In this episode, Heidi Rasmussen, 4word board chair and president, and Sheila Walls, Polished Network board president, discuss the origin of the merger between 4word and Polished Network. They share their personal journeys into leadership, the divine calling that led to the merger, and the importance of empowering women in the workplace. The conversation highlights the unity and collaboration between the two organizations, emphasizing the positive impact we aim to have on Christian women in the workplace.
Communicator. Brand Builder. Lover of all things “fun.” Strategic Planner. Business leader. Mentor. Customer service advocate. Movie (and popcorn) addict. Motto: Get Stuff Done.
After 27 years in the retail industry, Heidi took on a new challenge. From corporate life to entrepreneurship. From fashion retail to the employee benefits industry. At 15 years old, Heidi started at JCPenney where she went from a sales floor associate to Divisional Vice President at the corporate office & led the largest brand launch in JCPenney history.
In her current role as a co-founder and CEO, she launched freshbenies (as in, a fresh approach to benefits), an employee benefit that cuts healthcare costs and confusion with telehealth, advocacy and savings networks.
freshbenies was named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies in America four consecutive years and the Dallas 100 two consecutive years. freshbenies also received two Health Value Awards given to companies that are dedicated to providing innovative, value-based healthcare. To date, freshbenies has saved their members $100M on healthcare costs
No matter what the product or service, Heidi has learned that people want brands that engage and simplify their lives. Even more, they want brands to follow through on that promise. That’s what she does.
Sheila D. Walls has been described as a calm yet strategic influencer positioned to ignite and cultivate positive change in individuals, teams, and organizations. She is a wife, mother, cultivation strategist, certified leadership coach, and leader who passionately pursues purpose and Kingdom impact.
Sheila is Associate Pastor of Life Community Church-Collin County Texas under the leadership of her husband (Senior Pastor); is the founder and overseer of Faith Empowered Women; serves as President of the Board of Directors for Polished Network; and serves as Interim President of the Board of Directors for Twelve12 Ministries.
Sheila’s impactful 35-year career in Corporate America, where she continues to serve, includes leadership positions in underwriting, customer contact centers, agency sales, and executive.
A huge proponent of lifelong learning, Sheila earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Louis University, the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations from the American College of Financial Services.
Sheila has been married to her best friend, Christopher Walls, for 29 years. They have been blessed with three amazing miracles: Christopher II, Evan, and Kiersten.