Beloved friends,
From my early beginnings in Monticello, Arkansas, to my leadership roles today at Victory Station Ministries and in various professional realms, my journey has been deeply influenced by the principle of intentional leadership. This is leadership rooted in purpose and guided by faith. It’s about nurturing and empowering those around you to find and fulfill their own divine calling.
Understanding Intentional Leadership
Leadership Is More Than Directing Others Toward Goals; It’s About Stewardship Of Their Growth And Potential. “Be Shepherds Of God’s Flock That Is Under Your Care, Watching Over Them—Not Because You Must, But Because You Are Willing, As God Wants You To Be; Not Pursuing Dishonest Gain, But Eager To Serve” (1 Peter 5:2-3). This Verse Has Long Guided Me, Reinforcing That True Leadership Is A Form Of Devout Service.
The Foundation Of Faith
My Journey In Faith Began When I Was Just Ten Years Old, Accepting Christ And His Teachings. This Decision Has Been The Bedrock Of My Approach To Leadership. With My Husband, Pastor Craig Brown, We Founded Victory Station Ministries To Foster A Community Where Every Individual Is Valued And Empowered. Leading With Intention For Me Means Making Daily Choices That Are Consistent With This Vision, Ensuring That Our Actions Reflect Our Commitment To Embodying Christ’s Teachings.
“Let Your Light So Shine Before Men, That They May See Your Good Works And Glorify Your Father Which Is In Heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Each Decision I Make, Each Initiative I Lead, Aims To Shine This Light Brightly.
Education And Leadership
Pursuing A Doctorate In Organizational Leadership Honed My Understanding That Education Should Transform And Prepare Us To Lead With Ethics And Intentionality. “And Whatever You Do, Whether In Word Or Deed, Do It All In The Name Of The Lord Jesus, Giving Thanks To God The Father Through Him” (Colossians 3:17). My Educational Pursuits Were Not Just About Personal Achievement But About Preparing To Serve Others More Effectively.
Entrepreneurship As A Platform For Leadership
Through My Role As CEO Of The A. Patrice Group LLC, I Have Realized That Entrepreneurship Provides A Powerful Platform For Practicing Intentional Leadership. It’s About More Than Business Success; It’s About Building A Legacy Of Positive Influence. Our Entrepreneurial Excellence Program Mentors New Entrepreneurs To Merge Their Faith With Their Business Practices, Reinforcing That Our Work Should Glorify God.
“Commit To The LORD Whatever You Do, And He Will Establish Your Plans” (Proverbs 16:3). By Committing Our Work To The Lord, We Set A Foundation For Leadership That Is Not Only Effective But Also Honorable.
A Personal Reflection
Whether Addressing Our Congregation, Teaching Students, Or Advising A Real Estate Client, I Strive To Lead With Purpose And Integrity. Each Interaction Is A Chance To Impact Lives Positively, Reflecting The Values I Cherish.
Invitation To Lead Intentionally
I Encourage You, No Matter Your Current Role Or Status, To Embrace Intentional Leadership. Reflect On How You Can Make Purposeful Choices In Your Interactions And Decisions. Remember, Leadership Is Evident Not Just In What We Say But In What We Do.
“Whoever Wants To Become Great Among You Must Be Your Servant, And Whoever Wants To Be First Must Be Slave Of All” (Mark 10:43-44). Let These Words Inspire Us To Lead With A Servant’s Heart, Focused On Lifting Others As We Climb.
With Warm Regards And Prayers For Your Empowered Leadership, Dr. Toni Brown