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.

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 /episode/index/show/worklovepray/id/42907127

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 /episode/index/show/worklovepray/id/42814915

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 /episode/index/show/worklovepray/id/42629105

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 /episode/index/show/worklovepray/id/42544095

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 /episode/index/show/worklovepray/id/42469230

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 /episode/index/show/worklovepray/id/42383720