Moving Forward
The Moving Forward Podcast features honest conversations with remarkable women navigating the real opportunities and challenges of faith, work, leadership, relationships, and calling. Hosted by Melissa Harrison, President and CEO of 4word, together we’ll explore the decisions that shape us, the setbacks that refine us, and the courageous steps that lead us toward greater purpose and impact. Because moving forward does not mean having everything figured out. Sometimes it means beginning before we feel ready, trusting God through an unexpected transition, or allowing other women to walk beside us and remind us what is possible. Listen for meaningful stories, practical wisdom, and encouragement to keep moving forward—with faith, courage, and purpose.
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From Striving to Trust with Sheeba Philip
10/13/2026
From Striving to Trust with Sheeba Philip
What if moving forward in your calling begins with releasing the pressure to make everything happen? In this episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa Harrison sits down with Sheeba Philip, founder of Impart Group, for a candid conversation about career setbacks, identity beyond achievement, and learning to build with God. With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience, Sheeba explains that her most formative seasons came through failure and disappointment. After a leadership change ended her role at JCPenney, she found herself wrestling with a deeply personal question: Who am I without my executive title? Later, stepping down as CEO and winding down a startup challenged her understanding of success again. She believed she had been faithful to the work God had called her to do, yet the outcome was not what she had hoped. Those experiences became places where God reshaped her identity and prepared her for a new assignment. Drawing on Ephesians 2:10 and the story of Joseph, Sheeba shares why we can remain faithful even when our current circumstances feel far from our calling. As she reminds us, “God doesn’t waste anything.” The conversation also explores the importance of friendships that deepen over time. Melissa and Sheeba reflect on their own friendship, which began more than 20 years ago in New York City, and the value of having women who have witnessed your journey, recognize your gifts, and can speak truth into moments of uncertainty. Those relationships help us discern our next steps and remember who we are when our circumstances change. Sheeba then shares how a season of exhaustion and rest gradually led her into advisory work with purpose-driven organizations. As she helped leaders navigate strategy and growth, she recognized the importance of bringing both operational expertise and spiritual discernment to the work. Eventually, she sensed a clear invitation from God: “You’ve had a time to rest. Now it’s time to build.” That invitation led to the launch of Impart Group—and a new understanding of what it means to build with God. Sheeba describes the tension of starting a business, investing her savings, and watching an anticipated first client fall through. Through prayer and dependence on God, she began learning to rest in His love without making the success of her work the measure of her worth. As she shares, “It doesn’t mean the work isn’t gonna be hard, but I can trust the outcomes to him.” This conversation is ultimately about trusting God through every season of your calling: allowing Him to shape you through disappointment, remaining faithful in the work before you, and moving forward with the confidence that you are deeply loved before you achieve anything. In this episode, we get into: God doesn’t waste your setbacks. Trust that even disappointing seasons can shape you and prepare you for what’s next. Your worth isn’t tied to your achievements. Rest in God’s love, knowing your title and results do not determine your value. You can build with God and trust Him with the outcomes. Release striving, faithfully steward your work, and stay attentive to His leading. Sheeba also shares how faith becomes visible through the way we lead. Our response to bad news, uncertainty, and pressure can create opportunities for others to experience peace—and become curious about its source. She closes with encouragement for the woman who feels stuck or underutilized in her current role: protect your time with God, steward your assignment well, and remain expectant about where He may be leading. Even when the next step is unclear, your present season can hold purpose. 4word is excited to welcome Sheeba to BOLDLY this October in Dallas, where she will share more about her leadership journey and following God through seasons of transition. Learn more about BOLDLY at . About Sheeba Philip Sheeba Philip is the founder of Impart Group, where she brings together experienced operators and trusted advisors to equip purpose-driven CEOs and organizations tackling complex challenges. She has more than 25 years of executive leadership experience, serving as a CEO, CMO, and senior leader across Fortune 500 companies, startups, and global nonprofit organizations. Her work brings together business strategy, operational expertise, faith, and social impact to help leaders discern their next steps and build organizations that fulfill their purpose. Learn more about . Follow Sheeba on . 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: Follow Melissa on and 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: Follow 4word on and
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From Burnout to Renewal with Dr. Ioana Popa
10/06/2026
From Burnout to Renewal with Dr. Ioana Popa
You can love your work, believe deeply in your mission, and still find yourself depleted. Sustainable leadership requires paying attention to the person carrying that mission—and making room for renewal along the way. In this BOLDLY Breakout Spotlight episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa Harrison sits down with Dr. Ioana Popa, a physician-psychiatrist educator, executive coach, and co-founder of Team For The Soul Institute, for a conversation about burnout, daily regeneration, and discerning God’s direction for your life and work. Drawing on her professional background and her own experience of burnout twice, Ioana shares how she discovered the importance of caring for her whole self—body, mind, heart, and soul. After initially believing a career change would resolve her exhaustion, she recognized that she also needed to change her daily rhythms and the way she responded to her own needs. Ioana explains that depletion can emerge through subtle signs: difficulty relaxing, decision fatigue, feeling continually behind, or dreading the demands waiting after a vacation. For capable women accustomed to pushing through, these experiences can be easy to overlook or explain away. The conversation explores the beliefs that keep women overextending themselves, including the pressure to say yes, remain available, and finish everything before resting. As responsibilities and opportunities grow, waiting for an empty calendar can leave renewal perpetually out of reach. Ioana invites women to build moments of regeneration into their ordinary days. As she shares, “Resilience is not something that we build once. It requires daily rhythms of regeneration.” Those rhythms can include preparing inwardly for the day, pausing between responsibilities, and creating space to release what you have been carrying before moving into the evening. Small moments of quiet and connection with God offer opportunities to notice your needs and respond with greater intentionality. Melissa and Ioana also discuss how the desire to serve faithfully can become tangled with the pressure to meet every need. Ioana encourages women to extend to themselves the care they so readily offer others—and to pause long enough to ask, “God, what do I need today?” Receiving support is another central theme. Ioana describes how working with someone who can help you recognize underlying patterns may reveal what another productivity strategy or self-help resource cannot. Whether through coaching, counseling, mentoring, or trusted community, women need spaces where they can receive care as well as give it. Throughout the conversation, Ioana emphasizes compassion rather