Meet Richard Williams

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Richard Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Richard, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Each one of us has a life story to tell. Though there may be some similarities, none of them are the same. These stories belong to us and it affects us in many ways. My story has made me who I am today and I have embraced the journey. I have nothing to prove and nobody to impress. All that I am, is all that I have to share with those I come in contact with. I hope to be a positive influence to anyone I am positioned to meet. Being the authentic me automatically makes me effective and successful. Remember, there’s only ONE you!

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

In the early stages of my life, like many young men growing up in my neighborhood, we desired to compete in various sports at a high level and hopefully become professionals. There were many distractions within the city and many lives were lost due to unfortunate circumstances. Though the odds for success were very slim, our desires were extremely high. Sports was a hobby that kept a lot of us out of trouble and occupied most of our time when not in school. These experiences allowed me to learn how to goal plan, think independently, work within a team structure, pursue a passion, become resilient and how to persevere whether winning or losing. I’ve learned that everything takes time in life and progress comes one step at a time, So, it’s key to keep taking your steps daily.

My career started in the financial services industry and expanded over the years through sectors such as insurance, investments, and real estate financing. As a sales professional I was able to assist clients with there financial needs while consulting them on risks and rewards. I later opened my own brokerages, practices and offices managing sales agents, consultants and office staff. The relationships created over the years have been both rewarding being able to help clients with their needs, while establishing life long friendships.
I currently manage agents and advisors in the real estate and insurance industry. Teaching professionals on how to provide advice and assistance to their clients brings me great joy. I’m also available for client consultations and financial needs analysis as well. There’s much work to do and I look forward to my first book being available to readers in the spring of 2025.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The areas that I feel were impactful on my journey was first, being a student. So many times we view a job or employment solely for compensation. I devoted my time and energy in my fields of interest no matter whether I was compensated for it or not. If I was paid, I saw it as an additional benefit. I learned to be a student, I needed to learn, I was eager to learn and I committed myself to attaining the knowledge through questions and studying. When I look back it was a small sacrifice made for a much larger gain in life. Second, was faith. Once I was able to learn, study and ask questions, I felt ready to move forward. Faith for me was action and commitment. I had everything I needed, so my next questions was, what is stopping you from executing the plan? Time to take a step forward. Being able to move into action set things in motion and staying committed to the goal helped me to celebrate the small victories rather than waiting on a home run to solidify success. The third most impactful on my journey was flexibility. After attaining the knowledge and starting the business, I was now able to adjust the work around my lifestyle. It gave me the ability to earn an income, adjust my working hours and have a work/life balance. Being flexible and ready for change kept me ready for what was ahead. My advice to anyone just starting their journey is to embrace that your path is personal. It has more to do with you rather than what others feel you should do. Find what makes “you” happy and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

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

Both of my parents made impacts in their own special way. With my father, his impact was how he showed consistency. No matter the situation he always showed up. Good or bad I learned not to run away from it. It was a life lesson that was there to make you stronger. He was never too big or small for a situation. If it required a business meeting, he could put on his three piece suit with a tie and be available. If it meant, cutting the lawn for a client, he was not too small to get dirty and sweaty to complete the job. He always made himself available. Discipline was a necessity in his book. There was no one tougher on me than myself. These are just a few impacts that he made. My mother on the other hand was the nurturer, the cheerleader and sometimes the disciplinarian. She was always available and attentive. Her knack for asking questions on how you were doing and what was happening in your life was precious. You were counseled at times without even knowing you were. She made her claims known whether you agreed or not, but still loved you the same. She knew how to have a good time and celebrate the victories. In times of sadness, she was just as vocal expressing her feelings. I am forever grateful for their guidance. The two are my true champions!

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