IHN HR

Podcast: Hiring for Your Why: Staying True to Your Core Values with Vaughn Thurman

In this episode, we’re talking about something every leader wrestles with — how to hire not just for talent, but for fit. Leaders are often tempted to prioritize skills over alignment, yet the long-term health of an organization depends on hiring people who embody its mission, vision, and values.

Join us in this episode of Encouragement for Work as Mark is joined by Vaughn Thurman, CEO of HighGear Software, a leader who has built his company around a set of core values that have come to define the organization and everything it does. Vaughn’s journey reminds us that hiring decisions do more than impact the bottom line — they shape culture, influence engagement, and define how work is experienced every day.

About Our Guest: Vaughn Thurman

Vaughn Thurman is a technology leader and entrepreneur passionate about building organizations where people thrive, and mission drives performance. As CEO of HighGear Software, Vaughn leads a team dedicated to helping organizations simplify complexity and work with greater purpose and clarity.

Throughout his career, Vaughn has emphasized values-based leadership, particularly the importance of hiring and developing people who align with an organization’s mission, vision, and values. His experience building and scaling teams and shaping cultures has reinforced a critical truth: mission-aligned hiring is essential to long-term success and healthy workplaces.

Vaughn brings practical insight to conversations at the intersection of leadership, culture, and performance, encouraging leaders to remain faithful to their mission while building strong, empowered teams. Vaughn’s leadership journey includes the unique experience of building two radically different companies, teams, and cultures under one roof and of observing and learning from the unexpected operational, financial, and relational impacts of having one team built on principles while the other was built on a top-candidate opportunistic hiring strategy. But most importantly, Vaughn is a follower of Christ and is not ashamed to share the message.

1. Hiring Against Your MVV — Why It Costs You More Than You Think

Hiring individuals who do not align with your mission, vision, and values can quietly erode culture, weaken engagement, and undermine long-term performance. Vaughn shares lessons from building HighGear — from early hiring decisions to scaling a values-driven organization — and how staying true to core values shaped the company’s identity and success.

You will learn: Hiring for culture and values isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s a strategic and sustainable business decision.

2. Leadership Lessons from a Mission-Driven CEO

Vaughn’s path — from the Air Force to serial entrepreneur to CEO — offers valuable insight into leading with integrity and purpose. He discusses how core values such as honesty, discipline, and commitment to service influence decision-making, recruitment, and team development, especially when leaders face pressure to compromise.

You will learn: Leading people well requires intentional value alignment, beginning with how and why you hire.

3. Building High-Performing Teams by Empowering People

Vaughn’s work with no-code workflow tools reflects a deeper leadership principle: equip people to do meaningful work. He explores how this mindset shapes recruitment, training, and culture-building — moving organizations beyond transactional hiring toward transformational development.

You will learn: Work becomes a place of growth when people are seen as contributors to purpose, not cogs in a machine.

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team toward excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You — and your employees — will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing high-performance, remote human-resource programs designed to help you find great people. E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is President and Founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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Finding Purpose & Staying Encouraged: Leadership Lessons for Thriving Through Change

Now more than ever, work can feel heavy for some.
Post-COVID transitions, return-to-office tension, cultural division, and a constant stream of polarizing news have created workplaces filled with uncertainty, fatigue, and quiet disconnection. Many leaders are asking the same question: How do we keep people moving forward when everything feels like it’s pulling us apart?

The good news? There is a better way and it starts with leading from purpose, encouragement, and faith-rooted clarity.

In this episode, we’re joined by Joanna C. Brown, Founder and Lead Consultant of Eden Beacon LLC. Joanna is a trusted advisor, executive coach, and leadership consultant who helps organizations and individuals grow with intention, integrity, and alignment. Through her work in business and human capital consulting, faith-based leadership development, and culture transformation, Joanna equips leaders to navigate change without losing their people or themselves. She is also the author of Don’t Die in the Desert, a devotional guiding individuals through difficult seasons with resilience and hope.

Together, we explore how leaders can transform seasons of disruption into moments of renewal.

1. Reconnecting to Purpose When Everything Feels Uncertain

Key insight: Change often disconnects people from why they do what they do and purpose is the first thing leaders must help restore.

