Once I Was a Leader | How I Lead with Maclain Nelson and Ken Craig

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Maclain Nelson is the director, writer, and producer of Once I Was Engaged, the sequel to the film Once I Was a Beehive (which he also wrote, produced, and directed.) He is also known for The Saratov Approach and BYU TV’s Show Offs, as well as many other films produced in Utah. Maclain earned a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts Studies from Brigham Young University and is married to Clare Niederpruem. Ken Craig plays a bishop in the film, a reprisal of his previous role in Once I Was a Beehive, as well as his actual church calling as a bishop. Ken grew up in Southern California and Hawaii then served a mission for the Church in Lisbon, Portugal. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Advertising, but his favorite thing about college was being part of The Garrens, BYU’s first-ever sketch comedy, an improvisation troupe. This is also where he met his wife Katie, and that’s where they fell in love. Ken currently works in the Philanthropies department of the Church. He and Katie are the parents of eight children.

Highlights

3:30 First interview with Maclain Nelson, the director of Once I was Engaged. Kurt and Maclain discuss the overall theme of the film. 8:45 Maclain describes the characters from the movie and how he cast the characters. 13:30 Maclain’s first principle of being a good leader. A good leader has to be a good collaborator. Listening and integrating the ideas of the people that you work with will bring more energy and creativity to whatever you are doing. It will make it better than you could do on your own. 24:45 Maclain’s second principle of being a good leader. You have to lead with gratitude. Recognize and be grateful for the people working with you and the effort they are putting in. Make sure they know that they are appreciated. 30:40 Maclain’s third principle. You can’t give everyone the same advice in the same way. Personalize the message. Take into account the personalities of others. Some people don’t mind getting critiqued in front of others whereas others need time one on one. 39:00 Maclain talks about how being a leader has helped him become a better follower of Jesus Christ. 41:00 Interview with Ken Craig begins. Ken Craig has been a bishop in real life, as well as in the films, Once I was a Beehive and Once I was Engaged. 51:10 Ken shares his experience and feelings getting called as a counselor and bishop. 54:40 Ken’s first leadership principle. Lead with love. We don’t always feel qualified but we can always extend our love and compassion to those we serve. Love creates a Christlike culture. 56:50 Second leadership principle. Empowering others. Empowering others is letting others contribute and trusting them. 1:02:30 Third Principle. One by one leadership. Meeting with people face to face and one by one. Minister to the one. 1:11:20 How Ken has become a better follower of Jesus Christ through his leadership