Born to Lead

In this powerful episode of Born to Lead, Connie Sokol and Madison Lattin sit down with Nicholeen Peck, current Utah state legislator and President of Worldwide Organization for Women, to explore how to lead with calm conviction in a world that feels increasingly divided.Drawing from her experience in state government, public policy, and international conversations — including work connected to the United Nations — Nicholeen shares the transformative concept of “disagreeing appropriately”: the ability to stand firm in your beliefs while honoring the dignity of others.In this episode, she discusses:• What “front brain leadership” looks like in high-pressure moments• How to regulate emotion instead of reacting impulsively• Why identity and allegiance shape how we show up in conflict• Practical tools for navigating hard conversations at home, in politics, and in public spaces• How Christ models strength without hostilityNicholeen reminds us that true leadership isn’t about overpowering others — it’s about governing yourself. When your identity is rooted in faith and higher allegiance, you can speak truth with clarity, confidence, and calm.If you want to lead boldly without losing your peace, this conversation will equip you to stand firm and stay grounded — no matter the arena.

In this meaningful episode of Born to Lead, Connie Sokol and Madison Lattin sit down with Tami Pyfer, Chief External Affairs Officer for Unite and co-creator of the The Dignity Index, to explore how leadership begins with the way we speak and see one another.Tami shares how the Dignity Index’s simple eight-point scale—measuring language from contempt to dignity—has become a powerful tool for transforming conversations in politics, workplaces, and families alike.In this episode, she discusses:• How to recognize contempt in ourselves and shift toward dignity• Practical ways to regulate emotion before responding• Why listening to understand changes the tone of any conversation• How to stand firm in your beliefs without devaluing othersGrounded in Christ’s example of honoring individual worth, Tami reminds us that true leadership isn’t about winning arguments—it’s about elevating people. If you’re navigating hard conversations or seeking to lead with conviction and compassion, this episode will inspire you to choose dignity every time.

What does it really mean to be a leader?In this episode of Born to Lead, we sit down with leaders from the Stephen R. Covey Leadership Center at Utah State University to explore how leadership is more than a title—it’s a choice. Featuring Bret Crane, Tyler Roberts, and Natalie Hull, this conversation dives into the power of Christ-centered leadership and how discovering your divine potential can transform your life.Together, we talk about:     -How leadership begins with small, everyday choices     -The courage to begin—and the courage to commit     -Why mentorship and trust are key to growth     -How serving others helps you discover who you’re meant to becomeThrough personal stories and powerful insights, you’ll hear how these leaders have learned to look outward, build confidence, and help others see their own worth and potential.Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone wondering if leadership is “for you,” this episode will remind you that you are already called to lead—you just have to choose it.*Tune in and ask yourself: If you were truly born to lead… how would you live differently?*

Join Connie Sokol and Madison Lattin on Born to Lead as they talk with Wendy Osborne, founder of Tabitha’s Way, about the extraordinary journey of stepping into God’s calling. Wendy shares how a divine download led her to leave a career in telecommunications to start a food pantry—and the faith-filled steps, discernment, and servant leadership lessons that followed.From trusting God in moments of uncertainty, to learning the importance of boundaries, to witnessing everyday miracles, Wendy’s story is a powerful testament to walking with God and leading with love. Whether you’re a leader in your workplace, your community, or your home, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration to step into your God-given purpose.Highlights You’ll Hear in This Episode:How a scripture-inspired divine download changed the course of Wendy’s life.Lessons in discernment and Christ-centered leadership.Setting boundaries and leading employees with grace.Trusting God in times of growth, challenge, and scarcity.Real-life miracles that showed the faithfulness of God in action.How to recognize that your identity and value come from God—not your achievements.@WendyOsborne

In this inspiring episode of Born to Lead, Connie Sokol and Madison Lattin sit down with singer and songwriter Liahona Olayan to talk about faith, courage, and what it really means to stand firm in your standards—no matter the cost.From living in a tent in Hawaii at age eleven to discovering her divine calling through music, Liahona shares how a personal relationship with God shaped her identity and leadership. She reflects on stepping onto the national stage of American Idol at just sixteen, navigating pressure, public scrutiny, and major opportunities—all while staying true to who she is.In this conversation, Liahona opens up about:• Rooting confidence in Christ rather than the world• Choosing standards over sponsorships—even in competitive pageantry• Why rejection is often redirection• Using every platform as a space to testify and upliftAs she prepares to compete in the Miss America pageant, Liahona continues to prove that leadership isn’t about popularity—it’s about purpose. This episode is a powerful reminder that being born to lead means being born with a greater purpose—and having the courage to live it boldly.

