Leading in God’s Wisdom – Alison Chan

Since I was a teenager, my dream career was to be a kick-butt woman CEO in a big company. Something about corporate hierarchy, being a charismatic yet strong leader and driving rapid business results, really excited me.

However, it was hard for me to merge that dream with God's heart. My competitive drive to succeed in my work and to strive for leadership growth were kept in the depths of my heart – but I felt there was no place to communicate it with God or my Christian friends.

I kept my work side & my Christian side separate, almost two different identities that I would switch in and out of depending on who I was interreacting with. I did almost everything at work or in my personal life for affirmation and approval from others, which was difficult and tiring.

In recent years though, God revealed to me that my purpose at work is two-fold, and connected to how He created me:

1.)  Being a caring leader to my team. God showed me that I have the incredible fortune of leading many team members, and I enjoy fostering strong relationships with them. I truly desire to bring God's light and love to those I get to lead – not forcing Jesus on them, but hopefully showing Him, modelling empathy, love, care, and compassion towards them. Being a human leader, not just a boss pushing for results. I definitely couldn’t do this without His help and strong wisdom and guidance, and I truly pray that I can bring God's heart to my colleagues and team members.

2.)  Being a cultural bridge. Having had the opportunity to work extensively in the US, Hong Kong and mainland China in the last decade, I find myself in a unique position being equally comfortable in all three cultures. The work I'm doing now constantly involves working a third of my time in each language (English with British bosses, Mandarin with my team based in China, Cantonese with the local HK members). I am passionate about helping each of these cultures and groups to be able to understand and work with each other. With my ability to easily communicate and connect to all these three cultures and God’s wisdom, I desire to be His vessel in bridging them together, allowing them to connect and work more effectively and joyfully together.   

These two points bring me great motivation, energy, and joy as I go to work each day! With the purposes so clearly downloaded from God, I feel even more secure in not needing to do things alone to yield affirmation from people, which my soul often craves for security. Instead, as I serve God’s purposes well and seek His heart, He loves and nourishes me much more than any human approval or affirmation. I pray that I can continue to grow and serve Him well with His wisdom, strength and love.