We’ll explore:

• How leaders can revisit personal and organizational purpose during transition

• Using purpose as an anchor when roles, goals, and structures shift

• Practical questions leaders can ask to bring clarity back to their teams

Takeaway: When circumstances are unstable, purpose becomes your strongest stabilizer.

2. Leading with Encouragement (Not Just Information)

Key insight: In times of change, information alone isn’t enough people need reassurance, hope, and to feel seen.

We’ll explore:

• Why encouragement is a leadership skill anyone can learn

• Simple, daily practices that rebuild morale and trust

• How encouragement strengthens engagement, resilience, and retention

Takeaway: Encouragement fuels momentum when motivation runs low.

3. Turning Change into a Growth Opportunity (for You and Your Team)

Key insight: Every transition carries the potential for transformation if leaders choose to lead with intention instead of fear.

We’ll explore:

• Shifting from fear-based reactions to growth-based responses

• Helping teams see change as refinement rather than loss

• Leading with faith, values, and confidence through the unknown

Takeaway: When change is led well, it becomes a catalyst for lasting growth.

Change is inevitable but discouragement doesn’t have to be. Join us for this timely conversation with Joanna C. Brown and discover practical, faith-rooted leadership tools to help you reconnect to purpose, lead with encouragement, and guide your team through change with confidence and hope.

Listen & Learn

Discover how HR can be a bridge to healing, connection, and faith-driven support in the workplace. Tune in to gain valuable insights and tools for cultivating a culture of care in your organization.

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team to excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You and your employees will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing our high-performance remote human-resource programs to help find great people! E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is president and founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter. 

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Rethinking Employee Benefits: ICHRA, Choice, and the Future of Healthcare

As organizations grow, their benefits strategy must grow with them. But many leaders are still navigating rising costs, confusing options, and outdated healthcare models that no longer serve their teams well.

Join us as we sit down with Julie Garrett, Vice President of Employee Benefits at HUB International. Julie is a senior employee benefits consultant with extensive experience partnering with Finance and HR leaders to design and implement strategic, cost-effective benefits programs. She has spent her career helping organizations improve plan performance, manage healthcare costs, and strengthen total rewards strategies that support employee well-being and business goals. Julie is known for her collaborative approach and her ability to translate complex benefits data into actionable solutions for employers and their teams.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What an ICHRA is and how it works, including who it’s best for and when it makes sense to use it instead of traditional health plans.

How to offer more choice without losing control of costs, giving individuals flexibility while protecting the organization’s budget.

How to build a benefits strategy that scales, from small teams to large, complex organizations, without adding unnecessary complexity or risk.

This episode is for leaders and HR decision-makers who want practical, clear guidance on building benefits that support both people and purpose.

Listen & Learn

Discover how HR can be a bridge to healing, connection, and faith-driven support in the workplace. Tune in to gain valuable insights and tools for cultivating a culture of care in your organization.

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team to excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You and your employees will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing our high-performance remote human-resource programs to help find great people! E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is president and founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter. 

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How HR Can Support Employees Facing Relational Poverty

Understanding Relational Poverty in the Workplace

In today’s fast-paced, digital-first world, employees are more connected than ever—yet many still feel deeply isolated. This phenomenon, known as relational poverty, occurs when individuals lack meaningful, supportive relationships in both their personal and professional lives. As organizational leaders, we have a responsibility to recognize and address this silent struggle.

Meet Our Guest: Patricia M. Wright, LCSW

In this episode, we welcome Patricia M. Wright, LCSW, Executive Director of Upward Call. Patricia holds a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies and a B.A. in Psychology from Regent University. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Millersville University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is also completing her Doctor of Social Work (ABD) and pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership at Lancaster Bible College.

Key Discussion Points

Join Patricia and Mark as they navigate the complexities of relational poverty in today’s workplace. This episode covers:

• What relational poverty is and its impact on employee well-being and performance

• HR’s role in fostering a workplace culture that promotes connection and emotional support

• Practical strategies for integrating counseling services, mentorship programs, and faith-based support to help employees build meaningful relationships

Listen & Learn

Discover how HR can be a bridge to healing, connection, and faith-driven support in the workplace. Tune in to gain valuable insights and tools for cultivating a culture of care in your organization.

