There are many reasons to start a ward podcast. It allows individuals to hear the real stories of those they worship with. This naturally creates a deeper level of unity in the ward which stimulates success on many levels. In this livestreamed episode, Kurt Francom gives a rough outline of why and how a ward could develop a ward podcast.

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Audacity

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Why Your Ward Should Be Using the Ward History Tool | A How I Lead Interview with Beth Zeleny

UnitHistory.ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Ward Podcast Handout Template

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Highlights

In this episode of the Leading Saints podcast, host Kurt Francom discusses the benefits of starting a ward podcast, emphasizing that many church leaders may not realize how valuable this tool can be for fostering community and connection within their congregations.

Kurt highlights the ease of creating a ward podcast, suggesting that it can serve as a platform for members to share their stories, thereby enhancing understanding and empathy among ward members. He shares testimonials from individuals who have successfully launched their own ward podcasts, illustrating how these initiatives have helped build relationships and preserve personal histories.

Kurt encourages listeners to keep the process simple, recommending the use of accessible technology like Zoom for recording interviews and free editing software such as Audacity. He stresses the importance of not overcomplicating the podcasting process, suggesting that even basic equipment can yield great results. He also addresses common concerns, such as the reluctance of some members to participate in interviews, and offers strategies to encourage involvement. He concludes by urging listeners to promote their podcasts within their wards and to view this endeavor as a means to strengthen community ties and share meaningful experiences.

08:43 - Purpose of a Ward Podcast

011:11 - Building Community Through Storytelling

12:14 - Benefits of Recording Ward History

14:00 - Testimonials from Ward Podcast Creators

17:32 - Keeping the Podcast Simple

19:07 - Recommended Equipment and Software

21:58 - Hosting Options for Your Podcast

24:06 - Privacy and Accessibility of the Podcast

26:10 - Interviewing Techniques and Tips

30:44 - Promoting the Ward Podcast

32:29 - Involving Youth in Podcasting

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. 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, 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 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, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Carlos L. Chacon, Jr. takes the reins to interview Kurt Francom, the founder and executive director of Leading Saints and the usual host of the podcast, as they discuss the organization's future plans and the evolution of its content. This was originally a livestream on YouTube, December 30, 2024.

Carlos is a zealous father of five trying to balance faith and family life while making a living in IT. He served as a missionary in the Buenos Aires South Mission, where he developed a deep love for the people and culture of Argentina. As a frequent recipient of the Savior's grace, he has also served as an early morning seminary teacher. He enjoys sharing the teachings of Jesus Christ and supporting others on the covenant path, and can eat his weight in raspberries. Carlos and his family live in Richmond, Virginia, where he currently serves as a bishop. He is a host on the SQL Data Partners Podcast.

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Highlights

Kurt shares insights about upcoming events, including potential live workshops and a BYU cruise experience, emphasizing the value of in-person interactions for leadership development. As they delve into the history of Leading Saints, Kurt recounts his journey from a frustrated church leader to the founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing leadership within the Latter-day Saint community. He reflects on the challenges of leadership, the importance of empathy, and the need for a supportive community. The episode also touches on the relationship between Leading Saints and the Church, clarifying that while they operate independently, they maintain a positive rapport with church leaders. Kurt expresses his desire to create more in-depth content, including long-form interviews and thoughtful explorations of leadership principles, while encouraging listeners to engage with the platform by sharing ideas and suggesting potential guests. The episode concludes with a call for collaboration and a reminder of the significance of leadership in establishing a supportive and thriving community within the church.

03:53 - Plans for 2025

04:25 - Upcoming Live Events

08:06 - BYU Cruise Experience

09:34 - Future Content Ideas

10:06 - Long-Form Interviews

12:50 - Exploring Leadership History

15:27 - Shifting Focus to Zion

16:20 - Engaging New Audiences

18:01 - History of Leading Saints

24:23 - Growth and Impact

25:39 - Motivation Behind Leading Saints

30:03 - Favorite Episodes and Topics

32:44 - Navigating Podcast Content

36:36 - Engaging with Potential Guests

40:38 - Relationship with the Church

44:28 - Importance of Independent Voices

45:19 - The Challenge of Providing Formulas

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. 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, 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 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, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Geoff Thatcher is an experienced creative leader who takes projects from concept to reality. He is the founder & chief creative officer at Creative Principals, and previously worked as a creative writer, producer, and creative director. His projects are most often about creating world-class experiences in corporate visitor centers, museums and theme parks, such as his most recent work in the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Geoff is the president of the Savannah YSA Branch in the Savannah Georgia Stake and was a guest on the podcast when he previously served as assistant director of communications in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Using Social Media in Stake Public Affairs | An Interview with Geoff Thatcher

