Leadership is often portrayed as a solitary journey, especially for women in high-stakes industries. But as Barbara Chen’s story shows, true leadership can thrive when it is rooted in community, mentorship, and faith. Barbara’s career journey—from a life sciences consultant to her current role as an Administrative Coordinator at Season Health—has been shaped by both the challenges of her professional life and the powerful support she found through 4word.

Barbara’s path is a testament to the power of connection, personal growth, and the support of a strong community of like-minded women. Her experience in the 4word Mentor Program and 4word Community Groups offers a blueprint for women leaders at all levels, illustrating how they can leverage the mentorship and camaraderie found in faith-based communities to elevate their careers and lives.

An Unconventional Career Path: From Pre-Med to HealthTech

Barbara’s career didn’t follow the typical trajectory that many in her life had expected. A graduate of West Chester University with a background in biology, she initially planned on pursuing medical school. However, a pivotal moment led her to make a decision that would ultimately redirect her career in a new direction.

“I realized it wasn’t sustainable,” Barbara recalls. “If I applied to med school, I wouldn’t be fulfilled. I wouldn’t be living out my calling.”

Her decision to pivot from the medical school route wasn’t easy. While some people near and dear to her expressed concern over her future financial security, Barbara felt a stirring that, even without being a Christian at the time, led her to make the change. Little did she know, this decision would set her on a course of unexpected career shifts and a deepening connection to her faith.

The Struggles and Triumphs of Career Growth

Barbara’s journey through life sciences consulting, followed by a role in the healthtech sector, wasn’t without its challenges. After a layoff in December 2023, she was thrust into a position of uncertainty. However, it was through this hardship that Barbara found the 4word Mentor Program, which would help her pivot both personally and professionally.

“The 10 weeks of the 4word Mentor Program provided clarity, encouragement, and a new sense of purpose,” Barbara says. “God has worked mightily through this program—not only in my life but also in the lives of many others. I am deeply grateful for the mentorship and community that 4word offers.”

Her mentor, Ann Thompson, played a crucial role in guiding Barbara through the job search process. From practical advice on networking to the confidence-building exercise of listing all her skills, Barbara was able to gain clarity on her strengths and potential career paths.

“Seeing all my skills written down in one place gave me so much confidence and reminded me of how God has equipped me,” Barbara reflects. “The program didn’t just help me find a job; it helped me discover who I am and what I am capable of.”

The Role of Mentorship in Career Development

One of the most impactful elements of Barbara’s experience was the tailored, one-on-one mentorship provided through 4word. Before entering the program, Barbara didn’t fully understand the value of mentorship. Although her college encouraged finding a mentor, the “how” was never clear.

“When I was navigating my career transition, I wasn’t even thinking about mentorship—it was about surviving,” Barbara admits. “But 4word provided a structure for mentorship, eliminating the hurdles of how to find a mentor and what that process should look like.”

Barbara’s experience underscores a key aspect of 4word’s mentorship program: it is not one-size-fits-all. The 10-week structure allows mentees to set personalized goals, whether career or life-related. For Barbara, that meant not only practical career advice but also spiritual support, as her mentor prayed for her job search and overall wellness.

The flexibility and authenticity of the program were invaluable to Barbara. “The 4word Mentor Program is Spirit-led,” she says. “You can tell a lot of prayer goes into how mentors and mentees are matched. That shows in the relationships formed.”

The Power of Community Groups

While the mentorship program provided structured, one-on-one support, Barbara’s involvement in a 4word Community Group was equally impactful. Her group allowed her to connect with women who shared similar experiences of navigating work, faith, and personal life. The community group became a space where Barbara could share her challenges, victories, and prayer requests, all while being surrounded by women who understood her unique position as a Christian woman in the workplace.

“My community group has been a dedicated space to share the challenges and triumphs of being a Christian woman in the workplace,” Barbara explains. “It’s a place to be understood, receive encouragement, and connect with others living in that same tension.”

One of the standout features of 4word Community Groups are their flexibility. “Leaders show up every time, but the rest of us can come when we can,” Barbara says. “There’s grace built in, and that’s been huge. I’ve missed months and then come back, and it’s always welcoming.”

Through her community group, Barbara found a safe space for authentic connection. Whether it was receiving encouragement or offering prayer, the support she found helped her navigate not only her career but her personal life as well.

“I think we all need cheerleaders and people who get it,” Barbara says. “When I shared that I was working on music, my community group was so excited. They immediately asked for the link to my song. That kind of support is what makes 4word special.”

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Barbara envisions a career path that aligns with her passions and God’s calling. “My biggest dream is to live out my calling,” she says. “I want a career where my interests and aptitudes intersect, where I can remain engaged and grow while also continuing to be challenged.”

At the same time, Barbara is also passionate about pursuing personal projects outside of work, such as her music. The 4word community has been her biggest cheerleader as she pursues her passion as a singer-songwriter, supporting her first song’s release in April.

For Barbara, balancing a fulfilling career with a rich personal life is key. “I want to be able to care for the people in my life, take care of my health, and pursue other endeavors that God is calling me to,” she says. “4word has helped me realize that it’s possible to live a life that balances both professional success and personal fulfillment.”

The Impact of 4word on Transformational Leaders

Barbara’s story highlights the transformative power of the 4word Mentor Program and 4word Community Groups. For women in leadership, especially those navigating career transitions or seeking guidance, 4word provides an environment of growth, authenticity, and faith. Whether through mentorship, community groups, or both, 4word offers women a supportive network that encourages personal and professional growth.

For transformational leaders like Barbara, the 4word community is a reminder that true success in leadership is not just about achieving milestones—it’s about doing so with integrity, faith, and a commitment to supporting others. The relationships formed through 4word are a testament to the power of community in shaping women’s careers and lives.

“4word has given me the tools to lead others in their Christian walk, to help them grow closer to God, and to think outside the box,” Barbara says. “It’s not just about career success—it’s about building a life of integrity, faith, and excellence. And that’s something every woman deserves.”

For women at every stage of their leadership journey, 4word provides the resources and relationships needed to thrive. As Barbara’s story shows, the right community and mentorship can make all the difference in finding clarity, purpose, and fulfillment in both career and life. If you’re looking for a supportive, faith-centered community to help you reach your full potential, the 4word Mentor Program and Community Groups offer the guidance and encouragement you need to succeed.

Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced leader, 4word offers a space for growth, connection, and transformation—empowering women to lead with confidence, faith, and purpose.

Barbara Chen came to 4word in 2023 through the Mentor Program. A native of Pennsylvania, she studied biology at West Chester University. In 2021, Barbara began her career in life sciences consulting before transitioning into the healthtech space, where she now serves as an Administrative Coordinator at Season Health, supporting the HR, legal and compliance, and finance functions.

After experiencing a layoff in December of 2023, Barbara came across the 4word Mentor Program. She was matched with a wonderful mentor who helped her to navigate the challenges of job loss as an early career professional and leverage the situation to pivot into a new function and industry that she is truly passionate about. Barbara says that the 10 weeks of the 4word Mentor Program proved to be an invaluable experience for her – providing clarity, encouragement, and a new sense of purpose.

“God has worked mightily through this program –  not only in my life but also in the lives of many others,” said Barbara. “I am deeply grateful for the mentorship and community that 4word offers and wholeheartedly recommend the 4word Mentor Program to any woman seeking to grow in honoring God in career and life.