5 Values Every Christian Leader Needs to Survive the Next Economic Shift
The Foundation of a Leader
Cynthia Kay is the founder of CK and CO, an award-winning media production company, and Cynthia Kay Biz, LLC, a communication consulting firm. She is an author, speaker, and expert in small business leadership. She has served organizations from Fortune Global 100 companies and small businesses to associations and nonprofits. In 2025, she was included in Marquis Who's Who for expertise in Media and Communications. She is the Past Board Chair of the National Small Business Association (NSBA) and has been inducted into the American Academy of Entrepreneurs. She serves as an Entrepreneur Emeritus for the Edward Lowe Foundation.
Behind these accolades is a woman deeply rooted in her Orthodox Christian faith. Cynthia’s leadership is not just about boardrooms; it is about the "religion of love" she was raised in. She views her career as a stewardship of God-given talents, believing that every success is a blessing from Him and every challenge is a tool to make us stronger.
From the Pink Slip to the Promise
Cynthia’s path to business ownership began with a moment of deep uncertainty—losing her job in broadcasting. While being fired can feel like a failure, Cynthia saw it as a divine nudge to exit her comfort zone. She took the leap into entrepreneurship 39 years ago, driven by the American dream and a desire to control her own destiny.
This transition wasn't just about survival; it was about creation. She used the power of "pivot" to transform a setback into an adventure that has lasted nearly four decades. Her story serves as a reminder that when one door closes, the Lord often provides the power to build a new house.
Leading with the Fruits of the Spirit
In a world that often prioritizes the bottom line, Cynthia’s leadership style is refreshingly Christ-centric. She hires based on integrity, seeking "good people" who share values of honesty and ethics. To her, business is a way to live out the "Fruits of the Spirit"—patience, kindness, and faithfulness—in a professional setting.
Cynthia believes that a business owner has the unique opportunity to create a "work family" environment. Her leadership is defined by the "multiplier effect": by helping one person reach their potential, you elevate their family, their community, and the generations to follow.
The Art of Surrender in Business
One of the most emotional highlights of Cynthia’s journey is her role as a church choir director. She draws a direct parallel between liturgical music and the way she runs her firms. She lives by a specific hymn: "Lay aside all earthly cares so that we may receive the King of all".
This philosophy allows her to navigate the "roller coaster" of business—three economic downturns and a global pandemic—with a peace that surpasses understanding. She acknowledges that while we work hard to develop our skills, it is ultimately God who controls the outcomes. She bets on herself because she knows Who is standing behind her.
Legacy and the Next Adventure
As Cynthia enters her 40th year of business, her focus has shifted toward legacy and sharing the wisdom she has gathered. She views the sharing of knowledge as a spiritual obligation, believing that "the more I give it away, the more that comes back".
Whether she is mentoring young entrepreneurs or writing her next book on exit strategies, Cynthia is proof that retirement isn't about stopping—it's about moving toward your next God-given passion. Her life stands as a testament that when you anchor your hope in Christ, your work becomes a lifelong song of praise.
Written by Jovilyn Dela Cruz
“We sing a song every Sunday and part of the song says: ‘Lay aside all earthly cares so that we may receive the King of all.’ If you just take that one line... it tells us—and I’m guilty of it—we get so wound up in what we’re doing and we forget that as much as we think we control things, it’s God that controls things.”
