Bringing Unity to the Workplace: Shae Bynes’ Journey with 4word


Shae Bynes’ story is one of deep transformation, faith, and leadership that echoes the very essence of what it means to bring unity to the workplace. From her early days with her high school sweetheart to becoming a successful leader who helps inspire change within organizations, Shae has lived her life intentionally—driven by a desire to make a lasting impact on the world around her. And it was this passion for transformation that led her to 4word, a network of Christian women in the workplace focused on empowering women to lead with faith, integrity, and a deep sense of community.

Through 4word, Shae found a place where her values could not only be nurtured but also shared with a broader community, creating a ripple effect of unity in workplaces around the world. It is her story of overcoming challenges, embracing collaboration, and living with purpose that speaks to the power of unity in leadership, and how a Christ-centered approach can transform workplaces and communities.

At the heart of Shae’s story is a relationship that has spanned over two decades. Shae and her husband have been together since they were 16 years old, meeting just before their junior year of high school. They got married shortly after graduation and began their life together, taking on the responsibilities of adulthood all at once: buying a house, moving to a new city, starting jobs, and navigating the challenges of young adulthood—all in a matter of weeks.

Despite the early challenges, their relationship has flourished, and today they have three children spanning three different generations: a 23-year-old, a 16-year-old, and a 7-year-old. The age gap between her children might surprise many, but for Shae, it’s just another aspect of her journey. The stability and commitment she shares with her husband have been key drivers in her own leadership philosophy. She believes that leadership is not about being perfect but about transformation, growth, and creating an environment that encourages those around you to thrive.

When Shae reflects on her journey to leadership, she’s quick to point out that her passion for leadership wasn’t something that was developed overnight. In fact, it wasn’t something she even thought of consciously when she was younger. Instead, Shae’s drive to lead comes from a deep-seated desire for transformation. “I care so much about the fruitfulness of leadership,” she explains. “What I’m about is transformation. You can’t really experience transformation without leadership.”

For Shae, leadership isn’t just about guiding people through the steps of their job. It’s about helping them reach their full potential, seeing lives transformed, and creating a ripple effect that reaches beyond the individual. She’s passionate about seeing communities change, whether that community is a family, a workplace, or an even broader society. As someone who has always had a natural inclination toward leadership, Shae has seen the fruits of her work from an early age. From elementary school through high school and beyond, she was always the one people could count on for support and encouragement.

“People would be glad that I was in the room because of how they were impacted by my presence,” Shae says. “It’s about planting seeds—seeds of hope, of faith, of joy. Those are the seeds that lead to transformation.” And this is how she has approached leadership throughout her life—by planting seeds of transformation wherever she goes.

When Shae reflects on why she feels so passionate about transformation, she attributes much of it to a deeper, divine calling. “It’s just part of my wiring,” she explains. “It’s part of my God-given DNA.” While Shae recognizes that many people are inspired by specific mentors or experiences, she feels that her own inclination to lead and transform was just embedded in her from a young age. She now recognizes this calling as something that God placed within her, a purpose she is committed to fulfilling both in her personal life and in her professional endeavors.

This divine wiring is also something Shae has seen in her own children. As a mother, she has watched her children’s own personalities and gifts unfold, recognizing early on that some things are simply part of their makeup. “I can see things in my children that are integral parts of their wiring, not just what they’ve learned,” she shares. “Because I share that same wiring, I can help cultivate it, help them grow into who they’re meant to be.”

This approach to leadership—one that emphasizes nurturing the unique gifts and abilities of others—has been key to Shae’s success in the workplace. Whether she’s working with her team or guiding her own family, Shae is driven by the belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and it’s the job of a leader to help bring that out.

Shae’s philosophy of leadership centers around encouragement, both for herself and for others. “I definitely am an encourager of myself,” she says. “But I also rely on my community.” She’s quick to point out that leadership doesn’t happen in a vacuum; no one can lead effectively without the support of others. “I have my ‘who,’” she explains, referring to a close-knit group of people she trusts to give her honest feedback and encouragement when she needs it most. “I don’t hesitate to reach out to them. Having people around me who can speak truth and lift me up is essential.”