than self-blame. Recognizing depletion is an invitation to seek support and begin making changes, without turning your needs into another reason to criticize yourself. This conversation is ultimately about renewing your capacity to live and lead with greater presence: caring for yourself, deepening your connection with God, and investing your energy in what matters most. In this episode, we get into: Burnout can begin beneath the surface. Notice subtle signs of depletion and the patterns that keep you pushing through. Renewal belongs in your daily rhythm. Make room to pause, reconnect with God, and release what you’re carrying. Your mission needs discernment and support. Receive care and consider where God is calling you to invest your time and energy. Ioana also explores how renewal connects with discerning your mission for this season. When several good opportunities are before you, clarity can help you focus your limited energy on the work that aligns with your calling. Through Christian women’s coaching and executive coaching, Ioana helps clients clarify their goals, address burdens and internal patterns, and establish rhythms that support lasting change. She also shares about her Wake Up to Your Soul contemplation program and resources for incorporating renewal into a full life. She offers a reminder about the importance of presence: “We don’t want to miss life because we’re so focused on the future and all the projects we want to do. Let’s live in the present.” After speaking at 4word’s Executive Women’s Forum in San Diego, where her insights on “The Unburdened Leader” and burnout resonated deeply with attendees, Ioana has continued connecting with women in the community through one-on-one support. 4word is excited to welcome Ioana to BOLDLY this October in Dallas, where she will lead “Discovering Your Deep Mission for This Season.” Her workshop will help women discern their God-given direction for the coming year, consider where to invest their energy, and identify a practical next step toward greater clarity, confidence, and intentionality. Learn more about BOLDLY at . About Dr. Ioana Popa Dr. Ioana Popa is a physician-psychiatrist educator, executive coach, and spiritual-care life and leadership coach who guides high-capacity Christian women from burnout toward renewal and their highest potential in Christ. As co-founder and CEO of Team For The Soul Institute, she integrates medicine, psychology, science, and Christian spiritual formation to support sustainable leadership rooted in wholeness. Through coaching, speaking, and retreats, she helps women integrate soul formation and performance so they can lead with joy, peace, and renewed capacity. A wife, mom, and grandmother, Ioana brings clinical wisdom, theological depth, and grounded hope to her work with women navigating the responsibilities of life and leadership. Learn more about Ioana, explore her coaching programs, or schedule a consultation at . Follow Ioana on . 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: Follow Melissa on and 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: Follow 4word on and
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From Brokenness to Boldness with Kisha Smith
10/02/2026
From Brokenness to Boldness with Kisha Smith
Leading authentically begins with the courage to acknowledge our own stories—and trust that our struggles do not diminish our worth or our ability to make a difference. In this final episode of our BOLDLY Breakout Spotlight week on the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa Harrison sits down with Kisha Smith, known as “The Transparency Coach,” for a candid conversation about healing, faith, vulnerability, and leading with conviction. Drawing on more than two decades of corporate HR experience and her own journey of healing, Kisha shares how God invited her to address pain she had spent years trying to suppress. She describes a life of striving for excellence and seeking fulfillment through accomplishments, while leaving parts of her story unacknowledged. As she began allowing God into those places, Kisha discovered a new sense of freedom and purpose. That experience now informs her work helping women acknowledge their silent struggles, find trusted support, and show up more fully as themselves in their lives and leadership. Kisha explains that transparency requires both courage and discernment. Sharing your story begins with identifying people and spaces where trust is present. You can be authentic while maintaining professionalism and setting thoughtful boundaries around what you share and with whom. She also challenges the pressure leaders feel to appear as though they have everything together. As she shares, “We just need to release the pressure of being perfect and lead authentically and then build authority grounded in truth.” In her experience, appropriate vulnerability helps people relate to one another, strengthens trust, and creates a foundation for meaningful influence. The conversation explores Kisha’s journey “from broken to spoken”—giving voice to experiences that once remained hidden. She shares how speaking honestly in supportive spaces helped her move from shame toward purpose, while offering encouragement to other women who recognized parts of their own stories in hers. Faith is central to Kisha’s approach. Scripture, prayer, and time with God have shaped her understanding of who she is and whose she is. She encourages women to bring their fears, questions, and struggles before God and allow His truth to inform how they see themselves. Kisha also offers practical ways to begin: identify one safe person, connect with a trusted community, and make time to sit with God. These steps create space for honesty, support, and growth without requiring you to share everything at once. This conversation is ultimately about leading with freedom and conviction: acknowledging your story, releasing the pressure to perform perfection, and trusting that God can use your experiences to serve others. In this episode, we get into: Your struggles do not define your worth. Ground your identity in who God says you are. Transparency begins with trust. Share honestly in safe spaces, with thoughtful boundaries. Authenticity strengthens your leadership. Release perfection and build influence through honesty and connection. Kisha also shares how authentic leadership shapes workplace culture. When leaders communicate respectfully and allow themselves to be relatable, they help create an environment where others can build trust, ask for support, and contribute more confidently. Through individual coaching, group coaching, and women’s masterminds, Kisha helps women explore how faith and transparency can move them toward a greater sense of purpose. She closes with a reminder for the woman wondering whether her story disqualifies her from moving forward: “Your present struggle or your past struggle does not define your worth or your future.” 4word is excited to welcome Kisha to BOLDLY this October in Dallas, where she will lead “From Brokenness to Boldness: Leading Authentically in Faith and Work.” Learn more about BOLDLY at . About Kisha Smith Kisha Smith, known as “The Transparency Coach,” brings more than two decades of corporate HR experience to her faith-based coaching and leadership work. Drawing on her personal journey of healing, she helps women acknowledge their silent struggles, embrace their authentic selves, and lead with greater confidence and conviction. Kisha offers individual coaching, Brokenness to Boldness group coaching, and women’s masterminds that combine transparent communication, biblical principles, and trusted community. Learn more about Kisha and her coaching at . 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: Follow Melissa on and 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: Follow 4word on and
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Anchored to Lead Boldly with Rachael Jackson
10/01/2026
Anchored to Lead Boldly with Rachael Jackson
