Dr Cheryl Polote-Williamson: Why We Need More Women Founders & Here Is What We Are Doing To Make That Happen
Bring others along when you win — A fundamental principle of my approach is ensuring that my victories are collective wins. Whenever I succeed, I actively seek ways to include and uplift my team, particularly my fellow sisters. This dedication stems from the understanding that sisterhood is a powerful force. In a world that often tries to limit the opportunities for women in their second act, my brand stands as a testament against such limiting beliefs.
As a part of our series about “Why We Need More Women Founders”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Cheryl Polote-Williamson, CEO of Cheryl Polote-Williamson, LLC & Editor-In-Chief of Cheryl Magazine
Cheryl Polote-Williamson is a Global Media Executive, philanthropist, multi best-selling author, HBO Max award winning filmmaker, mindset, and business coach. She uses her global platform to empower women to walk boldly and unapologetically in their purpose and to live the life of their dreams. Her journey as a Global Media Executive began during the second act of her life, at the age 47; which proves that it is never too late to be great.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
At 47, I faced a profound betrayal that sent shockwaves through every facet of my life, plunging me into a deep depression. Yet, within the depths of despair, I unearthed a transformative realization — one that would alter the course of my life and set me on a path of empowerment.
As tears stained my pillow, I recognized the power I held to change my circumstances by reshaping my thoughts and infusing myself with affirmations of resilience and strength. In that vulnerable moment, I began my journey of self-healing, with positive affirmations becoming my guiding light.
When I shared these affirmations on social media, the response was staggering. Messages flooded in, revealing a collective resonance that signaled a profound need for inspiration and empowerment. In that revelation, a business was born — an endeavor fueled by the mission to impact and empower women of a certain age, women who, like me, were navigating the challenges of their second act.
My heartbreak and depression became the catalyst for a purpose-driven business. I refused to let adversity dictate my narrative, recognizing that the pain I experienced could be transformed into a force for positive change. It was a pivotal moment when I understood that my journey held the potential to uplift others, proving that setbacks could be stepping stones toward a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
Now, a decade later, I walk in the fruition of turning pain into purpose. Each day, I am unwaveringly bold, fiercely unapologetic, and committed to empowering women in their second act. The journey from despair to empowerment has become my life’s work, a testament to the fact that it is never too late to reclaim one’s narrative and thrive in the face of adversity.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
As I engaged with readers at book signings and received heartfelt messages via email and social media, it became apparent that my story had resonated with them, inspiring a newfound courage to share their own narratives.
This revelation sparked a profound “a-ha” moment, illuminating the transformative power embedded in the act of storytelling. It was more than just recounting personal experiences; it became a conduit for empowerment and healing. Recognizing this potential, I expanded my business, delving into anthologies and speaking engagements to amplify the voices of others.
This journey taught me a vital lesson — the incredible strength found in sharing one’s story and, most importantly, the cathartic effect it has on both the storyteller and those who bear witness. It reinforced my belief in the profound impact of vulnerability and the communal strength that emerges when we open up about our pain to help others navigate their own.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
In the early days of my career, one of the funniest yet most impactful mistakes I made was conducting business on a handshake, only to find myself bewildered when things took an unexpected turn. It was a lesson etched in both humor and humility — one that underscored the importance of formalizing agreements.
The excitement of collaboration and the initial thrill of a potential partnership often overshadowed the necessity of a contract. As the flow of money and accolades entered the picture, it became apparent that clarity and expectations could easily become blurred. Failing to solidify a contract resulted in a significant six-figure mistake.
While the situation itself wasn’t humorous, the valuable lesson learned has since become a source of laughter and growth. Now, with the wisdom gained from that experience, I emphasize the crucial role of contracts in the success of any business endeavor. It’s a principle that applies universally, even when dealing with friends and family. Leaving anything to chance is simply not an option. Today, I approach every collaboration with a commitment to getting everything in writing — a practice that ensures clarity, mitigates risks, and ultimately safeguards the success of the business.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Undoubtedly, my profound gratitude extends to my Brand Manager, Alaina Pinkney, whose invaluable contributions have played a pivotal role in elevating my brand to unprecedented heights. Alaina’s impact transcends mere management; she has been a strategic architect in defining my target audience, a compass guiding every facet of my business.
