Leading Saints Podcast

Mark A. Beck earned a BA in Business and Japanese Language from Pacific University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Over his three-decade corporate career, he served in executive leadership at Corning Incorporated, as Executive Vice President at Danaher Corporation, and as President and CEO of JELD-WEN, guiding the company through its IPO. Today, Mark owns three manufacturing companies, co-chairs KDC/ONE, and serves as board chair for Accendra Health (formerly Owens & Minor) and IDEX Corporation. Passionate about servant leadership, he serves as faculty for the Adler Fellowship Program and has taught strategic leadership of innovation as a Visiting Professor of Practice at Cornell University.

Adrienne and Mark have been married for 38 years. They reside in Matthews, North Carolina, and are the parents of five children and two grandchildren. Together, they navigated unique life blessings, including caring for their youngest son, Wesley, who was born with a rare health condition and expected to live only a few months. Wesley lived for 20 years through many miracles and Adrienne’s devoted caregiving. Following his passing, Adrienne resumed her educational goals and is on track to earn her bachelor’s degree later this year.

Deeply committed to faith, family, and community, both Mark and Adrienne have spent years serving in Church leadership—Mark previously served as a stake president, and Adrienne as a stake Young Women president and two-time ward Primary president. Today, the couple serve side-by-side as branch president and YSA advisor for the Hemby Young Single Adult Branch in the greater Charlotte area. Beyond hosting regular home dinners and monthly “Friday Night Hangouts,” they pioneered a stake-wide mentorship program that connects young adults with community members to provide life guidance, career coaching, trade school support, and spiritual growth for the rising generation.



Links

Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

Mark and Adrienne Beck discuss their experiences as leaders of the Hemby Young Single Adult (YSA) branch in North Carolina. They share innovative approaches to building community and mentorship within their branch, emphasizing the importance of connection and support for young adults.

Key Insights

Community Building: The Becks highlight the significance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for YSA members, focusing on fostering a culture of acceptance and belonging.
Mentorship Program: They implemented a mentorship initiative that pairs YSA members with older, experienced Latter-day Saints from the stake, providing guidance and support tailored to individual needs.
Cultural Shift: The branch has cultivated a culture where members feel safe to share their struggles openly, leading to authentic testimony meetings that encourage vulnerability and connection.
Diversity and Inclusion: The branch serves a diverse group of young adults, addressing various socioeconomic backgrounds and personal challenges, which enriches the community experience.
Flexible Leadership: The Becks emphasize the importance of adapting leadership styles to meet the unique needs of their members, allowing for a more personalized approach to support and guidance.

Leadership Applications

Encouraging Mentorship: Latter-day Saint leaders can consider establishing mentorship programs within their congregations, pairing experienced members with those seeking guidance, which can alleviate the burden on leaders and provide essential support to individuals.
Creating Safe Spaces: Leaders should foster environments where members feel comfortable sharing their experiences and challenges, promoting open dialogue and community support.
Emphasizing Connection: By organizing regular social gatherings and informal meetings, leaders can strengthen relationships among members, enhancing the sense of belonging and community within the ward or branch.

00:03:32 – Background of the Hemby YSA Branch

00:04:07 – Establishing the YSA Branch

00:06:23 – Initial Concerns and Faith in the Process

00:08:02 – Personal Challenges and Extended Service

00:09:07 – The Calling Experience

00:10:00 – Passion for Serving Young Single Adults

00:10:44 – Building the Branch Council

00:12:06 – Creating a Positive Culture

00:14:04 – Strategies for Inclusion and Connection

00:15:41 – Unique Practices in the Branch

00:18:23 – Emphasizing Community and Togetherness

00:20:35 – Authentic Testimonies and Sharing

00:22:28 – Diversity and Its Impact on Leadership

00:23:30 – The Burden of Leadership

00:26:51 – Establishing a Mentoring Program

00:29:11 – Typical Scenarios for Mentorship

00:30:04 – Examples of Mentorship Success

00:31:27 – Adjusting the Mentorship Approach

00:32:50 – The Role of Stake Leadership

00:34:02 – Flexibility in Mentorship Pairings

00:36:10 – Navigating Challenges and Support

00:39:34 – The Impact of Community Support

00:40:54 – Encouragement for Other Leaders

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.

This is a recording of the monthly Zion Lab Live where Kurt Francom explores various topics discussed in the Zion Lab online community.



