Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Winner Watts. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Winner, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from faith, love, and the strength my late mother instilled in me. Losing her and growing up with an incarcerated father forced me to face challenges head-on, turning pain into purpose. Her wisdom taught me that every setback holds a lesson, and I honor her legacy by pushing forward. Life didn’t give me an easy path, but it gave me the grit to carve my own. I’m fueled by faith, hope, and a drive to build something meaningful, not just for myself but for those I inspire.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the co-founder of a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap between mental and physical health through movement, fitness, and community care. Our mission is to empower youth, support the unhoused, and provide tools for personal and professional growth. Currently, I’m focused on our “Art of Movement” program, which brings wellness, creativity, and mental health advocacy to schools, using movement and art as tools for healing and growth.
Beyond the nonprofit, I’m building brands that inspire self-growth, faith, and individuality—turning life’s challenges into platforms for change. My work extends into self-development and motivational speaking, where I use my voice to create meaningful impact. Whether it’s speaking at schools, colleges, or corporate events, I focus on topics like overcoming adversity, leadership, and living intentionally.
For me, it’s about more than just building businesses or programs; it’s about creating purpose-driven initiatives that inspire others to thrive. Every step I take is fueled by a deep passion to uplift people, share my journey, and show that even the toughest circumstances can lead to incredible outcomes.
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?
The three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, adaptability, and vision. Resilience came from navigating life’s toughest challenges, like losing my mother and growing up with an incarcerated father, which taught me to turn pain into purpose. Adaptability has been essential, helping me embrace change, adjust to unexpected circumstances, and stay focused on the bigger picture. Vision has guided me throughout, allowing me to see beyond my present struggles and map out a clear path toward my goals. For anyone starting out, I’d encourage them to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, remain flexible when plans shift, and always keep their “why” at the center of everything they do. These qualities don’t just lead to success they build character and purpose along the way.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One book that has been pivotal in my growth is The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida. It challenged me to think deeper about purpose, relationships, and leadership. A key takeaway is the importance of living with purpose as your guiding force—it’s not just about what you do but how aligned it is with your core values. It also taught me the power of balancing masculine strength with emotional intelligence, showing up fully in every area of life.
Another transformative book is The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. It sharpened my understanding of strategy, relationships, and influence. One of the most impactful lessons was the importance of self-awareness and mastering how you present yourself. It’s not about manipulation but about navigating the complexities of human dynamics with intention and precision. Both books have shaped how I approach life with purpose, discipline, and a drive to continuously evolve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.GumpNation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnerwatts/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winner-watts-6634ab97/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WinnerWatts
Image Credits
@Ontay
@goldn_charmr
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