Golden Lund holds three degrees in music from the University of Utah, Indiana University and the University of Nebraska. He is currently a music instructor at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, where he helps direct the marching band, pep band, and teaches tuba and other brass instruments. He also performs regularly on the tuba with a semi-professional orchestra in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Golden was recently released as a bishop and served in several leadership capacities previously including elders quorum president, high priest group leader, Young Men president, and on his stake high council. Golden and his wife Sandy have been married for 17 years and are the proud parents of two children—a daughter and son who are 12-year-old twins and amaze them every day.

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

In this episode of the Leading Saints podcast, Kurt interviews Golden, a former bishop from Bettendorf, Iowa, who shares his experiences and insights from his five-year tenure in leadership during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation focuses on mental health, vulnerability in leadership, and the importance of community support.

Key Insights:

Mental Health Awareness: Golden discusses his struggles with mental health, particularly during a significant crash after a year and a half of service. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and the positive impact of counseling and medication.

Vulnerability in Leadership: By sharing his personal challenges with his ward, Golden fostered a culture of openness, encouraging others to share their struggles and creating a supportive environment.

The Sariah Factor: Golden introduces the concept of the Sariah Factor, highlighting the need for leaders to trust their perspective and discernment, even when others may not understand the decisions being made.

Delegation and Empowerment: He shares how he empowered his ward leaders, such as the Relief Society and Elders Quorum presidents, to take on responsibilities, which helped alleviate his workload and fostered a sense of ownership among leaders.

Community Support: Golden underscores the importance of community, noting that members often overlook the challenges faced by their leaders. Simple expressions of gratitude can significantly uplift those in leadership roles.

Leadership Applications:

Encourage Open Communication: Leaders should create an environment where members feel comfortable sharing their struggles, which can strengthen community bonds and support.

Prioritize Mental Health: Leaders should recognize the importance of mental health and seek help when needed, setting an example for others to do the same.

Empower Others: By delegating responsibilities and trusting ward leaders, bishops can manage their workload more effectively while fostering leadership skills in others, ultimately benefiting the entire ward.

05:32 – Calling as Bishop During COVID-19

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