Is it possible to lead with love in the workplace without compromising standards?

In this episode, Natalie sits down with Colleen Rouse to unpack the leadership principle behind the phrase “Cheaper to Keep Her.” Together, they explore how leading with love doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations—it means showing up with empathy, clarity, and intention. Colleen breaks down the myth of the sacred/secular divide, encouraging leaders to integrate their faith into every aspect of leadership.

[00:01 - 05:17] Breaking the Divide

- The significance of merging personal faith and professional leadership

- Why workplace roles carry divine purpose

- The importance of recognizing all work as sacred

[05:17 - 10:27] The Law That Governs It All

- How love changes your tone, decisions, and expectations

- The need for leaders to set a higher standard

- Why honoring people isn’t conditional on performance

[10:28 - 15:53] Potential vs. Performance

- How to believe in someone beyond their resume

- Why love reveals hidden potential

- The importance of seeing people’s purpose beyond output

[15:54 - 21:06] Grace, Boundaries, and Hard Conversations

- How to navigate repeated underperformance

- The biblical model of long-suffering and leadership

- Why boundaries are an extension of love

[21:07 - 26:19] The Cost of Giving Up Too Soon

- Real financial cost of firing versus investing

- How to discern between a teachable moment and a final warning

- Why how someone exits matters just as much as how they entered

Quotes:

“Nobody can take from you what you are giving by choice.” - Colleen Rouse

“We are not the ones who own the field. We are the gardeners.” - Colleen Rouse

Connect with Colleen:

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenrouse

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwrouse/?hl=en

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

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