Q&A@beBee with Michele Williams

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With Q&A@beBee, I ask some of the most interesting people on this network 7 questions. The result, unedited, is the most fascinating answers. Q&A@beBee is an ongoing series that gives us the opportunity to hear and learn from, and be inspired by, some of the most successful people, as they speak for themselves! 

Today we hear from Michele Williams.

1. What motivates you to get up in the morning?

My family, of course, and the promise of making a difference in people’s lives and work relationships. I find the challenge of conducting research that can have a positive impact on people’s work lives invigorating. I love psychology and the problem solving nature of research. But for me, it is equally important to that my research allows me to more effectively teach, mentor and coach both students and professional. I am motivated to help people build high performing work relationships and more connected, fulfilling work lives.

2. How do you spend the first hour of your day?  

Coffee, above all coffee. I like to rise early and spend the first hour of my day quietly drinking coffee, catching up on social media and responding to any urgent emails. I enjoy taking an early morning walk whenever possible. The second hour of my morning is dedicated to my family. And I am off to the office in the third hour.

3. What are you passionate about? 

I am energized by problem solving, learning new things and helping others navigate the complexities of the modern work world. For example, growing workforce diversity enriches the work environment but also increases the potential for miscommunication, conflict and suboptimal relationships with colleagues, bosses and mentors. I am passionate about using research-based tools to help people navigate the relational landmines they often stumble upon at work. I am particularly excited about helping people manage the relational side of starting new entrepreneurial ventures.

4. What is the most practical advice you can offer someone in business? 

Although it’s been said many times many ways, “The difference between success and failure is persistence.” It is also important to surround yourself with people who believe in you and support that persistence. I don’t mean people who always tell you how wonderful your ideas are; rather I mean people who give you honest feedback and challenge you to be the best you can be because they see your potential.

5. If you had the opportunity to ask a great mind any question, what would it be?  

I would like to have a conversation with George Herbert Mead, a philosopher and social theorist. Mead’s work on the nature of the self, communication and understanding others (today called symbolic interactionism) is highly relevant as technology and social media dominate how people communicate and understand themselves. My dynamic perspective on trust and work relationships owe tribute to Mead’s ideas about perspective taking, i.e., looking at a situation from another’s person’s point of view. 

The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith, which I read in graduate school. Adam Smith, credited as the father of capitalism, also wrote a less known book called the Theory of Moral Sentiments, in which he described the importance of empathy for human interactions and ethical behavior. Reading this book set me on the trajectory of trying to understand the role of empathy, trust and relationships in business collaborations and entrepreneurship.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” -Mahatma Gandhi

Links to past interviews:

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-ali-anani

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-javier-bebee

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-deb-helfrich

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-ian-weinberg

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-netta-virtanen

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-brigette-hyacinth

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-david-b-grinberg

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-john-white

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-renee-cormier