Upon identifying our target audience, Alaina’s guidance has infused intentionality into our content, partnerships, and offerings. This deliberate approach not only expanded my global audience but also ensured a consistent brand message. Alaina serves as the unwavering compass for my business, providing direction and foresight at every crucial juncture.
Her ability to create engaging and impactful content has been nothing short of transformative, catapulting my social media following from 8K to over 80K followers in less than a year. Alaina’s knowledge and expertise have not only elevated my brand but revolutionized its trajectory.
What sets Alaina apart is her unwavering commitment to excellence. She not only anticipates my needs but consistently explores avenues for my brand to make a more significant global impact. In her loyalty to both me and my brand, Alaina exemplifies the rarity of individuals who go above and beyond, ensuring my success is not just a goal but a certainty.
Our connection wasn’t a mere chance alignment; it was a manifestation of a vision I had placed on my board — to collaborate with someone possessing the precise skill set and expertise needed to propel my business forward. Alaina Pinkney embodies that vision.
To aspiring female founders, I offer this advice: surround yourself with individuals who surpass your intelligence, expertise, and skill set. Embrace their brilliance, for they may very well be the game-changers your business needs to thrive. In Alaina, I found not just a manager, but a transformative force that has significantly shaped the success of my brand.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
Without a doubt, “The Secret” has been a transformative force in my life, forever altering my perspective on the boundless capabilities of the mind. This book holds a special place in my heart because it served as the catalyst for recognizing and harnessing the incredible power of my mindset.
As I immersed myself in the narratives within “The Secret,” a profound realization unfolded — I possessed the ability to manifest whatever my mind could conceive. This revelation, that my mindset was the ultimate superpower, rendered me unstoppable on my journey. Each story shared in the book served as a testament to the profound truth that I held the power to shape my own destiny through my thoughts, words, and the visualization of my aspirations.
“The Secret” became a blueprint for expanding my mindset in ways that were truly life-changing. It inspired me to be more intentional with my vision board, daily thoughts, and actions. The book ignited a flame within me, propelling me to approach life with a newfound understanding of the limitless possibilities that lay within the realm of my thoughts.
In essence, “The Secret” empowered me to view the world through a lens of boundless potential and to recognize that the intentional cultivation of my mindset could pave the way for extraordinary personal and professional achievements. It was not just a book; it was a guide that encouraged me to unlock the latent power within, forever altering the trajectory of my life and shaping the intentional, purpose-driven path I walk today.
Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?
My favorite life lesson quote is one that I penned from the depths of personal revelation: “Never live so deeply in somebody else’s dreams that you never fulfill your own.” This profound truth has become a guiding principle in my life and work. For many years, I devoted myself to ensuring that everyone else’s dreams were realized, losing sight of my own aspirations in the process. The turning point came when I stood in the mirror, and asked myself: “Do I want to live a life where I’ve given everything to others and nothing to myself?” This moment coincided with a life-changing diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), serving as a stark reminder of life’s brevity.
The wake-up call prompted a radical shift in my perspective. I realized that life was too short to pour endlessly into others while neglecting my own dreams. This revelation became a catalyst for change, urging me to apply pressure and walk more boldly in alignment with my calling and purpose.
Embracing this quote as a guiding mantra, I redirected my focus towards fulfilling my own dreams, and the subsequent journey has been absolutely magical. I have been able to tell my story on amazing platforms. I have been able to impact many lives and hear from women who saw themselves in my experiences. It’s a testament to the transformative power of prioritizing personal fulfillment and aligning with one’s calling, a philosophy that has not only reshaped my life but serves as a beacon for others seeking to navigate their unique paths with purpose and authenticity.
How have you used your success to make the world a better place?
I’ve harnessed my success as a catalyst for positive change through the establishment of my 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Soul Reborn. This initiative is dedicated to impacting, empowering, and equipping women who have been disenfranchised and underserved, providing them with the essential tools for both life and business.
Over the past eight years, Soul Reborn has been a beacon of support and generosity. We’ve donated a media and resources room to the Holloway House in Cincinnati, Ohio, awarded over $5,600 in scholarships to deserving students, and contributed more than $50,000 in grants to female-owned businesses. Additionally, our outreach extends to providing over $175,000 in Christmas gifts to families in need, donating over $1,000 in supplies to a Lewisville homeless shelter, and offering support to a Lewisville elementary school, among other endeavors.
