Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Clarevonte “Clay” Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Clarevonte “Clay” , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Being the only person in the room who looks like me is a scenario I’ve encountered more times than I can count. Over time, I’ve developed strategies to not only navigate these moments but thrive in them.
First, I prepare thoroughly before entering the room. I research who will be there and what topics are likely to come up. This allows me to identify potential areas for meaningful connection and conversation. Preparation sets the foundation for confidence and effectiveness.
Second, I wear an outfit that makes me feel powerful and self-assured—my suit is my superhero costume. Paired with a watch and cologne, it symbolizes the professionalism and confidence I bring to every space.
Third, I like to have something in my hand, usually a glass, whether I’m drinking or not. It’s a subtle way to ground myself and feel more comfortable in the environment.
Lastly, I move with intention. I seek out individuals who I believe can bring value to conversations and look for opportunities to contribute meaningfully. This allows me to build authentic connections while demonstrating my expertise and presence in the room.
These steps help me channel confidence, show up authentically, and create meaningful impact, even when I’m the only one in the room who looks like me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I like to think of myself as the Chief Executive of my life, approaching my personal and professional endeavors as a family office or a corporation. Under this framework, I oversee a dynamic portfolio of businesses, nonprofits, and ventures that align with my values and long-term goals. This mindset empowers me to approach every project with intention, strategy, and a commitment to meaningful impact.
My journey has been shaped by diverse experiences in business, government, and advocacy, which have fueled my current passions and professional focus. I specialize in business and project management consulting, venture support for underrepresented entrepreneurs, and community and economic development. Through my firm, C Williams Consulting, I provide project management expertise to clients such as the City of Los Angeles, Sony, and small businesses, delivering impactful training and strategic guidance to empower teams. As the co-founder of Venture for Them and a recipient of Black Ambition’s $50,000 prize, I am deeply committed to supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs in building sustainable, impactful businesses. My advocacy work with organizations like the NAACP, HBCU focused orgs and the Urban League further allows me to champion economic empowerment and provide coaching for aspiring business owners.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I am a God-fearing man who is deeply rooted in my faith and actively involved in my church. My faith inspires me to serve others, and I dedicate significant time to volunteering in service-oriented projects within my community. Giving back has always been a cornerstone of my life, and I am passionate about making a tangible difference through both my personal and professional actions.
What excites me most is the opportunity to blend creativity with strategy. Whether I’m organizing workshops, crafting pitch decks, or hosting events, I thrive on creating solutions and experiences that bring people together and spark innovation. Currently, I am focused on launching Venture for Them’s next cohort to broaden our impact, working toward my personal goal of creating a wine or champagne brand, and developing programs that teach financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and project management to empower individuals and communities.
At the core of everything I do is a commitment to building bridges, fostering opportunities, and ensuring that success is accessible to all. My brand stands for empowerment, collaboration, and meaningful growth, and I am excited to continue making a difference across industries, communities, and lives.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have been instrumental in shaping my journey: adaptability, relationship-building, and strategic thinking. Adaptability has allowed me to navigate unexpected turns in life and business, from shifting industries to overcoming challenges. Embracing change as an opportunity to grow has been vital, and I encourage those early in their journey to remain open to learning, seek out challenges, and view setbacks as steppingstones to success. Relationship-building has also been a cornerstone of my growth, as genuine connections have opened doors that hard work alone couldn’t. Investing time in networking, listening actively, and fostering trust and mutual respect are invaluable practices for anyone looking to create meaningful partnerships. Strategic thinking has been equally important, enabling me to approach challenges with a clear vision and align my efforts with long-term objectives. For those starting out, I recommend setting clear goals, seeking diverse perspectives, and learning from mentors to cultivate this skill.
My advice is to make space in your life to fail, as failure provides invaluable lessons that help you grow faster and stronger. Don’t make excuses—focus on creating results. Work hard, stay consistent, and success will naturally come closer. By embracing these principles, anyone can build a strong foundation for their personal and professional journey.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Several books have played a significant role in my personal and professional development, with Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Stolen Legacy by George G.M. James, and Our Kind of People by Lawrence Otis Graham standing out as particularly impactful. Each of these works has provided unique insights that have shaped my perspective on success, financial empowerment, cultural understanding, and personal aspirations.
Rich Dad Poor Dad taught me the fundamentals of financial literacy and economic empowerment, highlighting the importance of building assets, cultivating financial independence, and adopting a growth-oriented mindset. Think and Grow Rich reinforced the power of goal-setting, persistence, and visualization, encouraging me to focus my energy and actions on achieving long-term success. Stolen Legacy provided me with invaluable cultural and historical context about the contributions of African civilizations to philosophy, science, and knowledge, deepening my pride in my heritage and shaping my work in supporting underrepresented communities.
Lastly, Our Kind of People gave me a clear example of the kind of person and man I aspire to be. It painted a vivid picture of excellence, achievement, and cultural pride within Black communities, serving as a guide for how I approach my identity and how I contribute to the world. Together, these books have equipped me with tools for financial success, personal empowerment, cultural pride, and a vision of the person I strive to become.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cclaywilliams
- Facebook: Clarevonte Clay Williams
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarevonte-clay-williams-/
Image Credits
Clarevonte “Clay” Williams
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