Word of the Week - Servant Leadership

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

This week was a special one at Founders. We celebrated a “rite of passage” for three of our young leaders as they signed the Servant Leadership Pledge—a symbol of their next step in becoming leaders who serve with humility, courage, and purpose. Moments like this remind us and reinforce why we established our firm’s purpose years ago:

“To be Servant Leaders who value Relationships and Results.”

We believe the way we realize our long-term vision—to become the Gold Standard M&A Advisory Firm in our industry, the Chick-fil-A of our space—is by embedding Servant Leadership at the core of who we are and how we operate every day. It’s not just a leadership philosophy; it’s a way of living, modeled perfectly by Jesus Himself.

What Is Servant Leadership - Servant Leadership is a philosophy where the leader is a servant first—someone who leads by lifting others. It starts with a conviction to serve before leading, to prioritize and care for our team with full clarity, commitment, and alignment (shared fate) towards attaining our company’s stated Vision.  It is counter to traditional leadership models but completely aligned with the heart of Christ. As Paul reminds us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3–4)

Principles of Servant Leadership

• It’s Not About Me—It’s About Something Greater
  Servant Leadership begins with purpose towards a higher calling. We are not serving ourselves, our egos, or even just our teams—we are serving God’s greater mission. When we lead with this perspective, we find deep meaning in our work and joy in seeing others succeed. Every act of service becomes an act of worship. We are serving God by serving His people and the vision He’s entrusted to us.  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:24-24

• We Grow When We Help Others Grow
  A true servant leader measures success not by personal advancement but by the growth of those they lead. When we focus on helping others reach their full potential—emotionally, intellectually, relationally, and spiritually—we not only build stronger teams but we ourselves are transformed. The test of a Servant Leader is simple: Are the people I lead becoming healthier, wiser, freer, and more capable of serving others?  “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25

• It Is Motivated by Love—And Love Requires Sacrifice
  At the heart of Servant Leadership is love—sacrificial love that puts others first even when it costs us something. In business, often love means holding others accountable, confronting hard truths, and calling people to a higher standard. Servant Leadership isn’t soft—it’s sacred. It’s the higher and harder calling. To lead this way requires courage, patience, and a deep love that reflects Christ’s own sacrifice for us.  “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:12-13

Personal Reflection - As I’ve grown in leadership, I’ve come to realize that Servant Leadership is both the most challenging and the most rewarding calling there is. It forces me to check my motives daily, to slow down enough to listen, and to place people above results—trusting that the right results always follow. It also reminds me that leadership is not about titles or authority; it’s about influence, humility, and love in action.

I’m grateful to walk this journey alongside a team that’s committed to this higher standard. I believe with all my heart that if we remain faithful to this calling—to serve first and lead second (Abide & Lead) — God will continue to bless our firm, our families, and the Kingdom work we’ve been entrusted with.

Challenge Question:  Who can we intentionally serve this week—putting their growth, needs, or success above our own—and in doing so, reflect the heart of Christ in our leadership?

Closing Prayer:  Father, thank You for sending Jesus as the perfect example of a Servant Leader. Give us the strength and wisdom to lead with humility, courage, and love. Help us to see every opportunity, conversation, and challenge as a chance to serve You by serving others. May our leadership bring glory to Your name and build a culture where people thrive and You are honored. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Have a great week of leading by serving—putting others first and advancing God’s Kingdom through how you love and lead!