LIFT With Sarah

Sarah Layson Marketing
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Entrepreneurship

The LIFT Podcast is where real leadership meets a purpose-driven life. Every week, Sarah brings honest conversations, practical wisdom, and faith-rooted perspective to help you grow into the leader you’re called to be. These episodes are designed to steady you, stretch you, and strengthen you as you lead at home, at work, and in your community. You’ll hear stories of resilience, lessons learned in the trenches, and insights that turn complex challenges into walkable steps forward. This is leadership for people who want to build something that lasts. It’s a place for those who care about culture, believe in the power of service, and want to rise with clarity, courage, and conviction. Whether Sarah is teaching, reflecting, or talking with leaders who are changing their corners of the world, every episode gives you the tools to lead with purpose and lift the lives around you.  Tune in, lean in, and grow with us.

  1. 2d ago

    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

  2. Aug 4

    The Heart of Hospitality: Matt Williams on Empathy-Driven Leadership

    Great hospitality is never just about food, service, or the room itself. It’s about how people feel when they walk in, how they’re cared for while they’re there, and whether they leave feeling seen. In this episode of LIFT with Sarah Layson, Sarah sits down with Matt Williams, director of operations and general manager for Moon Dance, The Overland, and Lafayette’s Music Room, for a conversation about leadership, growth, culture, and building experiences that last. At the center of this conversation is the belief that strong leadership begins with trust. Matt shares a grounded approach to leading teams by seeing people as human beings first. His philosophy is built on empathy, vulnerability, and the understanding that mistakes can become part of someone’s development when leaders respond with care instead of control. As the conversation unfolds, listeners will hear what it takes to grow multiple restaurant concepts while protecting the culture behind them. Matt reflects on preparing to open a fourth restaurant in Rogers, Arkansas, investing in leadership development, building systems with support from AI, and creating consistency without losing the heart of hospitality. He also shares how genuine kindness and southern hospitality shape every guest experience, from approachable dining to elevated service. There’s real weight in this episode as Matt looks back on seasons of crisis and transition. He shares how the team navigated COVID, the loss of business partners, grieving families, salary cuts, layoffs, and the fast pivot to curbside service. These moments reveal the kind of leadership that’s required when pressure is high and people are looking for steadiness. If you’re leading a team, building a business, or trying to grow without losing your values, this conversation will meet you there. It will challenge you to think about the culture you’re creating, the trust you’re building, and whether your leadership is helping people become their best selves. Growth matters, but how you grow matters just as much. This episode points toward a bigger vision of leadership rooted in service, excellence, and care. A future where businesses expand with purpose, leaders invest in people, and hospitality becomes a way to build community, connection, and lasting impact. Matt’s story reminds us that when leaders serve others well, growth can become more than success. It can become influence. 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

  3. Jul 21

    Lifting as We Rise: Holly Holt on Navigating Career Pivots and Overcoming Adversity

    Some conversations carry the weight of history, trust, and lived experience. In this episode of LIFT with Sarah Layson, Sarah sits down with her close friend of 30 years, Atty. Holly Holt, for a deeply meaningful conversation about leadership, resilience, relationships, and the grace required to keep moving through life’s unexpected turns. This is a story shaped by friendship, faith, hard work, and the kind of strength that doesn’t always announce itself loudly. At the center of this conversation is the belief that leadership is never built in isolation. Holly’s life and career reveal the power of relationships, community, and staying connected to people who help shape your path. From family law to real estate law at AutoZone to her current corporate legal support role at International Paper, each season of her journey has been marked by relationships that opened doors, offered wisdom, and reminded her that success is rarely a solo effort. As the conversation unfolds, listeners will hear Holly reflect on professional pivots, personal growth, and the core values that have guided her through every season. She shares how hard work, kindness, integrity, and keeping commitments were instilled in her early and became anchors in both her career and life. Her story offers a steady reminder that leadership is not only about what you accomplish. It’s about how you show up, how you treat people, and how faithfully you keep your word. There is deep emotional honesty in Holly’s reflection on her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. She speaks with calm and clarity about a season that required her to let go of control, accept vulnerability, and allow others to love and support her. In a world that often celebrates independence, Holly’s story reminds us that receiving help is not weakness. Sometimes it’s one of the bravest forms of trust. If you’ve ever walked through uncertainty, faced a life change you didn’t choose, or struggled to let others carry part of the weight, this conversation will meet you there. It will invite you to think about the relationships you’re investing in, the values you’re living by, and the people you’re allowing close enough to support you when life gets hard. This episode points toward a bigger vision of leadership rooted in community, humility, and shared strength. A vision where we don’t just rise alone, but lift as we rise. Where success is measured not only by achievement, but by the people we love, serve, and bring with us along the way. 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

