This past week at Cumorah Academy was a huge boost of inspiration! Our community had the privilege of learning about Positive Leadership in Action from our incredible mentors, Kurt and Karen Heiss. With 35 years of life in Atlanta, a thriving family, and professional paths spanning from engineering to groundbreaking pediatric surgery, Kurt and Karen brought wisdom, experience, and an infectious spirit of joy and gratitude to campus.
They reminded us that the most powerful leadership starts not with authority or status—but with the heart. Through their lessons, they gave us tools to become leaders who, as the Cumorah mission states, make a lasting, positive impact on our lives and communities.
The Science Couple Who Lead with Joy
Karen and Kurt, who call Atlanta home, are a fun-loving couple who cherish time with their four children and nine grandchildren.
Fun Fact: They met in a college chemistry class in 1974. Karen was the only woman in her Chemical Engineering class—a detail that made her unforgettable to every professor! They began dating after Kurt returned from his mission in Thailand.
- Career Paths: Karen studied Chemical Engineering but chose to stay home to raise their children, while Kurt pursued Medicine and became a renowned Pediatric Surgeon.
- Favorite Hobby: Now, their greatest joy is traveling the world together and meeting new people—embracing what they call “the joy in the journey.”
Their story shows that balance, purpose, and faith can coexist beautifully.
Positive Leadership in Action: Empowering People to Grow
Kurt and Karen introduced us to a simple but profound concept: Positive Leadership in Action. It’s not about pretending to be cheerful or putting on a smile—it’s about creating environments where everyone can flourish.
They emphasized that effective leaders focus on people’s strengths, provide encouragement, and build trust through genuine care.
“I think that leaders have to care about people, they have to focus on people, give them their attention and build them up. The Savior didn’t leave broken people in His wake. When leaders step on others to get higher, that’s not a good leader.” — Karen Heiss
Another key topic was charisma—not as a personality trait, but as a collection of actions that anyone can learn. Charismatic leaders:
- Envision a better future and model the way.
- Energize others through authentic enthusiasm and confidence.
- Enable growth by offering empathy and unwavering belief in their team.
Through these principles, they reminded us that leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about empowerment.
The Quiet Strength of Gratitude
Another lesson that deeply resonated was the Power of Gratitude. On the first day of class, Kurt and Karen gifted students a Gratitude Journal, explaining that gratitude changes the way we see life.
This simple habit helps shift our focus from what’s missing to the “tender mercies” that surround us every day. They encouraged everyone to write in their journals daily, seeing challenges as opportunities to grow in faith and perspective.
“Grateful people are happy people. They are healthy, successful, and surrounded by positive relationships. They’re more productive because they love what they do and stay committed to their purpose.”
At Cumorah Academy, gratitude is a key pillar of growth—it reminds us that joy is found not in perfection, but in perspective.
Leading with Compassion and Purpose
When asked about the essential traits of a great leader, the Heiss mentors agreed: leadership begins with compassion. Great leaders don’t rise by stepping on others—they lift people up.
According to them, an effective leader:
- Cares deeply and offers attention and support.
- Builds others up instead of competing with them.
- Prepares others to lead, empowering them to succeed beyond their mentor.
“I talked to them about my problems, goals, and life plans. They gave me suggestions, motivation, and encouragement to keep going. It was very special.” — Elisa, student from Mexico
Kurt and Karen also reminded us that leadership isn’t only a professional pursuit—it’s a spiritual one. Drawing inspiration from Christ’s example, they taught that good leaders guide with love, humility, and faith.
“When we face challenges, we should ask ourselves: what would the Savior do in this situation?” — Kurt Heiss
This principle captures the very essence of Cumorah Academy: leadership grounded in faith, purpose, and action.
Growing Through Positive Leadership
Through their stories and insights, Kurt and Karen Heiss showed us what Positive Leadership in Action truly looks like—leading with gratitude, empathy, and courage.
Their message was clear: true leaders lift, listen, and love. They don’t lead for recognition but for transformation—of themselves and others.
At Cumorah Academy, we’re grateful to learn from mentors like the Heisses who remind us that the path to meaningful leadership begins within.
If you’re ready to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually — and to learn from mentors who lead with heart — join us at Cumorah Academy and start your own journey of joyful leadership.
They shared their experience in the clip below:
Start your journey of positive leadership today.
At Cumorah Academy, you’ll learn from mentors who live what they teach — guiding you to grow in confidence, character, and purpose. Apply to Cumorah Academy and experience how positive leadership can change your life — and the lives of others.
Written by Thamara Egídio
Collaboration with Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
