The Balance of Faith, Family, and Professional Success

Behind the scenes of one of football's most prominent franchises, there was a remarkable woman whose faith-guided leadership helped shape the Green Bay Packers organization for over two decades. Jeanne Bruette served as executive assistant to three NFL general managers during an important time in Packers history. Her journey from stay-at-home mom to trusted NFL executive assistant demonstrates how maintaining strong values while pursuing professional excellence can lead to both personal fulfillment and organizational impact.

 

In this post, we'll explore how Jeanne's story provides valuable lessons for anyone seeking to juggle  their faith, family responsibilities, and career ambitions. Her experience shows that success doesn't require compromising your values - in fact, leading with your principles can become your greatest asset.

God is The Foundation for Decision-Making

One of the most striking aspects of Jeanne's career journey was her unwavering commitment to seeking God's guidance in every decision. When initially offered the position with the Packers, she didn't jump at the opportunity despite its prestige. Instead, she took time to pray with her husband and evaluate how the role would impact her ability to serve in their church's youth ministry. This led to a position that was tailored to her needs and let her maintain her values.

 

Jeanne’s faith-based perspective allowed her to see players not as celebrities or assets, but as people who needed support and encouragement. Genuine care for others, combined with her professional competence, earned her the trust of both management and players.

 

By maintaining her spiritual priorities, Jeanne discovered that her faith wasn't a hindrance to professional success - it was actually her greatest asset. It provided her with wisdom in handling confidential information, grace in dealing with intense fans, and discernment in supporting young players navigating the pressures of professional sports.

Family Values as a Professional Asset

Rather than viewing her experience as a mother and pastor's wife as irrelevant to corporate success, Jeanne used what she had learned in those experiences to excel in her professional position. Her years of managing a household and caring for children had developed crucial skills that proved invaluable in an NFL front office:

 

• Organizational abilities honed through family management
• Conflict resolution skills developed through parenting
• Multitasking capabilities strengthened by balancing family and church responsibilities
• Emotional intelligence cultivated through years of supporting others
• Crisis management experience gained through family life
• Ability to maintain confidentiality learned through church ministry

 

The maternal instincts she learned as a mother came in handy when mentoring young players and managing complex office dynamics. Her experience in creating order from chaos at home equipped her to organize and streamline front office operations.

 

She recognized that her family role wasn't a liability but a unique qualification that set her apart. This allowed her to bring authenticity and wisdom to her professional role while maintaining her identity as a wife and mother.

Embracing Different Seasons of Life

A crucial element of Jeanne's success was her understanding that life moves in seasons. She waited until her children were in school before pursuing part-time work, gradually building her skills through various positions that prepared her for the NFL opportunity. This allowed her to fully embrace each season of life without feeling rushed or guilty.

 

She focused on taking small steps forward while remaining open to God's timing. She began with part-time church office work, moved to managing a home inspection business, and eventually found her way to the Packers through a temporary staffing agency. Each position built upon the previous one, developing skills that would prove essential in her future role.

 

This also helped her maintain balance once she began working for the Packers. By negotiating hours that accommodated her family and ministry commitments, she demonstrated that it's possible to pursue professional excellence while honoring personal priorities.

The Work of Authentic Service

Leading with authentic service creates a professional impact. Rather than trying to fit into a traditional corporate mold, Jeanne brought her whole self to the role - including her faith, motherhood, and caring nature.

 

This authenticity manifested in practical ways, from reorganizing filing systems to implementing new computer processes. But it went beyond mere efficiency. She became known for her ability to handle difficult situations with grace, whether dealing with frustrated fans or supporting players through personal challenges. Her approach to player insurance administration, for instance, wasn't just about paperwork - it was an opportunity to show genuine care for young athletes and encourage their personal growth.

 

Professional advancement does not require becoming someone else. Instead, bringing your authentic self to work - including your faith and values - can become your greatest professional advantage.

Sharing the Message of Success

Jeanne Bruette's story can be a guide for anyone seeking to maintain their faith, family values, and professional ambitions. Her journey demonstrates that we don't have to compartmentalize our lives or compromise our values to achieve career success. Instead, by leading with faith, embracing our unique experiences, and serving others authentically, we can make a lasting impact in any environment.

 

If you know someone struggling to manage  their professional ambitions with their personal values, share this message with them. Whether they're a stay-at-home parent considering returning to work, a professional questioning if their faith belongs in the workplace, or someone seeking to make a bigger impact while staying true to themselves, Jeanne's story offers hope and insight.

 

Your personal values and life experiences aren't obstacles to overcome - they're unique qualifications that can set you apart in your professional journey. By embracing these authentic parts of yourself and leading with service to others, you too can find success without sacrificing what matters most.

 

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