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team to excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You and your employees will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing our high-performance remote human-resource programs to help find great people! E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is president and founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Avoiding Mission Drift - An Imperative for Christian Leaders, Interview with Becca Spradlin

Special Guest: Becca Spradlin | Author, Speaker, Mission Drift & Strategy Consultant | Kingdom Culture Builder
Hosted by Mark A. Griffin.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” — Proverbs 29:18

Episode Overview:

Mission statements are more than just words on a wall—they’re the heartbeat of your organization. But are they being lived out in daily operations? Are your hiring practices, reviews, and leadership conversations aligned with your stated mission and values?

In this inspiring episode of Encouragement for Work, host Mark Griffin is joined by author and mission drift expert Becca Spradlin. Together, they unpack what it means to manage mission from the inside out—making it not just a message, but a measurable part of workplace culture in order to avoid drift.

What You'll Learn:

• Why addressing mission drift is not optional for Christian employers—it’s an organizational imperative, especially for HR.
• The critical role that leaders and HR professionals play in building organizations that cultivate and perpetuate a higher purpose.
• How to integrate mission into hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations
• What it looks like to recognize and reward missional behaviors
• Practical ways to reignite your team’s connection to your mission

About Our Guest: Becca Spradlin

With nearly 20 years of global organizational development experience, Becca Spradlin is passionate about building cultures where people thrive and Christ is honored.  Becca helps leaders clarify their mission and align it with strategic execution. Her company, On Mission Advisors, equips faith-driven business and nonprofit leaders to build purpose-driven organizations that advance the Kingdom.  Connect with Becca on LinkedIn

Becca is the author of Lead On Mission: How Christian Business Leaders Advance Faith at Work and Leave a Legacy of Eternal Impact in a World of Mission Drift (www.LeadOnMissionBook.com). She also co-authored the Mission True Workbook with the authors of Mission Drift. She served as a research fellow at Seattle Pacific University’s Center for Faithful Business, where she researched faith cultivation and drift in Christian-led businesses. She writes and speaks on how companies can define and align their firms around faith and avoid drift.

Key Episode Quote 

“Mission Management means making sure people don’t just know the mission—they’re equipped and encouraged to live it. HR isn’t just about compliance—it’s about calling.”
— Becca Spradlin

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team to excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You and your employees will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing our high-performance remote human-resource programs to help find great people! E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is president and founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

The Power of Community: Launching the Pennsylvania Christian Chamber 2026

Even years after COVID, many people remain disconnected—unplugged from the communities where they work, live, and serve. Some still feel disenchanted and uncertain about how to reengage.

But what if there were an opportunity to reconnect—with like-minded people, shared values, and a Christ-centered purpose? What if believers could be equipped and empowered to bring their faith boldly into the marketplace?

That’s the vision behind the Pennsylvania Christian Chamber of Commerce (PCCC)—launching in 2026.

Through strategic training, mentorship programs, and faith-integrated business resources, the Chamber is committed to equipping its members with the tools they need to thrive both professionally and spiritually. This includes:

• Business development rooted in biblical principles
• Workshops on ethical leadership and purpose-driven entrepreneurship
• Opportunities for prayer, worship, and prophetic insight in business planning

The PCCC will serve as a vital hub where business and faith intersect—creating an atmosphere where believers are not just permitted but encouraged to live out their faith boldly and unapologetically.

On this episode of the Encouragement for Work Podcast, you’ll learn how to support this exciting new movement and become part of what God is building not only across the state of Pennsylvania but nationally as well!

Meet Karl Diffenderfer, the visionary leader behind this initiative. Karl is spearheading the launch of this statewide organization—the Pennsylvania Christian Chamber. His leadership will empower Christian business leaders throughout Pennsylvania to grow, connect, and advance together.

At its core, the PCCC’s mission is clear and compelling:

Connecting business leaders to build enterprises that glorify God and advance His Kingdom.

Tune in to this episode to discover how the PCCC’s vision goes beyond business success—it’s about creating a connected network of Christian chambers across Pennsylvania, like tributaries feeding one great river. Together, these chambers will nurture businesses that flourish spiritually, personally, and professionally—setting a Christ-centered standard of excellence and influence throughout the marketplace.

