When looking for the path to success, which way does one turn?
The road has many waypoints.
We talked with five Northeast Florida leaders who have guided their organizations and businesses for decades toward that destination.
They shared their lessons and advice, such as the payoff of listening, the need for self-awareness and the wisdom of changing course.
Here they share their insights into traveling a generational journey for the benefit of those who want to follow in their footsteps.
A corporate manager, interior design firm owner and pioneer in her profession as a woman of color.
Jackie Williams served in corporate management in the telecommunications industry at Southern Bell for 20 years before establishing and owning Jacqueline P. Williams Interior Design Inc. for 29 years, from 1987 to 2016.
Her design background includes the Ritz Theatre and Museum in Jacksonville and the Excelsior Museum and Cultural Center in St. Augustine.
Her clients include the museums and auditoriums for Florida State College at Jacksonville and Florida A&M University, several courthouses, and corporate, educational and government facilities and offices, as well as medical offices and hospitals.
Her professional recognition includes entering a nontraditional profession for a woman of color during her tenure.
Life’s lessons
Relationships are everything. The relationships that you establish must include your clients, your peers, your vendors and members of your community.
These relationships allow you to grow and learn, and to form networks that enable you to give, first of all, as well as to receive assistance, referrals, work-related knowledge and long-term friendships.
You will bring your strengths and your weaknesses to your business. Be honest with yourself, and seek employees and business partners who are different, who bring strengths and skillsets to your business that you may not possess, and who will do the tasks that you do not wish to do.
Every decision that you make concerning your business is a major decision.
There will come a time when you must work on your business, and not work in your business.
Her advice
Be involved. Learn all you can about your field of work, not just academics. What are your employer’s needs? What are your client’s needs?
Yes, you will always have competitors. But, try competing with yourself. Is this all I’ve got? How can I do my best? What shall I focus on in order to achieve my goals?
You are in it for the long run. Be patient.
Pay attention to what is going on. Do not allow yourself to be led by the goals and politics of others.
Forge your own path with faith.
