Conversations with a Mastermind
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Have you ever taken a second to consider why you make certain decisions whether it is how you spend your money, who you trust or what you like to wear?
Simple every-day decisions play a critical role in major events, yet many of us underestimate just how much our decision-making process impacts our success and well-being of life. That's why God sent us Stephanie Beard!
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For over 20 years, Stephanie has made it her God-given assignment to study, discern, and teach the power of understanding our unique minds, emotions, and responses.
In our conversation we dive into Stephanie's desire to help you transform your thoughts into actionable steps that align with God's calling for your life!
In our conversation we dive into Stephanie's desire to help you transform your thoughts into actionable steps that align with God's calling for your life!
Check out Stephanie's latest book titled: "Love Yourself More: 90 Days To Unshakable Thinking
Jamika Carter: Let’s start at the beginning, tell us about yourself.
Stephanie Beard: This question always gives me a pause. There are so many facets to who I am and who I’m becoming daily. For starters on a granular level, I’ve been married to the Pastor of The Living Word Community Church in Antioch, TN for 17 years. My husband, Rodney Beard, Sr., and I share in the responsibilities of the leadership of God's prized possessions -- His people. This is no small assignment and has been rewarding and challenging in the same moment.
There is no glorious stature with pastoring, it is truly a calling to surrender yourself to pick up the cross and follow Jesus daily. One key thing I have learned about pastoral leadership is spiritual self-care. Your personal relationship with God is what’s on display; not your preaching and teaching. It doesn’t matter how charismatic and eloquent of speech you have if the words you speak are not aligned with your life; it’s all smoke and mirrors.
I truly believe that most pastors have the greatest intention of answering the call of God, but self-care and protection of the soul often falls on the back burner which leads to burn-out or moral failure. Neither of which is good for the human soul.
As a doctoral student of leadership studies, I am focusing on neuro-leadership principles to help leaders heal thinking patterns that lead to destructive decision-making skills, both personally and professionally. In the midst of the studies, I started a coaching practice, The Thinker Partner, to help anyone who is seeking to excel in life and has the desire to construct new ways of thinking while operating for optimal outcomes based on their individualism. We are not a cookie-cutter version of one another; God made us uniquely in His own image. He is a loving Father that cares deeply for every single one us and has given us a way to abundant life in Jesus Christ. The challenge is, we have not been taught how to align our thoughts to Jesus.
My practice focuses on the specifics of who you are, how you uniquely think, and what your personal barriers so we can bring all these things into a personal life plan that is strategically unique to you. Building thinking capacity is my expertise and I own the responsibility of helping you become a better version of your unique self while bringing all thoughts captive and into the obedience of the Savior.
J C: How would you describe your journey up until this point?
S B: My journey has been longstanding and maturing over time. With each career pathway, I have been in training for where I am today. Initially, the road was rough and bumpy because my passion was not clearly defined. Like most, I found myself drifting down pathways that were frustrating and unfulfilling. But, I would never give up anything. So, I stepped back and allowed the Lord to organically chart my pathway according to Jeremiah 6:16. I asked for the good and perfect pathway then chose to follow it no matter how, seemingly complicated it can be at times. It’s easy to chart our own journey because it’s what comes natural to us, but these charted paths are flawed without the leading of the Lord.
The Thinker Partner journey has been the most rewarding of my career endeavors thus far because it is my calling. I have always been led to marketplace ministry and thought-based coaching because it places me dead-center in the midst of my client’s journey to help get on course with the plans God has for their life.
J C: Can you identify any struggles that helped you better identify your strengths?
S B: Struggling is a natural part of life. We are either weakened or strengthened by our experiences. Being in ministry displays my weaknesses more often than I would like to admit. However, the struggle of leadership has taught me to be humble and vulnerable. A quote attributed to a German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, says, “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.”
Too often, people want to be victorious without the struggle and thus is virtually impossible. The key is God is with you in the battle and never leaves the situation. Our strength comes from the Lord. He enables us to press on in spite of our circumstances to reap the harvest if we do not faint.
I struggle as a leader in my thinking at times, but I have learned to practice what I teach and preach -- process my thoughts for better outcomes.
J C: How does God use your gifts for His glory?
S B: At this stage of my life, all is for His glory and for His namesake. I have not always been this connected and mature for sure, but I have learned that without His love, mercy, and guidance, I am a total mess.
The gifts of God are without repentance, therefore whatever gifts He has endowed to me for accomplishing His Kingdom purposes are for a much powerful reason than my mind can comprehend. Therefore, I view gifts as spiritual tools I have to get His kingdom business done. I don't claim talent, but rather proclaim the glory of God in my life and express gratitude for wisdom, knowledge, and power to accomplish what He has set before me. His gifts give me abundant life to share and ignite some else’s flame to go higher. For that, I give Him all the glory.
