Laura Gardner, President and Chief Operating Officer for Joni and Friends, Episode 210
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Laura Gardner serves as President and Chief Operating Officer for Joni and Friends, an international Christian nonprofit that serves those living with disabilities. She is responsible for the organization's strategy and execution of its Mission, Vision, and Goals. Prior to joining Joni and Friends in 2011, she was CEO and Founder of The Protocol Institute. After studying at The American School of Protocol and The Emily Post Institute, she recognized a unique opportunity to combine etiquette and technology to deliver world-class etiquette lessons online. Laura also serves as Chair for the Christian Leadership Alliance Board of Directors and has been a Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader since 2014.
On The Wow Factor this week, I’m joined by Laura Gardner, who shares more about how she learned an appreciation of the power of generosity early in her life and how it can impact both the giver’s and the receiver’s lives. She shares what happened when Laura discovered that the Joni and Friends ministry was so close to her home and how she got connected to the organization. Laura also highlights some of the ways that Joni and Friends provide respite for families coping with disability, including their amazing family camp that not only offers a fun experience for children but allows parents the space to connect and rejuvenate their relationship.
“You have to be very intentional - simplify your life and enjoy that simplicity.” - Laura Gardner
“We are all about trying to do everything we can to keep the family unit together.” - Laura Gardner
“People who are generous have an outward-facing look on life.” - Laura Gardner
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Laura’s wonderful upbringing first in the Philippines with her missionary parents, then in a small community in Florida
Some of the moments when God showed up in Laura’s family’s life, and they were able to see God supply their need in His timing
Why Laura pivoted from accounting to holding online etiquette classes first for small children, then for businesses
Why widespread cellphone and social media use has impacted our manners
How you can take the time to develop meaningful relationships
What Laura loves most about her role at Joni and Friends and the person who led her to the opportunity
Laura’s lessons from working with the generous people in her orbit
What happens to people’s mindset when they find out that it’s so joyful to be generous with their time, talent, and treasures
Some of the ways that Joni and Friends supports families caring for children with additional needs, including family retreats
Laura Gardner’s Words of Wisdom:
Wake up every morning running into the arms of Jesus. As leaders, our days have highs and lows, and you don't know how much you're going to need Jesus until it happens. Then lead just like Jesus led, lead with humility with God-given confidence, invest in others, seek out the marginalized, and live a life just like Jesus.
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