#MAKEITHAPPEN

Of all her titles, Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson is first and foremost a mentor. Her powerful lectures, best-selling books, coaching sessions, and various ventures are all tied by the single thread of mentorship. She’s helped more than 470 men and women into their own thriving businesses by offering her support, guidance, and resources—never forgetting her own story and the spirit of gratitude she carries with her every day. “I had a devastating life tragedy that left me feeling invalidated, lost, and less than," she tells us. I took a moment for myself to process my circumstance and plan my comeback. I turned my pain into purpose and launched a platform to teach others to do the same.”

Today, Dr. Williamson continues in her passion to serve others with her latest book, The Art of Influence: Inviting Success into Every Area of Your Life. She shares her incredible life story with raw openness and vulnerability, and most of all, how to get us all to see the value we hold by getting out of our own way. We speak with this powerhouse woman, wife, mother, and transformative leader on what keeps her going—from her daily affirmations, her personal talisman (and its healing properties), and why serving others is in her DNA.  

My hustle…
Advocating for women supporting women and creating platforms for other women to tell their stories and shine.

What got me started...
I am a third-generation entrepreneur. My grandmother discovered a void and need and filled it by providing housing. It was a service to her community that yielded a profit. I watched my father speak his dreams into reality, work hard to develop and maintain them, give generously and treat people exceptionally well along the way, to become the global businessman he is today. There was never anything in me that thought successful entrepreneurship for me wasn't possible. The rest is purely out of serving others and leaving a legacy for my family.

What clears my head…
A gorgeous hotel suite, my favorite food, my favorite drink, and quiet self-care time.

When in doubt, I…
Don't. I live a life of prayer, affirmations, positive thoughts, words, actions... and being led by the Spirit. What God has for me is for me. I never doubt that, and I spend no time meditating on anything else.

Greatest challenge—and how I overcame it…
I had a devastating life tragedy that left me feeling invalidated, lost, and less than. I took a moment for myself to process my circumstance and plan my comeback. I turned my pain into purpose and launched a platform to teach others to do the same.

3 morning musts…
1. Daily prayer
2. Daily affirmations
3. Gratitude/Thankfulness

3 life hacks…
1. Stay in my lane by concentrating solely on what God has instructed ME to do.
2. Protect my peace. Surround myself with the right people and energy; keeping far from me anything that doesn't increase me spiritually, mentally, or financially.
3. Have a teachable spirit. Surround myself with people who know more than me and consistently invest in my growth and learning via conferences, trainings, etc.

3 secret work weapons…
1. Serve—always offer something before you ask for something.
2. Philanthropy—be a giver and seek out ways to help others succeed.
3. Master the art of influence—become a YES magnet.

Personal talisman…
My Affirmed Bracelet. It contains the dream agate beads, also called the warrior's stone. The beads support overall balance and healing of the body through stabilization and healing of the mind, body, and spirit. It eliminates and transforms negativity, enhances mental function, and improves concentration and clarity while soothing and calming. I wear the beads around my wrist as a reminder to dream again, breathe in new life and new possibilities, exhale all the negative thinking, energy, and emotions, and allow the feeling of being affirmed to wash over me. The bracelet helps me remember that it's not too late for anything I desire and be reminded of the power of positive thinking and affirmations. In historical folklore, legends state that eagles carry pieces of agate to their nest to protect their young. The beaded agate bracelet keeps me reminded of the warrior in me and reminds me to soar and protect my dreams daily with positive thoughts and affirmations for the future and life I want and deserve.

Best advice received…
Treat people well.

Favorite wardrobe hack...
A maxi dress—it's perfect for everything. Dress it up or down. Wear it to the beach or to dinner.

Wardrobe MVP...
Ava DuVernay

What I would tell my younger self about getting dressed...
Your future is filled with good news, growth, healing, new experiences, love, and many blessings—dress like it.

Wearing Veronica Beard makes me feel...
Classic

What I'm reading/listening to/binging…
Soulful affirmations

Beauty/self-care must-haves…
1. Kween Bee Sugar Scrub
2. Tanya & Co. Luxe Designs Queen Lavender & Rose Bath Soak

Favorite thing to do…
Make deals

Favorite thing to make…
My signature deluxe frozen margarita, as published in The Get 'Em Girls' Guide to the Perfect Get-Together.

One mover and shaker I admire…
Dr. Felicia Phillips—master business strategist, entrepreneur, financial freedom teacher, and founder of Mogulcon.