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Highlights

Geoff first shares insights from his background in experience design and public affairs, particularly focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing visitor experiences at museums, such as the College Football Hall of Fame. He discusses the potential of AI to create personalized experiences that engage individuals in meaningful ways, while also cautioning against the risks of over-reliance on technology.

Transitioning to his role as a YSA branch president, Geoff recounts the process of establishing the branch, which stemmed from a need for young adults to have a dedicated space for worship and community. He shares the results of informal focus groups that revealed young adults' desire for worship over programmed activities and their wish to be treated as adults rather than youth. Geoff emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where young adults feel valued and engaged, sharing stories of how the branch has grown. He highlights the significance of treating YSAs as adults, allowing them to take on responsibilities and speak about their passions during meetings, which fosters a sense of belonging and community. The episode concludes with Geoff's reflections on the responsibility of church leaders to reach out to young adults, emphasizing that they are not lost but rather have been overlooked, and the need for leaders to actively engage and support them in their spiritual journeys.

06:10 - Geoff's Background and Current Work

06:39 - AI in Experience Design

07:22 - AI's Role in Museums

10:20 - The Importance of Active Engagement

12:20 - Anticipating AI's Impact on Church Experience

20:51 - Starting a YSA Branch in Savannah

21:08 - Gathering Input from Young Single Adults

25:54 - The Impact of the YSA Branch

29:00 - Mindset Shift: Responsibility for Young Adults

32:38 - Engaging Young Adults in Family Wards

35:06 - Treating Young Adults as Adults

38:11 - Building Rapport with Young Adults

40:18 - Encouraging Passionate Talks

46:04 - Success Stories from the YSA Branch

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. 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, 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 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 700 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership,

Watch Part 1: Creating a Transformational Sunday School | An Interview with Dan Duckworth

Dan Duckworth is the founder and host of LeaderQuest, an elite leadership program that transforms managers and executives into dynamic changemakers. He speaks, teaches, and writes on leadership and leadership development, and provides one-on-one coaching to leaders aiming to drive transformational change. Dan has served as a board member for Leading Saints since 2019. To learn more, visit idylli.co or find Dan on LinkedIn.

Links

Part 1: Creating a Transformational Sunday School | An Interview with Dan Duckworth

The True Purpose of Sunday School

Why Testimony is Not the Only Goal for Latter-day Youth—Part 1 | A Presentation by Dan Duckworth

Sunday School Session Template

From Aspirational Principles to Practical Principles

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Highlights

This is the second of a two-part podcast. The conversation continues, focusing on the transformative role of mentorship in youth leadership and the dynamics of effective Sunday school teaching. Dan shares insights on the nature of transformation in leadership. He stresses that effective teaching is not merely about mastering tactics but involves a fundamental shift in belief systems. This transformation requires educators to engage in a cycle of experimentation and reflection, challenging their preconceived notions of what it means to teach and learn. Dan illustrates this with examples from his own experiences, emphasizing the need for teachers to create an environment where students can co-create their learning experiences rather than passively consume information.

The episode delves into the concept of culture within church settings, with Dan advocating for a proactive approach to challenging and reshaping cultural norms. He encourages leaders to embrace discomfort and uncertainty as they experiment with new teaching methods, using the metaphor of pushing against the walls of culture to gather valuable insights. The discussion also touches on the importance of fostering authentic community within Sunday school classes, where trust and openness can lead to deeper engagement and meaningful dialogue.

Dan outlines practical principles for effective teaching, including the necessity of a single driving question to guide discussions and the importance of creating a safe space for students to share their thoughts and experiences. He shares a structured approach to lesson planning that prioritizes engagement and interaction, allowing for a more dynamic and impactful learning environment. Throughout the episode, Dan emphasizes the value of personal experiences and the need for teachers to be vulnerable and authentic in their interactions, ultimately aiming to facilitate a transformative experience for both educators and students alike.

