Kent Jordan, recently released stake president from Wilmington, Delaware, discusses his transformative leadership journey. He emphasizes organizing stake conferences through prayerful collaboration with his council. Kent shares insights on showing love and respect to those he leads, explaining how seeing members through the Savior’s eyes enhanced his connections with them. He highlights the importance of personal priesthood interviews to foster community support and reflects on welfare efforts, noting the diverse approaches of bishops in their service.

In this discussion, Dan Duckworth, founder of LeaderQuest and a leadership development expert, shares insights on revitalizing Sunday School. He highlights challenges local leaders face in adapting to change, critiquing traditional methods in favor of innovative approaches. Dan underscores the need for a culture that fosters spiritual growth and community, urging a shift from knowledge transfer to transformational teaching. He emphasizes creating engaging environments where relationships thrive, ensuring participants can share their spiritual journeys authentically.

Cynthia Collier, a seasoned writer and director for Church productions, and Amy Robinson, a dynamic choreographer, share their insights from the Nauvoo Pageant. They discuss the transformative power of dance, emphasizing joy and faith in overcoming personal challenges. The guests highlight the importance of mentorship and inclusivity, detailing how children enrich community experiences. They also touch on servant leadership principles, the competitive audition process, and the collective journey of faith that connects participants and audiences alike.

Ryan Gottfredson, a leadership development author and professor, discusses the cultural factors that hinder personal growth and effective leadership. He emphasizes the importance of open communication and establishing psychological safety in teams. The role of ego in leadership is explored, showcasing how it can motivate or hinder growth. Ryan advocates for vulnerability and self-awareness among leaders and promotes gardener-minded leadership, fostering nurturing environments that support learning and development.

Dr. Susan R. Madsen, a leading scholar in women and leadership and the director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, discusses the empowerment of women in various leadership contexts. She emphasizes the importance of women identifying their unique callings and challenging societal norms. The conversation highlights the leadership skills developed through mission experiences, addressing confidence gaps, and the necessity for supportive environments for women in faith communities. Dr. Madsen encourages young women to step out of their comfort zones and integrate personal faith with their leadership journeys.

Ryan Gottfredson, a renowned leadership development author and professor at California State University-Fullerton, explores the nuances of effective leadership in faith communities. He categorizes leaders into three levels, emphasizing the importance of fostering environments over merely focusing on outcomes. The discussion highlights the need for inclusivity and the role of shared values in overcoming organizational dilemmas. Gottfredson also stresses the value of open dialogue in leadership to promote growth, urging leaders to embrace discomfort in conversations.

Christian McOmber, the founder of Missionary Universe, is on a mission to empower youth in missionary work. He discusses innovative strategies for engaging young leaders and highlights the role of modern technology in training missionaries. Christian shares personal stories from his own missionary experiences and emphasizes the need for collaboration between church leadership and youth. With insights into goal-setting and community engagement, he inspires listeners to invigorate their missionary efforts and strengthen the unity within their communities.

Leaders often grapple with how to inspire their congregations. Emphasis is placed on the role of internal motivation and mental health impacts. Historical lessons reveal the power of collaborative dialogue over guilt tactics in inspiring behavioral change. The discussion highlights participative leadership, stressing love and autonomy to engage communities meaningfully. Additionally, nurturing relationships and focusing on spiritual growth is favored over mere performance metrics, fostering a positive culture that values individual identities and personal growth.

Garth Pedersen, an Elders Quorum president from Queen Creek, Arizona, shares his unique approach to ministering with a focus on fostering support and avoiding shame. He discusses the importance of creating meaningful relationships within the community and the balance between individual agency and supportive leadership. Garth emphasizes seeking personal revelation and the transformative power of love in leadership. He also introduces the concept of 'ministering night' to enhance community connection, underscoring the divine calling of ministering.

If you want to join us for the Leading Saints Experience on the BYU Cruise do the following: Visit https://byucruise.com/ Register using promo: LEADINGSAINTS This is an experience within an experience. You will have access to all the BYU Cruise entertainment and also a unique Leading Saints experience as well (including the live podcast interview with Coach Sitake).