Smart Steps
Women business leaders and entrepreneurs from various industries share their tips and advice in a "quick read format" on a variety topics.
Topic: Overcoming Life's Challenges
September 2025
Shadei Williams
Photo Courtesy: Shadei Williams |
Shadei Williams is an inspirational speaker and author. She is determined to gift others with compassion, a sense of belonging, and a beautiful smile to light up their day. Shadei founded S.T.I.M.A. (Shadei The Inspirational Motivational Author) when she discovered a passion for sharing her personal experiences to inspire others. Shadei aspires to be a source of strength and inspiration for those she meets, conveying empowerment through her actions and words.
Shadei is the author of two books: I Have This, This Doesn't Have Me and Warrior Princess to Warrior Queen. She speaks at events across the Hudson Valley Region of New York, signing books and sharing her life story, proving that she lives "I have this, this doesn't have me" each and every day. Shadei brings hope and encouragement to others facing life's challenges. "True encouragement, I believe, is often communicated without uttering a single word. It is my hope that people can see the resilience and power that resides within me, and in turn, find their own inner strength." ~ Shadei Williams |
I have been faced with more to overcome than I would like to admit, but the greatest part of my story is being able to share this news: If I can — then you can. This is my mantra. We can all work to overcome those challenges that seem insurmountable.
Throughout my life, there has been struggle, there has been pain, and there have been surgeries. Despite all of this, I’m grateful that there has been focus, there has been prayer, and there have been blessings.
One may ask why. My answer to that is that it was choice, until it wasn’t a choice. I didn’t want to be the person who feels defeated when I had overcome things in the past. I didn’t want to be the person who forgot about the times that I had to pray and push my way through life just to progress. So, I decided that I wanted to encourage people to keep their eye on the prize. Progress can sometimes be slow but, in those slow moments, don’t stop. This has been my journey, which has become my forever passion.
Throughout my life, there has been struggle, there has been pain, and there have been surgeries. Despite all of this, I’m grateful that there has been focus, there has been prayer, and there have been blessings.
One may ask why. My answer to that is that it was choice, until it wasn’t a choice. I didn’t want to be the person who feels defeated when I had overcome things in the past. I didn’t want to be the person who forgot about the times that I had to pray and push my way through life just to progress. So, I decided that I wanted to encourage people to keep their eye on the prize. Progress can sometimes be slow but, in those slow moments, don’t stop. This has been my journey, which has become my forever passion.
Dos:
Don’ts:
- Smile, even when you don’t feel like it
- Encourage yourself
- Take walks
- Find something to be grateful for
Don’ts:
- Feed into negative thoughts
- Limit yourself
- Rush yourself when it comes to striving for greatness
- Forget to rest