02:09 - Discussion on Culture and Sunday School

03:39 - The Importance of Transformation in Leadership

04:55 - The Cycle of Experimentation and Reflection

05:43 - Challenging Belief Systems in Teaching

06:25 - The Nature of Culture and Disruption

07:28 - Building Confidence in Change

08:13 - The Role of Disruption in Teaching

09:17 - Avoiding the "Ex-Girlfriend Syndrome" in Change

10:20 - Learning from Failed Experiments

11:25 - The Role of Discernment in Leadership

12:29 - God's Omniscience and Leadership

13:03 - Teaching as Experience Design

14:07 - The Journey of Becoming a Transformational Teacher

15:20 - The Challenge of Teaching Transformational Principles

16:25 - The Importance of Actionable Principles

17:41 - Empowering Co-Creation in the Classroom

19:04 - The Pareto Principle in Teaching

20:22 - Structuring Class Time for Engagement

21:58 - Creating Positive Tensions in Lessons

23:00 - Building Authentic Community in Class

24:36 - The Role of Icebreakers in Fostering Connection

Kent Jordan was recently released as stake president from the Wilmington, Delaware Stake. He has previously served as a high councilor, in bishoprics and elders quorum presidencies, and as an early-morning Seminary teacher. Kent currently teaches elders quorum and is looking forward to retirement and meeting four new grandbabies in 2025.

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Highlights

Kent offers insights into organizing stake conferences, emphasizing the importance of prayer and collaboration with his counselors and the stake council to determine the needs of the members. He highlights the significance of after-general conference discussions to align teachings with the needs of the stake. Kent shares key leadership principles that guided him during his time as stake president, starting with the importance of loving and respecting the people within his stewardship. He recounts the profound experience of seeing members through the Savior's eyes, which deepened his connection to them.

Kent also discusses the value of personal priesthood interviews with leaders, emphasizing the importance of showing up in their lives and ministering together. He shares how these interactions fostered a sense of community and support among the leaders. Additionally, he reflects on the welfare efforts within the stake, noting the diverse approaches of bishops and the importance of trusting them to handle their responsibilities. Kent concludes by discussing the blessings he witnessed among the saints, encouraging the sharing of their experiences to build faith within the community.

04:45 - Reflections on Nine Years as Stake President

05:59 - Reorienting After Leadership

06:32 - Overview of the Stake's Geographic Layout

07:36 - Prior Leadership Experience Before Stake Presidency

08:13 - Organizing Stake Conferences

09:17 - Insights on Stake Conference Planning

10:37 - Involving Stake Council in Conference Discussions

12:54 - Principle of Love and Respect in Leadership

13:39 - The Story of Kent's Calling as Stake President

16:30 - Learning from the Experience of Leadership

17:54 - Finding Footing in the New Calling

19:22 - Focus on Reaping and Rescuing

21:06 - Interaction with Bishops on Welfare Efforts

22:34 - Trusting Bishops in Their Responsibilities

24:01 - Encouragement for Bishops and Relief Society Presidents

25:12 - Importance of Personal Interviews

27:07 - Strategies for Effective Personal Interviews

30:00 - Building Faith Through Sharing Experiences

32:03 - Future Plans After Stake Presidency

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. 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, 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 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 700 episodes.

Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Dan Duckworth is the founder and host of LeaderQuest, an elite leadership program that transforms managers and executives into dynamic changemakers. He speaks, teaches, and writes on leadership and leadership development, and provides one-on-one coaching to leaders aiming to drive transformational change. Dan has served as a board member for Leading Saints since 2019. To learn more, visit idylli.co or find Dan on LinkedIn. This is the first of a two-part conversation

Links

Part 2 of this conversation

The True Purpose of Sunday School

Why Testimony is Not the Only Goal for Latter-day Youth—Part 1 | A Presentation by Dan Duckworth

Sunday School Session Template

From Aspirational Principles to Practical Principles

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Highlights

This is the first of a two-part podcast conversation. Kurt and Dan explore the challenges faced by local leaders in adapting to changes in church programs, particularly in Sunday School and ministering. They critique the tendency to revert to traditional methods rather than embracing innovative approaches that align with The Church's evolving directives. Drawing on scriptural examples, they illustrate the need for leaders to actively engage in creating a culture that supports spiritual growth and community building. Dan emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique characteristics of Sunday School, including the nature of its membership, the role of teachers, and the communal aspect of spiritual development.

