Leadership Starts With Real Experience
At Cumorah Academy, leadership is more than a subject. It becomes part of everyday life. Students learn leadership principles in the classroom, practice them through teamwork, and apply them in real situations that prepare them for the future.
One of the people who helps shape that experience is Kelly Shepherd, Chief Learning Officer at Cumorah Academy.
Since joining the academy in 2022, Kelly has worked closely with students to create meaningful learning experiences that extend far beyond textbooks. His approach encourages students to think critically, act with purpose, and develop the confidence to lead in every area of life. He and his wife, Stacey, believe leadership is not reserved for a select few. Instead, they teach that every young adult can develop the character, habits, and vision required to become an effective leader.
This philosophy reflects the mission of Cumorah Academy. Every semester, students arrive from different countries with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Some want to strengthen their leadership skills. Others hope to discover a clearer direction for their future. Many simply want to grow spiritually, professionally, and personally. Wherever they begin, they all receive opportunities to build a foundation that will influence the rest of their lives.
At Cumorah Academy, your story finds its next chapter. It becomes a chapter filled with greater direction, stronger faith, meaningful friendships, and a deeper sense of purpose.
What Is the Leadership Review?
One of the highlights of each semester is the Leadership Review. This special series of classes allows students to revisit the principles they have learned throughout the program as they prepare for the opportunities that await them after graduation.
Rather than serving as a final exam, the Leadership Review invites students to reflect on their growth and establish practical goals for the future. They evaluate their progress, identify areas for improvement, and create a vision for the life they hope to build. These conversations help students leave the academy with more than knowledge. They leave with a plan.
Throughout these sessions, students explore many aspects of leadership. They discuss what makes leaders effective, how different leadership styles influence organizations, and why personal character matters just as much as professional skills.
Mission-Driven Leadership Gives Young Adults Direction
Among these discussions, one principle stands out: mission-driven leadership.
Leadership can take many forms. Some leaders rely on authority to influence others. Others focus on relationships or performance. While each approach offers valuable lessons, mission-driven leadership provides something deeper.
A mission-driven leader stays focused on a purpose that reaches beyond personal success. Instead of allowing fear, pride, or temporary setbacks to determine their decisions, they remain committed to a meaningful vision. Their mission guides daily choices, strengthens resilience during challenges, and inspires the people around them.
Young adults often face difficult decisions about education, careers, relationships, and personal goals. A clear mission helps them make those decisions with confidence. Rather than chasing every opportunity, they learn to recognize the ones that align with their values and long-term purpose.
Why Emotional Intelligence Makes Better Leaders
Another essential topic during the Leadership Review focuses on emotional intelligence.
Great leadership requires more than knowledge and ambition. It also requires the ability to understand emotions, communicate effectively, and build healthy relationships.
Emotional intelligence allows leaders to recognize their own emotions and respond thoughtfully to others’ emotions. Leaders with this skill listen carefully, remain calm during difficult situations, and treat people with genuine respect. As a result, they build stronger teams and create environments where people feel comfortable contributing ideas and solving problems together.
Trust grows naturally when leaders demonstrate empathy and self-awareness. Team members become more willing to ask questions, offer feedback, and support one another because they know their voices matter.
The opposite also holds true. Leaders who ignore emotional intelligence often create unnecessary tension. Poor communication leads to confusion, frustration, and declining motivation. Relationships weaken, collaboration becomes more difficult, and people stop giving their best effort.
Developing emotional intelligence takes practice, but the rewards last a lifetime. Students at Cumorah Academy learn that leadership begins with leading themselves before attempting to lead others.
Learning Leadership From Experienced Mentors
The Leadership Review also reflects one of the academy’s greatest strengths: learning from experienced mentors.
Throughout each semester, accomplished professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders visit Cumorah Academy to share the lessons they have learned throughout their lives. These mentors speak honestly about their successes, failures, challenges, and defining moments. Their stories help students see that meaningful leadership develops through consistent effort, humility, and a willingness to keep learning.
These conversations bridge the gap between theory and real life. Students ask questions, receive practical advice, and gain perspectives they can immediately apply to their own goals. Every mentor brings unique experiences, yet they all reinforce the same message: leadership grows through service, integrity, and purposeful action.
You can explore many of these inspiring mentor stories on our blog, where visiting mentors share their experiences and encourage the next generation of leaders to build lives of purpose and lasting impact.
These mentoring experiences remain one of the most valuable parts of the Cumorah Academy journey. They connect students with leaders who have walked the path before them while encouraging each student to begin building a legacy of their own.
Build Your Leadership Skills at Cumorah Academy
Leadership does not happen by accident. It develops through intentional learning, meaningful experiences, and the courage to grow beyond your comfort zone.
If you are ready to discover your purpose, strengthen your leadership skills, and prepare for a future filled with opportunity, Cumorah Academy is ready to help you take the next step. Apply today and join a community of young adults who are building the confidence, character, and vision to make a lasting difference wherever life takes them.
