In this solo episode, Kurt considers the concept of aspiring to lead and shares ideas and experiences prompted by a series of newsletter messages. Highlights 4:15 Where the topic of aspiring started in the newsletter 8:25 Responses to newsletter messages: Is it okay for someone to aspire? 9:40 Quotes about not aspiring 11:00 Hypothetical situation and survey: Harry wants to be bishop 13:00 Aspiring can be a form of pride and a hunger for power; who is this teaching turning away? 15:20 Who was the first person to ever aspire to a calling? There are aspirations that aren't based in pride/power/glory 17:10 Truman Madsen quote of Joseph Smith's statement on aspiring 19:00 Letter from James: aspiring distracts from revelation 22:30 We are encouraged to aspire to some callings, or at least not discouraged 24:00 Why would anyone even want to lead? * 1 Timothy 3:1 * God's remarkable vision speaks to our souls * 27:15 Lift where you stand, but formal leadership callings simplify the process of discipleship 30:00 Unintended consequences of the teaching not to aspire: * Putting leaders on pedestals; questioning a few sacred cultural cows * 33:10 Dynamic of individuals who do not have the same leadership opportunities * 37:00 Leads to individuals seeking personal validation through leadership * 40:45 Unintentionally disenfranchises the most capable; creates a culture of fear * 43:10 Accidentally diminish our God-given desire for influence and purpose 48:45 Observations/ideas to improve the culture: * Liberate the capable by encouraging influence from everyone * Don't shrink from influence * No more pedestals * Create more seats at the table * We need more examples of the desire for influence: aim to be on the list for consideration * Don't diminish a calling by highlighting the sacrifices * When we label the desire to influence as prideful, only the prideful seek to influence * Destigmatize the desire to lead Links From Baptist Preacher to Latter-day Saint | An Interview with Gary Miller Truman Madsen lectures