Leading Saints Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Jeff Burningham, an accomplished entrepreneur and author of *The Last Book Written by a Human*, dives into the intricate dance between humanity and AI. He argues that while AI enhances efficiency, it can’t replicate human connection, urging church leaders to prioritize genuine relationships. Jeff shares insights on navigating disruption with love and fostering authentic leadership. He emphasizes reflection and personal growth as keys to thriving in a tech-driven world, illustrating the transformative power of compassion and community.

Matt Miles is a Political Science professor at Brigham Young University–Idaho and a co-host of This Week in Mormons and the Latter-day Lens podcasts. Links Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Religious Identity in US Politics The Latter-day Lens podcast This Week in Mormons Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Highlights This discussion centers on a research-backed framework for measuring religiosity, moving beyond traditional metrics to focus on the transformative effects of faith on an individual’s life. Beyond the Three B’s: Traditionally, religiosity has been measured by “the three B’s”: Behavior (what a person does), Belonging (their social connections), and Belief (their convictions). Matt Miles argues that these are insufficient measures of genuine faith. The Fourth B: Becoming: A more accurate measure is “religious becoming”—the extent to which a person has been transformed by their faith. This concept suggests that true religiosity is not just about actions but about internal change. Four Aspects of Transformation: Based on his research, Miles identified four universal traits that indicate “religious becoming”: Transcendence (a connection to the divine), Humanity (love for others), Justice (a belief in fairness), and Temperance (humility). Faith and Political Tolerance: The research shows that individuals with higher scores in “religious becoming” are more politically tolerant. They are less likely to view those with opposing political views as a threat, in contrast to those whose faith is measured only by the “three B’s.” Challenges of Genuine Change: The episode highlights the difficulty for leaders and parents in discerning whether someone has truly been transformed by the gospel or is simply going through the motions. Leadership Applications Leaders should focus on teaching a “holistic gospel” that emphasizes the principles of “becoming,” rather than just providing a checklist of behaviors. This encourages genuine internal change over external compliance. The discussion suggests that the Church is effective at teaching “transcendence” (connection to God) but could improve at teaching “humanity” (love for others) and “temperance” (humility). Leaders can apply this insight by creating more opportunities for members to serve others and develop empathy. The research on political tolerance can help leaders foster more charitable and understanding discussions within their wards and stakes, particularly on sensitive topics. 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. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. 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, 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. 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.

Blair Treu, an award-winning director known for his films like Sharing Aloha and Meet the Mormons, shares fascinating insights from his career. He discusses inspiring stories from students at the Polynesian Cultural Center, focusing on their resilience and the educational opportunities they receive. Blair emphasizes the importance of appreciation and compassion in leadership, drawing connections to principles learned through film and faith. His reflections highlight the transformative power of community and the unique challenges faced in storytelling.

Dive into the dynamics of delegation in bishoprics and youth leadership, uncovering the pressures and anxieties faced by bishops. The importance of clear communication and setting expectations shines through as leaders share strategies for effective delegation. Discover how positive reinforcement and a council model empower youth to engage in meaningful discussions. The conversation also highlights the collaborative role of parents and leaders, reminding us that despite the messiness in leadership, grace and understanding are vital in the community.

Skylar Haws, an experienced youth leader and passionate advocate for young men's spiritual growth, shares his insights on effective youth leadership. He underscores the importance of meeting young men where they are and fostering relationships through adventure activities. Skylar discusses how challenges can strengthen faith and emphasizes the role of parents in supporting youth initiatives. He also reflects on his personal experiences of sacrifice in service, illustrating how these moments can lead to profound personal development for both leaders and youth.

Dive into a lively discussion focused on transforming Sunday School experiences! Discover strategies for fostering collaboration among educators and engaging parents in religious education. Learn about the challenges and successes of teacher council meetings, and how tools like Slido can enhance participation. Hear personal insights on creating open environments for spiritual discussions. Plus, explore the vital role of parents in teaching the gospel at home and the resources that can support them in this important work.

Allison Schreiber, an early morning seminary teacher from New Braunfels, Texas, shares her passion for making seminary dynamic and engaging. With a diverse background in leadership and community service, she discusses innovative teaching strategies, like blending fun activities with meaningful lessons to captivate students. Allison emphasizes empowering youth by fostering a collaborative learning environment and connects spirituality with real-life experiences through interactive methods. Her insights on creating a positive classroom culture make religious education a transformative journey.

