The Polynesian Cultural Center Leadership | An Interview with Blair Treu
Leading Saints Podcast
Navigating Performance Dynamics
This chapter explores the challenges faced by a production team at a cultural center, particularly in managing a changing cast of student performers. It underscores the importance of compassionate leadership and discusses an upcoming film that aims to support the Polynesian Cultural Center, emphasizing its significance for underprivileged students in the Pacific Islands.
Blair Treu is an award-winning director whose work includes a variety of feature films, television shows, documentaries, and commercials for over 30 years—from The Power Rangers to Chicken Soup for the Soul. The writer and director of Sharing Aloha and Meet the Mormons, he graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and began his career at the Walt Disney Company. More recently, Blair worked with BYUtv to create the series Real Families, Real Answers, and was a co-director of Granite Flats.
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Highlights
The film Sharing Aloha, directed by Blair Treu, highlights the inspiring stories of students at the Polynesian Cultural Center and their transformative experiences. Blair shares how he became involved with the project, and discusses the unique challenges of capturing the students’ stories, emphasizing their resilience and strong family ties. The film aims to showcase the students’ journeys, illustrating how the PCC provides them with opportunities for education and personal growth.
Throughout the conversation, Blair reflects on leadership principles learned from working with the students and the PCC staff. He highlights the importance of appreciation and compassion in leadership, drawing parallels to church leadership.
00:01:52 – Introducing Sharing Aloha
Introduction to the film “Sharing Aloha” and its connection to the Polynesian Cultural Center.
00:03:44 – The Genesis of Sharing Aloha
Blair Treu discusses how the project came to be and the inspiration behind it.
00:04:55 – The Abundance of Stories
The challenge of selecting which stories to tell from the many available.
00:06:47 – Blair Treu’s Background
Blair shares his experience and previous projects in film and media.
00:08:44 – The Polynesian Cultural Center
Discussion about the PCC and its significance in the film.
00:10:43 – Focus on Student Stories
The decision to center the film on the students’ experiences rather than the PCC’s history.
00:12:14 – Insights on the YSA Demographic
What Blair learned about the Young Single Adult demographic through the film.
00:13:37 – Cultural Connections
The importance of family and community in Polynesian culture.
00:16:42 – The Film’s Format
Comparison of “Sharing Aloha” to “Meet the Mormons” in terms of storytelling.
00:18:18 – Funding and Support
Details on how the film was funded and its relationship with the PCC.
00:20:38 – Addressing Criticism
Discussion on the misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the PCC.
00:22:39 – The Value of Work
The benefits students receive from working at the PCC compared to other jobs.
00:24:36 – Leadership in Performance
Insights into how the PCC manages its performances and trains students.
00:30:14 – Leadership Lessons from Film Production
Blair shares leadership principles learned from directing the film.
00:35:16 – The Importance of Appreciation
The significance of recognizing and valuing team members in leadership.
00:38:53 – Final Thoughts on the Film
Encouragement to support the film and its impact on the PCC.
00:40:41 – Personal Growth Through the Project
How working on “Sharing Aloha” has strengthened Blair’s faith and understanding of community.
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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.
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