I firmly believe in the responsibility to catalyze radical positive change in as many lives as possible. Looking ahead, I am enthusiastic about expanding our impact through upcoming initiatives and events, such as the 2nd Annual Women of Influence Awards Luncheon. This event not only honors women in our community who drive impact and transformation but also allocates a portion of the proceeds to Soul Reborn. This financial support positions us to continue giving grants to new startups and female-owned businesses, fostering a cycle of empowerment and sustainable growth.
Soul Reborn is more than a non-profit; it’s a vehicle for transformation and empowerment, reflecting my commitment to leaving an enduring legacy of positive change in the lives of those who need it most.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. According to this EY report, only about 20 percent of funded companies have women founders. This reflects great historical progress, but it also shows that more work still has to be done to empower women to create companies. In your opinion and experience what is currently holding back women from founding companies?
In my experience, several factors can hinder women from taking the leap into founding companies. One significant barrier is the tendency to seek validation from external sources or feeling constrained by societal expectations, especially concerning age. It’s crucial for women to recognize that the only validation needed to start a company comes from within. Personally, I embarked on my journey as a Global Media Executive at the age of 47, challenging the notion that certain age milestones should limit one’s entrepreneurial pursuits.
Another common obstacle is the pursuit of perfection. Many women feel the need to have every element perfectly aligned before starting a business — finances, skills, expertise, and a complete team. However, the reality is that the perfect alignment may never come. The ideal time to start a business is when you have the idea. Initiating the journey sets in motion a sequence of events that bring forth the necessary resources, people and circumstances. Finances, teams, skills — all these aspects will find you as you empower yourself with knowledge and understand that your mindset is the ultimate superpower.
It’s essential for more women to know that waiting for the perfect time to start can be a hindrance. The perfect time is when the idea is conceived. By showing up and taking that initial step, everything needed for success will gradually fall into place. This process involves empowering yourself with knowledge, understanding the potency of your mindset, and making intentional strides towards your goals. While the journey may require time, the learning experiences gained during that time become invaluable tools for achieving your entrepreneurial aspirations.
Can you share with our readers what you are doing to help empower women to become founders?
Empowering women to become founders is at the center of all of my business endeavors, and I employ a multifaceted approach to achieve this goal. Firstly, I instill the belief that women indeed can embark on the entrepreneurial journey. This foundational mindset shift is crucial for women to recognize and harness their potential.
Monetary support is another avenue through which I empower women founders. Through my 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Soul Reborn, we’ve proudly provided over $50,000 in grants to female-owned businesses over its 8-year history. These grants serve as both financial backing and a vote of confidence, enabling women to transform their entrepreneurial visions into reality.
In addition, I host an annual retreat that serves as a sanctuary for female C-Suite executives. This retreat offers a safe space for relaxation, rejuvenation, and connections with like-minded individuals. Furthermore, I organize conferences, awards luncheons, and mastermind classes, all centered around uplifting, inspiring, and empowering female founders, particularly those over the age of 50.
For personalized guidance, my 12-month coaching circle provides one-on-one coaching for women in business. The Business, Blessings, and Collaborations Facebook group, boasting over 7,000 members, serves as a vibrant online community, offering networking opportunities and essential resources for female founders to support their businesses.
Moreover, the Millionaire Mindset online community provides a wealth of resources and information tailored to women founders. Lastly, the Millionaire Mindset Academy, which recently completed two cohorts, focuses on imparting the principles necessary for fostering a millionaire mindset among female founders.
By combining these initiatives, I strive to create a comprehensive support system that not only empowers women to envision their entrepreneurial dreams but equips them with the resources, knowledge, and mindset to turn those dreams into thriving businesses.
This might be intuitive to you but I think it will be helpful to spell this out. Can you share a few reasons why more women should become founders?
