Conversation with David York about The Gift of Lift

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).*