How I Lead as a YSA Branch President | An Interview with Geoff Thatcher

Geoff Thatcher is an experienced creative leader who takes projects
from concept to reality. He is the founder & chief creative
officer at Creative Principals, and previously worked as a creative
writer, producer, and creative director. His projects are most
often about creating world-class experiences in corporate visitor
centers, museums and theme parks, such as his most recent work in
the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Geoff is the
president of the Savannah YSA Branch in the Savannah Georgia Stake
and was a guest on the podcast when he previously served as
assistant director of communications in Cincinnati, Ohio. Links
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Leader Library Highlights Geoff first shares insights from his
background in experience design and public affairs, particularly
focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in
enhancing visitor experiences at museums, such as the College
Football Hall of Fame. He discusses the potential of AI to create
personalized experiences that engage individuals in meaningful
ways, while also cautioning against the risks of over-reliance on
technology. Transitioning to his role as a YSA branch president,
Geoff recounts the process of establishing the branch, which
stemmed from a need for young adults to have a dedicated space for
worship and community. He shares the results of informal focus
groups that revealed young adults' desire for worship over
programmed activities and their wish to be treated as adults rather
than youth. Geoff emphasizes the importance of creating an
environment where young adults feel valued and engaged, sharing
stories of how the branch has grown. He highlights the significance
of treating YSAs as adults, allowing them to take on
responsibilities and speak about their passions during meetings,
which fosters a sense of belonging and community. The episode
concludes with Geoff's reflections on the responsibility of church
leaders to reach out to young adults, emphasizing that they are not
lost but rather have been overlooked, and the need for leaders to
actively engage and support them in their spiritual journeys. 06:10
- Geoff's Background and Current Work 06:39 - AI in Experience
Design 07:22 - AI's Role in Museums 10:20 - The Importance of
Active Engagement 12:20 - Anticipating AI's Impact on Church
Experience 20:51 - Starting a YSA Branch in Savannah 21:08 -
Gathering Input from Young Single Adults 25:54 - The Impact of the
YSA Branch 29:00 - Mindset Shift: Responsibility for Young Adults
32:38 - Engaging Young Adults in Family Wards 35:06 - Treating
Young Adults as Adults 38:11 - Building Rapport with Young Adults
40:18 - Encouraging Passionate Talks 46:04 - Success Stories from
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