Resilience, Loyalty, & Purpose:
A Life in Public Service
In the world of leadership, true success often means facing down obstacles with resilience and a commitment to making a difference. This episode of Dreams and Deals offers a powerful perspective on how one public servant turned personal values and loyalty into tools for uplifting communities. Through a thoughtful conversation, Jennifer Yeo unpacks the inspiring journey of Utah’s Attorney General, Sean Reyes, whose career embodies service, leadership, and a drive to bring hope to those who need it most.
Purpose-Driven Leadership can be Powerful
For this public servant, every day is dedicated to supporting and protecting Utah’s communities, from battling the opioid crisis to enhancing resources for children in crisis. He shares how his father’s immigrant background instilled in him a deep gratitude for the opportunity and a fierce commitment to serving others. While his impressive career spans both the private and public sectors, it is his unwavering dedication to the community that drives him forward.
When asked about his early influences, he speaks of his father’s boundless optimism, which taught him to see challenges as chances to grow and learn. Even in difficult situations, he says, it’s essential to find the “miracle mindset”—the ability to recognize the blessings in every experience and use them to fuel a higher purpose.
Lesson 1: Purpose is the Foundation of Leadership.
Success is more than achievements; it’s about how you uplift others.
Find a “miracle mindset” by seeing value in every experience.
Let purpose guide you, especially when the journey becomes difficult.
Consider Loyalty as a Cornerstone of Success
Loyalty, as he explains, isn’t just a value; it’s the core of meaningful leadership. Recalling advice from his mentor, Jon Huntsman Sr., he emphasizes that loyalty is the most important quality in building any team. “If you can choose only one trait in those you hire, let it be loyalty,” he shares. According to his mentor, loyal people stand by you in the hardest times, while skill alone may not sustain relationships in the long run.
In his role, he’s encountered numerous challenges that required a steadfast team willing to support each other under pressure. He notes that loyalty is what keeps people united, whether facing legislative hurdles or spearheading community projects, and it’s this trait that defines successful leaders.
Lesson 2: Loyalty is the Key to Building a Resilient Team
Prioritize loyalty over other skills in team-building.
A loyal team is essential for navigating challenges and staying focused.
True loyalty fosters trust, which is invaluable in both public and private sectors.
Empowering Communities Through Action
From pioneering Utah’s opioid task force to launching programs like SafeUT, a crisis app for teens, he has shown that real leadership involves proactive solutions. Recognizing the importance of mental health resources, he worked tirelessly to implement 988, a national mental health crisis hotline akin to 911. Through initiatives like these, he continues to elevate the standard of public service, providing hope and resources to people across the state.
He explains that homeownership holds special importance to him, as his father’s immigrant journey showed him how a home represents stability and pride. Realtors, in his view, are modern-day heroes, helping families secure a foundation for their lives. “You’re helping them achieve the American dream,” he says, highlighting the impact of real estate professionals in building a sense of belonging and security.
Lesson 3: Leadership Means Investing in Community Well-Being
A true leader creates and advocates for resources that uplift communities.
Homeownership and stable housing are powerful tools for positive change.
Providing hope is the essence of meaningful public service.
Building a Legacy on the Foundation of Service & Hope
As the episode concludes, it’s clear that this journey is far from over. His passion for public service continues to inspire, and he speaks of future projects with the same enthusiasm that has carried him through his career. With each initiative, from addiction recovery programs to community safety measures, he leaves a legacy of resilience, loyalty, and unwavering dedication.
His story serves as a powerful reminder that the path to success is rarely straightforward, and it’s the challenges along the way that shape true leaders. By staying loyal, focusing on purpose, and empowering those around him, he exemplifies the impact that one person can have on a community—and on countless lives.
If you’re ready for an inspiring listen, tune in to the full Dreams and Deals episode and hear this incredible journey of resilience, leadership, and purpose firsthand.
By Jennifer Yeo
