Orlando Williams on Starting Pivoting Careers and Overcoming Tragedy

In 1985, Orlando Williams lost his older brother to a drug overdose. At that moment, Orlando knew that every decision he would make from then on would shape his entire life--for better or worse. 

In this incredible Water the Bamboo story, you’ll hear from Orlando about his pivot from professional athlete to business owner, why he’s so intentional about everything he does, and why he encourages people to get started.

You won’t want to miss this incredible discussion with Orlando Williams! 

Episode Highlights:

00:18 - Orlando’s Bamboo Journey 04:17 - Who helped Orlando get through the challenging times when his brother overdosed in 1985 06:46 - What the transition from professional athlete to business professional was like 10:12 - Advice for people who are pivoting in their career and it’s not working well 13:09 - Why Orlando encourages his staff to master their strengths instead of being well-rounded 15:16 - How to deal with the uncertainty of the job market 18:37 - What challenges came along the way for Orlando that threw him off-track 22:19 - How to say no 24:31 - Advice for people who struggle with imposter syndrome 27:28 - Why Orlando is so intentional about his values 30:52 - Why Orlando stays so involved in the community 34:39 - How can people develop better self-discipline? 37:15 - Advice to Orlando’s younger self 40:26 - Why “Start” is a powerful word to Orlando

Order the Water the Bamboo Book at https://amzn.to/3mPxcZu

Order the What's Going Well? Book at https://amzn.to/3rBePLy 

Guest at a Glance

Orlando Williams is president, chief executive officer, and chief equity officer of Motus Recruiting and Staffing, Inc. Before founding Motus is 2006, Orlando started his recruiting career as an ambassador for prospective visiting athletes at the University of Oregon. He also served in a high-profile advocacy role as a player and Community Outreach Ambassador of Goodwill for the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. After working as a corporate recruiter at the Nike World Headquarters, he never looked back.

Under Orlando’s leadership, Motus is one of the leading recruiting firms in the Pacific Northwest. As one of the few certified Oregon MBE/DBE recruiting firms in Oregon, Motus aims to educate individuals and organizations on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce. In 2016, Orlando founded the Oregon Diversity Recruiting Council which offers strategies and training to recruit, retain, and promote BIPOC candidates in Oregon-based organizations.

Orlando is a board member for several local organizations, including Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), Legacy Health Foundation, Central City Concern, Oregon Department of Health, and the Oregon Health Authority Audit committee.

In addition to his contributions to the community, Orlando is a game analyst for the Portland Trail Blazers. In his spare time, he enjoys Bible study, spending time with his wife and kids, traveling, and reading an endless amount of history books.

Notable Quotes

“I knew the impact and the significance of making wise decisions.” “I had several individuals in my life that were significant contributors. And held me accountable.” “While travesty and tragedy happen, and if you live long enough it's going to happen to you, that you don't make excuses about what you're going to do about it.”  “A principle is the things that you do first before you do anything else.” “By practicing, it allowed me to gain the confidence and the experience so that I could implement.” “When you are able to understand the difference between work and your job, you can then begin to define what it is that you do well, that makes you unique.”  “Do a lot of things. Well, but you got to master something.” “I think everyone should have a truth-teller in their life...A truth-teller can take you a long way because they'll identify things in you that you may verbalize, but don't actually take action on.” “I would tell young Orlando to get hungry and have a thirst for knowledge when it comes to reading and expanding my world.” “Doubt and fear are the two things that keep people from starting.” Greg Bell: “Some of the greatest businesses, the greatest art ever is never seen because that person never starts.” “Be courageous at this time. Don't let fear stifle. You don't let doubt slow you down. Be courageous.” 

Learn more about Greg Bell

More than just a motivational speaker, Greg Bell is a Portland, Oregon-based thought leader, business consultant, and leadership coach. His popular books, What’s Going Well? and Water The Bamboo: Unleashing The Potential Of Teams And Individuals, have inspired an array of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies like Nike, Disney, and Comcast, to the Portland Trail Blazers and Division I NCAA athletic teams like the Oregon Ducks Football and the Gonzaga Bulldogs Basketball. 

Visit Greg’s website.

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