Show Notes
Mark A. Beck earned a BA in Business and Japanese Language from Pacific University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Over his three-decade corporate career, he served in executive leadership at Corning Incorporated, as Executive Vice President at Danaher Corporation, and as President and CEO of JELD-WEN, guiding the company through its IPO. Today, Mark owns three manufacturing companies, co-chairs KDC/ONE, and serves as board chair for Accendra Health (formerly Owens & Minor) and IDEX Corporation. Passionate about servant leadership, he serves as faculty for the Adler Fellowship Program and has taught strategic leadership of innovation as a Visiting Professor of Practice at Cornell University.
Adrienne and Mark have been married for 38 years. They reside in Matthews, North Carolina, and are the parents of five children and two grandchildren. Together, they navigated unique life blessings, including caring for their youngest son, Wesley, who was born with a rare health condition and expected to live only a few months. Wesley lived for 20 years through many miracles and Adrienne’s devoted caregiving. Following his passing, Adrienne resumed her educational goals and is on track to earn her bachelor’s degree later this year.
Deeply committed to faith, family, and community, both Mark and Adrienne have spent years serving in Church leadership—Mark previously served as a stake president, and Adrienne as a stake Young Women president and two-time ward Primary president. Today, the couple serve side-by-side as branch president and YSA advisor for the Hemby Young Single Adult Branch in the greater Charlotte area. Beyond hosting regular home dinners and monthly “Friday Night Hangouts,” they pioneered a stake-wide mentorship program that connects young adults with community members to provide life guidance, career coaching, trade school support, and spiritual growth for the rising generation.
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Highlights
Mark and Adrienne Beck discuss their experiences as leaders of the Hemby Young Single Adult (YSA) branch in North Carolina. They share innovative approaches to building community and mentorship within their branch, emphasizing the importance of connection and support for young adults.
Key Insights
Community Building: The Becks highlight the significance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for YSA members, focusing on fostering a culture of acceptance and belonging. Mentorship Program: They implemented a mentorship initiative that pairs YSA members with older, experienced Latter-day Saints from the stake, providing guidance and support tailored to individual needs. Cultural Shift: The branch has cultivated a culture where members feel safe to share their struggles openly, leading to authentic testimony meetings that encourage vulnerability and connection. Diversity and Inclusion: The branch serves a diverse group of young adults, addressing various socioeconomic backgrounds and personal challenges, which enriches the community experience. Flexible Leadership: The Becks emphasize the importance of adapting leadership styles to meet the unique needs of their members, allowing for a more personalized approach to support and guidance.
Leadership Applications
Encouraging Mentorship: Latter-day Saint leaders can consider establishing mentorship programs within their congregations, pairing experienced members with those seeking guidance, which can alleviate the burden on leaders and provide essential support to individuals. Creating Safe Spaces: Leaders should foster environments where members feel comfortable sharing their experiences and challenges, promoting open dialogue and community support. Emphasizing Connection: By organizing regular social gatherings and informal meetings, leaders can strengthen relationships among members, enhancing the sense of belonging and community wit
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