Dr. Angela Butts Chester epitomizes empathic leadership, viewing it as more than just a means to accomplish tasks and achieve goals—it’s about prioritizing people. With a deep-seated belief in the power of empathy, she forges meaningful connections with her team, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.
As a multifaceted professional, Dr. Butts Chester wears several hats with grace and conviction. She serves as a Pastoral Counselor and Empowerment Coach, guiding individuals on their journey towards personal growth and fulfillment. Her role as a Media Entrepreneur allows her to amplify voices and stories that inspire and uplift. Additionally, she is recognized as an International Women’s Speaker, leveraging her platform to empower women worldwide.
Dr. Butts Chester’s resilience shines through her journey as a Breast Cancer Survivor, embodying strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. Her unwavering commitment to her values and mission has earned her a place among the Top 25 Thought Leaders in her field.
At the core of her endeavors lies a singular purpose: to assist faith-centered, purpose-driven women in realizing their full potential and achieving success on their terms. Dr. Angela Butts Chester’s leadership is a beacon of empathy, compassion, and empowerment, illuminating pathways to personal and professional fulfillment for those she serves.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Dr. Angela Butts Chester:
How do you continue to grow and develop as a female leader? And what qualities are lacking among today’s emerging women leaders?
That’s a great question! Never stop learning. Staying updated on industry trends, media innovations, and leadership strategies is crucial. I attend workshops and conferences, listen to podcasts and audiobooks to expand my knowledge base, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving media landscape.
Growth often comes through overcoming challenges. I don’t pray for difficulties, but I see it as an opportunity that will push me out of my comfort zone. Learn the lesson, move on to the next, sharing what’s learned with the next generation.
Qualities that are lacking? While I believe that significant progress has been made, global challenges persist. Women still face harassment and discrimination in the workplace. By creating a culture of zero tolerance for such behaviors we create a safe place for all.
The other is public perception and stereotypes. Women leaders still encounter stereotypes and biases in the public perception of their leadership abilities. I believe by shifting the paradigm and releasing outdated and unhealthy perspectives, attitudes will continue to improve.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
I think several factors have contributed to my success. My faith is one. It has always been a driving force and continues to move me forward. I believe that every life has meaning, and we must walk in that purpose and calling.
I have a civic-minded family. They understand the power of a dream, having a vision for the future, and building strong communities.
Then there’s the pursuit of personal excellence and balance. My pursuit of excellence is a building block of my values. By balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being that ensures sustained success. I recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance for myself and for the well-being of the team.
What are your primary roles and responsibilities, and how do they contribute to the success of company?
My primary roles and responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks that collectively contribute to the success of the magazine. I am responsible for defining the overall content strategy and direction of PASSIONEER Magazine. This involves setting editorial priorities, identifying key themes, and ensuring that the content aligns with the magazine’s mission and target audience.
The other is brand representation. As the public face of PASSIONEER, I represent the brand in various capacities. This includes participating in industry events, media appearances, and networking to enhance the magazine’s visibility and reputation.
How would you describe your leadership style, and how does it align with the culture and goals of company?
My leadership style can be described as a combination of collaborative and visionary leadership. I believe in fostering a positive and inclusive work environment where creativity flourishes, and every team member feels valued.
As a visionary leader, I set a clear direction for the team and inspire them to work towards shared goals. This aligns with PASSIONEER’s mission to be a leading force in the media industry, pushing boundaries and setting trends through forward-thinking content and creative endeavors.
Lastly, being adaptive and innovating in collaboration. In the fast-paced media industry, adaptability is crucial. I encourage the team to embrace change, stay agile, and explore innovative approaches to content creation while staying true to themselves. This aligns with the magazine’s goal of remaining at the forefront of industry trends.
What are the most significant changes you’ve noticed in an organization, people and how has technology influenced it?
One of the most significant changes has been the digital transformation of our content delivery. We decided to keep the traditional print format but also take a digital-centric approach. This transition has allowed us to reach a broader audience, engage with readers in real time, and leverage multimedia elements to enhance our storytelling. Digital also gives us a global footprint; knowing we have readers from India and Indiana (US) engaged and motivated.
The influence of social media on our organization has also grown significantly. We use social platforms to connect with our audience, promote content, and gather feedback. Social media has become a powerful tool for building brand awareness and engaging with our community.
Lastly, we have included an audio connection with “PASSIONEER Magazine The Podcast.” Available on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, and others, we share the success stories of global women. We believe this also helps us to walk in our motto “bold ideas, brave pursuits, and boundless inspiration.”
In your role, how do you handle challenges or setbacks, and what strategies do you employ to keep the team motivated during difficult times?
Handling challenges and setbacks is an inevitable part of leadership. Knowing what type of leader you wish to be and what works best with your teams is also key. I employ the strategies of communication, collaboration, a positive mindset, and celebrating the wins.
Transparent communication allows us to be open during challenging times. I ensure that the team is kept informed about any team challenges and the steps we’re taking to address them. This transparency fosters trust and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
We also use the strategy of collaborative problem-solving. When challenges arise, we come together as a team to brainstorm solutions. Involving team members in the decision-making process not only leverages diverse perspectives but also reinforces a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Once we’ve reached that stage, I continue to encourage a positive mindset. Maintaining an optimistic outlook is crucial. I lead by example. Positivity can be contagious and helps to keep the team motivated.
I believe in recognizing and celebrating achievements. It’s important to acknowledge and celebrate small victories and achievements, especially during times of challenge or setback. Recognizing the team’s hard work and accomplishments boosts morale and reinforces a sense of purpose and progress. Accolades are important, especially when well deserved.
What’s the greatest risk you’ve taken as a professional? Where do you see your company in the next five years?
As a professional, one of the greatest risks I’ve taken was spearheading the transformation of PASSIONEER Magazine. This involved a significant shift from a traditional print-focused approach to a more digital-centric strategy. The risk lay in the uncertainties of how our audience would respond to the transition, however, the risk has proven to be worthwhile. The digital transformation only expanded our reach with an even more diverse global audience.
Looking ahead, I see PASSIONEER Magazine continuing to evolve and innovate. Some key areas of focus and aspirations include sustainability, social impact, and community.
PASSIONEER Magazine will continue to address important societal issues through our content and adopting sustainable practices in our operations that align with our commitment to making a positive contribution to the world.
Community. Building a stronger sense of community among our readers will be emphasized. We encourage online discussions and feedback as a means of connection among PASSIONEER enthusiasts.
We will also look for community in innovative partnerships and collaborations. Establishing partnerships and collaborations with influencers, brands, and creative talents will enhance our content offerings and contribute to the overall growth of PASSIONEER Magazine and PASSIONEER Magazine The Podcast.
We look forward to the future with optimism and enthusiasm.
