We were lucky to catch up with Donovan Will recently and have shared our conversation below.
Donovan, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
For some, risk is a small step; for others, it’s a life-altering leap. My journey to Japan was the latter, a childhood dream I never thought achievable for a young person of color from South Jamaica Queens.
Every Sunday, loud music from an outdated sound system filled my mornings. It played everything from Motown classics to jazz, a strange mix that was both calming and invigorating. The music was always followed by the comforting aroma of freshly baked biscuits – a perfect way to start the day.
Prior to those Sundays, nights were spent watching Toonami, a block of anime that introduced me to a world of unique stories, captivating characters, and, of course, Japanese music. Shows like Dragon Ball Z, Inuyasha, Yu Yu Hakusho, and Samurai Champloo instilled valuable lessons and a love for Japanese culture. But one anime stood out: Cowboy Bebop.
Cowboy Bebop weaved humor with seriousness, exploring life’s struggles and the importance of cherishing the present with loved ones. It had everything – lost love amidst the stars, forging friendships, and enduring goodbyes. But what truly captivated me was the soundtrack by The Seatbelts, a jazz fusion masterpiece inspired by music from all over the world. This anime not only fueled my love for jazz but also made it relatable for a teenager like me. Back then, these weren’t classics, but music I could connect with.
As a teenager, I dreamt of traveling to Japan and immersing myself in its culture. However, life got in the way: work, career building, self-discovery. My dreams faded as I dealt with setbacks – losing my eye, financial struggles, a cross-country move, broken friendships, and missed opportunities. I felt lost, but running became my constant companion. It evolved from track and field to challenging mountain trails in Southern California. Running was more than just exercise; it became a friend that anchored me and opened doors I never imagined.
As my running improved, so did my confidence and direction. This led to a dream job transition, and with this newfound flexibility, I took a risk. I began working remotely while attending a wedding in Israel. It was my first time in the country, and I decided to extend my trip, inspired by friends’ stories and my love for coffee. Thailand and Vietnam were next on the itinerary.
However, as I planned, doubts crept in. Could I manage this workload while traveling? My commitment to my company weighed heavily on me, but the travel itch was undeniable. It had been years since my last overseas adventure. Every day, I took a breath, trusting that – like running – there would be ups and downs, but ultimately, it would make me stronger.
The wedding in Israel was beautiful, a testament to true love that ignited inspiration within me. Filled with memories and new dreams, I ventured to Bangkok, Thailand, ready to embrace solo travel for the first time. The next ten days were a whirlwind of working unconventional hours, exploring a new land, indulging in exotic food, and forging unexpected friendships.
Finally, it was time for Vietnam. My reservations were set, and excitement bubbled within me. But at the airport check-in, reality struck. My passport didn’t allow entry into Vietnam without a visa, and obtaining one on a weekend was impossible. Disappointment, frustration, and self-doubt washed over me. “Of course I messed up,” I thought. “I should have just gone home.”
Taking a deep breath, I refused to give up. Witnessing true love, forging new bonds, and being halfway across the world had ignited a fire within me. “Where can I go with my passport today, next flight out?” I asked the agent. Her answer sent a jolt through me: Japan. Was it fear or excitement? I chose excitement and boarded a flight to Fukuoka, a city I’d never heard of, but one that felt like it was calling to me.
Stepping off the plane into the humid air, a wave of exhilaration washed over me. Exhausted but determined, I navigated buses and trains to find my hotel. The search for food led me to a dimly lit jazz bar with only two patrons: a lone customer and an older gentleman behind the counter. I entered, greeted by a cloud of cigarette smoke, the aroma of stale beer, and music that initially overwhelmed me.
The old man spoke no English, but his welcoming gestures and a menu offering spoke volumes. I ordered a meal and a beer, my only familiar choice – Sapporo. Finally relaxing, I opened my travel journal, letting down my guard and taking in the surroundings. Walls adorned with records, the music…familiar yet strangely different.
As I penned my thoughts and emotions, a song struck a chord deep within me. It was one of the very songs that filled my Sunday mornings, the ones my grandmother played.
A flood of emotions washed over me. Here I was, in a smoky jazz bar on the other side of the world, yet the music felt like a warm embrace from home. Each note resonated with memories of childhood Sundays, the comforting scent of biscuits, and the quiet joy of spending time with my grandmother. It was a powerful reminder of the journey that led me here, the risks taken, the lessons learned.
Tears welled up in my eyes, not from sadness, but from a profound sense of gratitude. This unexpected detour to Japan wasn’t a mistake; it was a serendipitous twist of fate. In that moment, I realized that chasing my dreams, even if it meant facing setbacks, had brought me to this place of peace and self-discovery. The music wasn’t just familiar; it was a bridge connecting my past to my present, a melody of life’s experiences.
As the last notes faded, a sense of calm settled over me. The dream of visiting Japan, once a distant aspiration, had become a reality. But more importantly, I learned that the true value lies not just in reaching the destination, but in the journey itself, the risks taken, and the unexpected beauty found along the way. The detour to Japan wasn’t just a change in travel plans; it was a turning point in my life, a reminder that anything is possible when you embrace the unexpected and never give up on your dreams.
Donovan, 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?
As a running coach, I specialize in helping individuals unlock their potential and achieve their life goals through the power of running. I understand the transformative power of this sport firsthand. During times of struggle and uncertainty, running has always been a constant source of support for me.
I’ve pushed myself through marathons and even tackled unsanctioned races like The Speed Project. My experience allows me to connect with you on a deeper level and guide you on your own running journey.
My coaching approach is personalized. I take the time to understand your values, fears, physical capabilities, and past experiences with goal setting. With this knowledge, I develop a customized plan that addresses your specific challenges and empowers you to overcome them. We’ll work together to unlock your potential and get you where you deserve to be.
I’m passionate about reigniting the fire within people to chase their dreams. Running, like martial arts, builds discipline through repetition and focused effort. These qualities translate far beyond the track, boosting your self-confidence, self-efficacy, and helping you break free from the cycle of chasing fleeting motivation.
Your training plan will be meticulously crafted to align with your life goals. We’ll utilize the SMART goal framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to ensure a clear roadmap for success. This collaborative approach creates a sense of accountability and ensures we’re working together towards goals that are realistic and attainable.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Connecting with people authentically allows me to grow my clientele. I am here to serve people and I get joy out of seeing people reach their goals or develop the tools to achieve their goals. I will be vulnerable with my clients and share my stories and experiences so they can gain a different perspective to their current situation. Life is challenging and plenty of people feel as if they don’t have anyone in their corner. I step in and become the biggest advocate for what is possible in their lives.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
The Compound Effect: Darren Hardy
Can’t Hurt Me: David Goggins
Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter 50 Cent/Curtis Jackson
Natural Born Heroe: Christopher McDougall
Contact Info:
- Website: donovanwill
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/donovan_will_
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/donovan-will
