Every great leader paints their story with shades of courage, empathy, and purpose—and that’s exactly what the colors of leadership represent. This week at Cumorah Academy, students experienced those colors come to life through mentors Ben and Megan Bernards, a couple whose leadership blends wisdom, kindness, and faith in a way that inspires everyone around them.
Leadership, as they reminded us, isn’t about titles or power—it’s about influence, humility, and the courage to grow while guiding others.
Who Are Ben and Megan Bernards?
Ben and Megan Bernards have been married for 25 years. They’re the proud parents of three children (and two dogs) and share a deep passion for mentoring young adults in the Gospel.
Ben, originally from Utah, has spent over 18 years at Apple in IT project management and leadership. Beyond his career in technology, he’s a storyteller and mentor who believes that leadership is about lighting the path for others.
Megan, from Northern California, studied European Studies and Art History and has inspired countless students through her love for culture, education, and creativity. Her lessons connect history and humanity in a way that reveals the art behind leadership.
Their story began, fittingly, on Thanksgiving Day—when Megan’s family introduced her to Ben, who had just returned from his mission to Fiji. It was an instant connection that grew into a partnership filled with laughter, learning, and what they affectionately call “geek love.”
From Marvel movies and Dungeons & Dragons to Tolkien and Legos, their home is a place where creativity and curiosity thrive. Ben even built a custom board game table for their famous game nights—a reminder that fun and connection are part of the colors of leadership too.
The Colors of Leadership: A Palette of Growth
Throughout their week at Cumorah Academy, Ben and Megan introduced students to what they call the “Leadership Palette,” a framework that captures the essential attributes of great leaders.
They explained that while a manager’s authority is given by a title or a company, a leader’s influence is chosen by others. True leaders earn trust through character, not control. The Bernards challenged students to become the kind of leaders people want to follow.
Respect: Leadership begins with respect—not just avoiding disrespect, but actively choosing to listen and value others. When leaders seek to understand before being understood, they create unity and trust.
Humility & Self-Awareness: True humility is not weakness—it’s awareness. Knowing who you are (and who you’re not) allows you to uplift others authentically.
Influence: As Ben said, “An effective influencer is someone who inspires and acts as a guide whom people voluntarily follow.” Influence, he emphasized, is not about manipulation—it’s about inspiration.
Resilience & Learning Agility: Megan reminded students that great leaders are great learners. Leadership is the courage to keep learning, especially when things get hard. It’s the ability to adapt, reflect, and grow.
Love for People: Above all, the Bernards believe that “people are greater than ideas.” Leadership isn’t about shining alone—it’s about lighting the way for others.
The Heart Behind the Colors of Leadership
As Megan beautifully put it, “A leader is someone who has a kind heart and wants to help others. A good leader is willing to sacrifice their time and energy for those people who follow them.”
Ben added, “They unite rather than destroy. They help others become better versions of themselves. They remember those who are forgotten, and they work together to endure the journey on the way to the destination.”
Together, their insights painted a living picture of the colors of leadership—a palette made of respect, humility, courage, and love.
The Colors of Leadership in Action: Courage and Curiosity
For Ben and Megan, leadership isn’t a theory—it’s something lived and felt through personal experience.
Ben shared how his own journey required courage to make hard choices. He originally planned to build a career in music education, inspired by mentors who lit a “fire inside” him. But as he started a family, he realized the career wouldn’t provide the stability they needed. Changing direction, he entered the world of Information Systems Management—an unfamiliar but rewarding path.
Years later, however, he faced a new challenge: realizing that his demanding job was taking a toll on his family. That was his turning point.
“I realized that keeping it all inside was not healthy,” Ben said. “Eventually it all exploded all over my family… I realized the job was not only hurting me but hurting everyone around me. That’s when I had the courage to change—because I wanted to protect my family.”
His story became one of the most powerful moments of the week. It reminded students that leadership isn’t only about public success—it’s also about private integrity. True leadership begins at home, with the choices we make when no one is watching.
Megan added her own wisdom: “Take risks. Don’t be afraid to fail. Move forward with faith.”
Voices of Impact
Ben and Megan’s mentorship deeply resonated with students at Cumorah Academy, who shared how the experience changed their perspective on growth and leadership.
“They helped me understand how to stand out at work through small but consistent actions. They taught me that if we do the basics well and show effort, people will remember our dedication.”
— Gabriel Hilamatu, student from Brazil
“I had some struggles with public speaking, and they helped me with this challenge. They gave me tools and ideas to overcome my fear and become more confident.”
— Danitza Taboada, student from Peru
These reflections show that the colors of leadership are best understood through experience—through moments of learning, connection, and self-discovery.
The Final Brushstroke
As the week came to a close, Ben and Megan left the students with two simple but powerful messages:
Ben said, “Keep being awesome and go light the dark.”
Megan added, “Take risks. Don’t be afraid to fail. Move forward with faith.”
Their visit was more than a leadership workshop. It was a reminder that every person carries a unique palette of colors waiting to be used. When we choose courage over fear, service over pride, and growth over comfort, we bring those colors to life.
At Cumorah Academy, this belief drives everything we do. We help young adults discover their own colors of leadership—to lead with purpose, faith, and love, and to create impact wherever they go.
They shared their experience with us in the clip below:
Are you ready to paint your own leadership story?
Join Cumorah Academy and experience the transformative journey of learning, growth, and faith that will help you uncover your true potential.
Apply now and discover your colors of leadership.
Written by Thamara Egídio
Collaboration with Fernado L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
