Leadership is not about having every answer or mastering every skill. True leadership begins with understanding who you are, recognizing your strengths, and choosing to develop them intentionally. During their time at Cumorah Academy, Brian & RaeLynne Johnson helped students see that leadership starts with self-awareness and grows through humility, service, and consistent effort.
Through classes, devotionals, and personal conversations, the Johnsons taught that strengths are not accidental gifts—they are responsibilities. When developed, they become tools to bless others and lead with purpose.
The Importance of Knowing Your Strengths
Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. It is essential for anyone eager to become a leader to make sure their own strengths are crystal clear.
Brian & RaeLynne Johnson emphasized that self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership. When you understand your strengths, you communicate more clearly, serve more intentionally, and lead with confidence rather than comparison. Without self-awareness, leadership becomes reactive and uncertain.
Growth happens when self-awareness joins the game. Seeing yourself as others see you is vital for credibility and personal development. Throughout the week, students were encouraged to reflect on their abilities, recognize patterns in their behavior, and identify how they could improve.
The Johnsons also taught that leadership is not about having every strength. Great leaders recognize and value the strengths of others. When leaders do this, they create environments where people feel empowered to grow, contribute, and succeed together.
How to Increase Your Strengths
Your progress won’t happen overnight or by chance.
Brian & RaeLynne Johnson reminded students that strengths grow through intentional effort, patience, and humility. Development requires consistency—choosing every day to learn, apply feedback, and improve.
They taught that increasing your strengths begins with reflection and honesty. Leaders must be willing to learn from mistakes, seek feedback, and stay focused on progress. Effective leadership begins with humility and a willingness to learn.
Another principle emphasized during their classes was follow-through. Strong leaders complete their work, stay focused, and reflect on results. Reporting on what was done is not just a task—it is a way to stay accountable and aligned with purpose.
When you understand your own strengths, you lead with more confidence and purpose. Instead of comparing yourself to others, you begin to lead from clarity, knowing how you can best serve.
Lessons from Their Lives: Family, Faith, and Career
One of the most impactful parts of the Johnsons’ mentorship was their willingness to share their own life experiences.
Brian & RaeLynne Johnson are from Utah and are parents to eight children and grandparents to twenty-eight grandchildren. Family has always been at the center of their decisions, shaping both their careers and their leadership philosophy.
Brian shared that he originally planned to become a professional musician. However, during his mission, he received counsel that changed his perspective: his first priority should be building a family. That realization led him to choose a career path that would allow him to support a wife and children. He pursued accounting, earned an MBA, and later became certified in management accounting and supply management.
His career eventually led him to work for The Church of Jesus Christ, where he found fulfillment not only in professional growth, but in contributing responsibly and exceeding expectations. His journey taught students that choosing stability, discipline, and long-term vision can open unexpected doors.
RaeLynne shared that her primary dream was to be a mother—and she was grateful to live that dream fully. Later in life, as her children grew older, career opportunities naturally unfolded. She worked in floral design, weddings, and high-end event planning across the United States.
By choosing family first, she discovered that meaningful career opportunities can still come—at the right time. Her story showed students that life does not follow a single timeline and that patience and faith often lead to unexpected blessings.
“They Have Brought Such a Peaceful and Loving Spirit”
Seeing our mentors interact with our students is one of the best moments on our campus. Leadership is often felt before it is explained, and the Johnsons’ presence created an atmosphere of peace, trust, and genuine care.
Antonio Sosa, from Mexico, felt a deep connection with the couple:
“I loved the Johnsons here in Cumorah. They have brought such a peaceful and loving spirit. My interview was so uplifting, and they made me feel loved. At the devotionals, they have taught us how to be loving Christlike leaders. I’m so grateful for them.”
This kind of influence goes beyond teaching—it transforms perspectives. Through their example, the Johnsons showed that Christlike leadership is rooted in love, patience, and humility.
A Final Message to Students
“Cumorah is an amazing, amazing opportunity. It’s fun to see the caliber of youth that come here. And just the amazing potential you have, and the amazing spirit that we feel here. It’s wonderful. You are glorious.”
After a week full of learning and meaningful experiences, the Johnsons shared this heartfelt farewell. Their words reflected deep belief in the students and in the mission of Cumorah Academy.
They testified that when something is doing good, the Savior supports it—and that choosing to do good invites strength, growth, and guidance.
“You All Have This Amazing Potential”
Hopefully, you want to pursue your potential.
There is something inside you telling you to take the leap of faith and embrace Cumorah Academy.
We mentioned before this important quote from the late President Russell M. Nelson (1924–2025):
“The Lord needs you to change the world.”
As the Johnsons observed, students at Cumorah Academy have undeniable potential. “You have an amazing opportunity here to take everything you’re given, all that you can learn here, and fulfill that amazing potential.”
Invest in Your Potential Right Now
Are you eager to pursue the best things for your life?
Do you have dreams inside you, unfinished projects, or ideas waiting to grow?
If you said “yes,” then Cumorah Academy may be the place for you.
Join us for three months filled with discovery, learning, joy, and purpose. Here, you will develop your strengths, grow as a leader, and prepare to serve with confidence and clarity.
Your potential is real. Now is the time to invest in it.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
