Story & Lesson Highlights with Donna Williams, MS CEO | DWC Enterprise | District Director, SHRM GA PhD Student, I/O Psychology – Keiser University

Donna Williams, MS CEO | DWC Enterprise | District Director, SHRM GA PhD Student, I/O Psychology – Keiser University shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Donna, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am being called to expand my business by establishing a satellite office in the Florida area. In the past, I may have been hesitant to pursue such a step because it felt too ambitious or outside of reach. However, after obtaining interstate DBE certification in Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina, this opportunity has become both possible and aligned with my vision for growth. What once felt intimidating now feels like the next natural step to broaden our impact and serve a larger community.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Donna Williams, and I am the CEO of DWC Enterprise. We are a certified DBE/MWBE consulting firm dedicated to repositioning futures for small businesses and mid-sized corporations. Our work centers on Integrated Program Management, Safety Training, Facilitation, and Organizational Development, with a special focus on industries such as tree care, construction, highway contracting, and related fields.

What sets DWC Enterprise apart is our ability to blend organizational and leadership development with hands-on implementation. We don’t just design strategies—we partner with clients to put them into practice, helping them strengthen their structures, processes, and workplace culture. With more than 15 years of leadership and HR expertise, I’m passionate about equipping teams with the tools to navigate change, build capacity, and thrive.

Currently, we are focused on building clientele in the Florida market and expanding our footprint across the Southeast. Having secured interstate DBE certifications in Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina, we’re excited to grow meaningful partnerships and bring our commitment to safety, efficiency, and people-centered solutions to new communities.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work was my dad. Although he only had a sixth-grade education, he carried with him a deep well of wisdom and intelligence. His career as a truck driver both long-haul and local was built on pride, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I grew up watching him rise early each morning, often working long days that stretched into weekends. He not only drove for companies but also owned his own truck, and that ownership quietly sparked the entrepreneurial spirit in me as a child.

What stood out most was not just how hard he worked, but how much he loved the work itself. His passion always came through in the stories he shared, teaching me that true success is not only about what you achieve, but how you show up each day with dedication, joy, and your very best effort, even when the days are tough.

Those lessons became the foundation of my own journey as a leader and entrepreneur. At DWC Enterprise, the values of integrity, hard work, and passion aren’t just professional standards they are personal legacies. My dad’s example reminds me daily that when you love what you do and commit to giving your best, you don’t just build a career you build impact, inspire others, and create a lasting future.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. I started my business in 2019, and by 2022 I took the leap to work it full time—a moment I call “Cutting the Corporate Cord.” To be fully transparent, there have been many times when I’ve thought about walking away and returning to a traditional job, especially during seasons when paychecks felt scarce and when voices of doubt or negativity crept in from those around me.

But in those moments, I ground myself in the bigger picture—the growth goals I’ve set, the legacy I’m building, and the knowledge that I’ve successfully developed business for large corporations, which means I have the skills to build and scale my own. I lean on my strategic plan, revisit my vision, and remind myself that challenges are part of the journey.

What keeps me going is knowing that perseverance always pays off. Building a business is not for the faint of heart, but if you stay committed to the vision, keep faith in the process, and refuse to quit on yourself, the reward will always outweigh the struggle.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
My team’s. At DWC Enterprise, we are fortunate to have a diverse team that mirrors the diversity of the clients and industries we serve. I rely heavily on their ideas, perspectives, and experiences because they bring innovation, creativity, and unique, tailored solutions that make our work impactful.

By leaning into my team’s voices, I not only strengthen the services we deliver but also foster psychological safety creating an environment where people feel free to speak honestly and openly without fear of judgment. This not only enhances our problem-solving but also builds a positive, empowering work culture where everyone feels valued.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes. As a certified DBE in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina, we invest significant time in seeking out RFPs and subcontracting opportunities. One moment that stands out was when we were selected as a subcontractor on a contract. I remember the excitement vividly when we received the news that the RFP had been awarded, my team and I literally had a brief dance party in the office in the middle of the day. We quickly connected with the prime contractor, ramped up our recruitment strategies, and prepared ourselves to deliver at a high level.

However, once the contract began, the reality didn’t match our expectations. The workflow was slow almost nonexistent and the momentum we had built up never had the outlet we were anticipating. It was a powerful lesson that sometimes the “win” isn’t in securing the contract itself, but in how you respond when things don’t go as planned. That experience taught me the importance of patience, resilience, and diversifying opportunities rather than relying too heavily on a single contract to define success.

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Image Credits
Newton Photography , and Joseph Standford Photography

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