Last week at Cumorah Academy, our students experienced unforgettable lessons in leadership from two extraordinary mentors—Neil McMurdie and Sharon Merrill. Their warmth, humor, and wisdom filled the campus with light and laughter. Though their professional journeys couldn’t be more different—Neil from the world of science and Sharon from education and human rights—together, they represent what it truly means to lead with faith, flexibility, and love.
Like great Pokémon trainers, they’ve traveled the world, learned from every experience, and discovered how to “catch” life’s most meaningful lessons.
From BYU to Butterflies
Neil and Sharon’s story began many years ago at Brigham Young University, where they first met as freshmen. At that time, they were not close friends, but destiny had something else in mind.
Years later, through the power of social media, their paths crossed again—this time because of a simple butterfly photo on Facebook. That small moment sparked a connection that would change both their lives forever.
They married soon after, and today, butterflies have become a personal symbol of their relationship. To them, the butterfly represents transformation, patience, and divine timing—the idea that growth happens in stages, and with faith, it leads to something beautiful.
Beyond their impressive professional accomplishments, Neil and Sharon also shared their lighter side. Neil is a devoted Primary pianist, an avid fisherman, and a strategic Pokémon Go player—boasting over 5,000 Pokémon caught! Sharon, on the other hand, has visited more than 40 countries, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a lifelong passion for understanding people and cultures.
Their humility and joy made a lasting impression on everyone they met, proving that true leadership begins with authenticity and heart.
Lessons in Leadership: From Career to Calling
When Neil spoke about his professional path, he did so with both honesty and humility. After earning his Ph.D. in Chemistry, his first motivation was simple—to provide for his family. He began his career in the paint and coatings industry, focusing on stability and progress. But over time, something changed.
His purpose evolved from survival to service. He began to see that his work could have a broader impact. “I like what I do,” he shared. “I’ve had success with it, and the chance to help make the world a better place with some of the products we made.”
That shift—from success to significance—is one of the most powerful lessons in leadership Neil offered. It reminds us that leadership is not about climbing ladders; it’s about finding meaning in what we do and using our gifts to serve others.
Sharon’s path, though very different, carried the same thread of courage and purpose. After many years of teaching in Taiwan, Japan, and Turkey, she felt inspired to make a major change in her life. Guided by faith, she left her teaching career and decided to study Law, focusing on Human Rights Auditing.
Her work now ensures ethical treatment and fair conditions in factories around the world. Through it all, she learned that leadership often begins with the courage to listen to your heart, even when it leads you into the unknown.
Both Neil and Sharon’s stories show that lessons in leadership come in many forms—but they always start with faith, self-awareness, and a willingness to grow.
Leadership During a Crisis: Staying Grounded and Ready
Throughout their week at Cumorah, Neil and Sharon led workshops that deeply resonated with our students and mentors alike.
Their session on “Leadership During a Crisis” was especially powerful. Neil taught that emotional preparedness is just as important as strategic readiness.
“A good leader first has to know how to be a good follower,” he said. “Because they need training. Leaders are not naturally born. Leaders are trained.”
This idea struck a chord with many. Students realized that leadership is not an instant skill—it’s a lifelong process of learning, humility, and growth.
Neil also reminded everyone of a vital truth: even leaders need rest. “Sometimes, a leader must stop the bleeding,” he said. “You can’t help others if you don’t first help yourself.”
Students practiced identifying backup plans, setting boundaries, and ensuring that their teams are both emotionally and mentally cared for. These are not just management tips—they are essential lessons in leadership that form the foundation of resilient teams and healthy lives.
Flexibility and Compassion: The Human Side of Leadership
In her session on “Flexibility and Open-mindedness,” Sharon brought a deeply human perspective to leadership. Her experience auditing factories around the world taught her that leadership is never just about rules or performance metrics—it’s about people.
“Treat them with respect and understand that they are not part of the machinery,” she said. “They are people with feelings, with hearts, and with minds. So listen to them and have compassion and empathy for them.”
For the students at Cumorah, this message felt both familiar and refreshing. Compassion is one of the core principles we teach at the Academy, and Sharon embodied it perfectly.
Her approach reinforced that flexibility is not weakness—it’s strength. It’s the ability to adapt, to listen, and to act with love even under pressure.
In a world often obsessed with efficiency and speed, Sharon’s words reminded everyone that the greatest lessons in leadership are grounded in empathy.
Final Reflections: What It Means to Lead with Love
As their mentoring week came to a close, Neil and Sharon left students with one final piece of advice that will echo through the halls of Cumorah Academy for years to come.
“Continue to be your best self,” Neil said. “You have lived in an environment that is probably as close to Zion as you will live in. Don’t forget what that feels like. Bring that same spirit back to wherever you live.”
Sharon added, “See people and love people.”
Simple, yet profound—these words capture the essence of their message: leadership begins when we see others clearly and choose to love them fully.
Their visit didn’t just inspire—it transformed. Students left their sessions more confident, more grounded, and more determined to become the kind of leaders who serve with purpose and compassion.
Here’s what some of them shared:
“I am grateful for all the things that they shared with us. We had such great and fun moments in our mentoring session, and I learned some things that I want to apply in my life.”
— Elisa Midivan, Mexico
“The mentors this week helped me improve my vision of life. They taught me to trust more in my abilities and also to trust others, being flexible, because we are all here to learn.”
— Dallin Romero, Peru
Their words reflect what Cumorah Academy stands for—growth through connection, learning through service, and transformation through faith.
Join Us and Learn Your Own Lessons in Leadership
At Cumorah Academy, students don’t just attend classes—they experience mentorship that changes lives. People like Neil and Sharon bring not only knowledge but also heart. They teach that leadership isn’t about power, but about purpose.
If you’re ready to discover your potential, grow in faith, and learn real lessons in leadership that will prepare you to make a difference in the world, join us at Cumorah Academy.
Written by Thamara Egídio
Collaboration with Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
