By Allyson Paul, ALF Staff Writer & Executive Assistant––
These wise words were spoken by Barry Williams’ late mother-in-law, and it’s a mantra that continues to serve him as a leader. Raised in an African-American working-class family in New York, the 2022 John W. Gardner Award-winner describes himself as a “fake Californian” who refused to leave after moving here after graduate school. And it’s safe to say California – especially the Bay Area – would not have been the same if Barry Williams had decided to leave when he had the opportunity.
Barry’s commitment to “get it did” was instilled in him at a young age by his hardworking parents, who valued education and professionalism. Much of his passion derives from his family’s work ethic. He finds himself fortunate to belong to a family that has accomplished a lot in only a few generations: neither of his grandparents finished high school, but both his parents finished college and completed one year of graduate school. Barry and his siblings earned themselves college degrees as well.
“Geared with his private sector experience and knowledge, Barry was encouraged by his colleagues to branch out into the world of giving back.”
It was in this environment that Barry learned the importance of hard work, family, and building a legacy for others to benefit from and be inspired by. His legacy building began with his notable and wide-reaching career.
After graduate school, Barry started in management and consulting, then transitioned to finances and investments, which naturally led him to create his own firm. His diverse experience resulted in him connecting with leaders from various sectors, including the nonprofit sector. Geared with his private sector experience and knowledge, Barry was encouraged by his colleagues to branch out into the world of giving back.
The nonprofit sector proved to be an organic fit for Barry, as he explains that his passion for leadership stemmed from his love of working collaboratively with others to solve difficult problems. Being a self-described convener and innovator, Barry married his private sector skills with his interest in solving real world problems, as demonstrated by his becoming the Chairman of California Pacific Hospitals, the African American Experience Fund (where he became involved in raising money for the 16 federal sites that were dedicated to African American history) and Management Leadership for Tomorrow.
But something was still missing.
Nearing retirement and entering a “declining” stage in his life, Barry realized his sphere of influence in the peninsula region of the Bay Area was closing. Without a peninsula Rolodex, he needed to harness his passion and energy for a singular focus.
Then he learned about the American Leadership Forum Silicon Valley.
Barry Williams entered ALF Class XX when he was at an important crossroads in his life. Once the year-long journey of the Fellows program started, he made the personal, critical decision to “not take over the show. I will lead from behind. This is not the Barry show.”
“People, particularly retired people, can still have a lot to offer, and he works harder than ever before because he still has something to give.
A particular memory of ALF that stood out to Barry was the Wilderness experience, where he would learn the value of asking for help and being a contributor. Barry chuckled when I asked him how the Wilderness experience was for him. He then told me the story of when he didn’t know how to blow up his sleeping mat. When the late Greg Ranstrom, ALF’s lead facilitator at the time, asked how his night went, Barry replied it was the worst night of sleep he had ever had.
Barry had learned you were never too old or too good to ask for help: something he knows leaders can have a hard time doing.
He also learned that you could make a difference as an ordinary person. You could contribute and not always lead to make a difference. I listened – trying to keep my laughter under control – as he proudly proclaimed he had built the best women’s latrine ever during that camping trip! That, he exclaimed, was his greatest accomplishment during the Wilderness experience.
It seems ALF was introduced to Barry at the perfect time – when he was unsure of what was next for him. He recalled what key takeaways he received from ALF: ask for help, make contributions, make sure your priorities are straight, and never form impressions of someone.
When I asked Barry Williams what the John W. Gardner Award meant to him, he explained that the award symbolizes that there are many ways to contribute. People, particularly retired people, can still have a lot to offer, and he works harder than ever before because he still has something to give. He further detailed that the award recognized his Time Capsule eight-year project where he works to diversify boards with more racial and gender representation.
Barry Williams understands that making a difference and building a legacy isn’t just about being in the lead, but rather it’s the work you put in where you can and creating space for others to put on the hat of leadership once in a while. His late mother-in-law’s words still ring true in his life and in what we strive to achieve in ALF. We see the need. We see the immediacy of the Bay Area’s issues. And we “get it did.”
Congratulations on your John W. Gardener award, Barry. We look forward to honoring you on April 28th at the 2022 Exemplary Leadership Celebration!
Allyson relocated to San Jose from Central California and joined the ALF team in June 2021 where she’s grateful for the diverse communities she gets to work with everyday. In her free time she enjoys writing stories, drawing, and reading the latest fantasy novel on the beach.
