James Fletcher is the founder and chief investment officer of Ethos Investment Management, and has been investing professionally in emerging markets for 20 years. He is also the founder of the global non-profit Young Investors Society, which provides lessons to teens on investing and financial literacy in over 3,000 high schools and 80 countries around the world. James has a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Brigham Young University and also teaches as a BYU adjunct professor in Finance. He has lived in a variety of places, from Boston to Brazil and Los Angeles to Hong Kong, and currently lives in Springville, Utah, with his wife and five children, where he serves as a bishop in the Hobble Creek Springville Utah Stake.

Links

Young Investors Society: YIS.org
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Highlights

James Fletcher shares his insights and experiences as a bishop and youth leader. He shares his approach to engaging with youth, highlighting the advice he received to focus on them while allowing other leaders to manage adult responsibilities. He discusses his passion for working with young people, which has been shaped by his background in youth mentorship and his founding of the Young Investor Society, an organization that teaches financial literacy and investment principles to high school students.

James emphasizes the importance of setting high expectations for youth while providing the necessary support and mentorship. He also discusses the significance of creating engaging and interactive experiences for youth, rather than simply delivering lessons. He shares how challenging youth with high expectations can lead to remarkable growth and engagement, citing examples from both his church leadership and his work with the Young Investor Society.

00:04:04 – First Impressions of Being a Bishop
James shares his experiences and feelings during the first months of his calling as bishop.

00:05:16 – Unique Ward Dynamics
Discussion about the unique characteristics of James’s ward in Springville, Utah, including its diverse community.

00:06:57 – Approach to Engaging Youth
James explains his focus on youth and how he prioritizes their needs in his leadership role.

00:07:54 – Background in Youth Engagement
James discusses his history of working with youth and the founding of the Young Investor Society.

00:09:37 – Weekly Engagement with Youth
Insights into James’s weekly activities and how he applies principles of mentorship and engagement with youth.

00:11:06 – Measuring Success as a Bishop
James shares advice on how to judge success in his role, emphasizing spiritual guidance.

00:12:00 – Personal Story of Mentorship
James recounts a meaningful experience with a young man named Zach and the impact of mentorship.

00:14:23 – Principles for Working with Youth
James discusses key principles for engaging and inspiring youth, including setting high expectations.

00:18:47 – Interactive Learning Experiences
The importance of interactive and challenging experiences for youth to keep them engaged.

00:21:10 – High Expectations and Support
James elaborates on the balance of high expectations and providing support to youth.

00:23:01 – Recognizing and Nurturing Gifts
The significance of helping youth recognize their gifts and potential.

00:30:54 – Real Love and Genuine Support
James emphasizes the importance of showing genuine love and support to youth in leadership.

00:36:21 – Young Investor Society Overview
Information about the Young Investor Society and how it supports youth in financial literacy.

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The Bishopric & the Youth | A How I Lead Interview with James Fletcher