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team to excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You and your employees will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing our high-performance remote human-resource programs to help find great people! E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is president and founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Podcast: Scaling Up: Navigating HR & Benefits from 5 to 500 Employees

As organizations grow, so do their people-related challenges. In this episode, we're diving into the realities of scaling your team — and what leaders need to know about building a strong HR and benefits foundation along the way.

Whether you're managing a team of 5 or approaching 50 (or even 500), this conversation will equip you with key strategies to support your employees while protecting and strengthening your business.

Meet, David Hemm Owner & Benefits Advisor, Imago Dei Insurance Advisors In this episode learn from David   of HR and employee benefits. With a passion for supporting growing organizations, David partners with business owners to design benefits strategies that not only protect their teams but also fuel long-term growth. From compliance to culture, his mission is to fortify businesses with smart, scalable HR solutions.

You’ll learn:

• When to introduce employee benefits — and how to decide on your first offering
• How pass-through coverages and buy-up programs can add flexibility and value
• Why every growing organization  needs an employee handbook (yes, even yours!) Document Referenced On Podcast 
• How to turn your benefits strategy into a powerful talent magnet

If you're in a startup situation whether a church, ministry, non profit or are a business startup scaling a small but mighty team, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you grow with confidence. No matter what stage you're in, the key to successful scaling lies in laying the right HR groundwork early. This episode will give you the tools to stay ahead of common pitfalls and create a benefits strategy that evolves with your team. Tune in to build a people-first foundation that sets your organization up for lasting success.

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team to excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You and your employees will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing our high-performance remote human-resource programs to help find great people! E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is president and founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Esther in the Boardroom: Biblical Wisdom for Women Leading in Today’s Marketplace

Join host Mark Griffin as he explores the timeless story of Esther—a woman who used courage, wisdom, and faith to lead and influence in a secular space.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mary Gazda, to explore a topic that resonates deeply with today’s Christian women: the sacred tension between professional ambition and spiritual conviction. Mary brings wisdom, authenticity, and grace as she speaks into the often unspoken challenges women face in pursuing purpose-driven careers while staying rooted in their faith.

Drawing from the lives of strong female figures in the Bible—leaders whose stories are too often overlooked—Mary sheds light on how their courage and calling still speak to us today. Together, we’ll unpack how their examples can shape our modern understanding of leadership, purpose, and God’s timing.

Why is this important? We know now more than ever the demand for faith-based career content, especially among millennial and Gen Z women, is at its great level of demand ever. This conversation is timely, honest, and full of hope. This episode also offers both practical guidance and spiritual encouragement—meeting listeners right in that sweet spot where career and calling intersect.

In this episode learn how to:

• Tackle Workplace Injustice through a Biblical Lens
• How to Navigate a Male-Dominated Spaces with Grace
• Mentoring the Next Generation of Faith-Driven Women
• The Power of Prayer in Professional Decisions

Learn how you can make a difference in the marketplace, with practical application for Christian women striving for excellence and purpose in modern work environments.

Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, launching a ministry, or simply navigating what’s next, this conversation will inspire you to trust God’s plan while boldly stepping into your calling.

Mary is a passionate leader committed to restoring sons and daughters to the King's table and shaping the future of the Church through relational discipleship, spiritual formation, and storytelling. As a curriculum developer and contributor to the Storehouse Movement, Mary equips believers with meaningful discipleship resources rooted in truth and connection. Learn more about Mary here.

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team to excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You and your employees will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing our high-performance remote human-resource programs to help find great people! E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is president and founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Faith on the Job: Responding to Workplace Hostility with Grace and Conviction

Now more than ever, Christians in the workplace are facing mounting challenges. Whether it’s pressure to compromise values, fear of expressing faith, or outright hostility from employers or peers—being a follower of Christ in today’s marketplace takes courage and conviction.

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into what it means to stand strong in your faith without losing your grace, dignity, or voice.

Featured Guest: Noah Nash

Counsel, Corporate Engagement at Alliance Defending Freedom

Noah Nash brings a wealth of experience in advocating for the rights of Christians in corporate environments. As part of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), one of the nation’s leading legal organizations defending religious liberty, Noah works closely with corporations, business leaders, and executives navigating complex religious freedom issues.

