Join Mark A. Griffin—an esteemed HR and organizational development expert, coach, consultant, author, and national speaker—as he explores innovative strategies to build thriving workplaces. The Encouragement for Work podcast is your go-to resource for enhancing employee loyalty, improving communication, reducing turnover, and fostering a faith-driven organizational culture. Through insightful discussions, expert interviews, and real-world case studies, Mark shares practical Faith Driven HR…
What does a Faith Driven HR organization truly look like, and how does that connect to culture transformation in today’s workplace? In this recorded session from the Busch School of Business HR Speaker Series, host Tracy Phillips leads a focused and engaging conversation with Mark A. Griffin, Founder and President of IHN HR. Together, they explore how faith informed leadership principles can be…
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…
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…
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 But many leaders are still navigating rising costs, confusing options, and outdated healthcare models that no longer serve their teams well.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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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,…