Some leaders motivate through pressure. Others lead by lifting people.

Dr. Tena Wooldridge does both—faithfully, effectively, and with deep commitment to her people.

In this episode of The Faithful Leader, Dr. Megan Weinkauf sits down with a leader she greatly admires: Dr. Tena Wooldridge, Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Marketing at Northeastern State University. This conversation is filled with encouragement, trust-building, and real-world leadership insight that helps leaders move forward and get meaningful work done.

Dr. Wooldridge brings more than two decades of leadership experience across industry and higher education. She spent 10 years in the private sector working with multinational manufacturers and international nonprofit organizations, focusing on marketing strategy, profitability, and product development. Over the past decade, she has led within national retail and restaurant organizations, with responsibilities spanning consumer research, product development, procurement and supply chain, training, strategy, and financial performance.

Now serving in higher education leadership, Dr. Wooldridge bridges real-world business experience with academic development, leading with clarity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the people she serves. In this episode, she shares what it truly looks like to be there for your people—especially in complex, high-pressure environments—while still moving work forward. She also reflects on what it means to hire people smarter than yourself, lead without panic, empower others to step forward, and remain faithful to people—not just outcomes or titles.

This conversation is for leaders who want to encourage rather than control, build trust without losing momentum, and lead in ways that energize teams rather than burn them out.

If you’re looking for leadership that lifts, motivates, and helps you navigate real-life pressure with purpose, this episode will leave you encouraged and ready to keep going.

The Faithful Leader Podcast™

Unfiltered Stories of Courage & Impact

Connect With Us