The Unseen Hand: How Faith Fuels Unstoppable Leadership

Faith as a Foundational Principle

In a world increasingly driven by data and logic, the concept of faith in business can seem anachronistic. Yet, for visionary leaders like Terri Wilber, founder of Ascent Training and Consulting, faith isn't just a personal conviction; it's the very bedrock of her entrepreneurial journey and the unseen hand guiding her toward transformative impact.

Terri’s story is a powerful testament to the integration of deep spiritual conviction with strategic business acumen. Her company, Ascent Training and Consulting, is the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to making a positive difference in people's lives. What started as a passion for personal development evolved into a unique system, meticulously designed by Terri herself, blending neuroscience, neuro-linguistic programming, and belief change work. This isn't just about professional growth; it's about uncovering what’s working, celebrating it, and extrapolating those successes into every facet of life.

Faith as a Foundational Principle

For Terri, being a Christian business owner in the current societal climate presents a unique challenge and opportunity. She observes a world either eliminating or rebranding faith, yet her stance remains unwavering: her business is built on the unshakeable foundation of her relationship with Christ. This isn't a passive belief; it's an active, guiding presence that informs every decision, large or small.

“I never feel like I’m doing this alone,” Terri shares, “I always feel like there’s a giant safety net called Jesus with me.” This profound sense of divine partnership transforms challenges into opportunities for deeper reliance and trust. When faced with a flat tire on a long journey, her immediate response was to turn it over to God, and the swift resolution that followed served as a powerful reminder of this active partnership.

Bridging Science and Spirituality

One of the most compelling aspects of Terri’s approach is her seamless integration of scientific principles with spiritual truths. Growing up in a strict religious background, she initially felt restricted. However, she embarked on a journey to find a deeper, more authentic connection with God, shedding labels and embracing a broader understanding of her faith.

“I don’t understand why that’s a conversation,” Terri states, referring to the perceived dichotomy between science and faith. “To me, it makes perfect sense. Of course, the science is there because that’s how God intends it.” Her exploration led her to the work of thought leaders like Greg Braden, whose research illuminates the scientific evidence for divine intervention in the universe. This convergence of science and faith isn't just intellectually stimulating; it reinforces her conviction that her path is divinely ordained.

The Leap of Faith: Entrepreneurship as a Spiritual Act

Perhaps the most significant demonstration of Terri’s faith in action was her decision to leave a secure, long-term position to start Ascent Training and Consulting. After 15 years with another personal development company, she recognized a misalignment in values and integrity. Despite the terrifying prospect of starting from scratch, she felt a profound spiritual warfare, a constant battle against darkness.

“I finally just surrendered,” she recalls. “I’m terrified that I’m giving up a nice livelihood to start literally from ground zero. And I don’t know what this is going to look like.” Yet, inspired by the adage, “leap and the net will appear,” she took the monumental step. Ten years later, Ascent Training and Consulting stands as a testament to her courage and God’s faithfulness.

This journey of faith continues. Terri describes her current phase as another “big jump,” akin to Moses at the Red Sea. The decision to hire her first full-time employee after a decade as a “one-woman show” represents a significant expansion, a step into deeper waters. “I feel like I’m in this dance right now as this next evolution for me comes,” she explains, likening it to Moses entering the Red Sea, water rising to his nose before God parts the way.

“I’m all in, I’m committed, I will keep walking. As long as you tell me this is still the path, I will continue walking. Even if that means the water’s over my head. I’m committed.” This unwavering commitment, she reveals, has unlocked a flow of resources, people, and solutions, affirming her path.

Actionable Wisdom: Trusting the Inner Voice

For any business leader or entrepreneur, Terri offers profound advice: Trust that inner voice, that gut feeling. “That voice inside your head, that voice inside your gut, it’s not just yours. It’s there because He put it there.” She emphasizes that this isn't merely intuition; it's the voice of God, guiding, affirming, and sometimes, redirecting.

When fear, doubt, or the “siren song” of an easier path emerges, Terri confronts it directly. She acknowledges the negative thoughts but then dismisses them, returning to her core truth: “You’re exactly where I put you. You’re doing exactly what I want you to be doing.” This practice of discerning and trusting the divine voice within is crucial for navigating the complexities of leadership.

The Power of Peer Support

While her journey is deeply personal, Terri underscores the importance of a strong support system. Despite being a “one-woman show,” she has cultivated a core group of trusted individuals – a peer group with diverse experiences – who offer perspective and support. This external input is invaluable when internal challenges obscure clear vision.

“When all of the challenges are right there in our face, sometimes we can’t see that which is most obvious,” she notes. Having friends from different industries, like building trades, provides fresh analogies and insights that illuminate solutions from unexpected angles.

Your Next Step

Terri Wilber’s journey is a powerful invitation to re-examine the role of faith in your own leadership. Consider these questions:

1. Where in your business or leadership journey are you being called to take a “leap of faith” even when it defies logic?
2. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in your “inner voice” or intuition, recognizing it as a potential source of divine guidance?
3. Who are the trusted individuals in your life who can offer diverse perspectives and support when you face challenges?

Embrace the unseen hand that guides, trust the inner voice that speaks, and build a foundation of faith that fuels unstoppable leadership. Your most transformative impact may lie just beyond the edge of your comfort zone, waiting for your courageous step forward.