Leading with Heart: Colleen Grounds on Faith, Compassion, and Business

In the fast-paced world of corporate America, where the bottom line often dictates decisions, Colleen Grounds, VP of Field and Channel Marketing at Deepwatch, stands out as a leader who intentionally integrates her faith into her daily business practices. Her approach to leadership is a testament to the transformative power of compassion, respect, and generosity.

Colleen's journey at Deepwatch, a managed detection and response company, spans four years, evolving from Director to VP. Her role involves orchestrating corporate events, a platform she leverages to infuse purpose and impact into the company culture.

Integrating Faith into Daily Leadership

For Colleen, living out her faith in the workplace is rooted in a simple yet profound principle: kindness and respect. "I always try to treat people with respect, with dignity, and with kindness, and I think that that goes a long, long way," she shares. This isn't just a platitude; it's a lived experience. She recounts a recent interaction with a sales rep who began their call by genuinely asking, "How are you doing today?" This simple act of humanity resonated deeply with Colleen, prompting her to adopt a similar approach in her own interactions, fostering deeper connections with colleagues, partners, and customers.

Faith-Driven Decision Making: A Story of Compassion

Colleen's faith played a critical role in a deeply personal and challenging situation involving an employee who tragically lost her son. In a time when most businesses might adhere strictly to policy, Colleen's compassion led her to go above and beyond. She stayed in constant contact with her employee, offering not just emotional support but also practical assistance, including financial aid and prayers. "I really wanted to show her compassion and let her know that she had people around her and that we were just there to support her through everything," Colleen explains. This act of profound empathy, extending beyond typical corporate boundaries, highlights how faith can guide leaders to prioritize human well-being over conventional business norms. The ongoing check-ins and support, even on the anniversary of the son's passing, underscore the lasting impact of such faith-driven leadership.

Generosity in Action: Spreading Joy Through Business

Colleen's role in managing corporate events provides a unique avenue for her to channel generosity. She intentionally incorporates charitable initiatives into company gatherings. During their annual sales kickoff event, for instance, a portion of the time is dedicated to a chosen charity.

One memorable initiative involved creating "joy jars" for children with cancer in hospitals. Employees assembled jars filled with toys and notes, bringing moments of happiness to those in need. "That's one way that I think I can take what I've learned through my faith and how to be generous and bring that to the company," she states, demonstrating how her personal values translate into corporate social responsibility.

Encouragement for Christian Business Leaders: Be Bold

When asked how she would encourage other Christian business leaders, Colleen's advice is clear and empowering: "Don't be afraid to be bold and be who you are and bring that faith to work." She acknowledges the corporate tendency towards reservation regarding faith but emphasizes the power of simple acts. She recalls seeing someone openly pray over their lunch, a small yet impactful gesture.

"You praying may be that domino effect that somebody else sees that feels more comfortable being, you know, bringing their faith forward in what they do," she suggests. Her message is one of authentic expression, encouraging leaders to be visible examples of their faith.

A Testimony of God's Goodness: Unexpected Connections

Colleen's testimony of God's goodness centers on the unexpected people brought into her life at precisely the right moments. She views these connections, whether with colleagues or others, as divine appointments. "People that have been brought into my life as co-workers have now become best friends that have supported me through some of the hardest things that I've had to go through," she shares. Her advice is to be open-minded, recognizing that the network around us is often divinely orchestrated. "See those people as gifts and find out why that connection is supposed to be there."

Colleen Grounds exemplifies a leader who doesn't just manage a business but nurtures a culture of compassion, generosity, and authentic faith. Her story is a powerful reminder that true leadership extends beyond profits and policies, touching lives and fostering a more humane and purpose-driven workplace.