Episode #17
Borrowing the Experience of Others: Accelerating Leadership Growth with Don Hall
Leadership rarely follows a straight line, and Don Hall’s story is a powerful reminder of that truth. In this episode of LIFT with Sarah Layson, Sarah sits down with Don Hall, CEO of Kingdom Homebuilders and broker for Keller Williams Midsouth in Mississippi, for a conversation about faith, resilience, family, and the courage to keep rebuilding when the path changes. His journey is grounded, honest, and full of wisdom for anyone leading through uncertainty. At the center of this conversation is the belief that leadership grows through humility, stewardship, and a willingness to learn from others. Don’s life reflects a deep commitment to faith first, family second, and business as a place of purpose and service. Whether he’s leading in real estate, construction, or at home with his five sons, his leadership is shaped by character more than position. As the conversation unfolds, listeners will hear how Don moved through real estate, banking, public service, and entrepreneurship with a steady willingness to grow. He shares how the 2006 recession led him into corporate banking, where he rose from a part-time teller to a regional vice president. He also reflects on leaving that security to run for mayor during a season when he felt called to lead with empathy, even though the outcome wasn’t what he hoped. There is real depth in Don’s story because he doesn’t hide the hard parts. After the election, he found himself unemployed and had to rebuild again. He leaned into a contractor’s license, drained his 401k during rising supply costs, practiced forgiveness through painful setbacks, and kept moving with faith. His story reveals the kind of resilience that’s formed when leaders choose responsibility over bitterness. If you’ve ever faced a closed door, a failed plan, or a season that forced you to start over, this conversation will meet you there. Don’s story reminds leaders that growth often comes through borrowed wisdom, hard lessons, and the humility to ask for help. It also challenges us to see people not only as they are today, but as who they can become. This episode points toward a vision of leadership that builds beyond one generation. Through Kingdom Homebuilders, Don is creating housing, opportunity, and a legacy he hopes to one day pass to his sons. It’s a picture of leadership rooted in faith, family, service, and the belief that every experience can become preparation for greater impact. To grow. To reflect. To lead with intention. Welcome to LIFT. Subscribe and follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftwithsarahlayson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583340696839 Website: sarahlayson.com And Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lift-with-sarah/id1886005274