The achievements that shape our careers can also shape how we see ourselves. An unexpected change can invite us to discover a deeper foundation for our identity—and a new way to lead. In this special BOLDLY Breakout Spotlight episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa Harrison sits down with Rachael Jackson of REV, a West Point graduate and former Army Apache helicopter pilot, for a candid conversation about identity, faith, perseverance, and the power of meaningful connection. Rachael’s journey began with a praying mother and a conversation with an Army recruiter. As a strong-willed teenager, she was making decisions that concerned her family. Joining the military brought discipline, direction, and a sense of purpose. She went on to attend West Point, study physics and nuclear engineering, and become an Apache helicopter pilot. Over time, those accomplishments became central to her identity. But during a deployment to Iraq, significant medical issues left her unable to safely continue flying. Being grounded and eventually medically discharged brought the career she had worked so hard to build to an unexpected end. Rachael shares honestly about the anger, grief, and uncertainty of that season. Alongside losing her professional identity, she faced the pain of having her character questioned by leaders who did not understand what she was experiencing. Other leaders, who knew her personally, believed her and offered support. That contrast helped shape her understanding of why knowing someone’s story matters. Through that experience, Rachael describes how God helped her build a different identity while redirecting the skills and determination she already carried. Her “warrior heart” continues to shape how she leads, parents, and serves—through perseverance, faith, and a willingness to keep going. She also reflects on her late mother, whose life was marked by struggle but whose faith continued to influence others. Even in a hospital room, her mother found opportunities to ask people about Jesus. Rachael’s story reminds us that God can use our lives and experiences wherever we are. Today, through REV’s mission of leading a “meaning revolution,” Rachael equips leaders to build meaningful connection with the people they love, lead, and serve. She describes that connection as a deep sense of feeling “known, valued, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves.” Rachael explains why meaningful connection and high expectations belong together. Leaders can support people through real challenges while calling them to greater growth, responsibility, and contribution. Through storytelling and a shared sense of purpose, they can help people understand both that they matter and that their contributions matter. The conversation also explores the competing messages and demands on our attention in a digital age. Rachael shares why leaders need practical ways to strengthen relationships, build trust, and help people stay connected to the mission and values they share. This conversation is ultimately about being anchored in faith: allowing God to shape our identity through change, making room for people’s stories, and leading with both compassion and conviction. In this episode, we get into: Your identity reaches beyond your achievements. Trust God to shape your purpose through unexpected change. Meaningful connection begins with being known. Make room for people’s stories and help them feel valued. Care and high expectations belong together. Support people while calling them to grow and contribute. Rachael also introduces REV’s Meaningful Connection Foundations training, which equips leaders with practical tools they can use within their families, teams, and organizations. She shares how the same approaches that strengthen workplace relationships can also help parents connect with their teenagers. Her story offers encouragement for anyone navigating an unexpected transition: the skills and experiences you carry can continue to serve a purpose as God leads you into what comes next. 4word is excited to welcome Rachael to BOLDLY this October in Dallas, where she will share more about meaningful connection and REV’s work equipping leaders to help people flourish. Learn more about BOLDLY at . About Rachael Jackson Rachael Jackson is a West Point graduate, former Army Apache helicopter pilot, and leader of REV. Drawing on her military experience and faith journey, she equips leaders to build meaningful connection with the people they love, lead, and serve. REV is leading a “meaning revolution,” helping leaders create environments where people feel known, valued, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves. Through leadership equipping and its Meaningful Connection Foundations training, REV helps leaders strengthen relationships while calling people to greater growth, responsibility, and contribution. Learn more about . Follow Rachael on . 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: Follow Melissa on and 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: Follow 4word on and
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Ambition, Faith, and the Courage to Grow with Ellie Nieves
09/30/2026
Ambition, Faith, and the Courage to Grow with Ellie Nieves
What if growing in your career doesn’t require choosing between ambition and humility? In this special BOLDLY Breakout Spotlight episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa Harrison sits down with Ellie Nieves, a leadership coach, public policy professional, and author of The Career Playbook for Christian Women, for a practical conversation about pursuing professional growth while remaining grounded in faith. Ellie shares that becoming a Christian didn’t make her ambition disappear. Instead, it invited her to examine what was driving it. As she explains, “He wasn’t calling me to be less ambitious, he was asking me to filter my ambition through my faith.” That shift helped her see career growth as an opportunity to use her gifts, serve others, and glorify God. For the woman considering a bigger role or a new opportunity, Ellie offers encouragement: you don’t have to know everything before taking a step forward. Recognize the experience you already bring and trust your ability to learn. She also explores how remembering God’s purpose for your presence in the workplace can help you respond to feelings of inadequacy. The conversation becomes personal as Ellie recalls a season when she and her husband were both laid off shortly after moving into a new home. While the uncertainty was real, that season also strengthened their marriage and gave her the vision to launch her coaching business. She encourages women navigating setbacks to make room for grief, reflection, and prayer—and to ask God what He would have them do next. Ellie also challenges the assumption that excellent work will always speak for itself. Communicating your contributions can be done with humility. She shares a simple practice: keep a record of accomplishments and positive feedback so you can clearly explain both your work and its impact. Together, Melissa and Ellie explore how influence develops through credibility, meaningful relationships, and an understanding of how an organization works. Ellie explains the difference between mentors who offer guidance and sponsors who advocate for opportunities—and why following through on advice helps build trust. This conversation is about becoming more intentional in your career: bringing your ambitions before God, recognizing the value you contribute, and taking your next step with faith and confidence. In this episode, we get into: Bring your ambition before God. Examine your motives and pursue growth from a place of purpose. Communicate your value with humility. Keep track of your accomplishments and share the impact of your work. Influence grows through relationships and credibility. Build meaningful connections, seek guidance, and follow through. Ellie also shares how community has supported her through the responsibilities of work, leadership, and caring for an aging parent. Through 4word’s Executive Women’s Forum in San Diego and the DC executive cohort, she has found space to rest, receive encouragement, and connect with women navigating similar experiences. For the woman who feels stuck, Ellie recommends beginning with quiet reflection: sit with your Bible and a journal, invite God into the process, and ask what one step you can take. Her encouragement is clear: “She doesn’t have to sit on the sidelines of her own career.” 4word is excited to welcome Ellie to BOLDLY this October in Dallas, where her breakout session will explore building influence and navigating workplace dynamics from a godly perspective. Learn more about BOLDLY at . About Ellie Nieves Ellie Nieves is a leadership coach, speaker, public policy professional, and author of The Career Playbook for Christian Women. She helps Christian women develop confidence, build influence, and pursue career growth while remaining grounded in their faith. Ellie is part of 4word’s DC executive cohort and attended the 2026 Executive Women’s Forum in San Diego. Learn more about Ellie and her book at . Explore her work with Christian career women at . 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: Follow Melissa on and 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: Follow 4word on and
