Leading Saints Podcast

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.

JeaNette Smith is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who authored Side by Side: Supporting a Spouse in Church Service to help couples keep their relationships strong and connected amidst demanding Church callings or busy careers. Her inspiration for the book came early in her career while her husband, Bret, was serving as a bishop, leading her to study how couples can actively grow closer rather than drift apart during intense seasons of service.

Over their years together, JeaNette and Bret have put these principles into practice across numerous callings, including three bishoprics, a branch presidency, a stake presidency, and as mission leaders in the Dominican Republic. JeaNette is a frequent contributor to Meridian Magazine and the author of two books on adolescent romance. JeaNette and Bret are the parents of four children and the grandparents of fifteen. They continue to work side by side in their family life and with their grandchildren.



Links

Side by Side: Supporting a Spouse in Church Service

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

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

JeaNette explores how couples can navigate demanding Church callings without straining their relationship. Drawing on her personal background supporting her husband across various leadership roles and her professional expertise, JeaNette emphasizes that Church callings should be treated as shared, couple-centered opportunities that strengthen marriages rather than burden them.

Key Insights

Viewing Callings as a Team Effort: Demanding leadership positions run much smoother and foster deeper connection when couples view the assignment as a joint effort, with the leader using their spouse as a trusted sounding board and counselor.

Navigating Confidentiality Wisely: Leaders should refrain from complete emotional isolation; while specific names and details must remain private, sharing emotional burdens, general concerns, and spiritual joys keeps the couple connected and avoids emotional drift.

Emotional Availability Matters Most: Marital tension rarely stems from physical absence alone; it arises when leaders become emotionally disengaged and fail to share their inner thoughts and feelings with their spouse.

Prioritizing Intentional Connection: Daily practices—such as morning companionship scripture study, short check-ins, or casual dates—help maintain alignment and ensure open channels of communication.

Maintaining Appropriate Motives and Boundaries: Spouses must approach confidential insights with pure motives aimed at lifting burdens rather than satisfying curiosity, while leaders must genuinely value their spouse’s wisdom as an equal partner.

Prioritizing Personal Self-Care: Spouses and leaders alike must prioritize self-care and personal well-being to avoid resentment and build the capacity needed to serve others effectively.

Leadership Applications

Integrate Daily Companionship Study: Leaders can establish a daily routine with their spouse to study scriptures, pray, and discuss upcoming ward or stake needs together to invite shared revelation.

Share the Emotional Weight Without Oversharing: Leaders can share their personal feelings, fatigue, or spiritual insights with their spouse to process stress safely without revealing confidential names or specific details.

Involve Your Spouse in Leadership Activities: Where appropriate, leaders can invite their spouses to attend youth activities, missionary setting-aparts, or stake events together to make service a fun, shared experience.

00:02:00 – Jeanette’s Background

Jeanette shares her personal experiences as a bishop’s wife and her professional background as a marriage and family therapist.

00:04:30 – Navigating Marriage and Church Callings

Discussion on how church callings can strain relationships and the importance of turning these challenges into opportunities for growth.

00:07:00 – The Importance of Communication

Exploration of the need for open communication between spouses regarding church responsibilities and the emotional burdens they carry.

00:09:30 – Confidentiality and Trust

Jeanette emphasizes the balance between confidentiality in church leadership and the necessity of sharing feelings and experiences with one’s spouse.

00:12:00 – Shared Experiences in Leadership

The significance of couples working together in church callings and how it strengthens their relationship.

00:15:00 – Companionship Study

Jeanette discusses the practice of companionship study and its benefits for couples in leadership roles.

00:18:00 – Advice for Newly Called Couples

Tips for couples newly called to leadership positions on how to navigate their responsibilities together.

00:21:00 – Maintaining Trustworthiness

The importance of being a trustworthy spouse and the need to keep confidences regarding ward matters.

00:23:30 – Friendship Dynamics

Discussion on the shift in relationships for bishop’s wives and the importance of maintaining friendships outside of church.

00:26:00 – Self-Care for Spouses

Jeanette highlights the necessity of self-care for spouses in leadership to better support their partners.

00:29:00 – Emotional Availability

Exploration of the difference between physical presence and emotional availability in a marriage.

00:32:00 – Navigating Different Experiences

The challenges of reconnecting after church meetings and the importance of sharing spiritual experiences with one another.

00:35:00 – Handling Difficult Situations

Jeanette shares a personal story about navigating sensitive situations while maintaining a strong marriage.

00:38:00 – Date Night and Connection

The role of date nights in fostering connection and communication between spouses.

00:40:00 – Pure Motives in Communication

The importance of having pure motives when discussing church matters and supporting each other.

00:43:00 – Seeking Help and Humility

Encouragement for leaders to seek help when needed and to be humble about their struggles.

00:45:00 – Avoiding Judgment

The need for spouses to refrain from forming judgments about others in the ward and the importance of compassion.

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.

Register for the Meetings with Saints Virtual Summit: https://app.leadingsaints.org/mws-reg