Meet John Hall

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful John Hall a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi John, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

There have been many times when I’ve walked into a room and quickly realized I was the only one who looked like me. At first, that feeling could be intimidating, wondering if my voice would be heard or if I truly belonged. But over time, I learned to see those moments not as disadvantages, but as opportunities to represent something bigger than myself.

I learned to lead with confidence and preparation. I made sure that when I spoke, I spoke with purpose, that my ideas were grounded, thoughtful, and added value to the conversation. But just as importantly, I learned not to shrink myself to fit in. I leaned into who I am and the experiences that shaped me, because those experiences give me a unique perspective that others in the room might not have.

Being “the only one” also taught me the power of presence, that sometimes just showing up and being seen is a form of strength. It pushed me to build bridges, connect with people on a human level, and create space for others to feel seen and heard too. Over time, I stopped seeing it as a challenge and started seeing it as a responsibility to open doors, break barriers, and make it a little easier for the next person who looks like me to walk in with confidence.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

At The United Brotherhood of America, our mission is rooted in unity, service, and empowerment. We work to uplift our communities through hands-on engagement, professional networking, and partnerships that create lasting impact. What excites us most is seeing people come together whether it’s through cleaning up a neighborhood, supporting local initiatives, or connecting professionals who share a passion for progress.

Right now, we’re especially proud of our growing partnerships and community projects. We’ve joined forces with the South Dekalb Coalition and AK3 Tech to help beautify the South Dekalb Mall area through our Neighborhood Cleanup. This event is more than just about picking up trash ,it’s about restoring pride and creating a space where families and businesses can thrive together.

We’re also hosting our next Professional Networking Event on Wednesday, December 4th from 6pm–9pm at Condesa Coffee in Atlanta. The evening will feature a silent auction to benefit our community programs and initiatives, as well as opportunities to connect with other leaders and changemakers in the city.

Everything we do is about building bridges between people, organizations, and opportunities. The United Brotherhood of America is more than a name; it’s a movement toward unity, growth, and collective success.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, relationship-building, and vision.

Resilience taught me how to keep moving forward even when doors didn’t open right away. There were moments when I felt unseen or underestimated, but learning to stay grounded in purpose and to see setbacks as lessons rather than losses made all the difference. My advice for anyone early in their journey is to embrace the process. Challenges aren’t signs to stop; they’re opportunities to refine your approach and strengthen your resolve.

Relationship building has been equally important. No one truly succeeds alone. Every major opportunity I’ve had came through genuine connections people who believed in what I was doing because I took the time to believe in them, too. For those starting out, network with intention. Build relationships based on shared values, not just shared interests. Listen more than you speak, and invest in people, not just positions.

Lastly, vision has been my compass. It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day work, but keeping sight of the bigger picture why you started and who you’re serving creates lasting impact. My advice: write down your vision and revisit it often. Let it evolve, but never let it fade.

If you can hold on to resilience, nurture relationships, and stay true to your vision, you’ll find your path even when the road gets unclear.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely!! we are always looking to partner and collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations who share our commitment to uplifting communities and creating lasting impact. At The United Brotherhood of America, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We welcome partnerships with community groups, local businesses, nonprofits, and corporations that are passionate about service, mentorship, workforce development, and community beautification.

Whether it’s joining us for volunteer initiatives like our upcoming neighborhood cleanup at South Dekalb Mall, sponsoring community events, or collaborating on educational and empowerment programs, there are many ways to get involved.

If you’re interested in partnering with us, we’d love to connect. You can reach us by email at [email protected], send us a direct message on our social media platforms, or visit our website at www.theunitedbrotherhoodofamerica.org to learn more and get in touch. Together, we can make a greater difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theunitedbrotherhoodofamerica.org
• Instagram: United_Brotherhood_
• Twitter: United_brother1
• Youtube: @theunitedbrotherhood

Image Credits

Michael Wells