Leading Saints Podcast

Patrick Sedivy is the Founder and CEO of Cumorah Academy, a non-profit private school dedicated to empowering individuals to follow Jesus Christ and positively impact their lives, careers, and communities. His commitment to service and leadership is rooted in his faith and family background—his parents defected from communist Czechoslovakia in 1969 in search of religious freedom, and he later served as a missionary in the Czech Republic. Patrick and his wife, Allyse, share a passion for inspiring and guiding young adults, which led them to establish Cumorah Academy. Patrick also serves as CEO of HYPE, a program dedicated to empowering youth and creating unforgettable experiences. Links CumorahAcademy.org GoHYPE.org Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 00:03:39 - The Vision Behind Cumorah Academy 00:05:23 - Understanding the Structure of Cumorah Academy 00:06:30 - The Importance of Leadership Skills 00:08:00 - Who Can Attend Cumorah Academy? 00:09:49 - The International Reach of Cumorah Academy 00:10:34 - Tuition and Scholarships 00:12:26 - Language and Learning Environment 00:13:11 - Success Stories from Cumorah Academy 00:14:41 - Transformative Experiences of Students 00:16:25 - The Need for Continuous Learning 00:17:42 - Addressing the Transition Challenges for Young Adults 00:18:50 - Curriculum Overview and Key Principles 00:19:28 - Accountability and Personal Growth 00:20:34 - Conflict Resolution Skills 00:22:08 - Interactive Learning Methodology 00:23:40 - Balancing Workload and Downtime 00:25:57 - Creating Positive Connections Among Students 00:27:36 - The Role of Visiting Mentors 00:29:50 - Public Speaking and Presentation Skills 00:31:07 - Leadership Curriculum and Modules 00:32:54 - Holistic Approach to Student Well-being 00:34:37 - Measuring Emotional Resilience and Hopefulness 00:36:39 - The Importance of Human Connection 00:38:06 - Opportunities for Mentorship and Involvement 00:39:49 - Conclusion and Resources for Further Engagement 00:41:13 - Introducing Hype: Humanitarian Leadership Experience 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.

Join Adam McHugh, an author and former hospice chaplain, as he dives into the experiences of introverts within church settings. He explores the definition of introversion and extroversion, highlighting the unique struggles introverts face in an extroverted culture. McHugh emphasizes the importance of deep connections over small talk and shares insights on the power of listening and being present, especially in times of grief. His reflections encourage a more inclusive understanding of faith that values both introverted and extroverted contributions.

Scott Rasband, owner of a Chick-fil-A and bishop for Young Single Adults, shares his unique approach to leadership. He discusses how Chick-fil-A's values foster community and connection, emphasizing the power of 'second mile service' to create lasting customer impressions. Scott translates these principles into his role as bishop, highlighting the importance of mentorship and empowering young adults. Informal gatherings like 'Straggler Sundays' strengthen bonds and purpose, while his insights on servant leadership illuminate the interplay between business and spiritual growth.

Brenda Angle, an author and certified faith-based life coach, discusses her remarkable work in humanitarian efforts in Tanzania. She shares her inspiring initiative to organize a temple trip that grew from a small outing to an incredible gathering of over 500 participants, including orphans. The podcast highlights the challenges and joys of bringing diverse communities together and igniting spiritual curiosity, along with the transformative power of collective faith and connection in enhancing the lives of Tanzanian Latter-day Saints.

In this conversation, Ryan Gottfredson, a leadership professor and best-selling author, explores the transformative journey of becoming a better leader. He emphasizes the importance of navigating personal emotional complexity and fostering supportive community environments. Ryan discusses the impact of physical spaces on spiritual growth and the role of mental blocks in personal development. He advocates for a balanced approach in leadership that intertwines action with genuine personal healing, encouraging deeper self-awareness for effective leadership.

Jennifer Reeder, a specialist in 19th-century women’s history and author of 'First: The Life and Faith of Emma Smith,' shares insights from her extensive research. She unveils Emma Smith's life as a complex pillar of faith and discusses the often overlooked contributions of women in early church history. Reeder also reflects on her personal battle with leukemia and how adversity has shaped her understanding of leadership. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, service, and the evolving role of women in church settings.

This conversation features Rick Francom, who navigated the challenges of being a bishop in a transient ward, Bill Luker, a former stake president with a rich background in technology and music, and Lynn Peterson, a retired Air Force member now serving as a Primary chorister. They share fascinating anecdotes about church leadership in the 70s and 80s, discussing financial hurdles, community bonds, and the emotional dynamics of guiding congregations. Their nostalgic reflections on church activities and personal connections highlight the evolving role of leaders.

Mike Houghtaling, a former bishop and air traffic controller, shares his inspiring journey of overcoming addiction and how it shaped his leadership in the church. He discusses his early struggles with pornography and the shame that followed. Houghtaling emphasizes the crucial role of support in recovery and how sharing personal stories fosters understanding. He highlights that those with troubled pasts can lead effectively, advocating for compassion in faith communities. His insights on living one day at a time and the power of love in recovery are truly transformative.

Brandon Doman, a former BYU quarterback turned YSA stake president, shares fascinating insights on blending sports leadership with faith guidance. He explores how his athletic journey shapes his church leadership style, focusing on service and mentorship. Doman emphasizes the role of family in faith development, alongside critical life lessons learned from sports. He discusses balancing leadership roles, the importance of prayer for young singles, and how resilience and community support can lead to profound personal growth.

Calvin Griffin, president of the Denton, Texas stake, shares his inspiring conversion story and extensive leadership journey. He emphasizes the importance of aligning with prophetic keys and staying attuned to the Spirit in leadership roles. Griffin discusses the unexpected challenges leaders face and the power of commitment in faith. He also reflects on personal integrity and the significance of nurturing relationships within the church community, urging listeners to embrace vulnerability as a source of spiritual growth.