Anchored in Faith, Not Achievement
Or listen wherever you podcast!
Episode Description
On this episode of the On The Rise Podcast, host Nick Stromwall sits down with Bill Haley — Phoenix real estate professional, former headmaster, and father of ten — for the Faith Driven Leaders series. Bill shares how a sudden demotion forced him to anchor his identity in God rather than his job, why he pivoted from education into real estate, and how he and his wife Maureen lead a thriving household of twelve. He speaks candidly about walking with a son through a decade of addiction, the daily rhythms that keep his marriage first, and the legacy his father left behind. A grounded conversation on faith, family, and leading with character.
Summary
Your identity is rooted in who you are, not what you do.
After losing a third of his income in an overnight demotion, Bill realized he had wrongly built his identity around being a headmaster. The hardship reframed him as a beloved son of God first and a professional second — a shift he describes as deeply freeing.
Faith is what carries you through failure.
Bill describes prayer and suffering as the tools that got him through his lowest moments. Anchoring his sense of worth in God rather than in a paycheck or title gave him the stability to take risks and absorb setbacks.
Take the leap even when the path isn't certain.
Bill spent six and a half years selling real estate on the side before going full time. His brother's blunt push — "get your real estate license" — and a sense that the move fit his family became the leap of faith that reshaped his career.
Build on the gifts you've already been given.
Real estate wasn't random. His wife's family had been in the Phoenix industry since the 1950s, and his outgoing, relational nature fit the work. Bill frames success as serving others through the innate talents you already possess.
Love doesn't mean removing consequences.
Through his son's struggle with addiction, Bill learned to walk alongside someone without rescuing them from hard outcomes. He modeled the merciful father — present, loving, and clear — while letting consequences stand.
Protect the rhythms that anchor your family.
A 4:30 a.m. workout, shared prayer, scripture, and coffee with his wife each morning form the non-negotiable core of the Haley household. Daily gratitude at dinner and a standing Sunday "brunch" reinforce a culture where everyone feels seen.
Name what is true, good, and beautiful in people.
Bill's biggest leadership lesson from marriage is the power of specific, sincere affirmation. Telling people exactly what you see them doing well — without flattery or agenda — confirms their worth as a person, not just their output.
Measure people by their actions, not only their results.
Drawing on Aristotle's image of aiming an arrow, Bill argues that honoring the attempt keeps motivation alive. In business and at home, affirming good choices even when they miss the mark prevents people from giving up.
Resources
Website: CambridgeProperties.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-haley/
