Bonafide Leaders

Tim G Williams
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In the Bonafide Leaders podcast, host Tim G Williams shares his leadership journey through life and work, from individual contributor to Vice President and Special Adviser to the CEO, working for 22 years in a Fortune 200 corporate environment in finance, operations, and strategy, to founding Bonafide Leaders. While helping run and operate billion-dollar businesses, he discovered a deep passion for organizational health, and in leading and developing people and teams. He shares his passion for partnering and working with leaders, particularly in business, technology and the non-profit spaces, aiming to augment their leadership in authentic and inspirational ways. See more at bonafideleaders.com.

  1. 4D AGO

    Leaders, Back from the Brink - Reclaiming the Mind When the System Claims the Body

    Tim sits down with Richard Miles to hear his powerful story of wrongful conviction, survival through incarceration, and his commitment to helping others re-enter society. Richard recounts his arrest at age 19 for a crime he did not commit, the 15 years he spent in the Texas prison system, and the persistence required—emotionally and legally—to eventually prove his innocence and regain freedom. The conversation explores the psychological toll incarceration takes, particularly on those who are innocent, and highlights the role of hope and community. They discuss the importance of support systems both inside and outside prison, and Richard describes how his experience led to the founding of Miles of Freedom, an organization dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. The discussion also touches on broader themes of faith, perspective, leadership, and how small acts of empathy can transform lives. Resources: The Richard Miles Act https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/87R/billtext/pdf/HB01125I.pdf Movie - Shawshank Redemption summary on Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shawshank_Redemption Movie - Just Mercy summary on Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_Mercy Miles of Freedom Non Profit Website https://milesoffreedom.org/ & Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/milesoffreedomorg/ Key Topics Discussed: Richard's wrongful conviction and arrest at age 19The pre-trial and trial process and challenges of the criminal legal systemEmotional impact and psychological survival during lengthy incarcerationThe importance of support, hope, and mindset while navigating prison lifeTurning points: discovering exculpatory evidence and regaining hopeThe long legal process toward exoneration and releaseExperiences readjusting to society after releaseThe founding and mission of Miles of FreedomThe role of faith, self-worth, and active hope in overcoming setbacksAdvice to listeners facing adversity

    1h 22m

  2. APR 6

    Leaders, Back from the Brink - The Harvard Letter: When Success Meets Its Limit

    Tim sits down with Michael Horne, President and CEO of Parkland Health Foundation. Michael shares his upbringing in New York, highlighting the influence of family, the arts, and early experiences with educational inequities that shaped his passion for service and leadership. They discuss Michael’s early professional roles, his transition from education to healthcare, and the key lessons that he’s carried throughout his journey. In line with this season's theme, the conversation focuses on a major setback Michael faced during his doctoral studies—a near-dismissal from Harvard due to difficulty balancing a full-time job, family, and academic research. Michael explains how he confronted the challenge, leaned on his support network, especially his wife, and developed a disciplined plan to finish his dissertation. Michael also shares reflections on transparency in leadership, the value of failure, and his current work at Parkland Health Foundation, including a call to action for community involvement. Resources Mentioned: Parkland Health - https://www.parklandhealth.org/home Parkland Health Foundation - https://parklandhealthfoundation.org/ KIPP Texas - https://kipptexas.org/ Key Topics Discussed: Michael Horne’s upbringing in New York and family influenceThe role of arts and culture in shaping leadership valuesExperiences with educational inequity and tracking in schoolsCareer journey: from education to healthcare leadershipSetbacks faced during doctoral studies at HarvardImportance of support systems and transparent communicationTurning failure into leadership growthPractical advice for leaders facing setbacksOverview of Parkland Health Foundation’s mission and community impactHow listeners can support or get involved with Parkland

    1h 2m

  3. MAR 23

    Leaders Back from the Brink – The High Cost of All Gas, No Brakes

    Tim welcomes Brian Williams, CEO of Perspectivity International, to discuss resilience, personal setbacks, and the journey through crisis during the tumultuous year of 2020. Brian shares his story, beginning with his upbringing in San Antonio, the lessons he learned from his environment, and how these experiences shaped his drive and approach to life and work. Brian and Tim discuss how the convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd, caused a significant personal and professional crisis. Brian speaks openly about the emotional toll of losing business, navigating deep fear for his and his family’s safety, battling stress-induced health issues, and the humbling experience of seeking help. They also talk about humility, truth, and self-awareness as essential pillars for overcoming life's valleys, especially for leaders accustomed to winning. To Learn More and Connect with Brian: https://www.perspectivityintl.com/ linkedin.com/in/brianwilliamsurl  Resources Mentioned In the Episode: Toastmasters International: https://www.toastmasters.org/  Texas A&M University https://www.tamu.edu/index.html Alma mater INROADS - https://inroads.org/ High school and college internships Panic attack resources: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms The Seven Primal Questions book by Mike Foster: https://www.mikefoster.tv/book Key Topics Discussed The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his business and family lifeThe emotional and psychological strain after the murder of George FloydThe physical effects of chronic stress, can lead to a health crisisThe challenge and importance of seeking help, including therapy and supportLearning from mistakes driven by fear, including financial decisionsThe process of pivoting his business from in-person to virtual during COVIDThe power of humility and living in truth, especially during hardshipThe significance of community, self-care practices, and spiritual groundingReflections on losing, self-worth, and breaking through old ways of coping

