THIS interview came shortly after Heather Pubols (HP) was announced as the new president for Media Associates International.
She discussed the importance of agility, adaptability and cultural intelligence in leadership, especially within a multicultural organisation and emphasised the significance of succession planning in developing future leaders.
Pubols has been a leader in global organisational communications and journalism for over two decades.
Her work has taken her to more than 50 countries.
She has co-edited two anthology books, led online and print publications as well as media production teams, developed communications strategies with executive leaders and boards, launched and led a globally dispersed photojournalism team serving more than 100 organisations, and advised numerous global organisations on improving their communications efforts.
She is also a passionate advocate for partnership and collaboration, seeking to connect global Christians with common areas of interest to increase unity in the body of Christ.
JN: Why are flexibility, agility, and adaptability important in our generation and times?
HP: That’s a great question. One of the things we deal with now more than ever is that everything is constantly changing.
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We’re also a lot more multiculturally connected.
As we connect with people from very different contexts, we need to be flexible and understand that our perspective is not the only one.
To work together with people from various backgrounds, we have to be able to shift and adjust.
It’s also important to recognise that in Christian work — or in anything — we’re not doing something for God.
We’re following God and His mission, so we need to be flexible to follow what He is doing and not try to force God into what we think He should do.
JN: You hinted at the subject of culture, and different scholars have talked about cultural intelligence. Why do you think cultural intelligence is crucial for you as a leader and for anyone in a similar position?
HP: You have to understand that we don’t all see things the same way and be willing to learn from other people’s perspectives.
We also need to be open to the idea that sometimes both perspectives are valid, even if they are different.
This is especially important in a multicultural organisation.
It’s a skill everyone needs because we are more connected now than ever before.
JN: You have taken over leadership from John Maust, which highlights the importance of developing others and succession. Why do you think succession is important?
HP: Any organisation needs to be about much more than the leader.
If an organisation is based solely on the personality of its leader, it’s difficult for someone else to follow, and it means the organisation and its cause rise and fall with that person.
Succession involves finding the right people who can learn from you.
It’s also practical — documenting what your organisation is about and having solid operational structures that can function without you.
Mentoring is about casting vision to more than just a single person who can follow you.
It’s casting a vision for your cause so that even if your organisation ceases to exist, the cause continues to matter to people and they remain involved.
JN: We know that artificial intelligence (AI) is not necessarily new, but recent technological changes have accelerated its development. How do I prepare for such shifts?
HP: God made us differently, and we can build relationships with people who are more ready for change than we are.
There are people with expertise in areas we lack.
In the case of AI, build relationships with those who understand and are enthusiastic about it, as well as those who are more cautious, and learn from them.
Leaders need to be connected with a community that can offer wise counsel, perspective, feedback and knowledge, even if it’s difficult to hear at times.
No one person can possess all the knowledge, wisdom, and insights necessary to do everything a leader must do.
JN: What traits make a great leader? This applies to leaders in church, government, or the corporate space.
HP: The most important trait is understanding that we’re on a journey of sanctification with the Lord, and we haven’t arrived yet. Recognising this keeps us humble.
Apart from other people and being in tune with the Holy Spirit, we can go wrong if we don’t maintain humility about who we are.
We must avoid trying to take the place of God in our lives and recognise that even the best people can fall into this temptation.
It’s important to acknowledge that we all have something special to offer because God has given us gifts, but none of us are equal to Him.
Another aspect of humility is accepting that God has given us gifts and that we shouldn't be afraid to use them for His glory.
We can be bold and act with confidence because the Lord has equipped us to do what He calls us to do.
Balancing these aspects requires being in community with others and in fellowship with the Lord to maintain a good perspective of who we are and our alignment with Him.
JN: What is true power in leadership?
HP: Power struggles often stem from insecurity and the fear of losing something.
Everyone deals with insecurities and struggles with feeling like they've lost power at times. To manage this, we need to be in community with people who love and care about us, who can remind us of our worth and help us debrief these experiences of insecurity.
We have been given everything in our relationship with the Lord.
Even if we lose everything in the world's eyes, we still have victory in Christ.
Contentment in Christ allows us to share power with others without feeling the need to hold onto it.
Many of us have experienced different kinds of discrimination or lack of support, leading us to seek security in power and authority.
However, our true security comes from our relationship with Jesus, who values us regardless of titles or positions.
When we trust in Him, we find the most influence.
God calls people and raises them to lead, regardless of their positions.
The Bible is full of examples of unlikely leaders like David and Esther who, through trust in God, achieved great things.
JN: As we conclude, what are three books you would recommend to a leader?
HP: One book that I find very helpful is The Culture Map by Erin Meyer, which discusses cultural intelligence and leading cross-culturally.
Another is To Resist or to Surrender? by Paul Tournier, which explores how Christians should use their power.
Lastly, I enjoy historical fiction by Christian writer Lynn Austin. Her Chronicles of the Kings series, about Hezekiah and Manasseh, addresses their leadership and journey with God.
