Key leadership traits like humility, self-awareness, influencing others, and learning agility were the focus of an inspiring week of mentorship with Steve and Sherree at Cumorah Academy. Their life experiences and thoughtful guidance helped students reflect on what it really means to lead—and challenged them to become the kind of leaders people trust, follow, and remember.
Their lessons weren’t about managing projects or climbing ladders. They were about character. They were about the quiet strength behind great leadership—the kind that makes people feel seen, heard, and uplifted.
Key Leadership Traits Begin with Humility
The idea of “humble leadership” might seem like a contradiction. We often imagine leaders as bold, confident, outspoken—sometimes even a little arrogant. That’s the version of leadership we see in movies and media. But it’s far from the full picture.
True leadership starts with humility.
Humble leaders don’t pretend to have all the answers. They listen. Ask for input. Share credit. Create space for others to grow. In doing so, they earn trust—not through authority, but through authenticity.
During their time with students, Steve and Sherree emphasized that humility isn’t weakness—it’s strength under control. It opens the door for collaboration, curiosity, and growth. Students began to realize that leadership doesn’t require being the loudest in the room—it requires being the most grounded.
Self-Awareness Creates Better Leaders
Another key leadership trait is self-awareness. Leaders who know themselves—who are honest about their strengths, blind spots, and values—are far more effective than those who lead on autopilot.
At Cumorah, students were encouraged to look inward: What motivates you? What habits help—or hurt—your growth? What’s your impact on others, even when you’re not speaking?
Steve and Sherree helped students explore these questions by guiding them through conversations about leadership and life. Their mentoring created a space where young adults could reflect and get clear about who they are—and who they want to become.
Self-awareness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real. And from that place, strong leadership takes root.
Influence Comes From Who You Are
One of the most overlooked key leadership traits is influence—the kind that isn’t forced, but earned.
It’s not just about giving a good speech or convincing someone to follow your plan. Real influence happens when your example speaks louder than your words. People are drawn to leaders who are consistent, thoughtful, and respectful.
Steve and Sherree brought this to life through their actions and interactions. Students noticed how they listened, how they made space for others, and how they carried themselves with integrity.
It was a reminder that we’re all influencing others, whether we realize it or not. Every word, every choice, every response is shaping the people around us.
At Cumorah, students are taught that leadership isn’t a position—it’s a responsibility. And influence is one of its greatest tools.
Key Leadership Traits Include Learning Agility
Being a leader doesn’t mean having all the answers. In fact, the best leaders are the best learners.
Learning agility—the willingness to adapt, grow, and challenge assumptions—is another essential leadership trait. It’s the mindset that says, “I don’t know everything, and that’s exactly why I’m excited to learn.”
Steve and Sherree modeled this through the stories they shared from their lives—careers that shifted over time, personal growth that came through unexpected challenges, and decisions shaped by a commitment to keep learning.
Their journey showed students that success doesn’t follow a straight path. It requires curiosity, flexibility, and the courage to try something new. That’s what learning agility looks like in real life.
At Cumorah, this is something we talk about often: leaders aren’t defined by what they know today—but by how ready they are to grow tomorrow.
Who Are Steve and Sherree?
Steve is originally from Chicago and built a career in HVAC before launching his own business. His path has been marked by hard work, persistence, and a willingness to take risks—even in unfamiliar territory. He’s also been a caddy on the PGA Tour and brings a deep love of golf and personal growth into every conversation.
Sherree was born in California and raised in a home that welcomed youth from around the world. Her educational and professional path spanned eight colleges, multiple fields of study, and years of balancing career with raising a family. She eventually chose nursing, combining compassion with resilience—a powerful combination for leadership.
Their diverse journeys showed students that leadership doesn’t come from one specific background or degree—it comes from how you grow through life’s experiences.
Cumorah Is Where Leaders Begin
At Cumorah Academy, we believe leadership is more than a skill—it’s a way of living. Through mentorship, personal development, and service, students gain the tools and traits that truly matter in the real world.
When mentors like Steve and Sherree join us, they bring more than insight. They bring life experience, encouragement, and the kind of presence that stays with students long after they leave.
Their time at Cumorah reminded us all: leadership isn’t about control—it’s about character. And it starts with the key leadership traits that anyone can develop—humility, self-awareness, influence, and learning agility.
Ready to Grow into the Leader You’re Meant to Be?
If you’re a young adult looking for more than just a degree—if you want to grow in confidence, purpose, and real leadership—Cumorah Academy is for you.
Here, you’ll learn from mentors, build lifelong friendships, and gain the leadership traits that the world truly needs.
Apply today at cumorahacademy.org and take your first step toward becoming a leader who makes a difference.
Your journey starts now. Let’s build something meaningful—together.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Photos by Julieta Ramirez
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
