Serena Williams: EO Powerhouse Speaker Series

If you’re not facing challenges, you’re doing something wrong. – Serena aka Serenity

So humble, smart, authentic and inspiring. WOW.

What an incredible opportunity today to be among 1,000+ of my closest friends and learn from the legendary Serena Williams during our Entrepreneurs’​ Organization Powerhouse Speaker Series. Serena, an icon not just on the tennis court but also in business and investing, shared stories of her journey, lessons in leadership, and the mindset that fuels her success.

My biggest take-aways (and thank you to EO learning team for this opportunity Tieshia Moore, Ed.D.Hannah MarshJessica OwensElizabeth SherrodHelena JustoBelén Cuturi, PMPLeah Mercado and Jenny Feterovich for the awesomeness today):

Write Your Own Story
”We didn’t let anything define us. We wrote our own definitions.”
Growing up in Compton, Serena learned to shape her own narrative. She reminds us that we have the power to define our paths and rise above limitations.

The Power of Teamwork
”It’s not about doing everything alone. Build best-in-class teams around you.”
In tennis, she stood alone on the court, but success came when she embraced the power of a strong support system. As entrepreneurs in EO, surrounding ourselves with people who bring diverse strengths and perspectives is paramount.

Clarity Is Kindness
”Clarity is kindness.” (my favorite quote today)
Serena’s leadership approach evolved to focus on clear communication. While being kind, she also values being direct and decisive. This advice is a reminder that clarity in our actions and feedback can save time and lead to better outcomes.

Challenges Make You Stronger
”If you’re not facing challenges, you’re doing something wrong.”
Whether in sports or business, Serena has always embraced challenges. They are opportunities for growth and innovation. If something feels too easy, it might be time to push ourselves harder.

Lessons from Family and Humility
Serena’s father instilled in her a love of learning and the discipline to plan. “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” he would say. Her commitment to humility and a strong work ethic is something she hopes to pass on to her children, even if they grow up in very different circumstances.

Serenity Through Balance
“My name is Serena, and I try to lean into serenity.”
Despite her many roles, Serena prioritizes peace and self-care, even when it’s challenging. She continues to strive for balance, knowing that grounding herself benefits everything she touches.

Serena Williams embodies what it means to lead with passion, resilience, and authenticity. Her wisdom is a testament to the impact of hard work, adaptability, and the courage to build something bigger than yourself.

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