  4. Jul 7

    The Leaders Who Believe in You Before You Believe in Yourself: A Conversation with Dr. Abigail Simone

    Some leaders carry influence because they’ve learned how to see potential before it becomes visible. In this episode of LIFT with Sarah Layson, Sarah sits down with Dr. Abigail Simone, Director of the Honors Academy at Houston High School, for a conversation about mentorship, service, excellence, and the responsibility of helping young people become who they’re called to be. It’s thoughtful, deeply grounded, and rooted in the kind of leadership that shapes generations. At the center of this conversation is the belief that leadership begins with service and grows through accountability. Dr. Simone’s story reflects a life shaped by community, high expectations, and relationships that helped guide her forward. As a lifelong Memphian, she shares how her mother’s drive for excellence and her father’s gift for building relationships created a foundation that still influences the way she leads today. As the conversation unfolds, listeners will hear how mentors played a defining role in Dr. Simone’s path. From a professor who pushed her toward teaching to a principal who recognized gifts she hadn’t fully claimed yet, her journey shows the power of leaders who speak possibility into others. She also shares her experience advocating for world language education and how long-term relationships, preparation, and credibility can become tools for meaningful change. There’s a humility in this episode that gives the conversation real depth. Dr. Simone speaks about her grandmother’s work ethic, the “mop the floor test,” and the belief that no task is beneath a true servant leader. She also reflects on motherhood, setbacks, personal accountability, and the kind of honest friendships that help you stay aligned with your values when life gets full and complicated. If you’ve ever had someone believe in you before you believed in yourself, this conversation will feel familiar. If you’re leading students, children, teams, or communities, it will challenge you to consider how you’re using your influence. Leadership isn’t only about opening doors for yourself. It’s about preparing others to walk through doors with courage, character, and confidence. This episode points toward a future where leadership is more intentional, more relational, and more committed to developing people well. A future where students are challenged with love, mentors take their role seriously, and excellence is pursued with both discipline and grace. Dr. Simone’s story reminds us that the right leader at the right moment can change the direction of a life. 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