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Finding Purpose Right Where You Are with Dr. Jessica Rimmer
09/29/2026
Finding Purpose Right Where You Are with Dr. Jessica Rimmer
What if living with purpose doesn’t require a new job, a clearer five-year plan, or a dramatic change in circumstances? In this special BOLDLY Breakouts episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa Harrison sits down with Dr. Jessica Rimmer, CEO of Solomon Strategic Advisors and author of The Purpose Formula: How to Live Fully Alive, to explore how women can recognize and live out their God-given purpose. Jessica describes purpose as a “pilot light in the soul”—a source of energy that can help us recognize when it is time to bring our gifts to a situation. She also speaks honestly about a recent moment when she realized she had been numbing her feelings to cope with stress. Her experience is a reminder that even someone who teaches about purpose has to pause, pay attention, and make room to feel alive again. The conversation explores three clues Jessica writes about in her book: design, desires, and disappointments. Design includes the personality, gifts, talents, and traits God has given us—even qualities we may have mistaken for flaws. Jessica also considers how to listen to desire with wisdom instead of dismissing it altogether. Disappointment may be the most surprising clue. Jessica shares how painful experiences, when met with healing, can deepen our compassion and help us connect with people who need what we have learned. As she explains, “Our disappointments, when healed, become the most beautiful, approachable, relatable, credibility building part of us.” Melissa and Jessica bring the conversation into the workplace, where many women have responsibilities they cannot simply leave behind. Jessica’s encouragement is that purpose is available there, too. The skills you use to bring clarity to a colleague or serve someone well may feel ordinary, but they can be part of how you live out your calling. This conversation offers a practical place to begin: check your “pilot light.” Notice what feels alive, what feels dim, and what is true about your life right now. You can start there without knowing the entire path ahead. In this episode, we get into: Your purpose isn’t limited to your job title. Look for ways to serve and use your gifts in the work already in front of you. Your design, desires, and disappointments offer clues. Pay attention to how God made you, what stirs your heart, and where your experiences have shaped compassion. Start with a pilot light check. Notice what feels alive, what feels dim, and where you are today. Clarity begins with honesty. Jessica also shares what women can expect from her breakout session at BOLDLY. She will walk through the elements of her purpose formula and help participants begin the process of writing their own purpose statements. For the woman who feels stuck, Jessica’s invitation is to begin by noticing her current reality: “But start with where you are.” 4word is excited to welcome Jessica to BOLDLY this October in Dallas. Learn more about BOLDLY at . About Dr. Jessica Rimmer Dr. Jessica Rimmer is the CEO of Solomon Strategic Advisors, an executive advisor, and author of The Purpose Formula: How to Live Fully Alive. A leadership strategist and organizational culture expert, she helps individuals and teams gain clarity about their purpose and strengthen the way they work together. She previously served as an executive in higher education and has partnered with organizations on strategic growth, leadership development, and culture. Learn more about . Follow Jessica on and . 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: Follow Melissa on and 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: Follow 4word on and
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Finding Your Way Back to Joy with Joy St. John
09/28/2026
Finding Your Way Back to Joy with Joy St. John
What happens when you reach a career milestone you worked hard for—and realize you may be called to take a different path? In this special BOLDLY Breakouts episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa Harrison sits down with Joy St. John, founder of The Joyous Edge, to talk about success, calling, and the courage to slow down when the life you are living no longer feels aligned with the one you want to lead. Joy was thriving in her career at KPMG. She was on the partner path, developing leaders, advising clients, and helping grow a global community of women in risk. Yet as her responsibilities increased and her hours stretched, she began to sense that something was off. “I was doing everything right,” she recalls, but the work had started to feel more like a grind. A serious car accident, followed by health challenges, forced Joy to stop pushing through. She describes the realization plainly: “My body was crying out and I wasn’t listening.” In the space that followed, she began to pray, reconsider her priorities, and ask what God was calling her to do in this season. Joy shares how that process led her to create The Joyous Edge. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in risk and compliance, she developed a framework to help leaders step back, evaluate what is on their plates, and bring their choices into closer alignment with their purpose. She also talks about making room for sleep and prayer, noticing her reactions instead of suppressing them, and allowing herself to ask for help. For Joy, community was an important part of finding her way forward. She remembers how isolating it felt to navigate questions about faith and work while living in New York and traveling frequently. The connections she found through 4word gave her people she could turn to during a difficult season—and reminded her that she did not have to figure everything out alone. This conversation is an invitation to pause and ask honest questions: What am I working toward? What needs my attention right now? And what might become possible if I make room to listen? In this episode, we get into: Success can be a signal to pause. Reaching a career milestone may clarify what you want your life and leadership to look like next. Pay attention when the pace isn’t sustainable. Joy shares how she learned to make room for rest, prayer, and the needs she had been pushing aside. You don’t have to find your next step alone. Step back, listen for God’s direction, and let trusted community support you through change. Joy also introduces her EDGE framework, which begins with evaluating your priorities against your purpose and vision. At BOLDLY, she will guide women through parts of that process and help them identify an initial step toward greater alignment. Her encouragement to the woman who feels stuck is simple: slow down, listen, and reach out. As Joy shares, it took time for her to say, “I need help. I need somebody to talk to about this.” 4word is excited to welcome Joy as a BOLDLY breakout speaker this October in Dallas. Learn more about BOLDLY at . About Joy St. John Joy St. John is the founder of The Joyous Edge and host of The Joyous Edge podcast. After more than 25 years working in risk, compliance, banking, and consulting, including a leadership role at KPMG, she now helps leaders and organizations evaluate their priorities, find greater alignment, and move toward their goals with intention. Through her podcast, Joy shares conversations about leadership and the challenges people face in work and life. Joy invites listeners who would like to connect with her to book a free conversation at .
