Podcast
Leading Saints
Hosted by Leading Saints · EN
Become a Leader, Not a Calling
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Arc of Intentional and Self-driven Leadership | An Interview with Shawn Moon
3d ago00:54:40Summary readyFor over thirty years, Shawn D. Moon has worked with global clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to government organizations. He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Zerorez. Previously, Shawn was an Executive Vice President at FranklinCovey, a former principal at Mellon Financial Corporation, and was named a 2024 finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. A Wall Street Journal best-selling author, Shawn has published books in multiple languages and frequently speaks to senior leadership audiences globally. His most current book is Roots, Relationships, and Results. He serves on multiple boards, is actively engaged in his community, and currently serves as a married adult stake president in Provo, Utah. Shawn and his wife, Michele, reside in Lindon, Utah, and have four children and 11 grandchildren. Links Roots, Relationships, and Results What the Scriptures Say About Leadership | An Interview with Shawn Moon Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights This discussion covers foundational leadership attributes compiled from over one hundred interviews with global leaders across various industries. The conversation focuses on intentional personal development, effective relational dynamics, and achieving meaningful outcomes in family and church callings. 00:03:12 – Sean’s Leadership Background 00:05:00 – Unique Stake Presidency Experience 00:05:57 – Genesis of the New Book 00:08:06 – The Concept of the Last Leadership Lecture 00:12:49 – Interviewing Leaders for Insights 00:14:40 – Themes Emerging from Interviews 00:16:14 – The Importance of Personal Leadership 00:19:05 – Leading Without a Formal Title 00:21:19 – The Power of Gratitude in Leadership 00:29:15 – Practicing Gratitude as a Skill 00:32:05 – The Work That Matters 00:35:10 – Trusting Leadership: Extending Trust 00:40:59 – The Impact of Believing in Others 00:43:24 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts Key Insights The Leadership Arc: True leadership functions across three integrated categories: establishing internal roots of personal leadership, building deep relational trust, and executing to achieve sustainable results. Leading Without a Title: Formal authority is not a prerequisite for impact; some of the most profound leadership occurs when individuals step forward to influence and lift others without holding an official calling or position. Emotional Regulation: Effective leaders act as thermostats rather than thermometers. They actively set the emotional temperature and bring stability to a room during high-stress situations instead of merely reacting to the environment. Gratitude as a Multiplier: Practicing deliberate gratitude serves as a cognitive interrupter that shifts a leader’s mindset from defensive, reactionary conflict to collaborative, executive problem-solving. Extending Trust: While being trustworthy is a basic requirement, exceptional leadership requires actively extending trust to others, which fosters their potential and builds long-term confidence. Intentional Time Investment: Human life consists of a finite number of seconds. Leaders must prioritize their weekly focus around essential tasks and specific individuals to build deep, lasting connections. Leadership Applications Implementing the 5×4 Method: Latter-day Saint leaders can organize their weekly schedules by identifying five critical objectives and four specific people to intentionally reach out to and lift up. Expressing Written Appreciation: Ward and stake leaders can cultivate a supportive culture by sending regular, handwritten notes of gratitude to members, validating their voluntary service and building deep organizational trust. The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, <a href="https://leadingsai...
SummaryCan Local Leadership Transform Ward Culture? [July Zion Lab Live]
5d ago00:53:24Summary readyIn this “Zion Lab Live” episode, Kurt Francom facilitates a live community discussion analyzing recent topics in Zion Lab. The conversation focuses on improving the Sunday meeting experience, addressing the unique cultural and social needs of men in the church, and managing the mental capacity of local leaders. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights Key Insights US Constitution Fifth Sunday Lessons: Community feedback regarding the church-mandated Fifth Sunday lessons was generally positive, highlighting a respectful, non-political tone and a spiritual framing of the topic. However, participants noted areas for logistical improvement, such as better structured small-group discussions for youth. The Masculine Experience in Church: There is a perceived gap in curated institutional resources and dedicated advisory councils on the church level specifically tailored to adult men, unlike other church demographics. Fostering Connection for Men: Men naturally connect “shoulder-to-shoulder” through shared physical activities, service, and adventure rather than traditional face-to-face chat formats. Utilizing creative layouts, interactive exercises, or specific musical numbers can drastically improve engagement. Impact of Local Leadership: While institutional resources are helpful, local leadership ultimately has the greatest impact on an individual’s everyday church experience and ward culture. Mental Capacity and Burnout: Serving in high-demand callings creates a significant emotional and mental load. Leaders often mistakenly take on individual responsibilities that belong to others, which risks burning out active members and themselves. Leadership Applications Adapt the Second Hour: Elders Quorum presidencies can pivot away from dry lectures by arranging room seating dynamically (e.g., pulling out tables, utilizing outdoor spaces, or splitting into smaller circles) to prompt natural connection. Establish Call Limits: Bishops and Relief Society presidents can manage emotional fatigue by implementing clear structural boundaries—such as processing welfare and check requests only on Sundays—instead of allowing everyday crises to overlap into family time. Empower Through Accountability: Rather than acting as a “black hole of need” by driving around to manage every logistical demand for struggling members, leaders should focus on helping individuals build personal testimonies so they find motivation to step up independently. 00:04:10 – Leaked Meetinghouse Blueprints and the Chapel Lectern 00:05:42 – Reviewing Fifth Sunday Lessons on the US Constitution 00:07:54 – Examining Men’s Institutional Resources and the Advisory Council Gap 00:12:35 – Cultural Dynamics and How Men Build Peer Connections 00:24:14 – Practical Tips for Building Better Elders Quorum Lessons 00:28:54 – Reimaging Second-Hour Formats, Small Groups, and Music 00:39:43 – Managing the Mental Load and Burnout in Local Ward Leadership 00:43:32 – Handling Inner-City Ward Welfare Dynamics and Establishing Boundaries The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, <a href="htt...
