Change is part of life. It comes when we expect it and when we do not. It can affect our work, our family, and our plans for the future. Because of this, learning to lead change is a powerful skill.
At Cumorah Academy, students often learn this lesson from experienced mentors.
One couple who recently shared their insights was Rod Lisonbee and Lorie Lisonbee. During their visit, they helped students understand how to lead change effectively in both personal life and professional settings.
Their lessons were simple, clear, and powerful.
Learning to Lead Change Effectively
Students quickly felt the impact of their mentorship.
Benjamin Ramirez, a student from Mexico, shared his experience:
“During this week, I had the opportunity to learn how to receive and give feedback effectively. We need to pull and push for the feedback, which means that instead of waiting until someone shares with us feedback, we can ask for it. They were amazing mentors through sharing their experience and creating activities that helped us learn better this concept.”
Benjamin learned that feedback plays a key role when we lead change effectively. Waiting for feedback can slow growth. Asking for it creates progress.
Another student, Lillian Robinson from the United States, also reflected on the experience:
“They taught me how to make sure change is carefully handled in groups, how to give and receive good feedback, and the steps to enact good change in your company. The Lisonbees taught me that change is inevitable, and it’s important you learn to grow and change with the people around you.”
Her words highlight an important truth. If we want to lead change effectively, we must grow with others. Change is rarely a solo journey.
A Life of Leadership and Service
Rod Lisonbee built his career in the world of finance and healthcare leadership.
But his journey started earlier than many would expect.
In high school, he joined a work-release program. Students in this program could work during part of the school day. Rod worked at a hospital. That experience shaped his future.
He later explained how another moment changed his path.
“Later, when I served my mission, my mission president was a CPA and asked me to serve as the mission secretary over finances. I enjoyed that work. When I returned home, I decided to study accounting. I earned a degree and pursued a career in finance, eventually becoming a hospital chief financial officer. I worked in that role for 31 years.”
His story shows how mentors and experiences can guide our direction. Small moments can lead to big decisions.
He concluded with an important reflection:
“That experience showed me that mission presidents can have a big impact on your life.”
His career later required him to lead change effectively many times. Hospitals constantly adapt to new policies, technologies, and systems. Leaders must guide teams through those transitions.
A Family That Values Growth
Family is also central to the Lisonbees’ life.
Rod Lisonbee and Lorie Lisonbee love spending time with their family and watching it grow.
“We have four children. We had two boys, then our daughter, and then another son—so three boys and one girl.”
Today, their family has grown even more. They now have 16 grandchildren.
Their family life reflects the same values they teach students: growth, learning, and support.
When families learn to adapt together, they also learn to lead change effectively in their personal lives.
The Power of Vision
The Lisonbees shared a simple but powerful message with students.
“Have a clear vision for your life.”
Vision gives direction. Without it, change can feel confusing. With it, change becomes an opportunity.
They also spoke about the challenges of goal setting.
“Sometimes we would set goals and then review them at the end of the year and realize we hadn’t achieved many of them, which made it discouraging.”
This experience is common for many people. We set goals with excitement. Then life becomes busy.
But learning to adjust goals and keep moving forward is part of learning to lead change effectively.
Vision helps us stay focused even when results take time.
How the Lisonbees Found Cumorah Academy
Their connection with Cumorah Academy came through a unique experience.
“When we received our mission call to serve with young adults in Spain, we were connected with Elder and Sister Peterson, who serve in Frankfurt, Germany. They work with young single adult missionary couples in Europe.”
Through that connection, they learned about the school in the Czech Republic.
Soon after, they visited and shared their knowledge with students. Their mentorship helped students better understand how to lead change effectively in teams and organizations.
Why Change Is Inevitable
Change is one of the few certainties in life.
At some point, everyone experiences a sudden change.
It might happen in personal life. It might happen at work. It could involve moving to a new city or starting a new career.
Leaders often face even more change.
A company may introduce new strategies. A team may receive new responsibilities. Leadership structures may shift.
Every situation requires leaders who know how to lead change effectively.
Many people fear change. Yet change often brings growth.
When leaders guide change with clarity and communication, teams feel more confident and motivated.
This is exactly what students practiced during the mentorship week with the Lisonbees.
Learning to Grow Through Change
Have you noticed that the word change often connects with the word new?
New ideas, new opportunities, and new challenges.
Every new step invites growth.
At Cumorah Academy, students practice stepping into new experiences. They learn leadership, business, and communication. They also learn how to lead change effectively in their communities and careers.
Over the years, hundreds of students have experienced transformation during their time on campus.
They arrive ready to learn.
They leave ready to serve.
A Life-Changing Opportunity
The lessons from Rod Lisonbee and Lorie Lisonbee remind us that leadership begins with vision, humility, and a willingness to grow.
When we learn to lead change effectively, we do more than adapt to life.
We shape it.
At Cumorah Academy, students discover how to develop these skills through mentorship, hands-on learning, and real leadership experiences.
If you are ready to grow, challenge yourself, and create meaningful change in your life and community, this could be your moment. Apply today and take the first step toward becoming the kind of leader who inspires change wherever you go.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