Throughout the episode, they advocate for a shift from knowledge transfer to transformational teaching, encouraging leaders to experiment with new methods that foster engagement and personal growth. By redefining the purpose of Sunday School and embracing a more dynamic, interactive approach, local leaders can create an environment where individuals feel empowered to share their spiritual journeys and support one another. The discussion ultimately serves as a call to action for leaders to embrace their roles in cultivating a vibrant, Christ-centered community that reflects the principles of the gospel.

04:45 - The Connection Between Leadership and Zion

06:15 - The Role of Culture in Leadership

07:50 - The Importance of Transformational Leadership

09:30 - The Need for Change in Church Programs

10:50 - The Allegory of the Olive Tree and Leadership

12:30 - The Natural Order of Church Gatherings

14:00 - The Role of Local Leaders in Cultural Change

15:30 - The Power of Experimentation in Teaching

17:00 - The Purpose of Sunday School

19:00 - Understanding the Unique Characteristics of Sunday School

20:30 - The Role of Membership in Sunday School

22:00 - The Teacher's Role in Sunday School

23:30 - The Nature of Gathering in Sunday School

25:00 - The Shift from Knowledge Transfer to Transformation

27:00 - Engaging Students in a Dynamic Learning Environment

29:00 - The Importance of Energy Management in Teaching

30:30 - The Need for a Clear Purpose in Sunday School

32:00 - The Three Primary Characteristics of Sunday School

34:00 - The Individual Journey in Sunday School

36:00 - The Collective Engagement in Spiritual Development

38:00 - The Shift from Sage on the Stage to Guide on the Side

40:00 - Observations on Youth and Adult Sunday School Dynamics

Coming soon: Part 2 of this conversation

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. 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, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R.

Cynthia Collier grew up in Salt Lake City in a family that enjoyed the performing arts. She studied philosophy, English, and music at Brigham Young University, and has taught music and theater in schools. Over the past 25 years she has been involved in writing and directing live productions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Savior of the World at the Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City, and the Nauvoo and British pageants in Nauvoo, Illinois. She has served in the Church as a teacher, in various music callings, and in presidencies in wards and stakes. She most recently served with her husband as a branch minister at the University of Utah and Huntsman Hospitals in Salt Lake City. She is married to Eric Collier and is a mother and grandmother.

Amy Robinson graduated from Brigham Young University in Humanities and Modern dance, and was thrilled to be part of the BYU International Folk dance team and Modern Dance team. She believes her greatest educational opportunities came from touring with those companies to many amazing places including China, India, and Europe. This may be where she gained her nomadic spirit—she and her husband Nathan have moved 27 times in 20 years of marriage! In London, England, in 2013, Amy had the opportunity to create the choreography for the first British Pageant. It was a life-changing experience to see the miracles that came to the participants of that show and audience. In 2015, Amy enjoyed helping set the British pageant on the Nauvoo stage and returned to help family casts learn choreography for the pageants in 2022 and 2024. She considers it her dream job to "move with joy" with the casts in England and then Nauvoo.

Amy has also been part of the Arts in Education program in Utah through Tanner Dance, teaching dancers of all ages in elementary schools, and teaches folk dance at American Heritage School in Salt Lake City. Amy and Nathan are the parents of six children and her greatest joy is time spent with them—dancing in the kitchen and singing in the car—and serving in the Church, especially with youth and children.

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Highlights

This episode focuses on the leadership and organization behind the Nauvoo Pageant, highlighting the unique structure of the pageant, which features a rotating cast of family participants who rehearse for a week and perform the following week, allowing for a diverse range of individuals to engage in the production.

Cynthia and Amy emphasize the importance of creating a joyful and supportive environment for participants, many of whom arrive feeling nervous and unsure of their abilities. The leadership style of the pageant focuses on fostering a sense of community and collaboration, where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than failures. They share inspiring stories of participants who have experienced personal miracles during their time in the pageant, illustrating the transformative power of faith and community. They also discuss the significance of teaching children and families to embrace the unpredictability of performances, highlighting the importance of love and acceptance in the rehearsal process.

