Also see:
Letter from Karen and Mike, and
Designed Diversity's Vision Statement.

How Designed Diversity was born:

June 2000 – Began work with Type Resources, one of only seven companies in North America licensed to qualify people to administer MBTI® (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). Working as a marketing director, I was trained and had instant application opportunities to teach and live out this new understanding. In this position I also did a great deal of event planning

Fall 2001 - While at a youth mission trip presentation, God spoke to my heart calling me to serve Him in ministry. At that time, I felt a deep need to network people together to meet needs and/or toward a common goal. I didn’t have a full picture of specifics yet, but time and growth would provide answers.

January 2002 – While attending Boyce Bible College at Southern Seminary, I enrolled in a J-term preaching class. The Lord led me to preach on our giftedness in Him. This sermon outline became the basics of what I use in Session One of my current retreat /study schedule. During my research for the sermon, I happened to learn that MBTI® was based on scripture (Romans 12:4-8), and the wheels started to turn.

Summer 2002 – began work with KBC, gaining even more practical event planning/execution experience.

June 2003 – Lunch with Shelly Johns of KBC, a post Senior Celebration outing. During lunch Shelly challenged me to express my passion for ministry. I shared my thoughts with her about linking MBTI® and spiritual gifts, but expressed my limitation with purchasing MBTI® materials since I had yet to receive my degree. She asked me to prayerfully consider leading a breakout session for the women’s track of the state evangelism conference in February 2004. I was astonished, but promised to pray.

Summer 2003 – Within a few weeks had several conversations with leaders in the Young Adult Ministry at Westport Road Baptist Church (my home church) about “giftedness” and utilizing my background to aid the group. I was challenged by Tim Liechty to consider developing a study of sorts for use with our group or the church at large. God began forming these ideas into a workable plan.

Also had a call from the regional rep for CPP (company who owns MBTI® rights) – we had known one another through Type Resources, but he was calling for my boss at KBC, Karl Babb. He asked why I wasn’t consulting, and upon learning of my materials/degree issue, suggested I try for an educational waiver due to my experience. I sent in a email to him, but didn’t receive a reply.

During this time, our Young Adult Ministry at Westport was looking ahead to a fall retreat. I agreed to lead this with a focus on “Unwrapping your gifts”. This was set up for Nov 1 st.

Mid-October 2003 – Ralph from CPP called me stating he was coming into Louisville the following day and wanted to meet with me. Upon our meeting, he asked me what I would do if/when I received a waiver to purchase/utilize MBTI® materials. After our meeting, I sent in a proposal. My hope was to be able to conduct some training very part time on the side of my KBC position.

October 27, 2003 – My position was eliminated due to KBC re-organization. That same day, God spoke to my heart asking me to wait 2 weeks before pursuing any other job leads.

November 8, 2003 (2 days shy of 2 weeks later) - Received an email from Ralph at CPP stating that I now had an account with CPP with full rights to purchase, utilize and administer MBTI® and encouraged to begin a consulting business.

November 10, 2003 – Was led to name the ministry/company Designed Diversity during my quiet time that evening.