Leading Saints Podcast

Leading Saints
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Leading Saints Podcast

Leading Saints is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help Latter-day Saints (LDS, Mormon) be better prepared to lead. Here are 4 ways Leading Saints accomplishes the above mission statement: 1. Connect Latter-day Saint Leaders 2. Enhance Leadership Ability 3. Present Leadership Scholarship & Research 4. Celebrate Divine Guidance Podcast Host: Kurt Francom is the founder and executive director of Leading Saints, a nonprofit organization helping Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. He manages the day-to-day efforts of Leading Saints and is the host of the podcast by the same name. Leading Saints has reached individuals internationally and has received over 2 million downloads. Kurt currently lives in Utah with his lovely wife Alanna. They are blessed to have three children. He enjoys drawing caricatures, playing basketball, reading, and watching college football. Kurt has served as a full-time missionary (California Sacramento), as a bishop, 1st counselor in a stake presidency, and elders quorum president.

  1. 23 HR. AGO

    How I Lead Leading Saints | An Interview with Kurt Francom

    Carlos L. Chacon, Jr. takes the reins to interview Kurt Francom, the founder and executive director of Leading Saints and the usual host of the podcast, as they discuss the organization's future plans and the evolution of its content. This was originally a livestream on YouTube, December 30, 2024. Carlos is a zealous father of five trying to balance faith and family life while making a living in IT. He served as a missionary in the Buenos Aires South Mission, where he developed a deep love for the people and culture of Argentina. As a frequent recipient of the Savior's grace, he has also served as an early morning seminary teacher. He enjoys sharing the teachings of Jesus Christ and supporting others on the covenant path, and can eat his weight in raspberries. Carlos and his family live in Richmond, Virginia, where he currently serves as a bishop. He is a host on the SQL Data Partners Podcast. Links Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community. Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Kurt shares insights about upcoming events, including potential live workshops and a BYU cruise experience, emphasizing the value of in-person interactions for leadership development. As they delve into the history of Leading Saints, Kurt recounts his journey from a frustrated church leader to the founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing leadership within the Latter-day Saint community. He reflects on the challenges of leadership, the importance of empathy, and the need for a supportive community. The episode also touches on the relationship between Leading Saints and the Church, clarifying that while they operate independently, they maintain a positive rapport with church leaders. Kurt expresses his desire to create more in-depth content, including long-form interviews and thoughtful explorations of leadership principles, while encouraging listeners to engage with the platform by sharing ideas and suggesting potential guests. The episode concludes with a call for collaboration and a reminder of the significance of leadership in establishing a supportive and thriving community within the church. 03:53 - Plans for 2025 04:25 - Upcoming Live Events 08:06 - BYU Cruise Experience 09:34 - Future Content Ideas 10:06 - Long-Form Interviews 12:50 - Exploring Leadership History 15:27 - Shifting Focus to Zion 16:20 - Engaging New Audiences 18:01 - History of Leading Saints 24:23 - Growth and Impact 25:39 - Motivation Behind Leading Saints 30:03 - Favorite Episodes and Topics 32:44 - Navigating Podcast Content 36:36 - Engaging with Potential Guests 40:38 - Relationship with the Church 44:28 - Importance of Independent Voices 45:19 - The Challenge of Providing Formulas 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...

