For Such a Time as This: What EstherTaught Me About Faith at Work
By Marie-Ange Eyoum Tagne
If you have ever read the book of Esther, you know it is a story of divine positioning. Esther was a young Jewish orphan living in exile in Persia, raised by her cousin Mordecai. She became queen not through noble birth or ambition, but through God's orchestration.
At first, palace life shielded her from the struggles of her people. Then a decree was issued to annihilate them, and Esther faced a choice. Mordecai sent her the message that would shape her destiny: "And who knows? Perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14).
Esther was not in the palace by accident. Every experience had prepared her for that moment. She could have stayed silent and safe. Instead she chose courage over comfort. She fasted, sought God, and approached the king uninvited, an act that could have cost her life. Her faith and strategic wisdom delivered her people.
I have reflected on her story for over twenty years, from my childhood in Cameroon, raised by a single mom, to my years leading product teams in Silicon Valley. It has taught me this: your position is not an accident either. The office you sit in, the team you lead, the technology you build. God placed you there on purpose, for a purpose.
Esther's journey shaped what I now call the PURPOSE framework, the principles I teach leaders around the world. Preparation, because Esther readied herself before approaching the king. Unwavering faith, because she trusted God through uncertainty. Resilience, because fear did not stop her. Purpose driven action, because every step aligned with her calling. Others focused leadership, because she used her influence to lift her people. Steadfast courage, because her boldness was strategic, not reckless. And excellence, because she carried herself with grace and wisdom.
Whether you write code, close deals, or lead an organization, you were placed in your role for such a time as this. Your work is your palace. The question is whether you will step up when the moment comes.
Your next step: I share my full journey, and the PURPOSE framework in depth, in my memoir For Such a Time as This: From Humble Roots in Africa to Silicon Valley Leadership. Feel free to order your copy at www.forsuchatimebook.com if you want to learn more. And if this message would encourage your team, church, or conference, I would love to speak with your community.
Marie-Ange is a product executive, author, and speaker with more than 20 years of experience leading product strategy and innovation at companies including Meta, Amazon, Roku, Yahoo, and Intel. She is passionate about helping leaders navigate the intersection of technology, purpose, and human flourishing, with a particular focus on responsible AI, leadership, and innovation. Marie-Ange serves on the Advisory Council of Faith, Work & Tech, where she contributes to conversations around faith, work, technology, and the future of leadership. She is also the author of For Such a Time as This: From Humble Roots in Africa to Silicon Valley Leadership.
