We had the good fortune of connecting with Darrell Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darrell, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
There are several things that I attribute to my success. One thing that helped was I identified a need within my community that required an answer. There were some marriages that were good, but there was an opportunity to help them become healthier. The other thing I did was become a level 2 certified coach, through the Certified Life Coach Institute, to show clients that I was an industry expert within my field, making clients more comfortable with utilizing our services. In addition to becoming certified, I partnered with established organizations, such as the church, that were known for helping others and not looking for a lot in return.

Another success point was when I partnered with Dr. Paul White and the Appreciation at Work Team. Throughout my career, the appreciation came naturally. Even though I didn’t know the specific language of appreciation identified by Dr. White, at that time, I made sure I took the time to get to know everyone I worked with, to learn about their stories and what they cared about. This enabled me to speak with each person in the way that affects them the most: genuine appreciation for who they are and what they do.” “At first, I was a little skeptical about the Appreciation at Work service because I thought, ‘what do I need this for? I’m already doing it.’ But when I read the book, I realized this was awesome. It is a simple, scientifically based process that you can use to scale appreciation across any organization. Once I saw the benefit of having a process, I took the training, and my wife is also certified.”

As a keynote speaker, I ensure that I meet the needs of event planners and organizations while leaving the audience with a challenge that can help them grow personally, as well as help their organization. Some words that have been used to describe me as a speaker are eloquent in delivery and compelling in content, inspiring, passionate, and engaging, to list a few. As it relates to Coaching, I have found three things that have helped me with clients, particularly military members transitioning to civilian life.

Be Trustworthy
We must realize when a Coach can be entrusted with a client’s secret fear or with anything else important. It allows the coaching relationship to grow and makes the client feel comfortable enough to answer questions that they believe will bring them closer to their ultimate goal and let them put together a plan they feel good about implementing. Building trust in the military is vital; without it, bonds cannot be formed, which can hinder any chance of individual connection and directly affect collective mission goals.

Be Transparent
It is beneficial when a military member knows that I was a Veteran before we begin our coaching relationship. They feel more comfortable knowing they are working with someone who has walked through the same journey they are about to embark upon. This is vastly different from other civilian clients because military members form a brotherhood and sisterhood similar to first responders. However, during the initial discovery call or meeting, clients may feel connected to working with an honest coach about life challenges that led them to become a coach. For example, I remember sharing part of my transition story when I couldn’t find a job after retiring while supporting a wife and a 1-year-old. Their anxiety turned to laughter when I told them I would still do my morning routine for months, as if I was going to work, only to walk my wife to the car, kiss her, then go back into the house and start the job search all over again.

Be Truthful
One advantage of working with Veterans is they expect me to be honest when it comes to the questions that I ask them and hold them accountable for an activity they were scheduled to complete. Although they are used to following direct orders, they need to understand why I don’t tell them what to do next. Instead, I ask questions that will help them identify the roadblocks and identify actions that will get them back on track to accomplish their goals.

In reference to our success, we commit to excellence as we perform C.P.R. on lives by providing Clarity, Purpose, and Resilience. We have inspired individuals, couples, and organizations throughout the Washington DC Metropolitan area and always look forward to bringing our personal touch to others or their next event.

What should our readers know about your business?
Alliance Seminars Coaching is a veteran-owned, faith-based organization that provides clients with coaching services, motivational speaking, and certified workshops. Our mission is to support clients by sharing strategies and skills that strengthen personal and professional relationships. We also collaborate with individuals and organizations to improve leadership skills, which increases individual quality of life and business culture. What sets me apart from others is my professional career started in Compton, California, while attending Compton High School. At that time, Compton was the 4th most dangerous city in America. Growing up in Compton taught me resilience, discipline, teamwork, and effective decision-making. As I was approaching my junior year of high school, I began to ask what my future would be like and what was my life goals. My family did not have money for college, and my grades were not at the scholarship level, so I decided to join the United States Army as an Administrative Specialist, which equates to a Human Resources professional. Joining the military was the best professional decision I ever made because it opened doors that I did not know existed, exposed me to unlimited possibilities, and introduced me to the importance of mentoring and coaching.  I have been involved in life coaching for many years and help clients discern ways to restore and enrich personal and professional relationships. I am a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator who provides clients with expertise in leadership, relationships, and purpose.

I bring extensive experience as a master-certified life coach and a member of the Federal Coaching Network. My leadership background includes 30 years of federal service, highlighted by my selection as a White House Communications Agency All-Star and Senior Manager of the Year. Additionally, I am a Defense Information Systems Agency Outstanding Mentor and Human Resources Team Lead of the Year. My leadership coaching is based on a stellar 20-year military career, where I traveled as an Operations and Vice Presidential Communications Officer, leading over 500 White House missions. Following the tragedies of September 11, 2001, I was selected as 1 of 5 key leaders, from 30 senior managers, to direct emergency action communications for the Vice President of the United States, including duties as an Air Force Two Command Representative. In addition to being a master certified life coach, I am a certified facilitator who trained senior managers at the White House Communications Agency Training Academy to travel as Vice Presidential Team Leads. They served as the primary contact for the traveling White House Staff while simultaneously training mid-level managers to travel as Presidential Operations Team Leads.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Management from National Louis University and an MBA from Strayer University. I have received numerous professional awards, including the Presidential Service Badge, Lacey B. Ivory Service Award, Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award, the National Louis University Reach Award, and the Strayer University Outstanding Alumni Award for my dedicated leadership in the community and Department of Defense. I am also a member of the White House Communications Agency Hall of Fame.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the Washington DC Metropolitan area and I wanted to show them the best time ever, I would take them to the monuments, the National Harbor, the Baltimore Inner Harbor, and the Museum of African American History. The monuments provide a particular history that is hard to visualize, until you see them up close and personal. The National Harbor is a nice location for individuals, couples, and families to visit, especially with the scenic waterfront, numerous shops, and variety of restaurants. The Baltimore Inner Harbor is special due to the proximity of the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, Port Discovery, and the local attractions. The African American Museum is the best place to visit if you want to go on an emotional rollercoaster that will have you leaving with a sense of pride, purpose, and passion for making the most of your life.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family because without their support, I would not have the freedom to do what I do, which is to help others personally and professionally with strategies for success. I would also like to give credit to my accountability brothers, and they know who they are. Their friendship, personal discussions, and sharing allows me to stay grounded, stay in tune with what matters, and stay abreast of challenges that affect other leaders and couples on a daily basis. I would also recommend the following books that were also very helpful.

The Servant by James C. Hunter
Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell
Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John Maxwell
What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
Leading At a Higher Level by Ken Blanchard
Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven (Ret.)
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
Intrusive Leadership by Marcus Canady
Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson, M.D.

Website: https://speakerhub.com/speaker/darrell-williams

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allianceseminars

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faeIvfxUB7E

Other: www.allianceseminars.org

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