    1h 16m

  2. 12/20/2024

    How I Lead as a YSA Branch President | An Interview with Geoff Thatcher

    Geoff Thatcher is an experienced creative leader who takes projects from concept to reality. He is the founder & chief creative officer at Creative Principals, and previously worked as a creative writer, producer, and creative director. His projects are most often about creating world-class experiences in corporate visitor centers, museums and theme parks, such as his most recent work in the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Geoff is the president of the Savannah YSA Branch in the Savannah Georgia Stake and was a guest on the podcast when he previously served as assistant director of communications in Cincinnati, Ohio. Links Using Social Media in Stake Public Affairs | An Interview with Geoff Thatcher Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Geoff first shares insights from his background in experience design and public affairs, particularly focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing visitor experiences at museums, such as the College Football Hall of Fame. He discusses the potential of AI to create personalized experiences that engage individuals in meaningful ways, while also cautioning against the risks of over-reliance on technology. Transitioning to his role as a YSA branch president, Geoff recounts the process of establishing the branch, which stemmed from a need for young adults to have a dedicated space for worship and community. He shares the results of informal focus groups that revealed young adults' desire for worship over programmed activities and their wish to be treated as adults rather than youth. Geoff emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where young adults feel valued and engaged, sharing stories of how the branch has grown. He highlights the significance of treating YSAs as adults, allowing them to take on responsibilities and speak about their passions during meetings, which fosters a sense of belonging and community. The episode concludes with Geoff's reflections on the responsibility of church leaders to reach out to young adults, emphasizing that they are not lost but rather have been overlooked, and the need for leaders to actively engage and support them in their spiritual journeys. 06:10 - Geoff's Background and Current Work 06:39 - AI in Experience Design 07:22 - AI's Role in Museums 10:20 - The Importance of Active Engagement 12:20 - Anticipating AI's Impact on Church Experience 20:51 - Starting a YSA Branch in Savannah 21:08 - Gathering Input from Young Single Adults 25:54 - The Impact of the YSA Branch 29:00 - Mindset Shift: Responsibility for Young Adults 32:38 - Engaging Young Adults in Family Wards 35:06 - Treating Young Adults as Adults 38:11 - Building Rapport with Young Adults 40:18 - Encouraging Passionate Talks 46:04 - Success Stories from the YSA Branch 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 ...

    56 min

  3. 12/16/2024

    Part 2: Creating a Transformational Sunday School | An Interview with Dan Duckworth

    Watch Part 1: Creating a Transformational Sunday School | An Interview with Dan Duckworth. Dan Duckworth is the founder and host of LeaderQuest, an elite leadership program that transforms managers and executives into dynamic changemakers. He speaks, teaches, and writes on leadership and leadership development, and provides one-on-one coaching to leaders aiming to drive transformational change. Dan has served as a board member for Leading Saints since 2019. To learn more, visit idylli.co or find Dan on LinkedIn. Links Part 1: Creating a Transformational Sunday School | An Interview with Dan Duckworth The True Purpose of Sunday School Why Testimony is Not the Only Goal for Latter-day Youth—Part 1 | A Presentation by Dan Duckworth Sunday School Session Template From Aspirational Principles to Practical Principles Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights This is the second of a two-part podcast. The conversation continues, focusing on the transformative role of mentorship in youth leadership and the dynamics of effective Sunday school teaching. Dan shares insights on the nature of transformation in leadership. He stresses that effective teaching is not merely about mastering tactics but involves a fundamental shift in belief systems. This transformation requires educators to engage in a cycle of experimentation and reflection, challenging their preconceived notions of what it means to teach and learn. Dan illustrates this with examples from his own experiences, emphasizing the need for teachers to create an environment where students can co-create their learning experiences rather than passively consume information. The episode delves into the concept of culture within church settings, with Dan advocating for a proactive approach to challenging and reshaping cultural norms. He encourages leaders to embrace discomfort and uncertainty as they experiment with new teaching methods, using the metaphor of pushing against the walls of culture to gather valuable insights. The discussion also touches on the importance of fostering authentic community within Sunday school classes, where trust and openness can lead to deeper engagement and meaningful dialogue. Dan outlines practical principles for effective teaching, including the necessity of a single driving question to guide discussions and the importance of creating a safe space for students to share their thoughts and experiences.

