Meet Debbie Williams

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

Hi Debbie, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My optimism is something I’ve always lived with throughout the years. When asked what word I use to describe myself, I always answer, “I am a peacemaker.” I like doing things that make other people happy. People tell me I’m a good listener and they appreciate the ways I do things that show my concern for others. I feel like this was instilled in me from an early age as my parents encouraged us (my brothers and me) to go to church and really listen to what we were taught in Sunday school. We were also exposed to many ways to volunteer for people less fortunate than ourselves. Last, we were taught that no one person is better than an other. The Golden Rule was applied in my home growing up, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” And to remember that “others” includes everyone despite any physical, religious, economic, or other differences.

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?

As the founder of Time To Spare, LLC event management services working primarily with not for profit organizations the past 30 years, I have transitioned my business into a new area. Time To Shine Moment, LLC focuses on helping clients learn best practices for managing time to obtain peace in every day, expanding connections, and providing opportunities for interactive speaking sessions covering a variety of topics. Through individual or group conversations, I work alongside clients as they find their own way to shine! My daughter and I have a podcast talking about generational topics including family, careers, and more while having fun! Spare Thoughts is available on Spotify, Apple, and You Tube. Additionally, I have published three books that also provide readers with a variety of ways to find inspiration on their own. Please learn more here: https://www.timetosparellc.com/time-to-shine

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?

This is an easy question to answer! First, I always remember my mother’s words telling me, “Don’t take shortcuts; they always show.” I was a young girl when she first said this to me as she was teaching me how to sew. However, I’ve learned that it’s a lesson that applies to every task. Second, I worked for a national sales manager for a Fortune 500 company for ten years in my 20’s. He was always willing to listen and give the benefit of the doubt in any situation. He taught me to trust people, especially in business settings, as most people are truly genuine at heart. Third, I experienced a devastating illness when I was also raising a teenage daughter. It was during this time that I was shown the true meaning of the phrase “it is better to give than receive” through more random acts of kindness provided to us than I could ever imagine!

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My parents taught me that if I wanted something, then it was up to me to earn it! We were provided all the comforts of a middle class family when I was growing up. We were given chores, but also a minimal weekly allowance. If there was something non-essential that we wanted, we had to earn our own money to purchase it. I began babysitting when I was 12 years old. I wanted a pair of bell-bottom jeans that cost ten dollars at the time! I babysat for fifty cents an hour until I had saved enough to buy the jeans. Throughout my life, I have been proud of the fact that I have always been able to earn my own income and take care of myself. Being taught to stand on my own two feet was a valuable lesson and I’m grateful my parents gave me the opportunity to do so.

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Image Credits

EmiLee Hartman Photography; Dana Elizabeth McKinney Photography

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