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The Courage to Lead Imperfectly with Melissa Russell
09/22/2026
The Courage to Lead Imperfectly with Melissa Russell
What if becoming a stronger leader isn’t about getting everything right—but becoming more honest about where you need to grow? In this episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa Harrison sits down with Melissa Russell, President of charity: water, for a candid conversation about leading through failure, receiving feedback, and releasing the expectation of perfection. Melissa explains that leaders have to become comfortable with acknowledging when something hasn’t gone as planned. If perfection is the goal, every criticism or mistake can feel crippling. But when leaders accept that they will not always get everything right, they become freer to receive feedback, learn from it, and keep moving forward. She also challenges a common way of describing organizational culture: “We’re not a family. We are a sports team.” A healthy team can care deeply for one another, form lasting friendships, and have fun doing difficult work together while still remaining clear about roles, performance, accountability, and what the mission requires. The conversation becomes deeply personal as Melissa shares about losing her mother and stepfather shortly after stepping into her role at charity: water. At the same time, she was helping her oldest child transition to college. That season brought her to the end of herself and taught her the importance of asking for help, receiving care, and allowing others to carry some of the weight. As she shares, “It’s a very vulnerable thing to need help—and to receive it.” Melissa also offers an inside look at working alongside a founder, building trust with an executive team, and creating an organizational culture where people can “say the real thing in the room.” She explains why empowerment and accountability must go hand in hand—and why leaders should never hold someone responsible for a goal without giving them the authority and clarity needed to achieve it. The conversation also explores the global water crisis and its disproportionate impact on women and girls. Melissa shares how access to clean water can transform an entire community—improving health, allowing girls to attend school, strengthening families, and bringing a new sense of peace and hope. This conversation is ultimately about leading with humility: accepting that you will not always get it right, creating teams where both people and the mission can flourish, and trusting God enough to move forward before you feel completely ready. In this episode, we get into: Perfection isn’t the goal of leadership. Receive feedback, acknowledge what didn’t go well, and keep moving forward. Your organization is a team—not a family. Healthy teams care for one another while remaining clear about roles, accountability, and what the mission requires. You can move forward before you feel completely ready. Trust God’s prompting, trust what you know, and don’t let doubt keep you waiting. Melissa also shares why leaders need trusted relationships where they can be vulnerable, fully known, and reminded that they are not alone. Those relationships don’t simply support us through difficult seasons—they change how we lead, parent, and show up in every part of our lives. She closes the conversation with a clear challenge for the woman who knows it is time to take a step forward: “You know, you know, you know. So act on it. Don’t wait.” 4word is excited to welcome Melissa to BOLDLY this October in Dallas, where she will share more about her leadership journey and the life-changing work of charity: water. Learn more about BOLDLY at . 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: Follow Melissa on and 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: Follow 4word on and
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The Ripple Effect
09/15/2026
The Ripple Effect
Three women. Three different stories. One beautiful picture of what can happen when we invest in the life of a woman. What happens when you invest in the life of one woman? The impact rarely stops with her. When a woman grows in her faith, confidence, leadership, and sense of purpose, she carries that growth with her—into her home, her workplace, her relationships, and her community. And often, she turns around and invests in someone else. That’s The Ripple Effect. In this special Giving Week episode of the Podcast, Melissa Harrison sits down with three women whose stories offer a glimpse into the multiplying impact of 4word: Laura Martinez, Charmaine Solomon, and Kristin Thompson. Laura shares how the met her during a season when she needed both encouragement and practical wisdom—and how that investment changed the way she showed up as a leader, coworker, wife, and mom. She also reflects on carrying that impact into her workplace and the kind of faith-filled community she now hopes her daughter will have earlier in her own journey. Charmaine offers the perspective of a longtime 4word mentor and supporter. Through mentoring women across generations and around the world, she has seen firsthand what happens when one woman comes alongside another—and how that influence continues into families, workplaces, and communities far beyond the original relationship. And Kristin shares why community has been so transformational in her own life—from finding a place where she could be fully known as an executive leader to becoming a Community Group leader, Board member, and active part of 4word’s Executive Women’s community. Together, their stories reveal a simple but powerful truth: When you invest in one woman, you may never fully know how far that investment will travel. In this episode, we get into: How mentorship can change the way a woman shows up at work, at home, and in leadership Why the workplace can become a mission field The power of having another woman who understands the realities of faith, family, and career How one woman’s growth can influence coworkers, children, and the next generation Why mentoring is about more than advice—it’s about walking alongside another woman The importance of faith-filled community for women at every level of leadership How 4word creates space for women to be supported through both the highs and the hard seasons Why the impact of investing in women extends into communities around the world How God can multiply what begins with one relationship, one conversation, or one “yes” A few moments we love: Laura Martinez: “Knowing there was someone on the other end who understood exactly the place I was in—as a wife, as a mom, as an employee, as a leader—really changed everything.” Charmaine Solomon: “We can strengthen women in the workplace so they become bolder—at home, at work, and in their communities.” Kristin Thompson: “We bring something that looks small to us, and He multiplies it.” This Giving Week, you can help start the next ripple. Thanks to a generous $50,000 Matching Gift, every dollar given to 4word through September 18 will be doubled—helping provide mentorship, community, and Christ-centered encouragement to more women around the world. One woman. Multiplying impact. About Laura Martinez Laura Martinez is a member of the 4word community who has participated in the 4word Mentor Program and faith-based community within her workplace at Toyota. Through mentorship and community, Laura has grown in how she integrates her faith, leadership, work, and family—and has helped create space for other women to do the same. About Charmaine Solomon Charmaine Solomon is a longtime member, mentor, donor, and supporter of the 4word community. She has mentored women across generations and around the world and is also part of 4word’s Executive Women’s community. About Kristin Thompson Kristin Thompson is a member of the 4word Board of Directors, a longtime Community Group leader in Philadelphia, and an active member of 4word’s Executive Women’s community. She is passionate about creating spaces where Christian women can grow deeper in their faith while navigating the realities of leadership, work, family, and life. 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: Follow Melissa on and 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: Follow 4word on and
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Leading from a Healthy Place with Kobe Campbell
09/08/2026
Leading from a Healthy Place with Kobe Campbell
