Episode 16 – Larry Kerr on Growth, Resilience & Servant Leadership

Episode 16 – Larry Kerr on Growth, Resilience & Servant Leadership
In this episode of the Lead Well. Live Whole. podcast, Michael Sirmon sits down with Larry Kerr, former CEO of GD Energy, to explore the defining moments and values that shaped his leadership journey.
Larry reflects on the lessons he learned early in life from family and hard work, as well as the moment he recognized the need to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset—a change that transformed the way he led and empowered teams. He shares how he introduced a self-directed workforce model, leaned into servant leadership, and navigated challenges by holding firmly to his core values.
From setbacks such as layoffs and missed promotions to the discipline of Lean Six Sigma and building strong, unified teams, Larry’s story is one of resilience, faith, and vision. He emphasizes the importance of listening well, leading by example, empowering others, and maintaining a positive attitude through adversity.
This conversation offers practical wisdom for leaders at every stage—reminding us to prioritize relationships, stay grounded in faith and values, and pursue growth daily.