Meet Billy Dees

We recently connected with Billy Dees and have shared our conversation below.

Billy, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

My belief is that one of the worst things you can do is deny somebody something when whatever it is they need is relatively easy for you to provide. For example, if you need a million dollars I am not going to be able to give you that. However, often times people just need a friendly voice or a little bit of your time. There are times when it can be worth a lot more than money to someone who needs it.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m not one for self-promotion, but I do believe in the core Go-Giver principle: the best way to get what you want is by helping others get what they want.

For the past six years, I’ve worked in marketing for a non-profit organization that provides mental health and addiction recovery services. Ohio, in particular, has faced a long-standing addiction crisis. Many of the professionals in this field could earn more in the private sector, but they choose this work because they believe in the mission. While I’m not a direct service provider, I find deep fulfillment in raising awareness and supporting their efforts through communication and outreach.

In addition to my non-profit work, I’m also a media contractor specializing in video and audio production. I genuinely enjoy helping others shape their message, and there are moments in the creative process when everything clicks—those are the magic moments I live for.

For the past decade, I’ve hosted The Billy Dees Podcast, which is available on nearly all major podcast platforms. The show features a mix of content including commentary on current events and interviews with authors, creators, and advocates from diverse backgrounds. Beyond its content, the podcast has been a powerful tool for building relationships across the media and broader community.

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?

Three important qualities I value are honesty, sincerity, and motivation. These aren’t exactly “skills” in the traditional sense—you can’t easily teach them in a classroom—but they will carry you far in both your career and your life.

You might have been expecting a technical answer—something about training or education. Those things matter, of course. But in my experience, most employers, clients, and everyday people appreciate authenticity. It often shows in the smallest details. Do you walk with purpose, or do you shuffle by, glued to your phone? When you greet someone, is it mechanical, or do you let a little of your genuine energy come through? When someone needs help, do you listen and respond with empathy, or do you brush them off because it’s “not your job”?

Technical ability is important. But when it’s paired with genuine care and passion, that’s what makes someone truly stand out.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

I’m not sure if social media or other factors are to blame, but one of the biggest challenges lately has been effective communication—with both peers and clients. I’ve made a conscious effort to go the extra mile by carefully reviewing emails before sending them, ensuring they’re detailed, clear, and convey the right tone. This same attention applies to text messages, voicemails, and especially in-person conversations. In today’s fast-paced world, listening has become an increasingly valuable skill. Ultimately, it all comes down to genuinely caring about the people you’re interacting with.

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