We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Angela Butts Chester a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Angela, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents did more than raise me—they poured powerful values into the foundation of who I am today. My father instilled in me an unwavering belief in myself, teaching me that confidence is my birthright. He showed me the importance of honoring others and contributing positively to the community, while also reminding me always to uplift those around me. Legacy is not just built, it’s passed down.

My mother, on the other hand, taught me the strength of tenacity. She embodied grace and grit, with a deep love for both God and country. Her wisdom? Being a woman and being a lady are two distinct roles, and I should always honor the lady within by carrying myself with elegance and strength.

Together, their lives were the perfect blueprint. They lived what they taught, and in doing so, they equipped me with the tools to navigate this world with purpose and integrity.

Dr. Angela, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

From a young age, I knew I was meant to serve and inspire others. At just 15 or 16, I had a life-changing conversation with my pastor, Dr. Brian Blount. I shared my love for helping people and my desire to deliver sermons. He told me I sounded like a Pastoral Counselor—and that planted the seed. From that moment, I followed the path he illuminated for me, and the rest, as they say, is history.

With an entrepreneurial spirit, I always knew that owning my practice was part of my journey. But I was determined to do it debt-free. I worked for several amazing organizations, building up both my experience and savings until I could open my practice without loans or limitations.

Today, I offer a blend of services designed to uplift and empower women. My work is rooted in faith, and I serve as a Pastoral Counselor, international women’s speaker, radio and television host, and founder of both a magazine and a podcast. My services focus on Women + Wellness + Faith. Through pastoral counseling, I provide a sanctuary for people navigating life while seeking faith-driven guidance. My radio and TV shows highlight authors, community leaders, and ministry figures to encourage a faith-based audience. The magazine and podcast shine a light on the entrepreneurial spirit, guiding women who are balancing business, leadership, and faith. Whether you’re leading a corporation or your household, scripture teaches us that empathic leadership and honoring others is key.

What am I most proud of? I’m proud of always trusting my instincts and being authentically myself. In a world that often sidelines women, I stand firm, using my voice to contribute to the empowerment and upliftment of others.

I am incredibly proud to be included in the Marquis Who’s Who Class of 2023. This prestigious organization has celebrated legacy builders for over 120 years, and being recognized among such esteemed individuals is truly an honor. It’s a testament to the impact of my work and my commitment to empowering others, and it inspires me to continue striving for excellence in everything I do.

For anyone seeking a platform that is faith-centered, holistic, and focused on inspiring women, my work speaks to that vision.

Daily Spark with Dr. Angela (Radio)
Join Dr. Angela as she enlightens, inspires, and empowers you to be your best self.” The ls the fuel that passions on Daily Spark with Dr. Angela. This uplifting radio show explores faith, wellness, and empowerment, featuring inspiring guests and transformative conversations designed to spark positive change in your life. Radio is broadcast on WDJY 99.1 FM in the Atlanta Metro area, and on KMET 1490 AM + 98.1 FM, an ABC News Radio affiliate in Palm Springs/Riverside + Los Angeles Counties. The show also streams on platforms such as Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, iTunes, and SoundCloud.

DAILY SPARK TV
Daily Spark TV dives into engaging discussions that blend faith, personal growth, and wellness. Dr. Angela brings you insightful interviews with ministry leaders, authors, and inspiring figures who share their journeys to uplift and empower you. Daily Spark TV airs on local channels in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Upstate New York, and Atlanta, and is available online via Roku, Vimeo, Glorystar, and on app via Preach The Word Worldwide Network.

PASSIONEER Magazine
At PASSIONEER Magazine, Dr. Angela curates a vibrant space for entrepreneurial women seeking inspiration, guidance, and community. This magazine highlights stories of resilience, success, and the intersection of wellness and business, providing valuable resources to empower women in their journeys. The motto is: Bold Ideas. Brave Pursuits. Boundless Inspiration. Available in both print and download formats.

PASSIONEER Magazine The Podcast
Tune into PASSIONEER Magazine The Podcast, where Dr. Angela connects with CEOs, ministry leaders, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business, career, and personal growth. Each episode is filled with tips and encouragement for those ready to lead with purpose and faith. Available on Spotify and where you stream your podcasts. The vodcast is available on YouTube at bit.ly/PASSIONEERMagazineVodcast

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Absolutely! I wouldn’t change a thing. I genuinely love what I do. The path to where I am today has required time, patience, and perseverance, but every moment and lesson learned has been invaluable. Each step has shaped me and deepened my passion for serving others. I truly believe I’m in the right profession, and I’m excited to continue this journey of empowerment and growth.

Any advice for managing a team?

I love this question! It’s so important to spend time thinking about this as leaders.

The key to managing a team and maintaining high morale is being an empathic leader. Being mindful of those around you is key. Three crucial aspects of empathic leadership:
• Active Listening: Take the time to truly listen to team members’ concerns, ideas, and feedback. When team members/employees feel heard, they are more likely to engage fully and contribute to the team’s success.
• Emotional Support: Demonstrating genuine care for the well-being of your team creates a supportive atmosphere. When leaders acknowledge personal challenges and offer assistance, it strengthens relationships resulting in a more motivated team.
• Inclusive Decision-Making: Involving team members in decisions that affect their work empowers them and encourages a sense of ownership. This collaborative approach not
only boosts morale but also enhances creativity and innovation, as diverse perspectives are valued. I wish someone had considered this when I was an employee.

Empathic leadership is crucial because it cultivates a positive work culture where employees feel valued and supported. When team members are appreciated for their connection to their work and each other, it leads to increased productivity, lower turnover, and a more vibrant workplace overall. But it doesn’t stop there. To keep the morale high I’ve found the following to be helpful:

• Recognize and Celebrate Achievements: Regularly acknowledge both individual and team accomplishments, no matter how small. Celebrations can boost morale and motivate team members to strive for excellence.
• Foster Open Communication: Create channels for transparent communication where team members can share ideas, ask questions, and voice concerns without fear of judgment. This builds trust and enhances collaboration.
• Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance by respecting personal time and being flexible with work arrangements. When employees feel balanced, they are more likely to remain engaged and productive.
• Build a Strong Team Culture: Organize team-building activities to strengthen relationships and camaraderie among team members. A cohesive team that enjoys working together naturally fosters a positive environment.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate the values you want to see in your team. Show empathy, integrity, and resilience in your actions, as this sets the tone for the entire team.

One more thing! Let’s not forget the importance of teaching the next generation. Too often, we assume that those around us already know what we know, but that’s not always the case. Young adults are still in the process of learning and growing in their lives and careers. Take the extra time to share your wisdom, explain the ‘why’ behind what you do, and provide them with the knowledge they need. We can’t take it with us, so let’s ensure the next generation inherits it, nurtures it, and continues to grow it! In doing so, when they step into leadership, the cycle of wisdom and knowledge will continue.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drangelachester.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drangelachester
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAngelaChester
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drangelachester
• Twitter: https://x.com/DrAngelaChester
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drangelachester
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kmet-1490-am/sets/daily-spark-with-dr-angela