Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Polote-Williamson.
Hi Cheryl, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey has never been a straight line; rather, it is a beautifully orchestrated weaving of disparate experiences that ultimately converged into my core ministry: empowering women to intentionally define and live their purpose through the transformative power of their words.
The Starting Point: Affirming My Voice
Like many women seeking genuine fulfillment, I spent my early career navigating various roles. The true inflection point, however, wasn’t a change in title; it was an internal, spiritual shift. I realized that my own journey, my struggles, my lessons, and my hard-won victories—was not a private matter. It was a message I was divinely meant to share.
This revelation ignited my initial work as a multi-best-selling author. When I penned books like Affirmed: 365 Positive Thoughts & Actions to Start Your Day, it was more than just writing; it was about equipping myself and my sisters with the tools to actively redefine our lives through positive language and unwavering belief.
The Expansion: Legacy, Media, and Ministry
As my message resonated with transformational stages, including those at Essence and Black Enterprise, I recognized the immense power of broader media platforms to amplify our collective stories. This awareness naturally led me to expand into executive roles within the media landscape:
• Filmmaking: I felt called to the world of film, serving as an Executive Producer for monumental, award-winning projects. This included the HBO Max documentary Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and contributing to The Invitation. These platforms allowed me to ensure that critical stories of sisterhood and legacy were told and celebrated globally.
• Strategic Growth: To strategically house and nurture this purpose-driven work, I founded Williamson Media Group, LLC, and Cheryl Polote-Williamson, LLC, establishing business structures as strategic amplifiers for my mission.
• Soul Reborn: True empowerment requires both spiritual nourishment and tangible resources. I founded my non-profit, Soul Reborn, to address this need by providing disadvantaged women with the practical tools and guidance essential for their long-term success.
The Pinnacle: Cheryl Magazine—A Love Letter
Every book, every speaking engagement, every film, and the non-profit work were ultimately preparing me for the deepest expression of my passion: Cheryl Magazine.
I launched Cheryl Magazine as the ultimate love letter—a 120-page expression of grace, class, and style dedicated to the everyday Black woman. As the Editor-in-Chief, I bring together everything I believe in: celebrating the powerful, often unsung women who shape our world. It is a space of holistic affirmation and inspiration, ensuring that the Black woman’s journey is honored and curated with the quality and reverence she deserves.
Where I Am Today: Leading with Purpose
Today, I proudly serve as a global media executive, a trusted thought leader, and now, the appointed Dean of Trinity International University of Ambassadors (TIUA). Each of these roles is simply a different platform to execute the same single mission: to inspire, equip, and affirm women so they may live their deepest truth and step boldly into their limitless purpose.
My journey stands as living proof that when you align your God-given work with your soul’s purpose, it ceases to be a job. It becomes a ministry that leaves an indelible mark on the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the road hasn’t been entirely smooth; in fact, the struggles were crucial in shaping my resolve and my message. I learned early on that success, especially when you are carving out a unique space, involves navigating significant hurdles.
1. The Challenge of Market Validation
One of the biggest struggles, particularly when launching Cheryl Magazine, was market validation.
• The Struggle: Convincing stakeholders that a premium, quality publication dedicated specifically to the holistic advancement and celebration of Black women was not just a niche product, but a necessary and sustainable investment. There’s an ongoing cultural challenge to convince people that high-quality, substantive content for and by Black women deserves a luxury platform in a media landscape that often favors free, disposable content.
• The Overcoming: I had to be unwavering and unapologetic about the magazine’s high standard of grace, class, and style. I leveraged my deep experience as a media executive and author to build a team and attract partners who were aligned with the mission, not just the profit. The commitment to quality became the answer, showing that our devoted readership demanded, and would invest in, excellence.
2. The Internal Struggle of Synergy
Managing multiple, high-level ventures—authoring books, executive producing films, leading a non-profit (Soul Reborn), and running a magazine—created a demanding internal challenge.
• The Struggle: The temptation to chase “balance” and spread energy too thin. The demands of each hat author, filmmaker, speaker, CEO could easily lead to burnout or diluted focus.
• The Overcoming: I stopped seeking “balance” and started focusing on synergy. I realized all my work is connected by the single purpose: the Power of Words and Mindset. I committed to living the Affirmed Life I teach, which means intentionality, rest, and strategic delegation became my non-negotiables. Everything that doesn’t serve the core mission of empowering women is pruned away, allowing the remaining ventures to flourish together.
3. Stepping into Vulnerability
As a thought leader and speaker, the ongoing challenge is maintaining authenticity and vulnerability while leading a global brand.
• The Struggle: It’s easy to present a polished, perfect image, but that doesn’t connect or transform lives. The struggle is choosing to share the testimony along with the title.
