We recently connected with Winston Wilson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Winston, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I’ve been able to see the example of my Mother and Father’s journey as fuel for the times when I sense the most challenging moments. They came to America like countless others they came to the United States with a vision of giving their family the ability to be themselves. As time has gone on, I feel the responsibility to be resilient not only for my own family, but those I have an opportunity to share a season or more of life. I tell others that this is not an easy thing for me and perhaps others. There is intentionality with the life long pursuit of resilience. It’s more comforting to sit back and hope and wallow in circumstances that are awry or not as I hoped. I choose to get up. I chose to look up. I choose to help others up. I have Multiple Sclerosis and I see how this and many other diseases take an emotional and physical toll on me and so many others. I’ve taken this as a charge that the time is now. Every conversation is the only conversation that exists. The moments of life I get to witness someone love, laugh, cry, and smile shine as bright as diamonds.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Years ago when I was in graduate school, I was around supremely talented classmates. Some were successful CEOs, Non-profit leaders, and professors. I struggled to understand what I could bring of value to the projects and the cohort. Then I had a chance to speak about a topic we were researching. The positive response turned on a light bulb. I then begin to seek out groups day and night to communicate ideas and topics that would create lasting impact.
Writing creatively is another thing which gives me fuel. I’ve written several stage plays and the impact on my life is incredible. Just like public speaking, I feel a deep connection to my spirit. I actually feel my soul and heart pouring out onto the page (or computer screen).
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Organization for me is so important. Anyone who tells you “I’m fully organized”, please give me their number (or socials). I need their help (smile). It’s a never ending journey but allows us to possess a knowledge repository that’s outside of what we are currently thinking. I don’t think I could fully present if I don’t trust that my system has my back.
Secondly, prioritizing people over stuff. I encounter daily situations where things (e.g. processes, machines) are put in front of people. Acquisition of items and treasuring them in some cases I’ve seen I treated like gold. The only currency that I’ll ever remember is the people in my life.
Everyday is an opportunity for growth. I carve out time each day for learning something new or understanding what I’ve cultivated from recent situations. The moment we decide to stop learning is the day we jump on the Hamster wheel of life. We live in an age in which we have access to thousands of years at our fingertips.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collaborate with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m fortunate to participate in several arts organizations that are having an impact on our communities. I’ve been part of the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival (https://atlantbtf.org) for several years and we are always looking for Patrons and Volunteers. Cultural Performing Arts Company (http://culturalnoirepac.org) out San Diego seeks creatives and committed team members. Rising Tides Charity (https://risingtidescharity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.winstonawilson.com
- Instagram: @winstonawilson
- Facebook: @winston.alpha.wilson
- Twitter: @winstonawilson
