Leading with Confident Purpose
“Lift up your hands to heaven to draw down God’s blessings on those you are guiding.” - St. John Baptiste de La Salle
The women leaders at Christian Brothers Services (CBS) strive to live their Catholic values every day while empowering others, inspiring confidence and demonstrating compassion.
Christian Brothers Services provides comprehensive solutions to the business challenges of Catholic organizations. They create health benefits packages and retirement plans, and consult on other services designed to support long-term success. With deep roots in the Lasallian network supporting schools, colleges and social services, the work of CBS continues St. John Baptiste de La Salle’s vision to provide Catholic education.
We spoke with three members of the team at CBS regarding their approaches to thriving as Catholic Women in Business. (Responses have been edited for clarity and space.)
Terry Arya, Chief Marketing Officer, has nearly 30 years of experience in marketing and business development. She directs a dynamic team supporting the CBS mission and strategic goals. She has received multiple awards for media campaigns, event planning and community programs and serves on several advisory boards.
Kelly Murphy, Managing Director for Consulting Solutions, plays a pivotal role in the newest CBS division. She guides clients through long-term planning, reconfiguration and sustainability initiatives. She has been an integral part of Brenner, McDonagh and Tortolani since 1991 and she serves clients worldwide.
Buffy Blanton, Managing Director for Human Resources, has been with CBS since 1992. Her rise is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and deep understanding of the organization’s values and goals. She leads with a focus on fostering a positive work culture and supporting the mission of CBS.
What does “working” mean to you spiritually and personally – so that you can thrive as a Catholic woman in business?
Terry Arya: For me, working is a vocation—a way to live out my faith through service, leadership, and stewardship. It’s about showing up with integrity, compassion, and purpose, and doing my best with the gifts I’ve been given. For example, when I led communications during a period of change at CBS, I learned that leadership is often about being a steady, trusted presence—offering clarity and empathy when it’s needed most. Thriving as a Catholic woman in business means living my values every day, whether I’m at the boardroom table or the dinner table. Gallup research shows that people who find purpose in their work are five times more likely to stay engaged and committed, which makes all the difference.
Kelly Murphy: To me, “working” spiritually means using my gifts and talents in service to God and others, aligning my actions with my faith and values. Personally, it’s about finding purpose and fulfillment in what I do while maintaining balance, integrity, and compassion. As a Catholic woman in business, thriving means leading with humility, fostering community, and allowing my faith to guide both my decisions and the way I treat others.
Buffy Blanton: Working is a way to live out my faith by using my talents in service to others. It’s not a burden when there’s a strong connection to the mission or purpose, especially when the work positively impacts lives both here in the U.S. and abroad. Spiritually and personally, I thrive when my work reflects purpose, connection, compassion, and meaningful contribution.
2. How do you build confidence in yourself and in other women?
T.A.: For me, confidence comes by staying mission-focused, trusting my team, and remembering who we serve. One example is when I was leading the launch of CBS’ new website. Every decision carried weight, and not every detail was perfect, but I trusted the team, the process, and the vision. That sense of shared purpose bolstered confidence for everyone involved in the project. For others, I aim to be a leader who empowers by offering honest feedback, real encouragement, and space to grow. Women who feel supported by their managers are more likely to be confident in their ability to advance. I consider empowerment a leadership responsibility.
K.M.: Everyone has unique talents. It’s important to celebrate accomplishments and learn from mistakes while avoiding competition and comparison. When you foster a spirit of collaboration, confidence is contagious.
B.B.: I try to build confidence by encouraging others to recognize their own unique strengths in good times as well as bad times. Everyone has their own special gifts and talents that they bring to the table.
4. How do you integrate your Catholic faith into your leadership and decision-making?
T.A.: My Catholic faith—and especially the Lasallian tradition—shapes everything I do as a leader. I am guided by the dignity of each person, the spirit of faith and zeal, and the responsibility to serve the common good. Before making a decision, I ask: “Is it just?” “Does it build trust and community?” “Will it serve others well?” When leading the rebrand at CBS, it wasn’t just about updating our image. It was also about reflecting who we are as a ministry rooted in mission. For me, faith means leading with empathy, clarity, and purpose. This has an impact. According to a Deloitte study, 73% of employees who say they work for a purpose-driven company are engaged, compared to just 23% at non-purpose-driven companies. Faith-based leadership makes a real difference.