    1h 1m

  4. MAR 9

    Leaders Back from the Brink - Navigating Dreams and Disappointment

    Tim kicks off season 4 alongside co-host Erin Gregor, focusing on the valuable lessons that setbacks, failures, and challenges can teach leaders at every stage of their journey. Tim opens up about his personal experiences, taking listeners through a difficult four-year stretch in his late teens and early twenties when his dream of becoming a professional basketball player unraveled despite his hard work and ambition. He describes the disappointment and emotional toll of missed opportunities and false promises, highlighting how these valleys in his life ultimately led to deeper resilience, self-awareness, and a new direction in business and leadership. They also discuss how leaders can benefit from reframing their perspective during hard times. Instead of asking "why me," Tim encourages people to ask, "what can I learn from this?" This shift in mindset, he explains, helped him process setbacks and eventually led to breakthroughs in his career and personal growth. Key Topics Discussed: The importance of authentic leadership and focusing on real impact, not just titlesTim's personal story of pursuing a basketball dream, facing repeated setbacks, and learning from disappointmentThe transition from athletics to a business career, and how those lessons shaped his approach to leadershipThe value of reframing how we process setbacks—asking what instead of whyInsights into resilience, emotional growth, and owning your path, even when it strays from your original planThe intention for season 4: to share candid stories of failure and resilience in leadership

    1h 5m

  5. 06/30/2025

    Sports, Discipline, and Entrepreneurship: The Leadership Playbook of Dr. Ashley Spector

    Tim sits down with Dr. Ashley Spector, a chiropractor with a diverse background in sports and science, to discuss her journey from being a Navy brat who moved frequently as a child, to a Division 1 collegiate rower, and ultimately to running her own chiropractic practice. Dr. Ashley shares how her early experiences with various sports shaped her understanding of teamwork, resilience, and leadership, and how those lessons have been influential in her business and personal life. She also opens up about the challenges of starting a business, the importance of mentorship, and the skills learned through sports that translate directly into professional and leadership success. The conversation covers Dr. Ashley’s passion for movement, her holistic approach to health, and her insight on leadership—especially when it comes to empowering and trusting staff. Dr. Ashley discusses how sports taught her discipline, prioritization, the value of "enjoying the suck" in tough times, and the skills she applies daily as a business owner and leader. To find out more about Dr. Ashley's practice, visit: https://spectorchiropracticdfw.com/index.html Key Topics Discussed: Dr. Ashley’s upbringing as a Navy brat and frequent movesEarly exposure to a wide variety of sports (gymnastics, figure skating, martial arts, volleyball, rowing)Transition into team sports later in childhoodExperiences and lessons from playing team and individual sportsRowing at the Division 1 college level and the discipline it requiredThe connection between athletic experiences and her career in chiropracticAcademic and career pivot from chemistry to chiropracticStarting and running her own chiropractic practiceThe business, leadership, and personal challenges of entrepreneurshipThe importance of mentorship in businessApplying lessons from sports to leadership and managing a teamAdapting leadership communication styles for different generationsThe role of movement and self-care for business owners and mental wellbeingAdvice for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders, especially without a business background

    1h 11m

  6. 06/16/2025

    Overcoming Adversity and Shaping Vision: Dr. Michael J. Sorrell's Leadership Journey