SummaryZion Building at Southern Virginia University | An Interview with Aaron Hale
1w ago00:53:22Summary readyAaron Hale is an educational leader and entrepreneur originally from Arizona, where he raised his family before transitioning to his current role as the president of Southern Virginia University (SVU). He holds an MBA and co-founded Legacy Traditional School, growing it from a single campus of 400 children to a massive organization spanning 30 campuses serving nearly 30,000 students, alongside a back-office support network assisting hundreds of other charter schools nationwide. Aaron has served as a bishop and a counselor in a stake presidency. Drawing on his deep background in both corporate education and ecclesiastical council settings, Aaron brings a collaborative, vision-driven leadership style to SVU, where he has championed innovative academic initiatives like the Knight’s Crest experiential learning program. Links Southern Virginia University’s Knight’s Crest Program Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights In this podcast, Aaron discusses leadership principles alongside the unique offerings and mission of SVU, highlighting their commitment to Latter-day Saint values while providing a personalized educational experience. Key Insights SVU’s Mission: Southern Virginia University aims to provide a high-quality education aligned with Latter-day Saint values, fostering an environment where students can discern truth and choose Christ. Knight’s Crest Program: This innovative program awards college credit to return missionaries for their service, recognizing the leadership and skills developed during their missions, which can significantly reduce the time and cost of obtaining a degree. Personalized Education: With a smaller student body, SVU offers intimate class sizes and strong relationships between students and professors, enhancing academic support and graduate school placement rates. Community and Faith: Approximately 85% of SVU’s students are members of the Church, creating a faith-based community that encourages spiritual growth alongside academic pursuits. Leadership Philosophy: Aaron emphasizes the importance of clarity in organizational mission and the need for open dialogue in leadership meetings to foster collaboration and innovation. Leadership Applications Establishing a Clear Mission: Latter-day Saint leaders can benefit from defining a clear mission for their organizations or wards, ensuring that all activities align with this guiding principle. Encouraging Open Dialogue: Leaders should create an environment where all voices are heard, encouraging discussion and debate to draw out diverse perspectives and ideas, which can lead to better decision-making. Recognizing Contributions: By acknowledging the unique experiences and skills of individuals, such as returned missionaries, leaders can create programs that leverage these strengths, enhancing the overall effectiveness of their organizations. 00:04:08 – Aaron’s Background and Move to Virginia 00:04:57 – Transition from Bonnie Cordon to Aaron Hale 00:05:07 – How the Opportunity Arose 00:08:11 – Overview of Southern Virginia University (SVU) 00:10:18 – SVU vs. BYU: Key Differences 00:12:02 – Personalized Education Experience at SVU 00:14:07 – Religious Education at SVU 00:15:07 – Diversity in Student Body 00:17:18 – Unique Position of SVU in Higher Education 00:18:28 – Aaron’s Leadership Experience 00:19:18 – Transitioning into the Role of College President 00:20:35 – Establishing a Clear Mission for SVU 00:22:21 – Creating a Collaborative Council Environment 00:23:38 – Encouraging Open Discussion in Meetings 00:25:07 – Effective Meeting Strategies 00:26:36 – Transformational Meetings vs. Routine Meetings 00:29:29 – The Knights Crest Program The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair H...
SummaryWhy is Porn so Addictive?
3w ago00:05:47Summary readyJoin us for Dan Oakes’ full presentation during the Liberating Saints Virtual Summit. Grab your free seat here: https://leadingsaints.org/liberating The post Why is Porn so Addictive? appeared first on Leading Saints.
SummaryWhy do Some Struggle with Porn and Others Don’t?
3w ago00:06:16Summary readyTo hear the full presentation, grab your free spot for the Liberating Saints Virtual Summit: LeadingSaints.org/liberating The post Why do Some Struggle with Porn and Others Don’t? appeared first on Leading Saints.
SummaryWhy Do Kids & Teens Use Porn?
