5 Lessons Learned After Investing $100M in Community Building
After $100M in Community Building Investments, Here’s Just Five Things I’ve Learned About Community Leadership.
Twelve years ago, we set out to do something that felt impossible:
Build a movement of business leaders and residents working together to create generational cycles of prosperity in neighborhoods.
Fast forward more than a decade…
• Hundreds of safe, beautiful homes built.
• Jobs created.
• Children educated and scholarshiped.
• A proud community celebrated
It’s been an incredible journey—and one that’s taught me countless lessons about what it takes to make lasting difference.
But perhaps the most important realization?
The best way to multiply our impact is by helping others do the same.
If you’re a leader, a philanthropist, or someone passionate about aligning your purpose with community impact…
Here are just five of the lessons I’ve learned about leadership and building community:
1. Doing the Impossible Is Often Easier Than Doing the Reasonable
Big, bold visions are magnetic.
People want to believe in something transformative.
But trying to get buy-in for “good enough” ideas? That’s where the real resistance lies.
2. The World Is Malleable When You Have a Clear and Compelling Vision
People don’t follow spreadsheets—they follow stories.
Cast a vision so clear and hopeful that it feels inevitable, and back it up with the spreadsheets
You’ll find that moving mountains is easier than you thought, with the right partners.
3. Everyone Talks About Collaboration—But We Don’t All Mean the Same Thing
True collaboration requires shared sacrifice for there to be shared wins and shared credit.
The most successful partnerships come from clarity and humility-not convenience.
4. Caring More About Impact Than Credit Can Be a Superpower
The less you focus on getting the credit,
The more trust you’ll earn,
The more clearly you’ll see the path,
The more opportunities you’ll attract,
And the more lasting change you’ll create.
5. Your Greatest Influence Comes From Your Hardest Lessons
It’s the missteps, the failures, and the moments of doubt
That shape the wisdom others need most.
Don’t hide them—share them. That’s how we help others do more, better, faster.
We still have big adventures ahead at Lift,
But I believe we can go so much further, faster when we learn from each other.
So, if you’re a community-minded business leader, a strategic-thinking philanthropist,
Or just starting out in community leadership
Follow along.
I’ll be sharing more lessons, stories, and practical insights
To help you align your mission, multiply your impact, and make a difference.
For the glory of God and the good of other people.
Let’s LIFT communities—together.