Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shirley Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shirley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of my most meaningful projects is “She’s Connected by AT&T,” a docu-style series that delves into AT&T’s commitment to empowering women in sports and business. Across three impactful seasons, we showcased remarkable women breaking barriers and shaping the future for generations to come. From basketball stars like Arike Ogunbowale and A’ja Wilson to business leaders like Kelley O’Hara, the series highlighted diverse voices and experiences.

This project is particularly close to my heart because it goes beyond the surface, capturing the essence of these women’s journeys. Each episode becomes a testament to resilience, ambition, and the power of breaking through societal norms. Featuring inspirational figures like Gwen Frey, Renee Montgomery, Marin Oslop, and Becky Hammon, the series transcends the typical narrative, offering genuine insights into what it takes to succeed and create meaningful change.

What makes this project my favorite is its ability to amplify voices that often go unheard. By sharing these stories, we contribute to a narrative that celebrates diversity, challenges stereotypes, and encourages the next generation. The series aligns with my belief in the transformative power of storytelling, showcasing not just success stories, but the authentic struggles and triumphs that define the journey toward empowerment. Through “She’s Connected,” I aimed to inspire others to pursue their passions fearlessly and support those who are forging their paths in both sports and business.

This project embodies the spirit of resilience, empowerment, and the profound impact storytelling can have on shaping a more inclusive and inspiring future.

Shirley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Shirley Vernae Williams, an industry pioneer with over 11 years of experience in media and entertainment. As the visionary leader behind Willie B. Studios (WBS), a cutting-edge creative agency, and branded content studio, my passion lies in crafting brand success within the digital landscape. We’ve collaborated with over 60 influencers, 17 professional athletes, and 20 dynamic entrepreneurs, with a strong commitment to empowering women and people of color.

Throughout my career, I’ve produced 17 TV series, directed 32 digital branded series, and created 24 branded one-offs, accumulating an impressive 83+ million views. Notably, I’ve earned two Adweek awards, including the 2022 Best DEI Podcast for “More Than That with Gia Peppers,” and received an Emmy nomination. Serving on boards such as Liftfund’s Women’s Business Center, I contribute to empowering women in business, and I actively participate in Media Mavens, overseeing 7,000 female-identifying employees in media. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in the growth of Hue You Know, one of the largest BIPOC communities in media and entertainment, supporting over 21,000 members.

What sets me apart is not just the scale of my projects but the dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of my work. I’m proud of the impact I’ve made, not only in the media and entertainment realm but also in fostering communities that champion the voices of underrepresented groups.

I invite potential clients and followers to join me in this journey of empowerment, innovation, and transformative storytelling.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

My entrepreneurial philosophy is anchored in the unwavering truth, a conviction that success is a promise from God when I trust in him and obey His word. This mindset, rooted in the certainty of my path to success, fuels my resilience and determination. “Think & Grow Rich” has been a pivotal resource, offering timeless principles that transcend conventional positivity by delving into the profound truth that mindset shapes outcomes.

Authors like Jim Rohn and Myron Golden have significantly influenced my management and entrepreneurial thinking. Rohn’s insights on personal development and Golden’s emphasis on the psychology of success using biblical principles resonate deeply with my belief in aligning one’s mindset with God’s promises. Their teachings reinforce the idea that success is not just a destination but a journey guided by the truth.

Tony Robbins, a master of personal development, adds a dynamic layer to my approach, emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking and emotional intelligence. Robbins’ work has been instrumental in shaping my leadership style, aligning it with authenticity and purpose.

Alex Hormozi’s content has been a recent but impactful addition to my resource toolkit. His pragmatic insights into business strategies and scaling resonate with my commitment to practical, results-driven approaches. In a world saturated with motivational content, these resources stand out for their focus on truth, aligning perfectly with my core belief that success is not just an aspiration but a divine promise.

In summary, these resources collectively reinforce the importance of an unwavering mindset grounded in truth, shaping my entrepreneurial journey and empowering me to overcome challenges on the path to success.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In my first year of running Willie B. Studios, life threw everything at me. My mom got diagnosed with a brain injury, and a few months later, my dad got hit with cancer. It was chaos – constant hospital runs, trying to find professional caregivers for my parents, trying to understand their conditions and how to treat them – a myriad of uncertainty, and on top of that, my business was struggling under a project-based model, making cash flow a terror.

Personal and business challenges collided, and I had to figure out how to manage. It was like resilience boot camp. I leaned on my faith, holding onto the promises from God that I would 100% succeed. It required lots of prayers, fasting, trust and relying on my sister and friends to get me through.

Running a business has taught me that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about gripping on to God, starving emotions so I can make wise decisions not driven by feelings and staying hyper focused on the goal when things get wild because…they will. Again and again and again. It made my faith stronger, and it fine-tuned my grit, the grit I need to navigate the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.williebproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirleyvernae
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShirleyVernaeWilliams
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleyvernaewilliams/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShirleyVernae
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShirleyVernae