MM 008 - Lessons in Life & Business From a High Profile Lawyer, with Brandon Williams

Mogul Mentality : Entrepreneur | Lifestyle | Health | Self-Help |

Brandon Williams is a successful attorney, but he's never forgotten his humble beginnings or his identity. Even to this day, as a partner at an international law firm, when any of his associates get into his ride to accompany him to a client meeting, he turns up Future (or whatever hip hop artist on the radio) and continues on as if he was driving alone. He is perfectly comfortable in his own skin, even though as a black male attorney, he makes up less than 4% of the entire profession (and even lower than that if you count African-Americans who are partners in major law firms).

Growing up in Decatur, Georgia and while in high school, Brandon was a smart kid that could also fit into the "cool crowd." But he credits his time at Morehouse College for helping to shape him into the man he is today and instilling the confidence in him that it was "cool" to be smart too and to excel academically.

Brandon would need that confidence when he started his first day of law school at Emory Law. This was the first time in his life he had ever went to school with anyone other than black kids - and admittedly he was a bit intimidated. He wondered if he was smart enough and if he could cut it initially.

On this episode, Brandon tackles how he overcame his internal doubt and went on to excel at Emory and in the legal profession. He talks about how he was able to work his way up at one of the largest law firms in the world. to become a partner, and now a lawyer who represents clients such as Steve Harvey. He also dishes on some of the things he has learned from being around and influenced by a mogul such as Mr. Harvey. In addition, he gives specific tips on how he was able to advance his career and go after the opportunities he wanted for himself.

Finally, on our Great Debate we tackle the lack of diversity in the legal profession. Does it really have a practical effect on our criminal and civil justice system? Check out this awesome and inspiring episode to hear the debate and much more.