As the conversation progresses, they share valuable leadership principles, such as the "good fruit principle," which encourages individuals to focus on sharing positivity and blessings rather than complaints. This principle has been instrumental in creating a spirit of Zion among participants and volunteers. The episode concludes with practical advice for primary presidencies and leaders in church settings, emphasizing the need for patience, understanding, and a focus on the greater purpose of building relationships and fostering joy within the community.

07:29 - Guest Introductions: Amy Robinson

10:11 - Guest Introductions: Cynthia Collier

Watch Part 1: What About Our Culture is Holding Us Back? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson

Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D. is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. Ryan is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership and The Elevated Leader: Leveling Up Your Leadership Through Vertical Development. He is also a leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton.

Links

Part 1: What About Our Culture is Holding Us Back? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson

RyanGottfredson.com

Is There a Correlation Between Losing Faith and Moving? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson

The Research Behind Becoming Christlike | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson

Is Your Mindset Limiting Your Leadership? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson

What Every Leader Should Consider About Community in Their Ward | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson

Ryan's articles at leadingsaints.org

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Transcript coming soon

Find the Logan Temple ornament and other items at ShopRingmasters.com

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Highlights

This is the second of a two-part podcast conversation on effective church leadership. The discussion continues with a reflection on the value of open communication and the need for leaders to encourage their team members to express their thoughts and feelings. Ryan emphasizes the significance of establishing a culture where individuals feel safe to share their vulnerabilities, which can lead to deeper connections and trust within a group.

The conversation delves into the challenges leaders face when balancing the need to cover prescribed topics versus allowing for authentic, vulnerable discussions that may arise organically. Ryan suggests that leaders should prioritize creating conditions conducive to growth rather than merely focusing on outcomes. He explains the concept of "gardener-minded leadership," where leaders cultivate an environment that fosters development and flourishing among their team members.

Kurt and Ryan next consider the role of ego in leadership. Ryan defines ego as the part of ourselves that prioritizes self-preservation over value creation for others. He highlights the importance of self-awareness and the need for leaders to confront their insecurities and limiting beliefs to elevate their leadership effectiveness. The episode also touches on the necessity of vulnerability in leadership, illustrating how it can lead to more meaningful relationships and a stronger sense of community.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their leadership styles, consider how they can create a more supportive environment, and recognize the importance of healing their relationship with themselves to become more effective leaders. The episode concludes with practical suggestions for leaders, including the importance of developing a clear purpose and fostering a culture of learning and openness. Overall, this episode serves as a valuable resource for leaders seeking to enhance their effectiveness and create a thriving community within their organizations.

02:09 - Encouraging Open Communication

02:39 - Establishing Psychological Safety

03:37 - Balancing Doctrine and Values

04:37 - Teaching Dilemmas in Church Settings

05:43 - Creating a Psychologically Safe Culture

06:36 - The Gardener Mindset in Leadership

07:16 - Continuous Improvement in Leadership

08:51 - The Challenge of Self-Preservation

11:15 - The Human Element in Leadership

11:58 - The Role of Ego in Leadership

20:18 - Redefining Ego for Value Creation

22:21 - The Importance of Vulnerability

26:30 - The Cost of Self-Preservation

29:37 - Healing Relationships for Better Leadership

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in April 2020.

Professor Susan R. Madsen is the Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. Dr. Madsen is considered one of the top global scholars and thought leaders on the topic of women and leadership and has authored or edited nine books and published hundreds of articles, chapters, and reports. She is a well-known speaker in local, national, and international settings. She is also the founding director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project and has worked for years motivating more women in Utah to graduate from college and to lead and influence more profoundly.

At the time this was recorded, Dr. Madsen was the Orin R. Woodbury Professor of Leadership & Ethics in the Woodbury School of Business at Utah Valley University. A returned missionary, she received a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, master’s from Portland State University, and a doctorate from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Madsen and her husband Greg are the proud parents of four adult children and six delightful grandchildren.

Links

Utah Women & Leadership Project

Everyday Bias, by Howard Ross

Why Gender Matters, by Leonard Sax

Let Your Life Speak, by Parker Palmer

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Highlights

5:40 Women feeling a calling or purpose in both religious and secular settings gives them more confidence

8:40 Either/or socialization for women has become powerful in Church culture over the past 60 years

11:30 Research into sister missionaries started with the purpose of learning what influences women's goals and aspirations to become leaders in their homes and communities

13:50 What leadership skills have women developed through mission service? How do they use them now? What other opportunities do they wish they would have had?

