From Bookkeeper to CEO
What a Top Employee Taught Me about Team Culture
By David Sena | BoldLeading.com
I’ve worked with a lot of incredible people over the years. Heather is one of the best. Her grit and attitude ultimately led her to become a CEO.
But she didn’t start with a big title. She came into the first organization I led as a bookkeeper. And from her very first week on staff, I knew she was different.
Every day, Heather would poke her head into my office and ask:
“Is there anything else I can help with?”
She meant it. And then she did it.
Working Serving Her Way to the Top
Heather was quickly running more than the books. She took on human resources, then dining services, and then special events—not because she had to, but because she saw a need and filled it. She brought hustle, heart, and an unshakable belief in our mission.
Years later, I had the privilege of recruiting Heather to a second organization I led. She did it all over again. And when I transitioned out, she became CEO—not because she demanded it, but because she had already earned it.
What defined Heather wasn’t her job title—it was her culture-setting presence. She showed up to honor the mission, lift up others, and sacrifice when it mattered most.
That’s what this post is really about: The kind of team culture that outlasts vision, outlives strategy, and transforms organizations from the inside out.
Great Vision in a Weak Culture
It’s tempting to think that casting a compelling vision is enough. But vision without a strong culture is like a fire without oxygen. It might look good for a moment, but it won’t burn for long.
The truth is: culture always wins.
Culture determines:
How your team treats each other.
Whether people speak up or stay silent.
How conflict is handled—or avoided.
How deeply people believe in the mission beyond the job description.
Even the early church knew this. In Acts 6, we read that a conflict arose over food distribution. The apostles didn’t ignore the conflict—they addressed it by empowering new leaders to preserve the culture of care and unity. Why? Because the Gospel couldn’t spread in a fractured environment.
Compete to Outdo One Another in Honor
At our organization, we strive to create a culture rooted in Romans 12:10:
“Outdo one another in showing honor.”
We imagine it like two hungry bears trying to feed each other first. Each one saying, “Let me serve you. Let me bless you. Let me meet your need.”
Here’s how that plays out in our culture:
The organization leans into the team—honoring their strengths, investing in their growth, and meeting practical needs.
The team leans into the mission—willing to stretch, sacrifice, and grow when the mission calls for it.
When that happens, you don’t get burnout, you get mutual energy, mutual trust, and a team that moves mountains together.
Three Ways to Build a Culture of Honor
There are a number of ways to build a culture of honor—and strength. Here are a few:
1. Name People’s Strengths—Loudly and Often
My former employee, Heather, didn’t wait to be asked to take on new tasks—she stepped up. And we noticed. Great culture starts when leaders recognize people’s strengths and name them out loud. Don’t save it for performance reviews. Do it in meetings. Do it in emails. Do it in front of their peers.
2. Stretch People in Love
We all have a sweet spot—but growth happens just outside of it. When you ask someone to take on more or to try something new, frame it in trust:
“We believe in you. We’ll walk alongside you. This matters for the mission.”
3. Protect the Culture Relentlessly
Honor is contagious, but so is apathy. If someone consistently undermines the organization’s values—even if they perform well—you have to address it. You can’t afford a culture where gossip, avoidance, or disengagement is tolerated.
The Culture That Builds Movement
Vision will get applause. But culture builds momentum.
And the kind of culture we want to build—one of sacrifice, strength, mutual trust, and honor—can’t be written into a handbook. It has to be lived.
Heather lived it. And every great organization I’ve seen has someone like her—someone who doesn’t just do the work but builds the team through their presence, posture, and persistence.
Reflection:
Who is quietly shaping your culture right now?
Have you told them?
A Word for Leaders
Are you an executive director trying to grow your nonprofit or ministry, or a change in culture?
I’ve had the honor of pastoring a church, leading nonprofit and for-profit businesses, and providing consulting services that have helped CEOs and ministries reset, grow, and thrive. It would be an honor to come alongside you and your organization, as well.
Contact me to schedule a conversation. I’d love to connect.
And remember: Your leadership matters. Let's make sure you have all the tools you need to build a culture where you, your team, and your organization flourish.