1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 What if growing in your career doesn’t require choosing between ambition and humility? In this special BOLDLY Breakout Spotlight episode of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa Harrison sits down with Ellie Nieves, a leadership coach, public policy professional, and author of The Career Playbook for Christian Women, for a practical conversation about pursuing professional growth while remaining grounded in faith. Ellie shares that becoming a Christian didn’t make her ambition disappear. Instead, it invited her to examine what was driving it. As she explains, “He wasn’t calling me to be less ambitious, he was asking me to filter my ambition through my faith.” That shift helped her see career growth as an opportunity to use her gifts, serve others, and glorify God. For the woman considering a bigger role or a new opportunity, Ellie offers encouragement: you don’t have to know everything before taking a step forward. Recognize the experience you already bring and trust your ability to learn. She also explores how remembering God’s purpose for your presence in the workplace can help you respond to feelings of inadequacy. The conversation becomes personal as Ellie recalls a season when she and her husband were both laid off shortly after moving into a new home. While the uncertainty was real, that season also strengthened their marriage and gave her the vision to launch her coaching business. She encourages women navigating setbacks to make room for grief, reflection, and prayer—and to ask God what He would have them do next. Ellie also challenges the assumption that excellent work will always speak for itself. Communicating your contributions can be done with humility. She shares a simple practice: keep a record of accomplishments and positive feedback so you can clearly explain both your work and its impact. Together, Melissa and Ellie explore how influence develops through credibility, meaningful relationships, and an understanding of how an organization works. Ellie explains the difference between mentors who offer guidance and sponsors who advocate for opportunities—and why following through on advice helps build trust. This conversation is about becoming more intentional in your career: bringing your ambitions before God, recognizing the value you contribute, and taking your next step with faith and confidence. In this episode, we get into: Bring your ambition before God. Examine your motives and pursue growth from a place of purpose. Communicate your value with humility. Keep track of your accomplishments and share the impact of your work. Influence grows through relationships and credibility. Build meaningful connections, seek guidance, and follow through. Ellie also shares how community has supported her through the responsibilities of work, leadership, and caring for an aging parent. Through 4word’s Executive Women’s Forum in San Diego and the DC executive cohort, she has found space to rest, receive encouragement, and connect with women navigating similar experiences. For the woman who feels stuck, Ellie recommends beginning with quiet reflection: sit with your Bible and a journal, invite God into the process, and ask what one step you can take. Her encouragement is clear: “She doesn’t have to sit on the sidelines of her own career.” 4word is excited to welcome Ellie to BOLDLY this October in Dallas, where her breakout session will explore building influence and navigating workplace dynamics from a godly perspective. Learn more about BOLDLY at 4wordwomen.org/boldly/. About Ellie Nieves Ellie Nieves is a leadership coach, speaker, public policy professional, and author of The Career Playbook for Christian Women. She helps Christian women develop confidence, build influence, and pursue career growth while remaining grounded in their faith. Ellie is part of 4word’s DC executive cohort and attended the 2026 Executive Women’s Forum in San Diego. Learn more about Ellie and her book at ellienieves.com. Explore her work with Christian career women at christiancareerwomen.com. &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; About Melissa Harrison Melissa Harrison is a journalist, nonprofit leader, and President &amp;amp; CEO of 4word. She is passionate about helping women integrate faith, leadership, and purpose in the workplace. As host of the Moving Forward Podcast, Melissa brings a storyteller’s perspective to honest conversations about work, calling, growth, and the courage to keep moving forward. &amp;nbsp; Learn more about Melissa: melissaharrison.net Follow Melissa on LinkedIn and Instagram &amp;nbsp; About 4word 4word is a global community for Christian women in the workplace, helping women grow in their faith, thrive in their work, and become the women and leaders God created them to be. &amp;nbsp; Find out more about 4word: https://4wordwomen.org/ Follow 4word on LinkedIn and Instagram Moving Forward https://4wordwomen.org/podcast/ <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/43082558/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/item/43082558