This is a follow-up conversation. Listen to the first episode here. Jeff Strong worked nearly 30 years in the consumer products industry as a senior executive at Procter & Gamble and global president and chief customer officer at Johnson & Johnson. He then taught in the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University and worked as an advisor to the Church before serving as a mission leader in the Arkansas Bentonville Mission. Jeff has since spent several years doing research on why people are leaving the Church. While not a professional researcher, his career involved a large amount of research and the research he shares in this podcast was done with the help of some of the top Latter-day Saint researchers in the world. Today, Jeff lives in Midway, Utah, and stays busy with a little lavender farm, some business consulting, and enjoying family. Links Slides: Tension From Our Differences When Clapping Happens at Church | A How I Lead Interview with Devin Pope Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Jeff Strong dives deeper into the complexities of faith and community. He explores the idea that while many church leaders may come from a similar mindset, the diversity of perspectives within the congregation is essential for a healthy community. Jeff shares insights from a comprehensive study on disaffiliation and church experiences, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the church culture. He notes that while many members appreciate the community, service, and spiritual growth offered by the church, there are significant concerns about judgment, conformity, and exclusivity that can alienate individuals with differing beliefs or backgrounds. Jeff and Kurt talk about the tension caused by differences, and Jeff illustrates how the natural human response to perceived threats often leads to conformity and exclusion. He discusses the importance of yielding to the Holy Spirit to navigate these tensions, rather than allowing fear to dictate responses. A key part of the episode is the introduction of a segmentation model that categorizes Latter-day Saints into six belief mindsets: Seekers, Cultivators, Protectors, Avoiders, Connectors, and Explorers. Each segment is defined by its unique values and priorities, with Protectors making up a significant portion of church leadership. Jeff and Kurt discuss the implications of this model, emphasizing that a church comprised solely of one segment would lack the richness and diversity necessary for a thriving community. Understanding these different mindsets can help church leaders foster a more inclusive environment that accommodates a broader range of beliefs and experiences. Jeff encourages listeners to embrace the complexities of faith and community, recognizing that the presence of tension can lead to growth and deeper understanding. 00:02:00 – Discussion on disaffiliation from the church 00:02:00 – Tension caused by differences 00:09:00 – Story of the kingfisher and magpies 00:12:00 – Strengths of church culture 00:14:00 – Weaknesses of church culture 00:21:00 – The concept of the “natural man” 00:26:00 – The role of a leader in navigating tension 00:30:00 – Introduction of six mindsets or “segments” 00:36:00 – The “Seekers” segment 00:37:00 – The “Cultivators” segment 00:38:00 – The “Protectors” segment 00:39:00 – The “Avoiders” segment 00:40:00 – The “Connectors” segment 00:42:00 – The “Explorers” segment 00:44:00 – The value of different segments 00:46:00 – Disconnect in leadership 00:48:00 – Historical context of leadership 00:52:00 – Blending leadership styles 01:04:00 – Jesus and Joseph Smith as examples of different mindsets 01:13:00 – Discussion of the Body of Christ from 1 Corinthians 12 01:23:00 – Story of a 100-year-old runner 01:33:00 – Concluding thoughts on a thriving church 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, 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. 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.

James Fletcher is the founder and chief investment officer of Ethos Investment Management, and has been investing professionally in emerging markets for 20 years. He is also the founder of the global non-profit Young Investors Society, which provides lessons to teens on investing and financial literacy in over 3,000 high schools and 80 countries around the world. James has a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Brigham Young University and also teaches as a BYU adjunct professor in Finance. He has lived in a variety of places, from Boston to Brazil and Los Angeles to Hong Kong, and currently lives in Springville, Utah, with his wife and five children, where he serves as a bishop in the Hobble Creek Springville Utah Stake. Links Young Investors Society: YIS.org Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights James Fletcher shares his insights and experiences as a bishop and youth leader. He shares his approach to engaging with youth, highlighting the advice he received to focus on them while allowing other leaders to manage adult responsibilities. He discusses his passion for working with young people, which has been shaped by his background in youth mentorship and his founding of the Young Investor Society, an organization that teaches financial literacy and investment principles to high school students. James emphasizes the importance of setting high expectations for youth while providing the necessary support and mentorship. He also discusses the significance of creating engaging and interactive experiences for youth, rather than simply delivering lessons. He shares how challenging youth with high expectations can lead to remarkable growth and engagement, citing examples from both his church leadership and his work with the Young Investor Society. 00:04:04 – First Impressions of Being a Bishop James shares his experiences and feelings during the first months of his calling as bishop. 00:05:16 – Unique Ward Dynamics Discussion about the unique characteristics of James’s ward in Springville, Utah, including its diverse community. 00:06:57 – Approach to Engaging Youth James explains his focus on youth and how he prioritizes their needs in his leadership role. 00:07:54 – Background in Youth Engagement James discusses his history of working with youth and the founding of the Young Investor Society. 00:09:37 – Weekly Engagement with Youth Insights into James’s weekly activities and how he applies principles of mentorship and engagement with youth. 00:11:06 – Measuring Success as a Bishop James shares advice on how to judge success in his role, emphasizing spiritual guidance. 00:12:00 – Personal Story of Mentorship James recounts a meaningful experience with a young man named Zach and the impact of mentorship. 00:14:23 – Principles for Working with Youth James discusses key principles for engaging and inspiring youth, including setting high expectations. 00:18:47 – Interactive Learning Experiences The importance of interactive and challenging experiences for youth to keep them engaged. 00:21:10 – High Expectations and Support James elaborates on the balance of high expectations and providing support to youth. 00:23:01 – Recognizing and Nurturing Gifts The significance of helping youth recognize their gifts and potential. 00:30:54 – Real Love and Genuine Support James emphasizes the importance of showing genuine love and support to youth in leadership. 00:36:21 – Young Investor Society Overview Information about the Young Investor Society and how it supports youth in financial literacy. 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, 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. 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.