• The Overcoming: I anchor my work in the belief that my story is my superpower. By choosing to be unscripted and honest about the mindsets and faith required to overcome challenges, I provide the roadmap for my audience. The struggles became the teaching moments that resonate most deeply with the “Everyday Woman” we serve.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I Do & Specialize In
I work across several synergistic platforms; all aimed at holistic empowerment:
• Global Media & Publishing: I am the Editor-in-Chief of Cheryl Magazine, a premium print publication that serves as a love letter and affirmation source for the everyday Black woman. I specialize in purposeful media curation and lead Williamson Media Group, LLC.
• Mindset & Influence: I specialize as a Transformational Speaker, Coach, and Multi-Best-Selling Author (19 books, including Affirmed). My focus is on teaching women how to use the power of words to shift their mindset, unlock their potential, and live their purpose.
• Filmmaking & Legacy: I am an Award-Winning Executive Producer (e.g., Twenty Pearls documentary), specializing in archiving and celebrating Black women’s legacy on a global scale.
• Community Impact: I founded the non-profit Soul Reborn to provide tangible resources and tools for disadvantaged women seeking to rebuild their lives and businesses.
What Sets Me Apart:
What sets me apart is the synergy of my platforms and my commitment to the holistic empowerment of the everyday woman.
1. Unified Mission: My work is not scattered; it’s a unified message. The magazine provides the platform, the books provide the tools, and the non-profit provides the resources.
2. Commitment to Excellence: I refused to settle for fleeting digital content, opting instead for a luxurious, high-quality print magazine that honors the woman reading it and ensures the message is valued and archived.
3. Focus on the “Everyday Woman”: I prioritize the powerful, often unsung women, validating their journey as worthy of the highest platform.
What I Am Most Proud Of:
I am most proud of witnessing the tangible transformation in women’s lives—seeing women use the resources from Cheryl Magazine and Soul Reborn to overcome obstacles and step into their destiny. My greatest joy is that the purpose I was given is actively fulfilling itself.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
That’s such a beautiful question! I truly believe that no success is achieved alone, and I’m incredibly blessed to have a phenomenal circle of brilliant, supportive women who’ve been instrumental in my journey and the growth of my businesses. They’ve not just been teammates; they’ve been true partners, cheerleaders, and advocates.
My Brand Visionary: Alaina Pickney
When I think about the brand development for Cheryl Polote Williamson, LLC, Williamson Media Group, and Soul Reborn, the name Alaina Pickney immediately comes to mind. She is critical to the look and feel of everything we do.
Alaina has that rare combination of professionalism, dedication, and keen attention to detail. She doesn’t just execute a task; she breathes life into the vision. Her work has been the very foundation for catapulting the growth of our brand over the years, ensuring our outside presentation truly reflects the quality and heart of our mission. She’s the artist who paints the picture of our dream so the world can see it clearly.
The Heart of Cheryl Magazine: Shannon Skipper Green Jarrett
Shannon Skipper Green Jarrett is the dedicated executive curator for Cheryl Magazine, and the magazine’s success is a direct reflection of her meticulous care.
The attention she pays to the most intricate details is astounding. She approaches every aspect of the magazine with such love and care, making sure every page, every story, and every layout is perfect. Shannon’s dedication has been key to keeping the magazine moving forward, making it a truly exquisite publication that resonates with our readers.
The Compassionate Leader: City Manager Kimberly Tolbert
I have such deep respect for City Manager Kimberly Tolbert. She is a profoundly inspiring leader who embodies the change we want to see in the world.
Kimberly’s greatest strength is her capacity to listen to people and help them solve their problems with compassion. She is so empathetic, always working tirelessly to make life genuinely better for everyone around her. She’s a role model for how to lead with both strength and incredible heart.
My Generous Mentor: Cynt Marshall
Cynt Marshall is more than a mentor; she’s a light. She’s the kind of woman who is always willing to give you a seat at her table, which is the purest expression of support.
Cynt is incredibly supportive, generous, and kind. She has been a wonderful advocate for my philanthropic efforts, but more importantly, she’s always looking for ways to get you into rooms you may not otherwise be in. That’s mentorship at its highest level—creating access and opportunities out of sheer belief in you.
Unlocking Gifts: The Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Program Facilitators
I must also take a moment to acknowledge the facilitators of the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business programs. That experience was transformative.
They were the catalysts that helped me unlock my own gifts and talents. Their guidance was pivotal in teaching me how to run my business more strategically, which has now given me the foundation and the ability to open doors for other women. Thank you for investing in my potential and giving me the keys to pay it forward.
A Collective Thank You: The Women Who Believed
To all the women who believed in a dream alongside me, a dream that only I could see at the time, and then helped move it along with your love, care, and kindness. To all the women who so freely offered me a seat at the table or opened doors for me. You are the reason I can stand where I am today. My success is a collective tapestry woven with your belief and support.
To all the incredible women who have crossed my path Thank you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cherylpwilliamson.com/
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/cherylpwilliamson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.polotewilliamson
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-cheryl-polote-williamson-ba208a134/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cherylpwilliamson
- Other: https://soulreborn.org/
