In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with David R. York about stewardship as it applies to wealth transfer, estate planning, and family businesses.

They explore the contrast between the traditional approach and a stewardship model built around purpose, perspective, preparation, and participation, along with the role of intentionality, generosity, governance, and shared family values in building a lasting legacy.

• David’s Utah Jazz story and the distinction between ownership and stewardship.
• The traditional wealth-transfer model—dump, divide, defer, and dissipate—versus the stewardship-focused model—purpose, perspective, preparation, and participation.
• Why preparing the next generation for wealth is more important than simply preparing wealth for the next generation.
• Succession in family businesses and the importance of purpose, participation, governance, and shared values.

David R. York is an Attorney, Certified Public Accountant and Managing Partner with the Salt Lake City law firm of York Howell. David practices law in the areas of estate planning, tax, business planning, and non-profit entities. He is a Fellow with the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) and is a Dean with the Purposeful Planning Institute. David has been recognized by Chambers and Partners in the area of Estate Planning—a distinction awarded to approximately the top 2% of attorneys in the field. David has extensive experience in designing and implementing advanced wealth planning strategies for ultra high net worth clients. He also has extensive experience working with charitable planning, purpose trusts, private trust companies, and advanced trust planning. David has spoken to hundreds of public groups and professional organizations, including TED, Q Commons, Stanford University, the Purposeful Planning Institute, Million Dollar Roundtable, and Investments & Wealth Institute.

He is the author of The Gift of Lift: Harnessing the Power of Stewardship to Elevate the World and the children’s book, Dudley’s Castle. He is the co-author of two other books, Entrusted: Building a Legacy That Lasts and Riveted: 44 Values that Change the World. He has also written for Trusts & Estates Magazine, Estate Planning Magazine and Investments and Wealth Monitor.

David currently serves on the Board of Directors of Healing Nations. He lives in the Salt Lake City, Utah area with his wife Mindy and their five children.

To view David’s Ted Talk: David York: A new way to think about inheritance | TED Talk

For more about Eric: ericralexander.com; stewardleaderspodcast.com; sixarrowsconsulting.com.

Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever.

To learn about Eric’s new book: Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO

See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders

Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with David R. York about the genesis and central ideas of York’s book, The Gift of Lift, including stewardship, ownership, investment, transcendence, and the freedom that comes from being owned by purpose rather than possessions.

The conversation also explores four building blocks for fostering stewards, the relationship between grace and truth in preparing the next generation, and the transformative power of questions and stories over simply accumulating information.

• York’s experience with the former owner of the Utah Jazz helped crystallize the distinction between ownership and stewardship and became the catalyst for The Gift of Lift.
• Stewardship is defined through the twin pillars of investment and transcendence, offering an alternative to consumerism and a source of freedom.
• Four building blocks for fostering stewards are discussed: quality of opportunity, justice before the law, supremacy of reason, and the efficacy of grace.
• The conversation concludes with the role of grace and truth, preparing people before transferring resources, and using questions and stories to foster transformation.

David R. York is an Attorney, Certified Public Accountant and Managing Partner with the Salt Lake City law firm of York Howell. David practices law in the areas of estate planning, tax, business planning, and non-profit entities. He is a Fellow with the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) and is a Dean with the Purposeful Planning Institute. David has been recognized by Chambers and Partners in the area of Estate Planning—a distinction awarded to approximately the top 2% of attorneys in the field. David has extensive experience in designing and implementing advanced wealth planning strategies for ultra high net worth clients. He also has extensive experience working with charitable planning, purpose trusts, private trust companies, and advanced trust planning. David has spoken to hundreds of public groups and professional organizations, including TED, Q Commons, Stanford University, the Purposeful Planning Institute, Million Dollar Roundtable, and Investments & Wealth Institute.

He is the author of The Gift of Lift: Harnessing the Power of Stewardship to Elevate the World and the children’s book, Dudley’s Castle. He is the co-author of two other books, Entrusted: Building a Legacy That Lasts and Riveted: 44 Values that Change the World. He has also written for Trusts & Estates Magazine, Estate Planning Magazine and Investments and Wealth Monitor.

David currently serves on the Board of Directors of Healing Nations. He lives in the Salt Lake City, Utah area with his wife Mindy and their five children.

To view David’s Ted Talk: David York: A new way to think about inheritance | TED Talk

For more about Eric: ericralexander.com; stewardleaderspodcast.com; sixarrowsconsulting.com.

Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever.

To learn about Eric’s new book: Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO

See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders

Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Kay Lynn McLaughlin about the relationship between the CEO and finance team, drawing on McLaughlin's experience as a lender, controller, CFO, and CEO.

The conversation explores trust, transparency, accountability, disagreements, relationships with auditors and boards, communication within finance teams, the human meaning behind financial numbers, and the importance of protecting time for family.

• The CEO–CFO relationship and the complementary roles of strategic leadership and financial detail.
• Trust, transparency, accountability, and constructive disagreement between CEOs, CFOs, boards, and auditors.
• The importance of communication and relationships for finance professionals and leaders.
• The human side of financial leadership, including the people behind the numbers and the importance of family time.

Kay Lynn McLaughlin began her employment with the Plains Land Bank in March 2010. Ms. McLaughlin holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, as well as a Master of Business Administration degree and a Master of Public Accounting degree, all from West Texas A&M University. She previously served as a Loan Officer, Operations Manager, Controller, and Chief Financial Officer for Plains Land Bank, FLCA. She was promoted to Chief Executive Officer-Elect in March 2021, and has served in the role of Chief Executive Officer since October 2021.

For more about Eric: ericralexander.com; stewardleaderspodcast.com; sixarrowsconsulting.com.

Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever.

To learn about Eric’s new book: Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO

See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders

Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).