We were lucky to catch up with Dionne Watts-Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dionne, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

For years, I was doing “all the right things” – sending out dozens of resumes per week, going to networking events, etc. (all while consulting here and there). I thought surely I’d land a “good job with benefits”. And I did…and FINALLY got what I thought was my “dream job” – you know – with a great salary and benefits. I even had a plush corner office and an assistant!

Surely I was smart and talented enough to knock it out the park! I was in for a surprise.

No one warned me how life in Corporate America could potentially be for a young, talented, Black woman like me.

Every day was torture…I realized quickly that I wasn’t hired to actually do my job, but to fill a quota. Day in and day out, I was met with microaggressions, gaslighting, and a needle that always moved. I was the first one at work, the last to leave, and took on extra work to show I was committed to my role.

I was five months pregnant, and showed up for work at my six-figure job. That afternoon I went into a meeting and was terminated. I couldn’t even retrieve my things from my office. I was an expecting mother suddenly left with no backup plan, after pouring everything I had into this job.

I felt used, abused , and deflated.

Now looking back, it was a blessing.

Becoming a stay-at-home wife/mom and being able to spend precious time with my son changed my outlook on my priorities and what was really important. I vowed never to let anyone else make me feel insecure about my skills or question my God-given abilities.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I used my year and half as a full-time mom to regroup, rededicate myself to my God-given abilities, and found myself connecting with women who had similar professional struggles.

I even began to be more deliberate in my business so I can help my clients avoid the same experiences.

I also noticed that while writing great content for a resume, bio, personal website, or LinkedIn profile, I most enjoyed not only helping clients look good in the marketplace, but truly giving them the confidence they need to get their professional swag back!

And now, it’s my passion…my ministry.

I’ve helped hundreds of misaligned Black women leaders articulate their “It Factor” in the marketplace, so they can finally make the money they deserve – and live the extraordinary life that God has destined for them – with customized brand strategies and content that resonates with their brand soul mate.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Networking and making new connections – especially on LinkedIn – has been invaluable! I love LinkedIn because most people there are looking for someone with your specific skillsets and are serious and ready to hire you. And it’s not just for job hunters…because I’ve seen what it can do for me and my clients over the years, I’m forever a fan of the platform, and even launched a LinkedIn learning community.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Honestly, I stumbled upon this. LOL

It started when friends, family members, and colleagues would ask me to write various pieces for them – press releases, bios, website content, promotional content, resumes, etc. From there I started freelancing, which required minimal investment.

After securing a few small contracts, I was able to file the paperwork, get the supplies, and other necessities to grow my business. Definitely a bootstrapped effort.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.workwithdionne.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/workwithdionne
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/workwithdionne
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dwattswilliams
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/workwithdionne
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCagdkXyUz2TT4o9ATFrpYlg

Image Credits
Photo: Aaron Stallworth Photography