Doing the Hard Things: Living Out Faith Through Leadership at Work with Jessie Hjelle

What does it look like to live out your faith at work when conflict arises, accountability is required, and decisions aren’t easy?In this episode of the Faith@Work Podcast, host Kelsi Timm sits down with Jessie Hjelle, Director of Human Resources at Alexandria Public Schools, to explore what it means to lead with clarity, courage, and care.Drawing from her experience in both corporate HR and public education, Jessie shares insight on:Engaging conflict without avoiding itPracticing accountability with compassionEmpowering others through trust and clear expectationsDoing the hard thing when it’s the right thingThis conversation reminds us that faith at work isn’t just about what we believe — it’s revealed in how we lead, how we communicate, and how we serve others in moments that require integrity.If you’re navigating leadership, managing people, or preparing for a difficult conversation, this episode will equip and encourage you.Correction: During the conversation, Kelsi referenced Matthew 6 when discussing biblical guidance for handling conflict. The correct passage is Matthew 18, which outlines Jesus’ instruction for addressing conflict directly and relationally.