Rich Hanks is an author, investor, and adviser to both start-ups and established businesses. He has served as a board director of numerous profit and non-profit companies and organizations, and as a mission president in Birmingham, Alabama. His book, To Be a Friend of Christ, draws on previously unavailable primary sources—journals, correspondence, notebooks, and recordings—to share the first and only authorized biography of his father, Marion D. Hanks, who served for nearly 40 years as a General Authority.

Rich shares personal anecdotes about his father, highlighting his early calling as a General Authority at just 31 years old and the unique challenges that came with it, including the absence of an emeritus status at the time.

Rich elaborates on Marion D. Hanks’ contributions to early morning seminary programs and the establishment of the Christus as a symbol of the Church, emphasizing his efforts to make the Church more relatable and accessible to the public. The discussion also touches on Elder Hanks’ mission presidency in England, where he worked to reform the culture of missionary work, focusing on genuine conversion rather than mere numbers. Rich recounts how his father prioritized the spiritual well-being of missionaries and the importance of service, drawing parallels to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the episode, Rich reflects on the leadership principles exemplified by his father, including the importance of being a voice for change while maintaining respect for Church authority. The conversation concludes with Rich sharing how his father’s legacy has influenced his own approach to leadership as a mission president, emphasizing the need to focus on the individuals being served rather than solely on baptism numbers. Overall, the episode provides a rich exploration of Marion D. Hanks’ life and the enduring impact of his leadership philosophy within the Church.

02:05 – Who Was Marion D. Hanks?

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