Business Professionals Discuss Influence of Christianity on Careers

Five businesspeople representing five divergent areas of corporate life assembled at the University of Mobile for the “Christians in the Marketplace” panel discussion Tuesday, Nov. 1, to discuss how being a Christian affects their lives at work. What was not divergent, however, was the panelists’ message. All called for integrity, compassion and honesty on the job and encouraged students to allow their faith in Christ to influence all their actions.

Dr. Anne Lowery, dean of the School of Business, said the idea for the seminar grew as professors discussed the negative impact scandals such as Enron, WorldCom and HealthSouth have on the public’s perception of business leaders.

“We wanted to provide an opportunity for our business majors and others to understand that it is possible to be strong Christians and be successful in the world of work. There is a dire need for business professionals who espouse strong, ethical values,” Lowery said. “Christians in the Marketplace” is sponsored by the University of Mobile’s Accounting Club.

Eric Reynolds, broadcast journalist for WALA TV in Mobile, addressed the relevancy of the Bible in guiding our actions every moment. “Live by what you’ve learned by the expectations of the Word that tells you how to live 24/7, and you’ll use that in the workplace,” he said.

He also told students, “How you show yourself in daily actions is going to speak volumes in who you are both as a UM graduate and as a believer and follower of Christ.”

Reynolds works to show his belief through his daily actions from the way he treats his coworkers to the balance he brings when reporting news. He related one instance in which he questioned the appropriateness of an offensive commercial that was airing during a time period in which families often watch television. As a result, the commercial was pulled from the time slot.

“Sometimes, all it takes is speaking up and asking a question,” said Reynolds of the situation. “Have courage to ask questions; stand firm in what you believe; and remember someone is always watching and could be the individual you want to influence in a mighty way.”

Kay Mashburn, vice president of mortgage banking for AmSouth, also stressed that others are watching to see how you act. In you as a believer, people will “look for honesty, fairness in resolving conflict, attitude-how you look at things and treat them,” she said. Christians should treat others well, she added.

Mashburn said that people often think of life as a compartmentalized pie. However, life isn’t truly balanced until our Christianity spills into every area and they all mingle.

“Earn respect and trust simply by working hard,” advised Mashburn. But that’s not where things stop. “You have to be consistent in that day in and day out,” she continued.

Traci Gyan, president of public relations firm TriCor, reemphasized the idea that faith in Christ is revealed by action all throughout the day. “Christianity is not just a title, it’s your lifestyle,” she said.

Gyan acknowledges the importance of outstanding consideration for others. “In corporate society, they do what’s best for the bottom line-we have to remember ‘people’ take care of the bottom line,” she said.

Also, Gyan takes specific steps to live her convictions daily. She doesn’t accept consulting jobs from the entertainment industry or politicians so she will not need to publicize an ideal she does not fully support. She gives “faith-based advice” to clients so they understand her point of view. She strives to have “upfront, clear communication” so people understand exactly what services they are getting.

According to Gyan these actions are small steps toward the big picture of becoming “a better Christian, a better communicator.”

Byron Sherman, certified public accountant and chartered financial analyst with Hall, Sherman, and Callahan PC, has a list of four rules he strives to follow in his Christian walk: do what’s right, put clients ahead of your own interests, do unto others as you would have them do unto you and always tell the truth.

Sherman takes his rules seriously. Once, after helping a client fill out tax forms, the man started to confide in Sherman all the things he had intentionally left out. As a result, Sherman refused his business, even though he had already completed the work.

“You have a choice,” Sherman told students, “right, wrong. Choose right!”

Andrew Corley, an application developer for Schlumberger Global Tel*Link, emphasized that Christianity is a faith that stays with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He said there is “no delineation between who I am as a Christian and who I am as a businessperson.”

Corley stressed that believers need to be good examples by being consistent. Part of Christianity is demonstrating “credibility, integrity, doing something you said you were going to do,” he said.

And do what you do well. “Become a master of your craft-you become very good at what you do.” Then, when they respect your ability, “People will become accustomed to listening to you,” whether in business or in personal life, continued Corley.

The panel discussion helped UM students develop a greater grasp for the challenges they will face in the corporate world and how to handle them.

“The panelists portrayed a well-rounded scope of the business world and how their beliefs can influence what they do. I learned that you don’t have to divide your life. You can include your Christian walk and time with the Lord in every aspect of life,” said Lindsey McDaniel, an accounting major.

Jill Walter, a business communication major, agreed, “I learned a lot,” she said. “When you’re good at what you do, you get respect and have influence. You should have integrity and honesty in your workplace, and you should keep your values not just at work but in everything you do.”