17:50 Men are more likely than women to see themselves as leaders

19:00 Competencies and leadership skills women gain from serving a mission: public speaking, conflict management, courage, interpersonal skills, problem solving, planning organization and accountability, confidence, spiritual growth, empathy, giving and receiving feedback, grit and resilience, mentoring, teaching, critical thinking, listening, personal growth and awareness, accepting others, time management, training others, teamwork, foreign language skills, intercultural competencies, goal-setting, managing people, work ethic, serving others, taking direction, independence, patience, decision-making and judgment, standing their ground, leading by example, self-discipline, adaptability, lifelong learning

27:10 Connecting these skills to leadership for women: "We have to be leaders"

Serving a mission helps women see themselves as leaders

33:45 How can we encourage women to act with confidence in leadership roles when men are present? Increasing internal confidence and changing societal systems

Look deeply at opportunities that are available and asking, can women do this?

Creating male allies: men who are aware and desire to be more inclusive

37:00 Women are socialized to keep quiet in a group with men

38:50 Leaders who understanding the differences between men and women create more powerful action and teams

42:50 A Mission President's wife is a leader: to develop leadership identity, women need to see other women leading

45:15 Yearning for sisters to be included in leadership and missionary training

48:15 Talking more about Mother in Heaven and recognizing a connection to her

52:30 What are returned sister missionaries currently doing to use their knowledge and skills? All of those skills apply to leadership in the family and Church roles, and they have also translated them into leadership in their careers

Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D. is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. Ryan is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership and The Elevated Leader: Leveling Up Your Leadership Through Vertical Development. He is also a leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton.

Links

Part 2: What About Our Culture is Holding Us Back? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson

RyanGottfredson.com

Is There a Correlation Between Losing Faith and Moving? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson

The Research Behind Becoming Christlike | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson

Is Your Mindset Limiting Your Leadership? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson

What Every Leader Should Consider About Community in Their Ward | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson

Ryan's articles at leadingsaints.org

Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community

Transcript coming soon

Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library

Highlights

This is the first of a two-part podcast conversation on effective church leadership. Ryan shares his extensive experience in leadership research and consulting, highlighting the varying levels of leadership sophistication he encounters in organizations. He categorizes leaders into three levels: those focused on safety and belonging, those striving for advancement, and the most elevated leaders who prioritize contribution and value creation.

Ryan discusses the significance of establishing a clear, inspirational, and stakeholder-centric purpose within church organizations, drawing parallels to successful leaders in the corporate world. He emphasizes that a well-defined purpose can help shift focus from individual concerns to a collective mission, fostering a more engaged and vibrant community. The conversation also touches on the importance of mission and vision statements, as well as the need for clear values that guide behavior in challenging situations. Ryan suggests that church leaders should conduct a stakeholder analysis to identify key groups impacted by their leadership and to ensure that their efforts create meaningful value for these stakeholders.

Kurt and Ryan delve into the complexities of administering temple recommends, exploring the balance between behavior-focused and grace-centered discipleship. They consider the implications of current temple recommend questions and how they may inadvertently create a caste system within the church. The episode concludes with a thought-provoking examination of how church culture can either uplift or alienate members, emphasizing the need for leaders to cultivate an environment where all feel valued and included. Overall, this episode offers valuable insights for church leaders seeking to enhance their effectiveness and foster a more inclusive and purpose-driven community.

01:48 - Welcoming Ryan Gottfredson Back to the Podcast

02:30 - Discussion on Leadership Challenges in Church Settings

03:34 - Introduction to Leadership Concepts and Themes

05:15 - Ryan's Background and Current Roles

06:14 - Consulting Relationships and Leadership Development

08:08 - Common Issues in Organizations

09:12 - Levels of Leadership Sophistication

11:09 - The Importance of Cultivating Leadership Environments

12:07 - The Role of Character Development in Leadership

13:40 - The Balance Between Behavior and Grace in Discipleship

16:16 - Temple Recommend Questions and Their Implications

20:08 - The Concept of a Caste System in Church Leadership

22:38 - The Challenge of Creating Inclusive Church Communities

23:01 - Indicators of Effective Leadership in Organizations

24:05 - The Importance of Purpose in Leadership

27:28 - Engaging Stakeholders in Leadership