Key Topics Covered

1. The Erosion of Authenticity in the Workplace

• Many employees feel afraid to speak about their beliefs in the workplace.
• Noah explains how to be bold in your faith at work while being respectful of your colleagues and employer, even when the environment discourages you from living out your faith at work

2. Understanding Your Legal Rights

• Learn what protections you do have under federal law.
• Discover how ADF equips employers with tools and strategies to defend their freedom of belief.
• Learn how public companies must respect employee speech and free exercise of religion.

3. Charlene Carter v. Southwest Airlines: A Case Study

• Charlene, a Southwest flight attendant, was fired after expressing her pro-life views to her union president.
• A jury awarded her $800,000, recognizing the violation of her religious liberty.
• The employee was discriminated against for her religious activities in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  The jury verdict against Southwest on this claim was upheld on appeal. Noah unpacks the legal implications and what this means for Christian employees moving forward.

Encouragement for the Christian Employee

As a believer, you're called to be salt and light—even in challenging workplaces. This episode offers encouragement, clarity, and action steps for navigating professional life without compromising your faith.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:10

Listen to the Full Episode (Insert Link)

About Alliance Defending Freedom

ADF is a legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, parental rights, and marriage and family. Through corporate engagement and litigation, ADF equips Christians across the country to live out their faith without fear.

If your organization is facing religious liberty concerns or if you're navigating a difficult workplace dynamic, we encourage you to listen to this episode and share it with others who need hope and help.

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team to excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You and your employees will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing our high-performance remote human-resource programs to help find great people! E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is president and founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Improving Health Care Benefit Costs: Utilizing Your C-Suite Leadership

In this episode, Mark A. Griffin, founder of IHN HR, speaks with Ben Conner, of Conner Insurance. Ben is an experienced benefits consultant and advocate for cost-effective, high-quality healthcare solutions. Together, they explore how Christian organizations can better steward their healthcare spending by leveraging the leadership of their C-suite team.

Podcast Overview:

In the current economic landscape, healthcare benefits can be one of the largest and most unpredictable costs for organizations. Unfortunately, many leadership teams approach healthcare management passively, leaving critical decisions solely in the hands of third-party vendors.

But what if your C-suite could lead the charge toward better care and smarter spending?

In this episode, Mark and Ben discuss how Christian employers can honor their people and their mission by being proactive, strategic, and collaborative in managing healthcare costs — all while maintaining a Christ-centered approach to employee care.

Meet Our Guest: Ben Conner

Ben Conner is a seasoned consultant helping employers across the country design health benefit strategies that prioritize both quality care and financial stewardship. With over 20 years of experience in benefits consulting and a passion for serving faith-based organizations, Ben empowers leadership teams to reclaim control over their healthcare plans through innovative, data-driven strategies. Connect with Ben: Ben Conner LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics:

1. Ensuring Collaboration Between HR & Accounting and Finance

Ben explains why aligning HR with accounting and finance is critical. Too often, departments work in silos, leading to missed opportunities for creative solutions. Takeaway: When HR, finance, and senior leadership collaborate intentionally, organizations gain visibility into both the human and financial impacts of healthcare decisions.

2. Prioritizing the Quality of Healthcare vs. Cost

Focusing only on cost often results in lower-quality care for employees. Ben shares ways to identify plans that deliver better outcomes, not just cheaper premiums. Takeaway: Organizations must redefine success — not just spending less, but providing better health outcomes at a sustainable cost.

3. Creating Processes to Hold leaders Accountable (Developing Scorecards)

Ben introduces the concept of developing leadership scorecards that track healthcare spending, employee satisfaction, and provider performance. Takeaway: Accountability mechanisms like scorecards ensure that the leadership team remains actively engaged, making healthcare benefits a continual area of improvement rather than a once-a-year discussion.

Why This Matters for Faith-Driven Organizations

As stewards of the resources God has entrusted, Christian leaders are called to approach all areas of business with excellence and integrity — including how they care for employees through healthcare benefits. By involving the C-suite in healthcare leadership, organizations can make decisions that honor both fiscal responsibility and the dignity of their people.

Call to Action

Concerned about your organization’s as-is HR programs? The benefits of having a trusted partner guide you and your team to excellence are invaluable. Contact us today. You and your employees will be glad you did.

Rise with us by implementing our high-performance remote human-resource programs to help find great people! E-mail us here.

Mark A. Griffin is president and founder of IHN HR. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.