Dr. Asa Lee on Building Lego Sets, Being a Neighbor, and Building Communities and Cultures

The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Dr. Asa Lee, President of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, joins us and shares his unique journey from the classrooms of public education to the holy halls of ministry and academia and the reasons for his professional choices.

About Dr. Asa Lee: Rev. Dr. Asa J. Lee, a respected leader in theological education, assumed the role of President at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary on June 7, 2021. With degrees from Hampton University, Wesley Theological Seminary, and Virginia Theological Seminary, Dr. Lee brings a wealth of academic and pastoral experience. Previously serving at Wesley Theological Seminary in various capacities, including vice president and director of African-American studies, Dr. Lee is known for fostering inclusive and academically rigorous environments. He is an ordained minister with a decade of pastoral experience at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Arlington, Va. Dr. Lee is a member of several prestigious organizations, reflecting his commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in theological education. As President, he envisions leading Pittsburgh Theological Seminary to rediscover its core strengths and embrace new opportunities in theological education. With a collaborative spirit and innovative thinking, Dr. Lee, alongside his wife, the Rev. Chenda Innis Lee, is set to shape the future of the seminary, equipping students for pastoral ministry in the Presbyterian tradition.

4 Key Takeaways:
1. Dr. Lee navigates through the sacrifice necessary to hone leadership skills.
2. He shares his views on the power of intentional community building and the surprising perspective gained from parenthood.
3. He also reveals his unconventional stress-busting techniques i.e., Lego building and gardening, which might inspire you to pick up a new hobby!
4. We delve into the significance of availability in leadership, the art of building a robust culture, and handling the weight of pressure.
Quotes From the Episode:
“Who you choose on your team helps to build the culture you want to have.”
“The demands on being a neighbor aren’t religious, they’re communal, they’re shared.”

Resources Mentioned:
Legos
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Connect with Dr. Lee:
Linkedin | Blog

Chapter

1. Dr. Asa Lee on Building Lego Sets, Being a Neighbor, and Building Communities and Cultures (00:00:00)

2. Leadership and Building Lego Sets (00:00:07)

3. Intentional Community and Parenting Growth (00:10:39)

4. Leadership, Sandwiches, and Dealing With Pressure (00:15:59)

5. Lego Builds and Stress Relief (00:19:29)

6. Leadership and Building Great Cultures (00:23:12)

7. Importance of Seminaries in Training Leaders (00:30:31)

8. Being a Neighbor & Advancing Diversity (00:38:16)

9. Insights on Leadership and Life Journey (00:47:05)

10. The Importance of Consistency in Success (00:53:42)