    57 min

  4. 12/12/2024

    Showing Up in the Lives of Those You Lead | A How I Lead Interview with Kent Jordan

    Kent Jordan was recently released as stake president from the Wilmington, Delaware Stake. He has previously served as a high councilor, in bishoprics and elders quorum presidencies, and as an early-morning Seminary teacher. Kent currently teaches elders quorum and is looking forward to retirement and meeting four new grandbabies in 2025. Links Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Kent offers insights into organizing stake conferences, emphasizing the importance of prayer and collaboration with his counselors and the stake council to determine the needs of the members. He highlights the significance of after-general conference discussions to align teachings with the needs of the stake. Kent shares key leadership principles that guided him during his time as stake president, starting with the importance of loving and respecting the people within his stewardship. He recounts the profound experience of seeing members through the Savior's eyes, which deepened his connection to them. Kent also discusses the value of personal priesthood interviews with leaders, emphasizing the importance of showing up in their lives and ministering together. He shares how these interactions fostered a sense of community and support among the leaders. Additionally, he reflects on the welfare efforts within the stake, noting the diverse approaches of bishops and the importance of trusting them to handle their responsibilities. Kent concludes by discussing the blessings he witnessed among the saints, encouraging the sharing of their experiences to build faith within the community. 04:45 - Reflections on Nine Years as Stake President 05:59 - Reorienting After Leadership 06:32 - Overview of the Stake's Geographic Layout 07:36 - Prior Leadership Experience Before Stake Presidency 08:13 - Organizing Stake Conferences 09:17 - Insights on Stake Conference Planning 10:37 - Involving Stake Council in Conference Discussions 12:54 - Principle of Love and Respect in Leadership 13:39 - The Story of Kent's Calling as Stake President 16:30 - Learning from the Experience of Leadership 17:54 - Finding Footing in the New Calling 19:22 - Focus on Reaping and Rescuing 21:06 - Interaction with Bishops on Welfare Efforts 22:34 - Trusting Bishops in Their Responsibilities 24:01 - Encouragement for Bishops and Relief Society Presidents 25:12 - Importance of Personal Interviews 27:07 - Strategies for Effective Personal Interviews 30:00 - Building Faith Through Sharing Experiences 32:03 - Future Plans After Stake Presidency 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,

  5. 12/07/2024

    Part 1: Creating a Transformational Sunday School | An Interview with Dan Duckworth

    Dan Duckworth is the founder and host of LeaderQuest, an elite leadership program that transforms managers and executives into dynamic changemakers. He speaks, teaches, and writes on leadership and leadership development, and provides one-on-one coaching to leaders aiming to drive transformational change. Dan has served as a board member for Leading Saints since 2019. To learn more, visit idylli.co or find Dan on LinkedIn. This is the first of a two-part conversation Links Part 2 of this conversation The True Purpose of Sunday School Why Testimony is Not the Only Goal for Latter-day Youth—Part 1 | A Presentation by Dan Duckworth Sunday School Session Template From Aspirational Principles to Practical Principles Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights This is the first of a two-part podcast conversation. Kurt and Dan explore the challenges faced by local leaders in adapting to changes in church programs, particularly in Sunday School and ministering. They critique the tendency to revert to traditional methods rather than embracing innovative approaches that align with The Church's evolving directives. Drawing on scriptural examples, they illustrate the need for leaders to actively engage in creating a culture that supports spiritual growth and community building. Dan emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique characteristics of Sunday School, including the nature of its membership, the role of teachers, and the communal aspect of spiritual development. Throughout the episode, they advocate for a shift from knowledge transfer to transformational teaching, encouraging leaders to experiment with new methods that foster engagement and personal growth. By redefining the purpose of Sunday School and embracing a more dynamic, interactive approach, local leaders can create an environment where individuals feel empowered to share their spiritual journeys and support one another. The discussion ultimately serves as a call to action for leaders to embrace their roles in cultivating a vibrant, Christ-centered community that reflects the principles of the gospel. 04:45 - The Connection Between Leadership and Zion 06:15 - The Role of Culture in Leadership 07:50 - The Importance of Transformational Leadership 09:30 - The Need for Change in Church Programs 10:50 - The Allegory of the Olive Tree and Leadership 12:30 - The Natural Order of Church Gatherings 14:00 - The Role of Local Leaders in Cultural Change 15:30 - The Power of Experimentation in Teaching 17:00 - The Purpose of Sunday School

