As organizations grow, so do their people-related challenges. In this episode, we're diving into the realities of scaling your team — and what leaders need to know about building a strong HR and benefits foundation along the way.

Whether you're managing a team of 5 or approaching 50 (or even 500), this conversation will equip you with key strategies to support your employees while protecting and strengthening your business.

Meet, David Hemm Owner & Benefits Advisor, Imago Dei Insurance Advisors In this episode learn from David of HR and employee benefits. With a passion for supporting growing organizations, David partners with business owners to design benefits strategies that not only protect their teams but also fuel long-term growth. From compliance to culture, his mission is to fortify businesses with smart, scalable HR solutions.

You’ll learn:

• When to introduce employee benefits — and how to decide on your first offering
• How pass-through coverages and buy-up programs can add flexibility and value
• Why every growing organization needs an employee handbook (yes, even yours!) Document Referenced On Podcast
• How to turn your benefits strategy into a powerful talent magnet

If you're in a startup situation whether a church, ministry, non profit or are a business startup scaling a small but mighty team, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you grow with confidence. No matter what stage you're in, the key to successful scaling lies in laying the right HR groundwork early. This episode will give you the tools to stay ahead of common pitfalls and create a benefits strategy that evolves with your team. Tune in to build a people-first foundation that sets your organization up for lasting success.

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.

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.

Are Your Investments Aligned with Your Faith?

Many nonprofit organizations accumulate assets for long-term investments, such as endowments and portfolio funds. While these mission-driven organizations would never openly support businesses profiting from pornography, gambling, abortion pills, or other activities contrary to Christian values, they may unknowingly be investing in these very industries.

By deploying investment capital into broad index mutual funds or similar vehicles, ministries and nonprofits may see healthy returns. But should they be profiting from businesses that operate against their faith principles? If your nonprofit invests without considering the activities of the companies it supports, it may be time to reconsider.

Christian organizations can invest in ways that honor their values while still fulfilling fiduciary duties to maximize long-term, risk-adjusted returns. Faith-based investing allows ministries to express their mission not only in day-to-day operations but also in how they steward financial resources.

Meet Our Guest: Douglas R. MacGray. Doug is an experienced financial planner and passionate advocate for faith Driven investing. His journey began as a missionary in Micronesia, where he taught in a Christian boys' boarding school and supported local church outreach.

As an attorney, Doug practiced law in Delaware for over a decade, specializing in estate planning and advising nonprofit organizations. He later transitioned into financial planning, obtaining his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and acquiring a financial planning company. Today, he is the sole owner of Stonecrop Wealth Advisors, a fee-only Registered Investment Advisor.

Doug works with nearly 200 families and individuals, with about 20% of his business dedicated to nonprofit ministries, including Christian higher education institutions, churches, and other faith-based organizations.

Faith, Service and Health

• Board member at Gordon College, a Christian institution in Massachusetts
• Former board member at a Christian seminary and K-12 school
• Volunteer supporter of Edify, an international nonprofit supporting Christian K-12 schools in Latin America and Africa
• Has traveled to Uganda, the Dominican Republic, and Panama to support faith-based education initiatives
• Training to run two marathons in 2025

Join host Mark Griffin as he navigates the following key discussion points with his guest Doug MacGray.

1. Hidden Risks in Traditional Investments
   • Many nonprofits unknowingly invest in companies engaging in activities that contradict their faith.
   • Understanding how mutual funds allocate capital is crucial for aligning investments with Christian values.
2. Faith-Based Investing: A Responsible Alternative
   • Nonprofits can structure their investment strategies to uphold Christian principles.
   • Strategies exist to ensure strong financial returns while honoring faith commitments.
3. Practical Steps to Align Investments with Mission
   • How organizations can conduct an investment audit.
   • Resources and advisors available to help nonprofits transition to faith-aligned investing.

Call to Action

If you serve on the board of a nonprofit, work in Christian higher education, or manage a ministry’s finances, now is the time to assess your organization’s investment strategy. Faith-based investing is a powerful way to ensure that your financial resources reflect your values.