K.M.: I integrate my faith into leadership and decision-making by striving to lead with integrity, compassion, and understanding.
B.B.: I integrate my faith and leadership with a strong commitment to serving others with integrity and compassion. We all have an internal moral compass, and when it's guided by our faith, it becomes a powerful foundation for ethical decision-making.
4. There is a quote, “Leadership is always a moral work. Leaders of teams and organizations hold the lives of people in their hands.” As a Catholic businesswoman, do you find this to be true? Or unfairly expected?
T.A.: Leadership isn’t just about managing tasks—it’s about impacting lives. Our rebranding work was about more than a logo or tagline. It was about honoring the members/clients and mission behind the brand. That responsibility demands moral clarity and compassion. As a Catholic, I see leadership as a calling to lead with heart and integrity. Employees are more likely to be engaged under quality leadership.
K.M.: This is very true. We have the opportunity to make a difference while staying true to our faith, always doing what is right. If we do what is righteous, good will always prevail.
B.B.: I believe leading others requires a strong ethical foundation and a commitment to doing what is right, even when it's difficult. Holding the well-being of others in our hands is a great responsibility and one that should be approached with thoughtfulness and extreme care.
5. What advice do you have for Catholic women just starting their careers?
T.A.: Stay rooted in your faith and values which are your greatest compass. When I started at CBS, I embraced opportunities to lead cross-departmental teams, which pushed me to grow and collaborate in new ways. Don’t be afraid to get involved and speak up, even when it’s uncomfortable. Also, build a solid network of mentors and friends who both support and challenge you.
K.M.: Be a good listener. Stay grounded in your faith and let it guide your decisions and interactions. Seek others who share your values.
B.B.: My advice would be to seek purpose in your work; it will help keep you grounded and engaged in what you do. Embrace adaptability as a valuable strength that will guide you through challenges and help you thrive in a variety of situations.
6. If you could go back in time, what would you have done differently while pursuing your career?
T.A.: I wouldn’t necessarily do anything differently, but I can look back and see that the times I grew the most were the moments I stepped into the unknown, took a risk, or spoke up. Growth and confidence are rarely found in comfort; they’re earned in the stretch. Adaptability and eagerness to learn matter just as much as technical know-how. That’s what really helps you move forward.
K.M.: I would have slowed my pace down, enjoyed more of my surroundings and taken valuable time off. Life goes by so fast; it is just as important to enjoy life. Work should be our strategic partner not our driver!
B.B.: I believe our paths unfold for a reason. Even if they aren't the most direct, they are uniquely ours. It’s important to stay curious and ask plenty of questions, especially when it comes to career advice and learning from others' experiences.
7. How do you support your team members, particularly your female team members?
T.A.: I mentor, listen, and share my own stories to help people feel empowered. When people feel heard, they’re more likely to do their best work. By normalizing challenges through my own experiences, I aim to help team members recognize their potential—at times, even before they fully see it themselves.
K.M.: To be sure we are always there for each other, supporting each other no matter good or bad. Ensuring everyone is heard, valued and given an equal chance to participate and engage.
B.B.: A great deal of life unfolds during the workday and throughout a person’s career. I strive to support each individual right where they are—whether they're navigating parenting, caring for aging parents, managing financial challenges, or facing any of the many life events that come their way. Support may look different in each situation, but ultimately, showing genuine care for someone’s well-being is what truly makes a difference.
Sharon Bengel, Managing Editor for Catholic Women in Business, is a cradle Catholic with more than 30 years of experience in writing, communications and publication design. A recovering newspaper reporter with a crush on the prophet Jeremiah, Sharon loves discovering new things about the scriptures. She runs an LLC out of her home office in southwest Ohio where she keeps a stash of chocolate for her grandkids.