We’re looking forward to introducing you to Charisse M. Williams. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Charisse, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve been finding so much joy in a social club I belong to, The Tenth. At The Tenth, I’m immersed in learning, arts, culture, and community—all the things that light me up. More than a social club, it’s a curated space for intellectually and creatively curious adults, inspired by the salon-style gatherings of the Harlem Renaissance. Every salon feels like a discovery, filled with rich conversation and creative energy. Of all my commitments, it’s the one I never want to miss. I’m so happy I made this investment in myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Charisse M. Williams, a certified leadership and well-being coach, author of The Joy of Thriving While Black, and founder of the Everyday Yellow Sanctuary—a well-being community for trailblazing women of color who crave more joy, ease, and time for what truly matters.
After two decades leading organizations and teams, I realized that so many high-achieving women—especially Black women and women of color—are accomplished, capable, and relied on by everyone, yet often running on empty themselves. My work is about helping them pause, reconnect to their values, and design lives and careers that feel deeply aligned.
The name Everyday Yellow came to me while teaching a group of executive women about time management. I shared that I color-code my calendar and that yellow represents joy—time with friends, creativity, play, spaciousness. I told them every day needs some yellow. A woman in the group, a branding expert, smiled and said, “That should be a brand.” And she was right.
Through coaching, workshops, and the Everyday Yellow Sanctuary, I now blend mindfulness, self-reflection, and practical strategy to help women move from burnout to balance, and from “getting through” to truly thriving. Right now, I’m focused on expanding the Sanctuary and creating more spaces where women can breathe, dream, and remember who they are beyond the grind.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
When I was younger, people told me I reminded them of Oprah. At the time, I didn’t quite see it—but I do now. Of all the things she’s known for, what stands out to me most is that she’s a lifelong learner who has introduced the world to so many books, ideas, and thought leaders focused on growth and well-being. In my own way, that’s what I’m doing through my work. When I wrote The Joy of Thriving While Black, I interviewed more than fifty people, and through that process discovered how much I love meaningful conversation and storytelling. That passion eventually became the heart of my podcast, Everyday Yellow, where I get to keep learning and sharing insights that help others live with more joy and intention.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Entrepreneurship is as challenging as it is rewarding. Honestly, the thought of giving up occurs to me regularly. There was a period not long ago when I was convinced I should get a full-time job and coach on the side. But somehow, I made it through that rough patch and kept going. My business will turn six in January 2026—I’ve made it through the pandemic, and I plan to make it through the current political and economic upheaval too. I’ve learned that persistence is part of the process, and that every season brings its own lessons. I don’t plan on giving up anytime soon.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
If you’re trying to be the smartest person in the room all the time, you’re missing out on so much growth. I’ve learned that true intelligence isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about curiosity, humility, and the willingness to keep learning.
Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you in different areas and really listen to them. When you do, you expand your perspective and sharpen your thinking. It also creates an environment where innovation and creativity can thrive, because everyone feels valued for their unique strengths.
Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or building a community, the goal isn’t to be the expert on everything—it’s to build spaces where collective brilliance can emerge. That’s where real transformation happens.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
I know I’ll regret it if I don’t become fluent in Spanish and spend a meaningful stretch of time living outside of the United States. Years ago, I set a goal to become fluent in French, Spanish, and Portuguese by the age of 40. I missed that milestone by quite a bit. At this point, I’d be happy to master Spanish—even though I’ve made progress on all three.
I love how international travel and language learning expand your world. Each new word, each cultural nuance, feels like a key to a bigger life. I don’t want to look back and wish I had given myself that experience. It’s something I want to make happen sooner rather than later.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.everydayyellow.com/membership
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charissemwilliams1
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