What does it really mean to be a healthy leader — not just an effective, successful, or high-performing one? In this episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa Harrison sits down with licensed trauma therapist, bestselling author, and speaker Kobe Campbell for a conversation about the inner work of leadership — and how the stories, wounds, and emotional patterns we carry can shape the way we show up at work. Kobe explains that healthy leadership begins with congruence: understanding what is happening inside of us while also being able to respond appropriately to what is happening around us. She shares how past experiences can influence the way we interpret conflict, feedback, authority, relationships, and even success — often without us realizing it. She also explores what happens when identity becomes too closely tied to performance. Leaders can begin to see themselves primarily as sources of production — and eventually view the people around them the same way. As Kobe puts it, “Shame can motivate quickly, but love motivates sustainably.” The conversation gets practical, too. Kobe explains what it means to be emotionally triggered at work, how to recognize when your reaction may be connected to a deeper story, and simple tools like pausing and regulating your breathing before responding. She also reminds us that self-awareness is not something we develop only in the heat of the moment: “The awareness starts before the moment you need the awareness.” And for women of faith, Kobe offers an important reminder: emotional honesty is not a failure of faith. Drawing from Scripture, she shares how acknowledging our need, grief, and pain can actually open the door to deeper intimacy with God. This conversation is ultimately about more than emotional health. It is about becoming the kind of leader who can carry responsibility, influence, and calling from a place of greater freedom, wholeness, and love. In this episode, we get into: Healthy leadership starts from within. Understanding what is happening inside of us helps us respond to what is actually happening around us. Our stories follow us into the workplace. Past experiences can shape how we respond to pressure, conflict, feedback, and relationships — whether we recognize it or not. Healthy leaders need people, too. We need trusted relationships where we can be known beyond our roles, receive support, and allow others to speak truth into our lives. Kobe also shares a powerful leadership health question she often asks clients: identify one pattern you desperately want to change — and then ask what emotion you would have to face if you stopped engaging in that pattern. She closes the conversation with a vulnerable challenge for every leader: ask someone you trust, “What is something in me that you hope God heals?” 4word is excited to welcome Kobe to BOLDLY this October in Dallas, where she will continue this important conversation about the importance of leaders being healthy. Learn more about BOLDLY at . About Kobe Campbell Kobe Campbell is a licensed trauma therapist, bestselling author, speaker, and mental health expert. She is the author of Why Am I Like This? How to Break Cycles, Heal From Trauma, and Restore Your Faith and is known for helping people understand how past experiences shape present patterns so they can pursue greater healing, emotional health, and wholeness. Learn more about Kobe at . Follow Kobe on and . 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: Follow Melissa on and 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: Follow 4word on and
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Reaching the World Through The Chosen with Dr. Wendi Lord
09/01/2026
Reaching the World Through The Chosen with Dr. Wendi Lord
What does it take to bring The Chosen — one of the most-watched portrayals of the life of Jesus in history — to people around the world in their own language? In this episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa Harrison sits down with Wendi Lord, PhD, Vice President of Content Localization at , for a behind-the-scenes look at the global translation mission behind The Chosen. Wendi leads Come and See's large-scale translation and technology initiatives, with a goal of bringing The Chosen to the world in 600 languages — an effort that has already earned the show a Guinness World Record for being available in 125 languages through the free Chosen app. Wendi explains what it actually takes to translate not just words, but humor, emotion, culture, and biblical truth into a viewer's "heart language" — the language someone dreams, prays, and thinks in. She also shares how her team is using emerging technology, including AI-powered speech-to-speech translation, to reach lower-resourced languages and people groups that traditional dubbing and subtitling can't serve — while keeping human wisdom, theological discernment, cultural understanding, and relationships at the center of the work. This conversation isn't only about The Chosen. It's also about the power of story, the purpose we find in our work, and what can happen when we faithfully steward what God has placed in front of us — even when we can't see the full impact. In This Episode Your work matters more than you may realize. God can use what's in your hands today in ways you may never see coming. Technology can expand the mission — not replace the human. Wisdom, discernment, relationships, and cultural understanding still matter. Faithfulness is the next step forward. Whether the assignment feels too big or too small, obedience is what matters most. Wendi also shares her longtime connection to 4word as a mentor through the , and why investing in other women continues to be an important part of her own journey. 4word is excited to partner with The Chosen and the Come and See Foundation for BOLDLY this October in Dallas, where Wendi will join us in person. Following BOLDLY on Saturday, October 24, guests can attend the Impact Celebration Dinner, featuring a special Advanced Screening of Episode 1 of The Chosen Season 6 and a conversation with members of the show's team. Tickets are sold separately, with a discounted rate available for BOLDLY attendees. Full tables with priority seating are also available. Learn more about and the Impact Celebration Dinner at . About Wendi Lord Wendi Lord, PhD, serves as Vice President of Content Localization at Come and See, where she leads large-scale translation and technology initiatives to help bring The Chosen to the world in 600 languages. She has also served for many years as a mentor through the 4word Mentor Program, investing in professional women as they grow in both their faith and their careers. Learn more about Come and See and the global mission behind The Chosen at . 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: Follow Melissa on and 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 👉 🔗 Follow 4word on and
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Moving Forward Without Striving with Ruth Chou Simons
08/25/2026
Moving Forward Without Striving with Ruth Chou Simons
What happens when the drive that has helped you accomplish so much becomes the very thing that exhausts you? For many high-achieving women, achievement has been rewarded for most of their lives. Get the grade. Earn the promotion. Reach the goal. Build the business. Keep moving forward. But over time, it can become easy to confuse what we accomplish with who we are. In this episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, 4word President & CEO Melissa Harrison talks with bestselling author, artist, and entrepreneur Ruth Chou Simons about how to pursue meaningful work and God-given dreams without allowing striving, perfectionism, or achievement to define us. Ruth is the founder of GraceLaced and the author of several books, including When Strivings Cease, Now and Not Yet, and her newest book, This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life. Drawing from nearly two decades of writing, creating, building a business, raising six sons, and serving alongside her husband in ministry, Ruth reflects on why the seemingly ordinary moments of our lives matter more than we often realize. The conversation explores the tension between healthy ambition and striving. Ruth shares why metrics, milestones, and goals can be useful without becoming measures of our worth—and why our identity has to be grounded in Christ before we pursue the things the world may use to validate us. Ruth also talks about learning to stay present instead of constantly living for the next milestone. She shares practical rhythms that help her remain grounded in busy seasons and explains why gratitude can help shift our attention from everything we have not yet achieved to what God has already done. The conversation also traces the unexpected beginnings of GraceLaced. What eventually became a thriving creative business began during nap time, when Ruth pulled out watercolors while her young sons read nearby. She practiced her craft, shared what she was creating, gave her work away, and faithfully stewarded opportunities long before she knew where they would lead. Ruth also reflects on visibility in an age of social media and why the most meaningful parts of our lives need to be lived before they become content. For Ruth, creative work has to flow from a real life that is being experienced, not from the pressure to constantly produce. And in the final part of the conversation, Ruth speaks directly to the woman who wants to grow, lead, create, and move forward but is tired of feeling as though everything depends on her. Her encouragement is simple: stop trying to carry the entire journey at once. Look at what God has already placed in your hands, choose one small thing, and faithfully begin there. In this episode, we get into: Your identity is not your achievement. Your worth was never meant to rise and fall with what you accomplish. Moving forward doesn’t have to mean striving. Pursue what’s next without letting exhaustion or perfectionism lead. Start with one small, faithful step. Steward what God has given you today instead of being overwhelmed by the whole path. You’ll also hear about: Why our “someday” is made up of thousands of ordinary moments Learning to enjoy the journey instead of constantly waiting for the next milestone The difference between healthy ambition and striving in your own strength How to recognize when a good desire has become too important Separating your identity from promotions, metrics, income, and visible success Why gratitude can help quiet the pressure to reach the next level Creating sustainable rhythms during busy seasons How GraceLaced began during nap time with watercolors and a blog Learning to welcome the limitations God allows Why meaningful “soul work” needs to be lived before it is shared Practicing visibility without allowing an audience to become your validation Starting with what God has already placed in your hands Ruth’s upcoming appearance at the BOLDLY Conference in Dallas About Ruth Chou Simons Ruth Chou Simons is a bestselling author, artist, entrepreneur, and founder of GraceLaced, where she creates books, artwork, and resources designed to help people look to Jesus and find God’s grace in everyday life. What began nearly two decades ago as a personal blog called GraceLaced grew out of Ruth’s desire to practice writing, create art, and pay attention to the ways God’s grace was woven through ordinary life. Over the years, that small beginning developed into a creative business and ministry reaching readers around the world. Ruth is also the mother of six sons and has built GraceLaced alongside a full life of family, ministry, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Her books include When Strivings Cease, Now and Not Yet, and her newest release, This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life. In October, Ruth will join 4word in Dallas as a keynote speaker at the BOLDLY Conference. Learn more about Ruth: 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: Follow Melissa on and 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 👉 🔗 Follow 4word on and
