Servant leadership is at the core of who I am, and it defines the way I approach both personal and professional challenges. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ and rooted in the principles of empathy, service, and empowerment, I’ve spent over 20 years leading teams, managing crises, and building organizations with a people-first approach. My goal has always been to uplift others, helping them achieve their fullest potential while advancing organizational missions.
My Leadership Philosophy
Servant leadership is about putting the needs of others first. I believe that true leadership is demonstrated by a commitment to serve, enabling team members to succeed, and guiding them with integrity and compassion. Whether in the boardroom, during disaster relief operations, or through ministry, my approach has been shaped by the belief that empowering others is the key to lasting success.
Key Principles of Servant Leadership
- Empathy: I strive to understand the challenges my team members face, fostering an environment where they feel heard and valued.
- Empowerment: Leadership is about enabling others to lead. I prioritize equipping teams with the tools, training, and encouragement they need to succeed.
- Integrity: Honesty and transparency are foundational in all my leadership decisions, ensuring that I lead with a clear sense of purpose and moral direction.
- Vision: I focus on long-term, strategic thinking that aligns team efforts with broader organizational and societal goals.
- Commitment to Growth: Servant leadership demands a dedication to the personal and professional development of those I lead.
Servant Leadership in Action
Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN)
Field Operations Manager | 2016 – Present
Role: Managed a team of 7 direct reports (volunteer team leaders) and oversaw thousands of volunteers during over 50 disaster deployments, coordinating efforts across seven core specialties, including shelter operations, logistics, and emotional care.
Servant Leadership in Action:
- Trained hundreds of volunteers in the Incident Command System (ICS) through the National Incident Management System (NIMS), empowering them with the skills necessary to effectively respond to crises.
- Collaborated with government and non-government agencies, such as FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to ensure that the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of disaster survivors were met.
- Led by example during deployments, often working directly alongside teams on the ground to demonstrate the importance of servant leadership in action.
totes-ISOTONER.com
Director of eCommerce | 2010 – 2012
Role: Led a team of 3 direct reports while overseeing the digital marketing and eCommerce operations for the global leader in weather-related apparel and accessories.
Servant Leadership in Action:
- Fostered a collaborative environment that empowered team members to take ownership of their projects, leading to a 400% increase in online revenue and a 7000% lift in email-based revenue.
- Emphasized professional development and mentorship, ensuring that each team member had a clear path for growth within the organization.
FillTek (Fulfillment Technologies, LLC)
Director of eCommerce | 2007 – 2010
Role: Managed a team of 3 direct reports, building the eCommerce infrastructure for the company from the ground up.
Servant Leadership in Action:
- Empowered team members by creating a supportive work environment where collaboration and innovation thrived, helping FillTek become a leading third-party logistics company for fashion brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, and Hugo Boss.
- Prioritized team development, ensuring that each member had the opportunity to grow within their roles while contributing to the company’s success.
Shoe Leather Gospel
Managing Director | 2020 – Present
Role: As the founder and managing director of Shoe Leather Gospel, a Bible-teaching ministry, I focus on serving both our listeners and the broader Christian community by teaching the Gospel with humility and dedication.
Servant Leadership in Action:
- Created a teaching platform that aims to equip listeners to develop a Biblical worldview, empowering them to fulfill Jesus’s command to make disciples of all nations.
- Fostered a supportive and inclusive environment by putting the needs of our community first, ensuring that every message delivered through our podcasts and resources is designed to serve and uplift.
Key Lessons from Servant Leadership
The Power of Humility: Leadership is not about being at the top but rather about lifting others up. At ADRN, I’ve seen firsthand how being on the ground with the team, whether in the middle of a disaster or during training, builds trust and cultivates respect.
Leading by Example: I’ve always believed that the best leaders are those who serve alongside their teams. At Shoe Leather Gospel, I’ve taken this to heart by continuously engaging with the community, focusing on teaching that serves their spiritual growth.
Empowering Others to Lead: Leadership is not about hoarding power, but distributing it. Through my work at totes-ISOTONER, FillTek, and Univar, I’ve learned that when team members are empowered to take ownership, they rise to the occasion, fostering innovation and driving success.
Servant Leadership in the Public Eye
Industry Speaker & Thought Leader:
I’ve had the honor of presenting on leadership principles at a number of high-profile industry events, sharing insights on the importance of servant leadership in the business world:
- 2012 Bronto Summit
- 2012 MarketLive Summit
- 2012 IRCE Conference
- 2012 eTail East
- Mobile Shopping Summit Spring 2012
Why Servant Leadership Matters
Servant leadership isn’t just a management style—it’s a calling to lead with empathy, integrity, and a vision for empowering others. It’s about creating environments where individuals can thrive, where their contributions are valued, and where the mission is always greater than the individual.
In every position I’ve held, I’ve embraced the principles of servant leadership, ensuring that the teams I lead are equipped, supported, and empowered to achieve their best work. This approach not only fosters better outcomes but also creates lasting relationships built on trust, respect, and shared purpose.
Let’s Connect
If you’re seeking a servant leader who believes in the power of people-first leadership, I would love to connect. Let’s discuss how I can help your organization thrive by leading with empathy, vision, and integrity.