The Master Gardener: Cultivating Kingdom Business Through Faith and Principle

What does it truly mean to integrate faith into business? For Dr. Collette Portis, CEO and founder of Red Development Group, it’s not just a philosophy; it's the very foundation of her global consultancy. With 23 (soon to be 25) consultants boasting over two decades of expertise each, Red Development Group tackles the 'big problems' that keep business owners awake at night, offering solutions rooted in strategy, operations, and an unwavering commitment to divine guidance.

Dr. Portis’s journey is a testament to the power of aligning one's calling with one's career. Having worked in strategy and operations since the age of 16, she initially didn't recognize the divine hand guiding her path. "I didn't know that I was working in operations and strategy when I was 16. I was just doing the work," she reflects. It was a journey of connecting seemingly disparate skills – from graphic design to hair styling – into a cohesive purpose. God, she realized, was not calling her to do all the work herself, but to support those who do, becoming a catalyst for their divine whispers to manifest into tangible realities.

Faith as the Operational Blueprint

This deep-seated faith isn't just a personal conviction; it's the operational blueprint for Red Development Group. Dr. Portis’s books are infused with scripture, not as religious dogma, but as timeless principles for success. "Write the vision and make it plain so he that find it may run with it is strategic planning. Why would you not do that?" she asserts, highlighting the practical application of biblical wisdom in the business world. Her daily work, from guiding companies through mergers to navigating tax troubles, is a "faith walk," driven by the confidence that comes from her connection to God.

One of the most profound illustrations of her faith-driven decision-making came earlier this year. As clients faced significant contract losses, a conversation with her son sparked a divine revelation: a merger. Despite initial trepidation about asking close colleagues to dissolve their established businesses, Dr. Portis heeded the Holy Spirit's instruction. The result? A powerful consolidation of talent and vision, poised to become one company by next year, offering both consulting and training – a unique value proposition that the market is now actively seeking.

Miracles in Marketplace Leadership

This wasn't her first experience with divine intervention in business. Red Development Group, initially co-founded with others, became solely hers through a series of unexpected events. A dream revealed God's plan for her to lead the company, and within a year, she had bought out both partners. "I'm like, bro, I can't take these people's stuff," she recalls, to which God's implied response was, "I'm giving it to you, so you're not taking it."

The Principle of Seed Time and Harvest

Dr. Portis’s approach to generosity is equally rooted in principle, challenging conventional notions of giving. Observing the stark differences in community wealth between various faith traditions, she questioned why Christian communities, despite often giving a higher percentage, frequently exhibited signs of lack. The answer, she realized, lay in the "principle of seed time and harvest time." Instead of giving away the "seed" (income), she learned to plant it, cultivate a harvest, and then give from the "fruit" – the increase. This shift from emotional giving to "principal giving" has transformed her approach to both finances and time, leading to greater responsibility and impact.

Advice for Kingdom Business Leaders

For other Christian business leaders, Dr. Portis offers a simple yet profound encouragement: "Start your day the right way." This means prioritizing daily communion with God through prayer, scripture, and worship.

• Spend intentional time connecting with God before the day’s demands.
• Refill spiritually to avoid burnout.
• Listen for divine confirmation in quiet moments.

"If you spend all day today giving, you have to spend some time at some point in today and tomorrow getting refilled," she advises, emphasizing the critical need for spiritual replenishment to avoid burnout. It's in these quiet moments of listening that the best decisions are made, and divine confirmations are received. By slowing down and intentionally connecting with God, business leaders can ensure they remain filled, growing, and equipped to impact the world for the Kingdom.