    51 min

  6. 12/05/2024

    How I Lead in the Nauvoo Pageant | An Interview with Cynthia Collier and Amy Robinson

    Cynthia Collier grew up in Salt Lake City in a family that enjoyed the performing arts. She studied philosophy, English, and music at Brigham Young University, and has taught music and theater in schools. Over the past 25 years she has been involved in writing and directing live productions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Savior of the World at the Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City, and the Nauvoo and British pageants in Nauvoo, Illinois. She has served in the Church as a teacher, in various music callings, and in presidencies in wards and stakes. She most recently served with her husband as a branch minister at the University of Utah and Huntsman Hospitals in Salt Lake City. She is married to Eric Collier and is a mother and grandmother. Amy Robinson graduated from Brigham Young University in Humanities and Modern dance, and was thrilled to be part of the BYU International Folk dance team and Modern Dance team. She believes her greatest educational opportunities came from touring with those companies to many amazing places including China, India, and Europe. This may be where she gained her nomadic spirit—she and her husband Nathan have moved 27 times in 20 years of marriage! In London, England, in 2013, Amy had the opportunity to create the choreography for the first British Pageant. It was a life-changing experience to see the miracles that came to the participants of that show and audience. In 2015, Amy enjoyed helping set the British pageant on the Nauvoo stage and returned to help family casts learn choreography for the pageants in 2022 and 2024. She considers it her dream job to "move with joy" with the casts in England and then Nauvoo. Amy has also been part of the Arts in Education program in Utah through Tanner Dance, teaching dancers of all ages in elementary schools, and teaches folk dance at American Heritage School in Salt Lake City. Amy and Nathan are the parents of six children and her greatest joy is time spent with them—dancing in the kitchen and singing in the car—and serving in the Church, especially with youth and children. Links Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights This episode focuses on the leadership and organization behind the Nauvoo Pageant, highlighting the unique structure of the pageant, which features a rotating cast of family participants who rehearse for a week and perform the following week, allowing for a diverse range of individuals to engage in the production. Cynthia and Amy emphasize the importance of creating a joyful and supportive environment for participants, many of whom arrive feeling nervous and unsure of their abilities. The leadership style of the pageant focuses on fostering a sense of community and collaboration, where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than failures. They share inspiring stories of participants who have experienced personal miracles during their time in the pageant, illustrating the transformative power of faith and community. They also discuss the significance of teaching children and families to embrace the unpredictability of performances, highlighting the importance of love and acceptance in the rehearsal process. As the conversation progresses, they share valuable leadership principles, such as the "good fruit principle," which encourages individuals to focus on sharing positivity and blessings rather than complaints. This principle has been instrumental in creating a spirit ...

    1h 2m

  7. 11/30/2024

    Part 2: What About Our Culture is Holding Us Back? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson

