From Corporate Ladder to Kingdom Calling: Hannah Nokes' Transformational Journey

Hannah Nokes, a multifaceted leader, author, and co-founder of Commissioned, embodies the powerful intersection of faith and work. Her journey from a traditional corporate career to a purpose-driven entrepreneurial path offers profound insights into discovering one's true calling and confidently living out a God-given mission.

For years, Hannah pursued a conventional corporate trajectory, driven by the desire to make the 'right' choices. Despite finding fulfillment in roles focusing on social impact and corporate social responsibility, she felt a void. "I loved my work, but it wasn't lighting my heart on fire," she admits. While she was good at it, there was something missing. 

The turning point came when Hannah took a break from her social impact consulting business. During this time of introspection, her long-standing passion for interior design, once a mere hobby, began to surface as something more significant. She recognized a connection between creating beautiful, orderly spaces and fostering environments where people could thrive—a parallel to her previous work in employee engagement. This realization marked her first true understanding that her God-given talents could be used to build the Kingdom and make the world more beautiful.

From Career to Calling: Launching Commissioned

This newfound clarity led to the birth of Commissioned, an initiative initially conceived to create a community for creative female entrepreneurs. However, it quickly became clear that faith had to be at its core. “It took about five minutes before my cofounder and I realized we can't do this without God,” Hannah explains. The gifts, talents, and purpose of their work, they understood, all originated from God and were meant to further His Kingdom.

A foundational principle of Commissioned, and a profound insight Hannah shares, is the belief that “We have confidence in how we show up in the world because of who our Father is.” This powerful statement, inspired by the visual of a king's daughter confidently carrying out her father's business, underscores the authority and favor believers have when pursuing their God-ordained work. It’s a call to boldness, expecting success and divine provision because the mission is ordained by the King of the universe.

Building a Purposeful Community

Commissioned has since become a vibrant community, gathering hundreds of women at its annual conference in Austin Texas. Attendees, often feeling isolated and discouraged in their entrepreneurial journeys, leave with a renewed sense of community, purpose, and empowerment. Hannah emphasizes the importance of curating an experience where women feel loved and their cups are filled, rather than burdened with a longer to-do list. The aesthetically beautiful environment of the conference reflects their belief that God cares about beauty and that every detail can point people to Him.

Faith-Driven Philanthropy

Hannah's faith also profoundly shapes her philanthropic endeavors. She believes in using a portion of her income, assets, and talents to make the world a better place, particularly for children in foster care—a cause close to her heart as a mother of three daughters. This philosophy extends to her book, “Magnify Your Impact,” which encourages individuals and organizations to identify and leverage their existing assets, from physical assets to financial resources, to create positive change. It’s a kingdom mindset that transcends monetary contributions, recognizing the diverse ways one can contribute to the world.

Encouragement for the Journey

For those feeling a pull towards a different path, perhaps a less conventional one, Hannah offers encouragement rooted in her own experience. While acknowledging the challenges and ambiguities of entrepreneurship, she highlights the immense gains in resilience, patience, and trust in God for daily provision. She advises listening to God, being obedient, and embracing discomfort and ambiguity. Her own journey of resisting a creative calling for years before finally surrendering serves as a powerful testament to the blessings that await when one aligns with God's will.

Hannah shared a wise approach to business she received from a mentor:  “Your target market is Jesus.” By unabashedly pointing people to Jesus through the gifts and talents God has given, the rest will fall into place. It’s a reminder that when our work is centered on Him, success and impact are not just possible, but expected.

To learn more about Hannah and "Magnify Your Impact," visit her LinkedIn page: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahnokes/ 

Click the link below to learn more about Commissioned:  https://www.livingcommissioned.com/