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In this episode, we’re talking about something every leader wrestles with — how to hire not just for talent, but for fit. Leaders are often tempted to prioritize skills over alignment, yet the long-term health of an organization depends on hiring people who embody its mission, vision, and values. Join us in this episode of Encouragement for Work as Mark is joined by Vaughn Thurman, CEO of HighGear Software, a leader who has built his company around a set of core values that have come to define the organization and everything it does. Vaughn’s journey reminds us that hiring decisions do more than impact the bottom line — they shape culture, influence engagement, and define how work is experienced every day. About Our Guest: Vaughn Thurman Vaughn Thurman is a technology leader and entrepreneur passionate about building organizations where people thrive, and mission drives performance. As CEO of HighGear Software, Vaughn leads a team dedicated to helping organizations simplify complexity and work with greater pu

Now more than ever, work can feel heavy for some. Post-COVID transitions, return-to-office tension, cultural division, and a constant stream of polarizing news have created workplaces filled with uncertainty, fatigue, and quiet disconnection. Many leaders are asking the same question: How do we keep people moving forward when everything feels like it’s pulling us apart? The good news? There is a better way and it starts with leading from purpose, encouragement, and faith-rooted clarity. In this episode, we’re joined by Joanna C. Brown, Founder and Lead Consultant of Eden Beacon LLC. Joanna is a trusted advisor, executive coach, and leadership consultant who helps organizations and individuals grow with intention, integrity, and alignment. Through her work in business and human capital consulting, faith-based leadership development, and culture transformation, Joanna equips leaders to navigate change without losing their people or themselves. She is also the author of Don’t Die in the Desert, a devotional guid

As organizations grow, their benefits strategy must grow with them. But many leaders are still navigating rising costs, confusing options, and outdated healthcare models that no longer serve their teams well. Join us as we sit down with Julie Garrett, Vice President of Employee Benefits at HUB International. Julie is a senior employee benefits consultant with extensive experience partnering with Finance and HR leaders to design and implement strategic, cost-effective benefits programs. She has spent her career helping organizations improve plan performance, manage healthcare costs, and strengthen total rewards strategies that support employee well-being and business goals. Julie is known for her collaborative approach and her ability to translate complex benefits data into actionable solutions for employers and their teams. In this episode, you’ll learn: What an ICHRA is and how it works, including who it’s best for and when it makes sense to use it instead of traditional health plans. How to offer more choic

Understanding Relational Poverty in the Workplace In today’s fast-paced, digital-first world, employees are more connected than ever—yet many still feel deeply isolated. This phenomenon, known as relational poverty, occurs when individuals lack meaningful, supportive relationships in both their personal and professional lives. As organizational leaders, we have a responsibility to recognize and address this silent struggle. Meet Our Guest: Patricia M. Wright, LCSW In this episode, we welcome Patricia M. Wright, LCSW, Executive Director of Upward Call. Patricia holds a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies and a B.A. in Psychology from Regent University. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Millersville University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is also completing her Doctor of Social Work (ABD) and pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership at Lancaster Bible College. Key Discussion Points Join Patricia and Mark as they navigate the complexities of relational poverty in today’s workpl

Special Guest: Becca Spradlin | Author, Speaker, Mission Drift & Strategy Consultant | Kingdom Culture Builder Hosted by Mark A. Griffin. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” — Proverbs 29:18 Episode Overview: Mission statements are more than just words on a wall—they’re the heartbeat of your organization. But are they being lived out in daily operations? Are your hiring practices, reviews, and leadership conversations aligned with your stated mission and values? In this inspiring episode of Encouragement for Work, host Mark Griffin is joined by author and mission drift expert Becca Spradlin. Together, they unpack what it means to manage mission from the inside out—making it not just a message, but a measurable part of workplace culture in order to avoid drift. What You'll Learn: Why addressing mission drift is not optional for Christian employers—it’s an organizational imperative, especially for HR. The critical role that leaders and HR professionals play in building organizations that cultiv

Even years after COVID, many people remain disconnected—unplugged from the communities where they work, live, and serve. Some still feel disenchanted and uncertain about how to reengage. But what if there were an opportunity to reconnect—with like-minded people, shared values, and a Christ-centered purpose? What if believers could be equipped and empowered to bring their faith boldly into the marketplace? That’s the vision behind the Pennsylvania Christian Chamber of Commerce (PCCC)—launching in 2026. Through strategic training, mentorship programs, and faith-integrated business resources, the Chamber is committed to equipping its members with the tools they need to thrive both professionally and spiritually. This includes: Business development rooted in biblical principles Workshops on ethical leadership and purpose-driven entrepreneurship Opportunities for prayer, worship, and prophetic insight in business planning The PCCC will serve as a vital hub where business and faith intersect—creating an atmospher

