Audrey Holmes

Honestly, because of my faith, I really feel that God has been the foundation of my career flourishing. So many doors have opened that I never expected to open, and I don't think I've done that on my own. Because of that, having my work rooted in faith is really important to me. In my coaching practice, that's something I also offer to clients if they're looking for it. I believe having a sense of calling that's rooted in something outside of yourself is really pivotal for success. There are always hard days in work - there's no perfect job. Some days are great, and other days are really difficult. What helps sustain you is resilience that comes from something deeper that grounds you beyond the work itself. I also think it's important to actively look for ways to serve others in a professional or corporate context, and to build relationships in a genuine way rather than isolating yourself. It really does take a village, and that's something I've seen proven over and over again. I've developed a strong awareness of my strengths as well as my weaknesses, and I intentionally partner with people who are strong where I'm weak, while also supporting them in areas where I'm strong. That kind of humility and self-awareness in a work context makes a big difference, because it allows you to accomplish far more than you ever could on your own.

I would say: don't be afraid to spend time discerning your calling and doing that inner work before jumping into something just to please other people. There's a real temptation in high school and college to run toward a career that looks attractive to everyone else - whether that's living up to your parents' expectations or pursuing something that feels prestigious. But that path can eventually lead to dissatisfaction, because you become so disconnected from yourself. I've had to learn how to do this along the way, and if I could speak to my younger self or any younger woman, I would encourage her to seek out mentors and people who know her well, people who can ask the right questions and help her build self-awareness. That kind of guidance can help you discern your strengths and understand your calling. From there, you can make choices with intention - choices that flow from who you are and what you're called to do, rather than from a desire for prestige or the need to make other people happy.

Perseverance shows up in both my work and personal life. It means continuing forward in the face of hard circumstances and challenges, even when things feel difficult or uncertain. Others-mindedness is also central for me. It's about being for other people and seeking to empower them, not in a way that makes me a doormat, but in a way that reflects the idea of considering others as more important than myself. I try to carry that into my work, friendships, and relationships. I do have to be intentional about it, because like most people, I can naturally drift toward self-focus. My husband models this really well, and I've learned a lot from him. Accountability is the third value I hold closely. To me, being a strong leader in any sphere - work or personal life - means recognizing my accountability to God and to other people. When I lean into accountability, it helps me stay grounded, make better decisions, and lead with more integrity and purpose.