The Focus Bee Show (47) Transformation & Journey from Thug to Scholar with James Williams
Dr James Williams, international speaker, author, and coach radically pivoted his life from selling drugs as a teenager to becoming a professor and leader. During our talk, James shares with us his journey, his insights, and why happiness can not be found in outside circumstances.
In this episode, some of what we cover:
- How mindfulness & leadership are connected
- Connecting the dots looking backwards
- Emotional Intelligence and how to master it
- James’ journey and his transformational moments
- Key tips on finding inner peace, daily
ABOUT Dr James Williams
Currently, Dr Williams serves as an associate professor (tenured) at the University of Tennessee and is the owner of UnmaskYTP, LLC, training domestic and international leaders to function in joy while seeking curiosity in every pursued endeavour. He teaches mindfulness, leadership, and one-on-one coaching to build brighter leaders for the future. He has worked with leaders in Spain, South Korea, Bulgaria, China, and many Fortune 100 companies.
Dr Williams is also a professional actor, performing as Uncle Tom in Into the Wilderness (SAG/movie) and starring as Waco Collins in Murder Chose Me. He wrote two books, From Thug to Scholar: An Odyssey to Unmask my True Potential and How to Get Abs like a Bodybuilder but Eat like a Fat boy. He has also published over 15 scholarly articles and delivered over 30 presentations on emotional intelligence, soft skills, leadership, mentorship, hospitality pedagogy, HR management, and personal and professional development.
Dr Williams grew up masked, selling drugs at 13 years of age, fathering two kids, dropping out of high school, and living on the streets by 17 years old.
Dr Williams earned six degrees (two doctorates), PhD from Iowa State University. He honourably served the United States Air Force, winning Airman of the Year. He is also a Certified Hospitality Educator and trainer.
Dr Williams has spoken to over 100 unique audiences and won numerous speech competitions, was recognized as a Top 15 Emerging Scholar of 2019 by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. He was also a featured speaker for TEDx UTK in 2019. Best international mentor for the Chinese Hospitality Education Initiative for the 2019 national championship in Shanghai, China.
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ABOUT Katie Stoddart:
Katie Stoddart is an award-winning, international, high-performance coach. Katie started her career as a hydrographic engineer working at sea and she now supports founders and executives to thrive in their life & business.
As a keynote speaker, Katie frequently speaks at summits, conferences & podcasts. For her weekly podcast ‘The Focus Bee Show’, Katie interviews thought leaders, speakers and authors.
Katie works primarily with entrepreneurs & executives through 1-1 coaching & corporate workshops on Focus, Leadership & Performance.
CONNECT with Katie Stoddart, aka 'the focus bee':
Listen to Katie’s PODCAST