Billion Dollar Moves™ with Sarah Chen-Spellings | Global Venture Capital

CEO Series: Serena Williams, Serena Ventures

Feb 27, 2025

In this conversation, tennis icon and venture capitalist Serena Williams shares her journey from winning 23 Grand Slam titles to becoming a powerhouse in business. She discusses embracing authenticity and resilience while navigating the challenges of being a Black woman in sports. Serena emphasizes the significance of investing in diversity through her firm, Serena Ventures, and advocates for empowering future generations. Her insights on reclaiming joy and redefining power offer a game-changing perspective on success beyond the court.

33:00

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Serena Williams

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Quick takeaways

Serena Williams exemplifies the power of resilience by overcoming personal tragedies and adversities to achieve remarkable comebacks in her career.

Through her ventures and investments, Serena Williams is committed to empowering underrepresented communities, demonstrating her belief in equity and lasting impact.

Deep dives

Serena Williams: A Legacy of Breaking Barriers

Serena Williams has firmly established herself as not only a dominant athlete, but also as a significant cultural icon who has reshaped the perception of women of color in sports. Her journey began in Compton, where she and her sister Venus faced systemic resistance and stereotypes in a predominantly white sport. Their aggressive playing style and bold fashion choices defied traditional tennis norms, showcasing their unapologetic confidence. Even in the face of harsh criticism, including racial undertones and hostility from crowds, Serena continued to rise, proving that her presence on the court was transformative and essential for inclusivity in tennis.

Intro

3min

Rising Above: The Williams Sisters' Journey

6min

Serena Williams: Resilience and Advocacy

9min

Serena Williams: From Court to Commerce

4min

Investing in Diversity

6min

Reclaiming Joy and Power

5min

As we celebrate Black Excellence this month, Serena Williams is the perfect feature for our Billion Dollar Moves CEO Series, where we unpack the strategic plays behind the world’s most iconic leaders.

Serena Williams is more than a tennis legend—she’s a blueprint for reinvention, resilience, and generational impact. With 23 Grand Slam titles, four Olympic gold medals, and a net worth exceeding $340 million, Serena’s dominance on the court is undeniable. But here’s the real game-changer: only $95 million of that fortune came from tennis. The rest? Built through strategic investments, brand partnerships, and a deep commitment to empowering the next generation.

From breaking barriers in a country-club sport to becoming a powerhouse in business and venture capital, Serena has mastered the art of winning—both in sport and in wealth creation. Let's dive in to her #BillionDollarMoves!

Timestamps/Key Takeaways

0:00 - Intro

04:46 - Key Takeaway #1: Owning Who You Are, Your Trajectory & Staying The Course

10:08 - Key Takeaway #2: Unbreakable Resilience: Rising from Adversity

16:13 - Key Takeaway #3: The Business of Serena: From Court to Commerce— You Are Your Biggest Product

20:26 - Key Takeaway #4: Investing with Purpose

26:49 - Key Takeaway #5: Reclaiming Joy, Redefining Power at your own pace

29:10 - Recap: Serena William’s Billion Dollar Moves

ABOUT SERENA WILLIAMS

Serena Williams is widely regarded as the greatest women’s tennis player of all time, with 23 Grand Slam titles and an unmatched legacy in the sport.

Beyond tennis, Serena has built an empire that extends into business, fashion, and philanthropy. She founded Serena Ventures, investing in women- and minority-led businesses, and has used her platform to advocate for gender equity in sports and maternal healthcare awareness. Her impact led to changes in WTA ranking policies for mothers returning to the sport, and her personal journey—from overcoming injuries to becoming a mother and business leader—continues to inspire generations.

FOLLOW SERENA:

https://www.instagram.com/serenawilliams/

https://x.com/serenawilliams

https://www.youtube.com/@SerenaWilliams