Stepping Into Your Voice with Dr. Merary Cruz Simeon
Moving Forward
Many women work hard, deliver results, and assume their work will eventually speak for itself. But as Dr. Merary Cruz Simeon shares in this episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, that is not always reality. In this conversation, 4word President & CEO Melissa Harrison talks with Merary about finding your voice at work, advocating for yourself with confidence and humility, and learning to use your influence with wisdom and discernment. Drawing from her own journey—from growing up in a Puerto Rican family and becoming a first-generation college student to serving in senior leadership roles...
info_outline
Finding a Sustainable Pace with Jo Saxton
Moving Forward
What if burnout is not only about how much you are doing, but also about the fears, expectations, and beliefs driving you? On today’s episode of Moving Forward, Melissa Harrison talks with author, speaker, and leadership coach Jo Saxton about becoming an unburdened leader. Jo explains why meaningful rest requires more than taking an occasional break. It begins by examining the internal messages, external pressures, and responsibilities shaping how you work, lead, and spend your time. Jo also shares practical ways to audit your life, identify what only you can do, and release...
info_outline
Taking the Next Faithful Step with Liz Bohannon
Moving Forward
What if powerful women were never meant to compete with one another, but to become each other’s greatest collaborators and allies? In the first episode of Moving Forward, Melissa Harrison talks with entrepreneur, author, and speaker Liz Bohannon about faith, business, leadership, loneliness, and the power of community. Liz shares how moving to Uganda changed her view of entrepreneurship and eventually led her to build Sseko Designs and merge with Noonday Collection. Liz also challenges the belief that two ambitious women cannot succeed together. She explains how honesty,...
info_outline
Introducing Moving Forward: Faith, Work & Leadership for Christian Women
Moving Forward
The Work, Love, Pray podcast is now Moving Forward. Hosted by Melissa Harrison, President and CEO of 4word, Moving Forward features honest conversations with remarkable women navigating faith, work, leadership, relationships, career transitions, and calling. Each episode explores the decisions that shape us, the setbacks that refine us, and the courageous steps that lead toward greater purpose and impact. You’ll hear practical wisdom and faith-filled encouragement for becoming the woman and leader God created you to be. Even when you do not have everything figured out. Because Christian...
info_outline
Resiliency: Embracing God's Promise
Moving Forward
In this episode, host Jordan Johnstone speaks with Sharon Beach, a remarkable individual whose life story exemplifies resilience. Sharon shares her harrowing experience of being kidnapped and the strength she found in her faith to escape and recover. In this conversation, Sharon shares her profound journey of healing and resilience following her traumatic experiences. She emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, the role of faith in overcoming obstacles, and the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive people. Key Takeaways Resiliency is defined as embracing God's promise for our...
info_outline
Build Trust Through Feedback
Moving Forward
In this episode, guest Reagan Cannon and host Jordan Johnstone discuss the importance of feedback in professional growth and how to give and receive feedback effectively. Reagan emphasizes the role of trust in feedback, and addresses the challenges that women face in giving and receiving feedback. Reagan and Jordan also explore the Christian approach to feedback and the importance of teaching and setting clear expectations. Key Takeaways Feedback is crucial for professional growth and should be given and received regularly. Trust plays a significant role in the effectiveness of feedback....
info_outline
Unity in Purpose: A New Chapter for 4word
Moving Forward
In this episode, Melissa Harrison, Executive Director of 4word, and Catherine Gates, Executive Director of Polished Network, share their initial reactions to the decision to merge organizations, the vision for unity, and the importance of collaboration in serving Christian women in the workplace. The conversation also highlights the and the excitement surrounding the changes expected in 2025, emphasizing the commitment to support and empower even more Christian women in the workplace through this merger.
info_outline
In the Kingdom of God, There is No Competition
Moving Forward
In this episode, Heidi Rasmussen, 4word board chair and president, and Sheila Walls, Polished Network board president, discuss the origin of the . They share their personal journeys into leadership, the divine calling that led to the merger, and the importance of empowering women in the workplace. The conversation highlights the unity and collaboration between the two organizations, emphasizing the positive impact we aim to have on Christian women in the workplace.
info_outline
Performance Reviews Need a Facelift
Moving Forward
In this episode, Debi Wolfe discusses the evolving landscape of performance reviews. She explores the ineffectiveness of the traditional review process and advocates for a shift towards continuous feedback and forward-looking evaluations. Debi emphasizes the importance of building trust between leaders and employees, encouraging a culture where feedback is a two-way street.
info_outline
Using Storytelling to Talk About Accomplishments
Moving Forward
In this episode, Denise Grace Gitsham, a political contributor, attorney, speaker, and author, joins host, Jordan Johnstone, to discuss the importance of storytelling and its impact. Denise highlights the significance of storytelling in leadership, sales, and motivating others. She also shares how storytelling can be used to talk about personal accomplishments and professional successes, emphasizing the importance of sharing stories as a testimony of God's goodness and inspiring others. Key Takeaways Storytelling is a powerful tool that engages our emotions and activates different parts of...
info_outlineContinuing the conversation on grounded leadership is Linda Valdez Thompson. Linda is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in leading global private and public sector organizations. After a 20+ year successful career at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport as an executive vice president and at Fortune 500 companies such as Levi Strauss, Baxter, and Hasbro, Linda consults with clients in the areas of Leadership Development & Training, Human Resources, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
Linda is also a 4word Board member and a Certified Strengths Coach from Gallup. She is passionate about helping people not just find their strengths but also put them to use individually and combined with the strengths of those around them.