Transformation from the Periphery: A Biblical Coaching Model for Women Leadership Development

December 3, 2025

Transformation from the Periphery: A Biblical Coaching Model for Women Leadership Development

LaShaunda S. Calahan | 2024

Abstract

Gender-based inequities experienced in the workplace inhibit opportunities for women in leadership and diminish the effectiveness and efficiency of teamwork. The contemporary organizational structure requires redesigning practices and unlearning androcentric patriarchial behaviors to dismantle glass structures, false wins, and biased performance reviews. Using socio-rhetorical analysis (SRA), Transformation from the Periphery explored the theophanies of Hagar (Gen. 16: 7-16) and the Samaritan woman (Jn. 4:1-42) and extracted nine leadership principles. Scripture provided a profound vehicle to engage the question: Did God intend for a woman’s identity to be sculpted from the shadows of subordination? Transformation from the Periphery examined biblical and contemporary patriarchy’s part in the social construct of a woman’s role in organizational life. The manuscript discussed Eve as the ēzer (helper) to Adam, considered the ubiquitous culture of think manager-think male, and used examples of modern women to understand God’s intention for female leadership in secular organizations.

Helping women achieve their fullest potential as leaders in secular careers was the motivation behind the manuscripts’ research. Using biblical references in coaching requires the coach to study and understand God’s intention for the Word to reach sustainable transformation for the coach and coachee. The manuscript introduced the I AM Women Leadership Development coaching framework. I AM was developed from the knowledge gained through exegetical analysis of the voices of Hagar and the Samaritan woman. I AM has three biblical pillars (I dentity, A llyship, and M entoring) guiding women in leadership to navigate the nuanced andro-centric barriers within the gender construct of sexism and double binds through focused and intentional small-wins.

Keywords: Hagar, Samaritan Woman, socio-rhetorical analysis, second-generation gender bias, identity, transformative learning

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