Join host Mark Griffin as he explores the timeless story of Esther—a woman who used courage, wisdom, and faith to lead and influence in a secular space.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mary Gazda, to explore a topic that resonates deeply with today’s Christian women: the sacred tension between professional ambition and spiritual conviction. Mary brings wisdom, authenticity, and grace as she speaks into the often unspoken challenges women face in pursuing purpose-driven careers while staying rooted in their faith.

Drawing from the lives of strong female figures in the Bible—leaders whose stories are too often overlooked—Mary sheds light on how their courage and calling still speak to us today. Together, we’ll unpack how their examples can shape our modern understanding of leadership, purpose, and God’s timing.

Why is this important? We know now more than ever the demand for faith-based career content, especially among millennial and Gen Z women, is at its great level of demand ever. This conversation is timely, honest, and full of hope. This episode also offers both practical guidance and spiritual encouragement—meeting listeners right in that sweet spot where career and calling intersect.

In this episode learn how to:

• Tackle Workplace Injustice through a Biblical Lens
• How to Navigate a Male-Dominated Spaces with Grace
• Mentoring the Next Generation of Faith-Driven Women
• The Power of Prayer in Professional Decisions

Learn how you can make a difference in the marketplace, with practical application for Christian women striving for excellence and purpose in modern work environments.

Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, launching a ministry, or simply navigating what’s next, this conversation will inspire you to trust God’s plan while boldly stepping into your calling.

Mary is a passionate leader committed to restoring sons and daughters to the King's table and shaping the future of the Church through relational discipleship, spiritual formation, and storytelling. As a curriculum developer and contributor to the Storehouse Movement, Mary equips believers with meaningful discipleship resources rooted in truth and connection. Learn more about Mary here.

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team to excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You and your employees will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing our high-performance remote human-resource programs to help find great people! E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is president and founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Now more than ever, Christians in the workplace are facing mounting challenges. Whether it’s pressure to compromise values, fear of expressing faith, or outright hostility from employers or peers—being a follower of Christ in today’s marketplace takes courage and conviction.

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into what it means to stand strong in your faith without losing your grace, dignity, or voice.

Featured Guest: Noah Nash

Counsel, Corporate Engagement at Alliance Defending Freedom

Noah Nash brings a wealth of experience in advocating for the rights of Christians in corporate environments. As part of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), one of the nation’s leading legal organizations defending religious liberty, Noah works closely with corporations, business leaders, and executives navigating complex religious freedom issues.

Key Topics Covered

1. The Erosion of Authenticity in the Workplace

• Many employees feel afraid to speak about their beliefs in the workplace.
• Noah explains how to be bold in your faith at work while being respectful of your colleagues and employer, even when the environment discourages you from living out your faith at work

1. Understanding Your Legal Rights

• Learn what protections you do have under federal law.
• Discover how ADF equips employers with tools and strategies to defend their freedom of belief.
• Learn how public companies must respect employee speech and free exercise of religion.

1. Charlene Carter v. Southwest Airlines: A Case Study

• Charlene, a Southwest flight attendant, was fired after expressing her pro-life views to her union president.
• A jury awarded her $800,000, recognizing the violation of her religious liberty.
• The employee was discriminated against for her religious activities in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The jury verdict against Southwest on this claim was upheld on appeal. Noah unpacks the legal implications and what this means for Christian employees moving forward.

Encouragement for the Christian Employee

As a believer, you're called to be salt and light—even in challenging workplaces. This episode offers encouragement, clarity, and action steps for navigating professional life without compromising your faith.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:10

Listen to the Full Episode (Insert Link)

About Alliance Defending Freedom

ADF is a legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, parental rights, and marriage and family. Through corporate engagement and litigation, ADF equips Christians across the country to live out their faith without fear.

If your organization is facing religious liberty concerns or if you're navigating a difficult workplace dynamic, we encourage you to listen to this episode and share it with others who need hope and help.

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team to excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You and your employees will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing our high-performance remote human-resource programs to help find great people! E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is president and founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

In this episode, Mark A. Griffin, founder of IHN HR, speaks with Ben Conner, of Conner Insurance. Ben is an experienced benefits consultant and advocate for cost-effective, high-quality healthcare solutions. Together, they explore how Christian organizations can better steward their healthcare spending by leveraging the leadership of their C-suite team.

Podcast Overview:

In the current economic landscape, healthcare benefits can be one of the largest and most unpredictable costs for organizations. Unfortunately, many leadership teams approach healthcare management passively, leaving critical decisions solely in the hands of third-party vendors.

But what if your C-suite could lead the charge toward better care and smarter spending?

In this episode, Mark and Ben discuss how Christian employers can honor their people and their mission by being proactive, strategic, and collaborative in managing healthcare costs — all while maintaining a Christ-centered approach to employee care.

Meet Our Guest: Ben Conner

Ben Conner is a seasoned consultant helping employers across the country design health benefit strategies that prioritize both quality care and financial stewardship. With over 20 years of experience in benefits consulting and a passion for serving faith-based organizations, Ben empowers leadership teams to reclaim control over their healthcare plans through innovative, data-driven strategies. Connect with Ben: Ben Conner LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics:

1. Ensuring Collaboration Between HR & Accounting and Finance

Ben explains why aligning HR with accounting and finance is critical. Too often, departments work in silos, leading to missed opportunities for creative solutions. Takeaway: When HR, finance, and senior leadership collaborate intentionally, organizations gain visibility into both the human and financial impacts of healthcare decisions.

1. Prioritizing the Quality of Healthcare vs. Cost

Focusing only on cost often results in lower-quality care for employees. Ben shares ways to identify plans that deliver better outcomes, not just cheaper premiums. Takeaway: Organizations must redefine success — not just spending less, but providing better health outcomes at a sustainable cost.

1. Creating Processes to Hold leaders Accountable (Developing Scorecards)

Ben introduces the concept of developing leadership scorecards that track healthcare spending, employee satisfaction, and provider performance. Takeaway: Accountability mechanisms like scorecards ensure that the leadership team remains actively engaged, making healthcare benefits a continual area of improvement rather than a once-a-year discussion.

Why This Matters for Faith-Driven Organizations

As stewards of the resources God has entrusted, Christian leaders are called to approach all areas of business with excellence and integrity — including how they care for employees through healthcare benefits. By involving the C-suite in healthcare leadership, organizations can make decisions that honor both fiscal responsibility and the dignity of their people.

Call to Action

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team to excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You and your employees will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing our high-performance remote human-resource programs to help find great people! E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is president and founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.