More women should become founders for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, our world desperately needs increased female representation in leadership roles. As women, we bring a distinctive set of insights, intuition, and wisdom to the business landscape, enriching it with our diverse perspectives. This not only has a profound impact on our economy but also contributes to the transformation of our society and culture as a whole. Furthermore, women founding companies serves as a powerful demonstration for future generations, especially our daughters. By stepping into entrepreneurial roles, we showcase the boundless potential and power that women possess. It becomes a living testament to the fact that they too can navigate the business world with strength and capability. As founders, we leave a legacy for our daughters, inspiring them to dream boldly and pursue their aspirations fearlessly, knowing that the path has been forged by the trailblazing women who came before them.
Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. Can you please share 5 things that can be done or should be done to help empower more women to become founders? If you can, please share an example or story for each.
a) Utilize free resources available through the SBA (Small Business Administration)
I’ve personally benefited immensely by tapping into the various resources offered by the SBA. From certifications to grants and informational webinars, the SBA provides a wealth of opportunities for female entrepreneurs. By leveraging these resources, I’ve not only enhanced my own knowledge but have also shared valuable insights with my network, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
b) Mentorship with women who are already founders
As a business and mindset coach for successful female executives and founders, I’ve made it a priority to give back through mentorship. Creating opportunities for others to succeed strengthens my network and serves as an inspiration for more women to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.
c) Creating a road map without gatekeeping vital information
Combatting the scarcity mindset prevalent in some circles, I advocate for an abundance mindset, believing there’s enough success for everyone. Sharing knowledge and resources without fear of competition fosters a collaborative environment. By breaking down barriers and freely offering valuable information, we empower more women to step into the world of entrepreneurship.
d) Bring others along when you win
A fundamental principle of my approach is ensuring that my victories are collective wins. Whenever I succeed, I actively seek ways to include and uplift my team, particularly my fellow sisters. This dedication stems from the understanding that sisterhood is a powerful force. In a world that often tries to limit the opportunities for women in their second act, my brand stands as a testament against such limiting beliefs.
e) Host more conferences and summits specifically geared toward female founders over 50
Creating environments conducive to female founders over 50 is crucial. Hosting conferences and summits tailored to their needs not only provides valuable insights but also connects them with like-minded businesswomen who can significantly contribute to their endeavors. Building relationships, not just transactions, is key to fostering a community of empowered women founders.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
If I could inspire a movement that would bring the most good for the greatest number of people, it would be the Mindset Movement. The central focus of this movement is to instill the profound realization that one’s mindset is, indeed, their superpower. This belief is transformative, as it empowers individuals to recognize that by merely showing up and believing, they can achieve greatness and live the life of their dreams.
In particular, I would channel the Mindset Movement to empower female founders with the belief that it is never too late to be great. Encouraging them to embrace the idea that whatever their minds can conceive, they can achieve, becomes a guiding principle. Personally, I attribute all my current endeavors to the unwavering belief that I can accomplish them. By sparking this mindset shift, the movement aims to inspire countless individuals to tap into their inherent power, fostering a ripple effect of positive change across diverse communities.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
If I could choose anyone in the world for a private breakfast or lunch, it would undoubtedly be Oprah Winfrey. She holds the title of Global Media Executive, and I’ve drawn immense inspiration from her remarkable career path. Oprah’s example of excellence has been a guiding light for me, teaching me valuable lessons through her impactful conversations with women and her dedication to creating opportunities and platforms for others to share their stories and learn.
At 69 years old, Oprah continues to serve and sow seeds of inspiration. She has a keen eye for recognizing individuals with that special “it” factor, and I believe that in a meeting with her, she would sense that unique quality in me. Oprah has been one of my roadmaps to success, demonstrating that anything is possible with determination and purpose.
Her brand, centered on storytelling, healing, and understanding the soul, aligns closely with the principles on which I’ve built my own brand. Both of us share a common commitment to making the world a better place. A private breakfast or lunch with Oprah Winfrey would be an absolute dream, providing an opportunity to learn from her wisdom, share experiences, and glean insights that could further inspire and impact the trajectory of my journey.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can find and follow me on Instagram: @cherylpwilliamson, FaceBook: Cheryl Polote-Williamson, & my website: cherylpwilliamson.com. Readers can learn more about the 2nd Annual Women of Influence luncheon at: https://brushfire.com/cherylmagazine/conference/564664/details
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
Dr Cheryl Polote-Williamson: Why We Need More Women Founders & Here Is What We Are Doing To Make… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.