  5. Jun 23

    Leading to Serve: Honoring Thomas McDaniel's Legacy, Impact, and Fatherhood

    Some legacies aren’t built through grand gestures. They’re built through the way a person shows up, works hard, loves deeply, and makes others feel like they matter. In this Father’s Day conversation, Sarah Layson sits down with Mitch and Tommy to honor the life and legacy of their late father, Thomas McDaniel. Together, they reflect on a man whose leadership was steady, humble, and deeply rooted in service. At the center of this conversation is the belief that real leadership is lived before it’s ever spoken. Thomas McDaniel led through action. Through loyalty. Through a relentless work ethic. Through the way he cared for his family, served his community, and remained committed to the people and places he loved. His life reminds listeners that legacy is not what we say we value. It’s what our lives prove over time. As the conversation unfolds, Sarah, Mitch, and Tommy share stories of their father’s 50-year career, his dedication to his company, and the personal accountability that shaped how he moved through the world. They reflect on his “work hard, play hard” mentality, his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and the way he made others feel welcomed, respected, and included. These memories reveal a leader who didn’t need a spotlight to make an impact. There is a deep emotional weight in this episode because it’s not just about leadership. It’s about love. It’s about the fierce devotion Thomas showed his wife, the example he set for his children, and the memories that continue to shape how they parent, lead, and serve today. His legacy lives in the ordinary moments that became sacred over time. If you’ve ever lost someone who shaped you, this conversation will meet you there. If you’ve ever wondered what kind of legacy your life is leaving, it will invite you to pause and reflect. Leadership begins in the daily choices. The way you treat people. The way you keep your word. The way you love those closest to you. This episode points toward a bigger vision of leadership that starts at home and reaches into every part of life. A vision where service matters, family matters, community matters, and the way we live becomes the message we leave behind. Thomas McDaniel’s story reminds us that a life well lived can keep leading long after someone is gone. 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

  6. Jun 16

    The Grit and Grind of Entrepreneurship: A conversation with entrepreneur Ragan Ogelsby-Phillips

    Some leaders build businesses. Others build spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for. In this episode of LIFT with Sarah Layson, Sarah sits down with Ragan Oglesby-Phillips, a Memphis entrepreneur, mother, and owner of Perch 74, Lady Fingers Catering, and Med Clean Solutions. Her story is one of grit, grace, resilience, and the kind of leadership that’s shaped through real life, not theory. At the center of this conversation is the belief that leadership is built through responsibility. Ragan’s journey began long before the titles and businesses. Becoming a mother at 17 changed the direction of her life and gave her a deeper reason to keep going. What could have become a limitation became fuel. Her story reminds listeners that leadership often begins in the moments where quitting would make sense, but purpose asks you to keep moving. As the conversation unfolds, Ragan shares the experiences that shaped her work ethic, her heart for hospitality, and her ability to build across multiple industries. She reflects on the mentorship of Jeff Presley, whose guidance helped her understand business structure, ownership, and what it takes to step fully into entrepreneurship. From commercial cleaning to catering to creating a restaurant rooted in connection, every part of her work carries intention. There is a deep emotional honesty in this episode. Ragan speaks about becoming a young mother, walking through a difficult first marriage, and learning to rebuild with strength and clarity. She also shares the heart behind Perch 74, a place inspired by the relaxed hospitality of Paris, where people are invited to slow down, gather, and feel at home. It’s business, but it’s also ministry in motion. It’s community through food, service, and presence. If you’ve ever had to start over, build while healing, or lead while carrying more than people realize, this conversation will meet you there. Ragan’s story is a reminder that your past doesn’t disqualify you. It can become the foundation that teaches you how to serve, how to lead, and how to build something meaningful for others. This episode points toward a bigger vision for leadership in Memphis and beyond. One where entrepreneurship creates belonging, mentorship opens doors, and success becomes a way to lift families, communities, and future generations. Ragan’s next chapter, from signature products like maple bacon jam to retail shelves, reflects a leader still dreaming, still building, and still choosing to grow. 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