    Tim welcomes Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, longtime president of Paul Quinn College, for a powerful conversation about leadership, upbringing, and how sports helped shape his leadership style. Dr. Sorrell discusses his formative years growing up on the south side of Chicago, describing a childhood surrounded by hardworking entrepreneurs, a loving family, and rich community traditions. He highlights the unique blend of street smarts and formal education shaped by his parents' entrepreneurial success, especially his father's lessons in both business and life. Dr. Sorrell shares how experiences in competitive sports and challenging academic environments molded his outlook. He talks about having to navigate environments where he was misunderstood or underestimated, particularly as a student-athlete. The episode explores his transition from sports and law to a surprising career in higher education, including pivotal life moments that led him to leadership at Paul Quinn, and how faith and a sense of calling guided his decision-making. To find out more and connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com Key Topics Discussed: Dr. Sorrell’s upbringing in Chicago and family background in entrepreneurshipHow exposure to different environments and cultures influenced his worldviewThe importance of community investment and supporting broader communities, not just personal circlesLessons learned from both street smarts and formal educationHis journey through sports: from baseball to basketball, and the impact of coaching (positive and negative)The experience of being a student-athlete and the challenges and benefits it broughtEarly professional experiences in law, sports management, and businessOpportunity with the NBA, decision making, and ultimately choosing to lead Paul Quinn CollegeThe role of faith, calling, and resilience in leadership and personal growthThe transformation and mission of Paul Quinn College under his presidency

    1h 9m

  7. 06/02/2025

    From the Soccer Field to C-Suite: Charles Bryce on Leadership, Family, and Daily Discipline

    In this episode, Tim welcomes Charles Bryce, the dynamic CEO of Charlin Health Services and a former Division I soccer athlete. Charles brings a unique perspective from his journey, having moved from the discipline of sports to the demands of business leadership, all while navigating the complexities of running a family-owned, faith-based healthcare organization. Charles shares his honest struggles with leadership and overwhelm, the lessons learned from years as both an athlete and a clinician, and how coaching helped him develop the habits and mindset to serve both his family and his company more effectively. They talk about the parallels between sports and business, the importance of self-care for leaders, and the power of daily routines—and you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how discipline, teamwork, and even a little bit of soccer strategy can transform your approach to leadership. To learn more about Charles, you can find him at: https://charlinhealthservices.com/ And his YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@charlinhealthservices/videos You can also connect with Tim at www.BonafideLeaders.com Key Topics Discussed: The transition from sports discipline to business leadershipCharles’ background: soccer career, health care, and family businessThe impact of executive coaching on self-awareness and leadership effectivenessBuilding daily habits and routines (“the daily eights”) for self-care and productivityOvercoming overwhelm and building confidence as a young leaderParallels between playing striker in soccer and solving business challengesNavigating the challenges of family-owned businesses and working with loved onesWisdom shared by mentors and the power of learning from othersUse of AI in healthcare to improve efficiencyThe importance of giving back through coaching and community involvement

    58 min

  8. 05/19/2025

    A Leader's Formation: Dr. Conway Edwards on Sports, Faith, and Community

    In this episode, Tim sits down with Dr. Conway Edwards, the lead pastor of One Community Church in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. They begin by reminiscing about how they first met and the strong emphasis both place on authentic leadership. Dr. Conway shares personal stories from his upbringing in Jamaica, highlighting the impact sports—especially track and field and soccer—had on developing his mindset around competition, teamwork, and leadership. As the conversation continues, Dr. Conway opens up about the pivotal role of community throughout his life, discussing how lessons from sports translated into leadership, business, and ministry. He explains how his desire for education was born from both necessity and inspiration and breaks down advice for aspiring leaders, stressing the importance of ongoing learning, character development, and community involvement. To learn more about One Community Church, visit: https://visitonecc.com/ To get more information about Bonafide Leaders, visit: BonafideLeaders.com Key Topics Discussed: The importance of community and collaboration over individual achievementDr. Conway’s childhood and sports experiences growing up in JamaicaThe culture of competition in Jamaican schools and its long-term impactDr. Conway’s role models in sports (track and field, soccer) and outside of sportsDr. Conway’s journey to the United States for college through sports scholarshipsLessons learned from setbacks and doors closing (e.g., missed athletic opportunities)Why One Community Church prioritizes community and what that means in practiceDr. Conway’s educational journey and passion for lifelong learningThe connection between faith, leadership, and business within the churchHow to cultivate leadership skills over time (learning, mentoring, immersion)Honest discussion about the church as both a spiritual and operational organization

    56 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

In the Bonafide Leaders podcast, host Tim G Williams shares his leadership journey through life and work, from individual contributor to Vice President and Special Adviser to the CEO, working for 22 years in a Fortune 200 corporate environment in finance, operations, and strategy, to founding Bonafide Leaders. While helping run and operate billion-dollar businesses, he discovered a deep passion for organizational health, and in leading and developing people and teams. He shares his passion for partnering and working with leaders, particularly in business, technology and the non-profit spaces, aiming to augment their leadership in authentic and inspirational ways. See more at bonafideleaders.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Tim G Williams
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Bonafide Leaders
  • Show Website
    Bonafide Leaders

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