Phyllis Hendry Halverson has served in leadership positions in business, nonprofits, and ministry. She is the co-author of Lead Like Jesus Revisited and its curriculum study guides along with Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges. Phyllis served for almost nineteen years as the inaugural President and CEO of Lead Like Jesus, a global leadership ministry. Under her visionary leadership, the organization grew exponentially since its founding in 1999, equipping and empowering literally tens of thousands of adults and students throughout the United States and around the world to lead as Jesus led. The Lead Like Jesus Board of Directors has esteemed Phyllis with the title of President Emeritus as a lifetime honorary position. Phyllis will continue as an ambassador for Lead Like Jesus everywhere she goes around the globe.
Phyllis regularly travels across the U.S. and around the world to deliver the hope-filled, love inspired, story laden, and deeply personal messages that pour straight from her heart. She has been featured as a keynote speaker for crowds of 5,000-plus – often simulcast to thousands more – sharing the stage with such well-known orators as Ken Blanchard, John Ortberg, Rosey Grier, Erwin McManus, Henry Cloud, Patrick Lencioni, Henry Blackaby and more. Firmly believing “there are no unimportant conversations,” Phyllis also finds great joy communicating in more intimate settings, such as small groups, retreats and one-on-one encounters.
The desire of Phyllis’ heart is to lead individuals into a deeper relationship with Jesus and others, so their lives and the lives they influence will be transformed. Phyllis is a trusted advisor to help others move from where they are to where they could go through the transformative message and power of Jesus.
Phyllis is now working with her husband, Chris Halverson, in Washington, DC with national and international leaders to equip and encourage them to be leaders who are led by God through the life, teachings, and practices of Jesus. Phyllis and Chris have built trusted relationships and are invited into private conversations about faith with very public people. In addition, Phyllis is an assistant professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University where she teaches each summer an intensive course on leadership with Jesus as the model.
She enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, long walks on the beach and dark chocolate.
