anywhere.” 

Hope 

Stephanie shares why The Global Leadership Summit provides her hope. “In the pain and trauma I have experienced, there are many voices I can follow that sound like hope. The voice of hope is a powerful and dangerous weapon. Hope in the wrong things will bring us pain and thinking that spirals downwards. But hope rightly directed will bring growth, practical change and lift us out of darkness.” 

“In dark moments, the faintest light breaks through…and makes it possible to appreciate, to find beauty and see goodness, forgive or just get out of bed. This is why I attend The Global Leadership Summit.”