This sense of community and support is exactly what Shae found when she connected with 4word. Her introduction to the organization came through Emma Sharma, a connection made after Shae spoke at a Heaven in Business conference. Emma’s recommendation led to a conversation with Marion Medina, and eventually, Shae was invited to speak at the 2023 Executive Women 4Christ (EW4C) forum. The experience was transformative for Shae.

What stood out to Shae during her time at the EW4C forum was the powerful sense of unity among the women in the room. “What I love is seeing Christ-centered women, whether they’re business owners or corporate executives, coming together with a heart for something bigger than themselves,” she shares. “It’s this holistic view of profitability—where the financial success of a business is just one part of the equation. The other part is eternal profitability, making an impact that goes beyond the bottom line.”

For Shae, the beauty of 4word lies in the fact that the women involved are all working toward the same goal: to serve others, lead with integrity, and create environments that reflect Christ’s love. The intentionality and commitment to unity that Shae sees within the 4word community is something she had been seeking for years. In an often fragmented and competitive world, finding an organization that values collaboration and unity is rare. “Unity doesn’t happen naturally,” Shae says. “It takes intentionality. And 4word has been a shining example of what it means to work together for a greater purpose.”

This commitment to unity and collaboration is what makes 4word such a powerful resource for women in the workplace. It provides a space for women to connect, share ideas, and support one another—whether they’re managers, entrepreneurs, or corporate executives. As Shae points out, this kind of community is especially important for women who may feel isolated in their roles. “It’s so important to have other women around you who share your values and understand your struggles,” she says. “In the corporate world, it can feel very isolating. 4word provides the community and support that every woman needs to thrive.”

Shae is adamant that 4word’s influence in the workplace goes far beyond personal growth—it has the power to create real change within organizations. “4word is a catalyst for unity,” she says. “It focuses on what brings us together, not what divides us. And that’s a powerful message for the workplace.”

For Shae, the example set by 4word is not only a model for unity but also a source of authority. By living out their mission of collaboration and service, 4word leaders are showing the world what it means to lead with faith, humility, and grace. Shae believes that this example has the potential to inspire others to create more unified, Christ-centered workplaces.

Shae’s story is one of transformation, not just in her own life but in the lives of those around her. Through her involvement with 4word, Shae has learned that leadership is about more than just achieving success—it’s about bringing others along for the journey and creating spaces where people can grow, connect, and thrive.

If you’re a Christ-centered woman in the workplace, Shae’s journey is a reminder of the power of unity and collaboration. 4word provides the resources, community, and support that every woman needs to become a more effective leader and make a lasting impact in her workplace. Whether you’re an executive, a business owner, or someone working in a corporate environment, 4word offers the tools you need to lead with purpose, empower others, and bring unity to your workplace.

By embracing the mission of 4word and living out Christ-centered leadership, you can help transform your workplace into a space where grace, unity, and collaboration flourish. Join Shae and countless other women who are making a difference in the workplace, and let’s work together to create a more unified world.


Shae Bynes is a passionate storyteller, mentor, and strategist who equips leaders to be catalysts for transformation in the marketplace.

Known as “Chief Fire Igniter”, she has reached over one million aspiring and current entrepreneurs around the globe through her devotionals, books, courses, podcasts, and more.  Her teaching and mentoring provide inspiration and practical strategies for doing business in partnership with God for greater Kingdom influence and impact.

Shae co-founded the Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur movement in 2012 and her most popular book Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can’t is shifting the way people live, work, and engage the world around them. Whether she is sharing on platforms publicly or consulting privately, you can expect Shae to deliver an abundance of truth with love, grace, and contagious joy.

Shae holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Masters of Business Administration from the University of South Florida and University of Florida respectively.

Shae has been married to her husband Phil for 23 years and is mom to three beautiful daughters. She has a healthy addiction to sunshine and water and calls the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area her home.