Having an inspiring leader working by our side is one of the greatest blessings in life. They seem to know exactly what to say and do to push their teams forward — not through pressure, but through vision. Inspiring leadership is not only about achieving results; it’s about connection, empathy, and purpose.
Tracy Brower, Ph.D., once wrote in Forbes about the true essence of inspirational leadership:
“Inspirational leaders motivate and engage people. And they’re also able to energize employees and encourage them. These leaders stimulate others to look forward and to take a future orientation. And they are especially good at getting people to think creatively about their work, their contributions, their careers, and the organization.”
(Source: Forbes)
Unfortunately, not all leaders feel prepared for that. According to an Accenture study, many professionals struggle to trust themselves under the weight of constant pressure and expectations. They chase results but often lose sight of the deeper “why” that gives meaning to their leadership.
Leadership isn’t just about managing teams — it’s about learning to lead with purpose, faith, and love. And this week’s class, “Inspiring and Motivating Others,” reminded everyone of that truth in the most powerful way.
Inspiring Leadership Starts with Knowing Your “Why”
This week, Cumorah Academy had the privilege of hosting mentors Drew and Melinda Christensen — a couple whose lives are a testimony of faith, resilience, and service. They came to share their experiences and help students reflect on one essential question:
What truly drives you? What is your “why”?
It began with a simple but deep exercise. The Christensens invited everyone to close their eyes, place their hands over their hearts, and ask again, “Why did you decide to be here at Cumorah Academy?”
At first, students thought of common answers — to learn English, to grow as leaders, to meet new people. But as the silence grew and their hands rested on their hearts, something shifted. They began to think not just with their minds, but with their souls.
As Dr. Drew Christensen reminded them,
“The heart has a brain. The heart thinks. The heart feels.”
That small moment of reflection became transformative. Students began to reconnect with the deeper reasons behind their decisions — the desire to serve, to change their families’ lives, to become someone capable of making a difference. It was a living example of inspiring leadership — leadership that starts from within.
Walking on Water: A Story of Faith and Resilience
Dr. Drew Christensen’s own journey is a remarkable story of perseverance and belief. As a young boy, he witnessed a serious car accident that left him desperate to help but unable to do so. That moment planted a seed in his heart — the desire to heal others. It eventually became his dream to become a doctor.
But when Drew was just 14, he was diagnosed with Essential Tremor, a condition that caused his hands to shake constantly. Years later, when he shared his dream with a university advisor, he was told that becoming a doctor with that condition would be “like walking on water.”
Instead of giving up, he simply replied with faith:
“Yes, I can walk on water.”
That unshakable belief guided him through years of challenges — medical school rejections, career setbacks, and moments of doubt. Yet, through every storm, he and his wife Melinda chose to walk forward in faith rather than fear.
Their story shows what inspiring leadership truly means: not the absence of difficulty, but the courage to move forward with conviction when everything seems impossible.
Dream Bigger: The Power of Partnership
Melinda Christensen stood by Drew through every trial — from his studies to rebuilding their lives in new cities. Their marriage became a reflection of love and resilience, a partnership that transformed obstacles into opportunities to grow and serve others.
“You can change your dreams. You can discover new interests. Dream bigger!” Melinda often says.
Their phrase, “Dreams made certain,” captures what Cumorah Academy stands for — faith in action, service through love, and purpose-driven growth. It’s not about having an easy path, but about embracing challenges as stepping stones to something greater.
Together, Drew and Melinda showed our students that leadership is not about being perfect — it’s about believing that even when the waves rise high, you can still walk on water.
Lessons That Last Beyond the Classroom
One of the most beautiful parts of the Cumorah experience is the connection between mentors and students. Each week, different generations come together to share lessons that go far beyond the classroom. The exchange of experiences brings wisdom to life, turning abstract ideas into personal transformation.
As seen on our Alumni page, many graduates still carry the lessons their mentors taught them. This week was no different. The Christensens left a lasting impression on everyone they met.
Here are a few reflections shared by students:
“They gave me hope about my future. They showed real empathy and love for our questions and feelings.”
— Evelyn Espinoza, Mexico
“They genuinely cared about my goals and helped me see what’s best for my path.”
— Pedro Gonçalves, Brazil
“They were so kind, patient, and gave me advice that will help both in my personal growth and in developing my business.”
— Isabele Franco, Brazil
Moments like these remind us that inspiring leadership doesn’t just happen in boardrooms or offices. It’s built in relationships — in the way mentors listen, guide, and lift others up.
Living the Cumorah Values
At Cumorah Academy, leadership isn’t just a title — it’s a way of life rooted in faith, service, and purpose. Our students are encouraged to lead not from authority, but from example; not from pride, but from compassion.
Through experiences like this, young people learn that true leadership begins with self-awareness — knowing who you are, what you stand for, and why you do what you do. That’s what inspiring leadership looks like: it’s a call to live with purpose, to dream boldly, and to help others do the same.
Dr. Drew Christensen summed it up beautifully when he said:
“Don’t doubt. Don’t fear. Believe in yourself and dream big. You can do this — with the Lord by your side.”
Take the Next Step: Become an Inspiring Leader
Every person has the potential to lead with purpose. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or searching for a new direction, the path to inspiring leadership begins with one simple step: discovering your “why.”
At Cumorah Academy, you’ll have the chance to learn from mentors like Drew and Melinda Christensen — people who live their faith, embody resilience, and dedicate their lives to helping others grow. Here, you’ll find a community that believes in you, supports your dreams, and helps you become the kind of leader the world needs.
✨ Discover your why. Strengthen your faith. Become an inspiring leader.
Learn more about Cumorah Academy and start your journey toward a life of purpose, courage, and service.
Written by Thamara Egídio
Collaboration with Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
