We often hear that the sacred and the secular are separate realms. Granted, for Christians, we also know that there is no separation between the two and that our faith is a holistic one. However, cultural strongholds are sometimes difficult to break. Recently, we spoke to Rev Karen Lau, Executive Coach from The Lead Factor, about her experience as a former full-time pastor transitioning to make more of an impact within the business environment.
Rev Karen Lau possesses a unique vantage point as she still holds her credentials as a reverend and preaches in churches through invitation. At the same time, as an Executive Coach in the marketplace, she has already coached and facilitated multiple companies on business leadership. This has provided her with an integrated perspective of both the church and marketplace environment.
Among the topics we conversed on was the background context of Rev Karen’s transition from being a Pastor to an Executive Coach, the challenges she faced, the influence we can make as Christians in the marketplace, and the current perception of Christians about how well the marketplace integrates with the Church. Rev Karen has a particular passion in helping youths to reach their highest potential. For the purpose of this article, the questions were shaped in a broader context. Below is a transcription of our conversation:
The Background Context: The Lead Factor and Transitioning from Pastor to Executive Coach.
Can you introduce The Lead Factor and your work as an Executive Coach in the marketplace?
It all began in 2017 during a ministry trip to Taiwan – God began to prepare and challenge me towards the possibility of stepping out of the boat, giving up the security of a monthly salary, and “coming down” from the pulpit of Glad Tidings A/G.
This led to a 5-year preparation towards stepping out by faith into the marketplace as an Executive Coach. I became a Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation on 31 May 2020. Subsequently, I resigned from full-time pastoring on 31 December 2020. I continue to hold credentials with the Assemblies of God, speaking in churches by invitation.
As an Executive Coach, I have the privilege to work with talents to accelerate their growth and development through personal coaching and leadership programs. The primary work is in collaboration with companies that are reputable in leadership coaching and executive education. As such, The Lead Factor was created for contractual arrangements related to leadership coaching and executive education. However, with a great desire and passion to impact the younger generation – The Lead Factor evolved to developing and facilitating youth coaching programs for students.
What inspired you to transition from a full-time pastoral ministry to embark on leadership coaching and executive education? Were there any factors or insights during your years serving as a pastor that played a role?
It began with the vision that God gave me during my ministry in Taiwan. Progressively, I was introduced to coaching when our church (Glad Tidings) leadership engaged Mentor Coaches, Donald Lim and Mel Leow, to bring us through a 6-month coaching program.
The experience had a great impact on my life especially when I recognized my core values and a deeper awareness of the next steps in ministry. I had served 15 years as a full-time pastor in Glad Tidings A/G at that time. Over the years, I served in various capacities – youth ministry, adult cell group ministry, creative arts, and communications. During my time as a pastor, and for many years, I anchored the major events related to Easter, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, missions emphasis, and special events. It was a privilege and honour to grow these ministries and serve with incredible talents in GT to curate and develop meaningful content for special events.
However, there was a deep hunger and desire (made aware through coaching) to make a greater impact beyond the church community. Contact and opportunity to develop relationships with pre-believers became minimal as much time was spent in church and raising a young family. I really felt that God wanted to use me beyond the existing circle of influence.
In order to gain the necessary experience as an Executive Coach, I wanted to fully immerse myself in the coaching industry and find a footing in the marketplace. I felt a great need to be in touch with the grassroots. While I look back fondly on my years as a pastor, serving almost 20 years exclusively in the church had made it seem like I was living in a glass bowl. It was time to step out into the marketplace and on a personal basis to no longer separate the sacred and the secular.
How different or similar would you say the ministries of pastoral care and executive coaching are between each other?
I was highly encouraged when my mentor coaches, Donald Lim, Mel Leow and other Christian marketplace leaders helped me to understand and see that the pastoral role is very related to executive coaching.
A respected marketplace leader explained that I had “70% of the skill sets needed for executive education”. It gave me confidence that I would be able to make a successful transition.
The role/experience of a pastor has similar basic competencies required for coaching such as cultivating trust and safety, being present and active listening. The difference is in engagement with people – as a pastor, I mainly interacted with believers, and as a coach, I have the incredible privilege to engage across different ages, races, and industries. Certainly, God expanded the sphere of influence beyond the capacity of a full-time pastor.
Early Years in The Lead Factor
When was the vision of starting your own leadership coaching company first birthed? Was the corporate marketplace the area you wanted to serve in at the very start, or were there other areas you considered such as family or the next generation?
When I tell others I’m a Coach, the first question asked is “What kind of Coach are you?” [There are many spheres of coaching.] It took 6 months to explore and establish that my skill sets were best fitted as an Executive Coach – which meant the focus of coaching was for corporate executives from independent contributors to management levels.
Whilst seeking opportunities to be established as an Executive Coach, I explored ways to introduce youth coaching. This led to connecting with fellow coaches who were like-minded and passionate for the next generation such as Joshua Ong and Chris MJ to develop youth coaching programs.
Together, we launched Life Skills And Career Coaching sessions in 2021 and are currently launching our second program, Purpose Pursuit.
Did you have any specific vision and mission that became the core philosophy of The Lead Factor? What helped to shape that vision and mission?
As a pastor and coach – the heart and basis of what I do is because I love people and am committed to helping them unlock their fullest potential. This has shaped pretty much the whole vision and mission as well as the culture of The Lead Factor. At the center of The Lead Factor is always the people and their potential.
Were there any challenges transitioning to this different area of ministry? How were you encouraged during those challenges?
The primary challenges were fear of the unknown. In the early days, starting from ground zero, with no more stable/monthly income, being out of touch in the marketplace, and learning to develop new skills. It was a whole new world and I learnt to trust God with my future.