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Navigating AI with Wisdom with Melissa Peak
08/18/2026
Navigating AI with Wisdom with Melissa Peak
Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace—and many professionals and organizations are quietly asking one of two questions: Am I going to lose my job? or Is my organization already behind? In this episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, 4word President & CEO Melissa Harrison talks with Melissa Peak about how women and organizations can navigate AI transformation with wisdom, intentionality, and courage. Melissa is the Chief Growth Officer at Servant, the Founder and CEO of The CEO Project, and a member of the 4word Advisory Board. Drawing from nearly 30 years of experience leading businesses and large-scale transformation, she explains why fear may be a natural starting point—but cannot become our staying point. In moments of uncertainty, leaders have an opportunity to bring calm, clarity, and direction. The conversation explores the difference between experimenting with AI as a personal assistant and developing a responsible strategy that creates meaningful value across an organization. Rather than beginning with the latest tool, Melissa encourages leaders to identify the problems they need to solve, define what success looks like, assess their organization’s readiness, and establish guidelines that reflect their mission and values. Melissa also addresses concerns that AI could diminish the human element of work. She challenges leaders to approach AI with a different goal: use technology to handle repetitive tasks so people have greater capacity for relationships, creativity, mentorship, discernment, and the meaningful connection only humans can provide. The conversation also introduces an exciting new year-long partnership between 4word and Servant. As 4word’s AI transformation partner, Servant will help equip women at every stage of their careers to engage with AI thoughtfully, responsibly, and confidently through workshops, thought leadership, digital content, and experiences at BOLDLY and the 2027 Executive Women’s Forum. And in the final part of the conversation, Melissa shares a personal leadership lesson that changed the way she approaches work: God did not create us to be “human doings.” He created us to be human beings. She reflects on boundaries, burnout, stewardship, and learning to trust God when the work is not finished—but the workday is. In this episode, we get into: Fear can be a starting point—but not a staying point. Lead with calm and clarity through change. Start with the problem, not the tool. Define what you’re solving before adopting AI. Let AI free people to do what only humans can do. Create more capacity for human creativity, relationships, and discernment. You’ll also hear about: How to assess your personal and organizational readiness for AI Moving from AI experimentation to an intentional business strategy Why organizations need clear guidelines for acceptable AI use The risks of telling employees to avoid AI altogether Identifying the right problems for AI to help solve Protecting human dignity and strengthening relationships at work Why Christians need to participate in conversations about AI How AI fluency can become a career accelerator FaithBase and its role in helping faith-driven organizations use AI Setting healthier boundaries as a high-achieving leader The new year-long partnership between Servant and 4word About Melissa Peak Melissa Peak is the Chief Growth Officer at Servant, the Founder and CEO of The CEO Project, and a member of the 4word Advisory Board. She brings nearly 30 years of experience leading organizations, teams, and P&Ls ranging from thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars. Before joining Servant, Melissa served at Amazon Web Services, where she led sales and delivery for some of AWS’s largest Fortune 100 and enterprise customers. Throughout her career, she has helped organizations navigate transformation, accelerate growth, develop leaders, and align business strategy with meaningful human impact. Melissa is passionate about equipping leaders and organizations to use technology thoughtfully while protecting human dignity, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities for people to flourish. Learn more about Melissa on Learn more about Melissa’s work at About Servant Servant is a management and technology consultancy that helps faith-driven organizations amplify their missions through strategy, technology, AI transformation, and digital experiences. As 4word’s AI transformation partner, Servant will provide thought leadership, workshops, digital content, and learning opportunities designed to help women and organizations move from uncertainty and experimentation to responsible, strategic AI adoption. Learn more about and explore Follow Servant on and 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: Follow Melissa on and 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 👉 🔗 Follow 4word on and
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Stepping Into Your Voice with Dr. Merary Cruz Simeon
08/11/2026
Stepping Into Your Voice with Dr. Merary Cruz Simeon
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 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: Finding your voice and advocating for yourself at work Why speaking about your accomplishments is not the same as bragging The role of healing in leadership and personal growth How to know when your voice can make a difference Ambition, achievement, and what is driving you Using influence to advocate for other women Living out your faith in the workplace 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 : 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: 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: Follow Melissa on and 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 👉 🔗 Follow 4word on and
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Finding a Sustainable Pace with Jo Saxton
08/04/2026
Finding a Sustainable Pace with Jo Saxton
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 responsibilities that do not need to remain yours. She encourages women to protect the relationships, creativity, rest, and joy that restore them rather than treating those things as optional. Their conversation also explores what Scripture says about women as image bearers and leaders. Jo challenges Christian women to stop minimizing their God-given gifts, find communities that celebrate rather than merely tolerate them, and approach the workplace as an important part of their calling. What You’ll Learn How internal beliefs and external pressures contribute to burnout Why rest and identity are closely connected How to audit your responsibilities and decide what to release Why life-giving relationships, creativity, and joy are essential for leaders What it means for women to lead as image bearers of God How to stop minimizing your leadership gifts and expertise Why Christian women need communities that see, support, and challenge them ==================== Find out more about 4word 👉
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Taking the Next Faithful Step with Liz Bohannon
07/29/2026
Taking the Next Faithful Step with Liz Bohannon
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, reconciliation, and intentional relationship-building helped turn a business partnership into a meaningful friendship. The conversation is a reminder that purpose is often built through curiosity, obedience, and the courage to take the next faithful step. It also shows why Christian women were never meant to pursue leadership, calling, or meaningful work alone. What You’ll Learn: How Liz’s time in Uganda reshaped her view of business Why ambitious women should form alliances instead of fearing competition How transparency and reconciliation strengthen partnerships Why leadership often creates loneliness The difference between consuming community and co-creating it How rhythms and rituals can support deeper relationships Why peer support is essential for healthy leaders ==================== Find out more about 4word 👉
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Introducing Moving Forward: Faith, Work & Leadership for Christian Women
07/28/2026
Introducing Moving Forward: Faith, Work & Leadership for Christian Women
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 women can change the workplace and the world when they are connected, supported, and equipped to live out their faith and calling with confidence. Follow Moving Forward and join us as we move forward together with faith, courage, and purpose.
