BiblicalLeadership.com writer profile: Caroline Mendez
Tell us a little about yourself personally.
I was almost born in a cab in Framingham, Massachusetts.
My mother says I popped out of the womb telling her what to do, so that will give you an idea of how I'm wired. Our family comes from Wilmington, Delaware, and that's where I grew up with an older brother and sister.
I have always been a bit outside the box, and was a bit of an athlete: field hockey, lacrosse, gymnastics and swimming. My husband Eddie and I have been married for 29 years. We have one son, Evan, who is a walking encyclopedia on cars. We've lived in the burbs of Atlanta for the past 33 years. I'm a member of Free Chapel, out of Gainesville, Georgia.
My hobby for the past several years has been raising the visibility of Christian women in leadership, and advocating for them to have opportunities to utilize their leadership giftings.
Describe what kind of work you do, and what you've done in the past.
I have the distinct honor of building Christian women leader and influencer groups, for a national ministry called Pinnacle Forum. This has been a 14-year dream and the answer to a six-year-old vision the Lord gave me in 2014. This is the best assignment of my career, as it uses every bit of every position I've ever held, from 20 years in the corporate world, and 22 years as an entrepreneur, where I've coached executives and business leaders. It's also stretching and growing me as a leader.
What was your first-ever leadership role?
Well, go ahead and laugh now. I wrote a play at seven years old, and recruited my sister and two best friends to act it out. We invited all the kids in the neighborhood and charged a quarter per ticket. We solicited art donations, hung them on a clothes line, and sold the art as well.
How has God grown you as a leader over the years?
How much space do I have to answer this one?
He's only had 14 years, so I'm still a work in progress on many levels. He's shifted me out of personal pride and glory, to want to "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all of these things shall be added unto you."
I am ambitious now for Him and His agenda, not mine. I've learned that 1+1 = 3; in other words, when ideas are spoken into by all of the team, the idea is maximized. I've also learned that leading is listening well, loving well, and asking Holy Spirit-led questions.
What's the hardest leadership lesson you've ever learned?
Early on, I was promoted to manager of system engineering. I was young, and a woman with an all-male staff. I tried to lead from authority, and manage like a man. They had no respect for me. I was constantly assailed by rumor, comments and lack of support. I know now to lead from relationship, not position.
What advice would you give to Christian leaders?
Be mentored, and be a mentor. Be in a peer group of like-minded Christian professionals. You will get closer and closer to the Lord and His idea of the leader He wants you to be, instead of the one you think you should be.
Most meaningful Scripture:
"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). My life verse!
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