Links

Join the conversation in Zion Lab

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

00:01:12 – Adjusting the Schedule

00:02:06 – Importance of Participation

00:03:29 – Changes in Zion Lab Experience

00:04:12 – Membership Options and Sponsorship

00:06:51 – Involving Core Members in Primary and Young Men’s

00:10:58 – Communication Strategies for Inclusion

00:12:57 – Ideas for Unity in Wards

00:17:05 – New Sunday Format Training

00:19:17 – Challenges with Training Resources

00:24:02 – Dating and Marriage Challenges for Young Adults

00:30:07 – Balancing Acceptance and Gospel Principles

00:32:14 – Ideas for Building Unity

00:35:05 – Successful Come Follow Me Groups

00:40:00 – Experiences of Empty Nesters

00:42:53 – Global Perspectives on Dating Issues

Key Insights

Involving Primary & Young Men Leaders: Leaders often struggle with keeping Elders Quorum and Relief Society members connected when they serve in youth or children’s organizations. Solutions include rotating members out briefly to lead discussions, utilizing dedicated group messaging apps, and holding casual home gatherings.

Navigating the New Sunday Schedule: The transition to shortened 25-minute class periods brings anxiety, but leaders emphasize using official Church materials and maintaining realistic expectations while finding a new operational rhythm.

Evolving YSA Dating Dynamics: Modern single adults face significant challenges in finding marriage partners due to shifting cultural values, delayed timelines, and differing personal or political priorities.

Power of Informal Gatherings: Organic, non-assigned home study groups (e.g., Come, Follow Me or General Conference review groups) build deeper ward unity, psychological safety, and ministering opportunities than structured Sunday classes alone.

Building Ward Culture: Leadership is fundamentally about culture-building. Leaders must proactively address secular cultural influences and create intentional spaces for gospel-centered connection.

Leadership Applications

Organize Organic Home Gatherings: Encourage members or leaders to host low-pressure home study groups (such as an empty-nester Come, Follow Me night) with snacks and informal discussion to strengthen local relationships.

Rotate Out-of-Room Teachers: Elders Quorum and Relief Society presidencies can arrange substitutes for primary teachers once a quarter to allow them to attend adult classes or lead a discussion.

Streamline Group Communication: Implement digital communication tools (e.g., GroupMe or Discord) to share ward event links and keep members serving in auxiliary callings informed on adult quorum activities.

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.

Marianne Downing has a master’s degree in Education (counseling) and began her career as a therapist before combining it with various roles within the nonprofit sector. She has been an entrepreneur since 2002. Since becoming a Latter-day Saint, Marianne served in the New Zealand Auckland mission, and as Relief Society president, counselor in her stake Primary presidency, stake Relief Society president, early morning Seminary teacher, and Young Women president. While living in Paris, France, she was called as part of a committee by the European Area Presidency to establish LDS Family Services in the French-speaking areas of France, Switzerland, and Belgium. She currently serves as a ward missionary.

Alan Downing has a bachelor’s degree in music from the Hartt School of Music. He sang professionally for ten years, including in synagogues and churches, while also working as an IT administrator with IBM, Verizon, and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. He left the corporate world to become a life coach and has created several men’s retreats and trainings. He has led or staffed well over 100 experiential retreats in the United States, Europe, and South and Central America. After his conversion as a Latter-day Saint, he served in the France Toulouse Mission, and has served in callings including as a member of his stake high council, elders quorum counselor, Sunday School teacher, ward finance clerk, ward and stake executive secretary, and many positions related to music. He currently serves as a ward music chairperson.

Alan and Marianne are co-founders of the nonprofit organization, Discover Identity, and are both identity coaches. Alan is also on the board of the Utah Valley Interfaith Association and Marianne is a founding member of the Utah Valley Women Leadership Collaborative (now the Bolder Way Forward of Utah Valley). Alan and Marianne are the parents of a blended family of six children and 11—soon to be 12—grandchildren between the United States and New Zealand.



Links

Your Mission Aligned, nonprofit coaching services

Discover Identity, nonprofit retreats

Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

Alan and Marianne Downing discuss the concept of identity and its significance in personal development and leadership within the Latter-day Saint community. They emphasize the importance of understanding one’s identity beyond roles and societal expectations, particularly during life transitions.

Key Insights

Identity Exploration: The fundamental question of “Who am I?” is central to personal growth. Identity is not static; it evolves through life experiences and transitions, such as changes in church callings or family dynamics.

Deeper Understanding: True identity goes beyond titles like “mother” or “bishop.” It involves understanding personal values, beliefs, and what makes each individual unique.

Belonging vs. Fitting In: There is a distinction between belonging (sharing core beliefs) and fitting in (conforming to external expectations). Leaders should encourage individuality within the community to enhance unity.

Risk and Growth: Personal growth often requires taking risks and stepping outside comfort zones. Experiences, such as retreats, can facilitate deeper understanding and wisdom.

Mature vs. Immature Identity: Immature identity relies on external validation, while mature identity is anchored in self-awareness and allows for flexibility and growth.

