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