To cope with transitions, I desperately prayed and spent time with God to calm my nerves/anxiety. I surrounded myself with believers who encouraged baby steps while being immersed in studying and learning as much as possible.
A huge tribute is due to my husband, Sean and children, Caitlin and Jayden who have been my biggest supporters and cheerleaders. I am especially grateful for Mentor Coaches, Donald and Veron Lim who invested time, encouragement, and the opportunity to be an associate in their company, Leadership Insight.
In terms of Christ’s role in your new ministry as an Executive Coach, how has the Lord guided (and inspired) you during your journey?
The love and grace of God have been an anchor and foundation in this new phase of ministry. His provision spiritually, financially, and emotionally has been an incredible experience.
Undeniably, the empowerment and enablement of the Holy Spirit have been crucial and powerfully experienced in providing ideas to design frameworks as well as in utilizing coaching tools and techniques to effectively engage with clients.
Insights as an Executive Coach
What would you say are the most crucial/important aspects for a Christian serving as a mentor to others in the marketplace, especially since it’s a different environment (one could say a more challenging environment due to so many different worldviews) than the church?
In your experience as a coach in the marketplace, how does a Christian at the forefront of leadership in the marketplace make the most impact in their market environment?
I have discovered a few truths over time as I embarked on this new role and capacity. Here are a few insights I can share:
- Actions speak louder than words – whilst it may be sensitive to openly share our faith, our actions are seen and make the most impact.
- Be led by the Holy Spirit in all areas – He is continually guiding and directing our steps.
- Stay humble and Christ-centred – I was very humbled to work with pre-believers who demonstrated more compassion, empathy, and grace than I have.
- Never hide your faith, no pretension – It is openly known that I am a Pastor and Coach. Clients have respectfully appreciated the unique qualities I have to offer.
A distinctive aspect of a lay ministry such as The Lead Factor is the often unavoidable need to balance secular marketplace influences/factors/development/worldviews that may conflict with the Biblical worldview.
Did your identity as a Christian and as a continually credited speaker in churches shape a unique worldview from others/non-Christians in the marketplace? How does a Christian navigate this tightrope?
By the grace of God, I’ve not had to compromise my faith, beliefs, and principles. So in that sense, there wasn’t much of a tightrope for me to navigate.
I was pleasantly surprised that clients from different backgrounds can comfortably talk about faith. I share my story confidently and respectfully talk about my experiences.
Malaysians are wonderful people who recognize that our country has a heritage of living harmoniously among different races and religions. This is one of the strengths of our nation and it is something we need to cherish and uphold no matter our background.
What were some of the most memorable events during your years as a Christian working as a Corporate Executive Coach?
There are many. These are only a couple of them:
- July 2021 – Launched first youth coaching program and started the first project as an associate with Melbourne Business School.
- Feb 2022 – Started the first cohort to coach full-time students at Bible College of Malaysia. The relationships formed through collaboration have led to many more projects and opportunities to coach executives and students.
What would you say is/are the greatest reward(s) or lessons you have gained personally as a Christian marketplace mentor?
I remember this passage in Exodus:
Exodus 33:15-16 New International Version
Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”
As I stepped out by faith, I was clear and intentional that God’s presence has to be with me. This transition would not be possible or successful without God’s blessing and favour. He has proven that when He opens doors, no one can shut them. When He positions and establishes, everyone else can recognize the hand of God and His anointing.
As I seek first the Kingdom of God – I have not lacked, suffered, or felt abandoned. His grace is always sufficient for me. Each day is faced with all dependency on God’s leading and provision. As I obey and follow by faith, He continues to open opportunities and platforms for me to shine for His glory.
Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I could be a Pastor and Executive Coach – there are no limits with God. All that I have experienced has ONLY been possible because of the Lord’s plan and direction.
What are your opinions on the Christian’s perception of the marketplace today? Do Christians still consider the marketplace as being secular and separated from the church or is it more integrated nowadays?
How has the current perception affected, challenged, or elevated the role of Christians in marketplace positions?
It appears that many believers struggle not to compromise. The struggle is real and it’s possibly even more intense in the marketplace. I am not judging but empathize that it is a challenge and requires sacrifice but God has proven to me that His ways endure forever.
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. (1 John 2:16) The lure of worldly achievements i.e. finance, possessions, and titles can often impede believers from fully embracing and living out their faith. When you are in the marketplace, this lure is something we need to all the more be aware of and guard against.
Based on your personal experience, what advice would you give to Christians who are just embarking on starting a career in the marketplace, either through starting their very first own company or as entrepreneurs? What is the most vital quality they should have before embarking on this journey?
Consciously seek the Lord every step of the way. Let the Lord lead you, not go ahead of Him. Seek God’s perfect timing, not your own.
Don’t rush, commit decisions to the Lord and allow space for God to confirm and give you peace (through His body and the Word). Develop the habit of taking time to wait upon God before making a decision.
The Key Questions should always be: ‘What is God’s will and purpose in the journey?’‘Do my intentions line up with the Word of God?’ ‘Is there agreement in the body of Christ?’
About Rev Karen and The Lead Factor
Rev Karen Lau is an Executive Coach and Communicator with 20 years experience in empowering life growth through leadership, mentoring, and coaching. She is an Ordained Minister with the Assemblies of God and a Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. Her commitment and passion is to inspire individuals to live out their greatest potential. To find out more about executive coaching and youth coaching programs, do reach out to Rev Karen at karen@theleadfactor.co
All photos in the article were kindly contributed by Rev Karen and The Lead Factor. Christianity Malaysia would like to thank Rev Karen for her hospitality and her generosity in sharing her insights and perspectives throughout the production of this article.
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