Meet William Thompson

We recently connected with William Thompson and have shared our conversation below.

William , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

The world of advertising, marketing, and communications has long struggled with diversity, and while progress has been made, the recent rollback of DEI initiatives makes this conversation more timely than ever. My journey began six years ago through the Verizon AdFellows program—an eight-month rotational experience launched by former Verizon CMO Diego Scotti. That opportunity became the catalyst for my career, opening doors to places like McCann, Google, and Anomaly.

Being the only one in the room is never easy, but I’ve learned that success in these spaces is shaped by three core principles: creativity, thoughtfulness, and authenticity. Creativity allows me to approach problem-solving in fresh, impactful ways—because in this industry, time is money. Thoughtfulness means leading with empathy, recognizing that our work is human-driven, and understanding that different perspectives make for better outcomes. And most importantly, authenticity is my greatest asset. Staying true to who I am, standing firm in my values, and believing that my unique perspective brings value to every room I’m in has been essential to my growth.

Effectiveness, to me, is about taking up space with intention. That means not just being present, but making an impact—whether by building community where it doesn’t exist, mentoring and uplifting junior talent of color, or ensuring that as I break through doors, I leave them open for others to walk through. Because success isn’t just about being the first—it’s about making sure you’re not the last.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m William Thompson (he/him/his)—a proud 28-year-old Brooklynite living in Bed-Stuy, but my roots will always be in New Orleans. And after this year’s Super Bowl and yet another historic halftime show, I say that with even more pride—IYKYK. New Orleans is a city overflowing with culture, heritage, and creativity, and I like to think of myself as a living manifestation of all three. My love for storytelling is deeply tied to preserving and celebrating these values, which ultimately led me to a career in advertising.

There’s a saying in our industry: “We’re marketers, not saving lives.” But I couldn’t disagree more. As marketers, we have the power to shape narratives, shift perceptions, and inspire action. The right ideas can have an incredible impact—not just on brands, but on culture itself.

Beyond my career, I express my creativity through digital fashion content, with one core mission: to inspire people to wear what they want. In a world where trends move fast and the pressure to conform is constant, I want to champion the power of authenticity. Personal style isn’t about chasing what’s viral—it’s about dressing in a way that makes you feel like the best version of yourself in that moment. Fashion is more than just clothing; it’s armor for navigating life. And even as I share this message with others, it’s a reminder to myself that true style is, and always will be, timeless.

If you want to see what that looks like in action, you can follow me on social @good_willhuntin.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

As I mentioned before, creativity, thoughtfulness, and authenticity have been the three core themes that shaped my success—especially as I’ve navigated spaces where I am often the only African American in the room. These qualities have been the most impactful in my journey because they have allowed me to bring meaningful contributions to every space I enter.

For those early in their careers looking to develop these qualities, my biggest advice is this: don’t wait. You don’t need a certain title to drive innovation within your organization, and you don’t have to be in the big meeting to add value. The truth is, there’s no such thing as the big room—every room is big simply because you are in it. The impact you make starts with the confidence to show up, speak up, and trust that your voice matters.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents have ever done for me was love me—fully, unconditionally, and without hesitation. From as early as I can remember, my parents never tried to change me or make me feel like I had to be anyone other than myself. Which, I am realizing as an adult now, is rare—especially for a black gay male from the South. They never tried to change me, never made me feel like I had to hide any part of myself. Instead, they encouraged me to embrace who I am wholeheartedly.

That kind of love gave me the freedom to explore my creativity, to express myself without fear, and to move through the world with confidence. My parents’ unwavering support didn’t just shape my confidence—it gave me the courage to show up authentically in every space I enter. And for that, I am forever grateful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @good_willhuntin
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wothompsonii

Image Credits

Photography Credits:
Courtney Patterson
@CourtneyDeion
https://courtneydeion.com