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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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_outlineMany 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 inside major global organizations—Merary reflects on the moments that taught her to ask for opportunities, name her accomplishments, and stop assuming that hard work alone would move her career forward.
She also challenges women to use their voices with discernment. Unmuting your voice is not about speaking up about everything. It is about understanding where your voice can make a difference, paying attention to God’s nudge, and being willing to speak when the moment matters.
The conversation goes deeper into the inner work behind healthy leadership as well. Merary explains why healing matters if we want to fully activate the gifts God has given us and why ambition itself is not the enemy—the deeper question is what we are working out of.
And ultimately, stepping into your voice is not only about advancing yourself. Merary encourages women to use their influence to advocate for others, create opportunities, share what they have learned, and help someone else move forward.
In this episode, we get into:
Your work won't always speak for itself.
Have the courage to advocate for what you bring.
Use your voice with wisdom and discernment.
Listen for God's nudge before you speak.
Your voice can help others move forward.
Influence isn't only about advancing yourself.
You’ll also hear about:
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Finding your voice and advocating for yourself at work
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Why speaking about your accomplishments is not the same as bragging
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The role of healing in leadership and personal growth
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How to know when your voice can make a difference
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Ambition, achievement, and what is driving you
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Using influence to advocate for other women
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Living out your faith in the workplace
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Staying open to where God may be leading you next
About Dr. Merary Cruz Simeon
Dr. Merary Cruz Simeon is an executive, author, speaker, and leadership strategist with decades of experience leading within major global organizations. She is passionate about helping women recognize their potential, use their voices, and step into positions of influence while remaining grounded in purpose and faith.
She is the author of H.E.R.A.C.T.: Activate Your Potential and is known for her work around leadership, healing, sponsorship, multicultural women, faith in the workplace, and creating opportunities for others.
🔗 Learn more about Merary: HERE
About Melissa Harrison
Melissa Harrison is a journalist, nonprofit leader, and President & CEO of 4word. She is passionate about helping women integrate faith, leadership, and purpose in the workplace. As host of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa brings a storyteller’s perspective to honest conversations about work, calling, growth, and the courage to keep moving forward.
🔗 Learn more about Melissa: melissaharrison.net
Follow Melissa on LinkedIn and Instagram
About 4word
4word is a global community for Christian women in the workplace, helping women grow in their faith, thrive in their work, and become the women and leaders God created them to be.
Find out more about 4word 👉 https://4wordwomen.org/