Bonafide Leaders

Hosted by Tim G Williams

Business Management

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May 2026

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About the show

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 .

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33 recent

May 4, 2026Episode 555 min

Leaders, Back from the Brink - From Bus Stations to Boardrooms: Leading with the "G" Factor

Tim welcomes Dr. Monica G. Williams, the inaugural president of Texas Woman’s University’s Houston campus. Tim continues his conversation about Leaders From the Brink, exploring how Dr. Williams navigated significant life challenges and developed her approach to leadership. She shares candid stories from her upbringing, including her experience as a teenage mother and the support systems that helped her redefine her path. Dr. Williams discusses the influence of family, mentors, and community in her development as a leader. She covers mistakes she made early in her career, especially around not demanding the resources needed for her teams, and how these lessons have shaped her current leadership style. The episode also features insights into her work in various educational institutions, the importance of nurturing those who are often overlooked, and her commitment to kindness, grace, and student-centered leadership. Resources Discussed in this Episode: Texas Southern University: https://www.tsu.edu/ (her alma mater) Prairie View A&M University: https://www.pvamu.edu/ (her alma mater) UNICEF (where she worked) https://www.unicef.org/ Rice University (where she worked) https://www.rice.edu/ Bob Mong, Former University of North Texas At Dallas President (former boss referenced and still prominent in DFW today) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Mong University of North Texas at Dallas https://www.untdallas.edu/ (where she worked) Texas Woman’s University Main Campus https://twu.edu/ (125-year anniversary in 2026, educating women for the workforce since 1901) Where Dr. Monica serves as the inaugural President: Texas Woman’s University, Houston Campus https://twu.edu/houston/ To learn more about Tim and his work, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com Key Topics Discussed Dr. Monica G. Williams’ early life, family background, and experiences growing upBecoming a teenage parent and the impact on her personal developmentImportance of mentors, family, and community supportLessons learned from leadership failures, particularly not advocating for necessary resourcesThe role of grace, kindness, and empathy in effective leadershipExperiences at different educational institutions, including historically black colleges and international non-profitsThe mission and impact of Texas Woman’s University, particularly in empowering women and underserved communitiesEncouragement for leaders to meditate, reflect, and give themselves grace during challenging moments

April 20, 2026Episode 41 hr 21 min

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

April 6, 2026Episode 31 hr 1 min

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

March 23, 2026Episode 21 hr 1 min

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

March 9, 2026Episode 11 hr 4 min

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

June 30, 2025Episode 91 hr 11 min

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

June 16, 2025Episode 81 hr 8 min

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

June 2, 2025Episode 758 min

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

May 19, 2025Episode 656 min

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

May 5, 2025Episode 51 hr 10 min

Leadership Frameworks: From Sports Coaching and Executive Coaching

In this episode of the Bonafide Leaders podcast, Tim continues to explore the intersection of sports, business, and leadership by drawing parallels between experiences on the basketball court and in the workplace. Tim shares insights from his journey as a student athlete, focusing on the valuable, transferable skills he developed through sports, such as load management, resilience after losing or failing, perseverance, work ethic, and understanding the nuances of human relationships. He discusses how these skills have shaped his professional and personal life, providing examples from his college years balancing academics, athletics, and relationships, as well as early lessons learned about winning, losing, and maintaining perspective. The conversation then moves to Tim’s transition into coaching, highlighting the importance of understanding various roles—player, coach, spectator, and official—and how knowing one's current role can be vital for success and growth. Tim recounts his early coaching experiences, from youth camps to running an AAU boys’ basketball team, and details the responsibilities involved in coaching, such as recruiting, practice planning, motivating players, team budgeting, and managing parents expectations. To learn more or connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com References from the Episode: Book references: First Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham Death by Meeting by Patrick Lencioni Movie Reference: King Richard (Venus and Serena) Key Topics Discussed: The four key roles in sports and how they relate to business teamsFive essential transferable skills Tim learned as a player:Tim’s transition from player to coach and early coaching experiencesRecruiting and developing talent in both sports and businessThe importance of effective communication and giving feedbackHandling conflict, negotiation, and adaptability in leadershipCreating structure and value in meetingsContinuous reflection and analysis for growthEncouragement for listeners to get involved in coaching and leadership opportunities