    Watch Part 1: What About Our Culture is Holding Us Back? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson Ryan Gottfredson, Ph.D. is a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets. Ryan is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of Success Mindsets: The Key to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership and The Elevated Leader: Leveling Up Your Leadership Through Vertical Development. He is also a leadership professor at the College of Business and Economics at California State University-Fullerton. Links Part 1: What About Our Culture is Holding Us Back? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson RyanGottfredson.com Is There a Correlation Between Losing Faith and Moving? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson The Research Behind Becoming Christlike | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson Is Your Mindset Limiting Your Leadership? | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson What Every Leader Should Consider About Community in Their Ward | An Interview with Ryan Gottfredson Ryan's articles at leadingsaints.org Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Find the Logan Temple ornament and other items at ShopRingmasters.com Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights This is the second of a two-part podcast conversation on effective church leadership. The discussion continues with a reflection on the value of open communication and the need for leaders to encourage their team members to express their thoughts and feelings. Ryan emphasizes the significance of establishing a culture where individuals feel safe to share their vulnerabilities, which can lead to deeper connections and trust within a group. The conversation delves into the challenges leaders face when balancing the need to cover prescribed topics versus allowing for authentic, vulnerable discussions that may arise organically. Ryan suggests that leaders should prioritize creating conditions conducive to growth rather than merely focusing on outcomes. He explains the concept of "gardener-minded leadership," where leaders cultivate an environment that fosters development and flourishing among their team members. Kurt and Ryan next consider the role of ego in leadership. Ryan defines ego as the part of ourselves that prioritizes self-preservation over value creation for others. He highlights the importance of self-awareness and the need fo...

    44 min

  8. 11/27/2024

    Helping Women to See Themselves as Leaders | An Interview with Dr. Susan R. Madsen

    This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in April 2020. Professor Susan R. Madsen is the Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. Dr. Madsen is considered one of the top global scholars and thought leaders on the topic of women and leadership and has authored or edited nine books and published hundreds of articles, chapters, and reports. She is a well-known speaker in local, national, and international settings. She is also the founding director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project and has worked for years motivating more women in Utah to graduate from college and to lead and influence more profoundly. At the time this was recorded, Dr. Madsen was the Orin R. Woodbury Professor of Leadership & Ethics in the Woodbury School of Business at Utah Valley University. A returned missionary, she received a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, master’s from Portland State University, and a doctorate from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Madsen and her husband Greg are the proud parents of four adult children and six delightful grandchildren. Links Utah Women & Leadership Project Everyday Bias, by Howard Ross Why Gender Matters, by Leonard Sax Let Your Life Speak, by Parker Palmer Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Read the transcript of this podcast Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 5:40 Women feeling a calling or purpose in both religious and secular settings gives them more confidence 8:40 Either/or socialization for women has become powerful in Church culture over the past 60 years 11:30 Research into sister missionaries started with the purpose of learning what influences women's goals and aspirations to become leaders in their homes and communities 13:50 What leadership skills have women developed through mission service? How do they use them now? What other opportunities do they wish they would have had? 17:50 Men are more likely than women to see themselves as leaders 19:00 Competencies and leadership skills women gain from serving a mission: public speaking, conflict management, courage, interpersonal skills, problem solving, planning organization and accountability, confidence, spiritual growth, empathy, giving and receiving feedback, grit and resilience, mentoring, teaching, critical thinking, listening, personal growth and awareness, accepting others, time management, training others, teamwork, foreign language skills, intercultural competencies, goal-setting, managing people, work ethic, serving others, taking direction, independence, patience, decision-making and judgment, standing their ground, leading by example, self-discipline, adaptability, lifelong learning 27:10 Connecting these skills to leadership for women: "We have to be leaders" * Serving a mission helps women see themselves as leaders

    1h 24m
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Leading Saints is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help Latter-day Saints (LDS, Mormon) be better prepared to lead. Here are 4 ways Leading Saints accomplishes the above mission statement: 1. Connect Latter-day Saint Leaders 2. Enhance Leadership Ability 3. Present Leadership Scholarship & Research 4. Celebrate Divine Guidance Podcast Host: Kurt Francom is the founder and executive director of Leading Saints, a nonprofit organization helping Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. He manages the day-to-day efforts of Leading Saints and is the host of the podcast by the same name. Leading Saints has reached individuals internationally and has received over 2 million downloads. Kurt currently lives in Utah with his lovely wife Alanna. They are blessed to have three children. He enjoys drawing caricatures, playing basketball, reading, and watching college football. Kurt has served as a full-time missionary (California Sacramento), as a bishop, 1st counselor in a stake presidency, and elders quorum president.

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