Priscilla Q. Williams, Incorporated is an organization that provides education, health, wellness, and women’s empowerment resources to hundreds of women across the country. With past successful programs such as Lifestyle Fitness For Women Who Lead and Rock Your Royalty, company founder Priscilla Q. Williams has been able to tap into the psyche of women and provide a wealth of knowledge dedicated to the betterment of everyone she comes across.
Described as a game-changer in her industry, Williams has hosted scores of women’s conferences and leadership events and been featured by the likes of CBS News, the Chicago Sun-Times, Fox News Chicago, WVON radio and more.
Rolling out recently spoke with Williams to learn more about her journey to success and what it means to be a BOSS.
Walk us through your journey to success. How did you get to this point?
My success surely did not come overnight. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to get to this point in my life. It all started with one decision to invest in myself. In 2011, I was in a really rough spot in my life. My husband and I had unfortunately lost our first child together. I was feeling unsure about my purpose and not living to my full potential. During this time, I worked at one of the top hospitals in the nation as an oncology nurse. I enjoyed what I did, but I knew there was more to my life than simply going to work and coming home. That’s when I began working with my life coach Monique Caradine. Once I began coaching, my mindset shifted, and for the first time in my life I saw my vision crystal clear. I started to see some major success when I stepped up and stopped playing small. I stopped letting fear stop me, and started to step out of my comfort zone. I began to attract opportunities that were once a dream. My career and my business began to skyrocket. I went from [being] a hospital nurse to working for one of the top Fortune 500 companies in the nation. I went from wanting to start a business to actually having one. I went from wanting to be a speaker to actually becoming one. Success is not something that falls in your lap. It’s something that you create and work for. I thank God everyday for allowing me to make that one decision that changed my life.
What do you do to stay on top of your game professionally?
I am the type of person who always looks for growth opportunities, professionally and personally. This may mean taking another certification class, seeking guidance from my mentors, and investing in myself. I just recently finished my overflow coaching certification and my health coaching certification as a nurse educator. I am willing to do what it takes to keep myself marketable and on top of my game. If you consider yourself an expert in your industry, you must have the creditability and expertise to speak for you. I take my career and my brand very seriously. I will always put myself in a place to keep learning and growing.
How do you balance your personal life with your professional work?
This can be very difficult at times, but I have a great support system to help me. My husband is very instrumental in reminding me to take time for myself and not get overwhelmed. I make a conscious effort to detach myself from work and business so I can spend time with my family. One important thing I have learned over the years is to say “no.” I use my time very wisely and make sure that I don’t overbook my schedule. Having freedom in my business and career is very critical in keeping that balance. I am also a health and wellness advocate for women, and in order to stay healthy, you must have time to self-care.
What advice would you give to a budding entrepreneur or career woman?
Understanding that one of the keys to success is determination. You must be willing to push past your fears, doubts, and failures to reach your goals. I have seen so many people give up before they even get started. I truly know that if you stay committed to your dreams, your dreams will stay committed to you. Keep the vision in front of you. You must be willing to believe in yourself even when no one else believes in you.
What does being a BOSS mean to you?
Being a BOSS means to be a leader, game changer and visionary. A BOSS not only looks for opportunity, but creates opportunity for others, as well. I am proud to say I am a BOSS, because I lead and empower other women to reach their full potential, no matter what. I truly want to see women operate in their full power and authority. That’s why I love Cameka Smith and the BOSS Network. This organization has opened doors for so many women to receive more exposure, visibility and influence. This is what being a BOSS is all about. A BOSS is always on top of their game and reaches back to help others come up, as well.
For more information about Priscilla, please visit www.www.priscillaqwilliams.com or follow her on Twitter at @P_Williams1
The BOSS Network is a community of career and entrepreneurial women who support each other through conversation, online and event-based networking. Their mission is to promote and encourage the small business spirit and professional development of women. For more information on The BOSS Network, please visit www.thebossnetwork.org
