As the reception progressed, numerous people, including mentees, mentors and business execs, stood at the podium and sang Williams’ praises. One by one, they told of how Williams’ leadership positively impacted their lives and the lives of their families. Nearly half of those who spoke referred to a game called “What’s the Word?” that Williams created and played with his two daughters, now adults, when they were younger. The game went like this: Every day, Williams would ask his daughters “What’s the word?” In response, they would reply, “Excellence.” Williams would then ask, “Why?” The girls would always reply, “Because I’m capable!”
Pickard was among the many members of Detroit’s business elite in attendance at the reception. Others included Gerald Johnson, General Motors’ executive vice president of global manufacturing and the highest-ranking African American male at GM; and Alicia Boler-Davis, former GM exec and current vice president of global customer fulfillment at Amazon.
The reception concluded with a post-announcement celebration that included heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts and wine.
