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 guiding individuals through difficult seasons with resilience and hope.

Together, we explore how leaders can transform seasons of disruption into moments of renewal.

Key insight: Change often disconnects people from why they do what they do and purpose is the first thing leaders must help restore.

We’ll explore:

• How leaders can revisit personal and organizational purpose during transition

• Using purpose as an anchor when roles, goals, and structures shift

• Practical questions leaders can ask to bring clarity back to their teams

Takeaway: When circumstances are unstable, purpose becomes your strongest stabilizer.

Key insight: In times of change, information alone isn’t enough people need reassurance, hope, and to feel seen.

We’ll explore:

• Why encouragement is a leadership skill anyone can learn

• Simple, daily practices that rebuild morale and trust

• How encouragement strengthens engagement, resilience, and retention

Takeaway: Encouragement fuels momentum when motivation runs low.

Key insight: Every transition carries the potential for transformation if leaders choose to lead with intention instead of fear.

We’ll explore:

• Shifting from fear-based reactions to growth-based responses

• Helping teams see change as refinement rather than loss

• Leading with faith, values, and confidence through the unknown

Takeaway: When change is led well, it becomes a catalyst for lasting growth.

Change is inevitable but discouragement doesn’t have to be. Join us for this timely conversation with Joanna C. Brown and discover practical, faith-rooted leadership tools to help you reconnect to purpose, lead with encouragement, and guide your team through change with confidence and hope.

Listen & Learn

Discover how HR can be a bridge to healing, connection, and faith-driven support in the workplace. Tune in to gain valuable insights and tools for cultivating a culture of care in your organization.

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.

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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 choice without losing control of costs, giving individuals flexibility while protecting the organization’s budget.

How to build a benefits strategy that scales, from small teams to large, complex organizations, without adding unnecessary complexity or risk.

This episode is for leaders and HR decision-makers who want practical, clear guidance on building benefits that support both people and purpose.

Listen & Learn

Discover how HR can be a bridge to healing, connection, and faith-driven support in the workplace. Tune in to gain valuable insights and tools for cultivating a culture of care in your organization.

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.

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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 workplace. This episode covers:

• What relational poverty is and its impact on employee well-being and performance

• HR’s role in fostering a workplace culture that promotes connection and emotional support

• Practical strategies for integrating counseling services, mentorship programs, and faith-based support to help employees build meaningful relationships

Listen & Learn

Discover how HR can be a bridge to healing, connection, and faith-driven support in the workplace. Tune in to gain valuable insights and tools for cultivating a culture of care in your organization.

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.