Five Bible Characters Who Would Make Great CEOs (And why)
I’ve read a lot of leadership books in my life, but some of the best leadership lessons I’ve learned didn’t come from a business guru or a management seminar—they came straight from the pages of the Bible.
Now, before you picture a dusty old book with stories that don’t connect to boardrooms or startups, hear me out. The people in these stories faced real challenges: impossible deadlines, hostile competition, scarce resources, and teams that didn’t always get along. In other words, they were running the ancient-world equivalent of high-pressure organizations.
If they were alive today, I’m convinced five of them could run Fortune 500 companies with style. Let me introduce you to my dream CEO lineup—and why I’d gladly work for each of them. These lessons come straight from my own experience with my book Leading with Faith, a book that deeply explores the connection between timeless leadership principles and faith-based values. It’s helped me see how these biblical leaders embody qualities that are just as relevant to today’s leadership challenges.
- Nehemiah – The Master Project Manager
When I think of Nehemiah, I picture the ultimate “get it done” leader. He saw the walls of Jerusalem lying in ruins, and instead of shrugging it off, he prayed, made a plan, and pitched his idea to the king. Imagine walking into your boss’s office to request funding, time off, and political backing for a massive rebuilding project—and getting it all approved.
If Nehemiah were a CEO today, I’d want to be on his team. He’d walk the floor, talk to people directly, and make sure everyone understood not just what we were building, but why. He broke big goals into clear steps, handled opposition with grit, and kept morale high.
Leading with Faith shares how Nehemiah’s clear vision, persistence, and ability to unite people were central to his success. Nehemiah didn’t just lead the project—he led the people.
What I’d take from him: Vision means nothing unless you can rally people to believe in it—and Nehemiah knew how to do just that.
- Joseph – The Long-Game Strategist
Joseph’s career path was a roller coaster: betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, thrown in prison, and then promoted to second-in-command over all Egypt. How? By staying faithful, sharpening his skills, and thinking several steps ahead.
When Pharaoh had troubling dreams, Joseph not only interpreted them but also delivered a solid 14-year business plan. Seven years of abundance? He stored grain. Seven years of famine? He distributed it wisely and saved nations from collapse.
If Joseph were running a company, I bet he’d spot market changes before they happened and have a contingency plan ready.
Leading with Faith emphasizes Joseph’s ability to make long-term plans while being faithful in the present. He stayed prepared for the unexpected, which is a trait every CEO needs.
What I’d take from him: Don’t waste your waiting seasons. Prepare now so you can lead well when opportunity comes.
- Deborah – The Visionary Who Inspires Action
Deborah didn’t just sit under a palm tree giving wise advice—though she did that too. When Israel was under oppression, she called Barak to lead an army, promised victory, and then joined him on the battlefield.
If Deborah were a CEO today, she wouldn’t hide behind the glass walls of a corner office. She’d be in the trenches with her team when the stakes were high. She’d call people into leadership, give them the tools to succeed, and then stand right beside them when the pressure hit.
The book also highlights how Deborah combined strategy with bold action. She wasn’t afraid to step into difficult situations, knowing that true leadership often requires stepping forward when others hesitate.
What I’d take from her: Great leaders don’t just delegate—they show up when it matters most.
- Moses – The Reluctant Leader Who Grew into the Role
I relate to Moses more than I’d like to admit. When God first called him, he said, “I’m not your guy. I can’t even speak well.” But Moses stepped into leadership anyway and grew into a guide who could keep millions moving toward a promised future.
He navigated constant complaints, major crises, and endless detours, but he never stopped leading. He learned to seek wisdom, share responsibility, and keep hope alive even when the goal seemed far away.
If Moses were a CEO today, he’d be the one who listens deeply, builds trust over time, and keeps the mission front and center no matter how rough the journey gets.
In Leading with Faith, I touch on how Moses was a reluctant leader who eventually became one of the greatest because of his ability to listen, delegate, and make tough calls under pressure.
What I’d take from him: You don’t have to feel ready to lead—you have to be willing to grow.
- Jesus – The Servant Leader Who Transformed the World
No one redefined leadership like Jesus did. Instead of building a power structure for Himself, He built people. He washed His disciples’ feet. He invested in their growth. And He sent them out to lead others.
If Jesus were a CEO today, He wouldn’t measure success by how much authority He held, but by how many leaders He developed. His boardroom would be a place of collaboration, not intimidation. And His team? Loyal, passionate, and driven by a mission bigger than any one person.
In Leading with Faith, My goal is to reflect on how Jesus’ approach to leadership wasn’t about power—it was about service. Jesus believed in empowering others to lead, not holding everything for Himself.
What I’d take from Him: The highest form of leadership is using your influence to lift others higher.
Why I’d Hire All Five Tomorrow
Different as they were, Nehemiah, Joseph, Deborah, Moses, and Jesus shared the same core strengths:
- Clear vision that inspired others.
- Integrity that built trust.
- Courage to face resistance.
- Humility that puts people first.
- Faith that anchored their decisions.
In today’s world—whether you’re running a startup, a nonprofit, or a global company—those traits are more valuable than any fancy degree or shiny office.
When I face a leadership challenge, I sometimes catch myself thinking, How would Nehemiah rebuild this? How would Joseph plan for this? How would Deborah rally the team? How would Moses persevere? How would Jesus serve here?
And honestly? That mindset has saved me from making short-sighted decisions more times than I can count.
Leadership today might involve quarterly reports instead of ancient walls or wandering in the desert, but the principles are the same. Build trust—Cast vision. Serve people. Stay grounded in something bigger than yourself.
If these five could lead nations, armies, and movements in their day, I have no doubt they’d lead world-class organizations now. And maybe, just maybe, the best way forward for us modern leaders is to take a few notes from their playbooks.