J C: What advice do you have for someone else that’s seeking to use their profession to serve God’s people?
S B: Whatever you do, do as unto the Lord. A few words with great power. A job is a job. I recently read that people do not quit jobs, they quit leaders. That statement was alarming and cause me to reflect on my career experiences. We are relational creatures and our entire existence is based on how fluid our relationship is with others. Ask yourself this pointed question when you are conflicted in your profession, who are you doing for? If it is for your gratification, you will be constantly frustrated and influx. However, if it is for God's people which is everybody, then know that He sees what is happening and working on your behalf to work out His plan for you. It’s that simple. Yes, you will be frustrated and tempted to quit. This is the flesh. The spirit keeps you in the game of life on the front line lifting up the banner of love and hope for God's people in the work that you do. This is servant-leadership 101; serving others for the sake of God.
J C: Why do you have a desire to serve millennials?
S B: I adore millennials. There is something undeniably unique about this generation that has not been seen before. The level of ingenuity and boldness to break the status quo and to be less tolerant of traditions that keep people in bondage gets a hand clap and bravo from me.
However, one of the shortcomings I have witnessed with this generation is the ability to stick to their desires and dreams to completion before launching the next thing. The ‘sky is the limit’ mentality is wonderful and there is nothing wrong with spring boarding new ideas, however, the incompletion of a previous venture leaves gaping holes in God's economy. We are not here for ourselves, others solely depend on us and our services.
I desire to help millennials strategically tap into execution pathways through the "Unshakable Thinking" 90-day process which my book is based on. The coaching taps into thoughts about where they are and their desired outcomes to construct a pathway to get there.
This generation has shaped a new reality, but so did the previous generations and we all bring value to any given situation that we can learn and grow from. It all begins with thinking differently.
J C: Who is your ideal client and how can your business enhance their productivity?
S B: My ideal client is anyone who is seeking to change faulty thinking patterns to excel in their giftings. While, I primarily coach executive leaders and entrepreneurs, I've opened my practice to individuals who are ready to break faulty barriers and start living their best life. It all begins in the thought process. When we think well, we live well and others benefit from the decisions that we make.
Productivity increases when we are able to have clear thoughts and visions.
J C: What products/services do you offer and how can we stay in touch with you?
S B: The Thinker Partner specializes in "Unshakable Thinking" 90-Day strategic coaching.
Our services include my latest book and journal, Love Yourself More - 90 Days to Unshakable Thinking, 2020 Personal Life Planning (PLP) Coaching Sessions, in-person and virtual one-on-one coaching, "Unshakable Thinking" Coaching Workshops.
For more details about Stephanie's services, visit her website - https://www.thethinkerpartner.com/
Stephanie Beard: This question always gives me a pause. There are so many facets to who I am and who I’m becoming daily. For starters on a granular level, I’ve been married to the Pastor of The Living Word Community Church in Antioch, TN for 17 years. My husband, Rodney Beard, Sr., and I share in the responsibilities of the leadership of God's prized possessions -- His people. This is no small assignment and has been rewarding and challenging in the same moment.
There is no glorious stature with pastoring, it is truly a calling to surrender yourself to pick up the cross and follow Jesus daily. One key thing I have learned about pastoral leadership is spiritual self-care. Your personal relationship with God is what’s on display; not your preaching and teaching. It doesn’t matter how charismatic and eloquent of speech you have if the words you speak are not aligned with your life; it’s all smoke and mirrors.
I truly believe that most pastors have the greatest intention of answering the call of God, but self-care and protection of the soul often falls on the back burner which leads to burn-out or moral failure. Neither of which is good for the human soul.
As a doctoral student of leadership studies, I am focusing on neuro-leadership principles to help leaders heal thinking patterns that lead to destructive decision-making skills, both personally and professionally. In the midst of the studies, I started a coaching practice, The Thinker Partner, to help anyone who is seeking to excel in life and has the desire to construct new ways of thinking while operating for optimal outcomes based on their individualism. We are not a cookie-cutter version of one another; God made us uniquely in His own image. He is a loving Father that cares deeply for every single one us and has given us a way to abundant life in Jesus Christ. The challenge is, we have not been taught how to align our thoughts to Jesus.
My practice focuses on the specifics of who you are, how you uniquely think, and what your personal barriers so we can bring all these things into a personal life plan that is strategically unique to you. Building thinking capacity is my expertise and I own the responsibility of helping you become a better version of your unique self while bringing all thoughts captive and into the obedience of the Savior.
J C: How would you describe your journey up until this point?