Dr. Benjamin Hardy is an organizational psychologist, author, and speaker known for his work on the psychology of exponential growth and transformation. He has mastered a highly unique form of strategic psychology and is known for his ability to rapidly scale companies to seemingly impossible levels. The author of several books and cofounder of his rigorous scaling company, Scaling.com, Benjamin helps companies scale 10x or more within three years. His innovative psychological and strategic frameworks are unlike anything else in business right now and are seeking to disrupt both the fields of psychology and business. Benjamin and his wife Lauren have seven children and live in Orlando. Links The Science of Scaling: Grow Your Business Bigger and Faster Than You Think Possible Scaling.com/Audiobook Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Benjamin introduces the idea that setting ambitious goals can lead to more effective pathways for growth. He explains that when organizations aim for significantly higher targets—such as a tenfold increase in growth—they are compelled to streamline their efforts and eliminate unnecessary complexities. This principle is particularly relevant for church leaders who may feel constrained by traditional metrics of success. Benjamin emphasizes the importance of aligning daily actions with a higher purpose. He discusses the concept of “raising the floor,” which refers to the necessity of letting go of lower standards and practices that no longer serve the organization’s goals. By doing so, leaders can create a more focused and effective environment for achieving their objectives. The conversation also delves into the psychological aspects of goal-setting, highlighting how the future should shape present actions rather than being dictated by past performance. He shares a compelling story about an audacious missionary baptism goal and how adjusting adjusting and filtering ultimately achieved the goal—illustrating the power of high aspirations and the need for leaders to be willing to say no to less-impactful activities. Benjamin explores the challenges church leaders face in maintaining focus amidst competing priorities and discusses the tendency to add more initiatives rather than simplifying and prioritizing efforts. He encourages leaders to define clear, measurable goals that can guide their actions and decision-making processes, along with a call to embrace ambitious goals. By focusing on fewer, higher goals and raising their standards, leaders can unlock the potential within their wards and organizations, ultimately leading to greater success in their missions. 00:04:00 – Applying Scaling Principles to the Church 00:05:20 – The Goal Shapes the Path and System 00:05:50 – The Power of 10x Goals and Short Timelines 00:08:40 – Missionary Work as an Example of Scaling 00:10:50 – The Past and Future as Lenses for the Present 00:14:10 – Operating From the Goal, Not Toward It 00:14:40 – Raising the Floor and Saying No 00:15:30 – Blake’s Missionary Experience and Filtering 00:19:40 – Overcoming the Influence of the Past in Organizations 00:21:50 – Simplicity vs. Complexity 00:23:10 – The Challenge of Too Many Goals in Church Councils 00:24:50 – Focusing on Key Priorities in Leadership 00:28:00 – Defining and Owning Roles in Church Leadership 00:28:50 – Understanding and Raising the Floor 00:31:30 – The Floor as a Standard of Accountability 00:33:30 – Avoiding Guilt from Too Many To-Dos 00:36:10 – Setting Clear, Numeric Goals 00:40:20 – The Future Shapes the Present 00:42:50 – Repentance and Reorienting Towards the Future 00:44:50 – Distancing from Past Self and Growth Mindset 00:48:50 – Measuring Impact and Qualitative vs. Quantitative Goals 00:53:00 – Accountability in Systems and Leadership 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, 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. 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.