In this heartfelt and deeply inspiring episode of Born to Lead, Connie Sokol and Madison Lattin sit down with actor, comedian, writer, and podcast host Lisa Valentine Clark to explore what it truly means to choose leadership through creativity, humor, and faith—especially in life’s hardest moments.Drawing from her background in improvisational theater, Lisa introduces the powerful principle of “Yes, And” as a leadership mindset—being fully present, honoring reality as it is, and collaboratively building something meaningful together. She shares how creativity isn’t just for artists, but a vital skill for leaders, parents, and anyone navigating the unknown.Lisa opens up about:How improv taught her to lead with presence and purposeWhy creativity requires flexibility, play, and collaborationUsing humor to navigate grief, hardship, and uncertaintyLeading with faith while collaborating with God and Jesus ChristChoosing how we respond when life doesn’t go as plannedIn a moving portion of the conversation, Lisa reflects on her late husband, Dr. Christopher Clark, and how humor, courage, and intentional living became acts of leadership during his battle with ALS. Her perspective reframes leadership not as control or position—but as choice, service, and influence rooted in love.This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about having all the answers—it’s about choosing how you show up, inviting others into the process, and trusting God as you create something meaningful together. Whether you’re leading in your family, your work, your faith, or your personal healing, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with joy, creativity, and courage.

In this powerful episode of Born to Lead, Connie Sokol and Madison Latin sit down with world-renowned mountaineer, educator, and author Dr. Stacy Taniguchi to explore what Christ-centered leadership looks like far beyond the boardroom—on glaciers, high-altitude peaks, and in life-or-death moments.Drawing from decades of guiding climbers through some of the most extreme environments on earth, Dr. Taniguchi shares unforgettable stories that reveal a profound leadership truth: every individual matters—especially “the one.” One story from a Denali expedition reframes what it truly means to lead with compassion, integrity, and awareness of another person’s unseen battles.Dr. Taniguchi also opens up about:Leading when someone is falling behind—and why you never leave them behindThe sacred role of keeping promises as a Christlike leadership principleA miraculous rescue that became a defining moment in his testimony of prayer and divine interventionBeing "Born to Lead" can also mean "Born to Follow Christ"How reflection, humility, and inner stillness reveal our divine potentialThis episode is a masterclass in leadership rooted in discipleship, showing that true influence comes not from power or position, but from integrity, faith, and care for the individual soul. Whether you’re a leader, mentor, parent, or simply navigating your own climb, this conversation will change how you see leadership—and yourself.@StacyTaniguchi

In this episode of Born to Lead, hosts Connie Sokol and Madison Lattin sit down with Eva Witesman, Director of the Ballard Center for Social Impact at Brigham Young University, to explore what it truly means to recognize yourself as a leader and lead in Christ’s way. Eva shares the pivotal moment when she first identified as a leader — and how that realization transformed the way she approached her work, stewardship, and purpose.Eva offers thoughtful insights on young adults and leadership, spiritual gifts, and the principle of “lift where you stand.” Through personal stories, including her viral BYU devotional and her work mentoring students, she reminds us that leadership is not about titles or hierarchy, but about stewardship, collaboration, and being led by Jesus Christ in everyday decisions.Together, we talk about:• What it means to become a leader once you recognize yourself as one • Why leadership begins with stewardship, not position • How the principle “lift where you stand” changes the way we lead together • The difference between being Christ-like, Christ-centered, and Christ-led • How identifying and developing your spiritual gifts strengthens your leadership • Why women are called to lead in families, communities, church, and beyondThis conversation is filled with wisdom, faith, and practical insight for anyone seeking to lead with purpose, humility, and courage — whether in professional roles, service, or quiet moments of influence.You were born to lead. The question is, how will you live as a leader for Him?@EvaWitesman00:00 Eva Witesman Bio01:20 How Eva developed as a leader at Brigham Young University04:12 The miraculous backstory to Eva’s viral BYU devotional07:25 How Eva would build on her original devotional08:48 Lift where you stand11:05 Where the “lift where you stand” motto showed up in Eva’s life12:52 What students are doing at the Ballard Center for Social Impact16:05 What does it mean to be Christ-led?19:32 Personal Christ-led leadership skills23:35 What Born to Lead means to Eva Witesman

In this powerful episode of Born to Lead, we sit down with Michelle Craig, former First Counselor in the General Young Women Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to explore what Christ-centered leadership really looks like in everyday life.Michelle shares tender insights on identity, purpose, and taking the next right step, especially for young adults who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of where they are headed. Through personal stories, including the experience behind the beloved Eyes to See message, she reminds us that leadership is not about titles or positions but about seeing others, acting with faith, and living who you truly are.Together, we talk about:--Why your purpose does not have to be fully figured out to move forward--How God finds us as we faithfully do our duty, right where we are--What Christlike leadership looks like in small, ordinary moments--Lessons learned from working closely with youth, young adults, and Church leaders--How knowing your divine identity changes the way you lead and serveThis conversation is filled with hope, clarity, and encouragement for anyone striving to lead with courage, compassion, and conviction, whether in classrooms, homes, communities, or quiet moments that matter most.You were born to lead. The question is, how will you live it?@michelledcraig0:00 Michelle Craig bio0:39 Welcome to Born to Lead1:10 How can someone find their purpose?4:15 What prepared Michelle to be a leader?6:55 Developing Christ-centered leadership skills11:20 Michelle's Eyes to See experience16:19 What Michelle has learned from young adults21:05 Leadership lesson Michelle wishes she learned earlier24:46 What Michelle gained from working with the First Presidency and Apostles28:53 What Born to Lead means to Michelle31:48 Thank you, Michelle