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Resiliency: Embracing God's Promise
12/18/2024
Resiliency: Embracing God's Promise
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 lives. Childhood challenges can shape our ability to be resilient. Community plays a crucial role in personal growth and support. Resiliency is a mindset that can be cultivated throughout life. Planning and mental strength are key in overcoming trauma. Living well is a powerful form of revenge against adversity. Faith can guide us through the darkest times. The journey of healing can take time but is achievable. Sharing our stories can help others find strength. Forgiveness can be a powerful release from burdens. God's presence can carry us through difficult times. Resilience often comes from a blend of faith and personality. Sharing one's story can help others find healing. Surrounding yourself with supportive people is crucial. It's important to take life one day at a time. God's timing is essential in our journeys. Emotional struggles are common for victims of trauma. Encouragement can come from scripture and faith. Helping one person can fulfill a greater purpose.
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Build Trust Through Feedback
12/04/2024
Build Trust Through Feedback
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. Women face unique challenges in giving and receiving feedback due to societal expectations. The Christian approach to feedback involves teaching, setting clear expectations, and giving feedback with love and empathy.
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Unity in Purpose: A New Chapter for 4word
11/20/2024
Unity in Purpose: A New Chapter for 4word
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
11/06/2024
In the Kingdom of God, There is No Competition
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
10/16/2024
Performance Reviews Need a Facelift
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
10/02/2024
Using Storytelling to Talk About Accomplishments
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 our brains, making it more memorable and relatable. Storytelling is effective in leadership, sales, and motivating others, as it helps convey messages in a way that resonates with people. Sharing personal accomplishments and professional successes through storytelling can be done by viewing them as a testimony of God's goodness and inspiring others. Being truthful about the results of a year while maintaining a positive and encouraging tone can be achieved through storytelling that focuses on growth, learning, and resilience. Authenticity and speaking truthfully about challenges can minister to others. Authenticity is important in leadership and can inspire trust and connection. Storytelling is a powerful tool in various contexts, such as politics and thought leadership. Crafting an authentic story involves knowing your audience and staying on message. God's discipline can shape and transform us, even in the realm of politics.
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Celebrating the Stories of 4word
09/18/2024
Celebrating the Stories of 4word
In this special episode, host Jordan Johnstone speaks with 4word's Executive Director, Melissa Harrison, about the significance of and the special way we're sharing the impact of our global ministry.
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Trust, Vulnerability, and Building Strong Relationships
09/04/2024
Trust, Vulnerability, and Building Strong Relationships
Trust is foundational to any interaction in our lives, so it should be foundational in our planning and leading. In this episode, Rev. Dr. Margaret Grun Kibben discusses the importance of trust and how to build it. She emphasizes the need for self-awareness, relationships, and experiences in building trust. Dr. Kibben shares her personal approach to modeling trust and highlights the role of vulnerability in building trust. Key Takeaways Trust is foundational to any interaction in our lives and should be prioritized in our planning and leading. Building trust requires self-awareness, relationships, and experiences. Trust in God forms the foundation for trusting others. Modeling trust involves being real, grounded in faith, and reflecting the fruits of the spirit. Trust and inclusion are interconnected, and trust can encourage team building and create a positive workplace culture.
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The Importance of Mentorship in Integrating Faith and Work
08/21/2024
The Importance of Mentorship in Integrating Faith and Work
In this episode, Charmaine Solomon, a licensed professional counselor and mentor in the , discusses the challenges of integrating faith in the workplace, and the role of mentorship in advancing in one's career and faith. She also highlights the benefits of the and encourages listeners to for the fall session. Key Takeaways Mentorship is essential for integrating faith and work, as it provides guidance, support, and accountability. Integrating faith in the workplace starts with declaring one's faith and acting in a Christian-like way. Building a community of like-minded individuals in the workplace can create a safe and supportive environment for sharing and living out one's faith. The 4word Mentor Program offers a valuable opportunity for mentorship and growth in integrating faith and work. Passing on the baton of faith and leadership to rising leaders within an organization is essential for building a strong community of faith-based leaders.
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Patterns and Prayer: Key Elements of Faith-Work Integration
08/07/2024
Patterns and Prayer: Key Elements of Faith-Work Integration
In this episode, Diana Romero, founder and CEO of Integrated Purpose Management, shares the importance of integrating faith and work. She explores how individuals can authentically live out their faith in the workplace and the impact it can have on their colleagues. She also discusses the role of companies in creating a faith-friendly environment and provides practical advice for employees and organizations.
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The Power of Saying 'No'
07/17/2024
The Power of Saying 'No'
In this episode, Christy Wright discusses the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing when it's time to establish or reinforce them. She shares personal experiences and insights on how to overcome the fear of setting boundaries and the power of saying "no." Christy also emphasizes the role of boundaries in creating balance and finding peace in a chaotic life. She encourages defining success, establishing structure, and intentionally doing less to protect your time and energy.
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The Importance of Caring for Your Soul
07/03/2024
The Importance of Caring for Your Soul
In this episode, Mindy Caliguire discusses the topic of burnout and the importance of soul care. She explores the symptoms and causes of burnout, as well as the challenges women face in caring for their souls. Mindy shares her personal experience with burnout and emphasizes the need for a deep resolve to prioritize soul care. She also differentiates between self-care and soul care, highlighting the importance of connecting with God's presence and being responsive to His work in our lives.
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Want to Build Team Connection? Start Modeling Empathy.
06/19/2024
Want to Build Team Connection? Start Modeling Empathy.
In this episode, host Jordan Johnstone and guest Jennifer Howell discuss the importance of empathy and its role in the workplace. They explore the difference between empathy and sympathy, and how empathy can complement self-awareness. Jennifer shares a personal experience of how empathy in the workplace impacted her and offers strategies for leaders to model empathy and build team connection.
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