3w ago00:11:48Summary readySome fascinating research related to why children and teens turn to porn. What “job” are they hiring? Kristen Jenson gives the details in this clip from the Liberating Saints Virtual Summit. See the Speakers and Register here: https://leadingsaints.org/liberating The post Why Do Kids & Teens Use Porn? appeared first on Leading Saints.
SummaryShould People Feel Unworthy When They Seek Out Porn?
3w ago00:08:16Summary readySam Tielemans, a therapist from Las Vegas, NV, nails this concept and offers a practical approach to overcoming shame, porn, and sin. To see the entire presentation (and some of the other speakers) at the Liberating Saints Virtual Summit, visit: https://leadingsaints.org/liberating The post Should People Feel Unworthy When They Seek Out Porn? appeared first on Leading Saints.
SummaryThe Church Leaders Role When Someone Struggles with Pornography
3w ago00:04:28Summary readyA thoughtful perspective and encouragement for church leaders when someone is struggling with pornography. This is just a clip of one of the 15+ presentations that will be shown during the Liberating Saints Virtual Summit, starting June 30. See the speakers & Register at https://leadingsaints.org/liberating The post The Church Leaders Role When Someone Struggles with Pornography appeared first on Leading Saints.
SummaryLeading Saints Got Hacked!?!?
3w ago00:03:35Summary readyWhile we beg and plead to Meta to give us back our accounts, help us promote this incredible Liberating Saints Virtual Summit. See Speakers & Register Free: https://app.leadingsaints.org/opt-in The post Leading Saints Got Hacked!?!? appeared first on Leading Saints.
SummaryPart 2: What Leaders Can Learn From the People Who Are Leaving the Church | An Interview with Jeff Strong
Jun 1301:12:57Summary readyThis is a follow-up conversation. Listen to the first episode here. Jeff Strong worked nearly 30 years in the consumer products industry as a senior executive at Procter & Gamble and global president and chief customer officer at Johnson & Johnson. He then taught in the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University and worked as an advisor to the Church before serving as a mission leader in the Arkansas Bentonville Mission. Jeff has since spent several years doing research on why people are leaving the Church. He recently published the book Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them. Jeff lives in Midway, Utah, and stays busy with a little lavender farm, some business consulting, and enjoying family. Links Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them Part 1: What Leaders Can Learn From the People Who Are Leaving the Church | An Interview with Jeff Strong What to Say When Loved Ones Leave the Church | An Interview with Jeff Strong and Joseph Grenny The Data Behind Church Culture | An Interview with Jeff Strong TornByJeffStrong.com Instagram: @tornbyjeffstrong Facebook Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights In this follow-up episode, Kurt and Jeff discuss the complexities of faith transitions. The conversation focuses on the four stages individuals typically experience when questioning their faith and the cultural imbalances that can affect their sense of belonging. 00:02:18 – Understanding Faith Transitions 00:05:23 – Four Stages of Faith Transition 00:09:01 – Intensive Seeking Phase 00:10:19 – Relational Breaking Stage 00:12:47 – Importance of Conversations in Faith Transitions 00:13:35 – Embracing Different Perspectives 00:18:00 – Role Play: Navigating Faith Questions 00:20:10 – The Need for New Thinking 00:24:29 – Cultural Imbalances in the Church 00:30:34 – Hard and Unyielding Soil 00:39:51 – Shallow Stony Soil: Growth vs. Sanctuary 00:44:08 – Balancing Sanctuary and Transformation Key Insights Four Stages of Faith Transition: Individuals often go through integrity disruption, permission to question, intensive seeking, and relational breaking. Each stage reflects a different aspect of their journey as they navigate doubts and seek understanding. Cultural Imbalances: Jeff identifies four cultural imbalances in the Latter-day Saint community, including hard and unyielding soil versus acceptance, and sanctuary versus transformation. These imbalances can alienate individuals who feel their beliefs or experiences do not align with community expectations. Importance of Acceptance: Acknowledging and validating the experiences of those questioning their faith is crucial. Leaders should create an environment where individuals feel safe to express doubts without fear of judgment or ostracism. Nourishment vs. Protection: The conversation emphasizes the need for a balance between the protective aspects of church culture and the nourishing elements that foster growth and transformation. Leaders should focus on providing spiritual nourishment to help individuals thrive. Role of Conversations: Open and supportive conversations can significantly impact whether individuals choose to stay within the faith community. Leaders should approach discussions with empathy and understanding, recognizing the importance of relational dynamics. Leadership Applications Foster Open Dialogue: Encourage open discussions about faith and doubts within congregations. Create safe spaces where members can share their experiences without fear of being labeled or judged. Balance Protection and Nourishment: Strive to create a culture that values both adherence to standards and the acceptance of diverse beliefs and experiences. This balance can help retain members who may feel marginalized. Supportive Leadership: Leaders should model vulnerability by sharing their own faith journeys and struggles. This approach can help normalize the questioning process and foster a sense of community and belonging among members. The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, <a href="ht...
Summary