Katherine Alsdorf, Author, Former Executive Director of Redeemer’s Center for Faith and Work
Oct 25, 2023
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Former Executive Director of Redeemer’s Center for Faith and Work, Katherine Alsdorf, discusses her career in hi-tech, her perspective on Faith and Work, and the challenges women face in the workplace. Topics include the intersection of faith and professional life, leadership opportunities for women in tech, the importance of speaking truth and making strategic decisions, and encouraging women in the corporate world.
Delegation allows for collaboration, growth, and shared ownership in achieving organizational goals, and leaders should trust and recognize the capabilities of those being delegated to.
Working in high-tech environments often involves a strong sense of purpose, passion, and belief in the impact of one's work, which can be contrasted with the level of dedication seen in some church settings.
Deep dives
Leadership and Delegation
A key insight from the podcast episode is the importance of leadership and delegation. The speaker emphasizes that just as God delegated the stewardship of His creation to fallible human beings, leaders in various fields can also delegate responsibilities. This requires trust in others and recognizing that the leader may not always have the best decision or more knowledge than the person being delegated to. Delegation allows for collaboration, growth, and shared ownership in achieving organizational goals.
Passion and Purpose in High-Tech Environments
Another main point discussed in the podcast relates to working in high-tech environments. The speaker highlights the passion and sense of purpose often experienced by individuals in the tech industry. People believe they are making a difference and creating innovative solutions to real-world problems. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of having a genuine enthusiasm for the work and a belief in the impact it can have. Additionally, the speaker reflects on the contrast between the passion and dedication seen in the workplace compared to some church settings, posing the question of how Christians can bring the same level of passion and belief into their faith.
Measuring Impact and Organizational Culture
The podcast delves into the importance of measuring impact and cultivating a healthy organizational culture. In the context of churches and nonprofit organizations, the speaker emphasizes the need to move beyond focusing solely on programs and church attendance numbers. Instead, consideration should be given to the deeper impact and transformation experienced by individuals. The speaker encourages leaders to measure results and outcomes that reflect personal growth and change, rather than solely relying on surface-level metrics. Furthermore, the speaker highlights the significance of creating a positive and collaborative organizational culture that values transparency, humility, and genuine care for employees.
Discerning When to Stay and When to Leave
The podcast explores the tension between staying in a flawed system to mitigate its negative aspects or leaving when the system becomes morally compromising. The speaker acknowledges that this is a complex and personal decision that varies depending on individual circumstances, strengths, and temptations. It is crucial for individuals to discern whether they can still have a positive impact or bring about change within the flawed system. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of recognizing glimpses of God's redemptive work within the situation, as well as lamenting and repenting of personal brokenness. Ultimately, the decision to stay or leave requires seeking wisdom and discernment from God.
Katherine Alsdorf has been at the forefront of the Faith and Work movement since she joined Redeemer’s Center for Faith and Work in 2002. Prior to her work for Redeemer, she spent years leading various firms in tech and entrepreneurial spaces in Silicon Valley and New York City. She co-authored Every Good Endeavor with Tim Keller in 2012. In today’s episode, Katherine joins Dan to discuss her career in hi-tech, her perspective on Faith and Work, and some of the unique challenges women face in the workplace.