Leadership Applications

Encourage Individuality: Leaders can foster an environment where members feel safe to express their unique identities, which can enhance community strength and diversity.

Facilitate Experiences: Organizing smaller group discussions or experiential learning opportunities can help members explore their identities and support each other through personal challenges.

Model Vulnerability: Leaders should be open about their own identity journeys, demonstrating that it is acceptable to question and explore one’s faith and personal growth, thereby creating a culture of openness and support.

00:05:07 – The Concept of Identity

00:06:40 – Exploring Identity Beyond Roles

00:08:07 – The Depth of Identity in the Gospel

00:09:32 – The Paradox of Identity and Individuality

00:10:29 – Navigating Group Identity vs. Individual Identity

00:12:28 – Personal Experiences with Identity

00:15:00 – The Downings’ Journey into Identity Work

00:18:01 – The Importance of Self-Discovery

00:20:40 – The Role of Experience in Identity Formation

00:24:40 – The Balance of Self and God’s Expectations

00:26:41 – Mature vs. Immature Identity

00:30:12 – The Role of Risk in Growth

00:32:15 – Experiential Learning and Retreats

00:34:22 – The Need for Community in Personal Growth

00:36:47 – The Importance of Anchors in Identity

00:39:14 – Embracing the Journey of Identity

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.

Todd Hillyard, a bishop in Vancouver, Washington, shares a variety of ideas about how he involves the youth to improve sacrament meeting.

You can listen to the full interview here: https://app.leadingsaints.org/c/livestream-recordings/letting-youth-lead-in-sunday-worship

Want to hire an international returned missionary who attended BYU Pathway? Check out https://leadingsaints.org/fullpond

Elder Scott N. Taylor is a professor of Organizational Behavior holding the Arthur M. Blank Endowed Chair for Values-Based Leadership at Babson College, having previously taught at Boston University and the University of New Mexico. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Brigham Young University as well as an MBA and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from Case Western Reserve University. An award-winning educator and researcher whose work centers on leader assessment, executive coaching, and emotional competence, Scott has authored numerous scholarly publications and consulted internationally with dozens of major companies and government entities.

Elder Taylor has served as an Area Seventy since 2022. His Church service includes callings as a missionary in the Spain Bilbao Mission, young single adult branch president, bishop, high councilor, stake presidency counselor, and stake president. Scott married Ashley Anne Boyter and they are the parents of four children and reside in Franklin, Massachusetts.



Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

Scott discusses the intersection of organizational behavior and church leadership. He shares insights on effective leadership qualities, the importance of creating a positive environment, and the balance between achieving goals and fostering relationships within church communities.

00:02:08 – Scott’s Professional Background

00:04:28 – Scott’s Role as Area 70

00:07:26 – Experience of Being an Area 70

00:09:56 – Daily Responsibilities and Stake Visits

00:12:17 – Understanding the Role of Area 70

00:13:27 – The Importance of Community and Connection

00:14:46 – Organizational Behavior and Church Leadership

00:15:57 – Key Components of Effective Leadership

00:20:04 – Balancing Performance and Belonging

00:24:47 – Navigating the Tension in Leadership

00:30:32 – The Role of Emotion in Leadership

00:35:05 – Cultural Storytelling in Leadership

00:37:07 – Charisma vs. Effective Leadership

00:39:10 – Assumptions About Leadership

00:43:11 – Real-Life Examples of Leadership Assumptions

00:45:29 – Insights on Stake Presidency Calls

Key Insights

Outward Focus: Effective leaders prioritize the needs and well-being of others, creating a connection that fosters trust and engagement.

Positive Environment: Leaders should cultivate a supportive and uplifting atmosphere, which enhances motivation and collaboration among members.

Relational Leadership: Leadership is fundamentally relational; outstanding leaders are not necessarily the most technically skilled but excel in building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging.

Cognitive Dynamics: The brain’s analytical and empathetic networks are antagonistic; leaders must be aware of emotional climates to encourage creativity and openness rather than stress and defensiveness.

Charisma vs. Competence: Charismatic leaders can inspire hope, but relying solely on charisma can lead to overlooking effective leadership qualities that are not immediately visible.

Leadership Applications

Storytelling: Latter-day Saint leaders can use personal stories to illustrate the impact of ministering, helping members connect emotionally and understand the importance of their roles in the community.

Cultural Focus: By emphasizing a culture of belonging and support, leaders can motivate members to engage in ministering efforts naturally, rather than through pressure or performance metrics.

Awareness of Bias: Leaders should recognize their biases when selecting individuals for leadership roles, ensuring that they look beyond charisma and traditional expectations to identify those who truly embody the principles of effective 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. 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.