The Power of Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Consistency in Christian Leadership
by Christina Clemmons
Bank of America Director, Head of Academy for Global Business, Institutions and Enterprise Credit
As I prepare to celebrate 30 years with my company, I’ve had the chance to reflect on how the environment around us has shifted—especially in terms of inclusion and diversity. The focus on inclusion today feels more robust than ever before. But for a long time, I felt that inclusion meant everyone else but Christians. But as I’ve learned how to appropriately share my faith with those I work with, I’ve found the corporate world quite receptive.
Over the years, God has taught me three powerful lessons that have shaped how I serve others in my workplace: authenticity, vulnerability, and consistency. These principles have strengthened my leadership and allowed me to share my faith in ways I never imagined possible.
Authenticity: Being True to Who God Made Me
Authenticity, for me, means being who I am all the time—no matter where I am or who I’m talking to. This has allowed others to see the real me and, more importantly, to see Christ in me. When people see that I’m the same person, whether I’m in the boardroom, in a casual meeting, or talking one-on-one, they’re more interested in hearing about what God has placed on my heart. Authenticity has opened doors for deeper conversations, allowing me to share the love of Christ in ways that feel natural and genuine.
Vulnerability: The Courage to Share My Faith
I used to be afraid of being vulnerable in a corporate setting. I worried that people might judge me, misunderstand me, or even see my faith as a distraction. But I’ve found that vulnerability has had the opposite effect. By being open about my faith when it’s appropriate, I’ve been able to connect with others on a deeper level. For example, I included in my bio that I serve on the board at my church. This small act of vulnerability has sparked conversations about faith that might never have happened otherwise.
One moment that stands out to me was when a colleague approached me and said, “There’s something about you that’s different.” At that moment, I realized I had been holding back. I was afraid to share my testimony because I didn’t want to be vulnerable. But when I finally shared my story, it made a lasting impact. Even though my colleague didn’t immediately act on what I shared, God used that experience to encourage me to keep being vulnerable.
A year later, during an outreach event, I had the opportunity to share my testimony again—this time with a group of about 30 leaders. I was scared, but God confirmed it was the right time. That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter for me, one where I openly share my “why” whenever people ask. Since then, I’ve seen God move in incredible ways, from weekly virtual prayer meetings with 500 people across the country to monthly Bible studies in offices nationwide. These things were already happening, but in secret. It wasn’t until I was willing to be vulnerable that God opened the doors for greater influence.
Consistency: Staying True to My Faith in Every Season
Consistency is about being the same person, no matter the circumstances. In my journey, there have been times when I was ready for the next big thing, but God said, “Not now.” Once, when a colleague was promoted instead of me, there was lots of uncertainty within our team. It could have been tempting to think, “Let’s see how this plays out,” especially when I felt like I could’ve been the one in that role. But instead, I chose to walk in humility, trusting God’s timing.
This was a test of my consistency. How was I going to respond? Was I going to fall into the trap of pride, or was I going to continue to demonstrate my identity as a Christ-follower? By choosing to trust God, I was able to help my coworkers navigate that challenging transition. When I remember we’ve been selected to steward our seasons, it helps me be consistent in showing who I am in Christ, regardless of the circumstances.
As Christian business leaders, we have a unique opportunity to influence our workplaces in profound ways. By embracing authenticity, vulnerability, and consistency, we can serve others and bring glory to God. We may plant seeds and water them, but ultimately, it’s God who brings the growth. And as we remain faithful to steward whatever He gives us, He will continue to elevate us—not necessarily always upward, but in ways that expand our influence for His kingdom.
Let’s keep being authentic, vulnerable, and consistent in all we do, trusting that God will use our faithfulness to make a lasting impact in our workplaces and beyond.