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.

Encouragement For Work Podcast – Special Edition

Join us for a special edition of the Encouragement For Work Podcast as we go live from Lancaster, PA, at WJTL for the official launch of Faith Driven HR! This isn’t just a book—it’s a transformational resource designed to bring faith, purpose, and integrity into the workplace.

Faith Driven HR is more than an HR manual—it’s a movement. This book empowers HR professionals, business owners, and leaders to align their workplace culture with biblical principles. If you’re looking for practical tools and insights to integrate faith into leadership, this is the guide you need.

Take your leadership to the next level and bring faith into the heart of your workplace. Listen as the Morning Show team at WJTL Lancaster, PA, dives into the Faith Driven HR book launch—unpacking how this resource can equip and inspire faith-driven professionals.

Get your copy, meet the author, and be part of a growing community!

For more details, visit FaithDrivenHR.com.

In today’s volatile business, economic, and political climate, C-suite leaders are constantly challenged to steer their organizations through uncertainty, crisis, and rapid change. Welcome to this episode of the Encouragement for Work podcast, where we sit down with Ford Taylor, renowned leadership expert, business strategist, and founder of Transformational Leadership. Enjoy listening as host Mark Griffin explores with Ford on how executives can lead with clarity, confidence, and integrity during the most difficult times.

Being a Faith-Driven leader means you act with humility, but also promote accountability. Tune and learn how accountability is paramount to individual and organizational success.

With decades of experience guiding companies through both growth and adversity, Ford offers a wealth of insights on how leaders can foster resilience, build high-performing teams, and make courageous decisions when the pressure is on.

We’ll dive deep into the core principles of Transformational Leadership, discussing practical strategies for maintaining unity at the top, creating a culture of trust, and developing the emotional intelligence necessary for effective leadership. Ford will share real-world examples of leaders who have successfully navigated organizational turbulence, offering a blueprint for C-suite executives looking to inspire and empower their teams in the face of uncertainty.

Whether you’re a CEO, college president, church leader, senior executive, or an aspiring leader, this conversation will equip you with the energy, a positive mindset, and tools needed to thrive in tumultuous times. Join us as we uncover the leadership strategies that separate those who merely survive from those who rise above the storm to create lasting impact.

If you are looking for leadership intervention at the C-suite level, contact Ford; he has the resources and experiences to 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 of the Encouragement for Work Podcast, we sit down with Josh Wood, Executive Director of Them Before Us and a leading advocate for children’s rights. Together, we explore a transformative approach to corporate culture: creating HR policies that prioritize children’s well-being.

Josh unpacks how businesses can align their employee benefits with justice-driven principles that protect the most vulnerable—children. From evaluating family-building policies to identifying practices that may unintentionally harm kids, this episode is a deep dive into how companies can elevate their HR strategies to support employees while safeguarding future generations.

Discover why influential organizations like the Colson Center are teaming up with Them Before Us to reimagine corporate benefits through a pro-child lens. Packed with actionable insights and practical steps, this conversation will inspire you to view HR not just as a tool for enhancing productivity, but as a force for societal good.

What You’ll Learn:

1. What it truly means to be a "pro-child" organization and how this mindset challenges current HR trends in corporate America.
2. Why children’s rights should matter when shaping HR benefits and organizational policies.
3. The surprising forms of resistance companies face when rethinking benefits—and how to overcome them effectively.

About Our Guest:

Josh Wood brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, disaster response, and organizational growth. He has spearheaded multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns, managed large-scale grant programs, and collaborated with organizations to deliver critical resources to communities worldwide. Josh’s expertise extends to directing global volunteer networks, executing impactful disaster relief efforts, and helping nonprofits with initiatives like capital campaigns, book publishing, and model legislation.

Mark A. Griffin brings a wealth of experience as an HR and organizational development professional, coach, consultant, author, and national speaker.

Mark’s passion for fostering engaging and prosperous workplace environments is the driving force behind this podcast series.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode that challenges traditional ideas of workplace benefits and redefines what it means to be a family-friendly organization. Tune in now!

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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.