Sara P. Marks — Franciscan Leadership Today

Politics, workplaces, education, sports...no matter where you look, it seems that so many avenues of American life are experiencing a crisis in leadership. What might the Franciscan posture of relationship, mutuality, and humble listening offer an age in crisis? Is there such a thing as Franciscan leadership, and if so, what is it? How have different leadership models evolved throughout history, and where might they be leading us?

Sara P. Marks is the founder and CEO of Fina Catalysts LLC (https://finacatalysts.wordpress.com). Sara works with Catholic nonprofits to transform organizations for a mission-driven future. She facilitates congregational assemblies and chapters, works with leadership teams, associate communities, and leads retreat experiences grounded in charism and mission. As a former vowed Franciscan, she understands the intricacies of religious life and the unique challenges congregations face in the 21st Century. Sara holds a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University in Literature and a master’s from The University of Dayton in Pastoral Ministry. She is currently working on her PhD in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in nonprofit and public administration at Eastern University.

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:03:13) Leadership Background and Experiences

(00:10:20) Adaptive Leadership

(00:17:00) Reflection No. 1: Exploring Servant and Adaptive Leadership

(00:21:50) Impact of Personal Experiences on Leadership

(00:25:48) Franciscan Leadership: Listening, Relationships, and Sine Proprio

(00:35:24) Reflection No. 2: Exploring Sine Proprio and the Essence of Ideas

(00:39:05) Adaptive Leadership: The Challenge of Making Decisions

(00:41:27) Evolving Leadership Models and Integrating Franciscan Principles

(00:48:52) Addressing the Crisis of Leadership in Society

(00:54:39) Franciscan Community and Political Discourse

(00:57:42) Reflection No. 3: Considering the Whole in Political Discourse

(01:03:30) Navigating Political Differences with Grace

(01:11:21) The Role of Technology in Dialogue

(01:15:25) The Call for a Franciscan Renaissance and Posture

(01:24:39) Conclusion