Episode 11: Art That Meets The Moment with Schele Williams

From performing in Rent and Aida to directing The Notebook and The Wiz, Schele Williams has built a legacy not only through what she’s accomplished, but through how she leads.   In this episode of In Confidence, Lisa and Schele sit down to discuss how the discipline, heart, and conviction she’s carried through her career have shaped the way she shows up.   What You’ll Learn: Why representation behind the table can change the entire story. How to shift from scarcity to a purpose-driven mindset. What it takes to overcome stage fright and own your voice. Why your peers aren’t your competition, but your inspiration.   Whether you're navigating your own creative path or redefining leadership in any industry, this conversation is a masterclass that will leave you thinking bigger and rooting harder for the people around you.   00:00 Intro 00:43 Meet Schele Williams 01:44 Getting Started in the Arts 07:41Love for the Arts 09:21 Transitioning from Performer to Director 10:45 Her First Directing Opportunity 13:40 Comparing the Roles of Performer and Director 18:33 How Performing Shaped Her Directing Style 21:47 What She Had to Learn to Become a Great Director 23:08 Building Her Leadership Style 25:17 Handling Rejection and Staying Confident 28:28 The Power of Community and Peer Support 32:11 Creating Work You’re Proud Of (Even If Others Don’t Get It) 35:47 Learning to Lead Diverse Teams 38:50 Advice for Overcoming Stage Fright 41:46 Applying Storytelling Across Roles 43:49 How Broadway Is Evolving 50:22 Theater’s Role in Expanding Perspective 53:09 Breaking Barriers in Broadway Leadership 54:54 Writing Your Legacy for the Next Generation 57:20 What’s Ahead and Her Advice for Confidence 58:42 Outro   Connect With Us So You Never Miss a Moment of Inspiration:      Visit Our Website      Get Our Best-Selling Book in Paperback      Follow Gravitas on Instagram      Follow Lisa on Instagram      Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn      Follow Gravitas on TikTok    Follow Gravitas on Substack    Suggestions or Questions? Email Us.