  7. Jun 9

    Voices of Tomorrow: The Class of 2026 Graduate Edition

    Leadership looks different when viewed through the eyes of the next generation. In this special conversation, Sarah Layson sits down with the Class of 2026 students Ava, Elliot, and Izzy to explore what leadership means in a world shaped by constant change, comparison, and uncertainty. Their perspective is refreshing, honest, and deeply important for anyone who hopes to influence the leaders of tomorrow. At the heart of this conversation is a simple but powerful truth: leadership isn't about titles, popularity, or authority. It's about presence. The next generation is looking for people who show up consistently, speak truth with compassion, and create spaces where others feel seen, valued, and supported. Leadership, in their eyes, is less about being in charge and more about being available. As the discussion unfolds, Ava, Elliot, and Izzy share personal experiences that reveal what students are navigating today. They reflect on the mentors who helped guide them through difficult seasons, the challenges of growing up in an increasingly connected yet often isolating world, and the qualities that earn trust and respect among their peers. Their stories offer a clear picture of what young people need from the adults and leaders around them. There is a sincerity throughout this conversation that can't be ignored. These students speak openly about pressure, uncertainty, and the desire for genuine connection. They remind us that confidence is often built through encouragement, that resilience grows through relationships, and that a single person who believes in you can change the direction of your life. Their honesty creates space for reflection, not only for students, but for parents, teachers, coaches, and leaders alike. If you've ever wondered how to better support the next generation, this conversation offers valuable insight. You'll hear what young people are asking for, what they're struggling with, and what helps them thrive. More importantly, you'll be challenged to consider the kind of leader you're becoming and the example you're setting for those who are watching. This episode points toward a future where leadership is rooted in authenticity, connection, and service. A future where communities are strengthened because people choose to invest in others, where mentorship becomes a priority, and where young leaders are equipped with the confidence and character to make a meaningful 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

  8. Jun 2

    Beyond the Boardroom: Cultivating Ownership and Community Impact

    Leadership often leaves its deepest mark through quiet example, and that’s exactly what unfolds in this conversation between Sarah Layson and Steve Simon. With decades of experience in human resources, community service, faith leadership, and mentorship, Steve brings a lifetime of wisdom shaped not by titles alone, but by a commitment to serving others well. His story is a reminder that leadership is less about position and more about the responsibility we choose to carry every day. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful belief: true leaders think like owners. Not because they hold stock certificates or occupy corner offices, but because they care deeply about the success of the people, organizations, and communities they serve. Steve shares how adopting an ownership mentality transformed the way he approached every opportunity, teaching that commitment, stewardship, and personal responsibility are often the foundations of lasting influence. As the conversation unfolds, listeners will hear stories that span family farms, boardrooms, community leadership, and life-changing mentorships. Steve reflects on lessons learned from parents whose integrity and work ethic shaped his character long before his professional career began. He shares how a mentor’s belief in his potential helped open doors that changed the trajectory of his life, becoming the first in his family to attend college. Along the way, the discussion explores servant leadership, communication, and the simple but profound practice of making people feel seen. There is a depth and humility woven throughout every story. From memories of his father’s experiences as a World War II veteran to reflections on providing essential services that improve the lives of entire communities, Steve demonstrates that meaningful leadership is often built through ordinary acts of faithfulness. His stories reveal that success is rarely measured by what we gain, but by the impact we leave on others. If you’ve ever wondered whether your role matters, whether your contribution is seen, or whether leadership requires a title before it can make a difference, this conversation will challenge that thinking. You’ll be reminded that influence begins long before recognition and that the smallest acts of service often create the greatest ripple effects. This episode points toward a future where leadership is rooted in stewardship, mentorship, and genuine care for people. A future where businesses succeed because leaders invest in others, communities thrive because people take ownership, and lives are transformed because someone chose to believe in another person’s potential. 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

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5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

The LIFT Podcast is where real leadership meets a purpose-driven life. Every week, Sarah brings honest conversations, practical wisdom, and faith-rooted perspective to help you grow into the leader you’re called to be. These episodes are designed to steady you, stretch you, and strengthen you as you lead at home, at work, and in your community. You’ll hear stories of resilience, lessons learned in the trenches, and insights that turn complex challenges into walkable steps forward. This is leadership for people who want to build something that lasts. It’s a place for those who care about culture, believe in the power of service, and want to rise with clarity, courage, and conviction. Whether Sarah is teaching, reflecting, or talking with leaders who are changing their corners of the world, every episode gives you the tools to lead with purpose and lift the lives around you.  Tune in, lean in, and grow with us.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Layson Marketing
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 LIFT With Sarah
  • Show Website
    LIFT With Sarah