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

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 conversatio

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 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 fa

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 Co

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 ste

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. Why Does Faith-Driven HR Matter? 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. Tune In & Be Inspired 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

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, discus

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

Employee disengagement is at an all-time high—both at work and at home. Post-COVID, many individuals continue to struggle with isolation, even in a world that no longer requires physical separation. As Christ-followers, we understand that true flourishing happens through connection and community; indeed, iron sharpens iron. It’s time to break the cycle. Together, we can encourage employees to reengage in their workplaces, homes, and communities. Enter Kristoffer Popovitch, whose passion for workplace chaplaincy offers a pathway to overcoming isolation and fostering thriving environments. In this episode, Mark and Kristoffer explore strategies to reenergize workplaces by focusing on three transformative areas: Building a Positive Culture Workplace chaplains demonstrate that employees matter beyond their productivity. This creates an atmosphere where people feel valued and cared for. Prioritizing Employee Mental Health With mental health reaching crisis levels nationwide, chaplain services provide much-needed

Every day, you hear people in the workplace grappling with an employee's performance. But many organizations are lacking the key tools for employees to be successful. We frequently encounter potential employees who lack career development opportunities. It doesn’t have to be that way. Meet Deb Brown Maher. Deb assists organizations' HR departments by offering training and development opportunities to those who significantly contribute to your bottom line. Your salespeople. Whether you're a for-profit organization or a ministry, Deb is an expert to learn from. Feel positive about selling and getting the results you deserve. Deb's sales training packages equip your sales team to make more sales without being pushy. Join host Mark Griffin and Deb as they explore the complexities of training the sales team, all while maintaining financial stability and moral integrity. It is possible to find a plan that works for you, despite past difficulties! ––– Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefi

More than ever, workers are disengaging from their jobs and their homes. Many people in the post-COVID world continue to live in seclusion, despite not feeling compelled to do so. After all, iron sharpens iron, and Christians know we need each other's love to survive. Let’s break the cycle and encourage our employees to get reengaged at work, home, and in their communities. Meet Eric Bents. Through workplace engagement, Eric believes we can help people overcome isolation. Join Mark and Eric as they discuss overcoming relational poverty in your workplace, focusing on three (3) key areas: Get employees to focus outward (volunteer, mission work). Organize events that will win the affection of your employees' families. Create career development programs that bless your people. Eric is committed to ending relational poverty. As a strategy coach and leadership development expert, Eric assists individuals and organizations in resolving their most pressing issues. Eric is a great American. During his 30 years in th

Over the past several months, many of our clients have brought up questions about speaking about politics at work. Being a Christian in the workplace can be very difficult. Many religious exempt employers are terrified to even consider bringing a message from the pulpit. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We are in tumultuous times when Christians can't even speak to each other regarding certain topics. We miss incredible opportunities to love each other and learn from each other when we don't speak opening with each other regarding our views. But, what if we were all comfortable with our political views and could speak openly? Meet Pastor Joel L. Rissinger. He believes we have an obligation to speak openly with one another in every aspect of our walks with the Lord, especially politics.  Pastor Joel L. Rissinger and his wife Karen have been married for almost 40 years and have two adult children, a marvelous son-in-law, two foster grandsons, and two gorgeous granddaughters. Pastor Joel is a shepherd as part

In today's rapidly changing healthcare landscape, small- and mid-market private employers often feel pressured to compromise on their health plans. They accept one-size-fits-all solutions that don't align with their values, thinking they have no other option. But what if they do? Meet Ericka McPherson, Esq., executive director of Covenant Choice. Her organization offers a transformative alternative that gives even small-sized employers the same control, transparency, and cost-containment strategies enjoyed by larger corporations. These innovative healthcare plans allow for: Tailored benefits that align with Christian values, ensuring that one's business supports what matters most National health plans, including PPO, HDHP, and HSA options Transparent structure and costs Multiple choices for individual company flexibility and member-owned status. Covenant Choice for Small Groups specifically provides a unique opportunity to offer employees a health insurance plan that reflects commitment to faith and values. E

Employers lose a lot of productivity from employees who are struggling in their marriages or going through a divorce. The Marriage Hub can help you support your employees who are struggling with their marriages. This is a benefit to them, their children, and to you as the leader of your organization. Meet Dr. Bruce R. McCracken. Bruce has been leading the Marriage Hub for over 17 years. Bruce has been focused on doing marriage intensives for over 10 years, helping couples save their marriages from the devastation of divorce. The Marriage Hub has an 85% success rate. Meaning that their couples are still married a year after their intensive. To get the word out about the program and to help others, the Marriage Hub has worked with a number of business owners who were interested in awarding scholarships to employees to help prevent marriages from falling apart. This has started a focused outreach to business owners to help their employees save their marriages. But the Marriage Hub is not just for businesses; t