Lauren Pinkston is a breath of fresh air who might be the first female and independent governor in Tennessee.

Tackling challenges is nothing new. She has worked for the Freedom Business Alliance, an organization that works to end global human trafficking through economic empowerment.

Holding the values of family, community, and accountability dear, she is mindful of the price of democracy and its fragility.

“We have forgotten that being a politician is not the same as being a public servant. We have really lost control of our government and its processes because we have allowed people to function as politicians rather than as public servants. The American dream is only as good as the people who hold it accountable.”

After an abrasive encounter with a representative, Pinkston thought to herself that she could lead a lot better than that. Moreover, people deserve better leadership. Her perspective on effective leadership is to be open to listening, seeking solutions, and taking a firm stance on matters.

Her rural Tennessee upbringing may have motivated her to put in ten times as much effort to win the governorship. Including building a “well-organized electorate to push back on another few years of oppressive policies that were just handed down from Washington.” Organization is critical to her campaign and key to fighting back effectively.

Growing up in a very conservative church that didn’t allow her to teach or pray in front of men, she went on social media. There, men as well as women read her blog. Additionally, she became a professor.

Pinkston was a crossover voter from the beginning. Researching candidates to find the person who could bring “issues to the table and effectively push them forward." She believes in issues over party affiliation.

With an undertone of joy, Pinkston speaks assertively about politics and authentically about campaigning. She declares, “I’m having the time of my life!”

“I get to talk with the best people of Tennessee every single day who are stepping into politics for the first time or giving to a political campaign for the first time just because they finally see themselves represented in a candidate. That’s incredibly encouraging.”

She affirms that practical leadership does not need to be radical. It should be normal. A leader should be able to diffuse a situation. “Rise above the muck. Be helium.” Through all the name-calling, remember who you are as a candidate and why you are running.

Pinkston has observed that people don’t necessarily need to agree with you on everything. They just want to be able to trust you.

To run a campaign with potentially historic outcomes, she surrounds herself with people who will hold her responsible and grounded. Each campaign worker must take one day off every week. As a woman of faith, she spends one day every month with her spiritual director.