S B: My journey has been longstanding and maturing over time. With each career pathway, I have been in training for where I am today. Initially, the road was rough and bumpy because my passion was not clearly defined. Like most, I found myself drifting down pathways that were frustrating and unfulfilling. But, I would never give up anything. So, I stepped back and allowed the Lord to organically chart my pathway according to Jeremiah 6:16. I asked for the good and perfect pathway then chose to follow it no matter how, seemingly complicated it can be at times. It’s easy to chart our own journey because it’s what comes natural to us, but these charted paths are flawed without the leading of the Lord.
The Thinker Partner journey has been the most rewarding of my career endeavors thus far because it is my calling. I have always been led to marketplace ministry and thought-based coaching because it places me dead-center in the midst of my client’s journey to help get on course with the plans God has for their life.
J C: Can you identify any struggles that helped you better identify your strengths?
S B: Struggling is a natural part of life. We are either weakened or strengthened by our experiences. Being in ministry displays my weaknesses more often than I would like to admit. However, the struggle of leadership has taught me to be humble and vulnerable. A quote attributed to a German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, says, “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.”
Too often, people want to be victorious without the struggle and thus is virtually impossible. The key is God is with you in the battle and never leaves the situation. Our strength comes from the Lord. He enables us to press on in spite of our circumstances to reap the harvest if we do not faint.
I struggle as a leader in my thinking at times, but I have learned to practice what I teach and preach -- process my thoughts for better outcomes.
J C: How does God use your gifts for His glory?
S B: At this stage of my life, all is for His glory and for His namesake. I have not always been this connected and mature for sure, but I have learned that without His love, mercy, and guidance, I am a total mess.
The gifts of God are without repentance, therefore whatever gifts He has endowed to me for accomplishing His Kingdom purposes are for a much powerful reason than my mind can comprehend. Therefore, I view gifts as spiritual tools I have to get His kingdom business done. I don't claim talent, but rather proclaim the glory of God in my life and express gratitude for wisdom, knowledge, and power to accomplish what He has set before me. His gifts give me abundant life to share and ignite some else’s flame to go higher. For that, I give Him all the glory.
J C: What advice do you have for someone else that’s seeking to use their profession to serve God’s people?
S B: Whatever you do, do as unto the Lord. A few words with great power. A job is a job. I recently read that people do not quit jobs, they quit leaders. That statement was alarming and cause me to reflect on my career experiences. We are relational creatures and our entire existence is based on how fluid our relationship is with others. Ask yourself this pointed question when you are conflicted in your profession, who are you doing for? If it is for your gratification, you will be constantly frustrated and influx. However, if it is for God's people which is everybody, then know that He sees what is happening and working on your behalf to work out His plan for you. It’s that simple. Yes, you will be frustrated and tempted to quit. This is the flesh. The spirit keeps you in the game of life on the front line lifting up the banner of love and hope for God's people in the work that you do. This is servant-leadership 101; serving others for the sake of God.
J C: Why do you have a desire to serve millennials?
S B: I adore millennials. There is something undeniably unique about this generation that has not been seen before. The level of ingenuity and boldness to break the status quo and to be less tolerant of traditions that keep people in bondage gets a hand clap and bravo from me.
However, one of the shortcomings I have witnessed with this generation is the ability to stick to their desires and dreams to completion before launching the next thing. The ‘sky is the limit’ mentality is wonderful and there is nothing wrong with spring boarding new ideas, however, the incompletion of a previous venture leaves gaping holes in God's economy. We are not here for ourselves, others solely depend on us and our services.
I desire to help millennials strategically tap into execution pathways through the "Unshakable Thinking" 90-day process which my book is based on. The coaching taps into thoughts about where they are and their desired outcomes to construct a pathway to get there.
This generation has shaped a new reality, but so did the previous generations and we all bring value to any given situation that we can learn and grow from. It all begins with thinking differently.
J C: Who is your ideal client and how can your business enhance their productivity?
S B: My ideal client is anyone who is seeking to change faulty thinking patterns to excel in their giftings. While, I primarily coach executive leaders and entrepreneurs, I've opened my practice to individuals who are ready to break faulty barriers and start living their best life. It all begins in the thought process. When we think well, we live well and others benefit from the decisions that we make.
Productivity increases when we are able to have clear thoughts and visions.
J C: What products/services do you offer and how can we stay in touch with you?
S B: The Thinker Partner specializes in "Unshakable Thinking" 90-Day strategic coaching.
Our services include my latest book and journal, Love Yourself More - 90 Days to Unshakable Thinking, 2020 Personal Life Planning (PLP) Coaching Sessions, in-person and virtual one-on-one coaching, "Unshakable Thinking" Coaching Workshops.
For more details about Stephanie's services, visit her website - https://www.thethinkerpartner.com/
